Host track Gainesville Raceway opened the week with record-low temperatures as wind chill numbers dropped into the bottom teens, making for an uncomfortable Sunday of tech and testing. Monday’ s first day of competition marginally improved into the 40s, as racers managed density altitude as low as-2,000 feet.

Devin Vanderhoof’ s brand-new“ Reddi Whip” Ford Mustang, driven by Josh Davis, started strong with a 6.134 on radial tires. Tom Bailey’ s

“ Sick Seconds 2.0” Camaro was quick early but blew the burst panel out shortly after half-track, rolling to a 6.243 at just 163 mph.

One more racer who should have been right there was Bryant Goldstone. After putting his Corvette into the sand during pre-event testing, Goldstone completed an epic rebuild and clocked a day one 6.289. But his hope turned to heartbreak on his second attempt for the day when he rode the center line and then spun the ex-Pro Mod into the wall.

A short hop to South Georgia Motorsports Park brought warmer temps and the picture of Sick Week began to take shape. Sweden’ s Stefan Gustafsson was quickest of the day in his Camaro

with a 6.163, helping to close the gap to Davis, who added a 6.194 to his tally. Quietly watching in third overall was Linrin, with passes of 6.303 and 6.384 across the first two days. Not so lucky was Bailey, who retired with a wounded motor.

A drive day was slotted into the schedule for the first time at Sick Week, making the 370-mile trek from Georgia to Bradenton Motorsports Park a little easier on the drivers, but no less stressful for the machines. After his promising start, Gustafsson discovered a cracked block and he announced his withdrawal from the event.

Racers woke to a wet and cold morning in Bradenton, Florida, delaying the start of racing until the afternoon. Though the sun was able to

PHOTOGRAPHS BY LUKE NIEUWHOF