Top Ten Stories of Our First Year and a Shout Out to Our Readers

Today marks the one year anniversary of the Blue Flame blog, a year of finding stories of value and sharing them with diesel enthusiasts. It's really been a remarkable year in many respects. We truly appreciate all of you who have made time to visit here over the course of the year. 

When we began this endeavor one year ago today we were fairly certain that there was an unmet desire for diesel-related news, hence our desire to become your diesel performance resource center.

We've now posted 261 unique blog posts by 11:00 a.m., Monday through Friday since September 1, 2021 in the heart of the pandemic. The average reader is spending nearly six minutes on the blog per visit. Thank you for your interest. We're delighted that there is always something to talk about when it comes to diesel. And if there's something you'd like to see that we're not covering, please let us know in the comments.

What follows are links to our Top 10 stories of this past year. 

10 

According to Shelby American president Gary Patterson, they created the Super Baja by combining all the best features and experience they'd gained from the  Shelby Raptor and Shelby F-150 programs. Phoebe Wall Howard described it as something "for that special someone who has everything."

Read: Shelby F-250 Super Baja Limited: The Epitome of Diesel Cool

9 
Automotive News editors were intrigued that whenever they had long discussions with auto industry leaders, somehow the conversation often drifted to racing. The editors came to realize that racing was itself a microcosm of the industry. 

Read: The East Coast Diesel Nationals and Thoughts on Why Motorsports Competition Matters

8 
It's late summer now, but fall is in the air and winter around the corner. What follows are a few areas to focus on, extracted from an article by Whitney Russell that appeared in The NewsWheel.

Photo courtesy Chevrolet

Read: Getting Your Diesel Truck Ready for Winter

7 
If you're a diesel guy you're probably have a few ideas about how to produce more power. Nevertheless, if you aspire to play with the big boys you'll want to make sure your fundamentals are covered. Afterwards you can add your own secret sauce.

Read: How to Get More Power from Your Diesel 

6 
Viscosity control? Shear stability? TBN retention? Confused? Best to start your search by understanding your application; tractor pulling, drag racing, stationary, street, off-road, etc. Answering these five simple questions will help you zero in on the right oil for your truck's specific needs.

Read: Five Questions to Help You Pick the Right Diesel Engine Oil

5
The National Association of Diesel Motorsports (NADM) announced Champion Blue Flame Performance Diesel Engine Oil as the official oil for this year's annual East Coast Diesel Nationals held at Numidia Dragway in July.  

Read: East Coast Diesel Nationals Picks Champion Blue Flame as Official Oil

4 
There are five reasons diesels are such torque monsters. Here's a deeper dive into the details.

Read: The Biggest Reason We Love Diesels: More Torque

3

The 7'1" former NBA All Star doesn't always have an easy time finding a vehicle he can comfortably drive. The Drive gives an account of the steps Shaq took to find a ride more suited to his special needs and tastes.

Read:  Shaq Goes Big with a Diesel Ford F-650

2  
This was a big story for us. Shelby American is recommending Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil  for its new Ford Shelby F-250 Super Baja, a Limited-Edition off-roading pick-up truck. 

Read: Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil Recommended for Limited-Edition Shelby F-250 Super Baja Pick-Up

 
1 

Diesel drag racers were invited to participate in the Champion Blue Flame contingency program. The response has been such that this became our most read blog post of the past year

Read: Blue Flame Contingency Program Rewards Diesel Drag Racers

 

THE BLUE FLAME BLOG has been designed to be a destination for owners, enthusiasts  and fans of diesel vehicles. From the start our goal has been to create a one-stop spot to stay informed, discuss, share and learn about all things diesel. As diesel fans, supporters and critics, we value and appreciate your participation in generating diesel related content. If you have ideas for stories, please leave comments or send an email to BlueFlame1952@gmail.com

Winners and Photos from Last Weekend's East Coast Diesel Nationals Gives

All photos courtesy Diesel Motorsports

For a lot of people, their first exposure to diesel competition took place at a county fair.  County fairs are a tradition as American as apple pie. In fact, your first apple pie might have even been at a pie eating contest at a county fair. Fairs give communities a chance to show off what is special in their communities. They are also lathered with nostalgic memories, becoming a gathering place for young and old alike. 

These thoughts came to mind when I read this headline from the Journal-News: County Fair Tractor And Truck Pulls Rescheduled (Again) For Aug. 22. It was that word "Again" that tipped us off to the biggest challenge all motorsports promoters face: the weather. 

EAST COAST DIESEL NATIONALS 2021

This past weekend in Numidia, Pa., the day opened with a bright sun scattering its arrows of light across the landscape. It seemed a good omen, since the East Coast had been receiving buckets of rain nearly daily for a week while a large swath of the country has been experiencing a drought.

Unfortunately the day's events were later cut short... by more rain. Despite the weather, racers persevered and we had winners in a number of categories so the the day was not a complete washout. The 2500+ attendees who came to Numidia saw 175 competitors in a limited event that included racing, pulling, dyno and Show-N-Shine.

Champion Blue Flame Oil is pleased announce the following winners for the East Coast Diesel Nationals last Saturday in Numidia, PA.

 

ET Bracket

Champion – Jake Allison

Heads -Up

Champion – Marlin Shirk

Sled Pulling

WorkStock

1 – Matthew Fessler – 339.19

 

Hot WorkStock

1 – Tom Hassler – 317.95

 

2.5/2.6 Class

1- Brenden Finck – 315.28

3.0 Class

1 – Jared Brown – 342.68

 

2WD 6200 LB Trucks

1 – Dale Forrester – 311.39

 

8500 LB Mod Tractors – (Single/Multiple engine)

1 – Vern Zerby – 315.81

 

7800 LB Tractors
1 – Amber Blizzard – 351.12

* * * 

Diesel Motorsports is the official sanctioning body for this event. In addition to tractor pulling and drag racing in multiple classes, there's a Show 'N Shine and a Dyno competition. The full range of events can be found here. 

Special thanks to Ron Knoch and the Diesel Motorsports team for doing all they can to make their motorsports events to be a rewarding experience for diesel enthusiasts and their fans. Here are a few additional photos from this past weekend.

Here is a list of upcoming Diesel Events.

If you know of an event you'd like us to add,

place it in the comments. See you at Rocky Top.

Grass Roots Diesel Truck Shows as American as Apple Pie

Photo courtesy Diesel Motorsports

Now that the Covid tide has receded things are beginning to open up again. What many people seem to be noticing is how much people have been flocking to diesel events across the country. Over the weekend I saw this story about a Diesel Jam that was used to raise money for scholarships in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. 

Next I came across a story about the Western Nebraska Truck Show that was coming to Bridgeport. That event will take place this coming weekend, same time as the NADM East Coast Nationals sponsored in part by Blue Flame Diesel Oil.

All this grass roots diesel enthusiasm has not gone unnoticed by sports journalist. That's why on July 1 PRI's Drew Hardin published Alive & Growing, a story detailing this surge in diesel enthusiasm. 

The article begins with a question. Is diesel racing dead? Gregg Holley of the Outlaw Diesel Super Series (ODSS) assures us that diesel is hardly dead. In fact, it may be more popular than ever. According to Jolley, attendance has tripled over the past three years. Even during the pandemic it was huge. This year ODSS is setting record sales number. 

But it's not just diesel drag racing that gets the blood flowing. Greg Lussetto of the Heartland Pulling Series shared with Hardin how truck and tractor pulling has begun expanding to the further reaches of the country from East to West. 

One reason diesel action is getting so furiously flavorful is because these diesel drag racers have become so fast, faster than ever imagined. For those not paying attention, dragways switched from running quarter-mile passes to eighth-mile. Why? Because these diesel trucks have become so darn fast it was getting dangerous.

The growth in popularity of diesel drag racing has spawned a new series called the Hole Shot Diesel Series. The HSDS was created by the Ultimate Callout Challenge in partnership with Hole Shot's Secret. The new series helps fill the void left by the demise of the National Hot Rod Diesel Series two years ago.

The Texas Truck Jam is being expanded to a two day circus now, especially since everything else is big in Texas.

Ron Knoch of the National Association of Diesel Motorsports noted that at their Numidia, PA East Coast Nationals the drag strip and pulling track are adjacent to one another and run simultaneously. "People can watch both. If there's a lull duringthe drag racing, they can watch sled pulling."

Photo courtesy Diesel Motorsports

Hardin also spoke with Jared Jones of the Scheid Diesel Extravaganza in Indiana where they have a similar setup to Numidia. The tractor pulling takes places just a few hundred feet from the drag strip.

Chris Searle of the Ultimate Callout Challenge (UCC) pointed out one difference between their event and most others. The UCC requires competitors use the same truck setup for the pulling as the racing. You're always looking for that sweet spot. It's tricky because you want a lighter vehicle for racing and a beefier truck for the pulling. UCC is also different because they specify a limited number of competitors, 30 in all. 

What's apparent to everyone is that diesel is still alive and well. And by being family oriented, the kids get an early introduction to activities that may inspire them to carry the torch to future generations.

Read the full article here at the Performance Racing (PRI) website. 

East Coast Diesel Nationals Picks Champion Blue Flame as Official Oil

Photo courtesy Diesel Motorsports

Champion Oil, a globally recognized specialty diesel lubricant manufacture, disclosed today that the National Association of Diesel Motorsports (NADM) has announced Champion Blue Flame Performance Diesel Engine Oil as the official oil this year for the annual East Coast Diesel Nationals on July 17 to be held at Numidia Dragway in Numidia, Pennsylvania.

NADM, established in 2007, is the only sanctioning body for diesels that promotes all diesel motorsports associations, clubs and events. The organization holds over 70 diesel events around the country each year with diesel drag racing, sled pulling, and Dyno competitions. Plus, events are all about diesels including a large Vendor Alley. Gates open at 8am. Drag and pull registration, Dyno, Show-n-shine opens at 9am. Drag racing starts at 10am with pulling starting at 1pm.

http://www.dieselmotorsports.us

Champion Oil has a special contingency program which includes cash and product for all class drag and pull winners at the East Coast Diesel Nationals. Register here: https://www.championbrands.com/racer-contingency/

Champion Brands Blue Flame Performance Diesel Engine Oils are formulated with workhorse performance additives, superior protection, advanced polymer technology, and high TBN, supported by a carrier blend of synthetic and conventional base fluids. In addition, Champion’s Engine Oils deliver unmatched high temperature film strength and lubricity protection, has the muscle to combat oil shear, maximizes and sustains cylinder compression, and is proven to increase engine horse power and torque.

About the company: Champion Brands, LLC, is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 65 years. Champion also produces and blends over 300 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the racing, automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information about the Champion Blue Flame Performance Diesel Engine Oil contact your nearest Champion distributor or call Champion at 660-890-6231.

Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO, or go to http://championbrands.com

Diesel Motorsports: Most Fun You Can Get in a Weekend

Photo courtesy Diesel Motorsports

Great story by Jeff Zurschmeide on the PRI website. Diesel motorsports is far from dead, and is even growing. The article, titled Shake, Rattle & Roll, describes how diesel motorsports have become a powerful niche market that is drawing in more people every year.

The author begins by making the same observation I've made over many years of going to races. Most racers use a diesel powered vehicle to pull their race car to the track which is gas powered. Today, diesel is no longer for tow vehicles. There is a huge, enthusiastic diesel motorsports culture. This diesel world includes engine builders, aftermarket providers and sanctioning bodies as well as the sponsors and businesses that provide products for the racers. Altogether it's a great show for the fans. 

Zurschmeide notes that drag strips are the primary venues for diesel racing, with a strong second being presence at pulling competitions. Diesel has also found some surprising success in sports car racing as when Audi proved that a diesel-powered car could compete at the highest levels. In 2006-2008 Audi’s TDI prototypes won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans three years in a row.

That last bit about Le Mans is no laughing matter. Audi and other automakers have developed some powerful diesel power plants, as we noted recently regarding Daimler's powerful new diesel engine for their Mercedes Benz. 

Photo courtesy Diesel Motorsports

That having been said, the mass market for diesel motorsports in America still remains almost entirely limited to straight-line power contests. For now.

Trucks are King in the diesel motorsports scene, which is a grassroots movement driven by an appreciation for power. This need for power is what drives engine builders to satisfy the hunger. Cummins, Duramax and Power Stroke are the main foundations, but innovative builders augment these engines to maximize their capabilities. 

The full article goes much deeper. Check it out by following the first link below.

(Sidenote: The song "Shake, Rattle & Roll" was originally recorded by Big Joe Turner, then made famous by Bill Haley & the Comets.)

KEY LINKS

Shake, Rattle & Roll

70-Year-Old Diesel Is A Thoroughbred at Pike's Peak Hill Climb

Daimler Claims This Is the Most Powerful Diesel Car in Mercedes-Benz History

Looking For Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil? 

Champion Blue Flame Named Official Oil of 2021 East Coast Diesel Nationals

Photos courtesy Diesel Motorsports

Here's another sign of spring, and evidence that things are opening up again for diesel enthusiasts and the economy.

This week Champion Oil announced that the National Association of Diesel Motorsports (NADM) has selected Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil as the official oil of the annual East Coast Diesel Nationals on July 17^th  held at Numidia Dragway, 10 Dragstrip Road, Numidia PA. 

 

NADM, established in 2007, is the only sanctioning body for diesels that promotes all diesel motorsports associations, clubs and events. Diesel Motorsports holds over 70 diesel events around the country each year while also building a membership that offers benefits for business members as well as fans with diesel drag racing, sled pulling, and Dyno competitions. Diesel Motorsports events are all about diesels, and include a large Vendor Alley at each event. 

 

The prestigious event in Numidia, PA is Diesel Motorsports' biggest “diesel only” show of the year with drag racing, sled pulling, Show-N-Shine, dyno competition and more.  Gates open at 8am. Drag and pull registration, Dyno and Show-n-shine opens at 9am. Drag racing starts at  10am with pulling starting at 1pm. Visit the Diesel Motorsports website for specific class guidelines.

This year Champion Oil has designed a special contingency program which includes cash and product for all class drag and pull winners at the East Coast Diesel Nationals. Register here:  https://www.championbrands.com/racer-contingency/

 

Drag Racing Classes include:

• Street Truck: Competitors will run with street trucks with no times, just lane winner at end of track lights! Race against your buddies with no worries about anything but who the winner was on the pass!

• ET Bracket Class: Competitors race against their dial-in efforts to predict, react and perform better than the competition without breaking out from their timed number.

• 12.0 Quick Diesel: Indexed at 12 seconds, this class leaves the starting line together (heads-up style) and the first legal racer to cross the line without running quicker than the index wins.

• Heads-Up Truck: Full size trucks with proper safety equipment compete on an unlimited, heads-up racing in 1/8 and/or 1/4 track!

• Pro Stock: Fiberglass-bodied diesel-powered trucks and cars compete heads-up to the finish in the 1/8 and/or 1/4-mile action. 

• Top Diesel: Diesel dragsters designed for all out speed compete heads up in 1/4-mile action.

• Work Stock: Stock OEM turbochargers, water injection prohibited, hanging weights prohibited.

• Hot Work Stock: Street turbochargers that plug no larger than 2.55, water injection prohibited, hanging weights prohibited, licensed for street, DOT tires.

• 2.5 Street Diesel/2.6 Smoothbore: Single turbo, 2.5 inch maximum inducer bore, turbocharger bushings prohibited or 2.6 smoothbore turbo, water injection prohibited, bolt in, removable solid rear suspension bars permitted, receiver style hitch required, hanging weights permitted.

• 2.6 Street Diesel: Single turbo, 2.6 inch maximum inducer bore, turbocharger bushings prohibited, water injection prohibited, bolt in, removable solid rear suspension bars permitted, receiver style hitch required, hanging weights permitted. 

• 3.0 Smoothbore Diesel: Single turbo, 3.0 smoothbore, water injection prohibited, solid rear suspension, receiver style hitch required, drive shaft u-joint shields required, hanging weights permitted.

• 3.6 Single Turbo / Super Pro Multiple Turbo: These classes will pull together, with 300# weight difference. Other handicaps may be used if there is an agreement of the majority of both classes. The 3.6 (3.6) Single Turbo is based on stock chassis and the Super Pro Multiple Turbo (SP) is based on a tube frame.

Sled Pulling Classes include:

• Work Stock: Stock OEM turbochargers, water injection prohibited, hanging weights prohibited. 

• Hot Work Stock: Street turbochargers that plug no larger than 2.55, water injection prohibited, hanging weights prohibited, licensed for street, DOT tires.

• 2.5 Street Diesel/2.6 Smoothbore: Single turbo, 2.5 inch maximum inducer bore, turbocharger bushings prohibited or 2.6 smoothbore turbo, water injection prohibited, bolt in, removable solid rear suspension bars permitted, receiver style hitch required, hanging weights permitted.

• 2.6 Street Diesel: Single turbo, 2.6 inch maximum inducer bore, turbocharger bushings prohibited, water injection prohibited, bolt in, removable solid rear suspension bars permitted, receiver style hitch required, hanging weights permitted.

• 3.0 Smoothbore Diesel: Single turbo, 3.0 smoothbore, water injection prohibited, solid rear suspension, receiver style hitch required, drive shaft u-joint shields required, hanging weights permitted. 

• 3.6 Single Turbo / Super Pro Multiple Turbo: These classes will pull together, with 300# weight difference. Other handicaps may be used if there is an agreement of the majority of both classes. The 3.6 (3.6) Single Turbo is based on stock chassis and the Super Pro Multiple Turbo (SP) is based on a tube frame.

 

Champion Brands Blue Flame® Performance Diesel Motor Oils are formulated with workhorse performance additives, superior protection, advanced polymer technology, and high TBN, supported by a carrier blend of synthetic and conventional base fluids. In addition, Champion Brands Blue Flame® Diesel Motor Oil delivers unmatched high temperature film strength and lubricity protection, has the muscle to combat oil shear, maximizes and sustains cylinder compression, and is proven to increase engine horse power and torque. Purchase oil here at  https://theblueflameblogger.blogspot.com/2021/

About the company: Champion Brands, LLC, is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 65 years. Champion also produces and blends over 300 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the racing, automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information about the Champion Blue Flame® Performance Diesel Engine Oil contact your nearest Champion distributor or call Champion at 660-890-6231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO, or go to http://championbrands.com

Diesel Motorsports Is Rockin' Our Blues Away

Great story by Jeff Zurschmeide on the PRI website. Diesel motorsports is far from dead, and is even growing. The article, titled Shake, Rattle & Roll, describes how diesel motorsports have become a powerful niche market that is drawing in more people every year.

(Sidenote: The song Shake, Rattle & Roll was originally recorded by Big Joe Turner, then made famous by Bill Haley & the Comets.)

https://www.performanceracing.com/magazine/featured/08-01-2020/shake-rattle-roll

Zurschmeide begins with a little background about how historically diesels-powered vehicles were used to tow their gas powered race cares to the track. JZ says, however, that times have changed. "Diesel motorsports now represents a large and enthusiastic market, with a wide variety of engine builders, aftermarket providers, and sanctioning bodies providing products to racers and a great show for fans.

The majority of diesel racing happens at drag strips, with a strong second presence at pulling competitions. Diesel has also found some surprising success in sports car racing, when Audi proved that a diesel-powered prototype could compete at the highest levels. In fact, Audi’s R10 TDI prototypes won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans three years straight, from 2006–2008."

That last bit about Le Mans is no laughing matter. Audi and other automakers have developed some powerful diesel power plants, as I noted Tuesday regarding Daimler's powerful new diesel engine for their Mercedes Benz.

That said, the mass market for diesel motorsports in America remains almost entirely limited to straight-line power contests. For now.

Trucks are King in the diesel motorsports scene, which is a grassroots movement driven by an appreciation for power. This need for power is what drives engine builders to satisfy the hunger. Cummins, Duramax and Power Stroke are the main foundations, but innovative builders augment these engines to maximize their capabilities. 

The full article goes much deeper. Check it out by following the first link below.

KEY LINKS

Shake, Rattle & Roll

70-Year-Old Diesel Is A Thoroughbred at Pike's Peak Hill Climb

Daimler Claims This Is the Most Powerful Diesel Car in Mercedes-Benz History

Looking For Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil?