A report and further progression plans for an ultra creative Ontario-based Pro Mod car…

The name Lowdown Hot Rods is know synonymous with drag racing in Eastern Canada and that facility’s latest is a story to watch this season.

Co-driven by brothers Austin & Brody VanDerGeld, (sons to Lowdown Hot Rods founders & owners Tom and Linda), this Cambridge ON-based ’58 Corvette replica has been under development for a bit — but is now stands at the cusp.

“Austin purchased the 1958 Corvette body back in 2017,” revealed Linda VanDerGeld, “And the build first began late 2018. As this was a family venture, as all of our racing is — it was done after hours. The car was completed in 2023, and its first outing came in August — it’s first pass was made at Toronto Motorsports Park. Since then our team has worked hard over two more seasons and made positive strides to get everything working together.”

With one of their reputed and meticulous Lowdown Hot Rods self-designed and built race car chassis as a base, all the fabrication and assembly was done in-house.

The team then selected a supercharged 526 CID Hemi which uses a Noonan billet block and Frankenstein Engine Dynamics cylinder heads. Reputed Western New York native Mike Janis provided a roots supercharger / fuel system. The drive train includes a Quick converter drive with a B&J transmission. A Bears Performance rear end housing is equipped with Strange Engineering components.

The car was painted and graphics were applied by fellow Ontarian’s Jeff Gabel and Eric Skinner.

“The ’58 Corvette was chosen for its unique appearance which both suits the Pro Modified class as well as fitting into our brand of builds at Lowdown Hot Rods,” added Linda.

Performace wise the car is potential ridden, as the team will now aim to run in the 3.70/3.80 secs range at 200+ MPH in the 1/8 mile.

“We’ll still stay more local and close to home in 2025 for the time being,” the team affirmed, “But we would like to eventually compete in PDRA’s Pro Boost class.”

Uniquely, brothers Austin & Brody, who were both experienced and very competent drivers within the team’s two Top Dragster class car history in more recent seasons — share the driving duties. And when they are not driving, they are all hands on deck on the crew which is overseen by Tom and Linda VanDerGeld but also includes Bryanne Roberts and Jessica Koch.

Prior to Pro Mod —  Brothers Austin & Brody did earn valuable experience driving a pair of Lowdown Hot Rods presented T/D class machines.

This 100% independent team is self-funded by Lowdown Hot Rod & JMF Motorsports.

Arguably the most famous Lowdown Hot Rods drag racing application build was the outrageous “Hot & Nasty” (Nitro Coupe) ’37 Chevy driven by Gary Irving.

Posted by Bruce Biegler
DragRaceCanada file Photos by Blake Farnan – Steve Embling – Bruce Biegler