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

Rules Rules and more changes in Rules - not DIESEL Motorsports!

I get calls all the time about what changes are being made to our rules?  DIESEL Motorsports has not had any major changes for over 8 years! The only changes that have been made are for safety through the SFI group and occasional equipment upgrades after conferring with the state groups and competitors.

As an association for the sports we need to make the rules work for groups across the country and not just one group who wants to sell more parts. The belief when we started this was a universal set of rules so competitors could travel state to state to compete without worry of being DQed for equipment.

This gets more people into the sport and more competitors to show up at your events since they don't have to worry about changing rules.

Different groups change the rules so they can sell their parts, make sure their trucks have a better chance wining and it is all about the dollars.

DIESEL Motorsports does not sell parts, we encourage all trucks to compete and we actually spend our dollars promoting local groups through sponsorship, marketing and promotions for their events.

We have been asked many times to sell parts or do our own web site but that does not help the local shops. DIESEL Motorsports wants the local shops to sell the parts to their customers. We want them to bring their customer's trucks to our events knowing they have a fair chance to win the purse monies.

If you change the rules every year then competitors who cannot afford the changes will drop out of the competitions. Then the numbers get smaller and smaller in the upper classes. When the numbers get smaller then the purses get smaller. It's a downward spiral that does not end in a positive direction.

DIESEL Motorsports wants all who want to compete to spend what they can to enjoy the sport, it is a rural sport for all who want to own a diesel that can compete every year without spending thousands to keep up with the rules.

It's hard enough to add more to compete with new technology in order to win but to purposely change the rules to make competitors upgrade only lessens our numbers.

DIESEL Motorsports wants to expand the market base and competitors, that is why we support local groups with funding, marketing and exposure.

Ask yourself if the other groups are giving to local diesel groups in order to expand the sports? We have been giving to local groups for over 8 years spending thousands of dollars to try and expand diesel motor sports!

Nebraska Diesel Show Report - FYI

Nebraska Diesel Show held in Kearney NE at the Kearney Raceway on Saturday and Sunday was the first DIESEL ONLY event held in Nebraska with GREAT results! 

This is a 7 year old show with a group of nice young diesel enthusiasts called the Nebraska Diesel Show, they wanted to partner with DIESEL Motorsports along with the Kearney Raceway Park. Saturday's activities included grade match drag racing between the diesel trucks which gave them a chance to challenge each other with their trucks on the track. DIESEL Motorsports held a ET Bracket class at the end of the day with over 35 trucks competing in the race and over 100 trucks raced during the day.

Also two different dynos were operating with trucks on both all day long on Saturday and Sunday competing for the highest numbers for Ford, Dodge and GM. Mothers Show-N-Shine washed during Saturday and the winners are listed below with some great trucks including the Mothers Best of Show a 2011 Ford F350/converted to Excursion with full interior fabrication turning the vehicle into a real Ford 2011 Excursion that is a modified diesel.

DIESEL Motorsports wants to thank the local NDS members and the Kearney Raceway Staff and owners for making us feel welcome plus providing a great crowd to watch the activities. Winners are listed below:

Saturdays Race: 
1st Place Curtis Nelson - 2006 Ford
2nd Derek Weeder - 2006 Chevy

Mothers Show-N-Shine
Best of Show - Christopher Lieber
2011 F350 Ford converted to Excursion

Best Ford and Popular Vote
Elliott Hawkens
2002 Ford F350

Best Other/Collectible
James Knight
1961 F100/5.9 Fummins

Best Dodge
Zachery Leach
2009 2500 Baja

Best GMC/Chevy
Josh Follmer
2008 Chevy 2500

Sunday Sled Pulling
Winners 2.5, 
1st Colbi Seth 306.06, 
2nd, Levon Reiff 287.08 - 

2.6 Winners, 
1st Bryan Banghart 299.04, 
2nd Ryan Bower 296.07, 
3rd Jesse Knight 291.02, 
4th Levon Reiff 286.07, 
5th Nathan Bridgeman 286.05 - 

3.0 winners 
1st Cole Nadrechel 289.08, 
2nd Nathan Bridgeman 285.02 - 

Workstock winners 
1st Chandler Uldrich 287.00, 
2nd James Knight 243.01

A great weekend with lots of trucks and everyone enjoying the diesel lifestyle in Kearney NE

Trade shows are over and the season begins soon!

March is coming to a close and DIESEL Motorsports is done going to the trade shows promoting the 2015 shows and sponsors. In March we had two different shows on the same weekend. One in Harrisburg PA at the Keystone National Indoor Pull and in Indianapolis IN at the Performance Business Shop Show.

Gene and the DM Girls ran the show in Harrisburg while I manned the booth and Shop Show in Indianapolis with a little help from some diesel friends. The shows were 2-3 days long and we saw a lot of people at both shows.

Why are we doing these shows?

To promote diesel motor sport shows and the sponsor's products or services. We pass out flyers for the shows, decals, swag and product literature for the sponsors. A lot of diesel customers, fans and shops attend the shows. We want to promote what DIESEL Motorsports does in front of new people at every show. None of the other diesel promoters spend their monies to do this for the sport, but then again that is why the sponsors are with DIESEL Motorsports.

It is a yearly job to promote our sport and lifestyle to the public, 5 years ago we estimated we were only reaching 1% of diesel owners. Currently we are reaching 5-10% of diesel owners Nationwide with our message so we have come a long way in those short years. 

The yearly shows are now well established in the areas DIESEL Motorsports has deemed worthy of producing the most diesel trucks for events. Plus we have expanded into some new areas that have grown over the years. Many of our affiliate events continue to grow new areas while maintaining current markets into more rural areas that want the diesel events.

It is so easy to hold just one or two events per year but producing or helping with over 60 events a year takes a lot of work and time. It is worth it when DIESEL Motorsports sees the results at the end of the year by hearing about the amount of parts sold by the sponsors.

DIESEL Motorsports first event of the year is the Nebraska Diesel Show which has been held every year for over five years by local diesel enthusiasts and shops. This year they wanted it to go bigger with the addition of sled pulling, Show-N-Shine and more sponsors. Diesel Motorsports is happy to bring something to the table for these hard working locals who want a great diesel show. It's early in the year April 25/26th but normally the weather is good for the show before the May rains hit.

Take some time to look at our schedule for some great diesel shows in your area.