For the last few years, diesel-powered machines have been making appearances at traditionally gasoline-based events. However, they were holding back, showing just a glimpse of themselves at gas-dominant events. Clicking off good passes, qualifying high on the ladder, hell, even getting a round win here and there, Ryan Milliken, has realized a majority of that and had no issue taking his Cummins-powered Nova and stepping away from diesel-only drag racing and taking his licks in the nitrous-fed, supercharged, or turbocharged arena.

In fact, without question, he and his team have placed more checkmarks in the “L” column throughout this whole “diesel takeover” process than anyone. However, that never stopped them. Team Hardway knew that with enough data and seat time, this car would be competitive. The diesel platform had its challenges applying the power to the surface and when it did, the rules would catch up to them. Even though the Nova is Cummins-powered (heavier), they are monitored by weight and limited by turbocharger size/nitrous volume.

4.163 at 179.11 mph in qualifying put him Number One. For reference, with the exception of the Number Two qualifier, this is 5-6 mph (more in some cases) faster than the entire field. That inline-six is absolutely screaming. Photo courtesy of Hot Shot’s Secret.

Again, although it did take some time and effort, they got it figured out. And at what is arguably the biggest stage of radial drag racing at South Georgia Motorsports Park, Ryan Milliken and Co. managed to do the unthinkable. Not only did they show up at the event, but the team started the event in the Number One qualifying position. If you think that is great, they also went on to win the whole thing.

This groundbreaking win marked Milliken’s success and a milestone in drag racing history, as it was the first time a diesel-powered vehicle in the X275 class won overall. With the support system that this guy has, who knows what to expect in the future? Companies like Fleece Performance, Freedom Racing Engines, Hot Shot’s Secret, and S&S Diesel Motorsport, to name a few.

As always, the crew from Hot Shot’s Secret was on site to document the entire experience. They have a full video being edited, but the short film they’ve constructed is outstanding. They went to Facebook to share.

If you got to pick, would you rather have the big check, the $10,000 cash, or those bad-to-the-bone Thor hammers after a victory? Photos courtesy of Hot Shot’s Secret

Was the $10,o00 in his pockets enough to satisfy the itch to succeed? Or was this only worse for that itch and now he wants it more? When looking at the points in the Radial Outlaws Series on Milliken’s social media, I think we got our answer. “Ladies and gentlemen, this Sh*t just got serious!” Consistency is king, riding in 2nd place in points overall heading into the end of the season. Could we see a diesel crowned champion?