Mike Ryan’s custom Cascadia runs the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in near-record time despite rain and snow

by Brad Bentley

Mike Ryan is a consummate pro when it comes to driving big rigs fast.

But his skills behind the wheel of his 1,950-horsepower daycab  Freightliner Cascadia required him to dig a little deeper as he put it into a powerslide going up the infamous “Ws” on Pikes Peaks narrow two-lane road to the summit.

Ryan never lifted and kept his Detroit-Diesel-powered race truck between the 1,000-foot cliffs and the rock walls during the  88th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb June 27.

Known as The Race To The Clouds, it started off as anything but, with clear skies and sunshine and perfect conditions for record-setting action in these race classes: Unlimited, Super-Stock Car, Open Wheel, Pike Peak Open, Showroom Stock, Motorcycles (five classes), Side Cars, Quads, Time Attack and Big Rig.

Several drivers came through with breakthrough performances and record times, but there were numerous delays with drivers going off course, which allowed the always unpredictable weather to become a factor later in the day.

By the time Mike Ryan’s Detroit Diesel-powered Freightliner Cascadia completed the course in the Big Rig class to cap the racing action, there were snow flurries at the summit of Pike’s Peak and rain on the rest of the mountain.

Ryan is always a fan favorite and everyone was excited to see how he would fare this year. The weather was a slight factor, but suspension understeer issues, which slowed Ryan in the switchbacks section of the course, took away what otherwise might have been a record run. However, Mike still made an impressive climb up the course, and the fans were certainly not disappointed.

The Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb is essentially a race against the clock, so everywhere you turn people are focused on numbers. With that in mind, here is a “by the numbers” look at the Race To The Clouds:

1916 – the year Spencer Penrose, a Colorado Springs businessman finished construction on the world’s highest highway, a toll road to Pike’s Peak. Soon, Penrose decided to hold a race to the top, with a colossal silver trophy as a prize, and the Race To The Clouds was born. It has been held every year since, making it the second oldest road race in America. Only the Indianapolis 500 precedes it.

14,110 – the elevation of the top of Pike’s Peak. This is almost a mile higher that at the Start Line. Many racers, including Ryan, carry bottled oxygen to help them deal with the high altitude.

61,626 – the length (in feet) of plus grade on the race course, which is a mixture of pavement and dirt/gravel surface.

16 – the number of times Mike Ryan has raced in the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb. He competed on a motorcycle for two years, and in a big rig for 14.

12 – the number of Unser family members who have competed in the hill climb over the years. Many of racing’s most famous families, from Dallenbach, Millens, Donner and Mears, have had multiple competitors.

13:03 – Mike Ryan’s time this year. This was only 20 seconds off his still standing big rig record of 12:43, set in 2006.

1,950 – the amount of horsepower Ryan can generate from his engine, which was completed  “in-house” in two months time. As built from Detroit Diesel, it dyno’ed at 1,600 hp. The compounding turbo set up from Borg Warner and BD Turbo along with the Snow Performance water-methanol injection added about 350 hp, according to the suppliers.

9,700 – the weight (in pounds) of Ryan’s customized Freightliner Cascadia, which is 1,200 lbs heavier than his previous truck, a 2005 Freightliner Century Class ST. The extra weight and the fact that Ryan did not have a factory powered race team engine like his previous truck make this year’s performance even more impressive.

156 – the number of turns Ryan had to navigate on the 12.42-mile course as it winds its way up Pikes Peak

10:01.408 – the record time set in 2007 by Monster Tajima in a Suzuki XL7 Hill Climb Special. Tajima competes in the Unlimited class, where anything goes as long as it passes safety inspection. Both Tajima and drifting star Rhys Millen were thought to have legitimate shots of completing the course sub-10 this year, but both fell short. Tajima was the closest at 10:11.

AeroFlow Headlight Covers

Protect your truck’s expensive headlight assemblies from rock and road debris. AeroFlow’s D.O.T. approved, 3/16″-thick clear plastic covers ($69/pr) are cheap insurance to protect expensive LED and HID 7-inch-round headlights.

With an eight-year U.V. life, the clear acrylic will not yellow, craze or dull. Scratches can be rubbed out so your HLCs will always look brand new.

Rain-X compatible. Covers attach with 3M™ Dual-Lok interlocking fasteners for a strong, secure hold and positions the HLC 5/32″ away from the headlights. Easy to install. No drilling or tools required. www.aeroflowscreens.com; 888-237-6777

BULLNOSE KW FINDS NEW HOME

Ray O’Hanesian Donates Kenworth to Iowa 80 Trucking Museum

WALCOTT, IOWA — Iowa 80 Trucking Museum has recently received a very generous gift from a long time trucking friend. Ray S. O’Hanesian, Bettendorf, Iowa has graciously donated his Kenworth KDC825C, the truck he has owned for over half of his life, to the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum.

This truck is the last one of its kind that Kenworth produced. You may know the KDC825C by its common name, the “Bullnose”.

Ray’s truck the “Bullnose” had over 5.2 million miles on it when he stopped counting in 1998. Ray purchased the 1958 Bullnose for $25,000 this was expensive during his time.

The truck has had many updates through the years. The original wheelbase of 264” was shortened to 224”, the current engine is a NTC 380 Cummins set up to 420hp, and the transmission has also been upgraded to a 5×4 Spicer.

Ray has received a lot of recognition for his truck. It was put on display in Seattle at the Kenworth plant in 1988. Also in 1988, Ray was honored by the governor of Oregon and awarded a plaque for his service to the trucking industry. His truck has also been featured on the cover of the newsletter, “Kenworth Cruiser” and in Wheels of Time magazine.

Ray’s 1958 Bullnose truck will now be on display for everyone to enjoy at the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum in Walcott,
Iowa 80 Trucking Museum, Interstate 80 & Exit 284, 505 Sterling Drive, Walcott, IA 52773.

“We will display Ray’s generous gift with pride,” says Dave Meier, Museum Curator. “He has been a long time friend and we are honored that he chose to donate his truck to the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum.”

In addition to having owned a great truck and being a dedicated driver for over 59 years, Ray also served in WWII in the 8th Air Force, the 879th Bomb Group, and the 319th Fighter Squadron as crew chief. Ray has a passion for trucking and has worked for many trucking companies in his day.

Many know Ray as “that guy that drives CAT Scale’s ’38 Kenworth”, which he says he will do as long as he is able.

GORILLA TORCH FLARE

The Gorillatorch’s flexible, wrappable legs and super strong magnetic feet are coupled with 100 lumens of intense output and enhanced emergency features including red light and strobe options

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – June 8, 2010 – Joby, the world renowned designer of the Gorillapod™ line of innovative camera tripods, is pleased to announce the global launch of the Gorillatorch Flare.

Expanding the Gorillatorch™ family of well-designed, revolutionary products for the creative and active consumer, the Gorillatorch Flare offers an enhanced emergency feature set in addition to the powerful beam and bendable legs with magnetic feet, and is Joby’s most versatile flashlight yet!

The feature-packed Gorillatorch Flare is the ultimate flashlight.  Mounted on Joby’s award-winning bendable, flexible legs and powerful magnetic feet, the Gorillatorch Flare can grip to virtually anything, allowing you to illuminate any target hands-free.

Four powerful LEDS – one 100 lumen ultra-bright CREE white and three red – provide six unique light settings, allowing you to choose the best one for any situation.

Choose from low, medium, high, or flashing white light, or steady and flashing red light.  The focused projection lens provides a powerful, even beam, great for detailed applications.

Rubberized leg and foot grips provide enhanced stability on difficult terrain, and water and drop resistance deliver increased durability in any condition.  And its compact and lightweight design allows for easy storage in everything from a kitchen drawer to a car glovebox to a camping backpack.

“The Gorillatorch Flare is a must-have for the automotive, outdoor, or do-it-yourself enthusiast,” said Joby CEO Forrest Baringer-Jones.

“Whether you need some light while working on the engine of your car, preparing a meal at your campsite, or fixing a leaky pipe under the sink, the Gorillatorch Flare provides powerful illumination and frees up your hands for more important tasks.  In addition, it makes a great flare to signal a roadside emergency; keep one in your car or truck and always be prepared.”

The Gorillatorch Flare weighs just 9 ounces (including batteries), is 8-inches tall, has a MSRP of $34.95, and, features a 1 year limited warranty.  It is available for purchase at selected global retailers including amazon.com and REI.

Guilty By Association

ChromeShopMafia Announces…

GUILTY BY ASSOCIATION TRUCK SHOW

October 1-2 2010!

Get ready!  Make plans now to attend the 2nd annual Guilty By Association Official Event. It’s a cross between a truck show, customer expo, and an open house.

If you plan to only attend one truck show this year, make it this one!

There will be representatives here from the top brands and leading manufacturers in the industry to answer questions you might have about their products.  They’ll be here specifically to help you out and show you what’s new in trucking accessories and aftermarket products!

Lots of sales and promotions are planned including a huge sidewalk sale with blowouts and low, low prices on lots of merchandise.  You’re invited to take a tour of the shop and the store while you’re here…catch up on what’s happening with the gang and mingle with the crew at 4 State Trucks, home of the Chrome Shop Mafia!

If you like Burgers & BBQ, be ready for some great food right here on site plus lots of fun for the entire family. Nightly concerts will include The Brent Baker Band and the Matt Coleman “Live” show! Check out our website www.Chromeshopmafia.com for lodging and additional event information.

Drivers, if you want to participate in the Truck Show, we ask that you pre-register your truck by calling 417.624.2900, ext. 11 prior to the event!  This is a low-stress show, not a cleaning contest. Just come out and wash, shammy, show off your truck, and enjoy a great couple of days with us.

We look forward to seeing all of you in Joplin, MO, October 1^st and 2^nd 2010 at Four State Trucks, the official home of the Chrome Shop Mafia, for the Guilty By Association Truck Show & Customer Expo!

Stay tuned for more event information coming your way this summer!

Contact Information:

4 State Trucks

417.624.2900, ext. 11

www.chromeshopmafia.com

SHELL’S NEW “FACE”

Shell Rotella recently joined the social media universe and is already following many of you on Twitter and is hoping you will follow them back and “like” them on Facebook.

The goal for Facebook.com/ShellRotella and Twitter.com/ShellRotella is to be an information resource and an additional way to communicate with truckers, consumers and media.

The Shell Rotella brand will provide information about products/services, programs, promotions and events as well as pertinent news updates for truckers.

Daily updates will be provided from Shell Rotella SuperRigs in Lexington, Va. from June 10-12.  Please stop by both sites for the latest news and photos of some of the country’s most beautiful working trucks.

As always, detailed information will continue to be available at Rotella.com and should be your first source for details about Shell Rotella products.

Flying J and Comdata Reach Agreement For Card Acceptance

Ogden, UT – June 3, 2010 – Flying J Inc., a privately held Utah corporation who operates a large network of full-service travel plazas and fuel stops, announced today that Comdata methods-of-payment will now be accepted at more than 250 Flying J locations across the U.S. and Canada.

Comdata is a Brentwood, Tennessee, corporation and industry leader specializing in payment processing and data management products for the trucking industry.

“We are pleased an agreement has been made that will enable Flying J to immediately accept Comdata cards at our locations,” said Flying J President and CEO, Crystal Maggelet. 

“This arrangement will provide a new payment method which will enable more motor carriers and professional drivers to have access to Flying J’s fuel network and state-of-the-art highway hospitality services.”

Comdata president, Brett Rodewald, further stated, “We look forward to renewing our partnership with Flying J and are excited about the additional value this brings to our customers.”

For more information regarding fuel purchasing options, carriers may contact Flying J’s Fuel Marketing Department at (801) 801-624-1753.

Truckin’ For Kids

Pride & Polish rolls into SoCal for a good cause

The Truckin’ for Kids Truck Drags and Show & Shine is an exciting event held annually in Southern California. This annual fund raiser attracts a diverse crowd of people who are interested in everything from big rigs and drag racing to supporting children’s charities or just plain old having a good time. This year the event also hosts the final of five Custom Rigs Pride & Polish national events.

The goal of the Truckin’ for Kids all volunteer crew and the truckers who participate in the Truck Drags is to raise money to provide various children’s charities with funds to help kids in need.

Irwindale, CA - Toyota Speedway
Saturday, October 23 – Sunday, October 24, 2010
Trucks to be onsite by Friday, October 22

The 2010 Truckin’ For Kids Show Entry and Space Reservation forms will be available soon on the Pride & Polish web site.

DIESEL SUPER SHOW — Outdoor Truck & Construction Extravaganza

The fourth of five national  Pride & Polish truck beauty shows of 2010 opens on the East Coast at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in conjunction with country’s FIRST and ONLY productive, fun and exciting truck and vocational equipment extravaganza, held at one of the country’s most famous NASCAR and Drag Raceways.

Here’s what’s in store:

• Truck drags
• Trucks and heavy equipment with test drives and equipment demos
• Skills demonstrations
• Show of lights parade
• Burnout competitions
• Related exhibits
• Pride & Polish Truck Beauty Show competition
• Entertainment
• NASCAR experience

FUEL LOCK

New fuel locking device prevents theft and vandalizing; 30-second easy installation

Diesel Fuel is expensive. There has been a short reprieve and now it is once again on the rise. With higher fuel prices comes an increase in the risk of fuel theft. Our product, The Fuel Lock is the only totally secure way of preventing fuel theft and/or sabotage.

The Fuel Lock was designed by a trucker for trucker’s. After having the misfortune to be victimized, Doug Adolph tried other locking devices available on the market only to find that those products were easily destroyed, allowing him to be victimized once again. He decided that there must be a way to design a product to address these issues and The Fuel Lock is the result of his determination.

Through careful design and precise manufacturing practices, using premium grade steel, the latest equipment (computerized laser cutting, robotic welding, together with our own powder coating process which exceeds industry standards) we are able to provide the consumer with the highest quality in the industry.

This product is the leading edge and is unsurpassed as we only use Timbren Industries of Canada’s engineers, draftsmen, design staff, welders and fabrication personnel.

The Fuel Lock comes in a variety of sizes, fitting filler necks with a diameter of 2½ inches, 3 inches, 3½ inches, 4 inches and 4½ inches and includes a high security cylinder lock complete with a protective weather cap and lanyard that holds 600 lbs. pressure and is made of UV resistant polyethylene.

This weather cap is designed to help protect the high security cylinder lock against the harshest weather.

Installation of The Fuel Lock is simple, takes less than 30 seconds and only requires a 7” clearance around the cap.

The Fuel Lock is placed over the filler neck of a fuel tank and the left and right sides are brought together to a closed position, the two parts of the cylinder lock form a complete lock receiver that accepts the high security cylinder lock to be inserted and locked with a key.

Once locked, it eliminates the removal of the fuel cap and cannot be tampered with.

The newest addition to The Fuel Lock line is an in-ground storage lock. Using the same basic design on a much larger scale, this lock can prevent large storage containers from being vandalized and pilfered.

The Fuel Lock is ideal for Smaller Trucks, Transport Trucks, Refrigeration Trucks, Construction Equipment, Farm Equipment and Underground Storage Tanks.

Fuel theft is a theft of opportunity! Prevent this from happening to YOU! Purchase The Fuel Lock today by visiting www.TheFuelLock.com or by calling toll free 1-866-990-3835.

DON’T GET CAUGHT WITH YOUR CAPS OFF AND YOUR TANKS DRY!