Ed Ensor: The Quickest Naturally Aspirated Drag and Drive Racer in History!
Ed Ensor: The Quickest Naturally Aspirated Drag and Drive Racer in History!
The world of Drag and Drive is full of power-packed, adrenaline-fueled competition, but few racers can claim the title of fastest naturally aspirated competitor in history. Enter Ed Ensor, the man who has redefined what’s possible in the world of NA (naturally aspirated) racing, clocking an insane 7.09-second average at Sick Week!
This episode of the Drag Drive Repeat Show presented by Summit Racing was all about pushing limits, relentless innovation, and the grit required to be the best in the naturally aspirated world. Here’s everything you need to know about Ensor’s journey, his machine, and the incredible challenges he faced.
Breaking Barriers: Ed Ensor’s Road to Greatness
Ed Ensor’s story isn’t just about setting records—it’s about years of dedication, constant innovation, and mastering the unique challenges that come with naturally aspirated drag and drive racing. Unlike forced induction competitors running turbos or superchargers, Ensor relies solely on atmospheric pressure, making every horsepower a result of precision tuning and mechanical perfection.
His Sick Week 2024 performance was nothing short of legendary:
A 7.09-second average for the entire week
800+ miles of grueling highway driving in a car that needs fuel stops every 18–22 miles
Running a 632-cubic-inch big block engine with zero power adders
200 gallons of race fuel burned during the event
45 MPH max cruising speed with stops every 22 miles
"I don't care if it's a six-second car or a 13-second car, we're all out here trying to do the same thing. And sometimes, it's just as hard with a 12-second car!" - Ed Ensor
Survival of the Quickest: The Challenges of Naturally Aspirated Racing
Competing in the naturally aspirated class is one of the toughest challenges in drag racing. While turbo and supercharger racers can simply turn up the boost, NA drivers have to extract every ounce of power from the engine itself. Ensor embraces this challenge and thrives on the meticulous details that make or break a race.
Major Challenges Faced by Ensor:
Fuel consumption nightmare: Running a 17:1 compression ratio means Ensor’s engine devours race fuel at an extreme rate
Constant tuning adjustments: Ensor and his co-pilot Jimmy Lopez had to fine-tune every aspect of the car to ensure reliability and consistency
First night disaster: Ensor didn’t leave the track until 8:30 PM on Day 1, setting the tone for an exhausting week
Lack of sleep: At one point, Ensor and Lopez drove through the night, arriving at the next checkpoint at 6:45 AM, completely drained
"We battled and battled. It was an uphill fight, and the reward at the end was definitely great. But if I had to do it all over again like that, I don't know if I'd sign up!" - Ed Ensor
Under the Hood: Ed Ensor’s Record-Breaking Machine
Ensor’s Fox Body Mustang Convertible is a true engineering marvel. Here’s what makes it a record-setting beast:
Engine: 632 cubic-inch big block built by Jimmy Lopez
Transmission: Powerglide, no overdrive
Fuel System: Race fuel only – no 93-octane street fuel here!
Exhaust: Side-exit for minimal restriction
Hood Scoop: Custom setup for max airflow, tested against multiple configurations
Rear Gearing: Multiple ratios tested with Strange Engineering differentials
Weight Savings: Every unnecessary pound stripped for maximum speed
"There's no nitrous bottle hiding in this car—just pure power." - Ed Ensor
Sleepless Nights & Relentless Testing: The Road to Victory
The road to victory wasn’t smooth. Ensor’s Sick Week journey started with sleepless nights, brutal setbacks, and last-minute adjustments. After an exhausting 320-mile first leg, Ensor and Lopez rolled into the pits at 6:45 AM, completely drained but determined to push forward.
Key Turning Points in the Week:
Swapping rocker arms to maximize performance while ensuring the engine survived the long-distance driving
Fuel strategy planning down to the last drop—Ensor estimated 62 gallons needed for a single leg
Extreme heat and humidity challenges, making tuning even more critical
Late-night roadside repairs, ensuring the car stayed competitive
What’s Next for Ed Ensor?
With Sick Summer 2025 already on the horizon, Ensor shows no signs of slowing down. His dedication to pushing the limits of naturally aspirated drag racing continues, and if his past results are any indicator, he’s just getting started.
The Drag Drive Repeat team will be watching closely as Ensor refines his setup, tests new components, and continues his relentless pursuit of speed. Can he break into the 6-second range? Only time will tell!
"I belong in the NA world. It’s a challenge, but that’s what makes it rewarding. No shortcuts—just pure power." - Ed Ensor
Final Thoughts: A Pioneer in Drag and Drive Racing
Ed Ensor isn’t just the fastest NA drag and drive racer—he’s a pioneer of the sport, proving that naturally aspirated racing can still compete at the highest levels. His precision, dedication, and refusal to take shortcuts make him one of the most respected figures in the community.
As Drag and Drive racing continues to grow, one thing is certain—Ed Ensor’s name will be remembered in the history books.
Follow Drag Drive Repeat for More!
Want more drag and drive action? Stay tuned to Drag Drive Repeat for the latest race coverage, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content. And don’t forget to check out Sick Week 2025—where Ensor will undoubtedly be back to push the limits once again!
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