Why is the PRI Show different from SEMA? DIESEL Motorsports!

The PRI Show (Performance Race Industry) is starting this week in Indianapolis Indiana and will attract many shop owners from the Midwest and beyond. Even though SEMA now owns the PRI Show it is a totally different show since it is strictly for the performance and race industry.

Yes it is a trade show not open to the public, however if you compete with your vehicle with one of the sanctioning bodies you can attend the show. All shops, garages, speed shops and automotive businesses are welcome to attend. 

For three days downtown Indianapolis is packed and parking is at a premium along with hotel rooms. Parking last year was as far away as 10 blocks from the Convention Center. It is a well attended show if the weather cooperates which it looks like it will this next week.

DIESEL Motorsports (Booth #1837) has had a booth with the PRI Show since it moved to Orlando and back to Indianapolis which is many years! For many years we were with just a handful of diesel related businesses displaying, currently you can find many diesel performance part manufacturers along with tooling for our industry.

I actually encourage many of our sponsors to display at the PRI show over the SEMA Show since it is in the middle of our diesel performance market. Many shops and competitors come to the PRI Show because it relates more to them over the accessory aftermarket like SEMA in known for in the industry.

The past shows have been packed and since we are in the main performance hall our booth is quite busy for all hours of the day. It helps we have daily promotions we are known for such as free DM tees (limited daily supply) and free decals/swag.

The main purpose for being there is to not only provide information about our next year's schedule and events but also to obtain new sponsors and events from track owners.

DIESEL Motorsports is about branding and selling diesel pickup parts and accessories to the crowds at our events, finding areas with new or larger concentration of diesel trucks and promote the sport of diesel performance with street trucks.

When will the schedule and sponsors be announced for 2018??? DIESEL Motorsports

I get asked every year the same questions, plus I hear the same humors about us from our competition - for 10 years! It never changes so we ignore the remarks and keep doing what we do best - promote the diesel pickup market and sport.

Every year we release the next year schedule during the month of January, and every year we release the sponsors at the same time.

Diesel Motorsports sponsor's agreements run to December 31st of each year so technically I cannot release new sponsors till after January 1st. It would not be fair to existing sponsors to overlap the spots since some change during the years.

Some companies don't even release their new budgets until February so it does take a while to get approval so we want to include everyone.

The schedule changes every year since we constantly look for new opportunities with events and the market changes yearly as to where the truck market is strong.

Plus DIESEL Motorsports gets many offers from tracks during the PRI Show and it takes us a while to go through those proposals.

The normal events we have done every year has already been posted and those we already have agreements on for 2018.

So yes, everything is business as usual sine we started over 10 years ago, can you believe 2018 will be our 11th year!

We look forward to seeing everyone again this next year!

What Pulling Classes will be used for 2018??? DIESEL Motorsports

It will be about the numbers for each class as we see more and more trucks drop back to street classes in pulling but there are a lot of powerful trucks. Plus there are still a lot of 2.6 trucks out there with some killer setups for pulling, however we will make a smoothbore class if enough trucks show up for the classes ( min 8 trucks).

Work Stock changed last year to pure OEM turbo for a stock truck pulling for those who want to get started. Same rules as before but with the exception of turbo rule.

Hot Work Stock will be the NEW class with OEM appearing type turbo, however there is a limit being plugged at 2.65! These trucks can make modifications and it needs to be a licensed street truck with DOT tires.

2.5/2.6 smoothbore - Again as we see more trucks make the switch/or not we will split the classes for a more fair pull between the trucks the rules remain the same as last year for both classes.

2.6/3.0 smoothbore - Same as above with the rules remaining the same for both classes. It is different in parts of the country where smoothbore has not come into effect or used as much. We will split the classes as the numbers increase but in many parts last year there were not enough smoothbore for a class. Same rules as 2017 for both classes.

3.0/3.6 smoothbore - Same as above in all aspects - see rulebook for class rules.

Modified - Same rules as 2017, unchanged.

As an association it is our job to make sure there is a class for all trucks who want to pull in all parts of the country. We get asked by many NHRA/IHRA tracks to sanction pulls on their property because we are a sanctioning body with our own ruleset and insurance. Our insurance is at the same level as NHRA events so it covers all liabilities during the the event.

It seems the past economy has kept many from making the changes or other obligations in life has made many keep their trucks the same as before or many being sold. On the bright side, the economy is picking up for many and we see many enthusiasts making the changes either up or down so they can still enjoy the sport of pulling.

DIESEL Motorsports was started over 10 years ago because at the time diesel pickups were not favored by the tractor classes/pullers and many fairs would not let them pull. Still I hear many diesel truck classes are left toward the very end of the late night.

You can count on DIESEL Motorsports for putting the diesel trucks first at every event! No matter what you have on your truck as long as you have the safety equipment on your truck we will find a class for you to compete.

That is why we have so many variables in the classes listed above. For a complete set of rules go to our web site - www.DIESELmotorsports.US! they are free on the left side menu.

What did I find at SEMA - Christmas for DIESEL Motorsports!

I normally don't get excited about accessories for the glovebox/toolbox but these items defiantly got my attention!

How many times did I find myself away from the garage and needing a bright light while working on the truck. Even during the day it gets dark under the hood but mostly at night I need a bright light!

Even those shop lights are bulky and the cord gets in the way all of the time. I found two lights that are so simple I can't believe someone had not thought of these before now. Mychanic came up with a number of different lighting solutions for the shop or on the road.

I checked out two of them called the Pod Light and the Blade Light.  Both are magnetic and stick to any metal surface for mounting plus the Blade light has a retractable hook.

The Pod light is battery powered with AA batteries but packs a lot of light using LED lights in two different modes. It mounts on a circle magnetic base which can swivel in any direction. Plus it easily detaches if you want to point it some where hard to see. This little light is a must have for us garage mechanics.

The Blade light is multi function and is rechargeable with a usb plug-in and lasts for about 5 hours. The light has four different settings bright white, low white, flashing red and running flashing red for emergencies. So I can use it for under the hood during repairs or attach it to the tailgate with the magnetic mount and turn on the flashing emergency lights.

Using LED lights both lights are unbelievably bright for finding those dark places bolts and nuts tend to be hiding!

These make great Christmas gifts and for a limited time they offer 10% off with a "Mychanic10" coupon code!

I already ordered a couple for my kids!

https://mychanic.com/collections

Check out their products along with the lights!

Why should diesel shops visit SEMA?

If you have never been you should plan a trip even for a couple of days! Yes, it is expensive, SEMA and Las Vegas raise their rates three times the normal rates for this week - on everything! Hotels are expensive, cabs/uber, restaurants, etc and it is congested surrounding the Convention Center and the Strip. Just fore warning you about the expenses!

About 5% relate to diesels and the rest is gas performance, restoration, services, OEM, tires, wheels and electronics! However the show is so big you will see many new items and wild truck builds outside, it is a great show to view and walk.

Also if you are a shop you should visit the AAPEX show just down the road at the Sands Convention Center, it is open Tuesday thru Thursday. AAPEX is mostly automotive OEM hard parts and liquids plus the bottom floor is all Asian imports. It is worth spending a half a day there or more.

You normally walk about 7 or 8 miles a day so bring your comfy shoes, normal wear is dockers slacks and company shirt, polo or dress shirt. Bring plenty of business cards and register as a buyer if you want the vendors to talk to you. 

It can be too much for those who are not use to these type of shows, go online and find manufacturers you want to visit and plot out the daily walk through. You can view others by viewing on the way to your chosen few. 

It is beneficial to view new products and see what others are doing to their trucks. However most of the trucks are done for show to draw attention and not for everyday use like most diesel trucks in the Midwest. 

I hear all the time when shops go they really enjoyed it but then they voice it will be a while before they come back. You cannot buy direct because many of the manufacturers require pretty large buy-ins but they will tell you where to buy through distributors.

It is still good to talk to them and find out information about their products so you can do a better job selling and installing their products. If you have never been it should be a trip to plan.

Looking into expanding into larger markets and fan base - DIESEL Motorsports!

Next year will be DIESEL Motorsports 11th year of doing business as a sanctioning body for diesel 3/4 and 1 ton pickups. We are constantly evaluating where to take the sport in the next year(s) in order to remain aggressive and new in the market. We have everyone copy our different directions and follow what we do differently and this has been seen as a compliment. 

The marketplace changes constantly and it is up to DIESEL Motorsports to keep the excitement alive like announcing and launching our NEW Hot Work Stock Class across the country. Street trucks with large street turbos that can drive to the pulls and compete with high horsepower trucks without being held back.

Next year DIESEL Motorsports will be about mixing with some new market shows and larger crowds so they too can become interested in the diesel lifestyle rural market along with our normal successful shows that have been held over the past years.

It is time to include many new people who are interested into our diesel market and we can both watch it continue to grow.

More info will be provided after the first of the year.

Finding the right track, venue, area for a diesel event . . .

We just returned from North-east Ohio near Cleveland and Wooster holding an event at Dragway 42 in West Salem. This track has been considered for over three years and we really wanted to check it out soon as the facility opened.

The one way to do this is hold a smaller diesel event and establish if the facility has everything for a larger event. There are many things that make an event work for everyone including DIESEL Motorsports, vendors, fans, competitors and supporting businesses such as hotels, restaurants and service stores.

Diesel Motorsports evaluates the track for space for trailers/trucks, quality of track drag or pulling and the track personnel. Are they a good fit for our truck owners, I like to remind people that the customer is always right and spending their hard earned monies to be here. So I expect track personnel to treat our people well, doesn't mean I want them not to do their job in directing people but do it nicely and happy.

DIESEL Motorsports is here to put on a show for entertainment and the track helps us do just that for the fans. Dragway 42 had an excellent drag strip along with plenty of space. True they just opened and they have not yet built brick and mortar concessions or bathrooms but they will over the winter months. I was told they plan to build a quality pulling track on the backside of the property with bleachers and lights.

The area is near a major highway running North to South in Ohio with many towns and hotels close by for the competitors and fan base. We stayed just 10 mins from the track in Seville but other close towns was Ashland, Medeni, Lodi and Wooster. This area was very well supported by local diesel shops such as Firepunk, Redline Diesel, Reusch Diesel, G&R Diesel and many more who brought trucks.

Even though we should not have opened for the day because of Hurricane Harvey leftover weather was making it a very cold miserable day it was worth it for us to get the event in to evaluate the track and area businesses.

Can we build it for a much larger event and monies invested for the future? It definitely has the potential and right positive checkpoints for now.

Need a warmer date and during the Summer months so people have time to get to this location.

What really drives the diesel market - II - Shops!!!

The diesel shops that range from a lift in a barn on a family farm to 4 bay garage building with a show-room our rural diesel shops keeps buying our sponsor's parts for our enthusiasts. However our rural diesel truck owners still need maintenance and continue to break their existing truck so they need repairs.

These young men who decide to start a small business and work for themselves are the drive behind our sport. Not only do they build trucks to compete but they encourage their customers to do the same. It is how they advertise their business, build a powerful diesel truck that competes and put their business name on the side or front so when they compete everyone can see their truck.

Most of these diesel shops want to install quality parts made in the USA because they do not want to fix faulty parts again for free. Their work is their trademark and integrity is their name. Soon many people want to visit and have work done on their truck by that shop.

You know the shop is good if they have trucks lined up outside and it looks like a used car lot. That is the number of customers lined up to have work done to their trucks. Many of these shops run maintenance on your local town's service trucks such as garbage trucks, street trucks and snow plows. Local delivery and fleet trucks are serviced by the local shops thus giving them a consistent stream of business.

The local rural shops all use parts and liquids from the automotive parts industry which in turns sponsor our events for advertising. They want local diesel enthusiasts to either request their parts or have the shop order their parts for repairs.

Yes the diesel shops along with our truck owners and enthusiast is the driving force behind the diesel market!

What REALLY drives the diesel truck market???

Of course it is the truck owners who use their personal trucks for work, delivery, farm and recreational weekends. The truck enthusiast I have said all along is part of a diesel lifestyle that includes the entire family. Because they all use the truck for all aspects of family functions which is work, family activities and recreation.

Whether it is hauling a trailer to work or delivery of the kid's sport equipment along with the kids every week to use of the truck for boats, ATVs or many other recreational fun activities. Our diesel trucks get used a lot during the week and year for many different functions, so when a vehicle is used so much the owners want it to not only run good but look good too!

The diesel lifestyle is not the 4x4 mud bogging guys, totally different group! Most of our guys would not run their truck through a mud bog unless it was used to pull someone else out.

It is used as a utility vehicle with lots of power and torque when they need it. Dialed down it can get high mileage for fuel economy when hauling a trailer or boat. But yet when they want power they can dial it up for competition and participate at diesel events.

Second and really important for maintaining the personal diesel trucks is the diesel shops around the country! That will be covered in tomorrow's blog!

Diesels on the East Coast - REPORT!

East Coast Diesel Nationals - Numidia Dragway July 15th - Report

You know we make the claim of this show is the "Largest DIESEL only show on the East Coast"! Sure there are other shows that are bigger but they include gas vehicles, tractors and other race vehicles.

DIESEL Motorsports was started to give the 3/4 and 1 ton diesel pickup their own shows along with their own ruleset. Again the diesel lifestyle is a family event where the people who attend all use diesel vehicles in their life working, playing and hauling!

The East Coast Diesel Nationals was started because we were told there was diesel people on the East Coast who did not have their own show. That was 9 years ago and this year's event was bigger than previous years. We saw some high power trucks that were built this last winter for racing and pulling. 

It rained cats and dogs on Thursday and Friday before the event dropping 4 inches of rain on top of the mountain in Numidia. Thank goodness Numidia Dragway is on top of a mountain and rain runs down hill. Not only was it beautiful on Saturday with 80 degrees temperatures and low humidity but no rain in sight. In fact we had to add water to the pulling track and it still dried out by the end of pulling.

DIESEL Motorsports has been at this venue for nine years and every year we still see new diesel enthusiasts along with new trucks that are built for competition during the day. This year DIESEL Motorsports saw some very nice twin and triple turbo diesels running in the heads-up Unlimited drag class. Over 12 trucks ran in that class with most running in the 10s in the quarter mile.

The final run between Greg Alberalla and Nick Eklund was classic drag racing with both trucks running in the low 10s. Greg took the win running 139.43 mph when something in Nick's truck blew toward the end of the track.

It was like this all day long between the racing and pulling classes with some nice high powered trucks. Even in sled pulling where in the 2.6/3.0 class Jesse warren to 1st place with his 2004 Ford F350 with a 6.0 engine which is a first at any of our pulling competitions. That truck flat out run tough against some regulars who win most of the time! Congrats Jesse on a great pull under some beautiful skies.

Also need to point out Caleb Hermann winning 1st in the 2.5 pulling class for the 2nd year in a row with 18 trucks competing in the class. This is no easy feat with so many strong trucks in the class. 

This facility is one of the few places where DIESEL Motorsports runs the racing at the same time as the pulling classes in the afternoon. Many fans line both sides of the track watching the action on both sides with non-stop action. We want to thank the Dimino family for providing such a nice setting for our yearly event at Numidia Dragway.

The list of winners are listed below and photos can be seen at the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/Diesel-Motorsports-195139160520323/

Winners;

Drag Racing
ET Bracket
Champion – Dennis Harnish – R.020 I12.72/12.823, MPH 99.64
2nd – Ernie Barkman – R.149 I14.14/14.178, MPH 94.22
Quick Diesel 12.0 Index
Champion – Brian Dolly – R.306 I12.0/12.059, MPH 111.92
2nd – Ryan Westrick – R.325 I12.0/12.154, MPH 97.76
Unlimited Heads-up
Champion – Greg Alberalla – R.577 T10.043, MPH 139.43
2nd – Nick Eklund – R.625 T10.284, MPH 132.75

Sled Pulling
2.6/3.0 Class
1. Jesse Warren, Ford 6.0, 347.8
2. Jon Manns, 340.94
3. Caleb Griffith, 335.45
4. Jay Hill, 335.22
5. Jeremy Urey, 332.81
6. Curvin Zimmerman, 330.46
7. Michael Garafalo, 327.83
8. Josh Hayes, 317.17
9. Joseph Hemm, 316.75
10. Trent Hbare, 314.57
11. Tyler Albert, 308.98
12. Jake Slinguff, 304.98
13. Joe Gaughan, 301.14
14. Brandon Porzik, 271.52
15. Brian Robbins, 266.25
16. David Jacobs, 262.42
17. Dan Paolhamus, 199.34
18. Kevin Panacok, 164.02
19. Greg Walker, 60.92
20. Justin Gordan

2.5 Class
1. Caleb Herman, 350.38
2. Joe Gaughan, 347.29
3. Tom Hassler, 335.39
4. Gregg Talbot, 333.33
5. Nick Wenger, 328.84
6. Joshua Bordas, 326.87
7. Ross Harter, 323.95
8. Richard Abare, 320.70
9. Benny Stone, 313.68
10. Brandon Porzik, 311.04
11. Travis Richards, 309.51
12. Chuck Dutter, 305.50
13. Nate Faust, 303.36
14. Gregg Slinguff, 295.69
15. Nathan Stiller, 288.72
16. Jesse Young, 273.90
17. Todd Young, 57.40

Tractor Class
1. Kevin Utt, 339.03
2. Adam Diaz, 333.56
3. Vern Zerby, 329.66
4. Jeff Mikloicle, 324.23
5. Cole Forrester, 322.72
6. Steve Beckley, 316.82
7. Corey Davis, 311.03
8. Vern Zerby, 308.21
9. Vern Zerby, 306.37
10. Rick Havck, 284.97
11. Vern Zerby, 284.38
12. Cole Forrester, 181.85

Hot Work Stock
1. Tom Hassler, 328.47
2. Matt Thomas, 311.55
3. Greg Talbot, 310.67
4. Ross Harter, 291.09
5. Tom Bonaquist, 284.86
6. Brandon Fairchild, 280.48
7. Mark Fessler, 279.11
8. Nick Wenger, 278.85
9. Ben Gelsinger, 274.79
10. James Westervett, 272.51
11. Nate Faust, 265.35
12. Ben George, 247.20
13. Rick Abare, 231.09

Work Stock Class
1. Ben Gelsinger, 300.10
2. Justin Horst, 295.45
3. Cisco Raffi, 286.68
4. Brock Welliver, 286.31
5. Anthony Stroup, 283.50
6. Logan Hackenburg, 278.38
7. Lonnie Horst, 273.92
8. Scott Wood, 241.33
9. Ronald Shrouds, 227.46
10. Michael Beyrouty, 101.24

Show-N-Shine
Best of Show – Matt Preist
Best Dmax – Derek Bedway
Best Ford – Austin Galante
Best Dodge – Sam Garafalo
Best Rat Rod/Vintage – BJ Keiffer

Dyno Competition
Highest Horsepower – Mark Vanadia – HP1213/T1694
Best Ford - Mark Vanadia – HP1213/T1694
Best Dmax – Mike Carpenter – H998/T1766
Best Dodge – Greg Heikel – H680/T1204

Anti-Diesel Movement - but who will deliver the groceries???

For years the diesel fueled engines have built America to what it is today! The roads and highways were built with diesel engine equipment and still maintained today by diesel equipment. Semi trucks deliver our groceries to local stores daily with diesel trucks!

Lumber and concrete are delivered to building sites for homes, buildings and parking garages by diesel vehicles. Many trains are still powered by diesel that deliver the goods for the diesel semis to take them to the stores! Most of our military equipment is powered by diesel in order to protect our country!

Even down to the local contractors that pull small trailers to building sites with their diesel trucks so their workers have the proper equipment. Much of the service industry uses diesel vehicles from local lawn service to Fedex and UPS!

So if we get rid of all of the diesel vehicles will our business infrastructure come to a stand still?

The typical question I get is why diesel and why not gas or even electric?

Diesel engines produce something in the power that gas and electric cannot come close to reproducing called torque! Torque is needed for pulling and hauling large loads while still getting moderate mileage out of the fuel. Diesel engines can pull twice what a gas engine can, get twice the MPG and not wear out (gas 120,000, diesel 500,000 miles).

Businesses use diesel for a reason, it is MORE efficient for what the equipment does for their functions. Why buy a truck that can only last a year hauling 120,000 miles that gets half the MPG of a diesel vehicle that will go 500,000 miles?

Electric is not even close plus the mileage issue is huge, 180 miles between charges (overnite) and the charge for the electricity to charge is equal to what you spend on gas or diesel. The torque is no where even close to gas or diesel for work. Is it environment friendly? How do you think the electricity was produced to charge the vehicle - coal turbines from your local electric company. Coal brought to the company by diesel vehicles.

So when I get the stink eye from industry people about our DIESEL Motorsports for the people who use these vehicles for work and pleasure, I wonder if they even think about just how much diesel is used to maintain their current lifestyle?

Streets repaired, snow plowed, groceries delivered, lawns and parks mowed, garbage pickup, recycling pickup and oh my the list goes on and on for many parts of the country.

I think diesels are used for a reason and people enjoy their diesel vehicles for a reason. 

Turbo swap done daily for sled pulling! What is up with this???

I was told this last week by two different state clubs that pullers are now carrying two turbos in their garages so they can swap them out depending on which sled pull they are going to that evening. Which pull classes are the locals going to hold and which class is paying more so they can compete.

So NOW the sport is even more expensive by owning two different turbos and swapping them out before the shows. Plus the local guy who cannot afford two turbos has to compete on the same level.

That is why DIESEL Motorsports came up with the Hot Work Stock Class!

You can compete with a powerful setup with a street truck then drive back home once the pull is over. The ruleset by local and state clubs are a mess and we as a National group are now changing in every state so trucks can pull.

DM wants all trucks to pull but they have to be somewhat equal to each other or the competition is not fair for those who are trying to follow the rules.

Example: I had a young puller at the last pull complain he did not pass tech for 2.5 and was not satisfied with bumping up to 2.6 ( yelling, screaming, calling names etc.). I calmly asked what was the issue from the tech, he told me (tech was correct) and I then asked if he had read the rules online for free? I even offered his pulling fee back which he didn't take.

Well NO he replied, he drove 2 hours to get there without reading the rules and told me his local pull let him pass. There is the problem, his local friend let's him pull with an advantage over the other pullers.

Believe us when we try to fit everyone in for pulling but it is better to get one person upset with us than the entire class who does follow the rules. But what does everyone hear about is the guy yelling!

The rules are so messed up by other organizations who tend to favor tractors and not trucks. We are trying to accommodate all diesel trucks because we want the sport to continue with local pullers.

Please read the rules and understand when we ask to comply, I do post warnings several times before each event to read the rules for free so you can decide what class would be best to pull.

More vendors or protect our sponsors???

The diesel marketplace is actually pretty small or vertical compared to the gas hot rod performance market. Since I have worked both I know how big the other can be so the vendors and/or sponsors DIESEL Motorsports invites to the events sometimes are controlled.

I was asked at the last event why do we not have more vendors? It depends on whether I want to let our sponsor's competitors into the event. That is normally who wants to sign to come into the event since our sponsors can display for free because they sign on a yearly basis.

Now many of our sponsors rely on DIESEL Motorsports to display their products at our DM sponsor's tent usually manned by the DM girls! It is very expensive to come out to events and travel to our rural settings so many rely on us to display their products. That is part of our marketing package to be able to do this for our sponsors.

Many come to two or thee during the year depending on who they have on staff or local representatives. When a large DM show is near an established market many competitors of our sponsors call local diesel shops or businesses and ask them to sign on as a vendor. That vendor brings products into our show that is different or competes with our sponsors.

We don't mind competition when the vendor still shows our sponsor's products and their competitors, but when they show nothing but our sponsor's competitor product then it is a blatant attempt to undermine our marketing efforts.

We tend to remain loyal to our yearly and monthly sponsors who have supported us  and our sport for years. Yes we could take in others and let them fight it out but then DM loses credibility with our longtime sponsors.

DM has carefully picked top quality products and services for our sponsors so it's not like we took the highest bidder or who offers the most dollars per event.  It is an investment for a longtime relationship.

DM watches and chooses who comes into the show as a vendor and if they are legitimate then there is no problem, if they are trying to undermine our sponsor's efforts then we do step-in to control.

Stop by our sponsor tent and view the great products that our sponsors offer for the diesel market. Most are available at most WDs and storefronts for diesels.

I do think many of our sponsor's products dominate in the diesel marketplace.

DIESELS at Mainstream Hot Rod Power Tour 2017!

One of the largest custom hot rod shows of the year started in Kansas City this year, the Hot Rod Power Tour!

It has been many years since it has been here and especially the start of the tour starting at the KC Chief's Arrowhead Stadium this last weekend. Many of my photos are from early Saturday morning before over 5,000 custom rods and many more people showed up during the day.

By the time I left in the afternoon it was completely packed with people, custom rods, cars and trucks from all over the country. To me it was a have to be there showing off diesel trucks and our industry.

I have been to these before the diesel sport become popular and this is lots of fun to visit with enthusiasts from all over the country. Many had interest in the diesels who were there and asking a lot of questions about the modifications.

I passed out goody bags from our sponsors and some DIESEL Motorsports swag to some diesel enthusiasts. I took some time to walk through the vendor area where most was for the hot rod gas market but I did see a couple of diesel related vendors.

Any time I can talk and show the diesel motorsports venue to other performance enthusiasts it is a plus for our sport. Many do not even know there is a sport of diesel pickups 3/4 and 1 ton trucks racing and pulling at events.

Again it is a chance to reach the mainstream performance market showing what we find exciting and fun with our trucks. If you have a chance to go for a day at one of the stops please venture out to do so for the experience.

http://www.hotrod.com/events/power-tour/

NEW Hot Work Stock Class! Who can compete?

We have heard over the last few years from competitors they want pulling like it used to be! 

Drive to the event, make a few adjustments and pull for the night! Have some fun, meet some diesel people and then drive back home the next day!

Well, we actually listened to the enthusiasts and developed a new class that can include street trucks in their own pulling class!

Hot Work Stock!

Work Stock has gone back to true STOCK turbos and the NEW Hot Work Stock is for turbos plugging 2.60 with no hanging weights. Pure HOT street trucks who can pull down the track with no worries!

So how many of you will seize the opportunity in front of you?

Read the rules (www.Dieselmotorsports.US), build your truck for the class and come to compete! Then ask your local pulling groups to add the class to their programs and adopt our rules for safety.

Hoping to see a lot of street trucks pulling this summer!

What does the Summer hold for diesel trucks?

The faster trucks are finally taking the ways of gasser NHRA fast vehicles and finding ways to drop weight, lower the truck and use of superior suspensions for stability! It's only natural since for the past 10 years normal diesel trucks have tried to push for faster speeds without much progress, maybe a second or more.

However, in doing so they have reached licensed NHRA limits and now have to follow Pro Stock guidelines which takes them out of the truck category and puts them in the drag vehicle class. These guidelines are sanctioned by SFI which is the same as our sanctioning body and insurance.

Nothing wrong with this approach since it the proper way to go faster but the street trucks still have to follow the licensed class for truck guidelines.

The street trucks buys the parts from our sponsors who keeps the sport alive through their sponsorships. Even sled pulling has gone through a transformation of tractor organizations no longer wanting to tech turbos on trucks so a uniform turbo is introduced. This is fine again which makes the playing field more equal among pullers, however it leaves the street guys out in the cold.

That is why DIESEL Motorsports came up with the Hot Work Stock class and made the original Work Stock Class a pure stock turbo specification. The street trucks is what is going to expand and keep the sport alive!

Street trucks deserve a place to compete and DIESEL Motorsports welcomes all street trucks for racing, pulling and show-n-shine!

See you at the shows in under a month at Haisley Thunder in Muncie June 16/17th!

Diesel is ALIVE & WELL in the middle of the country! DIESEL Motorsports

I just finished a couple of weeks of diesel event activities here in the Midwest and I can tell you the interest in diesel performance is not wavering one little bit in the rural areas.

I traveled 5 hours up to Kearney Nebraska to help with the Nebraska Diesel Show's efforts at an all weekend gathering from a 5 state area of young people who enjoy their diesels. After a cold winter the rural crowd is ready to blow off some steam and smoke with their diesels at the Kearney Raceway Park. It was quite the crowd on a sunny day with 80 degree temperatures.

The quality of diesel trucks grow and become better every year we have helped sanction this show, this will be the third year. This tells me they come and compare with others what is being done to their trucks, then they go home and work on their own trucks.

This past weekend was two separate pulls in Missouri both with great turnouts held by good promoters with both being benefit pulls. Pullers had their pick of good payouts at both and many of the trucks came to compete.

I have been to the Tipton pull before and can tell you the little town of 800 people grows to 4,000 in one night at their fairgrounds in the middle of town. This pull lasts from 7pm to at least 1 am with many classes of tractors and trucks.

The MBF King of the hIll is another memorial benefit pull where lots of trucks show up for fun in Pleasant Hill and all proceeds go to a scholarship fund. This is always a favorite and also had great payouts for the year.

I also hear a lot of people did not yet have their trucks done which is always the case early in the Spring but the Summer days are quickly approaching so those still building need to hurry!

Check out local events and make sure to come and support the sport!