Tough Lady Owned/Raced 540 Big Block ’72 Chevy Nova

I enjoy watching big block powered American muscle running down the track, but I also love when a hot rod comes with a story. Well, this 1972 Chevy Nova SS has it all. Let me tell you a little bit about Denise and then you can watch her race.

big block 1972 chevy nova ss drag racing

Denise Downe is a brave woman, not only because she races with the big boys, but also because she did not give up on life when her husband passed away. Peter was a passionate drag racer, and when he got diagnosed with Mesothelioma in 2011, the couple decided to make the most of the little time they have left together. In 2013 they imported the 1972 Chevy Nova SS from the States, and Peter started to teach Denise how to handle the muscle car. Sadly, he passed away in 2014, but Denise is still out there racing their Big Block American muscle. You can read the full story on Jordan Leist’s website.

540 bbc chevy nova ss drag racing

The 1972 Chevy Nova SS packs a 540 Dart Block engine dressed with Brodix heads, hydraulic roller cam, SRP pistons, SCAT rods and 1050 Dominator carb pushing 650hp+. The power is controlled by Powerglide trans with 4,800 stall converter and 9-inch rear end with Mark Williams components. Denise’s current best ET is 10.22 seconds at 132mph.

Play the awesome video by #BecauseRacecar to see the 540 BBC Chevy Nova in Action.

Did You See the Chevy “Tootsie” Nova Race Car Story?

1963 chevy tootsie nova drag racing
Click on the Photo for the ’63 Chevy Nova Story
1966 ford fairlane drag racing

545 Big Block 1966 Ford Fairlane Dips Into the 9-Secs

Towards the end of last year we featured one rowdy stick shift Inline-6 Mercury Comet. Very cool build running high 10-seconds, the "Six Gun"...
1964 plymouth fury nhra race car

10-Second ’64 Plymouth Fury 426 NHRA Race Car Up Close

After taking a long break from drag racing, Darin Grossi was finally ready to get back at the track. He fell in love with...
nhra stocker 1969 plymouth barracuda

NHRA Stocker 1969 Plymouth Barracuda 340 “Vitamin C”

Today we are going to take a closer look at one stout 1969 Plymouth Barracuda that goes by the name "Vitamin C". The A-body...
mercury comet gt 1/4 mile racing

Mercury Comet GT with Beefed Up 302 at Byron Dragway

Born in 1960 the Mercury Comet was called by many a senior compact. Being a foot longer than the Ford Falcon, it is safe...
plymouth road runner nhra super stock car

Plymouth Road Runner Lives 1/4 Mile at a Time Since ’86

Chuck Stubeck is a retired LAPD officer who has some cool stories from the 30 years he worked in Hollywood. Today we are going...
10 second dodge dart gt drag racing

10-Second Old School Dodge Dart GT | Drag Racing

Hope you enjoyed this bad to the bone 1969 Dodge Dart GT pulling a few 10-second quarter mile passes at Cecil TNT 2017. If...
ford mustang 428 cobra jet drag racing

428 Cobra Jet Mustang Vs L78 396 Chevelle Drag Race

Here is another epic race from the 25th Annual Pure Stock Drags event at the Mid-Michigan Motorplex. This time we have a 1969 Ford...
whelstanding 1966 chevrolet impala

Street Legal 1966 Impala Doing Huge Wheelstands

Awesome 1966 Chevy Impala at Byron Dragway! This Chevrolet Impala not only does some massive wheelstands, but it has a cool story as well. The...
3rd generation chevy camaro drag racing

This Gen 3 Chevy Camaro Is Pure Evil

This must be the meanest looking Gen 3 Chevy Camaro and for sure has the biggest cowl hood I have ever seen. I don't...
kenne bell supercharged mustang gt500

This 1100hp Stick Shift Shelby GT500 Is Intense

The Street Car Takeover drag racing events always gather some of the most intense muscle cars and the one in Charlotte was no exception....

HEMI Cuda Vs HEMI Road Runner 1/4 Mile Drag Race

Today we are going to take you on another virtual trip to the Mid Michigan Motorplex where the Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race...