The weak economy and high fuel prices have definitely put a damper on fun for many Mustang enthusiasts. But there are those who will find a way to go racing, it is just a matter of reworking your personal budget. One area that has been a sore topic has been diesel trucks. Ford trucks are priced really high lately and the cost of diesel might be cooling off, but certainly isn't cheap. There are solutions.
I was at JPC Racing yesterday working on a few tech stories when one of his employees pulled up an Army truck. He jumps out and asked if I liked his new work truck? I know the guy well enough to know he isn't in the military. He laughed and said the truck was bought on eBay. He uses it to carry around his welding equipment, pipe benders, and other stuff for sort of like an on-site chassis shop idea. The truck really rocks and it was bought for dirt cheap.
The kicker in the whole thing, the truck runs on waste oil. Yep, that is right any oil, transmission fluid, transfat cooking oil, etc. that is discarded at the JPC facility is recycled by running the truck. Don't get me wrong, the interior features zero creature comforts other than vents and a roof over head. It rides rough, but for the price to buy one of these trucks ($3,000-$4,500) it isn't a bad option to pick up as a tow vehicle for your Mustang. The truck is cheap to operate and there are plenty of replacement parts available. I was told that replacement engines are only $750. MPG is around 10, and the government gets rid of them with low mileage. This unit had 26,000 miles at the time of purchase.
Topping it all off—the truck makes a nice conversation piece!