The Latest, SPE Motorsport Performance Industry News - Diesel Crack Spread Reaches All-time High, and more

Diesel Crack Spread Reaches All-time High

Never heard of the “Diesel Crack Spread?” It’s the difference in price between a barrel of crude oil and a barrel of diesel fuel refined from it. Right now, it’s at a record high. On August 17th, the key metric in measuring refining profitability topped $102 per barrel. Normally, when global supply disruptions aren’t occurring, diesel crack spreads typically range from $20 to $30. The sky-high diesel crack spread is a direct result of growing fuel availability concerns due to the renewed attacks on refineries in the Middle East. Adding insult to injury, diesel stockpiles are in decline in the U.S. with farm use ramping up (fall harvest) and strong export demand.

Source: https://dieselnet.com/news/2026/08diesel-crack.php

The Mustang Baja Rumor Just Won’t Die

We first heard about an off-road Mustang years ago, then things got quiet. Now it’s back. Ford has reportedly shown dealers something called the Mustang Baja, and according to Automotive News, it’s still somewhere in Ford’s future product plans. Nobody outside Ford seems to know exactly what that means yet. AWD seems likely. Bigger tires and a completely different suspension would pretty much be required. A V8 would sure make sense too. Ford has already gone all-in on off-road performance with Raptor, and Mustang is quickly becoming its own little sub-brand. So really, why not?

Source: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a73570197/ford-mustang-off-road-model-report/

ODSS Drag Racing From SDX

For the first time since 2019, the Scheid Diesel Extravaganza was held in Terre Haute, Indiana, which means the Outlaw Diesel Super Series returned to Wabash Valley Dragway for 1/8-mile action. In Top Diesel, Michael Cordova’s 3-second rail brought home the hardware. Within the Super Diesel category, Steve Royalty’s “Climate Change” Dakota got the win. In Pro Truck, Justin Zeigler blazed his way to another victory. Racing was a bit closer in the remaining classes, with Brett Marcum edging out Ryan Reiser in the 5.90 Index final, Jeremy Stickney winning a nail-biter against Cody Gilbert in the last round of 6.70 Index (shown), and Emanuel Yoder earning yet another victory in 7.70 Index.

Source: https://www.outlawdieselss.com/

Future Fords Might Yell at Distracted Pedestrians

Apparently your future Ford might be able to yell at somebody to get out of the way. Seriously. A newly published Ford patent describes a system that would use vehicle sensors to spot pedestrians, figure out where they’re headed and determine if they’re about to cross into the vehicle’s path. If they are, the vehicle could send them an audible warning. Ignore it, and the system could change the message and try again. Can't wait to see what those messages are... As always Ford says patents don’t necessarily indicate future production plans, but this one is pretty entertaining.

Source: https://fordauthority.com/2026/08/future-ford-vehicles-may-yell-at-pedestrians-if-theyre-preoccupied/

Scheid Diesel Extravaganza Truck And Tractor Pulling Returns To Terre Haute

With the Scheid Diesel Extravaganza back in Terre Haute, it meant PPL truck and tractor pulling was also on the menu. Over the course of the two-day affair, more than 500 hooks commenced in the dirt. On both Friday and Saturday night, Cummins Killer III dominated the ranks of the Super Stock diesel truck category. Pro Stock diesel truck winners included Will Christopher’s “High Roller” (Friday, shown) and Jon Strandlie’s “Outta Hand” (Saturday). Limited Pro Stock diesel truck (3.0) victors included Coty Bader in “Full Bore” (Friday) and Landen Perkins (Saturday). Pro Street diesel truck (2.6) winners were Ethen Schneider in “Unashamed” (Friday) and Amanda Weakland’s “Just Puttin’ Up A Fight” (Saturday).

Source: https://www.propulling.com/

The Ultimate Off-Road 6.0 Super Duty?

Is Stroke Works Diesel Specialties’ Wayne Yates building the ultimate off-road toy? It certainly looks like he’s trying to. The 6.0L Power Stroke propelled F-350 has already been treated to 6-inches of lift, quick-release doors (and 6-inches off the bottom of each door), rock sliders, 4.88:1 gears, and front and rear electric lockers. Soon, a completely different suspension will be in place above the rear axle, and a fresh set of tires will go on. And if we know Wayne like we think we do, the 6.0L under the hood will be turning out a solid horsepower figure, too…

Source: https://www.strokeworksdiesel.com/