INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Power Stroke Diesel 200 drew thousands from across North America to the Indianapolis Raceway Park to participate in games, draws, a Show & Shine and of course, the big NASCAR event.

But hidden in amongst the many entrants at the Show & Shine, each proudly displaying their Ford pick-ups with Power Stroke Diesel engines by International, were some former professional truck drivers still looking for that big rig power.

One of these individuals was Larry Baugher.

The former O/O with Mitchell Trucking out of Presque Isle, Maine stopped driving professionally 16 years ago, but still likes to feel the same power when he’s driving at home. His 2001 Ford F250 Super Duty was just what the doctor ordered.

“I’ve been a Ford fan forever,” he said. “When they improved the Power Stroke Diesel engine, it was around the same time I was looking for a big pick-up truck. I never even considered a gas engine. I’d heard a lot of good things about the Power Stroke Diesel engine, but I didn’t know anybody who owned one, so I had to do my research on that before I bought.

“I wanted a big truck. I was looking for a nice pick-up truck that I could haul whatever I wanted to haul in. I sat down in my truck the first time and was like, ‘Yep, I’m home.’ It felt good.”

Baugher, who now works as a sponsor broker in Indiana, had his research pay off when he bought the truck new in 2000, having put on more than 100,000 miles since. It may not be a big rig, but for Baugher, it’s the next best thing.

“It’s working out beautifully for me so far. It’s an amazing truck.”