"Fuel prices, what stinkin' fuel prices?"
Those were the words of close to 50 racers who ventured to the Texas Motorplex from as far away as Indiana and Missouri for the Diesel Hot Rod Association (DHRA) season opener.
Upon their arrival, competitors were treated to a day of fun, food, beverages and plenty of DHRA drag racing and purse money. And did we mention sun?
With the temperature in the 70s and the all-concrete Motorplex track in great condition, it came down to an all-Dodge Quick Diesel final where Taylor Cox of Midland, TX, was the winner in his Hosses Diesel Performance 5.9L Cummins. Travis Kiehe of Leander, TX, in his 5.9L Cummins Knock Out Diesel, broke out with a 12.959-second quarter-mile on a 13.0 index. Meanwhile Cox was laying down a 13.319 at 99.16 mph to take the win.
DHRA '07 Pro Street Champion Chris Calkins in his 1970 Orange Crush Chevrolet was uncontested as he picked up the $2,000 Pro Street winner's check with a 10.70-second time at 137.02 mph.
It was a 2003 Chevrolet 6.6L Duramax diesel that won in ET brackets when truck owner Colt Carter used a quicker reaction time of .152 to a losing .206 to outrun Cory Broderick in his 2000 Dodge 5.9L Cummins. Carter ran a 15.137 at 84.31 mph to a losing 15.014 at 88.90 mph to take home the trophy.
Carter also took home a water injection system valued at $700 that was awarded by Painless Performance of Fort Worth, TX.
Royal Purple Oil of Houston awarded each class winner a case of its 15w40 Royal Purple Synthetic Oil. Also, Hatch Gloves of Temecula, CA, will be sending a pair of its newly released mechanic gloves to each winner.
Larry Knight, president of the DHRA, said, "With both NASCAR and a motocross in Dallas, the IHRA and the NCAA men's basketball finals in San Antonio, it was a good showing and a great start to the 2008 DieselPower Additives Drag Racing season.
For the full schedule, visit www.dhraonline.com.