Ford-Trucks at 2019 Long Beach Grand Prix: ‘Old Smokey’ F1 is a Gas

We checked out the action on and off the track, and unsurprisingly the 1,200 hp turbo truck made a big impact. 

This past weekend, Ford-Trucks headed out to SoCal’s 2019 Long Beach Grand Prix. In addition to the hot race cars on display, we saw an old favorite: “Old Smokey.” The 1949 Ford F1 pickup is a beast, packing 1,200 horsepower and running on Cummins Turbo Diesel power. We’ve seen Old Smokey drift, hoon, burnout, even hill climb. But to see it up close and loaded up with nitrous is quite an experience.

Old Smokey is the creation of the madmen and geniuses of Chuckles Garage. Driven by racer Scott Birdsall, this Ford truck is pretty jaw-dropping. And incredibly resilient, considering the amount of lickings it has taken.

The Cummins diesel gives the truck incredible power. The rest of the mods are all based on enhancing performance, and they are inspired.

Mods include Garrett Motion GTX turbochargers, PTP turbo heat management product, and a Pure Flow Air Dog 4G 200 gph lift pump.

It has Billet race transmissions, with transmission tech by Norcal Transmissions.

Riding on Toyo and R888R tires, and forged billet F40 Tarmac wheels.

While it started out as a 1949 Ford F1, it is clear that this baby is custom-built. And custom built to be badass.

To see more of Old Smokey in action, you can give a follow on Instagram.

Photos for Ford-Trucks by David Ciminelli

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.