Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Catching Up With 2010 Diesel Power Champion Dmitri Millard

The 2011 Diesel Power Challenge event is set to descend on Denver, CO May 3rd and final preparations are being laid out now. 12 diesel-powered rigs have been selected to compete head-to-head against one another and returning champ Dmitri Millard. Dmitri sat down with Jason Thompson, Feature Editor of Diesel Power Magazine, to discuss what it’s like to be the one to beat at this years’ challenge, and why the pressure has eased since he started three years ago.

Following is an excerpt from that interview, with the full article to be posted on the Diesel Power website soon.

Q: How does it feel to be the “returning champ” and having to defend your title?
A: It feels great. First off I want to give a big thanks to Diesel Power and its staff for putting on this one of a kind event.

Q: How are you dealing with the pressure? Is it more than last year?
A: The pressure tastes like chicken. This will be my third year experiencing the Diesel Power event both competing and being on a pit crew. The pre-game jitters are gone now.

Q: Who are your crewmembers this time?
A: Matt Handwork (also a 2010 Diesel Power Challenge competitor), David Browning, Dallas Penn, Chris and Tim from last year

Q: What is your strategy going to be for each event? What’s the game plan?
A: We are going to go for broke on every event. Not holding anything back but our strongest events will be on the rollers and asphalt.

Dmitri will be running his 2001 Chevrolet 2500HD Crew Cab 4x4 in this years’ challenge. Modifications are extensive and of course, AMSOIL is powering the engine to ensure it can take the heat of the 2011 Diesel Power Challenge. Will Millard hang on to his title? Check back often as we draw closer to the event start May 3rd for info on other participants and the rigs they are bringing to battle. This invite-only event is closed to the public, but AMSOIL will be providing exclusive live updates from company reps on site watching it all go down.

Photos courtesy Diesel Power magazine.

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