2004 Baja Race Invaded by Diesel

Other than an 8-point roll cage, 44-gallon fuel cell, KORE suspension, race seats, and chassis reinforcements, the Kroeker-Banks KORE 2003 Dodge Ram Cummins-powered truck was stock. The truck was street legal in all 50 states.

The “Stock Full” class rules allow engine modifications. Kent Kroeker wanted his race truck to be faster than stock. He was concerned about raising exhaust gas temperatures in race conditions and not being able to monitor an EGT gauge. In a race the length of the Baja 1000, added power is great, but reliability is critical. He felt assured that teaming with Banks would give him added performance without damaging his engine. 

The Six-Gun Bundle included a Six-Gun Diesel Tuner with Speed-Loader Upgrade, Monster-Ram Intake, Ram-Air intake, Bighead Wastegate Actuator, Monster Exhaust System, Intercooler, and DynaFact gauges.

Kent said, “I like how Banks’ Six-Gun Bundle is an integrated system— with all of its parts designed to work as a system. I didn’t want to use parts that were hodgepodged together by various manufacturers. My EGTs never got over 1150°F for the entire race, and the power is outstanding!”

Making the lore even more impressive, Kroeker drove his truck to the 2004 Baja race from Southern California. Carrying over 400 pounds of spare suspension parts, tools, and two spare tires in the truck’s bed—it was his pit. He raced the truck with the spares and fuel in the bed. He drove the truck home after finishing third in his class, but only because he stopped to lend a hand to a competitor who was stuck in the mud! Of course, his competitors towed their race vehicles to the event and home afterward.