EFILive Powertour
I was told by industry leaders the first Hot Rod Power Tour
only had 6 cars the first year and now hosts over 490. That was about what we
started with and the only difference is our trucks hold more people so we had a
nice little crowd of people. I imagine the deluge of rain and tornadoes might
have had something to do with people coming but many regretted it after they
heard what we experienced.
A BIG thank you goes out to South Bend Clutch, Haisley
Machine and Firestone Ride Rite for their hospitality.
This was the first ever Powertour for the diesel industry
which started with the first stop at South Bend Clutch in South Bend Indiana.
Two days of travel before the original “Thunder in Muncie” which originated in
2001 as the first “diesel only” event in the country.
What is more fitting than to be the first Powertour with the
first event for diesels? Sponsored by EFILive, a tuning company for the diesel
industry, the tour started with a tour of the facilities at South Bend Clutch.
Watching and seeing how they manufacture the best clutches for diesel truck
sled pulling was not only educational but the passion that the workers
demonstrated was inspiring.
South Bend Clutch served us a traditional Polish lunch with
sausage and sweet cabbage along with many sides. Visiting with the workers at
SBC was enlightening as to the wide range of vehicles they produce clutches,
everything from diesel trucks to tractors to sport compacts.
Leaving there we proceeded to Haisleys Machine in Fairmount
Indiana, the trip took us about 3 hrs. Once we got to Haisleys Machine the
owner Patty and Van Haisley showed us their new shop and the many improvements
they are adding to the business. Haisleys Machine produces some of the best
winning trucks for sled pulling in the country. After enjoying some grilled
burgers and brats with compliment sides at Haisleys we stayed the night in
Muncie so we could get a fresh start in the morning to our last destination for
Firestone/Ride Rite in Fischer, Indiana.
Friday morning found us making just an hour trip down to
Firestone Industrial Division for Ride Rite Air-Bag Suspension in Fischer.
After getting lost in a quarter mile of the location by a dysfunctional direction
leader we were met by the Sales Manager Paul Fessel at the door. We
were greeted by the entire staff including the engineers that design the air
bags before proceeding on the tour of the research facility.
After being served some of the best BBQ I have had in
Indianapolis area we then proceeded to the Muncie Dragway to start the
Flowmaster Series Drag Race for Haisleys Machine Thunder in Muncie.
Overall it was a blast seeing the companies and visiting
with the diesel enthusiasts who decided to make the trip, a very successful
first EFILive Diesel Motorsports Powertour.
