The Podium Is In Sight | Robby Garcia AMSOIL UCC 2026
About this episode
Robby Garcia talks through a major 2026 UCC rebuild, moving from his old fourth-gen Dodge/Ram to a lighter 2006 single-cab long-bed and dialing in the drivetrain for better consistency. The conversation leans hard into drag-racing setup details: trans brake, air shifting powered by nitrous, bigger injectors, and a Bosch ECM tune through Firepunk. They also touch on class alignment, event format, and the broader return of racers and turnout around UCC.
We are stoked to kick off our UCC 2026 Competitors gauntlet starting with a 5-time veteran, Robby Garcia! Robby is the true definition of unrelenting and enthusiast. Robby has steadily climbed the standings ladder in every competition his truck has finished, but this year he is changing it up. He is bringing a new Cummins for his 5th run at the AMSOIL Ultimate Callout Challenge. With that new truck he has his sights on a top 5 finish! Robby and Chris breakdown the new truck, what Robby expects, and how he thinks the Cummins will fair in this year's competition!
UCC mode
"We have a special episode today. We are in UCC mode. So we are getting on some of the competitors from the Amsoil Ultimate Call Out Challenge for 2026."
“UCC mode” just means the podcast is focusing on the Ultimate Call Out Challenge. This part of the show is about the competitors and getting ready for the event.
“UCC mode” is the hosts’ shorthand for switching the show’s focus to the Ultimate Call Out Challenge. In this segment, it frames the episode as competitor-focused prep and updates leading into the event.
Amsoil Ultimate Call Out Challenge
"We are in UCC mode. So we are getting on some of the competitors from the Amsoil Ultimate Call Out Challenge for 2026. It's a big year, 10-year anniversary of the show."
The Amsoil Ultimate Call Out Challenge is a yearly diesel truck competition. People build their trucks to be fast and strong, then they race them against other competitors.
The Amsoil Ultimate Call Out Challenge (UCC) is a recurring diesel performance competition where builders race and validate their trucks against other competitors. It’s essentially a timed, real-world proving ground focused on how well a diesel build performs under pressure.
testing is the day before UCC
"We draw it out to the last couple of weeks before it's ready. And it's almost like our test or testing is the day before UCC."
They do final testing just before the event. The goal is to make sure the truck is dialed in and ready to run on race day.
This describes the typical pre-race workflow: final shakedown/testing right before the competition. For diesel performance builds, late testing helps confirm tuning, boost/fueling behavior, and overall reliability under race conditions.
fiberglass bed sides
"still at 6,900 pounds with [148.24s] fiberglass bed sides and the other truck, which was, you know, killing us on the drag."
Fiberglass bed sides are lighter panels for the truck bed. Using lighter parts can help the truck accelerate quicker because there’s less weight to move.
Fiberglass bed sides are aftermarket body panels made from fiberglass instead of heavier materials. In drag builds, swapping to lighter body components is a straightforward way to reduce overall vehicle weight without changing the drivetrain.
torque converter
"We anytime that we try to get close to the five second pass, we go there, [160.7s] torque converter, transmission. I'd be locked up at the end of the track and I want to be good."
A torque converter is part of an automatic transmission that uses fluid to send power from the engine to the drivetrain. In racing, how it locks up can change how well the car hooks up and pulls near the finish.
A torque converter is a fluid coupling in an automatic transmission that transfers engine power to the transmission using hydraulic pressure. In drag racing, its lockup behavior can strongly affect how efficiently power is delivered at the end of the track.
locked up at the end of the track
"torque converter, transmission. [165.9s] I'd be locked up at the end of the track and I want to be good."
“Lockup” refers to a torque converter clutch engaging so the converter stops slipping and behaves more like a direct mechanical connection. For drag racing, locking up near the finish helps reduce losses and can improve elapsed time consistency.
shed some weight
"This year we decided to shed some weight. We put all of our power plant into an 06 single cab long bed."
They’re saying they removed weight from the truck. Less weight usually helps it speed up faster and behave more consistently on the track.
“Shed some weight” is a common drag-racing strategy: reducing mass improves acceleration because the engine has less inertia to move. It also helps traction and can make the car more consistent run-to-run.
diagnose it if something goes wrong
"Man, I really think it is because it helps me pay attention to the things that I definitely wouldn't pay attention to. It also makes me well burst through the truck where, [234.9s] you know, it'll help me diagnose it if something goes wrong."
“Diagnose” here means figuring out what’s really causing the problem. If you built the truck yourself, you’re more likely to know where to look first when something acts up.
In performance builds, “diagnose” means systematically identifying the root cause of a problem (like inconsistent runs, heat issues, or driveline behavior) using symptoms and checks. Doing the work yourself can make that troubleshooting faster because you understand exactly what was changed.
four link
"…putting it all in the new truck. And I got all that together, you know, four link, engine, trans, everything swapped and put in."
A four-link is a suspension system that uses four arms to hold the back axle in the right place. It’s commonly used on race trucks because it helps the truck hook up and stay stable when you launch hard.
A four-link is a rear suspension setup that uses four control arms (links) to locate the axle. In drag- and performance builds, it helps control axle movement under hard acceleration for better traction and stability.
Bosch ECM
"…and put in. And I had it off to Firepunk to do the Bosch ECM in three weeks."
ECM stands for Engine Control Module, the computer that manages engine operation. Bosch is the supplier brand of that ECU/ECM hardware, and tuning or reprogramming it is a common step to optimize fueling, boost, and drivability for a specific build.
850 cage
"…it's got, you know, the good 850 cage in it. It's got the front willwoods. It's got the radiator and a cooler."
A roll cage is a strong metal frame inside the vehicle for safety. The “850” part refers to a specific cage style/rule set used for racing so the car meets safety standards.
An 850 cage refers to a roll-cage design/spec used for safety in racing. The “cage” is a reinforced metal structure that protects occupants during crashes and helps meet sanctioning-body safety requirements.
Willwoods
"It's got the good 850 cage in it. It's got the front willwoods. It's got the radiator and a cooler."
Willwood makes performance brake parts. Using them in a race truck is usually about getting stronger, more consistent braking when you’re driving hard.
Willwood (spoken as “willwoods”) is a performance brake brand known for race-oriented calipers and related hardware. In a build like this, using Willwood parts typically aims to improve braking consistency and fade resistance under repeated hard stops.
radiator and a cooler
"It's got the good 850 cage in it. It's got the front willwoods. It's got the radiator and a cooler."
The radiator helps cool the engine. A “cooler” is another heat exchanger that removes extra heat from a specific system so the truck doesn’t overheat when you’re pushing it.
A radiator cools engine coolant, while an additional “cooler” usually refers to an extra heat exchanger (often for transmission fluid or charge air) to manage temperatures under high load. Cooling upgrades help prevent power loss and component damage during repeated pulls or hard driving.
top five
"…I want to get a top five. Okay. What's what's the goal going into this year, right?"
“Top five” means finishing in the top five positions in the competition. It’s a goal that usually requires the truck to perform well repeatedly, not just once.
“Top five” is a competitive finish target that indicates the driver is aiming for a high placement in the event standings. In racing contexts, it usually implies consistent performance across multiple rounds, not just a single fast run.
52, 5,300 pounds
"…hopefully we'll be close to 52, 5,300 pounds. I can't, I don't want to really get to,"
They’re talking about how much the truck weighs. Lighter vehicles often accelerate better and can be easier to control when you’re racing.
The speaker is discussing vehicle weight as a key performance lever. In drag racing, reducing mass can improve acceleration and help the car/truck respond better to traction and power delivery.
Superflow
"So I did it on Superflow in November. We did on the dyno at KOS, we put down 3,037 horsepower."
Superflow is a type of dyno machine used to measure engine power. It helps teams compare results from testing and tuning.
Superflow is a brand of dynamometer equipment used to measure engine output. Mentioning the specific dyno system signals that the horsepower figures are based on a known test platform rather than a rough estimate.
dyno
"So I did it on Superflow in November. We did on the dyno at KOS, we put down 3,037 horsepower."
A dyno is like a treadmill for a car or engine. It measures how much power the engine makes so you can compare setups and tune changes.
A dyno is a test stand that measures engine output (like horsepower and torque) under controlled conditions. When a team says they “put down” numbers on a dyno, they’re reporting what the engine produced at the wheels or crank depending on the dyno type and setup.
injectors
"So, you know, everybody's pushing power these days and there's some, there's some heavy hitters that are coming this year and some good competition. So, you know, I went bigger injectors."
Injectors are the parts that deliver fuel into the engine. Bigger injectors can provide more fuel when you’re pushing the engine harder for more power.
Injectors are the fuel-delivery components that spray fuel into the engine in precise amounts. In high-power diesel builds, upgrading to larger injectors helps supply enough fuel for increased airflow and boost so the engine can make more power without running lean.
trans break
"And this year I decided to do a trans break. So there's no more foot breaking. That's going to be cool. That would be nice. They'll aid some consistency to say the least."
A trans break is a way to hold the car still while the engine revs up. Then, when you release it, the car launches harder and more consistently.
A trans break is a feature in an automatic transmission that locks the transmission so the car can build engine RPM against the drivetrain without moving. In drag racing, it helps the launch by reducing wheelspin and improving consistency between runs.
compound
"And then you run, you run a compound on the truck, or you just run a big single on it, or do you switch out through?"
A compound turbo setup uses two turbochargers working together. It can help the engine make boost faster and more smoothly than one turbo, depending on the design.
A compound setup uses more than one turbocharger in combination—typically a smaller turbo feeding a larger one—to improve boost response and efficiency across a wider RPM range. The alternative is a single large turbo, which can simplify plumbing but may trade off spool-up and drivability.
Garrett G55106
"So I'm running 85, same 85 stainless on the manifold and a Garrett G55106 on the atmosphere."
That Garrett number is the specific turbocharger they’re using. Different turbo models spool differently and can make different amounts of boost and power.
Garrett G55106 refers to a specific Garrett turbocharger model used for high-boost diesel applications. Turbo model numbers matter because compressor/turbine sizing affects spool characteristics, airflow capacity, and how the engine responds under load.
stainless on the manifold
"So I'm running 85, same 85 stainless on the manifold and a Garrett G55106 on the atmosphere."
The manifold is where exhaust gases flow into the turbo. Stainless parts are chosen because they can handle the heat and wear better in hard-use setups.
Manifold material and design affect turbo heat handling and durability. Using stainless-steel exhaust/manifold components can help resist corrosion and maintain structural integrity under high exhaust gas temperatures common in turbo diesel racing.
sled pool
"And, and he's going to do it all in that same truck. And I'm like, holy shit. He's going to put that thing in a sled pool. [593.3s] Yeah. I mean, that thing, isn't that thing like, because he was doing ODSS for a couple years."
A sled pool is when a truck pulls a heavy sled on a track. The truck has to keep traction and power to move it, and the results are based on how well it pulls.
A “sled pool” is a drag-style traction event where a truck pulls a weighted sled along a track. The goal is usually to move the sled as far or as fast as possible, which makes traction and power delivery critical.
ODSS
"Yeah. I mean, that thing, isn't that thing like, because he was doing ODSS for a couple years. So [597.7s] that thing's like, like super low. That was, it was Levan's old truck, right? Thanks. That's what [602.8s] he has."
ODSS is the name of a diesel racing series the trucks compete in. In this conversation, it affects which class they run and how points are handled.
ODSS refers to a specific diesel motorsports series/class the hosts are discussing. In this segment, it’s tied to truck classes and points sharing, indicating a structured competition format rather than a generic term.
HRDA
"Yeah. It's also, are you running, are you in, cause I know you're [681.8s] mentioned in HRDA, are you running in the, cause I know the ODSS, aren't they sharing points?"
HRDA is another racing group/series. The host mentions it to explain where they’re competing and how it connects to the other events being discussed.
HRDA is another racing organization/series referenced by the host. The context suggests it’s related to how competitors choose to run events (and whether they’re “dual competing”) across different diesel motorsports platforms.
570 to the 590 class
"Yes. Yes. They are, they've all joined forces. That's why they went ODSS went back from the [692.5s] 570 to the 590 class. So they matched up. Gotcha."
Moving from a “570” class to a “590” class means the truck is competing in a different ruleset tier. In diesel sled/drag circles, these class numbers typically correspond to performance limits or weight/power-related categories, so the truck may need setup changes to fit the new competition.
fast 72
"we were just like, holy shit, like the amount of guys running on the fast 72, the ODSS. Yeah."
“Fast 72” sounds like the name of a specific race event or class. The hosts are talking about how quickly it’ll run because of the format and number of entries.
The “fast 72” appears to be an event name tied to the truck racing schedule being discussed. It’s mentioned alongside the ODSS and UCC context, suggesting it’s a specific race weekend or class within the series.
no qualifying
"They think that the 72 fast is going to go quick. So, because there's no qualifying, there's no any of that. It's just straight eliminations."
No qualifying means there isn’t a separate practice/ranking race to set you up. You jump straight into head-to-head rounds, so you have to be ready right away.
“No qualifying” means competitors don’t run timed sessions to determine bracket position or starting order. Instead, the event proceeds directly into elimination rounds, so early-round performance is everything.
straight eliminations
"No, it's a lot of stuff. Yeah. They think that the 72 fast is going to go quick. So, because there's no qualifying, there's no any of that. It's just straight eliminations."
It means the event is set up like a tournament bracket. You race someone directly, and if you win you keep going—if you lose, you’re out. Qualifying doesn’t really matter here.
“Straight eliminations” describes a bracket-style format where competitors advance by winning head-to-head rounds. There’s no qualifying session to set starting positions or seed the field—your performance in each round determines whether you move on.
pulling their trucks out of retirement
"what's crazy too is, is think of, think of the amount of racers that are pulling their trucks out of retirement for something like this."
This means some racers are bringing older trucks back to compete again after not racing for a while. It also suggests the event will have experienced drivers, not just brand-new people.
“Pulling their trucks out of retirement” refers to racers returning to competition after being inactive. In motorsports terms, it often implies the vehicles may need refresh work and that the field can include experienced competitors rather than only newcomers.
re birthing
"like there's a lot of the, the industry is kind of re birthing in a sense, but it's not, not all of these are new guys."
They’re saying the racing scene is coming back to life. But it’s not only new people—some older racers are returning too.
“Re birthing” is used to describe a resurgence in the racing scene or industry participation. The speaker frames it as a revival driven partly by returning competitors, not necessarily brand-new entrants.
transmission
"So you said that the engine is getting swapped from the old truck. Were you running a 47, 48 in it or what transmission was in the vehicle?"
A transmission is what changes the gear ratios so the engine can put power to the wheels effectively. In racing, the exact transmission setup matters a lot for how the truck launches and shifts.
In this context, the transmission is the drivetrain component that selects gear ratios and transfers engine power to the wheels. The discussion focuses on what transmission is in the vehicle and how it’s being changed for racing.
8-eater
"Yeah. So I was running a 48 in it. Okay. And I was, you know, still in the column. I had an 8-eater."
“8-eater” is slang for an eight-speed transmission. It means the truck used to have a transmission with eight gear steps before the setup changed.
“8-eater” is a slang reference to an eight-speed automatic transmission (commonly used in drag and performance circles). The key point here is that the speaker previously had an eight-speed setup and is now changing to a different shifting system.
air shifter
"So it's on an air shifter powered by nitrous. That's going to be cool. That's exciting."
An air shifter uses compressed air to help the transmission shift. Racers use it because it can make shifting quicker and more consistent.
An air shifter uses compressed air to actuate the transmission’s shift mechanism. In drag-racing applications, it’s used to make shifts faster and more consistent than manual or vacuum-based actuation.
nitrous
"Now I went to, the motion works came out with the new shifter. So it's on an air shifter powered by nitrous. That's going to be cool."
Nitrous is a performance gas system. When you turn it on, it helps the engine make more power for short bursts.
Nitrous (nitrous oxide) is an aftermarket performance system that injects gas into the engine to increase power. It adds oxygen to the combustion process, allowing more fuel to burn and producing a noticeable boost when activated.
gloss black
"I've always been in gloss black and I've noticed there's some a lot of black trucks that are coming that are new this year. So I'm going to do a gloss black with a deep metallic flake."
Gloss black is a high-reflectivity paint or wrap finish that looks very deep and mirror-like. In show-and-race trucks, it’s often chosen for visual impact, especially under direct sunlight.
deep metallic flake
"So I'm going to do a gloss black with a deep metallic flake. So the sun hits it and it just, it shines. Yeah. Looks like a diamond."
Deep metallic flake is paint with shiny particles mixed in. When light hits it, it sparkles and looks more dramatic than flat paint.
Deep metallic flake refers to paint/wrap formulations that include larger metallic particles (“flake”) to create sparkle and depth. When the sun hits it, the flake catches light and can look like a “diamond” effect.
drive line
"You now get to add weight, remove weight, and you have a little less strain on the drive line. So I feel like you have everything needed to be able to do really well this year."
The drive line is the system that sends power from the engine to the wheels. If it’s under less strain, the truck can put power down more smoothly instead of stressing the drivetrain parts.
In a truck, the drivetrain (often called the drive line) is the set of components that transfer engine torque to the wheels—typically including the transmission, driveshaft(s), and differential. Reducing strain on the drive line usually means the setup is better matched to the power and traction demands so parts aren’t overloaded.
sledpole
"Have you been doing an interesting on the sledpole stuff or anything like that? Or has it just been drag racing straight?"
Sled pulling is when a truck drags a heavy sled and tries to go as far as possible. It’s different from drag racing because it’s more about getting traction and using torque carefully.
Sled pulling (the “sledpole” reference) is a motorsport where a vehicle drags a weighted sled over a track. It heavily rewards low-end torque, traction, and controlled throttle application rather than pure top-end speed.
drag racing
"Have you been doing an interesting on the sledpole stuff or anything like that? Or has it just been drag racing straight? Man, it's just been drag racing."
Drag racing is racing in a straight line over a short distance. The goal is to get off the line hard and accelerate cleanly without losing traction or bogging down.
Drag racing is a straight-line motorsport where vehicles accelerate over a short distance, typically focusing on launch, traction, and elapsed time. For diesel performance trucks, setup choices like gearing and throttle control are crucial to avoid bogging and drivetrain stress.
bogging
"And I'm not letting off. So that way we're not, you know, bogging the chargers down in any ship points. I don't want to run nitrous."
Bogging is when the engine loses momentum and doesn’t pull as hard as it should. In racing, that usually happens when the gear or throttle timing isn’t right, so the truck accelerates slower.
In drag racing, “bogging” means the engine falls off the power band—often due to poor gear choice or insufficient load—so acceleration slows and RPM drops. Avoiding bogging helps keep the turbo/diesel system spooled and maintains consistent torque delivery.
chargers
"So that way we're not, you know, bogging the chargers down in any ship points. I don't want to run nitrous."
Chargers are turbochargers. If they get “bogged,” they can’t build boost quickly enough, and the engine feels weaker instead of pulling hard.
“Chargers” here refers to turbochargers used to pressurize the intake air. In diesel drag setups, keeping the chargers from being “bogged” means maintaining boost response so the engine continues making strong torque under load.
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