As is tradition on the last day of the Diesel Power Challenge, there’s big grunt and big concentration on efficiency involved. Sled pulling and fuel economy always close out the Diesel Power Challenge and this year was no exception, although the way the fuel economy was tallied had been changed. Rather than filling the trucks and going on a dedicated drive into the Rocky Mountains, competitors had started the competition with a full tank and Diesel Power Magazine staff took notes on how many gallons it took to refill the trucks after a couple days of street driving and competitions. Sealing tape had been used on the tanks to keep any sort of tampering at bay.

My favorite event at the DPC every year is the sled pull. It combines most of the elements of the other competitions into one big ball of wheel speed, screaming engines, and grunt force trauma. It is also very interesting because there are some guys who are sled pulling masters and others who have never ever hooked up to a sled before. The skill and acumen shown by the veteran drivers is matched by the sometimes panicked decision making of the rookies. How to apply the throttle, when to lock the converter, and how to keep the truck happy under load are all huge issues and the competitors all had a strategy to compete with.

Lastly, this video also includes footage from the awards banquet which is always a fun close to the event. Stuff gets slurped out of trophies, there are drinks flowing, and the stresses of the week are behind all of the competitors. Fun stuff for sure.

The 2015 DPC looks to have huge changes on the horizon and the rigs that will likely be considered for next year’s competition will need to be emissions compliant and a lot different than those that we have seen up to this point.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FINAL 2015 DPC VIDEO –