With the world’s focus on the development and use of more efficient, economical, and “green” fuels, the diesel performance marketplace has seen an uptick in interest from auto manufacturers. Additionally the aftermarket and enthusiasts are caught up in the mix when it comes to putting the capabilities of the technology on display in hardcore racing applications. From sports car racing to drag racing, diesel engines are more commonplace than they’ve ever been and their performance is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

The team at Scheid Diesel Service in Indiana has been in integral part of the diesel performance scene, campaigning a diesel-powered dragster out of their shop and supplying power and support for a host of truck pulling teams. Their in-house dragster, owned by Dan Scheid and driven by Jared Jones, is a bonafied contender in the NHDRA (National Hot Diesel Association) and the NHRA, with power from a massive 5.9L Cummins-based powerplant that’s producing horsepower and torque numbers thought unimaginable from the factory.

The inline-six features a compound turbocharger setup, with an 85mm turbo at the manifold feeding another massive 114mm hairdryer pushing an eye-opening 150 pounds of boost into the engine. The lengthy mill utilizes a stock engine block with Arias pistons and billet rods and a water injection setup to produce the 1,950 horsepower and 3,000 ft.-lbs. of torque — enough to drag a train down the tracks. A 3-speed Lenco manual transmission and 4-disc Crower clutch combo deliver the power to the big Goodyear slicks through a Strange Engineering differential.

The 300-inch Spitzer Race Cars Top Dragster chassis weighs in at 2,650 pounds — with 1,400 of that in the drivetrain — and has been as quick as 6.74 seconds and over 205 mph, which is less than two-tenths of a second off the world record despite giving up a sizable number of cubes to its competitors.