It seems that diesel dyno competitions have become more and more popular lately. And, while it is sometimes hard to convince the wife and kids to spend the day at a concrete building in an industrial complex watching black smoke roll, more dyno competitions are being held as part of larger events to cater to families, communities, and even to our nation as a whole. Chris Brahs, of High Desert Ravelco, recently held such an event at Performance Flat Four in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The rollers on Flat Four's Dynocom dyno didn't stop turning all day, but there were plenty of other activities to keep everyone entertained while they waited for their turn on the rollers.
A monster truck was on hand (which was gas powered, unfortunately), the local Mac Tools truck was there, and a DJ kept the music flowing. With all of the black smoke in the air, some well-meaning citizen was certain to call the fire department. So Chris Brahs saved these do-gooders the trouble by inviting the Albuquerque Fire Department's Station 9 to show up at the event. There was even a Mexican luchador working the barbeque, providing everyone with hamburgers and hot dogs.
Brahs is a disabled veteran with an honorable discharge from the Air Force whose commitment and sacrifice for his country didn't stop when he was discharged. All money raised at the dyno competition was donated to the families of fallen soldiers. More than $600 was raised for the Purple Heart Association, which provides assistance and service to military veterans and their families.
In conjunction with all of the other activities, plenty of trucks went on the dyno. The vast majority of them were Cummins-powered Dodges, but Jason Gonzales brought his beautiful F-250 and LLY Duramax from Santa Rosa, New Mexico, to ensure that the Dodges didn't get lonely. In addition, Newly Tolf and Adam Klemcke made the long drive from Durango, Colorado, in their potent Chevy 2500s to represent the Duramax crowd.
 Like most diesel dyno competitions...  Like most diesel dyno competitions we attend, this one was overwhelmed by Dodges. Although the Duramax offers huge power potential, it seems that nothing can match the bang for the buck of a Cummins. |  The Nitto Mud Grapplers on...  The Nitto Mud Grapplers on Jesse Gulas' Dodge sounded like a small airplane was in the shop as his 24-valve put down 511 horsepower. |  Performance Flat Four is accustomed...  Performance Flat Four is accustomed to dyno testing Volkswagens on its Dynocom dyno. Because of this, the dualie trucks in attendance had to take off their outside duals in order to fit. |