The car will have a complete roll cage and will meet all NHRA and IHRA requirements and certifications. The first two years of racing, beginning in May 2001, will take place primarily at local tracks in bracket classes to further develop the car s performance and handling. The car then will be continuously refined and used as a workhorse for further development of student skills and vehicle-racing performance, Williamson said. The B-Model Mack was chosen for the diesel drag truck project because of its reputation as a pioneer of heavy commercial trucking. The transmission is an Eaton electronically shifted nine-speed unit driving a 23,000 series Eaton rear.
Plans call for electronic brakes and an anti-lock system.
The vehicle will meet all sanctioning-body safety regulations and certifications. Diesel Technology faculty, led by Instructor Mark E. Sones , as well as the Diesel Power Train department, will oversee construction of the diesel drag truck. Sones will drive the vehicle and will be responsible for transporting it to and from events. Completion of the project is scheduled for the spring of 2001, followed by a series of testing and tuning sessions at Beaver Springs Dragway. The vehicle then will appear in a series of competitive events.