…The Banks Sidewinder Chevy S-10 is quite simply the best-known diesel pickup in drag racing today.
With its incredibly powerful Banks-modified 6.6 liter Duramax diesel V-8 belting out 4-digit horsepower numbers and an equal ration of tire-twisting torque, this dark red racer has set and re-set quarter-mile records almost every time that it has taken to the track, and it’s still going strong!
But speed records are only part of the story of what this machine means, and what Banks learns from every step of a project like this one. Teamwork, technique, and tenacity are all given a rugged, real-world workout, and all benefit from the exercise.
From the earliest flash of an idea way back in 2005, to the final record run of the day, every moment of this S-10’s life has provided Banks with engineering data that continually yields valuable knowledge about high efficiency, superior durability, and extreme performance. The benefits of all this tough, high speed research quite are evident in the quality of the products which Banks builds.
Sure it’s one cool race truck, but that’s just the beginning of the story at Banks Power.
- Banks Talks Diesel Small and Large
Want to unleash hidden power in your everyday diesel? Banks Power proves it’s possible with their performance parts. They transformed a stock Jetta wagon into a sporty ride with increased power and impressive fuel economy, all thanks to a Six-Gun tuner, Ram-Air intake, and Monster Exhaust System. But Banks isn’t just about practicality; their record-breaking ...
Read more - Jay Leno drools over Sidewinder S10
Dive into the world of diesel performance with Gale as he explores Jay Leno’s garage. Witness the record-breaking power and efficiency of the Banks Sidewinder Type-D Pro Stock Truck. Discover the secrets behind its Duramax diesel engine, a clean-burning marvel that delivers unmatched performance. Don’t miss the jaw-dropping burnout at the end!
Read more - Gale Banks explains why Turbos are the best power adder
Turbocharging your ride? Gale breaks down the benefits of turbos in this must-watch video. From commercial fleets to race tracks and even military vehicles, turbos deliver serious power gains. Learn why turbocharging could be the perfect upgrade for your car or truck and how to harness its potential.
Read more - Heavy Duty, High Performance
Over the years, Rudolf Diesels creation has taken a back seat in the world of race engines to traditional spark ignition motors.
Read more - When it Comes to Racers…We Roll Our Own!
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.
Read more - NHRDA World Finals Report
Banks Power’s iconic Sidewinder S-10 returned to the track at the NHRDA World Finals, setting a new Top Diesel record with a 7.77-second pass. Despite facing challenges with weather and technical issues, the team persevered and claimed victory.
Read more - 2010 NHRDA World Finals WIN
Banks Sidewinder S-10 Wins Top Diesel at Topeka
By John Stewart
Bad weather plagued the National Hot Rod Diesel Association’s World Finals last weekend in Topeka, Kansas, holding down attendance and limiting track time. But in the end, spectators got to see a diesel pickup run at a world record pace.
Gale Banks took his record-setting Sidewinder ...
Read more - Belmont Concours d Eleganaza photos
Gale Banks, a renowned automotive industry expert, recently judged the prestigious Belmont Concours d’Elegance. Surrounded by over 200 stunning vehicles, from classic beauties to modern powerhouses, Banks showcased the Banks Sidewinder S-10 as a prime example of clean diesel performance. Get inspired by these automotive masterpieces and discover how Banks Power can elevate your vehicle’s ...
Read more - Adam Carolla Podcast with Gale Banks
Want to soup up your car or truck? Gale Banks, performance parts legend, joins Adam Carolla on Carcast to discuss new clean diesel tech, Banks Power products, and his crazy fast diesel drag vehicles! Learn how Banks gets extreme performance out of any engine, see his tricked-out VW Jetta TDI and monster S-10 drag truck, ...
Read more - Adam Carolla Podcast with Gale Banks
Gale Banks Hangs With Funnyman Adam Carolla on his “Carcast” Show and talks about the Banks Sidewinder S-10 drag truck and the Banks-powered VW Jetta TDI and more!
Azusa, Calif. – – Well-known star of stage, screen, radio, and the TV dance floor Adam Carolla this week welcomed special guest Gale Banks to the Carcast section ...
Read more - Desert Diesel Nationals
The NHRDA’s Season Opener in Phoenix saw the Banks Sidewinder S-10 set a record.
Read more - Late-Breaking News
Diesel World magazine gives an update on the industry, including the NHRDA event where the Banks S-10 had a 7.77 at 180 mph run.
Read more - “Banks Power – The first 50 years” Opens at Wally Parks NHRA Museum
50 years of automotive and marine engineering innovation was put on display at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum to honor Gale Banks and his achievements.
Read more - Built for Speed – Two Banks Machines for the Price of One
Unleash your inner speed demon! Banks Power is set to redefine diesel performance with the debut of its Top Diesel Dragster and Sidewinder S-10 pickup truck at the TS Performance Outlaw Drags on May 9th in Bowling Green, KY. Witness history in the making as these two powerhouse machines aim to shatter records and redefine ...
Read more - 2,500 Horsepower Unleashed:
Banks’ New Top Diesel Dragster AND Record-Shattering S-10 Pickup … Both To Compete!Saturday, May 9 – “TS Performance Outlaw Drags” – Bowling Green, KY
2,500 Horsepower Unleashed: Banks’ New Top Diesel DragsterAND Record-Shattering S-10 Pickup … Both To Compete!Saturday, May 9 – “TS Performance Outlaw Drags” – Bowling Green, KY
Azusa, Calif. – – (April 20, 2009) ...
Read more - This Just In From Jay Leno’s Garage
Gale Banks’ diesel-powered Chevy S-10 Duramax drag truck, the Sidewinder, set new ET and top speed records. The impressive achievement caught the attention of Jay Leno, who invited Banks to showcase the truck on his show, “Jay Leno’s Garage.” Viewers can watch the detailed walk-around of the Sidewinder on the show.
Read more - This Just In From Jay Leno’s Garage
Gale takes the Sidewinder S-10 drag truck over to Jay Leno’s for some fun and burnouts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYBSog51how
Burbank, California March 21, 2009 – When Jay Leno calls from the Big Dog Garage and asks: “What’s new?” No one jokes back: “New York, New Jersey, or New Brunswick.” What Gale Banks answered back was the news that his ...
Read more - 7 seconds – Part 3
Upgrade Your Ride for Peak Performance: Lessons from a Record-Breaking Drag Racer
Want to push your vehicle to its limits? Look no further than the secrets of drag racing! This high-octane sport reveals the importance of performance upgrades and expert maintenance for peak power. See how a champion crew fine-tuned their truck, achieving record-breaking speeds through ...
Read more - 7 seconds – Part 2
Unleash the Power of Diesel Performance: Witness the Sidewinder S-10 Dominate at the Drag Strip! Upgrade your truck’s potential with proven diesel performance modifications. This excerpt showcases a tricked-out diesel S-10 leaving the competition in the dust at a drag race. Learn how to unlock hidden power and transform your truck into a racing ...
Read more - Seven Seconds – Part 1
The Banks Sidewinder S-10 isn’t just a truck; it’s a diesel monster capable of astonishing speed. Witnessing this beast firsthand is an unforgettable experience, as it effortlessly accelerates to over 180 mph in a mere seven seconds. Join us as we delve into the world of high-performance diesel racing and the incredible engineering behind this ...
Read more - S-10 Project Overview Update
Azusa, Calif. – – The Banks Sidewinder S-10 Duramax pickup just gets faster every time it runs! And on Saturday March 7, the dark red truck with a brand new Sidewinder snake supergraphic on the side charged right past its own record once again with an incredible 7.77 -180 mile per hour run which made ...
Read more - The World’s Quickest Diesel Pickup Breaks New Ground
The words “fast” and “diesel” aren’t commonly spoken in the same breath. Diesel trucks, the Clydesdales of the truck world, have always been one-dimensional work trucks, clattering engines producing nothing but torque, with lots of black smoke thrown in.
Those cliches are fading fast as a new wave of diesel trucks hits the street.
The words “fast” ...
Read more - “BANKS POWER – THE FIRST 50 YEARS” OPENS AT WALLY PARKS NHRA MUSEUM – POMONA, CA
Pomona, California – – On Wednesday, December 3, 2008, fifty years of automotive and marine engineering innovation was put on display at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, in Pomona, California.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WoRjPCMC6k
Pomona, California – – On Wednesday, December 3, 2008, fifty years of automotive and marine engineering innovation was put on display at the Wally Parks ...
Read more - Sidewinder S-10 Drag Truck Update
Gale Banks pushes his Sidewinder S-10 to 1,280 bhp—and discovers piston-edge erosion at high rail pressures. Learn how he’s dialing back power for reliable 7.80s laps and preparing a next-gen Spitzer “Top Dragster” build.
Read more - No smoke with fire
Smoke free, high efficiency diesel engines are Gale Banks Engineering’s specialty. We look at how the company progressed to become the undisputed leaders in the field.
Read more - Clean Speed
Diesel Power Magazine takes a look inside the world’s quickest and fastest diesel pickup.
Read more - One-On-One With Gale Banks
Straight Talk With the Man Largely Identified as the Creator of the Diesel Aftermarket
Read more - Power Broker
Here’s a guy who’s done it all and done it well, and he has the records to prove it.
Read more - So did they win? When we last left our heroes…
Gale Banks discusses the challenges faced by the Banks team in preparing for a recent race, including a late arrival of a critical component, the rear end. Despite the setback, the team remains optimistic and plans to continue their racing efforts in July. The blog post highlights the importance of timely delivery and the impact ...
Read more - Dyno Tuning the S-10
Enthusiasts understand that a dynamometer measures an engine’s output by gauging its torque, taking measurements from the flywheel (in the case of an engine dynamometer) or a vehicle’s drive wheels (with a chassis dynamometer). A dyno, though, is a far more versatile diagnostic tool than a mere power reader. When the dyno is properly set ...
Read more - Why Did We Start the Project with an S10 Pro Stock Truck Body Chassis?
When Gale Banks decided to showcase one of his twin turbo Duramax diesel engines in a drag race vehicle, he wanted to start with a chassis combination that was well built, light, and proven. Naturally it had to represent a GM truck model. After a little searching, he found that Panella Trucking in Stockton, California ...
Read more - S-10 Project Overview
Gale Banks has several goals he wants to achieve with his latest Duramax turbodiesel project truck, the Sidewinder D-Max S-10. Most obviously there’s speed: Gale Banks Engineering has a long history of winning races and setting records on land and in the water, and the expectations for the S-10 are no different. Banks wants to ...
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