The attraction for Nitro Nostalgia racing is very much a focus and dream for Mississauga Ontario’s Randy Caddell.

This independent drag racer has over the past few seasons within Eastern Canada been busy learning the ropes for one of drag racing’s most demanding categories — after acquiring a nitro-burning Chevy Nova Funny Car.

Caddell, who works as a fleet manager for trucking company TBN Transport, has along with involvement of his two sons been dipping into his program as best as he can and as funding will allow over the past 3 seasons or so.

Randy Caddell

“I first got involved with this car back in 2015,” Randy revealed.  “This Nova was first built for Army Armstrong in 2010.  It is a Hadman chassis 125 inch car with a 2-speed Lenco and has a later model TFX 470 CID nitro engine program.  Before we got — it did have all the parts updated for IHRA’s pro nostalgia funny car class.  It had been sold to Mike Arquilla in 2011 and he ran it under the name “Bad Attitude”. 

While Randy’s involvement with the NFC is relatively recent — his participation in drag racing is not.  He has been a drag racer since age 16 — running a series of fast street and ET bracket cars.  In 2001 he campaigned a Mike Bos-built Top Dragster.  But during all of that time he did have an apparent eye on the future.

“I have always wanted one (Funny Car) but because of raising a family — it just meant it would have to wait.” he added.  “I watched the pro nitro class from the side until the time was right to jump in.  I was friends with Pat Minick (Farkonas-Coil-Minick – who passed away in Jan/19) who was an influence and supported a beginner like me.”

Over the past three season’s Randy Caddell’s steps forward with the class with his “Nitro Maniac” Nova have been gradual but progressive too.  The Nova did run a 4.11 secs (1/8th mile) and a 6.99 secs (1/4 mile) best so far.

Randy with his sons Shane and Carson

“We are just getting comfortable with it now,” he continued. “My sons are growing into it and taking more leading rolls in the crewing.  I want to thank them and wife (Susan) for helping me and my dreams grow.” 

But there is actually some more to this story then just his race team’s aspirations for their fuel-burning Nova Funny Car. 

Late last season Randy purchased the “Bad to the Bone” ’48 Fiat which Jeff Arend famously drove within Canada early in his drag racing career.  Randy acquired that car from Doug Cadman’s museum and is making plans and taking steps to run that car again soon — with possible nitro power.  He has also confirmed that veteran Canadian driver Paul Noakes (London ON) may also become part of his team’s equation — as a team adviser and possibly as a driver too.

“Having Paul working with us can only help us improve,” he added. “With a driver of his caliber involved and in the seat — we can learn a lot more.  We want to book the cars where ever we can as often as we can. The learning curve is sharp and fast — but certainly worth it .  I’d like to eventually have a two-car show that would be attractive to track operators — Ontario and east.” 

Could “Bad to the Bone” be back and on Nitro? Stay tuned in 2020!

Randy was also quick to thank his current team sponsor :  www.SignsAndWraps.ca (Erin ON)

Post and photos by Bruce Biegler