NHRDA World Finals: Texas Motorplex

For more than 10 years, the National Hot Rod Diesel Association (NHRDA) has hosted some of the country’s hottest diesel drag racing and sled pulling action. With an event series that spans the United States and Canada, it’s easy for both racers and spectators to get in on the action, no matter where they might live. At the end of the year in early October, the NHRDA’s tour comes to a close, with the World Finals, held at the World-famous Texas Motorplex in Ennis Texas. There’s dynoing, drag racing, sled pulling, a show n’ shine, and even a vendors’ row, where spectators can check out the industry’s coolest new products.

Jim Greenway took no prisoners in sled pulling, dominating the 2.6 Class with his MBRP truck. Surprisingly enough, Jim wasn't done, as he would also be competing in the 3.0 Class with another Dodge.
Jim Greenway took no prisoners in sled pulling, dominating the 2.6 Class with his MBRP truck. Surprisingly enough, Jim wasn’t done, as he would also be competing in the 3.0 Class with another Dodge.

DRAGS

This year’s 2015 closer saw an unmatched rivalry in the Top Diesel class, with dragsters from Hypermax and Scheid Diesel going head-to-head down the dragstrip. The NHRDA’s 6,000-pound Super Street class also saw fierce action, with more than a dozen trucks battling it out, many of which were capable of dipping into the 9-second zone. There were index and bracket classes too, as 10.90 and 11.90 classes both had a solid turnout, as well as the ever-popular Sportsman class.

You know how we said Jim would be competing in 3.0? Well, he took the win there too, in his "FASS" Dodge, with a pull of 338 feet.
You know how we said Jim would be competing in 3.0? Well, he took the win there too, in his “FASS” Dodge, with a pull of 338 feet.

SHOW N’ SHINE

The Ennis show n’ shine was alive and well with virtually every kind of diesel, from ultra-modified big rigs, to restored classics, and everything in between. There were lifted trucks, lowered trucks, and innovative swaps. A mobile chassis dyno was also on hand for those folks who wanted to see just how much power and torque their diesel could put down.

The ironically named "Pavement Princess" was a winner in both the Work Stock and 2.5 class, pulling more than 300 feet both passes.
The ironically named “Pavement Princess” was a winner in both the Work Stock and 2.5 class, pulling more than 300 feet both passes.
A number of Sportsman and Index Classes were available to competitors, like the 11.90 Super Diesel and 10.90 index classes. This bright green Ford made it a number of rounds in the 11.90 class, which is usually dominated by Dodges and GMs.
A number of Sportsman and Index Classes were available to competitors, like the 11.90 Super Diesel and 10.90 index classes. This bright green Ford made it a number of rounds in the 11.90 class, which is usually dominated by Dodges and GMs.

SLED PULLS

A diesel weekend wouldn’t be complete without sled pulling, which kicked off the festivities on Friday night. There were the obligatory Work Stock and 2.5 street truck classes, as well as 2.6 and 3.0-inch turbo categories. Jason Stott hauled his Super Stock diesel all the way from Wyoming, so that the Texas crowd could get a glimpse of what a 2,500hp truck on cut tires could do. Semi trucks also got in on the action, with modified big rigs participating in the Hot Semi category.

When the dust and smoke settled, new National and World Champions in more than a dozen different categories were crowned, with many classes coming down to the final few rounds of competition. A fitting end to a great season, we can honestly say we can’t wait for 2016! DW

Martin James' impressively simple and sano '01 Dodge took the fan-voted win in the show n' shine class.
Martin James’ impressively simple and sano ’01 Dodge took the fan-voted win in the show n’ shine class.
On Saturday, many trucks owners polished up their rigs to a bright sheen for the show 'n shine competition. This red Duramax-powered rig was one of the cleanest and most tastefully modified rides in attendance.
On Saturday, many trucks owners polished up their rigs to a bright sheen for the show ‘n shine competition. This red Duramax-powered rig was one of the cleanest and most tastefully modified rides in attendance.
Modified semis got into the action at the World finals, with real work trucks like Rick Fenwick's gear-banging Peterbilt. Many drivers chose to shift two or three gears while heading down track, which made for quite the spectacle.
Modified semis got into the action at the World finals, with real work trucks like Rick Fenwick’s gear-banging Peterbilt. Many drivers chose to shift two or three gears while heading down track, which made for quite the spectacle.
Two wheel drive diesels on slicks could be seen everywhere this year at the World Finals. Trucks like Power Driven Diesel's 10-second "Junker Drag Truck" wowed the crowd with big burnouts and quick elapsed times.
Two wheel drive diesels on slicks could be seen everywhere this year at the World Finals. Trucks like Power Driven Diesel‘s 10-second “Junker Drag Truck” wowed the crowd with big burnouts and quick elapsed times.
Another unique vehicle on the strip was Brandon Carr's 5.9L VP44 Cummins-powered Buick Riviera, which actually had to slow down from its usual low 11-second elapsed times in order to run 11.90.
Another unique vehicle on the strip was Brandon Carr’s 5.9L VP44 Cummins-powered Buick Riviera, which actually had to slow down from its usual low 11-second elapsed times in order to run 11.90.
It looked like nobody was going to derail the Derek Rose train, but Daniel Peirce (far lane) had other ideas. After taking out a number of tough competitors, Daniel pulled off a 9.28-second moon shot in the finals for the win.
It looked like nobody was going to derail the Derek Rose train, but Daniel Peirce (far lane) had other ideas. After taking out a number of tough competitors, Daniel pulled off a 9.28-second moon shot in the finals for the win.
Derek Rose had a stand out performance in Super Street, resetting the NHRDA World Record with a 9.25 second elapsed time in his 1,500 rear-wheel horsepower Ram.
Derek Rose had a stand out performance in Super Street, resetting the NHRDA World Record with a 9.25 second elapsed time in his 1,500 rear-wheel horsepower Ram.
A big part of the World Finals is the Vendor area, which hosts a number of companies who are big on diesel performance. There was BD Power, Shell, Fleece Performance, Suncoast Diesel Transmissions, Pacbrake, Valair, and a host of other companies in attendance with the latest and greatest products designed for diesel pickups.
A big part of the World Finals is the Vendor area, which hosts a number of companies who are big on diesel performance. There was BD Power, Shell, Fleece Performance, Suncoast Diesel Transmissions, Pacbrake, Valair, and a host of other companies in attendance with the latest and greatest products designed for diesel pickups.
The NHRDA's 10.90 Index class was also a very competitive category, with Max Kirtley in the "Little Red Cummins Express" taking the win in the finals with a 10.91-second time.
The NHRDA’s 10.90 Index class was also a very competitive category, with Max Kirtley in the “Little Red Cummins Express” taking the win in the finals with a 10.91-second time.
Probably the cleanest truck in attendance (racer or not), Ryan Milliken's Pro Street class Dodge went low 9's in the quarter before having transmission issues.
Probably the cleanest truck in attendance (racer or not), Ryan Milliken’s Pro Street class Dodge went low 9’s in the quarter before having transmission issues.
The Sporstsman class final came down to Verlon Southwick (who'd already won Super Diesel) and Trey Sikes, who piloted his diesel-powered Jetta to a close win over Verlon.
The Sporstsman class final came down to Verlon Southwick (who’d already won Super Diesel) and Trey Sikes, who piloted his diesel-powered Jetta to a close win over Verlon.
One of the most consistent drivers on the tour, Jarid "The Ironman" Vollmer took the win in Pro Street, with an impressive 8.81-second run at more than 160 mph.
One of the most consistent drivers on the tour, Jarid “The Ironman” Vollmer took the win in Pro Street, with an impressive 8.81-second run at more than 160 mph.
Some of the crowd favorites were in the Big Rig Bracket competition. John Yow, who won the sled pull the night before, proved that big power works on the dragstrip too, taking the win with consistent low 15's at almost 100 mph!
Some of the crowd favorites were in the Big Rig Bracket competition. John Yow, who won the sled pull the night before, proved that big power works on the dragstrip too, taking the win with consistent low 15’s at almost 100 mph!
A step up from 10.90, the NHRDA's Super Street class is a heads-up category with a 6,000-pound minimum weight. It attracted some of the fastest four-wheel drives in the country, like Truck Source Diesel's awesome 9-second triple turbo Cummins-powered Ford.
A step up from 10.90, the NHRDA’s Super Street class is a heads-up category with a 6,000-pound minimum weight. It attracted some of the fastest four-wheel drives in the country, like Truck Source Diesel‘s awesome 9-second triple turbo Cummins-powered Ford.
One of the most exciting races of the day was between John Robinson's Top Diesel altered, and the Scheid dragster. John jumped out to an early lead, but got sideways at half track and crossed the centerline, giving Scheid the win. Despite killing the eighth-mile timing lights, John still coasted to a 7.36, while Jared Jones driving the Scheid rail went on to defeat Marty Thacker in the Hypermax digger in the finals, 6.58 at 6.75.
One of the most exciting races of the day was between John Robinson’s Top Diesel altered, and the Scheid dragster. John jumped out to an early lead, but got sideways at half track and crossed the centerline, giving Scheid the win. Despite killing the eighth-mile timing lights, John still coasted to a 7.36, while Jared Jones driving the Scheid rail went on to defeat Marty Thacker in the Hypermax digger in the finals, 6.58 at 6.75.
In addition to the pickups, two classes of semi trucks were in attendance at the World Finals. Wayne Talkington took the win in the Hot Rod Semi class, with an impressive 12.14-second elapsed time in the finals.
In addition to the pickups, two classes of semi trucks were in attendance at the World Finals. Wayne Talkington took the win in the Hot Rod Semi class, with an impressive 12.14-second elapsed time in the finals.

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Texas Motorplex

Texas Motorplex

Jason Stott's triple-turbo Cummins-powered "Addicted" Super Stock puller had a crowd around it all weekend. Despite a heavy sled, the 2,500 horsepower rig pulled an impressive 292 feet.
Jason Stott’s triple-turbo Cummins-powered “Addicted” Super Stock puller had a crowd around it all weekend. Despite a heavy sled, the 2,500 horsepower rig pulled an impressive 292 feet.
The show 'n shine wasn't just limited to pickups. If there was a "best interior" award, it would have gone to this white, purple, and chrome big rig.
The show ‘n shine wasn’t just limited to pickups. If there was a “best interior” award, it would have gone to this white, purple, and chrome big rig.
At the edge of the show 'n shine area was a chassis dyno, where spectators and competitors alike could get some legitimate horsepower and torque numbers.
At the edge of the show ‘n shine area was a chassis dyno, where spectators and competitors alike could get some legitimate horsepower and torque numbers.
Before drag racers could hit the track, they had to go through the NHRDA's tech inspection. Seen here is the 8-second Armor Inc. Pro Street truck, which of course passed with flying colors.
Before drag racers could hit the track, they had to go through the NHRDA’s tech inspection. Seen here is the 8-second Armor Inc. Pro Street truck, which of course passed with flying colors.
In the Sportsman bracket class, virtually anything and everything could be seen headed down the strip, like this cool old Cummins-powered Ford.
In the Sportsman bracket class, virtually anything and everything could be seen headed down the strip, like this cool old Cummins-powered Ford.
Top Diesel is the NHRDA's quickest and fastest class, and is home to such vehicles as the 6-second Scheid dragster, which unfortunately lost a transmission in qualifying. Not one to go out without a fight, the team swapped in a spare Lenco just in time for eliminations.
Top Diesel is the NHRDA’s quickest and fastest class, and is home to such vehicles as the 6-second Scheid dragster, which unfortunately lost a transmission in qualifying. Not one to go out without a fight, the team swapped in a spare Lenco just in time for eliminations.
Perhaps the most awe-inspiring vehicle in attendance was the triple-turbo, 3,000 horsepower Hypermax dragster. Based on a DT466 platform, the stroked 8.2L engine powered the rail to high 6-second passes all weekend.
Perhaps the most awe-inspiring vehicle in attendance was the triple-turbo, 3,000 horsepower Hypermax dragster. Based on a DT466 platform, the stroked 8.2L engine powered the rail to high 6-second passes all weekend.
The last race of the evening was to wrap up the Pro Stock Truck championship, and boy was it a close one. Despite a hurt motor, "Blown Smoke", the unique 7-second supercharged diesel, held off the Cummins-powered Funnytruck "Flirtin' with Disaster."
The last race of the evening was to wrap up the Pro Stock Truck championship, and boy was it a close one. Despite a hurt motor, “Blown Smoke”, the unique 7-second supercharged diesel, held off the Cummins-powered Funnytruck “Flirtin’ with Disaster.”

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