Wheels-Up, Duramax-Powered Chevelle Goes Rounds At Cleetus MacFarland’s Christmas Tree Drags

The infamous Cleetus MacFarland Christmas Tree Drags unfolded at Bradenton Motorsports Park over the weekend, and Rick Fletes was there with his Duramax-powered 1970 Chevelle to compete in the Lil’ Gangsta category. As it turns out, the Chevelle was a hit, with the wheels-up classic cruising through the first two rounds of competition with victories. In round 3, and with only 8 cars remaining in the field, an old transmission gremlin resurfaced, taking Rick and his Chevelle out of contention. Post-race, Rick headed for home (California), but he’ll be back in the Sunshine state the first of February to participate in SICK Week 2026.

Locked In For Lights Out

Not only was Justin Goode’s beautiful Chevy Silverado on hand in Bradenton, competing in the Christmas Tree Drags, but this LML Duramax-powered Bow Tie is also locked in for the N/T Pro Truck class at Lights Out 17. It’s one of the newest builds on the diesel scene, and it’s shown a lot of promise so far, with deep 4-second potential. Based out of the MBS Diesel Performance stable (Justin’s company), it’s backed by Wagler Competition Products, S&S Diesel Motorsport, MTKB Racing, Stainless Diesel, Hot Shot’s Secret, and Knoxville Driveline. As Justin and team continue to fine-tune this wild, lightweight 4×4, also look for him to be a contender for the 4×4 Duramax record at some point.

First Fire: Michael Brown’s UCC-Bound Enforcer Rumbles To Life

Michael Brown is taking his Ultimate Callout Challenge prep very serious, with plans to step up his game considerably at the 2026 affair. After taking delivery of a new Enforcer Series Cummins from D&J Precision Machine, it was turned over and brought up to operating temp for the first time before being treated to a hot re-torque. Next up in Michael’s well-laid plan is a visit from master fabricator, Keaton Samples, for new intake piping, and then some steering system work before he goes testing. Look for Michael and his nasty, 2,500+ hp Cummins to hit the track early in 2026…

At The ‘Strip

The 72mm Path To $100K

Things continue to heat up for the $100,000 Seventy 2 Fast race at U.C.C. next June, with dozens of entrants posting updates on social media. This one comes from Redline Transmission’s Karl Mireiter, who made the field and plans to build a truck specifically for what is becoming diesel drag racing’s hottest new class. Last Tuesday, you could say things became “official,” as Karl took delivery of the 72mm VS Racing charger the class revolves around. Expect Karl to piece together a low 6-second truck with a Cummins under the hood and a transmission that can handle any amount of abuse he throws at it.

The Ultimate Sleeper

If you were at UCC 2022 or you follow Mahky’s Performance, you’ll remember this truck. Mark Rojee sent his 2018 Ram 2500 into orbit, going 6.42 at 110 mph in the eighth-mile. The late-model, full interior ¾-ton tipped the scales at a hefty 7,745 pounds that race day and, before its first trip through the traps, appeared to be just another test-n-tune diesel preparing to make a less-than-captivating 9 or 10-second pass. Instead, the compound turbo’d D&J Enforcer-powered and S&S fueled fourth-gen—complete with half tread all-terrains, the factory 20-inch wheels, and an OEM tailpipe—shocked the crowd (and us). Just an FYI, 6.40s at that trap speed and weight indicates more than 1,400 hp was making it to the wheels…

Written by Mike McGlothlin