When Bill Fletcher burst onto the diesel scene in 2003, few imagined that his first home-built race truck would become a legend. His little white 2 wheel drive named Ernie quickly went from farm truck to record setter. Bill has raced Ernie at diesel events from Washington to California to Colorado, and taken a trophy every time.
Ernie was racing in Sacramento on Sunday October 4th and made a trophy-winning first run in the low tens driven by Bill. A new driver piloted Ernie on the second, and ultimately career-finishing, run for the Fletcher-built street machine.
Shortly after launch the truck lost traction, reportedly due to water on the track, hit the wall and rolled over. Although wrecked, Ernie still got a time-slip, clocking 37mph in the 1/8th on his side. The driver was shaken but fine thanks to excellent safety equipment, and Ernie’s remains headed back to Washington.
Race fans will miss Ernie, who retires undefeated, but we expect that Bill won’t be away too long. Stay tuned to see what Mr. Fletcher has up his sleeve next…
Here is a link to a thread with some pictures:
Sac raceway truck drags - Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum
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