Just when you thought the event season was coming to a close, these events just keep happening. For those of us who can’t get enough of it, this is great news given the outcome of 2020. Headed to Maynardville, Tennessee at Knoxville Dragway is the 2020 edition of the East Tennessee Diesel Shootout on October 16th and 17th.
This event will kick off on Friday the 16th with open test and tune, grudge racing, and whatever other shenanigans are drummed up. Then, on Saturday, the competition begins. When the gates kick open at 8:00 AM, drivers and vendors can start to funnel in and get setup for a full day of racing. As for spectators, you can start rolling through the gate at 10:00 AM.
The two fastest 6.0-Liter Power Stroke-powered trucks in the world will be in attendance for a grudge race on Friday night. Charlie Fish and Austin Denny (shown above) have been back and forth this year on who holds the crown to the fastest 6.0 and this fun grudge match will at least decide who the fastest is for the weekend.
I caught up with event promoter, Travis Walker, to discuss the event and to figure out what we can expect from this East Tennesse Diesel Shootout. “Both fans and racers can expect a great track, great weather, and a good family atmosphere. I just want to bring it back to a show up and race style event and not kill people on rules,” Walker said.
“It’s a great community effort compared to the gas world. I want to give vendors and racers a great opportunity for another yearly race and a place to show the talent they have. Whether it’s driving, showcasing their products, let’s allow them to show off these works of arts they’ve built. We don’t have any diesel drag racing around here and 4×4 trucks are frowned upon in the no prep and backwards racing events. I want to get the diesel community in the door with these races so we can race week in and week out if we want.”
Classes
- Full Force Diesel Performance Sportsman / ET – $50 Entry Fee – $750 To Win
- XS Power Batteries 7.70 Index Class- $75 Entry Fee – $1,000 To Win
- Diamond Diesel Performance 6.70 Index Class- $100 Entry Fee- $1,500 To Win
- 5.90 Index Class- $150 Entry Fee- $5,000 To Win
Drivers John Gilbert of Stainless Diesel and Austin Doidge are said to be in attendance to compete in both the 5.90 Index and Pro Street classes. These are contenders in the Outlaw Diesel Super Series which guarantees you to see some hot passes. If we’re lucky, we may get to see one of those 4.8X passes out of the Stainless Diesel truck.
For everyone, admission is $20 to enter on Friday and Saturday unless you’re wanting a weekend pass which will save you $10 priced at $30. There will be vendors set up on the property selling merchandise and product to those in need. This event is brought to you by Powerhouse Diesel and CDK Performance. For more information about the event, stay tuned to their event page here.
For more part reviews, event coverage, and truck features, stay tuned to Diesel Army.
