Like Father, Like Son – The Valdes Family Tackles Sick Week in a Pair of Mustang Convertibles
Growing up around drag racing and cars, it makes sense that Virgil Valdes Jr. would follow his father into the same world for fun and family time. “I’ve been around drag racing since I was born,” said Virgil Jr. “My dad has always raced and had a cool car, so it’s in my blood. I can’t play sports or run fast, but I can cut a light and power shift.”
So, Virgil Jr. followed dad’s footsteps with a convertible Mustang of his own to complement his dad’s 1993 model.
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Being from Florida, the Valdes family has played a part in each and every Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive, although each year has been a different approach. “The first Sick Week we took dad’s car,” Virgil Jr. said. “The second year, we took my 1988 model. 2024 we decided to take both models.”
While Virgil Sr.’s ’93 Mustang is more mildly modified, Jr. went for a more serious set-up, with upgraded cylinder heads, camshaft, and intake manifold on the stock 302 cubic inch short block, and some nitrous on top for additional ponies.
After completing Sick Week in each of the first two years, Virgil Jr. completed the 2024 edition with a 12.80 average, while dad finished the week with a 14.69 average from his red ’93 Mustang.
“Sick Week lets me be able to cruise and race with my whole family,” said Virgil Jr. “Finishing is always the key. If you accomplish that, you’ve done more than most ever will. 2024 was the first time ever me and my dad lined up next to each other at the track.
It’s always been me helping him, or him helping me. Never ever have we lined up together, so it’s one of the biggest bucket lists to cross off.”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of BME Photography.
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