Backbone of Drag and Drive Part 6: A Turbo Karmann Ghia Chasing 10s

Air-Cooled VWs and Drag and Drive events go together like peanut butter and jelly. A growing number of events have a dedicated class for cars with these engines. While you’re likely picturing a Beetle, the Italian designed Karmann Ghia is the weapon of choice for James Holth. His light blue Ghia not only looks great; thanks to a turbo it makes great sounds, too. With six drag and drive events completed, James has his sights set on a 10 second average for 2027. Let’s hear a bit from James on why he races VW’s

A little about you

What made you start racing?
My Dad had Volkswagens in the 70’s. He would always talk about how much he liked them. That’s how I ended up with one. 

What was your first run at a drag strip?

My first time on a drag strip was Bradenton in 02.

What was your first car? 

My first car was a 73 Super Beetle.

Tell us about your race car..

The car is a 64 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. 2180cc type 1 VW engine. Type 1 VW 4 speed stick shift. 3.88 R&P. Turbocharged. M&H 7.5X23 slicks.

What is your PB?

My PB was 10.94 at Alabama International Raceway. It was an empty test and tune. I was able to keep making passes until I got a 10.

What was your first drag and drive event?

My first drag and drive was Sickweek 22. My best time was 11.36. I had issues on the last day so my average wasn’t great.

What do you feel you’ve done right at these events?

What have I done right? I have completed all 6 events I have entered in a car that is known for not being very reliable at this type of thing.

What are some struggles you faced during an event?

On Sickweek 26 I had a valve seat fall out. I knew the heads were due to be replaced. I was able to locate a set and replace them on the drive day.

And are there any upgrades coming?

I plan on taking the car to Sickweek 27. I haven’t missed one yet. I would like to get a 10 second average. I have a new and hopefully better set of heads ordered for the car.

I met James at Sick Week 2022 and am always excited to see him and the car again. Brandon is right, it makes all the right sounds. The pops and bangs on the starting line typically lead to a small wheelie as he launches. An 11 second streetcar is quick, but coupled with the fact its a Karmann Ghia, this car surprises a lot of people. 

James has an impressive run at Sick Week, finishing each event he has entered. Let’s look at his averages from each year

Sick Week 2022: 12.916 Avg, Best ET: 11.436 - Slowest ET: 16.685

Sick Week 2023: 11.654 avg, Best ET: 11.161 - Slowest ET: 12.225

Sick Week 2024: 11.207 avg, Best ET: 11.012 - Slowest ET: 11.318

Sick Week 2025: 11.682 avg, Best ET: 11.528 - Slowest ET: 12.045

Sick Week 2026: 11.192 avg, Best ET: 11.087 - Slowest ET: 11.418

James has been sooo close to that elusive 10 second average twice now, with SW24 and SW26. He has also missed out on a 10 second timeslip during Sick Week, running an 11.012 at SW24 and 11.087 at SW26. Can he get it done at Sick Week 2027?? We’ll have to wait nearly a year to see. But, you can put it in writing, we’ll be following James adventures all year long. 

Grit and determination, and doing it the hard way is what makes James the Backbone of Drag and Drive. 

Article by Brandon Parker and Mike Narx. Photos from James Holth