Just a few weeks ago, the weather looked determined to ruin the biggest all diesel show in Tennessee. But, as luck would have it, it was one of the most beautiful weekends in diesel drag racing history. We took a ride out to Crossville, Tennessee, to compete and catch the action at the Rocky Top Diesel Shootout. Nearing the end of the Outlaw Diesel Super Series (ODSS) season, things are only getting better from here.
It’s no secret that Tennesse is the home of a large amount of diesel truck enthusiasts and it showed over the weekend. In the fifth installment of RLC Motorsports Rocky Top Diesel Shootout, there were trucks from nearly every corner of the country and event outside of the country there and the stands were filled shoulder to shoulder watching it all unfold.
Like any great Outlaw Diesel event, the manufacturer’s midway was filled with vendors from all around offering advice for truck owners with questions and also selling great products that are new for 2018 and also, with event pricing. If you’re needing parts or have questions, what better way to take care of that as well as watching a day of drag racing.
Racing Action
As for the drag racing, it was the normal classes for the ODSS, including the Outlaw 5.90 index class. E.T Sportsman, 7.70 index, 6.70 index, Outlaw 5.90 index, Pro Street, Pro Mod, and Pro Dragster. In an unusual, yet pleasing, weekend, there were nearly more pro trucks in the staging lanes then the E.T Sportsman classes.
In the E.T. Sportsman class, it was Cody McAnally taking the win over Ken Phillips. Unfortunately for Phillips, he left a click to early resulting in a red light foul ending his day in the final round. Moving on to the 7.70 index class, it was Michael Haye’s taking the win over Devin Ratliff. After just winning the E.T. class at the All Diesel Day in Louisville, Haye’s is in a groove.
As for the 6.70 index class, Susan Soga wins in a double breakout situation. In one of the most anticipated classes, the Outlaw 5.90 index class was won by Rick Fox in his super-light Cummins-powered machine. Fox has been making very wild changes to his truck including a tube chassis to get as light as possible and it shows. After making a few passes to fast, Fox got the truck dialed in with multiple runs right in the 5.90 range.
In Pro Street, the Ford Lightning piloted by Dustin Jackson was victorious once again beating out Lavon Miller in the final round. Even after some pre-eliminations problems, Jackson and Co. went back to the pit, fixed breakage, and came out and showed us how it’s done. By just over a truck length, Jackson’s win over Miller should be enough to punch his way back into the points lead over Enrique Gonzalez.
Like 5.90, the Pro Mod class has been heating up and the field continues to grow. The much anticipated final round, it was Ben Shadday taking the win over Larson Miller and his Save The Racks S-10. The Pro Mod class seemed cursed as there was breakage and a scare. Taylor Overcash suffered a broken shaft in the transmission, Ryan Milliken struggled to get the turbo to spool for an unknown (at this time) reason, and Rawlings Barnes put his super duty into the wall, but luckily made it out unscathed.
Finishing off the weekend, it was Jared Jones taking the win in Pro Dragster. Although he had a lower qualifying time, his quick reaction time put him way out in front in a slower, but winning, finish over Wade Moody. With Jared’s excellent performance, that puts him right back into contention for the championship as we near the end of the season.
Once again, the Rocky Top Diesel Shootout was one of the best events and we are excited to be back in Crossville next year for another great event. For more information about the Outlaw Diesel Super Series and questions, check out their website. Next stop, Scheid Diesel Extravaganza in Terre Haute, Indiana. Stay tuned to Diesel Army!