“Smoke Rollers” Belch Black Smoke On Purpose

A fad that has shown up nationwide, mostly in rural and semi-rural venues, has young men with diesel pickups modifying fuel systems so they can make their trucks release thick plumes of black exhaust. The phenomenon seems to have evolved out of truck pull competitions, where the object is to get maximum power out of an engine and the thick smoke is a by-product, into something intentional that is part prank or love of tinkering and part political statement. It can get aggressive, with drivers releasing plumes in the face of bicyclists or Prius drivers. When a state representative in Illinois proposed a $5000 fine for messing with emissions equipment, one roller responded with an invitation to “go live in Sweden” and declared he would “continue to roll coal anytime I feel like and fog your stupid eco-cars.” Belchers have their own reality tv show on the Discovery Channel.