Big Rigs · Texas · October 30, 2026

A Hydrogen Truck Driver Pulls Formula 1 Racers in the Grand Prix Parade at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin

By Big Rig Daily Staff

A hydrogen-powered truck had a star turn at the Formula 1 weekend in Texas. IMC Logistics says its zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell truck pulled a specially built trailer carrying Formula 1 racers in the globally televised Grand Prix Drivers' Parade at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin on Oct. 25, with an experienced hydrogen truck operator at the wheel, CCJ reported in its Oct. 30 news briefs.

Who was behind the wheel

Khari Burton, IMC's Pacific Region zero-emissions program manager, drove the truck. Burton is described as an experienced operator of IMC's hydrogen fleet. He pulled the trailer carrying the Formula 1 drivers, according to CCJ.

What IMC says

Will Connell, gulf region president of IMC, commented on the company's role in the event. The brief also said IMC supports the Formula 1 weekend in a second way, by moving race equipment containers from ports to the circuit.

What a hydrogen fuel cell truck is

A hydrogen fuel cell truck uses hydrogen to make electricity on board and runs on an electric motor. The tailpipe emits water rather than the exhaust of a diesel engine, which is why companies describe such trucks as zero-emission. IMC's description of its truck as zero-emission is a company description, and this brief did not give details about the truck's range, price or maker.

What the brief does not say

The CCJ brief, as relayed here, did not say how far the truck traveled in the parade, how many Formula 1 drivers rode on the trailer, or how many hydrogen trucks IMC runs in its fleet. Big Rig Daily is not guessing at those numbers.

Quick facts

• What: a hydrogen fuel cell truck pulled a trailer carrying F1 drivers in the Grand Prix Drivers' Parade.
• Where and when: Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, Oct. 25, 2026.
• Company: IMC Logistics, which also moves race equipment containers from ports to the circuit.
• Driver: Khari Burton, IMC Pacific Region zero-emissions program manager.

Big Rig Daily has also covered why one analyst expects diesel to stay high until spring.

A question for readers

Would you drive a hydrogen truck if your company put you in one?

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