Drag Drive Repeat Show EP 102 Recap - Budget 4L80 Performance Tips from Ryan at PerformaBuilt - Chuck Stefanski Car History, Wagons and Big 3 Racing - Eric is a Published Photographer!

Written By Michael Narx

The Drag Drive Repeat Show EP 102, presented by Summit Racing, exploded onto screens with a jam-packed episode that combined groundbreaking announcements, behind-the-scenes exclusives, and record-breaking racing action. Hosted by Mike Narx and Eric White, the show celebrated drag racing culture, detailed upcoming events, and featured insightful guest appearances from Ryan Snyder of PerformaBuilt Transmissions and Chuck Stefanski from Big Three Racing.

Brand-New Intro Video!! (00:01 - 02:45)

Mike Narx kicked off the episode energized: "This is gonna be a good one tonight," promising viewers a dynamic lineup including Central Victorian drag results, Roadtrip Drag Challenge outcomes, and Sick at the Rock highlights. An impressive new intro video set a thrilling tone, blending exciting moments from recent drag and drive events. Mike praised Eric’s work on the montage as "freaking amazing," noting, "there's so many stories within that...a lot of that stuff came from Sick Week 2025."

Birthday Celebrations and Heartfelt Moments (02:45 - 04:15)

Adding personal warmth to the high-energy atmosphere, co-host Eric White revealed it was his birthday. Mike expressed deep appreciation for Eric's contributions: "Happy birthday to you... you're a big part of everything at Drag Drive Repeat."

Summit Racing’s Revolutionary Pro LS Blocks (04:15 - 08:03)

The episode featured a significant reveal from Summit Racing: the Pro LS blocks, detailed as a hybrid model combining features from Gen 3 and Gen 4 LS engines. Eric explained the product's precision craftsmanship, noting, "They are cast in a state-of-the-art German foundry... machined in the USA on modern high-speed machining centers." With a robust 468 cubic inch capacity and versatile deck heights, these blocks are poised to revolutionize performance builds. The excitement around the product was palpable, setting the stage for further details to be discussed with Tommy Dupree of Summit in Episode 105.

Personal Milestones: Father-Son Projects and Magazine Cover Glory (08:03 - 13:03)

  • Eric shares that his father’s 1978 Nova (4-door, inline-six) is getting a serious heart transplant — a $250 307ci small block from a Malibu.

  • “Compression numbers were solid,” Eric says. “He’s already got new intake, new carb, new valve covers — he’s pumped.”

  • Huge milestone: Eric’s photography lands on the cover, inside, and centerfold of Summit Racing’s new “Big Book.”

  • The photos were captured at Hot Rod Drag Week 2024.

  • “Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought my photo would be on the cover of that magazine,” Eric shares.

  • Another surprise from Summit included, to be revealed the next day.

The Circuit 2025: Updates and Renewed Excitement (13:03 - 15:20)

Mike shared crucial updates about The Circuit 2025, outlining logistical successes and venue confirmations. Enthusiastic about progress, Mike declared, "Things are falling into place," underscoring the community’s resilience despite scheduling hurdles and highlighting the pre-party and racer festivities at Broken Arrow Lanes.

  • Refunds have been issued for schedule changes — 17 new slots opening for waitlisters.

  • Confirmed venues:

    • Racer Party at Broken Arrow Lanes

    • Restaurant pre-party also reconfirmed

    • Still sorting new hotel options in Joplin

  • Mike reassures racers: “Be patient, we’re working on it.”

Driven Racing Oil Event Updates

Driven Racing Oil’s GP-1 is the ultimate performance engine oil, trusted by racers across drag, off-road, circle track, and even top fuel drag boats. Its high-zinc formula and surface cling technology deliver unmatched wear protection—especially for flat tappet cams—and it's compatible with everything from classic hot rods to cutting-edge race machines. Made with premium Bradford, PA base oil and advanced additives, GP-1 is built to perform under extreme conditions.

Packed Calendar: 14 Drag and Drive Events Scheduled (15:20 - 23:07)

A major highlight was the extensive schedule of drag and drive events listed, revealing the community's thriving popularity. From the Carolina Drag Cruise to Alaska Speed Week and Rocky Mountain Race Week, hosts detailed each event’s distinct appeal. Mike and Eric’s excitement illustrated the vibrant future of the drag and drive scene.

Event Updates:

  • Carolina Drag Cruise - April 24-27 - Shadyside Dragway 

  • Back to the Streets - May 21-25 - Host: Muncie Dragway

  • Sick on the Green - May 29-31 - Host: Beech Bend Raceway

  • Drop the Hammer Michigan - May 30-June 1 - Host: Mid-Michigan Motorplex

  • Olympic Street Car Shootout - May 30-June 1 - Host: Bremerton Raceway

  • Rocky Mountain Race Week MEGA WEEK - May 31-June 7 Host: TRP

  • Alaska Speed Week - June 8-14 - Host: Alaksa Raceway Park

  • Home 1/4 Drag and Drive - June 13-15 - Saskatoon, CAN

  • Street Weekend UK - June 13-15 - Santa Pod Raceway

  • Sick Summer - June 15-20 - Host: Byron Dragway, Byron, IL

  • Big Sky Race Week - Yellowstone Dragstrip - June 15-20

  • BC DragIt Challenge - June 18-23 - Host: TBD (British Columbia)

  • East Coast Drag & Drive - June 27-29 - Host: Miramichi Dragway, NB, CAN

  • The Circuit 2025 - June 26-29 - Host: Tulsa Raceway Park

Find the full drag and drive schedule at dragdriverepeat.com/eventlist-2025 

Jaywire Solutions

Expert Car and Marine Wiring Solutions You Can Trust. Jay Wire Solutions can wire and plumb your hot rod/racecar/drag and drive car. Plus they offer products to make your driving experience better, like the Blinker Module that is a ust for all drag and drive cars. The module will allow your rear turn signals to continue to function while the brake pedal is applied, JUST LIKE STOCK!

Central Victorian Drag Drive and Road Trip Drag Challenge (23:07 - 26:53)

International racing action was celebrated with detailed results from Australia’s Central Victorian Drag Drive. Impressive performances included Jules Hester’s narrow victory in the ladies DYO bracket and Dave Curtis’s win in the 6.00 to 6.49 class. Hosts praised these events for showcasing global drag racing enthusiasm.

Central Victorian Drag & Drive Results: Alternate every other class between us

  • Bracket - Ladies DYO

    • Jules Hester Car 16 - Result margin - 0.012

    • Laura Rosevear Car 33 - Result margin - 0.020

    • Ashleigh Pumphrey Driver 24 - Result margin - 0.021

  • Bracket - DYO

    • Corey Pocock Car 8 - Result margin - 0.0149

    • Brett Chapman Car 21 - Result margin - 0.040

    • Gavin Howlett Car 31 - Result margin - 0.047

  • Bracket - 6.00 - 6.49

    • Dave Curtis Car 6 - Result (SUM 18.261) - (Margin 0.26)

  • Bracket - 6.50 - 6.99

    • Peter Chapman Car 22 - Result (SUM 19.582) - (Margin 0.082)

  • Bracket - 7:00 - 7:49

    • Stephen Ibbeson Car 4 - Result (SUM 21.139) - (Margin 0.138)

  • Bracket - 7.50 - 7.99

    • Craig Tonnison Car 27 - Result (SUM 22.615) - (Margin 0.114)

  • Bracket - 8.00 - Over

    • Tasia Hull Car 23 - Result (SUM 24.065) - (Margin 0.065)

Mahle Motorsports 

Racers and engine builders—MAHLE Motorsport’s all-in-one POWERPAK Piston Kits make your next build easier than ever. With over 1,200 applications, each kit includes pistons, rings, wristpins, and clips engineered to work together for peak performance. No guesswork, just race-ready reliability—check out mahlemotorsport.com (that’s M-A-H-L-E) for more info.

Big Three Racing’s Chuck Stefansky and His Wagon’s Wild Success (26:53 - 1:05:04)

Guest Chuck Stefansky offered an insider look at Big Three Racing and his incredible 1981 Pontiac Grand LeMans Safari Wagon. He detailed its dual-fuel system, highlighting how it transitions from gasoline to methanol seamlessly at full boost. Chuck enthusiastically described their brand-new shop facility, strategically positioned at Dragway 42, complete with a groundbreaking hub dyno. He proclaimed, "To have a hub dyno at a racetrack is unheard of...it's gonna be a game changer."

  • “We made the roof rack the night before the event — never tested it. Car weighed 7,000 pounds with four dudes and all gear.”

  • Setup highlights:

    • 540ci BBC, Procharger F-1X-130

    • Methanol/93 octane dual fuel system

    • 650-certified cage

    • “First time on the road was at Sick Week!”

  • Goal: “We wanted to go faster than 8.50s — ended up with 7.26 average.”

Chuck also recounted his thrilling victories at Sick at the Rock, securing trophies for Quickest Four-Door, Quickest Supercharged, and Most Consistent racer, boasting an incredible consistency of just .002 seconds between runs.

  • Fire destroyed the original Big Three shop in July 2024.

  • New shop is now 500 feet from Dragway 42’s starting line.

  • Features:

    • 2WD & AWD dynos

    • Brand-new hub dyno (6,000hp capacity)

    • Trackside services: tuning, welding, parts, emergency repairs

  • “It’s our dream facility,” Chuck says. “Designed on my kitchen table with cutouts.”

  • Chuck reset the centrifugal blower record with a 7.26 average.

  • Took 2nd overall behind Devin Vanderhoof in Modified at Sick Week 2025

  • Sick at the Rock: “If you’re new to Drag & Drive, this is the event for you.”

  • Won three Sick the Rock awards:

    • Quickest 4-door

    • Quickest Supercharged Car

    • Most Consistent (20-thousandths split!)

DeatschWerks - Official Fuel Delivery of Drag Drive Repeat!

DeatschWerks delivers high-performance fuel system components—injectors, pumps, rails, and more—engineered to support 400 to 2200 horsepower builds. Known for quality, innovation, and precision, DW products ensure reliable fueling for racers, tuners, and performance enthusiasts. Backed by expert engineering and top-tier support, DeatschWerks powers the future of performance.

Road Trip Drag Challenge #1 Results: Alternate Classes between us

Class A 275 Outlaw Blown Limited - Corey Watson - Holden Commodore

Class B 275 Outlaw Aspirated Limited - Michael Conway - Chevy Camaro

Class C 265 Street Radial Blown Limited - Tim Cross - Ford TF Cortina

Class D 265 Street Radial Aspirated - Glenn Young - Holden WB Ute

Class E 235 Street Radial Blown Limited - Dean Wilson - Holden EK Ute

Class F 235 Street Radial Aspirated Limited - Brian Heffler - Ford Cortina

Class G True Street Blown - Rowan Ellem - Chrysler Centura

Class H True Street Radial Aspirated - Callum Foo - Holden HG

Class J DYO - Emma Johnson - Holden VN SS

Class MA Manual Open Aspirated - Steven Falzon - Ford 1938

Class MB Manual Open Blown - Ryan Feeken - Bullet Roadster

Class AT Open Outlaw Blown - Scott Hoffman - Toyota Corolla

Sick at the Rock Results:

The world's quickest side-by-side street legal car race in history! Jeff Lutz’s 3.84/196mph to Tom Bailey’s 3.86/206mph

Sick Street Car Challenge Winners

Quickest Chevrolet Jeff Lutz - 1969 Chevrolet Camaro 3.8463 195.865 

Quickest Ford Houston McClain - 2014 Ford Mustang 5.4474 125.805 

Quickest Pontiac Nathan Chesler - 2008 Pontiac G8 6.7736 111.455 

Quickest Mopar Rick Trunkett - 1972 Plymouth Duster 4.8510 151.880 

Quickest Buick Michael Lyons - 1987 Buick Grand National 5.1932 135.910

Quickest Oldsmobile Daniel Watts - 1972 Oldsmobile Hurst 8.4883 81.455

Quickest AMC Jacob Davis - 1972 AMC Javelin 6.8548 102.435  

Quickest Stick Shift Transmission Mike Finnegan - 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 5.5351 129.180 Quickest NA Small Block Thomas Palmer - 1985 Ford Thunderbird 7.3345 92.940  

Quickest Small Block Eric Yost - 1968 Chevrolet Camaro 4.9050 153.445 

Quickest NA Big Block Casey Banner - 1964 Chevrolet Chevy II 6.6027 105.310 - DTH NC

Quickest Big Block Jeff Lutz - 1969 Chevrolet Camaro 3.8463 195.865 

Quickest Turbo Jeff Lutz - 1969 Chevrolet Camaro 3.8463 195.865 

Quickest Supercharger Chuck Stefanski - 1981 Pontiac Lemans 4.5528 160.485 

Quickest James Burnthorne, Jr. - 2019 Dodge Hellcat 6.3350 115.480

Quickest 235 Radial Tire Justin Lynch - 1966 Chevrolet Nova 6.2719 127.285 

Quickest 275 Radial Tire Graham Hayes - 1966 Chevrolet Nova 4.1638 183.790 

Quickest 6 Cylinder Michael Lyons - 1987 Buick Grand National 5.1932 135.910 

Quickest 4 Door Body Chuck Stefanski - 1981 Pontiac Lemans 4.5528 160.485 

Quickest with Tailgate Maddy Batson - 2000 Chevrolet S10 7.4017 90.310 

Quickest Hot Rod Corey Haugland - 1934 Ford Coupe 6.3582 108.510  

Quickest Gasser  Mike Finnegan - 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 5.5351 129.180  

Best Street Race Average (5.35 average or above – 7.35) Houston McClain - 2014 Ford Mustang 5.4474 125.805  

Best Street Race Average (7.36 or above) Yvonnda Hutchins - 2014 Chevrolet SS 7.3612 92.610  

Best Average Reaction Gavin Black - 2011 Ford Mustang 0.0090 5.5538 128.285 

Most Consistent Chuck Stefanski - 1981 Pontiac Lemans 4.5528 160.485 0.002 

From Sick the Magazine FB Post:

Jeff Lutz took the overall win in the Sick Street Car Challenge with an average of 3.845 - a terrific comeback after he broke a rod in testing on Thursday. 

Dwight Ausmus set a new Small Tire Pro Stock record of 7.549 seconds on his way to the win when opponent John Langer's car refused to start for the final round.

Logan Day claimed a big share of the $5k Street Race 8.60 payout when Paul Sienkiewicz red lit in the final.

Nostalgia Super Stock/Muscle Car was also decided on a red light when Bill Boomhower went -0.007 against David Horton.

Scott Lang claimed victory in The Rock Pro Mods, defeating a loose pass from Mike Decker Jr.

Coyote Stock and Open Comp decided to split earlier in the night, electing to get on the road early as the night wore on.

Thanks to Sick the mag for the recap

WAF Racing

Sick Wild Cards:

Eric: The first Sick Wildcards have been secured at Sick At The Rock! Sick Wildcards give racers an early entry invite to Sick Week 2026 Presented By Gear Vendors Overdrive.

As the top three of Sick At The Rock already had early entry via top 100 status, we decided to move on to those racers who would have had to fight their way into Sick Week. Congratulations Jim Trettel (4.819 average), Eric Yost (4.904 average) and Craig Douglas (5.088 average)!


PerformaBuilt Transmission - Official Transmission Builder of Drag Drive Repeat 

At PerformaBuilt Transmissions, the goal is to engineer and build the toughest transmissions on the planet. PerformaBuilt doesn’t just rebuild transmissions. They systematically re-engineer each model to eliminate OEM flaws and to achieve the highest levels of performance. That is why they say our transmissions are "Not just built... They're PerformaBuilt."

Transmission Deep Dive with Ryan Snyder (1:24:29 - 2:14:10)

Ryan Snyder from PerformaBuilt Transmissions delivered in-depth insights into maximizing performance from 4L80 transmissions. Offering budget-friendly modifications, Ryan emphasized crucial adjustments like a pressure spring boost valve upgrade, explaining, "This will take your pressure... all the way up to 220 easily." His detailed guidance illuminated how enthusiasts can achieve greater durability and performance without excessive cost.

Discussing the future, Ryan expressed excitement for evolving transmission technologies, highlighting the potential of 6L and 10L transmissions. He advocated strongly for standalone transmission controllers for enhanced drivability and durability: "Just bite the bullet… It makes tuning so much easier."

Catch us on Episode 103 with Derek Putnam recapping Sick at the Rock, upcoming Sick the Magazine events and more! Wednesday April 23 - LIVE at 8pm Eastern! 

Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

Drag Drive Repeat Episode 102 showcased innovation, competition, and camaraderie within the drag  command drive community. With exciting events scheduled and revolutionary products launching, drag racing enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to.

Catch the full episode replay here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhXc-eK-QNw

For ongoing updates and event coverage, visit Drag Drive Repeat’s official website.


Michael Narx
Next

Drag Drive Repeat Episode 99 Recap: Legal Motorsports Battles, Radial Tire Secrets, and Devin Vanderhoof’s Sick Week Saga!