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Josh Hart and John Force Racing’s Burnyzz Speed Shop / Speedmaster Top Fuel team continued their strong performance in testing two weeks ago at Gainesville Raceway by taking the provisional top spot for the AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals with a run of 3.658 seconds at a track record 340.30 mph Friday night under the lights. The record-setting run was the Florida transplant’s first official 340-mph pass after multiple similar runs in testing two weeks ago and two days earlier this week. It also backed up their day’s first run of 3.751 seconds at 335.40 mph. “I’m really not used to this gig, so you have to bear with me,” said Hart. “I’m super blessed. John Force and the entire team have welcomed me like a member of the family. There is no better way to do this than at your home track with everyone here. I can’t really put it into words. When I got in this Burnyzz Speed Shop / Speedmaster car and we went 340 in testing right off the trailer, all I can say is it was so smooth. You know, my guys have it figured out. It’s a well-oiled machine. (Crew chief) David Grubnic is a former driver, so just talking to him is like a sounding board. I can ask him questions, and he’ll give me a straight answer, which I love.” Jordan Vandergriff made his first official passes in the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS, smoking the tires early in the first session but rebounding in the second session with a lap of 3.990 seconds at 318.47. That run was good enough for the eighth qualifying spot but his Funny Car baptism has just begun. Smoke began billowing from the car as it left a streak of oil on the racing surface but the third-generation driver kept his cool, quickly brought the car to a halt and climbed out without incident. “Welcome to Funny Car, huh?” Vandergriff said. “That’s what everybody’s been saying. It’s definitely an experience but I’ll tell you what, driving that Cornwell Tools Funny Car is fun. They keep you on your toes, you know. Things like that are going to happen but it’s fun to experience it. It’s not exactly what we wanted but still a quick run that will get us into the field pretty solid. We obviously want to improve but I’m happy to have that first experience of getting smoke in my face. I wouldn’t want it any other way.” Jack Beckman and Alexis DeJoria lost traction early in each of their runs and were unable to make full qualifying attempts. Beckman and the PEAK Chevrolet SS team used their first session run of 5.644 seconds at 130.49 mph for the 14th spot. DeJoria and the Bandero Premium Tequila Chevrolet SS team sit 15th from their first-session run of 6.045 seconds at 112.65 mph.The final rounds of qualifying are Saturday, March. 7 at 12:35 and 3 p.m. ET. The Right Trailers All-Star Top Fuel Callout rounds are at 12:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled on Sunday, March 8, at 10 a.m. ET. The post Hart Grabs Gators Provisional No. 1 Qualifier first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season opened in memorable fashion for three-time Funny Car world champion Ron Capps and his Ron Capps Motorsports organization Friday at the NHRA Gatornationals. Just hours after announcing a new partnership with Monster Energy and debuting as a two-car team with Maddi Gordon and Carlyle Tools, Capps powered his NAPA Auto Care Funny Car to the provisional pole, putting him on track to pick up the 38th No. 1 qualifier of his career Saturday at Gainesville Raceway. As the only Funny Car driver to dip into the 3.8-second range, Capps’ Q2 run of 3.890 seconds at 334.07 mph launched him to the top of the Funny Car pack. The performance marked an early-season statement from Capps and his Dean “Guido” Antonelli-led NAPA Auto Care team as they begin their pursuit of a fourth world championship. “Today has been unbelievable,” Capps said. “Big week for our Ron Capps Motorsports team. First race of the year, Maddi is doing such a tremendous job. We announced the addition of Monster Energy earlier today and to now finish the night here, it’s just incredible. This is crazy to be No. 1; I didn’t expect it being the second pair out. Guido looked at the numbers, and we probably would’ve run in the low 80s had we been later in the session. That first run, we had some issues. We have a brand-new body, and it was on a great run and the left parachute kind of wiggled out. Being up so early in that second session, we thought for sure cars behind us would outrun us, but to run in the 80s like we did when the conditions were still warmer was awesome.” While delivering his post-qualifying remarks from the Gainesville Raceway media center, Capps watched Gordon make her first-ever night run, a solid 3.861 E.T. at 319.29 mph that placed her in the provisional No. 15 spot out of 18 cars vying for a place in Sunday’s elimination rounds. As he looked on, Capps reflected on the unique perspective that comes with balancing his role as both driver and team owner. “Being a team owner these past few years, it really made me have a whole new level of respect for the Cruz Pedregons, the Tim Wilkersons, the John Forces of our industry. And now with Maddi, I have no idea how Force did it all those years lining up next to his daughters. I’m a mess watching Maddi, and she’s not even a relative, but I’m a nervous wreck. I don’t know how these owner-drivers did it all these years, but I’ve certainly got a lot more respect now.” The fifth-year team owner will look to maintain his position atop the Funny Car timing sheets when qualifying resumes on Saturday with Top Fuel kicking off at 12:15 p.m. ET. Capps, who finished as the event runner-up in 2025, is seeking his third Gainesville Raceway No. 1 qualifier award. He is a four-time winner at the facility. The post Ron Capps Leads Funny Car Field with Provisional Pole at Season-Opening NHRA Gatornationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Ocala’s Josh Hart made the fastest run in Gainesville Dragway history on Friday to open the 2026 NHRA season, taking the Top Fuel provisional No. 1 position at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. Ron Capps (Funny Car), Cody Coughlin (Pro Stock) and Angie Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the first of 20 races during the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. Selections were also made for the opening round of the big-money Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout bonus race, which takes place on Saturday. Top seed and reigning event winner Doug Kalitta selected Clay Millican in a first-round rematch from last season. Shawn Langdon picked Shawn Reed, while Antron Brown chose Hart with the next pick in a matchup of two former Callout winners. That left Tony Stewart and Justin Ashley as the remaining matchup for the eight-car field. Hart went 3.658-seconds at a track-record 340.30-mph in his 12,000-horsepower Burnyzz/Speedmaster dragster to close out the first two rounds of qualifying and mark a wildly-successful debut in his first race with John Force Racing. It also puts Hart in position to claim his first career No. 1 qualifier in what could be another memorable weekend at his home track. Hart won in his first career start to open the 2021 season in Gainesville and then won the Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star in 2023. “I’m really not used to this gig, so you have to bear with me,” Hart said. “I’m super blessed. John Force and the entire team have welcomed me like a member of the family. There is no better way to do this than at your home track with everyone here. “I can’t really put it into words. When I got in this car and we went 340 in testing right off the trailer, all I can say is it was so smooth. You know, my guys have it figured out. It’s a well-oiled machine. (Crew chief) David Grubnic is a former driver, so just talking to him is like a sounding board. I can ask him questions, and he’ll give me a straight answer, which I love.” Langdon is second with a run of 3.681 at 338.09 and Leah Pruett, who is making her first appearance since 2023, is third after going 3.690 at 329.10. Three-time Funny Car world champ Ron Capps was the only car to dip into the 3.80s, delivering a stout 3.890 at 334.07 under the lights in his 12,000-horsepower NAPA Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra. Should that stand, Capps would get his 38th career No. 1 spot as he also seeks his fifth victory at Gainesville Raceway. With a diamond Wally on the line to open NHRA’s 75th anniversary season, Capps would love to pick up the first one of the season. This weekend also marks the first race of Capps’ new teammate, Top Fuel rookie Maddi Gordon. “It’s been a chaotic week. Well, it’s been a chaotic couple of months,” Capps said. “What we put together, basically from scratch, bringing Maddi [Gordon] on and getting Rod Flynn onboard, then getting her licensed. “I can’t imagine winning this year and getting one of those (diamond Wally). It’s going to be cool. I can’t imagine Maddi winning and getting one. Someday we’re going to double up. That’s going to be off the hook. It’s a big week. It’s a big, big kickoff to NHRA, and it means a lot. My whole adult life has been in this sport, and I’m looking forward to it.” J.R. Todd got bumped to the second spot with a 3.912 at 334.15 and Paul Lee took third after going 3.920 at 331.12. In Pro Stock, Cody Coughlin is off to a stellar start after a solid rookie season in 2025, sitting atop a massive 21-car field on Friday thanks to a run of 6.523 at 210.01 in his Coughlin Construction Chevrolet Camaro. Coughlin went to one final round and earned a No. 1 qualifier during his debut season last year in Pro Stock for KB Titan Racing, and appears set on improving in 2026. “We put a bite in the competition this weekend so far,” Coughlin said. “This car is great, the KB Titan guys are the best in the business and just proud to drive for them and that we were able to put a deal together to racewith each other. It’s just great.” Matt Hartford took second on Friday in the same pair as Coughlin with a run of 6.533 at 210.41, with Matt Latino right behind thanks to a run of 6.533 at 210.37. A. Smith took over the provisional spot in Pro Stock Motorcycle to close out the day, going 6.740 at 199.58 on her Denso Auto Parts Buell, giving the veteran a strong showing to open the 2026 season. Should that hold, Smith would pick up her third career No. 1 qualifier, which would be a welcome sign after finishing fourth in points a year ago. But that season didn’t include a victory or a top qualifier, something Smith would love to change this season and especially early in the year. “This was a great day. Not the beginning of the day, but by the end of the day,” Smith said. “In Q1, we broke a transmission in half and you never like to do that when you start the season. Usually, parts breakage and things like that happen in the middle of the season, but for some reason, it just snapped the shaft in half and I didn’t get a good run. “We just knew that we had to put our best foot forward and we did. When that 6.74 came up, I didn’t know if it was going to stick or not. There were some pretty heavy hitters behind me. You know, we worked really, really hard in this off-season, so hopefully our hard work pays off this year.” Reigning world champion Richard Gadson is currently second with a 6.746 at 200.00 and Gaige Herrera is third after going 6.761 at 199.91. Qualifying continues at 12: 15 p.m. ET on Saturday at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. The post Hart, Capps, C. Coughlin and A. Smith Start 75th Anniversary Season with Provisional No. 1 Spots at Gainesville first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Cody Anderson carries one of the most legendary last names in drag racing, and his debut in a Pro Stock car with KB Titan is already one of the most talked about aspects of the NHRA AMALIE Motor Oil Gatornationals in Gainesville this weekend. It means a lot for the son of six-time champion Greg Anderson, and for the Summit Racing Equipment Mid-West Drag Racing Series, it means something else. The MWDRS Badge will be emblazoned on the side of the 500 cubic inch, naturally aspirated beast, marking the start of a multi-race partnership that is all about racers supporting racers. Cody, who was 17 years old when he got deep into drag racing, has worked with KB Titan for eight years. He’s been all over the car from back half, rear tires, and chutes on his father Greg’s car. For the last four years he has worked on clutch and transmissions. “It’s such a special moment to be able to race with my Dad. I’ve had a lot of encouragement and support, and honestly, this wouldn’t have happened without that. Jim Whiteley, Keith Haney, my grandfather Troy Humphrey, my family, and every guy on this team made this possible for me. Their support has kept my nerves calm,” Anderson said. Helping Anderson will be Tamara Langner, Cody’s long-time girlfriend of eight years, who is working closely with the team in marketing and communications. In addition, Kyle Koretsky, Cory Reed, and Jason Flud round off the crew. This comes hand-in-hand with the announcement this winter of Keith Haney Racing and KB Titan joining forces and building a Pro Mod team to complement the championship-winning NHRA Pro Stock program. KB Titan has won 11 championships over the years with 6 from Greg Anderson alone. “One of my favorite parts about this isn’t just the fact that we at the Mid-West Drag Racing Series get to put our logo and our brand out there in front of the fans; it’s that no budget from the Mid-West Drag Racing Series went into it. This deal is all about racers supporting grassroots racing and showing support across series. The support that the KB Titan team, Cody Anderson, Keith (Haney), Jim and Annie (Whiteley) and NHRA Drivers and teams up and down the pits give us both publicly and behind the scenes is nothing short of incredible,” said Series Director Ellen Eschenbacher. Cody will be in action this weekend in Gainesville for the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, while the MWDRS will start the season in Ferris, Texas at Xtreme Raceway Park with the Texas Nationals on April 17-18. The post Cody Anderson, KB Titan Debut MWDRS Branded Pro Stock Car at Gatornationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

BMW seems to want to be on the forefront of new technologies, including using AI-generated images in its press photo materials. Now the company is touting its use of full-scale humanoid robots, and I'm not sure that's a great idea. View the full article

2026 Progressive American Flat Track Round Two – Royal Enfield Short Track at Daytona II KICKER AFT Singles Friday’s wild KICKER AFT Singles Main Event saw the emergence of a maiden winner in Bradon Pfanders. However, deep into the contest it appeared that distinction would actually go to rookie Jordan Beaulac. The race-shattering moments came […] The post Kopp tops AFT Daytona II triple-header with Drane leading Singles appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

MotoAmerica 2026 Round One – Daytona – Friday Report King of the Baggers Mission King Of The Baggers wrapped up final qualifying on Friday with Troy Herfoss setting the fastest lap with a 1:50.034 ahead of Harley-Davidson x Dynojet Factory teammates Bradley Smith in second, and Kyle Wyman third. The second row was set with […] The post Herfoss P2 in Friday Baggers race as Paige and Drane battle in Twins appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

The nitro thunder is officially rolling through California’s Central Valley as qualifying wrapped up Friday at the legendary Famoso Dragstrip during the 68th Good Vibrations Motorsports March Meet. With cool temperatures in the high 60s and a well-prepared racing surface on the historic Bakersfield quarter-mile, the stage was set for strong performances across the nitro and sportsman ranks as teams positioned themselves for one of nostalgia drag racing’s most prestigious events. Tyler Hilton powered his Nostalgia Top Fuel dragster to the No. 1 qualifying position with a stout 5.802-second pass at 202.61 mph, leading a stacked field of nitro-burning front-engine machines preparing to battle through eliminations. In Nostalgia Funny Car, Todd Plate blasted to the top of the qualifying order with an impressive 5.48-second run at 253.23 mph, putting his machine squarely at the front of one of the most competitive classes of the weekend. The always wild Fuel Altereds also thrilled fans throughout the day, with Vince Karstetter securing the No. 1 qualifying spot thanks to a 6.11-second run at 215.00 mph. While the nitro categories grabbed much of the spotlight, the March Meet’s deep sportsman fields were equally busy on Friday. Racers in Nostalgia Eliminator 1, 2, and 3 along with the Gas classes — A/Gas, B/Gas, C/Gas, D/Gas, and E/Gas — plus Hot Rod and several other categories worked through qualifying runs as teams continued chasing Sunday’s eliminations ladder. Racing resumes Saturday morning with sportsman eliminations beginning at 9:00 a.m., while the nitro show returns in full force with Nostalgia Funny Car round one eliminations scheduled for 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Jet cars will close out the day’s action as the legendary March Meet continues to build momentum toward championship Sunday. Few events in nostalgia drag racing carry the history and prestige of the March Meet, and once again the iconic Famoso quarter-mile is delivering the sights, sounds, and nitro-fueled intensity that has defined the event for nearly seven decades. This story was originally published on March 7, 2026. The post Hilton, Plate Lead Nitro Charge as 68th Good Vibrations Motorsports March Meet Heats Up at Famoso first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

As the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series opened this weekend at the AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals featuring the JBS Power Systems NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports, Alex Laughlin rolled into Gainesville with more than a race car and a fresh outlook for the new season – he also arrived with the backing of a new partner, Central Power Systems & Services, a company owned by fellow drag racer and recent Drag Illustrated Winter Series contender Robin Roberts. For Laughlin, the new partnership carries extra meaning. “I’m excited to have Central Power and Services on board, especially because Robin Roberts is first and foremost, a personal friend,” Laughlin said. “Having the support of his company and brand has already been incredible, additionally supplying me with one of the baddest skid loaders in the world, the Takeuchi TL12.” Laughlin said the new deal is rooted in something deeper than logos on a race car or business on paper. “It takes relationships that are built on solid foundations to be able to have deals like this, and we’re just incredibly thankful for this one,” he said. “It’s special.” The partnership also further connects two racers who have each made their mark in doorslammer competition, with Roberts continuing to build his footprint both on the track and in business through Central Power Systems & Services. Laughlin also made note of missing out on the recent Drag Illustrated Winter Series, acknowledging that the timing simply didn’t come together this season – but suggesting that could change in the future. “I must add that we regretfully missed the Winter Series events, having schedule conflicts and timelines just not synchronizing to make it work this time,” Laughlin said. “We’ve got a new opportunity there that’s on the rise and we will definitely be there next time.” From the Central Power Systems & Services side, the feeling is clearly mutual. “What stands out about Alex isn’t just what he does on the track, it’s who he is off of it,” said Paige Roberts, head of marketing for Central Power Systems & Services. “He’s a competitor, yes, but he also has a serious passion for his family and takes real pride in keeping the operation running strong.” “At Central Power Systems & Services, that matters to us,” Roberts continued. “When we decided to put a Takeuchi TL12 on his farm, it wasn’t just about sponsorship, it was about supporting someone who lives the same values we believe in; doing what is right, commitment beyond yourself, and a readiness to perform at the highest level every day. We are proud to be in his corner.” With Gainesville serving as the backdrop, the announcement gives Laughlin a timely boost to start the 2026 campaign, while also shining a light on the type of relationship-driven partnerships that continue to fuel drag racing at every level. This story was originally published on March 6, 2026. The post Alex Laughlin Announces New Partnership With Central Power Systems & Services first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Magnante is back baby, and this time with a 340 Duster that came with a 4-speed behind it! Magnante is the king of the junkyard crawls and is always finding cool stuff. And speaking of cool, he’s so cool that he doesn’t stop junkyard crawls just because there is snow on the ground. In fact, I think he’s happier when it’s cold than when it’s hot, but I could be reading that wrong. Who knows! But what I do know is that in typical Magnante fashion, he’s found something cool in the junkyard and is sharing it with all of us. Along the way we’ll learn some stuff, about a 340 Duster, that we may not have known before. So watch the video below, and let us know what you think. And what is your favorite muscle car? Let us know in the comments below. The post Magnante’s Junkyard Crawl: Today’s Ride Is A Real Deal 340 Duster, WITH A 4-Speed! This Is Muscle Car Goodness Right Here! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The unmistakable rumble of nitro is back as the 67th annual Good Vibrations Motorsports March Meet officially got underway Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Famoso Dragstrip. Long regarded as the unofficial kickoff to the nostalgia nitro season, the historic March Meet opened under ideal Central Valley conditions, with sunny skies and temperatures in the high 60s welcoming racers and teams from across the country to the legendary quarter-mile. Thursday’s action saw qualifying begin for the event’s wide range of nostalgia and sportsman classes, with racers greeted by a sticky racing surface that produced strong early runs and set the stage for a fast weekend at one of drag racing’s most iconic facilities. While the majority of classes began their fight for qualifying positions, the nitro-powered headliners—including Nostalgia Top Fuel dragsters, Nostalgia Funny Cars, and the always unpredictable Fuel Altereds—took to the track for test sessions as teams dialed in their combinations ahead of official qualifying. Few events carry the tradition and prestige of the March Meet, an event that has produced decades of legendary moments at Famoso and continues to serve as one of the premier gatherings for nostalgia drag racing. The nitro show officially begins Friday, with racing starting at 9 a.m. and the first nitro qualifying sessions scheduled for noon and again at 3:30 p.m., when the thunder of nitromethane engines will once again shake the grandstands and send fans rushing to the fence. With strong fields across the board, excellent weather, and nitro machines ready to unleash their fury, the 67th Good Vibrations Motorsports March Meet is poised to deliver another unforgettable chapter in nostalgia drag racing history. This story was originally published on March 6, 2026. The post Nitro Returns to Famoso as 67th Good Vibrations Motorsports March Meet Begins first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Monster Energy has joined NHRA Rookie of the Year candidate Maddi Gordon and the championship-winning Ron Capps Motorsports team in a multi-year partnership beginning with the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. Announced today at Gainesville Raceway ahead of qualifying for the season-opening NHRA Gatornationals, the partnership will see Monster Energy support Gordon’s rookie campaign competing in the sport’s premier Top Fuel class as a major associate-level partner. “This is a huge weekend for us,” said RCM team owner and NAPA Auto Care Funny Car driver Ron Capps. “We’re debuting as a two-car team with Carlyle Tools, it’s Maddi’s first-ever Top Fuel race, the start of NHRA’s 75th anniversary season, and now the cherry on top – we get to announce a partnership with Monster Energy. It’s a brand that carries a lot of weight and has always backed some of the coolest, most extreme athletes in the world, and there’s not much more extreme than what we do, driving these nitromethane-burning beasts at 330 miles per hour. It’s an incredible brand to be aligned with, and I’m beyond proud that Ron Capps Motorsports gets to make this announcement today.” The collaboration with Gordon and the fifth-year RCM organization will feature Monster Energy branding across both team entries, with a larger presence on Gordon’s Top Fuel dragster. The signature Monster Energy M-claw logo will be on full display Friday afternoon when Gordon stages her 12,000-horsepower Carlyle Tools machine in NHRA national event competition for the first time during the opening round of qualifying. Gordon arrives in Top Fuel after years spent both behind the wheel and working on race cars alongside her family where she developed a reputation for her hands-on approach and deep mechanical understanding. That work ethic and dedication reflect the kind of driven, high-performance athletes Monster Energy has long been associated with across the world of motorsports. “It’s really exciting to have a brand like Monster Energy supporting me as I begin my professional career,” said Gordon, who spent the past two seasons piloting her family’s Top Alcohol Funny Car where she picked up three national event wins and a regional championship. “They’ve been involved with some of the most incredible athletes in motorsports, so to now be a part of that Monster family is truly an honor, and honestly, somewhat surreal. If someone would’ve told me a few years ago that in 2026 I’d be driving for Ron Capps, in a fuel car, and with huge, well-known brands such as Carlyle Tools and now Monster Energy, I would’ve told them they were crazy! I’m just so incredibly grateful for the opportunity and proud to represent Monster Energy with this Ron Capps Motorsports team.” Gordon’s Monster Energy-backed Carlyle Tools Top Fuel dragster will make its competition debut this weekend, March 6-8, at Gainesville Raceway during the season-opening NHRA Gatornationals. Qualifying kicks off at 2:30 p.m. ET on Friday. This story was originally published on March 6, 2026. The post Monster Energy Joins Maddi Gordon, Ron Capps Motorsports For Multi-Year NHRA Partnership first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The 1999 Harley-Davidson Softail occupies a sweet spot in the Milwaukee timeline. It was the final year of the venerable 80-inch Evolution engine, a motor prized by purists for its mechanical simplicity, housed in a chassis that mimics the clean lines of a vintage hardtail. It is a canvas for those ... View the full article

They’ve got the band back together once again, but this time Freiburger and Finnegan are getting MULTIPLE youtube hero vehicles together as both the Limo Crew Cab dually AND Stubby Bob will be together on this one. What could possibly go wrong? Nothing if you listen to Finnegan, and everything if you listen to Freiburger. But we have faith in the dynamic duo and that means that we’re either in for some fun, excitement, or disappointment. Hell, maybe all three! I could tell you more, but where is the fun in that? Watch this and let us know what you think. Video Description: Get D/F STUBBY BOB gear here: https://shop.davidfreiburger.com/ Finnegan and Freiburger are together again for this adventure involving Stubby Bob the wheelstanding dump truck, Finnegan’s stretched Limo Truck, plus a wild engine build happening inside the Limo Truck as we drive down the road. The post STUBBY BOB, the LIMO TRUCK, FREIBURGER, FINNEGAN, and a Big Road Trip That Sets A Gas Mileage Record! What Could Possibly Go Wrong? appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

ATI Performance built these SFI Flexplate Kits to handle massive horsepower. Protect your custom GM driveline from catastrophic failure.View the full article

I’ve known Alan Johnson for a while now. I’ve realized lately that whenyou get my age, in this industry, it means that you get to know people for way longer than you ever expect when you first meet them. I met Alan and Angie Johnson at a Goodguys Show or Power Tour at some point in the mid to late 2000s and have seen them at everything from Goodguys to Bonneville to Drag Week since. They build great cars, are as into them as any of their customers, and they’re just nice people. And while they do build incredibly nice cars, they appreciate hot rods of all kinds. And like I said, they are just nice people. I remember being at home during Drag Week one year, after Hot Rod had told us we couldn’t be there covering it anymore, and my dad was on Drag Week with all our friends and had a clutch problem in his 1968 Z28 Camaro. Our buddy Bubba called over to Johnson’s Hot Rods and asked if there was any way they could borrow a lift to work on dad’s car and then limped it over there. Not only did Alan and the crew give them access to the lift and tools, but Alan and his team jumped in and very quickly had the trans, bell housing, and clutch out of Dad’s Camaro for inspection. After sourcing new parts they were just as quick to shove it back together and get him down the road, which was awesome. And before you think that Alan and the crew were doing this because of who I am, know that he didn’t even know that my dad was my dad until they were halfway done putting the car back together. They are just good people. And they build a hell of a hot rod! Watch the video below to learn more about them and see how they do what they do, thanks to the folks from Holley. Video Description: Alan Johnson of Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop turned a lifelong obsession with cars into one of the most respected names in custom builds. For over 30 years, he’s blended timeless design with modern Holley powered performance and unmatched reliability. That philosophy was on full display at SEMA 2025 with a refined 1980 Trans Am Pace Car built for his wife Angie. The post Holley Pro Spotlight: Alan Johnson Talks About How They’ve Built 30 Years of Craftsmanship at Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Bartone Bros. Racing is proud to announce that legendary tuner Steve Boggs has been inducted into the prestigious International Hot Rod Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place Thursday evening at the University Hilton in Gainesville during the 2026 Gatornationals weekend. Boggs, the mastermind behind the “Pirate Ship” Top Alcohol Funny Car owned by Tony Bartone and driven by Sean Bellemeur, joins an elite class of drag racing luminaries honored for their lasting contributions to the sport. His induction celebrates a career spanning more than six decades of innovation, championships, and record-setting performances. The partnership between Boggs and team owner Tony Bartone began in 1992 at Sanair Raceway in Quebec, when Bartone made what would prove to be a career-defining hire. The duo has worked together since, winning championships and setting records across multiple decades. Together with Bartone and driver Sean Bellemeur, Boggs forms one-third of the “Killer B’s”—a trio that has dominated the Top Alcohol Funny Car class with five NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series championships, more than 65 event wins. Under Boggs’s tuning leadership, the team has amassed an extraordinary winning record, with Bellemeur currently sitting at 48 NHRA Nationals wins entering the 2026 season. “Steve Boggs being inducted into the Hall is one of the coolest things I will ever witness in this sport,” said driver Sean Bellemeur. “There is no one more deserving. His credentials speak for themselves. Steve prides himself on doing well with things that have either failed for others or trying something completely different. That’s a surefire way to become a legend in this sport. He truly is the GOAT of tuners.” Team owner Tony Bartone reflected on the decades-long partnership that has defined both their careers. Bartone first met Boggs in 1992 and hired him on the spot—a decision that would shape the trajectory of Bartone Bros. Racing for the next 34 years. “After an hour-long conversation with my brother Michael back in 1992 in our trailer here in Quebec, our winning collaboration launched,” Bartone said. “With his tuning expertise combined with my driving, we have set records and won a lot of Wallys, winning the championship in 1996 taking 38 win lights in a row. When most guys have started feeling their age and technology scares them, Steve has embraced it and has only made my hot rods faster. I can’t be more proud of Steve getting into the Hall, and we are not stopping here.” For Boggs, what started with a wooden cart built by him and his brother Ronnie as kids in Ohio has resulted in a career that has amassed more than 120 national wins and over eight national championships. “I started racing with my brother Ronnie, and then he quit in 1992, and I was looking for a job,” Boggs said. “I was helping two other guys with Funny Cars, but I wasn’t too happy. Tony Bartone was there at Sanair Raceway in Quebec. I heard Tony was looking for someone. I talked with him and his brother, and we struck a deal. That is when my career really moved forward. “Tony had all of the tools—the car, the parts, the crew, and the money. We had a motto: ‘You tune it and I’ll drive it.’ We started off winning a few regionals. Then in 2000, we set the ET record in Reading. We had a big year in 2003 with an A-Fuel dragster, setting the national ET record at Pomona and the speed record at Gainesville. We went on to set the national record at Las Vegas and Pomona with that car. “The next chapter was in 2013, when Tony’s brother built a Nostalgia Top Fuel car. After the first year of learning the package, we built a new car. That was the answer. We got that new car and won three championships in a row, ran low 5.50s, and went 274.79 mph—I remember the numbers. “In 2016, my brother and I received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Bob Frey (who was also inducted yesterday). That was really nice, as my brother passed away in 2010.” The last ten years, after Bartone stepped out of the car, began the “Killer B’s” era of Bartone, Boggs, and Bellemeur. “In 2015, we hired Sean Bellemeur for a one-off to drive in Dallas. Prior to that, he had run seven national events and was a runner-up. He got in our car and won the event at Dallas. During 2017, Sean drove for us part-time as he had a commitment to his dad, Gregg. Let me tell you, he is one hell of a driver. We ended up fifth in the points. In 2018, he drove for us full time. There is not a doubt in my mind that I am up here right now because of Tony Bartone, Sean Bellemeur, and our crew. Tony is one of the best owners, Sean is one of the best drivers, we have the best crew, and I do OK. It’s a team effort to win. “Finally, I want to thank Don Garlits and the committee for voting for me. I want to thank my family for putting up with the travel and racing talk over six decades of racing. I have my family and friends here, some who have known me since I was a kid. It’s the families who pay the price when we are gone 20-25 weekends a year, and it is appreciated.” The International Hot Rod Hall of Fame induction comes during a milestone weekend for Bartone Bros. Racing, as the team kicks off their #DriveFor6in26 campaign at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. Earlier Thursday, Bellemeur piloted the “Pirate Ship” to a 5.49-second pass at 265 mph—the quickest run among TAFC competitors in the first session of the season. Boggs’s induction adds to an already decorated legacy for Bartone Bros. Racing, which has established itself as one of the most successful operations in Top Alcohol Funny Car history. The team’s five championships and consistent dominance reflect the technical expertise and racing acumen that Boggs brings to the track every weekend. A huge thank you to our incredible team sponsors: Red Line Synthetic Oil, Roger Dean Chevrolet, Talon Air, LLC, and NGK Spark Plugs, along with our valued product supporters, Simpson Performance Products and Taylor Motorsports Products.For more information on Bartone Bros. Racing, including race recaps and photos, please visit the team site at www.BartoneBrosRacing.com. The post Steve Boggs of Bartone Bros. Racing Inducted Into International Hot Rod Hall of Fame first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

I have to say that I have only had a couple of jump packs ever, but the one I have now does work pretty good. I haven’t put it through anything ultra tough, but when I’ve needed it to get my junk to run when the battery was down, it worked. Mine is from TopDon and I have had it for over a year and it works great. But most of these jump packs make wild claims as to power, so lets see how they actually stack up against each other and their own factory claims. Video Description: What kind of advantage does a Sodium-Ion jump starter bring vs lead acid and lithium-ion? What about a heated one for cold climates that brings itself up to temperature before operating like the GOOLOO GT4000? We but these, and more, to find out using Jumpy the Ampeater, out jump starter testing robot. We do not accept any tools shown on the channel from any brand, nor do we take any sponsorships, partnerships, discounts, product placement deals, pre-market brand samples, money, items or compensation of any kind from brands, tool makers or otherwise in the planning or creation of these videos. The post New Jump Pack Battery Tech: Are They Worth It? Testing These New Little Jump Packs To Find Out If Any Of Them Are Worth Owning appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

When a buddy of mine saw this thing on Facebook Marketplace, and shared it to a group chat, I took one look at it and thought that a smart person would buy this thing, bag it, and then road trip the hell out of it. A smarter person would probably just buy it and drive it, but I’m not that smart. It’s got a 413 in it, which is cool as hell, and it makes real power so it should drive really nice. This is a luxury ride, and with fresh interior and paint it just needs some finishing touches, and it will be ready to roll. Can you imagine you and all your friends road tripping across America in this cool Chrysler? I’m not a Mopar guy, but this is one clean and classy ride. A Chrysler Imperial was the Mopar equivalent of a Cadillac back then, so this car was luxury, and class, and style which is obvious with just one look at it. So somebody out there in BANGshift land should buy this thing and let us know how much fun it is. Or invite us out for a road trip. I’m totally down. Now if someone bought this thing and did a Gen3 Hemi blown combo in it, with an 8hp, you know it would be an absolute riot. Take that, bag it, add some killer stereo and Vintage Air, and off you go. There are just too many ways to love this car. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ORIGINAL AD AND MAKE AN OFFER ON THIS COOL 1962 Chrysler Imperial The post This Clean 1962 Chrysler Imperial is Road Trip Greatness! Buy This Thing And Haul All Your Friends On Power Tour Or Rocky Mountain Race Week! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Santa Pod Raceway is pleased to announce that FuelTech has been appointed main title sponsor of the Motorsport UK British Drag Racing Championship. The partnership brings one of the world’s leading motorsport electronics and engine-management companies into the top tier of UK drag racing, marking a major step forward for the Championship’s visibility, technical innovation and international engagement. The newly named FuelTech Motorsport UK British Drag Racing Championship showcases the popular Pro Modified class and will benefit from an expanded media presence, increased competitor support and enhanced integration of advanced engine-management technologies. The collaboration reflects the shared vision of FuelTech and Santa Pod Raceway to foster the next generation of performance and competition excellence in drag racing. Anderson Dick, Founder & CEO of FuelTech,said: “Santa Pod Raceway has long been a symbol of drag racing passion and innovation in Europe. Partnering with Santa Pod and the Motorsport UK British Drag Racing Championship allows FuelTech to support a community that values the same things we do, technology, performance, and the thrill of true competition. We’re excited to help bring new energy to the Championship and to work closely with Santa Pod as we push the sport forward together.” “FuelTech has become a global force in performance motorsport, and their commitment to innovation aligns perfectly with how we want to develop drag racing in the UK,” said Keith Bartlett, CEO of Santa Pod Raceway. “Their involvement will not only raise the technical bar but also grow the profile of the Championship with fans and racers alike.” FuelTech is a global leader in engine-management systems, data acquisition and motorsport electronics. Known for its FT-series ECUs and integrated PowerFT platform, FuelTech powers world-class race vehicles across drag racing, circuit racing, drifting, and other high-performance disciplines. With operations in the USA, Brazil and Europe, FuelTech provides cutting-edge solutions, built by racers for racers. The Motorsport UK British Drag Racing Championship is the premier national drag racing competition in the United Kingdom. Sanctioned by Motorsport UK and hosted at Santa Pod Raceway, the Championship is contested over six rounds and showcases elite drivers and teams in the Pro Modified class. Colourful and unruly, Pro Mods are drag racing’s quickest, fastest “doorslammers” – vehicles resembling production cars in appearance with suspended chassis and functional doors. The production-car resemblance is skin-deep; beneath, these are pure-bred, purpose-built racing machines with dragstrip performance credentials far exceeding those of even the most potent production car. Thundering V8 engines power them, some supercharged or turbocharged on methanol, others unblown on petrol pepped up by nitrous oxide and sporting massive cubic capacities stretching beyond 14 litres. It is a British series with international appeal. 2025’s champion, Andres Arnover from Estonia, is the third overseas racer to win the crown since Pro Mod became the championship class in 2007, and racers come from across Europe to compete in Santa Pod’s two combined FIA/Motorsport UK rounds in May and September. Arnover’s quickest elapsed time, 5.695sec, and fastest speed, 254.71mph, in his turbocharged Mustang were the championship season’s best performances.Santa Pod Raceway is Europe’s premier drag racing venue, hosting national and international championships, lifestyle festivals, and world-record-setting motorsport events. Known as the “Home of European Drag Racing,” Santa Pod continues to innovate while preserving the sport’s rich heritage. This story was originally published on March 6, 2026. The post Santa Pod Raceway Announces FuelTech as Main Title Sponsor of the Motorsport UK British Drag Racing Championship for 2026 first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

If you aren’t familiar with the Ridler Award at the Detroit Autorama, the quick and dirty is that it is arguably the most coveted car show award on earth. It is also never without drama. These cars are built and finished to a detail level not seen on anything else and just being chosen for the Great 8 is an accomplishment to be proud of. In order to qualify for the Ridler you must be showing your car for the very first time ever at the Detroit Autorama. You can’t have shared the build online, you can’t have spoken about any details, you can’t have spilled the beans at any level. If you do, then you’ll be disqualified. In the video below, the 8 finalists who have made it to the Great 8 are highlighted before one became the winner of the 2026 Ridler Award itself. Watch. Video Description: From 1,000hp street machines to meticulously reimagined classics, this year’s finalists prove the Ridler competition is tighter—and bolder—than ever. The post Check Out The Great 8 Contenders at the 2026 Detroit Autorama! Any One Of These Could Have Won The Ridler. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

(Words and Photos by Joe Grippo) Here in the northeast section of the country we are in the deep freeze so most of the fun stuff moves indoors. We took a break from off season race car upgrades and maintenance, and made trip to Lebanon, Pennsylvania to check out the DragFest Indoor Drag Racing Showcase. It’s a great static gathering of drag cars, show cars and more. A few area dragstrips were in attendance handing out 2026 schedules along with a few of the cars that are regulars at their facilities. Numidia Raceway and South Mountain Dragway were set up loud and proud. A bunch of racing clubs displayed member cars and promoted their upcoming appearances. Back Seat Drivers a group of vintage style front engine dragsters and the Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Drag Racing Association (MANDA) each dominated a few of the rooms at the Lebanon Convention Center. This year’s show had some amazing survivors and barn find type stuff. Check out the 1957 Ford with twin carbed Y-Block and Paxton Supercharger, the killer tunnel rammed big block chevy powered ’68 Camaro resplendent in B/MP trim, complete with a quarte window full of Atco Dragway kill stickers! Killer stuff. My favorite machine in show was the Survivor 1971 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler street machine; you can’t miss it in the gallery! A real deal time capsule from the early ‘70’s, this is one of only 353 Spoilers built in 1971, which is special enough, but the wild custom paint job and body work applied in ’73 is mind-blowing. The colors, design layout, and murals kept me coming back to it all day. And don’t sleep on the extra-stuffed diamond tufted custom interior with that crazy console! Dig into the photos for much more! The gang at Motorama Productions put this and other shows on throughout the year. I’ll be hitting a few more soon. The post More I-24 Lebanon Dragfest 2026 Photos! This Indoor Drag Racing Showcase Features Some Amazing Race Cars, History, And More! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Tony Stewart Racing has announced Award Winning XXI Martinis as their newest partner for the NHRA 75th anniversary season. Distilled and bottled in the United States, XXI Martinis offers a collection of ready to serve flavored martinis. “We’re excited XXI Martinis has come on board with TSR for the 2026 NHRA season,” said Tony Stewart, owner of Tony Stewart Racing. “They’re becoming a well-known brand, and we look forward to building their popularity, sales and distribution into our fanbase and family of partners.” Co-Founded by serial entrepreneur Shannon Keeran and legendary Las Vegas bartender, Angelo Bottley, XXI Martinis was developed and launched in 2021. The brand, known for their flagship Espresso Martini, has quickly grown to become a national brand and is also available in the British Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, and is offered in over 4,000 bars, restaurants and retail stores nationwide. “We operate in such an intense atmosphere and with such high horsepower partners, it only makes sense to give a little balance for when we are done with the day and want to enjoy a good, smooth, cocktail. XXI Martinis is the answer for that,” said Leah Pruett, driver of the TSR Top Fuel dragster. “I’m a fan and I think this is the perfect environment for them to grow their footprint.” “The opportunity to be partnered with Tony Stewart Racing is a hard one to pass up. We see the potential growth and we’re excited about it,” said Shannon Keeran, co-founder and CEO of XXI Martinis. “The teams fit our brand perfectly and with ambassadors like Leah, Tony and Matt to help tell XXI Martinis’ story, it’s an all-around win for us. We believe that great martinis, great friendships and great occasions come from the right ingredients, the right mindset, the right chemistry and just a bit of alchemy. This partnership with Tony Stewart Racing follows that same recipe.” XXI Martinis will be featured on Pruett’s Top Fuel dragster and four-time world champion Hagan’s Funny Car for the full 20-race Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series season. The logo will make its debut at this weekend’s Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway March 6-8 in Florida. To locate XXI Martinis at a store near you and to learn more about the brand please visit https://xximartinis.com/ and make sure to follow @xximartinis on Instagram and Facebook. The post XXI Martinis Joins Tony Stewart Racing in NHRA first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Last season at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals was the kickoff to Pro Stock driver Dallas Glenn’s first world championship season. This season, he’s looking for another win at Gainesville Raceway at the 2026 NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series season opener, which starts NHRA’s 75th anniversary season. Glenn wheels the RAD Torque Systems Chevrolet Camaro for Pro Stock powerhouse KB Titan Racing. Last year’s Gainesville win was his first of eight wins en route to his championship, enjoying another banner season in the Pro Stock ranks. As he and the rest of the stars of the NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series return to the legendary facility, Glenn is thrilled to be back at Gainesville. “It feels really good to get back to the track just because of how busy we’ve been at the shop during the off-season,” said Glenn. “I’m really excited to be back out competing and seeing all the people in this traveling circus and all of our friends. I’ve had success at Gainesville before, and I would really like to continue that success there.” Glenn’s 2025 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals marked his first win over his KB Titan Racing teammate and six-time Pro Stock world champion Greg Anderson. The two battled all season for the points lead and the championship, but Glenn’s performance in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs gave him the edge, as he won four of the five races in the postseason. “In 2024, I finished in second by a few thousandths to Greg. We didn’t have a very good Countdown,” Glenn said. “Then last year I didn’t stumble at all. We definitely had a lot of luck when we needed it and I think that was key. What I want to do for this year is take the bull by the horns and take control of everything. You do your job good enough, and your car’s good enough, and you work hard, and put yourself in the right position, you shouldn’t need the luck.” Last year, Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Chad Green (Funny Car), Glenn (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won on the hallowed grounds of Gainesville Raceway to open the year. This year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 8. It’s the first of 20 races during the 2026 season and along with a full slate of racing, fans can expect a multitude of events to celebrate the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals and NHRA’s 75th anniversary, including: Appearances from a host of NHRA legends during the event, including Kenny Bernstein, Don Garlits, Joe Amato, Don Prudhomme, Shirley Muldowney, Darrell Gwynn and Bob Frey. A celebration of Bernstein’s historic 300-mph run from 1992. A free, limited-edition NHRA 2026 season poster to the first 6,500 fans in attendance on Sunday. A new-look Nitro Mall, special displays and 75th anniversary stage in Nitro Alley. Race winners will get the special NHRA 75th anniversary Diamond Wally, along with the Gatornationals traditional Golden Gator trophy. In the Top Fuel ranks, reigning world champ Doug Kalitta will again face a talented field of competitors, including reigning Gainesville winner and four-time champion Antron Brown, Shawn Langdon, Justin Ashley and 2025 regular season champ Tony Stewart. Chad Green won his second career Funny Car race last season, beating three-time world champ Ron Capps. Austin Prock earned his second straight title and after a move to Tasca Racing, he’ll look to keep rolling against four-time champ Matt Hagan, class newcomer Jordan Vandergriff, Jack Beckman and Daniel Wilkerson. Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Gaige Herrera has never lost in Gainesville. Last year, he won his third straight, defeating rival Matt Smith. He’ll look for four in a row against reigning world champ Richard Gadson, Angie Smith, Steve Johnson and Jianna Evaristo. The weekend will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Flexjet Factory Showdown and the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. Fans will also be invited all weekend long to the Nitro Alley Stage, which hosts Nitro School, meet and greets, music and more. Race fans in Gainesville can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan-favorite SealMaster Track Walk. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction. Fans have a chance to see teams in action and service their cars between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers and more. Fans can visit NHRA’s Nitro Alley, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, and food and fun for the entire family. NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features two rounds at 1:30 and 4 p.m. ET on Friday, March 6, and the final two qualifying rounds on Saturday, March 7 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on Sunday, March 8. The first round of the Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout takes place at 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, with the semifinals slated for 2:15 p.m. and the final round at 3:30 p.m. A special Callout broadcast will also air at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday on FS1.To purchase tickets to the 2026 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information about the NHRA, visit www.nhra.com. The post Pro Stock’s Dallas Glenn Returns to Gainesville as Reigning World Champion first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

As Top Fuel speeds climbed on the regular last year in the National Hot Rod Association, the spotlight turned to the only part of a 12,000-horsepower nitro monster that actually touches the track: the tires. When the now-retired two-time class champion Brittany Force blasted past 340 mph – twice in a matter of weeks in the summer of ‘25 – it wasn’t just a team accomplishment. It was proof of product dominance for Goodyear, the exclusive tire supplier for NHRA’s nitro categories. But the question facing the manufacturer entering this weekend’s season kickoff at the Gatornationals is this: At 340-plus mph, are current tire compounds and construction still sufficient, or is it time for changes? Todd Rogers of Goodyear’s drag racing division says nope. “We’re still in a good place right now,” Rogers said. “Brittany had run 340 multiple times. She did it twice (last year) in Brainerd, and her tires looked really good on every one of those runs.” That visual inspection isn’t casual. Goodyear engineers are stationed at the top end at every NHRA National event, immediately evaluating tires after high-speed passes. Rogers said he and two engineers routinely examine the tires as soon as the car returns from a pass. “We gather the serial number off every tire so we can track the runs – who ran it, where they ran it, and how many times,” he said. “We’re looking them over as closely as we can right there.” The focus is on surface condition, structural integrity, and any signs of compound distress. At extreme high speeds, rear slicks experience massive centrifugal forces, distortion, and heat buildup in less than four seconds. Any irregular wear pattern or structural anomaly becomes a critical data point. “In Brittany’s case, they’ve looked really clean – almost brand new,” Rogers said. Since nitro tires are designed to wrinkle dramatically at launch, absorbing torque before growing in diameter at speed, that’s impressive. The construction – particularly the carcass shape and internal reinforcement – has to withstand repeated and extreme deformation. Goodyear’s current Top Fuel and Funny Car slick has been in place since 2016. Rogers, who joined the drag racing group in 2017 after time with Goodyear’s NASCAR program, said the company’s comfortable with the mold and carcass design that define the tire’s structural foundation. Despite the incredible physics of these tires, accidents can happen. Top Fueler Shawn Reed experienced a horrific crash at last year’s Nationals near Seattle, one serious enough to put him on the sidelines for more than a month with broken ribs and a mangled finger. He would come back like a boss in September, winning an IHRA nitro race in Hebron, Ohio, to shake the dust off and again the following weekend at his NHRA Pro return in Reading, Penn. A notable portion of the crash involved one of the tires on his rail losing integrity. Reed said after the race he didn’t blame Goodyear for the tire failure. “We had a meeting with them and they found no reason to why that tire came apart and I’m OK with it,” he said. “There doesn’t have to be a reason. I think if you look too deep for a reason you just find someone to blame and you know what, I’m not a blamer. They’re building the best tires they can and NHRA is doing the best they can to keep the track clean. “They check it all the time; they pull that FOD (foreign object damage) mat around and I mean they got 10 or 12 guys over the wall after every pass, looking at stuff. I can’t blame any one of us. It’s just a freak accident that happened and I’m OK with the call.” Goodyear didn’t make any alterations to their tire after Reed’s accident, but if any adjustment were to be made, it would most likely involve the compound rather than the construction. “We would just try to toughen up and firm up that compound a little bit,” Rogers said, noting that Goodyear’s compound specialists collaborate across racing divisions to evaluate potential changes. Altering a compound involves adjusting blends of carbon black and other reinforcing agents that affect hardness, wear resistance, and heat tolerance. A tougher compound could slightly reduce peak speeds by limiting tire growth or traction characteristics, but Rogers emphasized that drivability is paramount. “Our goal would be to have the same drivability with a little tougher compound,” he said. “But you don’t know until you get it on track and get feedback from the driver.” That feedback is paired with detailed data analysis from onboard telemetry systems, allowing engineers to study wheel speed, tire growth, and traction performance down to fractions of a second. Since NHRA shortened nitro racing from 1,320 feet to 1,000 feet in 2008, speeds have steadily climbed despite the reduced distance. While some in the sport periodically advocate for a return to the full quarter-mile, Rogers said Goodyear has not conducted in-depth research into what that would require from a tire standpoint. “If we did, we’d have to study what those speeds would be and probably look at introducing a tougher compound,” he said. For now, Goodyear’s concern level remains low. As long as 340-mph runs result in tires that “look great” at the finish line, teams won’t see drastic changes. This story was originally published on March 6, 2026. The post Goodyear Ready for Nitro in 2026 first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article