WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
July 16, 2023
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
The Test Car
If you’ve attended a Goodguys event in the past couple of years, chances are you’ve seen this blue ’69 Camaro, owned by Stacy Tucker of Detroit Speed & Engineering. The car rarely sits still at a rod run, especially if there’s an autocross event on the grounds—then it’s time to race.
Hot Rods Abound in the Nichols Garage
Few things are more fun than spending a day doing a good old-fashioned garage crawl. No, that doesn’t mean getting down on your hands and knees looking for the washer that just rolled across the floor; we’re talking about doing the tour—runnin’ from one garage to the next just to see what folks are building, what kind of cool tools and memorabilia might be around, and of course, spending a little time swapping lies. Yeah, a garage crawl day is pure fun.
30 Years And Counting
Television has created an unusual interest in all things high-performance, both cars and trucks. On any night you can watch some creation of modified vehicles, and even though there’s not much reality to the builds, you can get a good idea of what’s going on. But don’t get your hopes up: Unlike the team of experts that supposedly does this in a week, your build will probably take six months or more, and longer at some shops. While you can witness a number of world-class cars rolling across the auction block, commanding huge prices from over-?enthusiastic bidders, you will find that this, too, is not the reality that most of us live in each day, as many auction samples are some of the more rare in existence. The one thing each of these shows has in common is that typically the owner rarely gets his hands dirty and if there is any owner involvement, it is often limited to writing a check.
This no doubt is a great way for some to enjoy the hobby, but it’s not the approach that most enthusiasts take, and that includes Rick Finzer. As a way of introduction, Finzer is the event coordinator for a much respected Florida car show and swap meet known as the Turkey Run. The legendary Turkey Run is celebrating its 33rd anniversary and is well known by most enthusiasts, and Finzer has been involved since its inception.
Spotlighter
Poole-Adams Racing Doubles Down at HPX 2026
After Turning Heads with the Supra Program, Daren Poole-Adams Returns with Twin COPO Heavy Hitters
Author
Jamie Dent
Photos Courtesy of Poole-Adams Racing & Scott Killeen
Daren Poole-Adams doesn’t chase trends—he builds what makes sense, then lets the results speak. That approach was on full display last year at HPX, where his reengineered Gen 5 Toyota Supra debuted as a ground-up NHRA Stock Eliminator concept. Built from a bare shell and developed in collaboration with NHRA, the car generated significant attention across the show floor and beyond.
After HPX, Daren took the Supra right back into the shop. He tore it down again, building jigs and refining the process so the combination could be duplicated with consistency. The goal wasn’t mass production—it was precision. Creating a repeatable foundation for a platform that, when properly engineered, shows real potential in a drag racing environment.
The program is still evolving. While the Supra demonstrated what’s possible with the B58-powered chassis, Daren has taken a measured approach to its future. Converting the IRS platform to a Stock Eliminator–legal configuration—including a Ford 9-inch rear, SFI-compliant transmission options, and supporting components developed with partners like Strange Engineering, ATI, Weld Racing Wheels, and Holley—is a complex undertaking. It’s not something he’s pushing commercially, but for serious racers, the groundwork is there and support is available on a case-by-case basis.
For Poole-Adams, it all comes back to function. Efficiency, durability, and a clear understanding that horsepower will always expose the weakest link.
Two COPOs, Two Eras of Development
That same philosophy carries into HPX 2026, where Poole-Adams Racing returns with two COPO Camaros—each representing a different stage of modern drag racing development.
The standout of the lineup is the 2022 COPO Camaro, a landmark build in Chevrolet’s modern COPO program. This car represents a historic return of the Big Block Camaro, becoming the first COPO to be delivered with a big-block engine since 1972. It’s a defining moment in the program’s timeline—breaking a 50-year gap and placing this build in a completely unique category among contemporary COPOs.
Powered by a 572 cubic-inch big-block Chevrolet, the car debuted around 726 horsepower and continues to evolve through ongoing development. Working closely with engine builder Jeff Warren, Daren is steadily refining the combination. While it has yet to secure a national event win, it has already shown flashes of potential with runner-up finishes, with the focus now on turning that promise into consistent results.
Alongside it sits the 2016 COPO Camaro, upgraded to 2023 specifications and one of just five built in its configuration. The car played a key role in early direct injection development work between Holley and Chevrolet, even spending two years in Holley’s hands for testing. Today, it runs a 6.2L port-injected combination, a setup that has proven more competitive in its current form.
The results back it up. A multi-time NHRA national event winner, the car has consistently ranked among the top competitors in the country. Now driven by Steve Foley, it remains a proven, front-running package with a long history of delivering at the national level.
HPX 2026: Focused Presentation
Both COPOs will carry HPX branding and anchor Poole-Adams Racing Inc.’s expanded presence at this year’s show. His 10×20 booth will feature a more deliberate layout, designed for better visibility and photography, along with a selection of components used in his builds.
Strange Engineering suspension components, Holley systems, Racetech seating, Weld Racing Wheels, and Lucas Oil support all play a role in the program, and the booth will reflect that—less about flash, more about the actual hardware behind the cars.
The Next Toyota: Faster and Still Under Wraps
While the COPOs define this year’s focus, Daren’s attention is already shifting back toward Toyota. A new, undisclosed Toyota-based drag program is currently in development—one expected to surpass the original Supra in performance. Early targets point to mid–7-second capability, with a “mystery motor” at the heart of the combination and continued collaboration with ATI, Strange, Racetech, Weld Racing Wheels, and Holley.
The team has also spent significant time refining packaging and system integration, with Holley ECU management planned for the new build after lessons learned from the Supra program. If everything comes together, the new Toyota could appear as early as later this year.
Built on Reputation, Not Hype
Daren isn’t in a rush to scale or market what he’s doing. There’s no formal sales pipeline, no polished rollout—just a steady, methodical approach built on experience and word of mouth. If someone is serious about building something competitive, he’s open to the conversation. If not, he’s content to keep developing at his own pace.
At this year’s 2026 HPX show, that mindset will be on full display. No pitch required—just two proven COPOs, a growing Toyota program, and a builder focused on making things work before anything else.
Join us June 2–4 in Charlotte, NC for the High Performance Expo (HPX) 2026 — the new hub for racing, aftermarket innovation, and performance culture.
Save with Promo Code: AUTO26
• 50% off All-Access Pit Passes
• 20% off VIP Registration
From builders and racers to shop owners and enthusiasts, HPX brings the industry together with top brands, live builds, new products, and unmatched networking.
Register now and save with Discount Code: AUTO26
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