The first image that pops to mind when most think of the 1941 Willys is the one portrayed in the iconic 1979 movie 'Hot Rod". While that was a bad ass hot rod, true to the movies name the Willys has proved just as iconic on the drag strips of the world in every form from a wheelstanding Gasser to a low slung Promod. Mark Gapp's version sits perfectly somewhere in the middle of all three, It's definitely a bad ass hot rod, it lifts the front at times like a Gasser and its monster engine and unpredictable ways remind you of the early Promods.

As the proprietor of Proparts, which Mark started 25 years ago and which has grown into a highly successful performance parts business, he is no stranger to speed or racing in general. Cutting his teeth in Super Modifieds and Sprintcars, Marks learning curve was steep coming from dirt to asphalt, with the odd oops, but none the less he has taken to it like the proverbial fish does to water. This past season alone Mark, wife Cheryl and the overflogged but loyal crew just plain beat up on everyone and dominated. By seasons end, both the NZDRA and IHRA Supercharged Outlaws titles, along with the inaugral Outlaw71 and track Outlaws crowns all resided in the Gapp trophy cabinet. Not bad at all for an overpowered hot rod Willys.

To win all the above and put the best part of 60 laps on your combo, it needs to be a good one, and Marks supercharged 572 cube BBC backed by a Hughes Glide and 40 spline 9 inch has proven to be just that, reeling off lap after lap in the mid 7 second range, making it almost the perfect combo for Wild Bunch's 6.99 - 7.99 guidelines. Proparts, Lucas Oil NZ, Allstar Performance, Benchtop Surfaces, Chicane Racewear and Racetech Seats offer the support in the background to someone that not only spends a lot of time on track, but behind the scenes as a sponsor and supporter of not only other racers but the sport itself, and events like Wild Bunch Wars which is something that shouldn't go unnoticed. Neither has his record gone unnoticed either, and if we were to rank the racers for this years event then Mr Gapp would be right up the pointy end of the list.

Age: ??
Day job: Owner of Proparts
Daily driver: Procharger 2010 GMC Denali truck
Dumbest way you've hurt yourself: Usually just after he's said "Hold my Bourbon, I got this."
Name a store you would max out your credit card: Proparts
What movie title best describes you: Hot Rod