Bluebird of Speed
July 11, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
SNAKE CHARMER
If there is such a thing as an ’03 Cobra sleeper, and we’re not sure there is, this car could easily fill that vacancy. For those who know their Mustangs, the front fascia, hood and rear spoiler are all signs that this is not a car to underestimate. But the ’03 Cobra, mighty as it is, isn’t invincible. So, if you’re prowling the streets or the track in some modded Mach or souped SS, you might see this car and assume you’ve got something for it. You don’t—Ford Racing made sure of that, throwing practically its entire catalog at this car. But if you bought the best Mustang available, and it still isn’t enough for you, Ford Racing has something for you—and this car is living proof.
Buxtosaurus Rex
When the owner brought this truck to Buxton in late 04, it was an old farm truck with a straight-six engine, three on the tree and studded snow tires. Buxton began by boxing the frame and adding an IFS unit. With Air Ride Technologies airbags and 2-inch dropped spindles, the front end of the Chevy was able to go very low. In the rear, a Currie Enterprises 9-inch rearend was suspended with ART airbags on a four-link system. Speaking of the rearend, it has been equipped with Strange Engineering 3.73 gears. As the Chevy would obviously come across a few bumps, aluminum QA1 adjustable shocks are used on all four corners. Speaking of the corners, a set of Wheelsmith smoothie wheels adorns this Chevy, giving it a very cool retro look.
All-In-One Conversions
The lines of ’55-’57 Chevys are almost sacrosanct. They haven’t been modified or changed over the years with very good results. There have been a couple of exceptions, but by and large, chopped tops, restyled fenders and other modifications that alter their original lines don’t come off looking real good. The problem is in the proportions. We’re not sure if it’s because the factory got them so perfect right out of the gate, or if it’s that most have been left alone over the last 50 years, so a chopped top looks strange. Whatever the reason, the classic “greenhouse” roofline, long fenders and slab sides all work very well together.
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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