Sick Week Day 1: Chevelle and Monte Carlo 1ST PASSES EVER!

[@mahan122010]

It was really awesome to see this car come from sitting and rotting to going tens down the track!!!! Its crazy to think that at one point Derek went from just another revival to being one of the most recognizable and extremely popular cars on the interwebs to date!!!!!

[@Daddyrabbit_2]

For some reason, that's the part gets me emotional. Idk , the underdog, rusty, weight reduced, abandoned flag painted Chevelle to the... PROUD YOUR AN AMERICAN 1000+HP ASS KICKIN,TIRE SMOKIN BADASS INDEPENDENCE CHEVELLE!!!! Thanks Derek for your patriotism and your channel! There I go again, damn onions.

[@mahan122010]

@@Daddyrabbit_2 unbelievably well said sir!

[@clivehorridge]

@@Daddyrabbit_2 Great comment, those onions are infectious ❤️🇷🇴👍🏻

[@stephengordon576]

I’ve been watching VGG for awhile he hooked me in with Rocky he kept me here with Independence.

[@johnspencer7291]

@@stephengordon576 lol rocky was the first one i watched as well,been hooked ever since

[@halfastracing8311]

Shout out to Kevin for taking his time to help all these other guys out while trying to prepare for himself!

[@newtekie1]

Kevin seems like the type of guy that if he was in the finals and his opponent had a mechanical issue, he'd jump in to help get it fixed.

[@Locust13]

Derek is the perfect cross section of entertaining and knowledgeable.

[@TroubadourJuggernaut]

well said !!

[@tstricklin4808]

My initial impression of him was his parents had to be Bob Ross and Red Green 🤣

[@willietapper1922]

FACTree!

[@jeremysales1232]

@@tstricklin4808 and today we will patch this hole with some happy little duct tape !

[@tstricklin4808]

@@jeremysales1232 🤣it's priceless

[@anthonycolarusso6411]

You and Jessica make a great couple. It makes me happy when I see both of you smiling. All the best to you and your family. Good things come to good people. And that you are..good people.

[@goodvibes0101]

Jessica's smile when she fired up independence after the girdle job says it all🇺🇲👍🇺🇲great day one👍

[@dunkirchen1940]

100%!

[@chestrockwell8328]

Agree, her big smile at that point and also earlier when she was behind the will in the staging lane. Jessica's big ole smile made this episode.

[@PETERNESS]

you betcha,its amazing to see two people perfect for one another ,such an amazing partnership and a beautiful family too ,lookin forward to the week

[@JoeQueef]

I'm thinking a feller should take his missus on a real vacation with softer seats, day spa, room service...

[@hobens1]

she would be super glad thinking I can finally get some sleep 😂😂

[@jimrusso1988]

‘’…saved from the crusher”. Brought a tear to this old guy’s eyes! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Long live Independence!

[@mrlayhee]

I love how the checklist is still on the back window of the Monte Borrow lol, lol ! Perfect

[@psalm91.17]

Jessica's Smile 25:23 when she "brought the Thunder" after the temporary fix... Priceless!!! 1luv Stay Safe, Family... 🙏🙏🙏

[@terrallputnam7979]

Jessica and Hailey are good sports! It's a blessing to have a wife that enjoys your hobby with you.

[@southernslipping4225]

It is my wife is down for whatever I want to do she don’t care she’s in it until the end

[@gberinger55]

I think my favorite part of this is the fact the Independence has a borrowed motor and torque converter and watching the stream yesterday people were helping each other out with parts. It's a lot of good people getting together to have a good time and make runs down the track. You don't see a whole lot of ego.

[@chrismoore9997]

Jessica is a real trooper to go along on all this and keep smiling. I hope you tell her how much you appreciate her.

[@moonytheloony6516]

I think it’s great that a husband & wife can both be involved together in something like this. Someone else said this already but I have to agree…Seeing Jessica get in that Chevelle, fire it up, and her smile says a lot about not just her character but what the two of them share as a couple collectively. Call me sentimental but a moment like that does define people like Derek & Jessica. You can’t put a price on something like that, it just happens and It’s a beautiful thing to witness. I think it reminds us to take the time to look at our spouses and/or partners and appreciate having them in our lives in the first place. But that’s just me.

[@charlesprouty3099]

Happy to see Jessica with you. Can tell the love and support she has for you. Best of luck.

[@daless3526]

Man I've been there on the side of the road in the dark fixing an engine and the sweetest sound is hearing the engine roar to life. Hallelujah!

[@Apo11o_AZ]

I love that Derek keeps the cost low and shows that most average people can build something fun. A lot of KZbinrs start off that way then jump to crazy expensive cars that I could never afford. I start to lose interest once they do that. Please never change, love the channel!

[@williamstamper442]

I agree...to a certain extent. The Chevelle is Not a "cheap" build in my book. However, I do understand what you meant.

[@jimjoe9945]

How much did that engine cost?

[@Beandiptheredneck]

@@williamstamper442 ya I think she's gone a little beyond the weekend warrior level, but its still a grassroots car

[@manderson147]

^ This. Respect to all of what has been done to the vehicle…. But it’s not cheap anymore.

[@poita_m7142]

That's a sweet sound man Independence sounded awesome...120mph top end, she's got soooo much more in her... 😃👍

[@dennishernden2264]

From forgotten vehicle to a ten second car is a huge accomplishment Derek, congrats to team VGG and KSR.

[@marvinsauer8493]

Damn! Jessica looks great and right at home driving the Chevelle! Nice you two share the same passion .

[@philwhittington7711]

I hope when Jessica rolled past you in the line up you thought, "im the luckiest fella in the world"!!! Looking forward to the rest of theses!

[@andywagoner4869]

No doubt.

[@crazyryan2689]

Yes!!! Independence rips down the track!!! You've built a wonderful couple of cars! Thank you Derek for taking us on your Sick Week journey!!!

[@tphilpin]

Jessica displayed a great smile when the engine restarted after the roadside girdle removal.

[@haam8741]

Before my stepdad passed away when I was 15 he used to take me and my mom to old town in his 64 Chevy 2 nova. Some of the best memories and car shows ever! The big swing at old town is crazy!! You should try it next time you go! Eventually I would love to take my daughter to old town to continue a tradition he started!!

[@davesharp5507]

I've been thinking about how difficult it must be to film all through that event. But the fact that you still get it done for all of our entertainment, makes me appreciate you so much! Love the videos man! You're doing it right 👍

[@johnhpalmer6098]

Well, if you take a look at some of the shots used in this episode, he's using GoPro's that are clamped into positions like on the rear-view mirror and the roll bar/cage for starters. They can be clamped places that no average camcorder can easily, as long as you have the proper accessories for them.

[@vincedibona4687]

Editing is a whole other matter.

[@davesharp5507]

@John h Palmer uhh Yeah. I am aware. But pulling the handheld camera out everytime something goes wrong, with grease and oil covered hands on the side of the road while you're trying to get the problem solved, just to keep us updated... it's something to be appreciated is all I'm saying. Even if it's not that big a deal to do it. It doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated in my book

[@davesharp5507]

@Vince Dibona yeah that's also what I mean. Editing and keeping the videos posted on time has to add up extra stress on top of already being a chaotic week if a thing goes wrong.

[@johnhpalmer6098]

@@davesharp5507 My guess is, since it looks like he has at least 2, if not 3 of these GoPro's if not all GoPro's, but one mirrorless or DSLR he's got set up for Vlogging to make it easier to do the updates, he's likely got them permanently set up for this series on either clamps, a suction cup or on a grip for the handheld updates on the road, this way, he can just pull out the handheld camera, turn it on, do the updates and put it away before resuming helping do what needs doing is how he's able to do this. Then it all comes together in editing, so he now has choices of shots to use or not to use. This coming from a guy that has his own channel and sometimes uses 2 cameras, though for me, it's a GoPro and an older Canon Vixia camcorder when I need it and edit it in post. Otherwise, it takes a few to get the camera together before one can use it, if you are going to go handheld, and for me with the GoPro, it's put it back in the media mod, install the receiver for my wireless mics and plug it in, open the mount and install the grip before I can go handheld for instance. This is because I only have a single GoPro, and often pull the SD cards (micro) to transcode/upload to my NLE and the card(s) often stay near the PC until I'm ready to shoot, but probably should leave one IN the GoPro at all times. Oh well.

[@DakarRaider]

I LOVE these events. I raced Targa Newfoundland twice, and there is nothing like the rush you get from being a part of these things. The racing is fun (as it should be), the repairs and roadside troubleshooting between stages REALLY teaches you about your car (by the end of the week, you can tell what's wrong with just the slightest noise or vibration), and the comraderie is like nothing else. Just about everyone helps everyone (with a few exceptions)...and THAT is what makes these events so special and memorable. Getting back to reality afterwards is a bummer. Loved watching this, Derek.

[@Enakaji]

That was really impressive, I really wouldn't have expected Independence to be that quick. A sub 11 second with a 120+ topspeed is kinda crazy for the old girl. Really well done.

[@piuthemagicman]

well she's got 900-1000hp in her... rear end keeping her back, solid 9 second ride.

[@davelowets]

@@piuthemagicman LOW 9s if it has that much power.

[@HooksBill]

Low 10s

[@davelowets]

@@HooksBill 1000 h.p. is good for WAY more than "10s".

[@bobloblah3472]

Nice job Derek, but hats off to Jessica! What a trooper putting up with breakdowns, uncomfortable seat, etc all with a smile! What a lady!

[@joegilly1523]

What a great ambassador to the sport. Well done Dereck.

[@dalewalker4614]

The stranded scenes with Derek's diagnosis and roadside repairs are to the Vice Grip Garage KZbin series what the clever scientific solutions in tight spots with just his Swiss Army Knife, some duct tape and occasional matches were to the MacGyver TV series! Only MacGyver didn't have a trusty & loving sidekick like Jessica at his side.... Lovin' me some Vice Grip Garage! ❤❤❤

[@that_thing_I_do]

I love that you're following your dreams now. Thanks for taking us along.

[@madmikesgarage4861]

I hope you enjoy your trip, but i bet you will be glad to get home and see the small vice grips again!!

[@DonRRicks]

Jessica is an absolute angel. Not many wives would do what she does. Hmm, maybe she should be licensed to run a pass….or 5 😆

[@mikepraed4623]

Am I the only feller that thinks THIS style of RACING is the BEST! Ive never been big into it but really loved the Fox body mustang series last year...now this Double VGG Chevys! 🙂

[@OutontheRanchwithDrLee-xb4lo]

This is gonna be a really fun series! Have fun, and be safe guys!!!

[@tony66au]

Hey Doc? Be a hoot to see you along on one of these even as a spectator in your Truck!

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

@@tony66au I love that old green truck.

[@bradleybergstrom5677]

Love seeing the Independence and Monte running together. So happy to have seen both their transformations from the beginning. Well done Derek and Jessica! Drive safe. Side note, nice to see you two have some good time together. I know how much you love your boys, but time to connect as husband and wife is important.

[@MrHowieZ1973]

Kevin is the real deal. Glad you have him around.

[@danielkidwell736]

Derrick the real ones recognize the work and effort and are rooting for you all the way brother. Really look up to and respect you. Be safe and stay floored

[@thatonecarguy5999]

Derek man, you are an incredible individual “You don’t have to have a 200,000 dollar or a 6/7 second car to come have fun”. It’s a bucket list item now for me to meet you and shake your hand.

[@jeandemelenne7517]

I watch alot of drag racing sick week things and so on but watching that first run on the independence just gave me goosebumps. Never experienced that before

[@paulcondie2520]

Dude is a legend! Love how he thinks and what he does, and humble as well! Derek for president!💪🇺🇸💯👍👍👍

[@neubert500]

These events and your coverage are outstanding! Imagine Formula 1 or NASCAR having to DRIVE their race cars to the track!

[@Nxt2nothing3133]

Been looking forward to this. So glad you took both those cars. Can't wait to see what they can do. Keep up the good work Derek!

[@madmikesgarage4861]

Jessica's smile was pretty epic, you are a lucky man Derek!!..

[@The-Deadbolt-Deputy]

It’s awesome that you’re able to film even with all the craziness going on , so we get to enjoy as well. Thanks Derek and Jessica ! Oh and I bet your boys would love to ride that roller coaster.

[@wingdwolf56]

So, a Feller's been watching Guy for quite a long time now, and every time I see him on the side of the road with a hood up, I just shake my head and think "What now?" But then, 99.765488% of the time, a Guy comes out of it just fine! Thanks for the memories!!

[@robertwells6454]

God bless You Derek. You and Your family are what America is all about. Have fun and You can't loose. 🦅🇺🇸🦅

[@joelongrid7625]

A simple MN guy has been catching up on all your old "will it run" videos and I don't recognize all that new shiny metal in the power barn on Independence. A feller is gonna have a great time following this trip. Thanks for brining us along.

[@johnpifer8686]

So nice meeting you and your wife yesterday! Loved seeing your 2 cars. Best of luck the rest of the week.

[@rodfrost5051]

I love to see that Chevelle back to glory! I just makes me smile ear to ear.

[@nickrw28]

You know this is the best channel on the inter webs when A Feller mashes the like button before he even watches the video!

[@daddyb9432]

Man I gotta say. Ibe been watching your channel for years now and to watch how far you and this channel has come I gotta say im super happy for you and you deserve all the great things happening for you. It couldnt have happened to a better person. Sending love and prayers from wyoming.

[@ViceGripGarage]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@TalkieToaster.]

0-250+ mph in 5-6 seconds is just hilarious, I can't even imagine that kind of acceleration. The Chevelle looks quick, it's cool seeing more drag racing stuff on your channel. Enjoy the rest of the week!

[@LUNAKRY]

i love how theres still stuff in the back seat rolling around, YOU ARE MY HERO Derek! thats the way to have fun

[@Zanehoward88]

Cant wait to see the rest of the week! took me an hour to watch a 27 minute video. People from work kept calling like my job was more important than this. Good luck the rest of the week Derek and Chad and fellets.

[@Cadwerx1]

Derek? is that motor faster than your NEW motor? A real blessing that Kevin had that laying around for sure. THANK YOU for your content and enjoy the ride.

[@mightymikethebear]

I wanted to see Independence run the quarter mile. Thank you for making that happen. Now I wonder how fast it would be if the transmission and rear end were up to the task of a maximum effort run.

[@davidhamilton7628]

Something tells me we will find out one day.🇺🇲🦅

[@beckyumphrey2626]

I think he said he was more worried about the rotted frame holding up.

[@Ticdaniel]

6:24 an old volvo 245 warms my old Swedish heart 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@jamessnowdon9370]

Watched from the UK the revival of both these cars right from the start. Fantastic to see what you've achieved with them both. The reaction you get from the live crowd plus online comments speaks volumes for what you are doing, the great way you go about it and the outcomes you are achieving.

[@shayblair591]

What a beautiful thing .just you and your lady, just doing the track thing .omg sounds like a blast.

[@andysmith2621]

Hey Derek, it was great to see you and Independence in person yesterday. It stinks about the weather today but a little rest might do a fella good. This was the first time I attended a drag race and we had a blast. Thanks to you for the content and good luck the rest of the week, we may be back in Bradenton at the end of the week to see you again.

[@elmerfudbb]

Dude, this was awesome. I hope you never quit doing this. You are an awesome dude.

[@Gkitchens1]

Man I'm so glad to see my two favorite crews on KZbin working together and running the same events. Glad to see independence on the road! Better not even you saw that happening when you brought her home Derek!

[@davegagnon23]

Having your #1 as a copilot is what dreams are made of enjoy your 1 on 1 time with Jessica !

[@poorvalleypeformance5665]

MAGICAL… love that all our favorite KZbin talent are at the same event and hang out and help each other!!! You guys are killing it!

[@robertwest3093]

Nothing compares to the feeling of large amounts of torque firmly pressing you back into the driver's seat!

[@robertsimmons3336]

Glad Independence is alive and well. That was quite a scare. Praying for a safe trip! I love the event you do. Hopefully we will see you in IL sometime.

[@jelly7310]

Picking up independence while it was rotting away was the first video of yours that I saw. Been here ever since and have enjoyed the ride. God bless you D

[@MrKl1978]

Loved when Jessica smiled when she "Brought the Thunder" after the girdle work.

[@InnercityHillbilly]

I used to pass by this car everyday in Indianapolis, and it's so great to see it back out on the road finally

[@patrickbachman2184]

KSR does some incredible things and watching the videos from you and Kevin,get me excited about our move to the Ocala/Gainesville area later this year.

[@jillkimmel4763]

Turning a scrap Chevelle into a 10 second machine It's just unbelievable I remember when you were making cute little patches for the frame to try and hold it together. Best videos on youtube

[@ViceGripGarage]

Thanks Jill

[@mikerose7865]

Great video!!! Watching Independence run 10:98 at 120 mph made this feller chock up a little. I've watched every episode of this wonderful machine and somehow feel like I'm part of the happenings and there with you. Monte Burrow sure is a sick creation, awesome looking car. She'll run better next race. Have fun Derek and Jessica, looks like a great event!

[@bandit_1879]

It takes work to drive a salvaged old rig on the strip and street especially on a average joes budget. Thanks for taking us all along for the ride

[@ronschmitt2495]

It’s amazing to see both cars going down the track👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 can’t wait to see day 2. Keep the awesome content coming.God Bless and Stay Safe

[@txsailor57]

I don't like their politics and almost censorship of content but I am so glad there is a way for Derek and thousands of others make a decent living sharing their knowledge and a little slice of their life with interested viewers. KZbin has about entirely replaced TV in our house. Vice Grip is one channel I never miss a video from. Thanks for all the work to bring it to us Derek & Jessica.

[@tomasjosefvela1]

This is so amazing, these opportunities couldn't have happened to a better person too! Thanks for bringing us along on these adventures and making a guy feel like he's the one behind the wheel even though he's sitting in his sweats behind a screen avoiding the cold and snow outside.

[@matthewcritchfield6997]

Great stuff Derek, a drag event and a roadside revival all in one vice grip garage never lets us down 🇺🇸👍

[@aspalovin]

Seeing Independence roadtrippin brings joy to a fellers soul! It does burnouts, It drag races, It highways!... What's next, a set of muds and a plow at the Lodge? It's the next logical step for you!🤣

[@netburnr]

There are a ton of videos to choose for the first view for each day of race week. Of course I will be waiting for your drops to watch first each day. Thanks for taking those pieces of history out with everyone. Great to see you have some time alone with Jessica, ya'll have fun

[@asquared7861]

Looks like a blast. Good to see the ole Independence rig running so well. Got er dialed.

[@wyrdo1501]

I dont know if it was the rust, the dust, or the camera angle but that in car shot looked fast for a 10.9! yall are doing it right chasing smiles instead of time slips. stay safe and keep on having fun

[@gmueller1116]

Thank you for sharing! Love to see the rides out on the track. Sure its tough on you and jessica to be doing this event, handle repairs, and edit videos for you tube. Appreciate the hard work.

[@Beandiptheredneck]

Not checking the keys work in the lock until you're already done building the car and at a race week is such a VGG thing to do 🤣 I love it

[@jpwalla]

I love these Drag and Drive events. Make for a good week of content.

[@cousinjohncarstuff4568]

Better than a driving in drag event! THAT is difficult to envision!

[@bren-xmotorsports55]

Been watching VGG from his early days of revivals. Success couldn't have happened to a better guy!

[@1978JonBullock]

Hay Derick just letting you know that on your first run down the strip I grabbed my phone real tight and it seems to have stopped your axle ripping off. Great to see you and Jessica enjoying the car's.

[@Walthermeisster]

That Volvo 240 estate bodied car was another great take on having fun with old cars.

[@OnePieceTractor]

I love watching what you do it's kind of like putting in a crop , you're tired as hell but you're having a blast

[@jasonedwards6614]

#1 Fellette - Jessica. It's speaks volumes that you are there with your feller, keeping VGG a team sport!

[@michaelhancock1603]

I really wish I'd been able to make it! So glad you were able to get both of those beautiful cars out!! Thanks for posting Derek, the wife and I are looking forward to the next update!

[@Se7nDust]

She's lucky as a girl at a purse swap watching with you this week

[@mataiterapreha]

Really good to see independence made it! Was a real spanner in the works after that dyno session. Safe travels team VGG!!

[@hotrod2893]

Congratulations on a great first drag strip run on Independence. Also good job catching the loose girdle before it chewed up the valve train. It takes an experienced ear to catch that before major damage is done.

[@Daddyrabbit_2]

I believe his grandma could have called that one, with the way that valve cover was chewed on! Not taking anything from Derek!

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

@@Daddyrabbit_2 Ping PLONG DingaLinga BLORK SchProing!!!

[@Daddyrabbit_2]

@@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS 😂😭🤣👍

[@retrogaming8647]

This looks like an incredible amount of fun. Thanks as always for taking us along.

[@peternonni8899]

I may have to take a sick week just to watch all the vidjas from Sick Week. But I'm gonna go ahead and save on this one until later after work and some cold snacks have been purchased with the feet up kind of viewing it deserves. Hope it all goes well!

[@murmur3966]

Hey big guy that all looks like everyone is gonna have so much fun. Jessica smiles so big when she starts up the big Chevelle or drives it down the lanes. You might need to find her her own Sick week car for next year. Can not wait to see more. Good luck and I hope you and all those near or dear to you, stay happy and healthy.

[@HorribleOldCrank]

I loved seeing that Volvo 240 Wagon blitzing on down the track. Stiff chassis, RWD, roomy engine bay, well balanced... they're good cars to mod.

[@hippydug1971]

Kevin is super nice, I met him when I did Midwest drags (with my little Fiat 500 back up car..) he's was nice enough to actually have a conversation with me... Derek was very nice also.. he even put my car in one of his episodes... I'm excited for them to see my mustang in future events,, GOOD LUCK THIS WEEK !!!

[@danielbolen526]

Love the videos keep them coming

[@bigleague6723]

Haha. I felt for that locksmith. Kinda like giving a kid a rotary phone. 🤣

[@MrCookie139]

Seeing your first pass in this. From where it originally was, gave me goosebumps an made my hairs stand up. Some faith an dedication can take you along way. Love it !

[@saltdaemon4453]

YO, @5:02.... I absolutely LOVE the red,white,&blue vette trailer in the background.