We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but during the 2023 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Scott Birdsall’s iconic 1949 Ford, Old Smokey F1 race truck, which had previously broken Pikes Peak’s diesel record in 2020, met a tragic fate. In a devastating wreck on Sunday, the truck was destroyed after plunging 175 feet off a cliff. However, in a stroke of luck, Old Smokey effectively protected Scott, who remarkably reported no injuries resulting from the crash.

The remarkable Ford F1 race truck was entered into the competition by Birdsall, the same driver who piloted the 71-year-old pickup to the diesel record back in 2020. During that record-breaking run, Birdsall achieved an impressive time of 11:24.065, employing massively-wide tires, a substantial amount of downforce and aero, and a Cummins diesel engine generating a staggering 1,400 horsepower with more than 100 pounds of boost.

Unfortunately, Birdsall’s attempt to challenge his own record in the 2023 race was cut short due to a mechanical failure. This unforeseen issue led to the heartbreaking moment when both driver and truck were sent hurtling over the cliff’s edge. Nevertheless, the fact that Birdsall emerged uninjured from this terrifying ordeal is a testament to the protective capabilities of the pickup truck.

“Coming into “Lightning Corner” during the 101st running of the @pikespeakhillclimb, Smokey had a complete brake failure, says Birdsall. “I went to settle into the corner and the brake pedal went to the firewall with zero effort. I tried to turn in and scrub speed in the ditch, but there was too much momentum, and I went off very quickly.

Farewell, Old Smokey.

“The truck flew about 175 feet down the cliff onto its roof and then rolled eight or nine times before it came to a stop in a snow drift. I was winded but completely unscathed. I dug myself out of the snow, unbuckled, and started climbing back up the mountain to the safety crew and medics. They checked me out and confirmed I had zero injuries or a concussion. These guys are consummate professionals, and I can’t thank them enough.

“My stout cage design, @stilo_usa helmet, and @sabeltamerica containment seat and belts saved my ass. Sometimes, you want to skimp on expensive safety equipment, but it could be the difference between being heavily injured or completely unscathed.

Thank you all for the outpouring of messages and calls, I’m sorry for all the unanswered messages. My phone was destroyed in the crash, and I just got a new one. Thank you to my crew, you guys are all heroes. Love you all.

Rest in peace Old Smokey F1.”

Old Smokey F1 has been an iconic figure in the diesel community for years and it will surely be missed. However, we are so glad our friend Scott managed to get out unharmed. When you push things to the limit, regardless of the components on board, anything can happen. That is a part of the game.