The Latest, SPE Motorsport Performance Industry News - Diesel Domination; Force's Announcement; and more

Diesel and the PDRA World Finals

Diesel dragster racers Jared Jones, Paul Vasko and Michael Cordova made the trip to Virginia Motorsports Park this past weekend for the PDRA World Finals. In a class with 70 other dragsters, Cordova's Cummins powered rail qualified 7th with a 3.79 at 204 mph, and Vasko's Duramax in 10th with a personal best 3.87 at 189 mph. What's even more impressive, none of these drivers had ever competed in a PDRA event before. 

SOURCE: https://greenhandlemedia.com/2024/10/3-second-diesels-impress-at-the-pdra-world-finals/

John Force Makes First Public Statement Since Crash

Following a horrific crash in Richmond Virginia in June, John Force has spent months in the hospital and in rehab. The crash left Force with a traumatic brain injury when his car exploded at the stripe and then hit the wall at upwards of 300 mph. Since then Force has remained quiet, publicly at least. Until now. In a video posted to YouTube just a few days ago, Force offers a bit of an update on his health, his future plans, as well as a big thank you to his fans, family and teammates for the support. Force appeared to be in good spirits, which if you know the guy or follow anything about his racing career, you'll know, that's just who he is. Either way it's great to see him somewhat back to his normal self. Can't wait to see you back at the track, Mr. Force. 

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/cRgEzZTZBUA?si=eoEV8PV70LDQUIVS

Fuel Costs Decline for Third Straight Week

Now, we hear this every year, and it's is a long standing trend that has happened for decades as we approach winter. But either way, it's great to hear that fuel prices have been on a steady decline over the past several weeks. As of this Monday, the average cost of a gallon of diesel sits at $3.54 (it's lowest in over three years) with gasoline at $3.07. Seasonal forces are always at play, but it's important to note that there has been a decline in demand as well, furthering the declining costs. Also a contributing factor, Israel has stated their attacks on Iran are over. With Iran's massive oil market, news of the supply not being, quite literally, destroyed, helps on the supply end. Experts are not pointing at the upcoming election for this decline whatsoever, and they do expect the decline to continue in the following months.

Transportation Shortage Forces CA to Loosen EV Mandates

Last week, California politicians voted to reduce restrictions previously placed on diesel trucks within the state. The "Advanced Clean Trucks Rule" was designed to eventually phase diesel trucks out of the state by eliminating sales of new diesel truck sales by 2036. Long story short, the rule isn't working as planned. Manufacturers have reduced shipments of new trucks into the state by so much that it caused a massive shortage and in turn, negatively impacted logistics. This shortage forced the state to offer sales credits to truck manufacturers who deliver trucks to a designated upfitter for emissions equipment, located within California. From restrictions to incentives. Pretty big course correction that we're not mad about at all. 

Shawn Ellington (Murder Nova) Wins No Prep Elite Points Championship

Street Outlaws Star, Shawn Ellington, aka "Murder Nova," continues to dominate the no-prep scene. Most recently, at the No Prop Elite championship held in Ennis Texas where the racer solidified his win in the No Prep Elite series. In a recent post on his Facebook page Ellington said:  "Still didn’t feel quite real when I laid down to go to sleep this morning. But I just woke up and we still the 2024 No Prep Elite champs!" Big congratulations to Ellington and team on the big win. 

SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090155110231

Ford Poised to Take The Australian Supercars Championship

Australia has had a muscle car and supercar passion for a very long time. Many may be surprised to find out that Holden, an Australian car manufacturer, is the manufacturer of the Chevy SS. A rebadged V8 Holden Commodore with performance roots. But back to the racing. The Australian Supercar Championship is a road course event packed with Camaros, Holdens, Mustangs, and more modern era supercars. At the top of the winner board as of this weekend sits two Camaros, and two Mustang GT's. Possible scenarios put an American platform in the win almost no matter what, and if the Mustangs play their cards right, we could see a Mustang GT as the winner of the overall 2024 Australian Supercars season.  

SOURCE: https://fordauthority.com/2024/10/how-the-supercars-ford-teams-could-steal-2024-title/