When it comes to the diesel truck world, I’m an outsider, a dirty hot rodder and custom guy. But when I got the call to attend Scheid Diesel Extravaganza in Terra Huate, Indiana, I knew it was an awesome opportunity. Tractor and truck pulls are one step outside of my safety zone, but damn if it doesn’t sound fun!
Scheid takes over the town, much to the dismay of those who live there, for three days of fun at the fairgrounds, enjoying some of the highest caliber diesel builds I’ve had the pleasure of seeing. All-in-all, more than 15,000 people showed up from around the Midwest and East Coast. I was hooked as soon as the first truck rolled coal past me pulling the sled on the 1/8-mile dirt track.
The enthusiasts in the show-n-shine area were nice enough to take the time to explain to this newcomer how everything worked. When they hit the dyno in the car corral, the turbos spooling and black smoke rolling up were enough to surprise me — until I saw the numbers, which are in a ballpark I’m not used to seeing. For nostalgic hot rods, 300 hp is a good number to reach for. The top trucks at Scheid were turning upwards of 1,600 hp! It almost makes me want a diesel in the garage.
Joined by Driving Line’s resident diesel expert, Mike McGlothlin, I was introduced to an entire new aspect of the automotive world. Take a look around for a look through my eyes and check out more from Mike on Scheid Deisel Extravaganza. You can bet I’ll jump at a chance to attend a diesel truck pull again, and you should too if the opportunity comes up!
