(Words: Wendy Martin; Photos: Martin Photography) Although there is 5 years difference between the two, these brothers share a passion… Drag racing. It has been in their lives since they were born. The guys grew up watching their dad, uncle, and family friends bracket race countless nights and weekends at KCIR, in Kansas City, MO. Both knew this is something they wanted to do as well. I managed to get the scoop on these two as they get ready for Rocky Mountain Race Week 2020.
Growing up with drag racers in the family, he wanted to learn everything he could. Mike told me that once he was in a spot with his family, and financially able he was going to build a car. But the start of week-long streetcar events is what started his wheels turning. “I couldn’t afford the 1st gen Camaro that I always dreamed of following in my family’s footsteps.” But he did find a rolling 1981 Chevy Malibu shell. Today its known at the “SRT CAR”. The car housed a 427 pump gas SBC, th350, 8 inch PTC converter, with a 6 point cage. Now, over this winter, he has made some major upgrades! Today, it’s got a Carlos Astor Twin Turbo 427 SBC blow through e85 csu carb with a th400, 9.5 PTC converter, and a Lakeside Speed Shop 25.5 cage. He is definitely looking to do big things in it this year.
Growing up, Steven as well soaked up the knowledge from time spent at the track with family and friends. He mentioned to me, he started drag racing as he got a little older and could afford something he felt was fast enough to take to the track. “I had a 2000 WS6 Trans AM with a manual transmission. I’m not coordinated enough to drive a stick very well. It was interesting, but fun. Soon after I discovered diesel trucks and lost interest in cars. I veered away from drag racing a bit and went into pulling trucks for a while. But as my brother’s interest in the week-long racing became stronger, it sparked my interests as well. I have watched him do some events with the 301 streetcars group, seeing all the pictures and listening to the stories he shared from road adventures made me really want to do this kind of thing as well. So, in 2019 I decided I wanted to try my hand again and do some drag racing and decided to do Race Week.”
Steven’s truck is a 2004 Silverado 2500 HD Duramax Diesel. It weighs roughly weights 6000 lbs. After his rookie year, he upgraded his compound turbo set up. This year he’s got a 12mm cp3, 64 & 84 mm turbos, with a upgraded transmission and transfer case done by Mike Bodine. (There is all that Greek again!) He said he’s also looking to take some weight off and run lightweight wheels with drag radials all the way around. “I’m really excited to see how this set up works!”
In 2017 Mike decided to try Race Week out. “Some of the other 301 streetcar members had attended years past and it looked like a blast so, I wanted to experience it as well. Doing other week long events, I knew the concept of the event. But throw in some mountain driving and you have a whole new ball game.” On the subject, I asked him, what was your first thoughts after the first day and being able to drive through the mountains in your race car. This is how he explained it to me. “Race week is such a n amazing event. For myself, the family atmosphere and relaxed schedule makes all the difference. Driving through the mountains for the first time in a machine that my father in law Dave, friends and myself built was an experience like no other. Taking something we made and taking it through some of the most breathtaking scenery is something that touches your soul.”
I love asking newbies what their thoughts are after the first day. There’s always excitement and anticipation, and a instant smile. So, I asked Steven the same question. He told me, it was everything he thought and more. “I learned quickly our group is one. If one breaks, the group stops and helps. So drive days are long but the scenery makes up for it.” Adding to the question I asked what it felt like to be able to drive something you built through the mountains. Again, instant smile. “The scenery is amazing. The weather is so unpredictable. One minute the windows are down and its 90 degrees plus the next thing you know its 65 and raining!”
If you ask anyone who has done this event if it’s a family event, the answer will be a hard yes. I asked Mike what it was like to be able to do this event with his brother. He told me , “when my brother showed interest in joining the 301 family on race week I was ecstatic! There are no words that could express how much making these memories with Steve means to me. We plot, plan, and anticipate the event together now. We are at different ends of the spectrum as he is a renowned Duramax expert and I’m over here trying to make an ole fuel leaker on a small block Chevy work. But for a week straight, we get to share a passion for our hobbies, families, and friends together.”
I put Steven on the spot and asked the same question. He started with, “It was everything he said it would be and more! It sucked watching him struggle and have issues, but it was cool to have his back, and help him how I could. Mike being my older brother I have always looked up to him. I’m looking forward to doing race week again this year even more than last year.”
Staying on the subject of family, Mike mentioned the 301 family, I asked him what it was like doing this event with a group. Another instant smile. “I couldn’t imagine Race Week without my 301 family. It starts with the infamous count down clock months before. Discussions of upgrades, helping each other out on nights and weekends, and the final thrash. We meet at the truck stop, group messaging starts, then and doesn’t stop till weeks after race week. We caravan to the first track and never leave each others side all week. Through all the stops, breakdowns, and hurdles the week throws at us we stick together. We’ve managed to replace transmissions, head gaskets, even pistons on race week. Not experiencing anything like this Steven said traveling in a group is always a plus. Especially if you have any issues. If someone has a problem you stop, fix it and go on. Sometimes its late nights driving but with the group message we stay in contact and make sure everyone gets to the next destination.” He also said that traveling with the 301 group requires a great leader like Wendy and everyone communicating.
The past 3 years hasn’t been all that easy for Mike. In 2017, Mike lost a transmission in Pueblo but Greg Orr came in huge loaning us his garage to replace it overnight. “With the help of Austin and Lewis Martin we rolled into the hotel at 5 a.m. If I remember right we slept maybe 3hrs and up and going to the next track. In 2018 we had electrical/heat issues where I went through 3 coils before finally moving the coil out of the engine bay. In 2019 I lifted a head gasket and Adam Dorey came in a clutch by lending his garage with the help of Joel, Steve, Carlos, Hank, Benton, Donald, and Derick.” But out of those 3 years, on the last day it paid off. In 2017 he won 1st in his class in 11.0, 2018 1st in Rowdy Radial, and 2019 came in 3rd in Rowdy Radial. This year Mike is looking to run in Rowdy Radial or Ultimate Radial. I asked him what his expectations for this year might be. He told me that he really doesn’t have any. “The goal is always to finish. It will take some time but I believe this car is going to be fun by the end of the year. This car and myself wouldn’t be where its at if I didn’t get tons of help and support from the Lakeside Speed Shop gang. Hank, Benton, Anthony, Jaycobe, and Joel, all I can say is you all are awesome, and I am proud to have you all as friends!”
Steve drove his truck to Colorado last year, ran all week and had no troubles and drove it home. He said he was extremely conservative since that was my ride home. Last year he ran in the 13.0 class, but this year he plans to run Rowdy Radial with Mike. Hoping maybe a smaller car count and that he can be a little competitive. I asked Steve what his expectations were for this year. He said, “To finish the week. I would just like to see the truck be competitive this year. It doesn’t have a roll cage in it, so I’m limited on how fast I can go unfortunately.” He also said, “I would like to thank Matt, June, and all the sponsors, that make Race Week possible. I had my doubts about this year with everything going on, but they worked through it and I can’t thank them enough for that! I’m definitely looking forward to getting away and spending time with friends, family and the Race Week family.”
