HEADLINES: Diesel Drag Racing Comes To Orlando

Sunny and 75 with a side of diesel drag racing made for the perfect start to the 2024 Outlaw Diesel Super Series season. Over the weekend, ODSS heavy hitters made their way to Orlando Speed World Dragway to put on a show within the show at the newly-relocated Florida Truck Meet—and they did a damn fine job of it. After struggling for traction all weekend, Michael Cordova’s record-holding rail took the win over Mattie Graves in the Pro Dragster finals.

In Pro Mod, Johnny Gilbert got the W against Larson Miller, while Justin Zeigler continued his win streak in Pro Street. Within the ranks of 5.90 Index, Mitchell Wicklund earned his first (and very well-deserved) victory. In 6.70 Index, Nebraskan Jeremy Strickney came out on top over David Beach, David Hurst took home the hardware in 7.70, and Alex Tucan went home a winner in ET Bracket. Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage from Orlando in the days ahead.

More Drag Racing

A New ODSS Pro Mod Record

The ODSS season-opener launched one new record and several other personal bests over the weekend. Arguably the biggest news here lies with Firepunk Diesel’s Pro Mod. After struggling through the chassis and traction issues that’d plagued them throughout testing on Thursday and qualifying on Friday, the Plum Crazy Duster ripped through the eighth-mile in 4.12 seconds at 194 mph in Q3 on Saturday. With it, driver Larson Miller reset the ODSS Pro Mod ET and trap speed records. Bright and early on Friday, Mattie Graves drove the Hollyrock Customs rail to a 3.99 at 192.88 mph—a new personal best for the fastest woman in diesel.

Unique Swap

Meet The Goober Garage’s “CoroMonster“

You’ve never seen anything like this before, trust us. TheGooberGarage’s “CoroMonster” is ’59 Dodge Coronet up top, and third-gen Ram 2500 underneath. The 2004 Dodge chassis, 11.5 and 9.25-inch AAM axles, and four-wheel drive are along for the ride, as is (of course) the 5.9L common-rail Cummins. Inside, the classic sedan has been treated to a mix of ’04 and ’12 model year Ram interior, complete with dash, gauge cluster, and fully functioning heat and A/C. Interestingly enough, the CoroMonster sports a fifth-wheel hitch that we’re told gets put to good use. Imagine seeing a lifted Coronet cruising down the highway with a 15,000-pound trailer behind it!

Emissions

Just How Far-Reaching Are The EPA’s 2027-2032 CO₂ Emissions Regulations?

If you haven’t taken a look at the EPA’s latest emissions regulations, you need to. If allowed to stand, they will have a major impact on the future of all vehicle transportation in America. Example 1: the EPA projects that by 2032 just 1-percent of all light heavy-duty vocational vehicles will be powered by internal combustion, 5-percent will feature natural gas propulsion, 40-percent will be a mix of hybrids (including plug-in hybrid electric, battery electric, and hydrogen fuel cell), and 24-percent will be hydrogen combustion engine vehicles. Example 2: the EPA projects that by 2032 long-haul tractors will be comprised of 64-percent internal combustion engines, 5-percent natural gas, 10-percent hybrid, and 17-percent hydrogen fuel cell.

AFPM Ramps Up Its Spotlighting Of Biden Administration’s Car Ban Policies

The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) is expanding its awareness campaign warning of the Biden administration’s defacto ban on internal combustion vehicles to nine states. The new wave of ads, supported by a seven figure budget, will air in Maine, Georgia, Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin, Ohio, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Montana. The well-timed expansion comes before key Senate votes could stop the coming ban on ICE-powered vehicles. Chet Thompson, AFPM President and CEO was quoted as saying: “The United States Senate has the power to stop President Biden’s unlawful policy banning most new gas cars, but it’s going to take both Democrats and Republicans to deliver on that and protect consumer freedoms. With critical Senate votes on the horizon, it’s imperative that Americans are informed about the President’s gas car ban agenda and have the opportunity to contact their Senators to make a difference.”

Written by Mike McGlothlin