Power Driven Podcast

Spectator Ride-Alongs: The Most Fun We've Had At A Race

Power Driven Podcast

Show Notes

We took total strangers for rides down the racetrack in our diesel drag trucks, and it might be the most fun thing we've ever done at an event. This episode is a stroll down memory lane on the Power Driven Podcast, covering our trip to Montana for an NHRDA event and the first time each of us felt real horsepower behind the wheel.

Todd, Will, and Myer break down how the spectator ride along program came together, from a six year old getting the full harness experience to grown adults walking away shaking after a pass in the junker. We also cover what it takes to run those rides safely, watching trans temps and checking for leaks between passes.

Then we get into the technical side of the weekend. Myer talks through setting a new record for the fastest Dodge 48RE four speed transmission in a truck, running a 4.82 at 155 miles per hour in the eighth mile, and the tuning fix that got him there. There is a breakdown of why guys are moving from the 48RE to turbo 400 transmissions for pro street and eighth mile racing, and why the converter clutch dragging at the line is the real Achilles heel of the Dodge trans.

We also talk diesel truck racing classes, from mild 770 index trucks up to 590 Pro Street, and why a stock looking Cummins powered truck sitting in the parking lot could probably run mid elevens if the owner just gave it a shot.

We had a blast being part of this NHRDA event and hope to see more tracks doing spectator ride alongs. Come say hi in the pits if you catch us at the next NHRDA race in Ennis, Texas this September.

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