Competition NHRA Mile High Nationals at Denver, Project X Diesel first street diesel to compete

[COMP461]

This last weekend we drove Project X 800 miles in to the gate of a NHRA Powerade National event. We passed tech and raced. This one was a first for diesel, and the mainstream world was impressed. We did not run the number that X is know for because of a few problems that were out of my scope of knowledge , primarily the Map sensor, but we did have fun and gave the fans a great taste of diesel performance .



Best time 13. 47 @ 120. 98 with a lethargic 2. 97 60 foot, would not spool with the map sensor bad.



The following pictures are of tech, NHRA had not one, not two, but every tech inspector on the property to show up when we rolled in to tech. We held our breath, but everything passes, and we received a lot of positive thought from all the tech guys. They were all very interested in the rules and how they applied to the diesel truck. We had to wait for them to get the print of the new nitrous rule as it was not in their procedure book. The rules require us to go across the scales to make sure the truck weighed at least the minimum or 2100 lbs for a 6 cylinder, the scales guy said no way, and just said in his opinion it was of sufficient weight and no need to chance hurting the scales at a national event

 

[COMP461]

We then we to credential trailer and received a run card

 

[COMP461]

Next We then went to the Mickey Thompson Trailer where Carl Roberson their National marketing director provided us a few sets of the 17 inch drag radials to test.

 

[COMP461]

Then we went to the staging lanes where we had a problem with security, who were very confused as to where was our race car, and SST didn’t allow a tow vehicle , after a NHRA official was called we were let in to the lanes .

 

[COMP461]

I was really relieved when we finally took the track,

 

[JasonCzerak]

Then we went to the staging lanes where we had a problem with security, who were very confused as to where was our race car, and SST didn't allow a tow vehicle , after a NHRA official was called we were let in to the lanes .

"Where's your race car, we don't allow a tow vehicle".

Now that's funny!!! :-laf :-laf :-laf

Atleast you can say you were the first to be mistaken for a tow truck and not a race truck

 

[COMP461]

We were even called down by another security guard for driving in the pits; we had to make several trips to the store to get supplies, food and ice. And to get seat belts form Simpson. We told them to look at the NHRA required decal for auxiliary pit vehicles, and this was it. So all in all it was out race vehicle, tow truck golf cart , and ride to the motel, which WJ was pleased to ride in Saturday night all in all we were really treated great by the track and NHRA . and we pitted in the Comp pits with a few of my former competitors

 

[JHellmann]

So where's the pic of WJ riding in the truck?

 

[paulb]

Congrats Greg!



It appears to me that a lot of people don't realize the significance of this race. To my knowledge this is the first time that a diesel pickup has competed in a NATIONAL NHRA event. I am not talking about doing exhibition runs (which has happened before), but to actually compete in Super Street. It's actually a feat just to get past tech, and sets a precedence for future diesel pickups that want to race in the Super categories (i. e. Super Street, Super Gas, Super Comp).



Not just anyone can sign up at a national event and compete. The most popular way to be able to compete at a national event is to earn divisional points. So just having a competitive pickup, is only half of the equation. You also have to have a driver that qualifies to race at a national event.



This is a hugh mile stone! Way to go Greg!



Paul

 

[RacinDuallie]

Greg, you need to lower the Project X truck a little more- 2" front and looks to be about 4" in the rear-

It's got that 'Cat in heat' stance... ... . :-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf

 

[COMP461]

It will be going even lower, along with the second gear vendor overdrive, and a NHRA legal Cage that Charlie Stewart is installing after TruckFest. Charlie is designing a prefabed Chromemolly 1 5/8 . 056 cage to make the truck legal above 175 mph, in anticipation of Bonneville. This cage will be a tight fitting, well engineered cage that will be available in the next month as a kit that will be easy for the average diesel gearhead to install.

 

[RacinDuallie]

FYI- Vanishing Point Race Cars already has a cage kit available for the Dodges... ... .

 

[COMP461]

Here are more pictures, of the trip

Washing the truck after the 800 mile drive



Kalitta’s crew chief, a few mins before this the whole crew including Connie were very interested, it took me a while to find a camera



This is Rattan pass we had a huge issue with a trucker when people that had recognized project started taking pictures, his truck was in the back ground and was placarded nuclear waste

 

[COMP461]

dose any one know whay this guy was so upset over a picture

 

[JasonCzerak]

dose any one know whay this guy was so upset over a picture

you don't want to be identified carrying sensitive materials under tight government control. Last thing you need is something plotting something to open that load of is his with bad intentions.



Or some nervous wreck of a driver, created a wreck.

 

[RacinDuallie]

Trucker should not have been stopped in a public area, from starting point to destination... ..... nice.

 

[TurboTweaker]

congrats greg on making it pass tech. i know how that works being one of the first. tech guy"diesel dont go fast enough for loops or a fire suit"



The Fat Kid

Andy

 

[COMP461]

Due to a family emergency, I will not be able to fly back to Denver as planned my wife’s surgery was moved up to Monday. She is recovering great, and everything is going better then expected. Thanks to the many on here that were aware of this and called in with well wishes and cards. My Good friend Charlie Stewart or one Kenny’s sons will wheel Project X at TruckFest and bring it back home

 

[SHobbs]

Greg, you need to lower the Project X truck a little more- 2" front and looks to be about 4" in the rear-



It's got that 'Cat in heat' stance... ... . :-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf

I Laughed so hard I fell backwards in my chair.