Rocket Ranger: The Fastest Diesel-Powered Pickup Truck on the Planet!

Ford's collaboration with SPAL USA and Hypermax has successfully set a new milestone. The SPAL USA "Rocket Ranger", a high performance truck model based on the Ford Ranger recently set the record for the World's Fastest Diesel Pickup Truck with an average top speed of 215.091 mph, with Hypermax engineering Max Lagod aboard the vehicle. The event happened during the Bonneville Salt Flats Speed Week. This achievement by SPAL USA's "Rocket Ranger" is recognized by the Southern California Timing Association/Bonneville Nationals Inc. (SCTA/BNI).

Max Lagod commented: "It came down to the 11th hour, but in the end the truck definitely had a record-breaking performance. It was so exciting to beat the existing land speed record to become a member of Bonneville's 200 mile-per- hour club with the 'Rocket Ranger'."

Lagod has been part of motor sport racing since 1988. He won the SCCA GT-1 class national championship in 1997 and 1998, and obtained several podium finishes in his SCCA Trans-Am racing career.

Going back to the SPAL USA "Rocket Ranger", the vehicle is equipped with a monstrous Ford Powerstroke(R)/International 6.0- litre diesel engine. This power plant also features several high performance engine enhancements like Hypermax intercooled series turbochargers, injectors, Mach 7 performance module, and dual SPAL USA 12-inch high-performance cooling fans. A ZF 6-speed gearbox completes the powertrain package for this vehicle.

"Nothing comes easy at Bonneville. "We are very proud of the work our dedicated team has put forth. This record breaking performance would not have been possible without the support of Hypermax, International Truck, Ford Motor Company, and Creative Werks Inc." said Mark Kitlinski, sales and market manager -- bus & truck, SPAL USA.

Heath Langenfeld, sales and market manager - powersports, SPAL USA also commented.
"The Bonneville Salt Flats is the ultimate proving ground to demonstrate the performance of our cooling fans and centrifugal blowers. We are thrilled to achieve this prestigious record, not only for SPAL USA, but also for Hypermax."

In addition, Max Lagod said the SPAL USA team plans to return in Bonneville Salt Flats sometime in October to beat the record, his own record. Well, good luck Mr. Lagod!