The No. 28 Cummins Diesel Special

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.

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 previously reported and commented on trends affecting the many different strata of the trucking industry. Also be sure to visit Sean's blog Trucks at Work where he offers analysis on a variety of different topics inside the trucking industry.

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