Diesel drag racing is big in the USA, the NHRDA has classes for diesels of all types but the majority of diesel drag vehicles are trucks. One thousand plus horsepower Cummins, Duramax, and Powerstroke engines are the staples of american speed, but the europeans have a different perspective. In Europe diesel is all about efficiency, fuel economy, and saving money. In the US, diesel is all about torque, towing, labor, and blue collar work ethic. Two unique perspectives, both with their opportunities for us enthusiasts to subvert!

The VW Polo is a pinnacle of small economical transport so maybe not the best platform for a drag car right? This florescent little VW disagrees. This front wheel drive drag car is the fastest diesel in Europe thanks to some serious tuning. The first giveaway is an intercooler nearly the size of the windshield hanging over the front. Desperate for every little advantage; a crew member is seen spraying down the front of the intercooler with what is presumably liquid CO2. The extra cold air charge will ensure the densest fuel air charge delivered to the engine.

Launching off the line the Polo leaps to the 60-foot line in a flash, the acceleration of this little car puts supercar launch control to shame! The Nissan GTR he is racing looks like a big slow sedan in comparison. Crossing the line in 9.63 at 137.78 mph on his second run, this diesel drag car shows us that it doesn’t take giant engines or sophisticated launch control to be fast.