Much like the diesel community, which seems divided on whether or not to use nitrous in diesel motorsports, many Diesel Power Challenge competitors remain "fuel only" loyalists. Take Mark Randall for example, this year's only second-generation, 12-valve Cummins contender on Team Dodge. He plans on bringing a 1,000 hp-capable truck running on nothing but number 2.
Another aspect we look forward to watching unfold this year is the common-rail injection vs. mechanical injection battle, in which Mark's old school '97 Dodge Ram 2500 will no doubt give the common-rail trucks a run for their money. Gearing up for this year's Diesel Power Challenge has him pretty busy-and the truck will be sporting more than just a new paint job when we see it in Bowling Green. Check out his plan for power, as well as his strategy for coming out on top:
Diesel Power: What changes are you making to the truck?
Mark Randall: "First off, I would like to thank everyone at Diesel Power Magazine for this awesome opportunity. I am very honored to be chosen to compete in this year's event."
"In the most recent picture of the truck you can tell it was recently painted, and we still have a lot of work ahead of us to reassemble it."
"As far as things changing, we have our hands full. For performance changes, we will be adding a new cam, larger injectors, a different injection pump, and a different stall torque converter. The truck runs good, but we think our main concern will be lighting the turbos. With the addition of the cam and looser converter, we hope to have a quicker spooling, more powerful truck. We currently don't plan on bringing nitrous-our hope is to have a solid, fuel only truck."
DP: What tires do you plan to use?
MR: "We are planning on bringing either a set of Interco STS or Nitto Terra Grappler tires, but haven't decided on which set yet. We're looking for a tire that not only will be good on the track, but hook up well with the sled behind us."
DP: What is your strategy going to be for each event?
MR: "My ideal strategy is to have fun and try to be as competitive as possible in all the events. We're going to make the truck work all week, and if it breaks in the process, that's why we're bringing a trailer."
DP: What spare parts are you bringing?
MR: "The spare parts we are bringing will be an assortment of what we have laying around the shop, with quite a bit of tools. We're for sure bringing a couple different sets of injectors, fuel lines, injection pump parts, an intercooler, and of course intercooler boots."
DP: Who are your crewmembers?
MR: "Crew members will consist of my girlfriend, a mechanic, and another good friend. We're going to have a good time and meet some great new people."
DP: Any other thoughts?
MR:"Most of all, we hope to show people that fuel only 12-valves can still hang with the common-rails. Can't wait to see you all there!"