The No. 28 Cummins Diesel Special

In 1952, the No. 28 Cummins Diesel Special cemented a special legacy at the Indianapolis 500 and also, in many ways, helped reshape the future of the trucking industry. That year, this unique diesel-powered race car captured the pole position - the only diesel-powered racing machine ever to do so - with a one-lap time of 139.104 mph and four-lap time of 138.010 mph. It also helped Cummins validate the use of turbocharging and fuel injection within its diesel engine design.
July 26, 2016

In 1952, the No. 28 Cummins Diesel Special cemented a special legacy at the Indianapolis 500 and also, in many ways, helped reshape the future of the trucking industry. That year, this unique diesel-powered race car captured the pole position - the only diesel-powered racing machine ever to do so - with a one-lap time of 139.104 mph and four-lap time of 138.010 mph. It also helped Cummins validate the use of turbocharging and fuel injection within its diesel engine design. (All photos by Sean Kilcarr/Fleet Owner)

About the Author

Sean Kilcarr

Editor in Chief

Sean Kilcarr is a former longtime FleetOwner senior editor who wrote for the publication from 2000 to 2018. He served as editor-in-chief from 2017 to 2018.

 

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