Drag Racing Veteran Jerry Yerrick Making the Jump to Drag-and-Drive With a ‘65 Chevy Nova
Jerry Yerrick can attest that racing is a way of life for his family. “I’ve been racing on and off all my life,” Jerry stated. “My dad, uncles, brother and cousins as well. We all enjoy motorsports of all sorts.”
Jerry spent a lot of time in a big-block powered second-generation Chevrolet Camaro that was set-up for drag-racing exclusively. But recently, Jerry acquired this street legal ’65 Nova, and started enjoying it outside the race track.
Want ALL the drag-and-drive coverage in a print magazine? You should be subscribed to Sick The Magazine! You’re not?!? Click HERE to subscribe
Nicknamed “the therapist”, Jerry isn’t afraid to add more miles to the Nova than a quarter-mile drag race normally adds. “I love driving my car every day, everywhere,” he said. “Drag racing and meeting new people that enjoy the same hobby is what has gotten me interested in the drag-and-drive world.”
The Nova was a gift to him a few years ago, and now he’s making plans to take it on his first drag-and-drive.
To power the early Chevy to what Jerry feels will be low 11-second times, a 406 cubic inch small block wearing 200cc World Products cylinder heads and sporting a solid grind camshaft in the middle will do the task.
The naturally aspirated engine will connect to a Turbo 350 3-speed transmission. A 12-bolt rear end with 3.73 gears will back it up, with a pair of 235/60/15 M & H Racemaster tires providing the hook.
Although Jerry doesn’t have a specific drag-and-drive event on his calendar yet for 2024, he said he’s excited about getting into this new venue of racing and street driving. “My enthusiasm to help fellow drag-and-drivers will be a strength I believe,” Jerry said. “I would be happy either helping, cruising or racing. It's all fun to me.” Either Jerry’s wife or son will be filling the co-pilot role at his first event.
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Jerry Yerrick.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com