SPAL USA�S �ROCKET RANGER� PICKUP SETS NEW LAND SPEED RECORD

By Shari Arfons, SPAL

ANKENY, Iowa � SPAL USA�s �Rocket Ranger,� driven by HyperMax Engineering �s Max Lagod, has set a new land speed record and claimed the title of World�s Fastest Diesel Pickup Truck during the Bonneville Salt Flats Speed Week, Aug. 11-17.�

� � � The �Rocket Ranger� achieved an average speed of 215.091 miles-per-hour � nearly 2 miles-per-hour faster than the previous record of 213.583 miles-per-hour in the �C/Diesel Truck� class.� SPAL�s record is recognized by the Southern California Timing Association/Bonneville Nationals Inc. (SCTA/BNI).�

� � � In 2001, SPAL USA approached Ford with the �Rocket Ranger� concept.� Ford was eager to offer support by providing a stock Ford Ranger pickup.� Currently the �Rocket Ranger� is equipped with a Ford Powerstroke�/International 6.0-litre diesel engine equipped with HyperMax intercooled series turbochargers, injectors and Mach 7 performance module, dual SPAL USA 12� high-performance cooling fans and a ZF 6-speed transmission.

� � � �The Bonneville Salt Flats is the ultimate proving ground to demonstrate the performance of our cooling fans and centrifugal blowers,� said Heath Langenfeld, sales and market manager � powersports, SPAL USA.� �We are thrilled to achieve this prestigious record, not only for SPAL USA, but also for HyperMax.�

� � � Lagod, who has driven the �Rocket Ranger� for the past three years, started road racing in 1988, won the SCCA GT-1 class national championship in 1997 and 1998 and recorded several top five finishes in SCCA Trans-Am racing.

� � � The �Rocket Ranger� qualified for the land speed record three times but had difficulty making the back up run.� During the first back up run, a failed piston forced the team to change the truck�s engine in Utah�s 100-degree heat; an oil pump interfered with the second back up run.�

� � � �It came down to the 11th hour, but in the end the truck definitely had a record-breaking performance,� said Lagod. �It was so exciting to beat the existing land speed record to become a member of Bonneville�s 200 mile-per-hour club with the �Rocket Ranger�.�

� � � Lagod said the team may return to the Bonneville Salt Flats in October to beat its own land speed record.

� � � SPAL�s �Rocket Ranger� set its first land speed record in 2001 at the SCTA/BNI World Finals with a Roush-built NASCAR� Nextel Cup� engine enlarged to 371 cubic inches.� It reached 205.208 miles-per-hour and shattered the existing �Modified Mid/Mini Pickup� class mark by almost 25 miles-per-hour.

� � � In 2003, SPAL USA�s �Rocket Ranger� returned to Bonneville to mark the first time a Powerstroke diesel engine was used for a land speed record attempt.� The truck reached a respectable 222 miles-per-hour but was unable to complete a back up run due to an electrical issue caused by an intercooler explosion on a previous run.

� � � �Nothing comes easy at Bonneville,� said Mark Kitlinski, sales and market manager � bus & truck, SPAL USA.� �We are very proud of the work our dedicated team has put forth.� This record breaking performance would not have been possible without the support of HyperMax, International Truck, Ford Motor Company, and Creative Werks Inc.�


� � � SPAL is a leading manufacturer of ISO 9001-certified and TS16949-certified OEM and aftermarket automotive products, including electric cooling fans, centrifugal blowers, power window kits, power door lock kits, security systems, shaved door kits parking sensors, satellite/navigation systems, keyless entry systems and many other products.� Founded in 1959, SPAL is headquartered in Correggio, Italy.� The company maintains distribution facilities in Ankeny, Iowa, (SPAL USA), S�o Paulo (SPAL Brazil) and Shanghai (SPAL China).� SPAL USA is located at 1731 SE Oralabor Rd., Ankeny, IA, 50021.� Contact SPAL USA at 800.345.0327, fax 800.654.7725 or visit online at www.spalusa.com.

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