Smoke, Shine & Everything Diesel

When the NHRDA rolls into town, you know it’s going to be a party—and the 2025 edition of Truckin’ in Tulsa was exactly that. Held May 16–17 at Tulsa Raceway Park, this stop on the National Hot Rod Diesel Association tour brought together the best of both worlds: Side-by-side diesel drag racing and an absolutely stacked pickup truck show.

The action kicked off Friday afternoon as racers, vendors, and haulers rolled through the gates. Early evening grudge matches and dyno runs fired up the crowd and set the tone for what would be a full-throttle weekend. But it was the Big Rig Light Show that stole the spotlight Friday night as rows of lit-up semis gleaming with chrome, strobes, and custom lighting lined up glowing under the Oklahoma sky.

Saturday was when things really hit overdrive. From the first burnout to the final pair crossing the stripe, diesel-powered machines took over the quarter-mile in everything from Top Diesel monsters and Pro Mods to daily-driven Super Diesel pickups. Whether it was a 9-second pass or a high-revving grudge run, the stands stayed packed and the energy never dipped. The dyno competition roared all day long as competitors pushed their builds to the limit, chasing horsepower glory and bragging rights.

While the track was hot, the show ‘n’ shine field was just as busy. Dozens of clean, lifted, slammed, and swapped pickups packed the lot, turning heads and sparking conversations. From full-blown SEMA-quality builds to clean daily drivers with tasteful mods, the level of detail and creativity was top-notch. Spectators and fellow truck owners spent hours admiring the work, snapping pics, and casting their votes for Best in Show. For many, the show ‘n’ shine is what brings the diesel culture full circle. It’s where performance meets personality.

To race, you had to come prepared. NHRDA memberships were mandatory, and tech cards served as your golden ticket to both pit access and racing rights. But for those who couldn’t make it to Tulsa, Diesel TV had them covered with a full event livestream.

Truckin’ in Tulsa once again proved why it’s a flagship event on the diesel calendar. From high-horsepower drag racing to killer trucks in the lot, it was a weekend that celebrated every corner of the diesel world—and reminded us all why we love this scene.