When the drag strips would not let diesel pickups on the tracks because of the axle height and truck weight, and the fairgrounds would only let tractors pull at the fairground tracks there was one event that allowed both.
Thunder in Muncie - Indiana 2001!
That one event was Thunder in Muncie started by Eric McBride (Diesel Motorsports Hall of Fame) of the old DHRA group in 2001! Drag racing at the Muncie Dragway on Friday night and then it all moved over Saturday to the Gaston Lion's Club Park just north of Muncie.
Back when diesel pickups hovered around 500-700 HP using bolt-on technology for more power. When 12V Cummins and VP44 trucks were the norm for modified trucks.
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the first diesel only event held in the same format as the first one at both locations. How many of you were there in the beginning years? I know I was not until 2005 but many who I have come to know over the years was there. Many of their kids now come and help or compete at the shows while we sit back and enjoy the show.
The trucks have all changed and I would not think too many of the originals are even around anymore, especially since many of the trucks are 1200-1800 hp. Some are even higher with custom billet blocks and performance internal parts that climb 2-3000 hp.
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The industry has easily quad-tripled in the 25 years since the first event. I have told people that sled pulling is at every fairground from June to the end of August with easily a sled pull most days of the week in each state from Kansas over to New York. The sport started out getting little time on TV in the beginning with now weekly shows featuring either diesel pickups or tractors.
There are many people who have helped build the diesel performance industry what is today and many are no longer with us. The names are endless and some players are still here, many can be found on the DIESEL Motorsports "Hall of Fame" plaque at the Gaston Lion's Club Park in their Club House. I will print out many of the old photos to put up during the event so many of us can view and remember the people. Were you there or possibly some of the early years of the events?
June 19th - Muncie Dragway Albany IN (just east of Muncie) Gates open 5pm
All local trucks welcome - 1/8 mile racing - Semis, Pickups, rat rods
ET Bracket, 7.70 Index, 6.90 Index and 5.9 or heads-up driver choices
June 20th Gaston Lion's Club Park Gaston IN (just north of Muncie) Gates open 3pm
Truck Show-N-Shine Cruise-In - Semis, Pickups (diesel & gas), Rat rods, SUVs, Jeeps 3pm-6pm Awards given at 5:30 over 25 Categories with a Best of Show Special Award
Sled pulling 6pm- til finished Main arena - Tractors, Semis, Pickup Truck Classes
All local classes welcome to come and compete (local rules apply)
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