Alex Covington’s Innovator Wins Goodguys 2011 Optima Batteries Street Machine of the Year honors.
When Alex Covington, Clover, SC envisioned his dream ride, it was a 1967 Nova daily driver. His vision quickly changed after he selected the Roadster Shop’s Jeremy and Phil Gerber to execute the build. The Roadster Shop’s vision for the Nova was very different, resulting in a high-tech, chopped street machine with cutting edge innovations and masterful build quality. Soon after, project “Innovator” began.
Covington’s faith in the Gerbers’ ability to deliver a top quality car was rewarded when Innovator, above, won the 2011 Optima Batteries Street Machine of the Year honors at the Goodguys 14th PPG Nationals presented by Bridgestone in Columbus, OH.
Every panel on the Nova has been reworked and redesigned. The top was chopped ¾-inch, the fenders were re-shaped and sloped, and new body lines and wheel well openings were fabricated. A unique rocker panel profile continues around the entire vehicle. The headlights and grille assembly are hand fabricated as are the taillight bezels. PPG white paint is complimented by charcoal, sliver and bright yellow satin accents.
Resting in the Nova’s custom engine bay with machined panels and custom intake is a 700-horsepower GM LSX. A custom dash and console assembly, full roll cage and race buckets covered in black and white leather set off the interior.
Innovator rides on a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis with a three-link rear suspension and Watts linkage. Afco remote reservoir shocks cushion the ride while big Baer brakes provide extreme track and street stopping power. Eric Brockmeyer designed the custom center lug seven-spoke wheels.
The Nova’s maiden voyage was during the Street Machine of the Year Autocross competition. Innovator turned in a 35.3-second lap that ended up being the quickest of the event!
For more information about the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association and its schedule of competitive events, please visit, http://www.good-guys.com/