Entertainment

“Empty Nester” Brian Acton builds 8 Second Street Nova

“After becoming an “empty nester” in 2017, we did our first DW in 2018.” – Brian

What do you when your kids move out of the house??? Brian Acton and Christie Klever built an 8 second street car!

Brian purchased the 1970 Chevy Nova in 2003 and begun following Hot Rod Drag Week in 2005 with the intentions to compete, one day.

Baker Engineering in Nunica, Michigan built the forged 5.3 in house with Trick-Flow heads and a 91mm turbo. The combo just came off the dyno with more than 1000 whp at just 22 pounds of boost!

Brian will need all that power, saying “We are in one of the toughest classes with my Nova. Street Race Small Block Power Adder. And are just trying to test and be as prepared as possible to make 8.5x passes each day.” Co=piloting the Nova is Brian’s friend Jay Blanchard.

“I have been following Dragweek since 2005 and these events have always been on my bucket list. After becoming an “empty nester” in 2017, we did our first DW in 2018. My goal is a top 3 finish in my class and hopefully we can accomplish that in the next couple years! These events are the ultimate test of man and machine and that’s what drives me. The sense of accomplishment when you finish the week is SO satisfying!!! The drives between tracks are always great and there is always a story and great memories from each day. We have also met some great people during these events that have become true friends!

I would like to first thank my PIC Christie Klever. Without her support none of this would be possible.

Sponsors:

Jaywire Solutions, Baker Engineering, Capizzi Automotive

We look forward to seeing Brian and Jay compete at Midwest Drags!

Brian’s Drag and Drive history

Hot Rod Drag Week 2018 – 1988 Ford Mustang – 10.3776

Midwest Drags 2022 – 1970 Chevrolet Nova – 8.516 – SRSBPA Winner