Welcome to mattke.racing!
This project is all about family, passion, and the thrill of drag racing. I’ve been hooked on the sport since I was a teenager, tagging along with my dad and uncle for their yearly pilgramage to the US Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis. Now, decades later, I want to build a racing legacy of my own, centered around a Chevy Colorado and shared adventures with my family.
In early 2024, I had dreams of building a ’72 Chevelle, but the budget had other plans. When we came across this Colorado at a great price, the choice was clear—we decided to run with it, literally. The truck now boasts a 427 NA SBC engine, a fabricated Ford 9” rear end, a narrowed rear frame for larger tires, and an 8.50 roll cage. We’ve stripped the interior, tossed in some kirkey racing seats, and will be adding a Holley Dominator and high-ram intake. It’s our version 1, but the journey is far from over. We’ve got our sights set on future upgrades like a dual fuel system and some twin turbos.
Our main focus is drag-and-drive racing, and we’re gearing up for our first adventure at Sick Week 2025. We plan on doing at least two drag and drive events this year, along with lots of testing. But who knows? With a little encouragement from Dylan Bodigon, who handled the chassis work, we might even dip into the world of no-prep racing.
Along the way, we’ve learned some valuable lessons: pick your partners carefully and plan ahead. Building a race truck isn’t just about speed—it’s about thoughtful decisions, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and cherishing the journey. None of this would be possible without the support of some incredible people. A huge thank-you to Dylan Bodigon, Mark Horvath, Rob Sanders, and my family for helping bring this dream to life.
For now, this journey is about building something special with my dad and laying the groundwork for future adventures with my daughter, who already shares my love for all things fast.
Want to follow along? Check out my Instagram to stay updated on our progress, races, and everything in between.
Thanks for being part of the ride—we’re just getting started!