Mike Ryan’s Banks Racing Freightliner
Size Matters…The Banks Super-Turbo Detroit 60 Series powered Freightliner taught us a lot about high altitude diesel calibration running Pikes Peak in the skillful hands of owner Mike Ryan! Oh, by the way, with Mike’s lack of fear, this became the fastest Pikes Peak Semi, Ever!
Mike Ryan’s Banks Super-Turbo Pikes Peak Freightliner is unlike any other truck in the universe. The truck is equipped with a 14.0L Detroit Diesel 60 series engine with a compression ratio of 15-1 and a fuel redline of 2700 RPM. The body is constructed entirely of fiberglass and carbon fiber, even still weighing in at just over 5 tons. Like any well balanced race vehicle, it is a mid-engine design. This truck truly tests the merit of each and every one of its systems. Good acceleration requires a responsive engine, high speed requires massive horsepower and cornering and handling require extreme braking capability.
- 2008 Freightliner Cascadia powered by a Banks Super-Turbo equipped 14.0L Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine from Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing, Detroit Diesel custom calibrated DDEC ECU
- Banks Super-Turbo system consisting of Banks Ram-Air® purpose built three-filter air intake system, 8.3L Whipple Twin-Screw Supercharger, S510 Borg Warner Turbocharger, Tial Wastegates and Blow-Off Valves; with Banks-designed and developed drive system, bracketry, and manifolding
- 2,400 horsepower and 4,000+ lb/ft torque (plus a 400 HP boost from Banks Straight-Shot™ when needed)
- Banks iQ man-machine interface with GPS; Banks Straight-Shot Water and Water-Methanol injection systems (used for supercharger cooling, intercooling, charge-air face cooling, and brake cooling)
- ZF HP 600 5-speed automatic transmission; Meritor RS 17145 differential, 3:07 rear gear
- Howe Performance rack & pinion steering
- Meritor 4-piston air over hydraulic disc brakes, 4-75mm pistons, 17-inch diameter Bendix rotors, front, 15.1-inch diameter rotors, rear; Fras-le brake pads
- Accuride alloy wheels, F 9.25 x 22.5, R 15.00 x 22.5; Michelin XZUZ Front 305/70 R 22.5, XDA-HT Rear 445/50 R 22.5, truck cases, road race compound
- King Custom Coil-Over shock absorbers front and rear
- Speedway Engineering anti-sway bars, F 2.43-inch, R 1.25-inch
- Two Optima 12V batteries
- Mastercraft 3G racing seats; DJ Safety seat belts and fire system
- The roof shape is from a Stearman Bi-Plane, the rear wing is a mid-90’s Indy Champ Car Short course wing double width
- The frame, chassis and roll cage was designed and built at Freightliner by volunteer engineers and fabricators
Project Photo Gallery
Latest News
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 moreBlowin’ Smoke Rings on Pikes Peak!
Witness raw power unleashed as a Banks Super-Turbo Detroit dominates the mountain. This mind-blowing image captures the engine’s incredible performance, visually demonstrating the impact of advanced turbocharging technology. Ready to experience your vehicle’s full potential? Discover how Banks Power can supercharge your ride.
Read more#TBT…We Went to Pikes Peak With an Agenda
The Banks 866T V8 Turbo Diesel engine is pushing the limits of power for the Oshkosh JLTV, a next-generation tactical vehicle. This engine’s performance was honed at high altitudes, demonstrating its ability to deliver superior power even in harsh environments. Banks’ innovative turbo technology is making a real difference for military vehicles.
Read moreBanks Super-Turbo DD60 Freightliner, Pikes Peak Outrage
Unleash the Beast: How Forced Induction Can Supercharge Your Ride! Ever dream of turning your car into a fire-breathing monster? Forced induction, like the kind used in this mountain-taming machine, might be your answer. By pumping extra air into the engine, you unlock a surge of power, perfect for leaving the competition in the ...
Read moreSize Matters 2 Epic Debut
Mike Ryan’s “Size Matters 2” video showcases the incredible capabilities of the Banks Super-Turbo Freightliner. This action-packed video features impressive drifting stunts and a massive jump, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with a heavy-duty truck. The video highlights the power and performance of the Banks-modified engine and the skill of Mike Ryan as a ...
Read moreSize Matters 2 Behind The Scenes
Mike Ryan, a skilled stunt driver and racer, is preparing for the release of “Size Matters 2,” a video showcasing the incredible capabilities of his Banks Super-Turbo Freightliner. The video will feature jaw-dropping stunts, including a massive jump over multiple cars. This project demonstrates the power and versatility of the Super-Turbo engine and the daring ...
Read moreFreightliner on SAE website
Banks Power’s Super-Turbo Freightliner Cascadia is redefining trucking. This groundbreaking vehicle, showcased at the SEMA Show, combines raw power with cutting-edge technology. Engineered for peak performance and efficiency, the Cascadia serves as a testbed for future innovations like hybrid systems and alternative fuels. Imagine a truck that’s not only faster but also cleaner and more ...
Read moreBirth of a Super-Turbo
Diesel racing on a gigantic scale: Gale Banks and Mike Ryan team up to tackle Pikes Peak in a Freightliner semitruck.
Read moreMotorweek interview with Gale
Gale Banks on Motorweek: The Future of Diesel Power
Tune in to Motorweek’s “Goss’ Garage” to hear Gale Banks discuss the latest trends in the diesel aftermarket. Learn about the impact of electronic engine controls and the benefits of innovative technologies like the Banks Straight-Shot water-methanol system and iQ monitor.
Read moreDiesel Army Goes Behind The Scenes With Gale Banks
Discover a legacy of power and innovation with Banks Power. For over six decades, Gale Banks has pushed the boundaries of automotive performance, from record-breaking racecars to fuel-efficient pickups. Experience the thrill of unmatched horsepower and torque as you unlock your vehicle’s true potential. Join a community of performance enthusiasts who trust Banks Power for ...
Read moreSmoking Tire podcast
Gale is a featured guest on the widely popular and often times, irreverent, Smoking Tire Podcast.
Gale is a featured guest on the widely popular and often times, irreverent, Smoking Tire Podcast. And, this week joining Gale at the round table is Dan Neil of the Wall Street Journal. Many across the country enjoy Neil’s Rumble ...
Read moreAutomotive legend has changed the face of the industry
Gale Banks makes front-page news, talking about racing, the military, and what it took to get where he is.
Read moreSemi Truck: Banks Freightliner Super Turbo Pikes Peak Truck
Banks Power is pushing the boundaries of diesel performance with their innovative Super-Turbo engine, combining a supercharger and a turbocharger for maximum power and efficiency. This cutting-edge technology was showcased in Mike Ryan’s Freightliner race truck, aiming to break records at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. While the 2013 attempt faced weather challenges, the ...
Read moreSemi Truck: Banks Freightliner Super Turbo Pikes Peak Truck
Supercharger + Turbo = Pikes Peak record?
Read moreGale speaks with AutoWorld Radio to discuss Pikes Peak and the Banks Super-Turbo
Want to hear how a Freightliner semi is prepped to conquer Pikes Peak? Tune in to Bob Long’s AutoWorld Radio where Gale Banks dives deep into the prep work for Mike Ryan’s beast. The discussion expands to Gale Banks’ latest product development for OEMs and beyond. Don’t miss it!
Read moreRoad Dog Radio interviews Gale Banks
In a 2013 interview on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Radio, Gale Banks discussed the performance of Mike Ryan’s Banks Super-Turbo Freightliner at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
He also shared plans for future record-breaking attempts at Pikes Peak and the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Read moreExtreme Truckers Online
Want to supercharge your ride? Hear from the experts! Tune in as Gale Banks, Mike Ryan, and Mike McHorse discuss the Banks Super-Turbo Freightliner and its Pikes Peak conquest. Get insights on power, performance, and engineering that can elevate your vehicle. Stream or download the Extreme Truckers Show now!
Read moreRed Eye Radio
In a 2013 interview with Red Eye Radio, Gale Banks and Mike Ryan discussed the Banks Super-Turbo Freightliner and its record-breaking run at Pikes Peak. The interview highlights the innovative technology and engineering behind the truck, as well as the challenges and triumphs of the project. This historic event showcases Banks Power’s commitment to pushing ...
Read moreGale Banks discusses Pikes Peak 2013 and the Banks Super-Turbo
Gale Banks shares exclusive insights on the record-breaking Banks Super-Turbo Freightliner built for the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Learn how cutting-edge engineering is pushing the limits of performance in this must-watch interview.
Read moreGale Banks, Mike Ryan and the Super-Turbo
Want to push your vehicle beyond limits? This article explores Mike Ryan’s outrageous semi-truck, a 10,000 lb beast conquering Pikes Peak. Discover how he uses a supercharger, custom engine tuning, and weight distribution to achieve record-breaking speed on the mountain. Learn how unconventional upgrades can unlock hidden potential in your own vehicle. Read the ...
Read moreGale Banks returns to Car Cast
Want to conquer mountains (or the daily commute)? Listen to Adam Carolla’s Car Cast featuring Gale Banks discussing how Banks Power equips Mike Ryan’s Freightliner semi for the grueling Pikes Peak climb. Learn about Banks’ turbochargers, altitude compensation, and water methanol injection systems – perfect for any vehicle seeking a performance upgrade!
Read more