Gale Banks and Ron Hodgson developed the first twin-turbocharged nitromethane dragster to compete in the elite Top Fuel category of the NHRA.
Gale Banks and Ron Hodgson developed the first twin-turbocharged nitromethane dragster to compete in the elite Top Fuel category of the NHRA. The dragster featured a Gale Banks flat crankshaft 500 ci engine with Keith Black Top Fuel cylinder heads. Banks also designed the unique injector manifold. The Pacemaker dragster incorporated a package of data acquisition parameters that was far ahead of its time. According to NHRA, the 4,500 hp dragster – capable of 300 mph runs– was too much of an insurance liability at the time. As a result, NHRA rules were re-written, banning turbocharging in the Top Fuel and Top Alcohol ranks through this day.
Gale Banks has a long history of building and racing high-performance vehicles. Over the years, the company has experimented with various fuels, including methanol, nitromethane, hydrogen, and diesel. Banks Power has also developed innovative turbocharging technologies and engine modifications to achieve record-breaking performance.
The imposing sight of the Banks Top Diesel Sidewinder’s main body hangs proudly in the Banks Race Shop. This 19-foot behemoth serves as a constant reminder of the team’s mission: to push the boundaries of diesel drag racing and achieve dominance on the track and in the hearts of their fans.
This “Quiet Revolution” ended when NHRA banned turbocharging in the Top Fuel and Funny Car categories, but the science and knowledge live on at Banks.
With the possible exception of Buddy Ingersoll and his amazing “tur-blowed” Buick Regal, the fine art of turbocharging at the digs has been about as successful as the NHRA’s ill-fated nitro ...
The Banks R866SC V8 6.6L Supercharged Diesel is an engineering powerhouse delivering 600-650 horsepower. Featuring a 3.8L Whipple supercharger and custom FEAD, this complete package is built for extreme performance.
Banks Power by the Numbers breaks down the real data behind a record-setting 2025—from millions of video views to testing fuel burned and parts shipped worldwide.
A Canadian diesel mechanic visits Banks Power and gets a firsthand lesson from Gale Banks on air density, cold starts, and real engineering behind reliable diesel performance.
The Banks Ram-Air Transmission Pan for the 68RFE delivers industry-leading cooling and +3 quarts of added capacity—keeping your transmission alive under heavy load.
The Banks 7.3 Intercooler Upgrade System lets your OBS Power Stroke breathe deeper and stay cooler, keeping boost strong and power consistent even under load.
From hot-rod beginnings to world-record diesel innovation, Gale Banks earned his title as the Godfather of Turbocharging. Learn how he reshaped the performance industry.
Ford F-350 Tremor owner Braxton Schenk ditches the factory forked exhaust for a Banks Monster Exhaust—better flow, better sound, and a finished look that fits the truck.
The Banks Derringer Tuner for 2024–25 L5P Duramax is now officially California smog legal. Enjoy +86 hp, +178 lb-ft, and full 50-state emissions compliance.
The Banks Techni-Cooler Intercooler Upgrade boosts airflow, reduces temps, and pairs with the Monster-Ram to help your 5.9L Cummins pull harder and last longer.
Avoid catastrophic 6.7L Cummins engine failure with the Banks Monster-Ram Intake. It prevents grid heater bolt failure and boosts airflow for real performance gains.