Check this, A Full Day of Racing Brings NEW Leaders, WRECKS & Blown Engines (Sick Week Day 4)!
Day 4 of Sick Week 2026 delivered exactly what makes drag-and-drive racing legendary: brutal attrition, mechanical heroics, surprise leaders, and moments that reminded everyone just how unforgiving this event can be. From early-morning cold starts at Orlando Speed World to nighttime checkpoint chaos on the highway, this was a full day where simply surviving became the real victory.
After more than 750 street miles already logged, competitors rolled into Orlando knowing this would be a make-or-break day. What followed was one of the most dramatic chapters of the entire week.
Cold Starts, Smart Pairings, and Early Momentum
The day began in the low 40s, forcing officials to smartly stage lower-horsepower groups first while the track temperature slowly came up. With high-wind conditions finally gone, faster slick-tire and radial cars were cleared to make passes again—something many teams had been anxiously waiting for since Day 3.
Despite the cold, early passes showed promise. Several cars chipped away at their averages, proving once again that consistency matters more than hero runs at Sick Week.
Grassroots Builds and the “Temu Stang” Story
One of the most talked-about cars of the day was the fan-favorite “Temu Stang.” Built around an original 289 small-block Ford, the Mustang was recently updated with fuel injection and a supercharger, producing around 480 horsepower to the rear wheels.
While the car has been plagued by fuel-system and shifter issues all week, Day 4 marked its best pass so far, thanks to a late-night tune change. Even with fuel starvation limiting RPM, the team remains optimistic, hoping to chase an 11.50 before the week ends. It’s a perfect example of what Sick Week is about: imperfect builds, real-world struggles, and relentless determination.
Personal Bests, Birthday Surprises, and Trackside Moments
Amid the stress, there were bright moments. Multiple competitors logged personal best ETs, including a big-block van eclipsing its Drag Week numbers and a turbo Fairmont continuing to run solid despite being down on power.
The day also delivered a lighter moment when fans surprised the 1320Video crew with custom CNC-machined weighted shift knobs, including a birthday-themed piece—proof that Sick Week’s community spirit remains strong even when engines are failing left and right.
Wheelstands, Wall Taps, and Rising Tension
As the faster classes came out, the intensity skyrocketed. One third-gen Camaro shocked everyone with a violent bumper-stand wheelie, catching both the driver and spectators off guard. New tires combined with improved traction proved to be a dangerous mix.
In the Rowdy Radial class, teams thrashed overnight—changing rear gears and even transmissions just to stay competitive. That effort nearly paid off, but a sketchy pass later ended with wall contact, instantly reshuffling the leaderboard and reminding everyone how razor-thin the margins are.
Fire on the Track and a Championship Run Ends
The most serious moment of the day came when a frontrunning car erupted in fire at the big end. The driver exited safely, but the damage was extensive. A suspected driveline failure tore through transmission lines, electronics, and interior components, making it impossible to continue.
Then came the shocker: one of the event’s heavy hitters initially believed he had only blown head gaskets—only to discover the engine block was split open, ending his Sick Week campaign entirely. In a single afternoon, the championship picture was turned upside down.
The VK56 Shockwave: Junkyard Power Goes 8s
One of Day 4’s biggest highlights was a VK56-powered car—a Nissan 5.6L DOHC V8 most people would never expect to see at Sick Week. Running a nearly stock junkyard engine with boost, the car finally hooked and laid down an 8.63-second pass.
It was a massive statement: budget engines, smart tuning, and real-world testing can still compete with far more expensive combinations.
Alex Taylor Breaks Into the 6s (Again)
After battling brake-fluid leaks and a loose wheel bearing, Alex Taylor bounced back in a big way. Despite lifting early when the car began to nose over, she still posted a stunning 6.89 at 183 mph—a run that could have been significantly quicker with a clean pass.
In a week defined by survival, her performance stood out as one of pure speed and composure.
Night Driving, Checkpoints, and One Last Test
Once racing wrapped, competitors faced another 170-mile night drive to Gainesville. From roadside belt fixes to power-steering issues, the final checkpoints captured Sick Week’s essence: exhausted racers, battered machines, and the shared goal of simply making it to the next track.
By the end of Day 4, one truth was clear—this had become a war of attrition. With engines destroyed, cars sidelined, and averages in flux, anyone still running had a real shot at glory.
Final Thoughts: Day 4 Defined Sick Week 2026
Day 4 wasn’t about who was fastest—it was about who survived. Fires, wrecks, blown engines, and heroic saves reshaped the leaderboard and elevated Sick Week 2026 into all-time territory.
With just one day left, the only thing standing between racers and completion is a clean pass down the track. At this point, simply breaking the beams on Day 5 might be the hardest win of all.
