Diesel dragster goes 200+
It began with a brief meeting between Eric McBride and Dan Scheid in August of 2003 about implanting Schied's custom Cummins 5.9L engine into a rear engine dragster. Shortly after, the goal of being the first to 200 MPH was set. Soon after, becoming the first diesel to go into the 6-second range was added.
The Silverline Exhaust-sponsored rail hit the track for shakedown runs in late 2004. During 2005, the team was unsuccessful getting a converter-assisted transmission to harness the power of the Schied engine. In 2006, the Scheid Diesel Motorsports team put a clutch in the car and the learning curve began. The torque of the diesel broke transmission parts that Lenco told Dan wouldn't break, but progress was made as they were able to make several 7-second, 180+ mph runs. Last year the struggle continued with broken gears and breaking in an interim driver. Finally, Bo Layne entered the picture just in time for the 2008 season. The Bowling Green, KY, native took to the drivers seat, Dan tried out a new way of applying the power to the engine and magic occurred.
And how poetic it is that the first 200 MPH diesel quarter mile happened at Muncie (IN) Dragway. "It ties us all together" DHRA founder Eric McBride said, commenting on the run occurring just four miles from Diesel Hot Rod Association headquarters.
Congratulations to Dan Scheid, Bo Layne, Jared Jones and all of the SDM crew for the 6.94 at 201.74.The SDM/Silverline dragster will be looking to set a new MPH record during the Texas Diesel Nationals at Houston Raceway Park on October 11. They will have to duplicate their speed within 1% to back it up. [9/29/2008]
Dixon staying with Prudhomme through 2009?!
In a pit interview during the recently completed NHRA event at Memphis Motorsports Park, Don Prudhomme’s long-time driver was asked if he would be driving for Prudhomme next season. Larry Dixon’s answer was simple and to the point. “I don’t know why not. I’m under contract through next year.”
Sounds like Larry Dixon intends to honor his word and his contract to the Agent. (Ron Lewis photo) [9/29/2008]
Hanna gets a Pro Mod ride?
DRO’s Will Hanna, who tunes and drives Alky Funny Cars in Texas, recently got the opportunity to drive a Pro Mod.
He drove car owner Jimmy Hector’s ex-Dan Bandish supercharged ’63 Corvette at a recent eighth-mile race in Texas.
The pair liked the deal so much they are planning to race at the upcoming ADRL season ending race at the Motorplex on Oct. 24-25. Hector has a “C” screw blower that they plan to put on an engine for ADRL Pro Extreme competition. [9/29/2008]
Dry hop puts Humphreys out
After going through his starting routine at Memphis Motorsports Park, Justin Humphreys drove through the water box to wet the tires before the burnout and then let the clutch out. The tires began shaking immediately and Humphreys stopped, drove back into the water box to find out there was no water in it the first time.
The redo brought smoke, but the clutch was hurt and so was his chance of driving the RaceRedi Motorsports Pontiac to the win. Humphreys did register a .017-second reaction time to opponent Jeg Coughlin's .028, but the best Humphreys could muster was a 6.976-second effort to Coughlin's 6.642.
"The track guys didn't put any water in the water box and no one caught it before we pulled up there," said Humphreys. "When I let the clutch out on the burnout it kind of hacked around out there. I didn't know what was wrong. We backed up and they put the water down. That cost us a run.
"We thought we had the hot rod to beat this weekend. The WJ (Warren Johnson) power we have been using is awesome and my guys have been doing a good job.”
At least Humphreys was philosophical about the incident. "This was one of those freak things that will probably never happen again." (Ron Lewis file photo) [9/29/2008]