Weekend Recap – 2.5.2018 – LEAKED: 2020 Silverado
Truck Of The Week
New Silverado??
Leaked: 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD
We have to admit, we’re a little jealous of those of you that live in the greater southeastern Michigan region. Only here can you spot a wrapped prototype from one of the Big Three, sometimes out and about in regular traffic, on any given day. Although it was captured within the confines of GM’s Milford, Michigan proving grounds, this spy photo gives us an idea what the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD may look like. Most notably, a larger grille will be onboard, possibly with the aerodynamic air curtains carried over from 1500 models. We’ve also learned that the Chevrolet name is expected to be stamped into the tailgate. Some things we’re hopeful for: 1) the low-slung DEF tank has been relocated to a more protected area under the truck, 2) the DEF fill has made its way out of the engine bay and next to the fuel filler neck, and 3) the Duramax has been tweaked to produce just enough torque to send Ford (and Ram) back to the drawing board.
Photo Credit: KGP Photography
Highlights
Wagler Performance makes a big move
Wagler Motorsports Park
Instead of loading up and heading to the track each time you need to make a few test hits, why not just buy an entire drag strip? That’s exactly what Jeremy Wagler, owner of Wagler Competition Products, did in a recent acquisition of an eighth-mile track just four miles southeast of Lyons, Indiana. Formerly Lyons Raceway, it’s been renamed Wagler Motorsports Park, and is the same facility that plays host to the Wagler Diesel Competition held each June. Now, in addition to that well-attended event, Wagler also plans to build a new pulling track and shop onsite—complete with a chassis dyno inside. The all-in-one test facility will provide Wagler’s innovative operations the shot in the arm it needs to take its products to the next level. We’re told that, in addition to being a private test facility for truck pullers and drag racers, Wagler Motorsports Park will remain open to the public, with several special events being added to the 2018 schedule.
Ford Doing Well
Surprise, Surprise…F-series Truck Sales are up (again)
Just in time for the weekend, Ford released its January vehicle sales figures and, unlike its fleet, SUV, and car numbers—which are all down when compared to January 2017—truck sales are up by 2.2 percent. FoMoCo’s report went on to detail that average transaction pricing for its F-series trucks checked in at $47,800 per vehicle last month, which was $1,400 higher than it was in January, 2017. Even while its other categories have taken a slight downturn, Ford’s truck sales are as strong as they’ve ever been, and Mark LaNeve, Ford Vice President, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service, attributes this to a healthy economy. “U.S. economic factors are very healthy and we’re seeing the effect in the auto industry—not just in strong demand for pickups, but in demand for high trim versions of vehicles,” LaNeve was quoted as saying.
Events
All She’s Got
2018 Southern Invitational Truck & Tractor Pull
Truck and tractor pulling never really stops, it just moves inside for the winter. Throughout the cold months, dozens of showdowns with the sled unfold in gigantic sheds and exposition centers. If you’ve never been to an indoor pull, you owe it to yourself to check it out at least once. Over the weekend, 15 trucks competed in the 8,000-pound Pro Stock Diesel Truck class held at the annual indoor Southern Invitational Truck and Tractor Pull in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. In an effort to put the weight box in the sand pile, this second-gen would end up getting sandwiched between the sled and sand on Saturday night, enduring some damage.
Pulls, Pulls, and More Pulls
‘Tis the season…for indoor truck and tractor pulling!
Speaking of indoor pulling events, this image was captured at the Vintage Tractor Pulling Association’s (VTPA) Vintage Tractor Pull that took place at the Michiana Event Center in Shipshewana, Indiana over the weekend by Amy Gilbert. The VTPA runs an entire circuit from November to March, which consists of six events in total. Some of the biggest wintertime venues for truck and tractor pulling include: The National Farm Machinery Show (Louisville, Kentucky), Midwest Winter Nationals (a.k.a. “Gordyville” in Gifford, Illinois), Keystone Nationals Indoor Truck & Tractor Pull (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania), and the aforementioned Southern Invitational Truck and Tractor Pull (Murfreesboro, Tennessee).
TS 2018
17 Years and Counting
The benchmark TS Performance Outlaw Diesel Drag Race event, now in its 17th year of existence, is scheduled for June 1-2 this year—and an All Truck Shootout will once again be held in conjunction with the ODSS points series race. The All Truck Shootout pits diesel and gas trucks against each other in the quarter-mile, Speed Stop Challenge, and Show ‘N Shine. The ODSS points portion of the event will feature E.T. Bracket, 6.70 Index, 7.70 Index, 5.90, Pro Street, Pro Mod, and Pro Dragster classes. All action will take place at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Parts Rack
Cold Starts
Don’t be left stranded!
Old Man Winter has been harsh this year for most areas of the country, but luckily another emergency diesel additive has been brought to market. Opti-Lube’s Gel Melt de-ices frozen fuel filters, re-liquefies gelled diesel fuel, helps remove water from your fuel system, and is even effective in biodiesel blends. Like other products in this category, Gel Melt is not an anti-gel treatment additive, but one that should only be used in emergencies. The new re-liquefier was recently endorsed by IDparts.com, a major online retailer for Volkswagen TDI parts.
