Countdown to the 2010 AMSOIL Diesel Power Challenge

Across the nation, 16 competitors are gearing up for what some consider the ultimate title as a Diesel truck owner: winner of the AMSOIL Diesel Power Challenge. One team is even flying in from Down Under! Diesel Power Magazine selects the competitors from a pool of hundreds of entrants vying for the opportunity to be crowned the champion, but only one can come out on top. Preparing these trucks for the challenge is a feat unto itself, with some past competitors being plagued with problems that took them out of the competition before they even started.
This year brings 2009 champion Robert Evans back to defend his title, along with 5 trucks from each of the diesel greats: Team Ford, Team GM and Team Dodge. Each of these competitors has something to prove, and they will do so by attempting to dominate in the following tests of endurance.

Separating the Dyno Queens, From the Dyno King
Day one will have all competitors testing on a chassis dyno to benchmark each trucks’ starting potential in torque. The end of the day will tell who has the edge in torque power, earning whoever ends up on top an intimidating presence for the start of the competition.

Track Day
Day two will take the trucks to the dragstrip to see what they are capable of in the speed category. Each one will be hooked up to a 10,000 pound trailer to haul down the eight-mile. (Top Right) To wrap up day two, an all-new 2010 braking test will keep everyone on their A-game.

Convoy
Day three begins at dawn, with each truck fueling up and heading out on a 150-mile road trip across Kentucky to gauge their durability and fuel economy.

Tug-Of-War
Finally, all trucks still standing will hook up a 30,000-pound sled and attempt to haul it further than anyone else in the competition. At the end of this final challenge, all scores are added up and the winner will be determined by the driver with the most points.

AMSOIL Director of Advertising Ed Newman and Technical Product Manager Molly Brown will be on hand in Bowling Green, Kentucky to witness the action. Check back here soon for information on the teams, drivers, and live updates when the challenge starts in the coming weeks.

Lower right: Diesel Power editor David Kennedy and Molly Brown of AMSOIL present the DPC Trophy and prizes to Iraqi War veteran Robert Evans, winner of the 2009 Diesel Power Challenge.

2009 Diesel Power Challenge Ready to Rumble

AMSOIL is gearing up for another sponsored event in Bowling Green, Kentucky, May 10-12, in partnership with Diesel Power Magazine. The 2009 Diesel Power Challenge pits competitors against one another to find out who has the ultimate street-legal diesel powered vehicle. In a series of events geared towards bringing out the muscle in each of these trucks, diesel fuel must be the primary fuel source during all events. However, modifications, turbochargers, and additives such as nitrous oxide and propane are not only allowed but encouraged.

Over the course of three days the following events will determine whose build has what it takes, but only one will emerge title holder of the Ultimate Diesel-Powered truck.

Day 1
Registration, inspection, and photo shoot for inclusion in an upcoming issue of Diesel Power Magazine.

Day 2
Drag Racing: Each competitor will be given an hour on a speedway to make as many quarter-mile passes in their trucks as possible. The driver who completes the fastest quarter-mile pass will be determined as the winner.

10,000-lb 1/8-mile Trailer Tow: Competitors will attempt to tow a 10,000 pound trailer for a 1/8-mile acceleration run. Each driver is only given one shot, and the truck that completes this in the quickest elapsed time will win this event.

Chassis Dyno: The highest torque output numbers, determined by the operator, will determine the best in this category.

Day 3
100-Mile Fuel Economy Drive: A test in road-worthiness and best fuel economy, this event proves it’s not only about strength and power. After all trucks have been topped off in fuel, a Diesel Power official will lead the group on a 100-mile loop to gauge the fuel economy in each. After 100 miles, the official will top off the fuel again and determine which truck used the most gallons. The truck with the least amount of used fuel will win this event.

Sled Pull: The final leg of the competition is a test in both strength and endurance. Each competitor will attempt to pull a sled for the longest distance, and the top three pullers will then compete for first, second and third place in a pull-off.

After all events have been completed, judges will tally up the scores from each event to determine which truck and driver is worthy of being crowned winner at the trophy ceremony. In addition to being covered in an upcoming issue of Diesel Power Magazine, you can look for the Diesel Power Challenge DVD later this fall. Watch this space next week for results and photos from this years’ Diesel Power Challenge competition.

FILE PHOTO ABOVE IS FROM 2007 EVENT IN SALT LAKE CITY

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