Jackie Knox Converts “The Sonoma” From Nitrous To ProCharger

DSC05746In 2003, Jackie Knox Sr. acquired “The Sonoma” with a 434 cubic inch Troy Scott motor with nitrous oxide for power. Two years later, Knox switched to a 540-inch big-block Chevy with a belt-driven blower in a blow-though carburetor configuration. Knox competed primarily in Pro Street shootouts at Thunder Valley Raceway in Noble, Oklahoma. In 2007, Knox had his first of two back surgeries and decided to stop driving the Sonoma. It was at that time that Knox partnered with David “Daddy Dave” Comstock, who took over driving duties of what would eventually become a world-famous pickup truck.

Knox and Comstock switched the Sonoma’s setup to a 565-inch Morgan and Son big-block engine with a nitrous setup, honed specifically to the street. Knox was extremely pleased with the new setup. For the next several years, Knox and Comstock worked relentlessly to bring the Sonoma to the top of the 405 racing list, which would soon become popularized on the Discovery hit TV show “Street Outlaws”.

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When “Street Outlaws” premiered in 2013, the Sonoma seemed unstoppable, as they climbed the Oklahoma City top ten list of the fastest street driven cars. The Sonoma held the number one spot in the 405 list for lengthy periods, proving to all that the Sonoma was a force to be reckoned with. The Sonoma also had numerous wins at events and in grudge matches, including a win over the infamous Kye Kelley in “The Shocker” from “Street Outlaws: New Orleans” show.

As regular viewers of the show already know, after five seasons, Comstock decided he wanted to campaign a car of his own, so he and Jackie mutually agreed to part ways. At this point, Knox climbed back behind the wheel of the newly-rebuilt Sonoma, campaigning it over the last two seasons of “Street Outlaws” as he attempted to get on and move up the list. However, his struggles with the nitrous oxide combination were well documented on the show, and in an effort to be more competitive and consistent, he recently returned to that which he knew best: he converted the nitrous setup back to a supercharger.DSC00059

 

Over the past couple months, Knox has upgraded the Sonoma to create a new beast. He switched to a 540-inch Morgan and Sons big-block Chevy, with Precision injectors, a PTC transmission with a Neal Chance torque convertor, and Big Stuff3 fuel injection system. The chassis is a proven performer by Mickey’s Chassis Works from Moore, Oklahoma. At the heart of the engine, an F-3R-136 ProCharger provides Knox with the ability to belt out upwards of 3,000 crank horsepower. Billy and Ryan from B & R Performance have been working to tune the new modifications to prepare the truck to run down the track. If it wasn’t for these people the Sonoma wouldn’t be where it is now, as it takes a great team and parts to get the Sonoma as competitive as it’s ever been.

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According to Knox, the Sonoma is running quicker than ever, and his goal is to get back to the top of the Oklahoma 405 list. He’s willing to line up against anyone who wants to race the Sonoma, to prove that the new combination has returned the truck to its former glory. Knox is just coming off of a win at the Southern N/T Nationals II, where he reigned over the Truck class. The Sonoma took out several fierce competitors, showing that the truck has what it takes to beat the best in the game.20160618_013015

Knox has spent the last several months touring the country and dialing the truck in. In addition to focusing on the Sonoma, Knox loves to interact with his fans and can be seen at events taking pictures with fans and chatting about racing. As he tells us, he enjoys meeting new people and encourages them to come mingle with him at racing events.

The Sonoma has now come full circle, with Knox behind the wheel and a supercharged mill for power. The truck is sure to surprise everyone as “The Sonoma” is back with a whole new fire-breathing attitude.

About the author

Mike Ocanas

Mike Ocanas has been around drag racing since he was a kid. His first automobile was a drag car, and he has been racing ever since. His passion for drag racing is expressed through photography, videography, and writing. With many years of experience. As a freelance writer, Mike travels the country to attend racing events and provides up-to-date coverage to Dragzine viewers.
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