The Rudy’s Truck Jam events, both spring, and fall have been the premier event for the Outlaw Diesel Super Series on the east coast. Better known as “Rudy’s”, this event usually packs the parking lots, staging lanes, and the grandstands. There are a ton of dedicated diesel power fans that come to these events for the best action possible and this year, they definitely are offering more.

For years, Rudy’s offered Drag Racing, Dyno Competition, and Show-N-Shine action but once the sun went down, the action moved to another location down the property where they would have sled pulling. The sled pulling crowd and competitors are a whole other animal. The sled pulling action was supreme but unfortunately, all good things come to an end.

Luckily for us, Sara Phillips of Smoke And Speed is taking things into her own hands and putting on something that I think everyone will enjoy; Dirt Drags. In my opinion, when the drag racing is over for the day, it may be discouraging. You’re not ready to load up and go home, you want the action to continue. Well, now you can. Take those slicks or radials off and put a set of aggressive street tires on and the battle continues.

“But my truck is only slightly modified” is a common reply you’ll hear. Great! You’ll fit right into the Work Stock Diesel class. In fact, there are multiple classes that you can fit into. Work Stock Diesel, Open Diesel, and Modified Gas. Work Stock, you’re looking at, in my opinion, a stock appearing charger class with your hot street trucks. Open Diesel, you’re looking at anything goes, any power adder, run what you brung situation. Modified Gas, well, you can do the math here. It’s an “anything goes” gasoline class.

“All I can say is show up, have fun, and support the sport. Anyone can come and race. Come get your tires on the red clay of the longest standing, paramount event on the east coast,” Phillips said.

Rudy’s Spring Truck Jam will be held at Piedmont Dragway in Julian, North Carolina on Friday, April 17th, through April 18th, 2020. The Dirt Drags will be held on both Friday and Saturday nights and the action will start at 6:00 PM each evening. There will be a mandatory drivers meeting starting at 5:30 PM and you must register by 5:00 PM.

There will be two qualifying rounds in each class for you to make your adjustments and get a feel of the racing surface. Once qualifying is up, it’s elimination time. All classes are heads up and it will be a random pairing until the classes are down to 16 remaining competitors. Then, each driver will be put into a pro ladder where you will finish the event. This is a .400 pro tree start and a 200-foot track surface.

Want to get in on the action? For only $50, you can enter either of these classes and race your friends on the dirt for a $500 prize. Payouts are $500 for the win, $300 for runner up, and semi-finalists get $125. If you’re an interested sponsor and you’re reading this, they encourage you to reach out and up the ante for these drivers as soon as possible.

All vehicles that enter must have DOT stamped tires (no cut or paddle tires), everyone must wear a helmet and a seatbelt at a minimum.

Although we lost the sled pulling action, I think it’s safe to say that we’re heading in the right direction. Everyone in the stands that aren’t up for getting on the sticky drag strip now has an opportunity to get on a more forgiving surface in front of a huge crowd and race too. I’m excited to see how this pans out and we will definitely be there with the camera on to capture all of the action. Stay tuned to Diesel Army for more information and event news and coverage.