Calling all street trucks - yes you can win!

At many Diesel Motorsports events we have large and powerful diesel trucks that compete for the big cash prizes for the classes. They get paid more because their trucks take more to maintain and operate during the competition. Yes they provide a show for the fans in the crowd! However, we need your street truck to compete in order for the sport to continue to grow.

Street trucks driven by the fans not only buys our sponsor's products but they represent what the diesel lifestyle is all about!

Does everyone want to be the biggest baddest diesel truck on the street? Yes, they do and it's easier to talk about it and make claims instead of competing and proving what the truck can do!

Does this stop many from competing? Oh yeah it does! But consider what you have in the truck and as long you are proud of what you have done does it really matter to anyone else?

A few years back myself and the editor of a prominent magazine was judging the Show-N-Shine and one entry was a very old truck with a different color on every body panel, the diesel engine out of another make and a mis-match interior. This person was so proud of what he accomplished with his vehicle, he explained everything he added and every bolt he turned to make this truck run and operate. He did not win the Show-N-Shine but we gave him a runner-up spot because of his enthusiasm for his vehicle.

It was obvious he did not have the funds to turnout a top notch diesel truck but it didn't matter to him or his friends surrounding him. It's about what you have done to your truck with your personal touch or customization. Then bring it to an event and discuss with those around you what you have done and how much fun you have had building your truck.

I bought an older 12V Dodge to build up in a series of articles in Performance Business/Shop magazine so the shops can better understand what our diesel trucks are about and how they can sell or service our trucks. Yes being in charge of the Association many people have laughed or made fun of my old truck during the build-up (still in progress)! But it is mine and I'm quite proud of what I have done to the truck which matches my personality.

Will it win races or be first in pulling? I highly doubt it but I would not hesitate to throw it in the competition just to have fun.

Will it break something? Most likely since it is an older truck but it was going to break anyway - sometime! That's the fun part, it is running it just enough so you know it will not break and have fun competing.

We need the street trucks to continue to compete so the sport will continue to grow! Try it this next season - you may be surprised! I have had many who told me they never competed before and our racing or pulling coaches told them how to compete. Some ended up winning and taking home cash monies to further build their truck. We even had young ladies take home the $$$ against all of the guy's trucks!

So next time you come to an event DIESEL Motorsports welcomes all street trucks and we want as many as the registration can sign for the day or night. See ya at the track!

Sled Pulling rules discussion from PRI Show!

As some of you know we had a sled pulling rules discussion during the PRI Show on Saturday morning. A few pullers and diesel shops attended who were interested in pulling. We first heard from our panel which consisted of some long time pullers and younger pullers, all of them own diesel shops who work on customer's pulling trucks.

Some other organizations are going to smooth bore turbos which are no big deal since they are already legal within our rules and according to the experts on the panels actually rob your truck's engine of 40-200 hp at the wheels depending on who you ask. Turbos should not be a problem unless you want to spend more dollars on a higher price turbo.

However, they did point out if you go to smooth bore turbo then you would not have to worry about breaking your rear-end gears because of the lower horsepower.

The major expense is going to not just a fixed rear drivetrain but the gearing for the trucks. Cost estimates were from $20,000 low end to $40,000 if you have a shop do it for you. This is some serious money for the pulling hobbyist who just likes to pull for fun.

It was a consensus of the panel that the new rule moves will lessen the number of trucks competing and more trucks will go up for sale. The diesel shops said they are already seeing less rebuilds for the winter teardown season.

This is a concern for Diesel Motorsports since we are trying to increase the numbers for competition instead of less numbers. The ruleset for Diesel Motorsports has always been liberal in order to allow as many trucks as possible and many state groups use our rules for theirs under our affiliate program.

As the meeting wound down it was pretty much decided to keep the ruleset as they are except allowing the new rules under larger regional events since most of the panel felt only a small amount of trucks will be making the $30-50,000 upgrade during the winter months.

Most felt they will leave their trucks as is and compete in local sate groups and come to a few regional events to compete. By doing this the number of trucks should be larger at local events and smaller at some regional events for those organizations.

DIESEL Motorsports will allow all trucks to compete at the Regional events and have classes for all trucks attending. A discussion about opening up the Work Stock class more with a standard wheel size was talked about for some time. The diesel shops wants an effort to encourage street trucks to compete to replace some of the higher end trucks who have decided to sell.

Very interesting how the diesel truck pulling market has changed year to year with a consensus of too much change in such a small amount of time. The tractor pulling leagues tend to keep changes to every three years because of the costs affiliated with changes thus keeping their numbers steady for competition.

More to come during the season and a report of what people are doing with their trucks!

PRI Show in Indy - what's happening there???

Performance Race Industry Show in Indianapolis December 10-12 - next week! At the Indianapolis Convention Center downtown, admission is free if you are in the industry as a manufacturer, diesel or auto shop or a competitor as a racer or puller in our series.

Just call Rachael at the PRI registration office and tell her you are a DIESEL Motorsports race team, she will register you directly - 949 - 373-9224 West Coast time!

It is that easy! The show is full of performance parts for your trucks and engines. Also featured is some of the best tooling machines and accessories in the country. Rows after rows of exciting items to look at for our diesel trucks.

In my eyes a much better show than SEMA for our competitors and diesel shops because it is performance only.

Come by our booth at #1830 for some photos of the DM Girls along with decals, sway and free giveaways. Download our Diesel Motorsports application for your smart phone and scratch off for free prizes.

Also there has been BIG discussions surrounding pulling rules for 2016!

DIESEL Motorsports is having a panel discussion with Midwest pullers and shop owners regarding the rules.

Saturday Room 202 at 10am, DIESEL Motorsports will host a panel discussion with four pullers and shop owners and managers in the industry. We want to hear their thoughts regarding the ever constantly changing pulling rules (DIESEL Motorsports has changed little over 9 years).

It should be interesting to hear what two older pullers and two younger pullers have to say about the sport of pulling.

Bios can be found on the event page for next Saturday - https://www.facebook.com/events/444109375776666/

Hope to see everyone there!

SEMA was a success! Great time for truck owners with many options!

Just got back from SEMA over the weekend! As always it was a great time meeting and talking with existing sponsors selling their products to national and international customers. Plus meeting new manufacturers and sponsors during the week along with new products for our diesel trucks.

New products such as BDS's new adjustable traction bar and Quiet Ride's sound proof mats for our diesel trucks including hood and firewall plus cab sound proofing kits.

Many items that are unique for our truck market makes the trip worth it and connecting those companies with our diesel shops. Like a heated windshield wiper system for those in cold and icy markets, easy installation for most people. A new machined Dmax head from Edelbrock that is built for performance that is very reasonable.

Heavy duty brake pads and rotors from Hawk that are made in the US will give normal brake systems more stopping power when you need it.

There are many items that are new and exciting plus the unusual diesel vehicles. It is now a year away so put in for some vacation next year the first week in November every year.

Just as good is the PRI Show in Indianapolis December 10-12th, make sure to come by our booth #1830 DIESEL Motorsports!

SEMA - next week the annual visit!

What does SEMA mean to our diesel motorsports market? It is a time to meet with our sponsors and promote our sport to other manufacturers who are interested in the market. Half of our time is meeting with new and existing sponsors/manufacturers and the other half is looking for new product/manufacturers with parts for our diesel market.

The SEMA Show is not for everyone since it is a show of a lot of bling-bling among the auto industry but underneath is the hard parts needed for our industry. Meeting with the right people can be very difficult since they are usually busy working the crowd at their booths.

It is extremely crowded at the booths during the entire show!

You are lucky to even get someone to talk to you about the products on the first few days, it's that crowded with people and buyers. The show draws a lot of international people in because of it being in Las Vegas near the coastline.

The portion of the show that is diesel is very small and you have to know where you are looking or you could wander for days. The entire show to walk I believe was at one time 17 miles! Don't know what it is today but you cannot see all of it in three days even if you walked fast.

I have been going to the show for many years and it is always fun! If you are interested in show vehicles and trucks, everyone should go at least once in their lifetime!

Also at the Sand Expo center is the AAPEX show at the same time and it is for the hard parts and auto/truck fluid manufacturers! Your pass will work for both shows.

Why do we have teching at events? DIESEL Motorsports . . .

People ask all the time why do we need to tech vehicles competing?

Why can't we just have a fun run with anything goes? Or outlaw racing with no checking?

It's all about safety!

Racing, pulling or any form of motor sports is dangerous. Accidents do happen and people can get hurt, when that happens people want to get paid for getting hurt or for damages.

Many tracks have the competitors sign a release form, some have everyone who enters their park sign a release form. It differs from track to facility depending on the owners and what they have had happen to them by people seeking compensation.

All teching at tracks fall under the SFI Foundation which sells licenses to sanctioning bodies such as ours, which in turn files reports to insurance companies who can be covered for events. SFI also sells affiliate SFI license which means they are allowed to use some one else's rules and techs to hold an event.

As of now the National Association of DIESEL Motorsports is the only sanctioning body for diesel racing and pulling with our own SFI techs. Others have to use NHRA or IHRA techs for racing and a local club for pulling.

We tech because our insurance requires it in order to be protected from claims surrounding the event. NADM had to submit a ruleset for all of our classes and activities for the SFI Foundation to review for safety.

Some competitors may find our teching a bit harsh but it is for your own safety along with the competitor running next to you. If we tell you to read the rules before traveling to an event, please do so in order to meet the teching for your class.

It's all about making a dangerous sport safe for not only the competitors but also the fans. In the world of attorneys, lawsuits, claims it is all necessary in order to operate and part of the business.

We have many ask how come I passed at a major NHRA track and not your teching?

NHRA does not have classes for diesels, they run diesels under their classes which does not have the same rules. In many cases their techs realize they don't have rules and ignore the teching process and pass the diesels just so they can run. Many tracks take a chance and ignore teching completely in order to get the number of vehicles in to compete.

NADM cannot afford to take the chance when we have National sponsors who rely on us to do it the right way. These same sponsors are the companies who pay for the purse monies the competitors collect.

So when we tech it's all good for the sport!

Buckeye Diesel Blast Review 2015

If you ask me on a professional basis I will tell you the best state for diesel performance in pulling and racing is Ohio! Many have heard me say this at shows, it's because some of the most competitive trucks come out of this state and they have the most diesel shops in the country,

In the middle of Ohio sits a quiet oasis of a drag strip called Marion County International Raceway in LaRue Ohio, it's a 1/4 mile drag strip surrounded by cornfields and soybeans. Started in 1972 by the owner's father some of the greats have raced at this track and he would be proud to show you their photos in the tower. What a great place to bring our diesels to since the sport is very similar to how muscle car racing started in the 60/70s.

In the heads up Unlimited drag class we saw at least six diesel trucks run in the 9s to compete for the win, it came down to two tough competitors Bruce Block and Karl Mireiter. Both have won many races in the past and go back and forth at the races but are good friends off the track. Bruce took the win in the finals running in the 9s for a second time that day 9.87 @143.23 mph.

 Bruce Block 1st in Unlimited

Karl Mireiter 2nd in Unlimited

The 12.0 index found two local guys from the same town not too far away competing for the final win. Larson Miller from Firepunk Diesel and Blake Miller are from Plain City even though they are not related. Just like the other two classes very close finishes with 1/1000 between them on the reaction time.

Families are welcome at DIESEL Motorsports

ET Bracket racing came down to two young drivers who were very determined to get the win Austin Brumfield from 5 hours away and Kyle Mireiter from 2 hours away. Again ET times and reaction times were very close to each other which made for an exciting finish in the finals at almost 100 mph.

Austin Brumfield 1st in ET Bracket

The first time at this location DIESEL Motorsports ran a 2.0 TDI clean diesel class with 7 domestic autos ranging from VW TDis to a 200 hp Chevy Cruze. Randy Harkema  in his Chevy Cruze took the heads-up win from Emily Butterfield in her TDi titled TDIBABE!

 Randy Harkema - 1st in 2.0 DieselEmily Butterfield 2nd in 2.0 Diesel

Sled pulling had close to 70 trucks competing in 5 classes on a very tough clay track that ran while the drag racing was in progress, so the fans could watch both at the same time. Trucks from 6 states competed in the different classes with the semis starting the pull. The crowd definitely saw some dirt and mud being thrown up by these powerful trucks pulling the 300 ft track.

 Mark Scott 1st in SemiEvan Smoot 1st in 3.0Jake Slingluff 1st in 2.6

Buckeye Diesel Blast results for Sept 26th, in LaRue OH at the MCIR track! Diesel Motorsports wants to thank all of the competitors and fans who came out on a beautiful fall day to enjoy the diesel lifestyle family event! Fun was had by all and we look forward to next year's event!

Trevor Selinger Best of Show and  Jacob Neuenschwander Best Dodge with DM Girls

Best Ford Ed Williams

Flowmaster Drag Racing 

Unlimited Heads-Up
1st - Bruce Block Whitepigeon, WI RT-.7550, T-9.87 MPH -143.23
2nd - Karl Mireiter Wooster, OH RT-.5449, T-10.30 MPH-135.52

Quick Diesel 12.0 Index
1st - Larson Miller Plain City, OH RT-.5588, T-11.96 MPH -112.26
2nd - Blake Miller Plain City, OH RT-.6411, T-11.87 MPH-113.30

ET Bracket
1st - Austin Brumfield Warsaw, IN RT-.6129, ET-13.73, T-13.77 MPH-95.73
2nd - Kyle Mireiter Wooster, OH RT-.6509, ET-13.49, T-13.50 MPH-96.97

2.0 Tdi
1st - Randy Harkema Grand Rapids, MI RT-.6711, T-15.33 MPH-91.63
2nd - Emily Butterfield Plain City, OH RT-1.216, T-15.79
MPH-87.75 

Flowmaster Sled Pulling
Semi
Mark Scott Perrysburg, OH 1992 Freightliner 274.03
Paul Davis Vermontville, MI 273.01
Mitchell Scott Perrysburg, OH 1992 Freightliner 260.05
Rodney Horton Tekonsha, MI 249.05
Jeff McCullough Kenton, OH 2003 Peterbuilt 238.07
Kevin Oldham New Bloomington, OH 2000 International 233.08
Dale Abts Wyoming, MI 1991 Ford 215.07

3.0 Class
Evan Smoot Eaton, IN 1997 Dodge 317.05
Josh Bowers Somerset, OH 1994 Dodge 314.09
Bill DeBenedictictis Mentor, OH 1998 Dodge 304.05
Terry Biggs Noblesville, IN 1996 Dodge 303.11
Josh McClellan Waterford, PA 2001 Dodge 259.09
Eric Widman Republic, OH 2001 Dodge 253.09
Ron Kick Orville, OH 1948 Ford F3/Cummins 87.09

2.6 Class
Jake Slingluff Berlin, PA 1979 Dodge Ram 314.1
Jordan Kinderman Kingman, IN 2007 Dodge 302.11
Todd Gillfillan Kenton, OH 2003 GMC 300.08
Jarrod Jackson Connersville, IN 1997 Dodge 299.07
Eric Wildman Republic, OH 2001 Dodge 297
Mike Lepley Ebensburg, PA 2001 Dodge 296.1
Kyle Vlasak Cutler, OH 2001 Dodge 295.05
Zac McClellan Waterford, PA 2001 Dodge 278.11
Jesse Warren Guy Mills, PA 2004 Ford 278.03
Nick Stamm Strycker, OH 2001 Dodge 278.01
Eli Clouse Tiffin, OH 1995 Dodge 269.08
Aaron Ross Lima, OH 1997 Dodge 260.05
DJ Tims Somerset, PA 2012 Dodge 246.1
John Humpe Bloomingdale, OH 2005 Chevy 161.09
Jeff Burton Killgord, OH 1997 dodge 22.09

2.5 Class
Nick Stamm Stryker, OH 2001 Dodge 297.07
John Humpe Bloomingdale, OH 2003 Chevy 295.04
Justin Gillard El Dorado, OH 2004 Ford 290.03
Derick Amos Michigantown, IN 1995 Dodge 284.07
Phillip Martin Stroudsburg, PA 2005 Chevy 282.04
Chad Ray Galion, OH 1991 Dodge 271.05
Derek Borden Westport, MA 2006 Chevy 268.03
Nick Morris Milford, OH 2003 Chevy 245.07
Mark McDaniel Blanchester, OH 2001 Chevy 240.1

Work Stock
Trevor Hull Columbia City, IN 2007 Dodge 286.02
Jeff Anders Bryan, OH 2006 Dodge 283.02
Woody Heimann Findlay, OH 2004 Dodge 281.03
Nick Morris Milford, OH 2004 Chevy 270.1
Jonathon Holdren Goshen, OH 2004 Chevy 268.02
Mark McDaniel Blanchester, OH 2001 Chevy 265.07
John Saunders Willard, OH 2003 Chevy 264.07
Kaitlyn Mootz Milford, OH 2003 GMC 260.08
Lucas Sparks Jonesville, MI 2008 Ford 260.08
Patrick Race Williamsburg, OH 2006 Chevy 259.09
Cody Comstock Waynesfield, OH 1996 Dodge 250.03
Kevin Marcum Thornville, OH 1999 Ford B

Burnout Contest
Cody Schwaderer Marion, OH

Mothers Show-N-Shine

Best of Show - Trevor Selinger 2001Ford

Best Dodge - Jacob Neuenschwander 2004 Dodge

Best Ford - Ed/Kathy Williams 2008 Ford,

Best Dmax - Dustin Schonkel 2007 GMC

What is stronger in DIESEL Motorsports - pulling or drag racing???

It all depends on what part of the country you are in geographically! The popularity of it changes from region to region but it all surrounds diesel performance. Obviously because of the population the East and Midwest has the largest concentration of diesel pickups and in that area sled pulling dominates not only events but also in number of trucks competing.

It's only natural since this area is the bread basket of farming and diesel trucks and machinery are used for their work. Plus pulling has been part of the county fairs for over 100 years starting with horses, to tractors and now to trucks!

Drag racing is still popular but it doesn't draw the crowd that pulling does in the Midwest and East. Many fast trucks/diesels are built in the Midwest because of the technology researched by the diesel shops in this area. Many new items have been developed for advanced performance and horsepower by the local shops.

Out West is mostly drag racing with the trucks because that and off-roading is what the West has always done! It's where the CA racing scene was hot in the 50-70s but with increased population the tracks are having a hard time staying open.

The South is mostly drag racing but pulling is found in pockets in the South, there are a lot of fast trucks in the South. The numbers are smaller for diesel performance trucks but they still are growing the sport in this area.

The NE area of the country has grown yearly for diesel performance in pulling and racing because of the diesel shops. They have advanced by leaps and bounds producing some high HP trucks for both racing and pulling.

The Southwest remains about the same, a lot of trucks in that area but there are less people and less need for performance diesels.

Overall the sport is growing in more areas than others plus the use of diesel for transportation is up 5% for both trucks and domestic vehicles. This is attributed to more access to diesel fuel at the pumps and the interest by the public for longevity for their vehicles.

Trucks, trucks and more trucks . . . gas & diesel . . . because that is what's selling!

I just got back from the Performance Warehouse Association conference and the WDs were looking to buy products that are for trucks! ALL trucks!

That's because they follow what the masses are buying and what will sell at the retail level. Trucks are used for work, pleasure and families, a multipurpose vehicle. With trucks being designed as a four door and most ride as smooth as cars anymore, plus they will still haul or tow large loads at anytime.

They do cost more but most people look at resale values and trucks always retain their values better than domestic cars. Diesel trucks really retain their value in the market place. 

The buyers were looking for products that enhance the trucks but they have to be legal for the market. Mostly because the attorneys have warned them to only sell what the government considers legal for use on trucks because another WD in OH was penalized by the EPA for selling illegal products just last month.

Is it worth the risk, can they do that to a free marketplace? Yes they can and consider the penalties you will have to incur for selling the products.

It's a crazy environment we live in today and even though we may not agree with the majority sometimes -  it is the law which they will enforce. 

I'm writing this to tell what I witnessed at the conference as a warning and as a positive to shop owners. It was good to see the WDs wanting to buy products from manufacturers for trucks both gas and diesel. It's supply and demand so the days of truck accessories, performance and maintenance is back as it was in the 80s and 90s.

Should be a perfect time for many shops to capitalize on what the public wants and demands to purchase for their vehicles.

Sled Pulling rules - past - present - future . . .

DIESEL Motorsports gets asked every year are we going to change our ruleset for pulling. Past years DIESEL Motorsports pulling rules were determined by a group of rural regular pullers and partner Larry (Gene) Mohney based on what should be legal and allow the most diesel trucks to run.

A fair ruleset so everyone in the country could go county to county, state to state to run in everyone's pulls and the rules were the same as not to favor a local group.

What a grand idea and thought to grow the sport of pulling!

It worked for a few years while everyone was cordial and friendly, a family of diesel truck pullers.

It didn't work long though since businesses with pulling trucks competed in the group and wanted to win every time. More power, more wins and more advantages with technology, then the rules started to change at the local pulls again to favor the local trucks. Then entire state groups started to change influenced by those who had the most powerful trucks along with selling the parts to make those trucks.

Turbo rules, weights, etc started to change for the more powerful trucks. This should be a natural progression for technology and advanced performance - right? Yes the trucks that were once considered Modified ran 1000 hp and now the 2.6 trucks easily run over 1000 hp.

2.8 class disappeared and now less 3.0 trucks so the trend starts of less trucks competing. The local rural pulling enthusiast can no longer compete unless you are quite well off - trucks from $50 - 100,000 are the norm for the better pulling trucks.

Let's introduce the 2.5 trucks to include the locals so they can still pull! Now during the past two years i now see 2.5 trucks trailered to the events and are getting close to 1000 hp.

Higher price turbos, injectors, engines, etc and now the modified class trucks are not even trucks and resemble funny car frames with fiberglass bodies reaching near $250,000 each.

Meanwhile the local person cannot afford to keep up with a sport that once dotted all of the fairgrounds with pulls and the fun of competing with other diesel friend's trucks.

DIESEL Motorsports stayed the same for years on local levels and had to change at Regional events until last year where we changed then to accommodate the Midwest trucks. DIESEL Motorsports does not sell parts or favors one brand over the other so more people can compete.

Now other organization's rules are being set by the people who are selling the parts! More higher price parts sold, higher end pulling trucks but less people who are pulling because of costs.

Is this progress?

Now the rules are in question again for the future which basically knocks out the lower truck puller completely. Sure they can drop down as the 2.8 trucks did, or the 2.6 trucks did to 2.5 but how many do we lose in the process.

Sure every one wants to win and take home the big checks but if there are less trucks then the fairgrounds look for other pulling options such as tractors, semis and alcohol mods.

So DIESEL Motorsports is still trying to keep the ruleset on a fair playing field for local trucks and professional trucks in the near future. We want the sport to grow with more people with diesel trucks getting into the sport. What do you think should be the direction? More horsepower and less trucks or fair ruleset with more trucks?

We will see where this takes us for the future for the sport of diesel truck pulling. . . 

Mid-Season review - DIESEL Motorsports!

I usually publish a marketing review of the sport by mid-year but we were so late in getting the season started because of the heavy Spring rains. Once the Summer got going I think everything picked up for diesel performance business and events.

What I am hearing from the shops, manufacturers and businesses they are quite busy right now with diesel performance and maintenance work for the trucks. A lot of the business has to do with making the motors stronger with internal parts and running the maintenance that will keep the diesel trucks running for their work.

Diesel fuel has finally come down so being affordable is easy and in some locations it is cheaper than gas. This allows a little relief from the rising cost of goods across the board for family members. The cost of keeping the competition diesels going in the upper classes have grown and many shops who used to fix the breaks in a week or two may be done for the season. This causes less higher end trucks at the events but the number of the lower to mid level classes have grown at the events.

So more people are buying and using diesel vehicles in their life and using them on the weekends for either a hobby or pleasure. That aligns with the past summer's report from a research group hired by the government, they reported diesel fuel use to increase by 28% by the year 2021 and the use of domestic and light hd vehicles will increase by 23% by 2021!

It is no longer the dirty fuel, the new cleaner diesels have helped our image and even brought more people to the events to find out what diesels can do in performance sports. They realize the trucks used in our classes are not street vehicles since 95% are trailered into the events. The diesel trucks hauling them into the events are burning clean diesel, because they are street vehicles.

If the economy was a bit stronger I think we would see more improvement in activity with the diesel marketplace but I think we are holding our own compared to other motor sports around the country.

Who's on top for diesel performance?

I recently saw a list of the top ten diesel performance leaders for speed and times in drag racing. The top three have not been on the track for at least two years or longer and the others have made these top runs maybe once!

I did see some regulars who run constantly down the track and deserve to be on the list but I did not see some who does deserve to be on there with registered backed up fast runs.

So if the top 3 or 4 have not been on the track for over 2 years does that mean the diesel performance technology has not progressed in over two years? Or that no one has built anything of being worth being mentioned?

If you look at NHRA top runners their speeds progress yearly along with changing vehicles.

What this tells me is the sport still has a long way to go for becoming a mainstream sport, it's all about numbers. It takes huge amount of dollars to build a performance diesel for drag racing and keeping it going. But if the number of people watching these vehicles run does not go up in numbers their dollars will never materialize from sponsors.

I think some of these people are innovative builders who want to excel in diesel performance but their knowledge of attracting major businesses is missing. I talk to a few people at every show and they want to know what it takes to get big name sponsors?

It's about the numbers, exposure and presenting their plea in a business plan that is credible.

So who's on top?  The racers showing up at every event and making multiple passes down the track, getting in front of fans that want to see diesel performance!

Power on the Mountain! East Coast Diesel Nationals 2015. . .

2015 is the 6th year this event has been held at Numidia Dragway and it gets bigger every year. The Diesel Lifestyle family event brings in all ages to watch diesel truck drag racing, pulling, dyno competition and Show-N-Shine. 

It's the only location where we run sled pulling at the same time drag racing is being held right next to each other, it gives the fans double entertainment to watch. Many of the vendors offer show special pricing on diesel parts sought by the truck owners who attend the show. The track owner loves kids and even brings in a bounce house for them along with a huge playground. 

This year DIESEL Motorsports had over 280 trucks competing and over 4500 fans watching the activities. It was a full day starting at 8am and ending about 8pm, the staff of DIESEL Motorsports works very hard to make sure every one has a great time while at the event.

To start the day out we were a bit concerned because heavy rain, thunder and lightning hit the town of Bloomsburg where we were staying but by the time we got to the track on top of the mountain the sky was clearing and it had barely rained at the track. That is the way this track sits between two mountain ranges and seems to miss most storms, that is until 8pm that night minutes after the last Workstock truck pulled down the track the storms came in hard and drenched the area.

During the day it was beautiful sunny weather all day long with long lines at the concessions wanting water, Italian Ice and fountain drinks. Being on top of the mountain there is always a breeze blowing across the track with little humidity. It is a pleasure being in the mountains after holding events down on the plains in the heat.

As always we saw many street trucks line up in the staging lanes for drag racing with many new trucks wanting to win the cash purses available right after the races. DIESEL Motorsports did see some fast trucks with the Unlimited class trucks running in the low 9s in the 1/4 mile. The Mass Diesel dyno competition all saw some high horsepower trucks over 1100 hp coming from all three truck brands.

Sled pulling always has some of the strongest trucks on the East Coast pulling for the cash purses paying 10 places back. This year a diesel tractor class was added, the Modified Turbo tractors was a crowd pleaser with many big names running down the track. The 2.5 class gets stronger every year with some trucks getting close to 1000 hp.

It was a day for many to remember including the Mothers Show-N-Shine trucks with Doug Brarens taking home the best of show with his hauler "Rustenstein"!

Already planning next year's event at Numidia with some new additions to the show that includes some new diesel exhibitions. It is one of DIESEL Motorsports favorite venues to come to every year.

Winners of the Flowmaster  Series classes are below:

2.6 Class Pulling
John Manns Baldwin, MD 1996 Ford, Red/White 331.41
Jeremy Urey Brogue, PA 2003 Dodge, Gray 328.53
Jake Slingluff Belin, PA 1997 Dodge 320.31
Scott Whiles Wellinsford, CT 2001 Dodge Ram 2500, Silver 320.24
Corrie Baker Mt. Pleasant, PA 2004 Chevy, Tan 319.05
Mike Lepley Ebeiwberg, PA 1985 Dodge 317.48
Clint Mills Kennedyville, MD 2006 Dodge, White 317.06
Matthew Hoist East Earl, PA 2005 Dodge 316.16
Joe Hemm Mayport, PA 2000 Dodge, White 315.3
Keifer Fleegce Shippensburg, PA 2004 Dodge, White 310.42
Brian Stumblw Bellefonte, PA 1996 Dodge, Green 304.82
Cody Thomas Pottstown, PA 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 303.63
Chris Hoover Boyertown, PA 1997 Dodge, Black 302.68
Greg Henne Jonestown, PA 2005 Dodge, Gray 299.92
Travis Lewis/Recently Single Millville, PA 2002 GMC Sierra, Gold 299.15
Culvin Zimmerman New Holland, PA 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 297.13
Dustin Harrison Atlantic, PA 296.75
Robert Santini Stewartsville, PA 2002 GMC, Green 289.72
Jon Weaver Richfield, PA 2001 Chevy, Black 287.19
Rick Abare Ticonderje, NY 2009 Chevy, Red 271.36
Brennon Roy Gillet, PA 1999 Dodge, Blue 269.25
Tyler Albert Kingsley, PA 2010 Dodge Ram, Gray 267.04
Greg Walker Spring Grove, PA 1997 Dodge 2500, Silver 253.81
Tim Pheys Groton, PA 2006 Chevy, Red 248.33
Justin Gordon Allenwood, PA 1999 Ford, White 247.73
Grant Smith Keyser, WV 2003 Dodge, Black 201.44
Brad Reynolds/Green Goblin Summit Hill, PA 1997 Dodge 2500, Green 191.94
Joe Petak Trumbull, CT 2001 Dodge, White 130.82
Bill Dean St Albens, VT 2005 Chevy, Blue 107.82
Jesse Warren Guts Mills, PA 2004 Ford, White 51.54
Joe Cosentino Middlenver, MD 1995 Dodge, Silver 10.33

2.5 Class
James Etgan Mayfield, NJ 2006 Dodge, Silver 352.3
Caleb Herman Middleburg, PA 2002 Chevy, Gold/Orange 326.63
Nick Stillwagon Connellsville, PA 2007 Chevy, Blue 326.58
Denny Brechbill Carlisle, PA 99 Dodge, Green 321.81
Dale Blubaker Mohnton, PA 2006 Chevy, Gray 320.81
Josh Carter Mayfield, NJ 2006 Dodge, Blue 319.56
Kevin Wray Northumberland, PA 2006 Gmc Gray 319.46
Rick Abare Ticonderoje, NY 2009 Chevy, Red 315.84
Nathan Branham Centreville, MD 2004 Chevy 313.39
Chadd Briggs Dry Run, PA 2004 Chevy, Silver 312.03
Mark Fessler Womelsdorf, PA 2002 GMC, Silver 311.88
Mike Lonie Bedford, NH 2005 Dodge, White 305.52
Christopher Knuth Madera, PA 2008 Chevy, Black 304.01
Trevor Long Carlisle, PA 300.1
Derele Borden Westport, PA 2006 Chevy, Black 298.25
Philip Martin Stroudsburg, PA 2005 Chevy, Gray 296.89
Levon Visnofsisy Olanta, PA 2012 Dodge, Green 296.64
Mark Wray Gillet, PA 2003 GMC, Gray 287.36
Jill Heining/Daddy's Money Jennerstown, PA 1999 Dodge, White 285.46
Bret Moyer Winfield, PA 2002 Chevy, Black 282.35
Jay Hill Lannenberg, PA 2009 Chevy 281.1
Tom Hassler Bethel, PA 2008 Ford, White 281.1
Andy Garrett Landenburg, PA 2004 Ford, White 278.24
Matt Fessler Womelsfdorf, PA 271.87
Jason Stveok Dushere, PA 2004 Dodge, Red/Silver 266.25
Tom Philips Groken, NY 265.1
Todd Young Benton, PA 2006 Ford, Blue 260.54
Brandon Glasgow Aaronsburg, PA 2000 Dodge, Red 260.24
Benny Stone Factoryville, PA 2011 Dodge, Green 257.58

Work Stock Class
Brianna Hill Landenburg, PA 2005 Chevy, Green 316.75
Mark Fessler Womelsdorf, PA 2002 GMC, Silver 313.59
Kyle Barchey Rockwood, PA 2007 Dodge, Blue 313.44
Martin Zimmerman New Holland, PA 2007 Dodge 313.29
Derek Borden Westport, MA 2004 Chevy, Black 313.09
Mike Lonie Bedford, NH 2005 Dodge, Red 311.33
Tom Hassler Bethel, PA 2008 Ford, White 310.98
Christopher Knuth Madera, PA 2008 Chevy, Black 309.33
Ross Harter Avis, PA 2006 Chevy, Red 304.91
Ben Gelsinger Robesonia, PA 2001 Chevy, Gray 304.21
Trevor Long Carlisle, PA 2005 Chevy 303.91
Andy Garrett Landenburg, PA 2004 Ford, White 301.76
Jack Shingala Sunbury, PA 2004 Chevy, Maroon 301.4
Matt Fessler Womelsdorf, PA 2007 Chevy, Black 301.35
Jesse Young Benton, PA 2008 Ford, Brown 297.99
Jason Streak Dushere, PA 2004 Dodge, Red/Silver 293.18
Jacob Wood Mucy, PA 2011 Chevy, Black 290.27
Eric Arnold Duncansville, PA 2000 Ford, Red 289.97
Ryan Yankin Connellsville, PA 2003 Ford Blue 289.04
Chris Koehler Windsor, PA 2004 Dodge 283.75
Scott Miles Jefferson Twp, PA 2004 GMC, Red 281.8
Zach Albright Altoona, PA 2007 Chevy 276.88
Todd Young Benton, PA 2006 Ford, Blue 275.68
Shane Kline Benton, PA 2002 Ford, Blue 269.26
Ryan Smith Tunkhannnok, PA 2008 Dodge, Blue 267.61
Kyle Meyers Iwona, PA 2012 Dodge 265.75
Scott Beers Easton, PA 2003 Dodge, Black 249.46
Brian Guputo East Hampton, NY 2005 Chevy, Gray 233.21
Miele Hahn Nazareth, PA 2001 Dodge, Red 124.45
Bryan Ralich Ringtown, PA 2006 Dodge 108.31

Tractors Mod Turbo
Vern Zerby/2 Unit Chambersburg, PA Case IH Puma 210 321.59
Curt Forrester/Old Skool Chambersburg, PA Ford 8210 316.27
Scott Kiskadden/Bleedin Blue Chambersburg, PA NH T6-175 316.03
Yankee Mellot/2 Mistress Chambersburg, PA IH-1466 312.51
Vern Zerby/Dr LZ Chambersburg, PA IH-1466 309.02
Vern Zerby/002u Chambersburg, PA IH-966 299.73
Rick Hauck/Lil Stinker Winfield, PA IH-1066 280.65
John Forrester/Papa Smurf Chambersburg, PA Ford 9000 213.77

Flowmaster Drags
ET 
Cody Spence Norvan, PA 04 GMC 0.064 13.95 13.975
Jeremiah Soga Kutztown, PA 11 Ford 0.131 14.6 14.665

Unlimited 
Bruce Block White Pigeon, MI 0.303 10.220 139.56 
Phillip Price, Antrim Diesel Greencastle, PA 0.151 Broke 
Karl Mireiter Wooster, OH 0.132 10.316 133.42

TDI 2.0 
Zack McDowell Wellsville, NY 0.641 21.534 60.57

Pro Stock Diesel 
Susan Stump Fleetwood, PA 0.110 11.183 121.46 
Doug Brarens Mt Pocono, PA Foul -.003 11.524 115.47

QD 
Susan Stump Fleetwood, PA 0.144 12.00 12.79 115.85
Brontley Rigo Friedens, PA 0.182 12.00 12.217 104.32

Dyno Winners
Highest HP & Best dodge
Nicholas Eklund - 06 dodge - 1215.05/1940.40
Best Ford - Tiller Brancifort - 11 FordF350 - 1142.11/2000
Best GMC/Chevy - Adam Garth - 04 GMC - 951.35/1320.95

Mother’s Show-N-Shine
Best of Show – Doug Brarens
Best Dodge – Alan Yoder
Best Duramax – Yvohne Strube
Best Ford – Mike Seeley