More Steam for Up & Coming Canadian T/D Racer

Some major engine modifications and more familiarity behind in the seat should give Brody VanDerGeld more success this year in Quick 32 Sportsman Series competition….

The Cambridge, Ontario driver of the Lowdown Hot Rods Team Top Dragster entry has been on a learning curve the past two seasons, but according to Brody’s father Tom, who is also crew chief for the team, Brody’s confidence has increased when behind the wheel of the dragster.

“Brody is a lot more comfortable in the car,” noted Tom. “We have tried to be consistent, and we should have a good season with more power in the car.”

This year marks the sixth season of the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, a popular drag racing series presented by NAPA Auto Parts. It pits Top Dragster entries against Top Sportsman entries in 16-car fields with the top eliminator of each going up for an event winner in the final round.

Sitting in the Dan Page Race Cars dragster for 2014 will be a 540-cubic inch engine built by Ajax Engines with a new PSI supercharger and fuel system prepared by JanCen Racing Engines. A two-speed Powerglide from Joe’s Transmission Service sits behind the revitalized powerplant.

Brody VanDerGeld

In 2013 the team recorded quarter-mile passes in the low six-second range at just over 200 mph, numbers that should improve with the engine modifications. The team qualified for most events in 2013, were able to make some laps, and the season was highlighted with a final round appearance in Top Dragster competition at the season closer in Grand Bend.

Brody VanDerGeld is a former Junior Dragster driver who started racing in 2005. Along with his father Tom as crew chief, Linda VanDerGeld, Austin VanDerGeld and Stephanie Wilson are also part of the team. Lowdown Hot Rods, Ajax Engines, Joe’s Transmission, NGK Spark Plugs and Marken Performance provide sponsorship for the effort.

Tom and Brody are hoping for a successful year, but win or lose, he said the team is there to enjoy themselves.

“We are going to go out there and have fun just like always,” he said. “We’re not going to get rich doing this so we might as well have fun.”

The 2014 season for all three series opens May 16-18 at the Grand Bend Motorplex with the running of the RPM Magazine / Lucas Oil MAYHEM at the BEND Presented By Mickey Thompson Tires.

Posted by: Tim Miller

Photos by: Bruce Biegler