As diesel enthusiasts, we all remember a time when diesel drag racing was non-existent. Eric McBride thought that was a terrible thing, and in 2001, started an event at the Gaston Lions Club Park in Indiana. DIESEL Motorsports has kept the Thunder In Muncie event alive and running for the last 22 years, and this year was another great event with a show and shine, dirt drags, sled pulling, and anything else a diesel enthusiast could enjoy.

This year, Thunder in Muncie held true to its name with reoccurring thunderstorms that tried to dampen spirits on Friday. What’s more, at one point, the winds even reached 80 mph. The inclement weather on Friday night caused the schedule to adapt and overcome on Saturday.

The Thunder In Muncie truck show was filled with many cool rides and in Muncie, even the gasser trucks are allowed and joined in the festivities. The Best of Show truck was awarded to Michael Asher’s 2001 Ram. This SEMA-quality rig features a custom-built engine by Haisley machine and the paintjob was flawless.

In the car category, the Thunder In Muncie Best of Show went to Cameron Bain and his Jeep Wrangler. This off-road wonder is powered by a 4BT Cummins, and the custom bodywork and suspension was something to behold.

Best in Show truck belonged to Michael Asher.

Anytime you can mix drag racing with a lot of dirt, you are sure to have an exciting event. In Muncie, the dirt drags took place on a 230-foot track with plenty of shutdown area. Again, the rain caused a delay as the mud needed to be cleared, but after a two-hour delay, spectators and racers alike saw some outstanding trucks throwing dirt.

If your diesel follies lean toward pulling heavy objects, the sled pulling is where you spent your day. After the rain delay, the tractors took to the track and then trucks took their turn.

The truck pulls began with pure stock rigs followed up by the Hot Street Trucks. The local 2.6 smooth bore trucks and the 3.0 smooth bore trucks put on quite a show with some powerful pulls yanking the sled past the 300-foot line.

Although the rain did put an early damper on the festivities, all those who attended still had a great time. If you missed the show this year, next year you really need to add this to your must-attend list of events.

For a complete list of event winners, click here.