Story and photos by Mary Lendzion

 

Chris Holbrook’s pit area is quite popular at the 22nd Annual Mickey Thompson NMCA All-American Nationals presented by Sick the Mag this weekend, Aug. 25-27, 2023 at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, as awestruck fans feast their eyes on the stunning 2016 Mustang he will race in NHRA Factory X presented by Holley and is shaking down this weekend. 

 

Chris told us that the car, a labor of love, was built by Jerry Bickel Race Cars, and has a four-link under it. It features a 327 cubic-inch Coyote engine which he built at his business, Holbrook Racing Engines in Livonia, Michigan, and paired with a 3.0L Whipple supercharger. Holbrook is going through the gears of a Liberty’s five-speed, with a Ram clutch, in his car which rolls on 10.5X33 Hoosier tires.

 

The car was painted Wimbledon White by Mike’s Collision, and is a rolling showcase for Holbrook’s longtime supporter, Varsity Ford in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

 

While Holbrook struck the tires on his first test hit today, he flew to a fantastic 7.38 at 186 mph in a test hit tonight. He is set to make more test passes this weekend, and will be one to watch. 

 

“The NMCA is known for having some of the most impressive cars in the country, and we are happy to have on-site Chris Holbrook with the car he built for NHRA Factory X presented by Holley,” said Rollie Miller, NMCA General Manager and National Event Director. “The amount of work that went into the car is astonishing, and it’s a beautiful build.”