In the year 1989 R.B.Slagle and Carl Heap brought the Phoenix diesel truck to Bonneville. The truck was recovered from a junk yard after years of service at a log truck. The 1947 I.H. K7 truck was fitted with a new drive train and a 16V1472 cu.in. Detroit Diesel engine. The engine was set mid frame behind the cab. The truck was non- streamlined and very basic in the beginning.

The truck with R.B. driving would achieve a speed of 158 mph. The following year they would up the speed to 188.340 mph for their 1st record.

The truck spent a lot of time in the inspection area and more time in the pits being scrutinized by a lot of SCTA/BNI inspectors. As it was unique in it's construction and size, there would be some special requirements to run the truck.

#1: What special equipment was the Phoenix required to have at the front of the truck to reduce the likelihood of damage to the course and to the truck in case of a certain type of failure?

ANSWER: Skids under each side of the front axle is case of a tire failure to prevent the front end from digging in and causing course damage or the truck from crashing.

#2: What unusual equipment was the Phoenix team required to have at the Salt in case of incident of breakdown on the course?

ANSWER: They had to provide a crane and other support equipment, large trailer etc. to remove the vehicle in case of a incident or break down on the course.