Dr. Performance Diesel Drag Truck Sets New Record

[More Power]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carter Russell, Dr. Performance
coach@drperformance.com, 817-341-0127

Dr. Performance Diesel Drag Truck Sets New Record

The Dr. Performance Nitro Series Dodge Dakota drag truck set new Diesel Hot Rod Association (DHRA) Pro Diesel class records at the 2007 ATS Diesels on the Mountain event: 8.48 seconds at 164.23 MPH. This elapsed time and top speed, set at Denver's Bandimere Speedway, are both records. DHRA rules require a "back-up" run within 10 percent for a record to be official: Charlie Stewart solidified the 8.48 pass with an 8.312-second pass.

"Unfortunately, we stuck a piston on the faster pass and weren't able to back up that time," Stewart says. "We have about 100 passes on the engine, and we're amazed that it's lasted this long without a rebuild." Team owner Kenny Laughlin adds, "Our goal for this season is to get an official time in the sevens, and we're right there if you take into account Bandimere's elevation [5,800 feet above sea level]."

Previously known as the "Predator," Dr. Performance's renamed "Nitro Series" 5.9L Cummins-powered Dodge Dakota has run a best "fluke" time (yet to be backed up by another time within 10 percent in the same year) of 7.82 seconds at the 2007 DHRA Indiana Diesel Nationals.

The Nitro truck's chassis was built by Jerry Bickel Race Cars. Now in its third season with this truck, the Dr. Performance team consistently posts faster times than the diesel-powered dragsters. (Dr. Performance will unveil its own diesel dragster and a second, shorter-wheelbase Pro Street diesel truck at the 2007 SEMA Show.) Amazingly, the Nitro Series hasn't experienced any driveline problems.

Power begins with a 12-valve Cummins 5.9L engine. "They're readily available and are a little lighter than the 24-valve blocks," driver Charlie Stewart says. The engine was built in-house with a combination of production and prototype parts. "Tricks" include friction and ceramics coatings on internal and exhaust components by Polydyne (Houston, Texas). Also, Dr. Performance modified the P-pump and ported the heads for superior flow. Proprietary fuel injectors developed with Industrial Injection and a custom camshaft grind to a Bullet billet blank should be available to the public soon. Dr. Performance also plans to offer high-performance Cummins crate motors in the future.

Regarding ongoing quarter-mile records, Dr. Performance driver Charlie Stewart says, "This sport is fairly new, and there are still a lot of things we haven't tried yet. We've only been running 40 pounds of boost. Since Houston is the last event of the year, we'll crank it up on each run to see what happens when we run 60, 80 and maybe even 100 pounds of boost. We think we can get in the 7.60s."

For further information, contact Dr. Performance, 2217 Old Dennis Rd., Weatherford, TX 76087, 877-338-7373, www.drperformance.com.

DR. PERFORMANCE NITRO SERIES DODGE DAKOTA

DIESEL DRAG TRUCK SPECIFICATIONS

Performance

Horsepower: 1,300+
Torque: 2,000+ lb-ft
Fastest e.t. 7.82 sec. (unofficial)
Current record: 8.48 sec. @ 164.23 MPH
Best 60-ft. time: 1.16 sec.

Engine

Block: 12-valve Cummins 5.9L, Polydyne friction and ceramic coatings throughout, Cummins marine pistons, gas-nitrated OE crankshaft, OE rods (balanced), ARP rod bolts, OE rings, Dr. Performance billet camshaft, ATI Super Damper

Top End: O-ringed 24-valve Cummins head (ported), OE gasket, ARP 2000 studs, Inconel valves (stock size), Dr. Performance spring assemblies

Fuel System: JAZ cell, Dr. Performance-modified P7100 injection pump, Aeromotive system (lift pump, shutoff control), Industrial Injection/Dr. Performance 10-hole injectors, Nitrous Express Pro Mod progressive system

Aspiration: Single Industrial Injection 74mm turbo, ZZ Fabrication sheetmetal intake manifold

Exhaust: ATS exhaust manifold w/added wastegate, 6" primary pipe, Y into 5" stacks

Engine Management: RPM Performance data-logger

Charging: Powermaster alternator

Cooling: Ron Davis radiator, Meziere electric water pump

Normal Boost: 40 psi

EGT Range: 1,200-1,600

Weight: 2,850 lbs.

Geartrain

Transmission: Lenco air-shifted 3-speed, Cone mega converter, Bruno housing and pump

Rearend: Ford 9-inch housing, US Strange 2.91 gears, 40-spline shafts, spool

Chassis

Builder: Jerry Bickel Racing, 1 5/8" x .083" chromoly tubing

Wheelbase: 125 in.
Suspension: Bickel, adjustable Koni coil-over shocks
Steering: Bickel
Brakes: Lamb
Tires: 24/4.5-15 Hoosier Drag Front (front), 33/16.5-15 Hoosier Slicks (rear)
Wheels: 15x15 Weld Magnum Pro (front), 15x3.5 Weld Magnum Pro (rear)

Accessories

Safety equipment: Simpson harnesses, parachutes, race suit, helmet
Gauges: Auto Meter
Body: Bickel carbon-fiber Dodge Dakota hood, front end; OE steel roof, rear quarters
Paint & Graphics: Unique Auto Design

Dr. Performance Race Team

Kenny Laughlin: Owner

Charlie Stewart: Driver
Tony Stewart: Crew Chief
Billy Brown: Transport Driver
Alex Laughlin: Crew

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[john8662]

Wow!

Getting that to the 7.60's and it'll be with all the regular Supercharged rails running at the strips.

Been getting awful fond of these little 5.9's I must admit, I might catch a gmctd bug and get six in a row if I'm not carefull!

Considering the mods on this engine, it's probably a lot less modified than the huge BB gassers running on alcohol. Diesel power!!!

J