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The stars of the NHRA are headed back to fan-favorite Firebird Motorsports Park for the 41st annual FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs on March 20-22, marking the second race of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season during its season-long 75th anniversary celebration. The “Duel in the Desert,” which has drawn massive crowds for four decades, features a full weekend of action-packed racing at one of the premier facilities on the NHRA circuit. Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars will thrill fans with 340-mph runs, as every racer hopes to earn a NHRA 75th anniversary Diamond Wally trophy on raceday. This year’s annual visit to Phoenix will be one of the biggest yet during NHRA’s milestone year. As part of NHRA’s yearlong 75th anniversary celebration, fans can expect multiple highlights at Firebird Motorsports Park, including: An appearance from NHRA legend and four-time world champion Don Prudhomme, as well as Charlie Allen and Jon Lundberg. Prudhomme’s iconic career and legacy in NHRA Drag Racing will be celebrated throughout the weekend as the race’s historic moment, a theme that will take place at all races in 2026. Prudhomme will be featured on the unique commemorative ticket for the race. Fans can scan the onsite signs at the track to purchase the commemorative ticket, which will be available for purchase online all season and will be distinctive to each event. On Friday, a free, limited-edition rally towel will be given to the first 3,000 fans in attendance to take in two rounds of pro qualifying. A new-look Nitro Mall, special displays and 75th anniversary stage in Nitro Alley. The FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs also marks the first Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge of the season. The popular event brings competitive racing to Saturday qualifying, as winners will be awarded a bonus purse and points during the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs. That all leads into Sunday eliminations, as all the stars look to pick up an early-season win. Last season, Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Paul Lee (Funny Car), and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) each earned wins. This year’s race will be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 22. Former Top Fuel champion Langdon won his second consecutive race in Phoenix when he defeated Kalitta Motorsports teammate Doug Kalitta in the final round. Langdon went on to win three races, while Kalitta who claimed the world title. The rest of the Top Fuel class will be ready to take on the teammates in Phoenix, including multi-time Phoenix winners Tony Schumacher and Antron Brown, as well as Justin Ashley, Clay Millican, Leah Pruett and 2025 NHRA regular-season champ Tony Stewart. Paul Lee earned his first career Funny Car win last season in Phoenix when he defeated 2024 event winner Austin Prock. But Prock was a dominant force, collecting his second consecutive world championship. After Prock’s dramatic offseason departure from John Force Racing in the off-season, the Funny Car field will be ready to put the champ to the test, including multi-time champions Matt Hagan and Ron Capps, Jack Beckman, Daniel Wilkerson, Jordan Vandergriff and Chad Green. The 2025 Pro Stock season was dominated by KB Titan Racing teammates Greg Anderson and Dallas Glenn. Anderson defeated Glenn in the final round in Phoenix, earning his fourth win at the track. However, it was Glenn who won the world title after winning eight events. Anderson and Glenn will face off with their rivals at Elite Motorsports, led by six-time champ Erica Enders, Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Aaron Stanfield. The FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series 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 much more. Race fans at Firebird Motorsports Park 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 an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This opportunity gives fans a chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers and more. Fans can visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, 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 will feature two rounds at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT on Friday, March 20, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, March 21 at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. The finals of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge take place at the end of final qualifying in each category. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. PT on Sunday, March 22. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 10 p.m. ET. on Friday and 12 p.m. on Sunday, leading into eliminations at 6:30 p.m. ET. To purchase tickets to the final FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com. This story was originally published on February 21, 2026. The post NHRA Returns to Firebird Motorsports Park for Duel in the Desert During 75th Anniversary Season first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

One of the perks of this job is a steady stream of fresh motorcycle gear to try out. And one brand that has crossed my desk more than any other is Saint.That's partly because the Australian company has been around for over a decade already, but it's also because its product line is in a constant sta... View the full article

Iconic Auctioneers are holding an insane auction on a host of Vincent motorcycles this weekend, including the incredibly rare Vincent Black Knight known as the "Schmaltz." View the full article

Chad Ehrlich is back at it with more awesome finds and more awesome parts. His collector car wrecking yard is one of the finest in the country, and we’ve been there several times and taken home multiple parts and cars. This place is great and Chad is always on the lookout for more cars and parts to stock the yard. The Chevy II Nova convertible in the video below is one of his farm finds and we dig it. This one has neat history and is a real find. We dig it, and we know you will too, so check it out below. And remember, all of Chad’s contact info is below so if you want to own this one you can. Video Description: If you like old cars, trucks, and automobilia, be sure to check out all of my other videos! Please subscribe so you can keep up with the new videos as I post them! If you have questions about vehicles or parts, the only way to get a hold of me is to call me, 8 AM-8 PM CST, no texts, no e-mails, no messenger, no smoke signals, calls only. 620-786-4428 If I don’t answer, I’m probably on the phone with someone else and if you don’t leave me a message, I just assume you’re another telemarketer trying to sell me an extended warranty! LOL! I am located in Great Bend, KS, BUT I am not open to the public, so if you show up without calling and making an appointment, don’t expect me to be available. Shipping is available. If you comment, message, text, e-mail, etc., don’t expect me to find it and don’t expect an answer. Thanks for watching, Chad 620-786-4428 The post New Junkyard Inventory! Look At This Ragtop Chevy II Nova That Just Came Through The Gates! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

It’s on! How cool is it to take three drivers from completely different motorsports and put them head to head in a variety of off-road vehicles, on a variety of off-road terrain, to see who’s the best overall? Really f’ing cool. In this video, from a remote and awesome facility in New Zealand, you are going to see some off-road action that is going to have you cheering, some that will have you jearing, and some that will have you laughing. This one has it all. Video Description: Three of New Zealand’s fastest drivers go head-to-head in the ultimate rural motorsport showdown. Liam Lawson, Shane van Gisbergen, and Mad Mike Whiddett battle across three unpredictable challenges: A ProLite truck race over jumps and grass A precision drift target challenge A chaotic lawnmower race finale From Formula 1 and NASCAR to drifting and off-road racing, this is world-class talent thrown completely out of its comfort zone. No circuits. No run-off. Just horsepower, dust, and pure Kiwi carnage. Who adapts fastest? Who sends it hardest? And who takes the win? The post This Is The Ultimate Off-Road Challenge, Where One Driver From F1, One From NASCAR, and One From Drifting Go Head To Head In A Variety Of Off-Road Challenges. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

I’m not sure there has every been a Dodge Caravan that was cleaner and cooler than this one right here, and the engine swap hasn’t even happened yet! Okay, knowing about the engine swap makes it cooler than it would be otherwise, but I think that’s okay. Don’t you? Watch, this is going to be something special. Video Description: This week on Stay Tuned, Tony Angelo and the Stay Tuned crew get back on their turbo sleeper Dodge Caravan to add BIG POWER! With the killer help of AGP Turbo, the dudes put on a giant turbo and get the engine and trans into the van for the first time. Will they get this thing fired up on Holley EFI, or get lost in a sea of wires? Stay Tuned! The post Swapping a 500HP SRT4 Turbo Engine Into The Cleanest Classic Dodge Caravan Ever. Now Look How Cool It Will Be! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

WorldSBK 2026 Round One – Phillip Island Superbike Race One The track temperature reached 46 degrees as the riders formed up on the grid. All were on the SC1 front, while it was about 50-50 across the field between the D0922 and E0829 options. Nicolo Bulega scorched away from pole ahead of Yari Montella and […] The post A predictable winner in WorldSBK season opener but plenty of drama down the order appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

WorldSBK 2026 Round One – Phillip Island WorldSSP Race One The Phillip Island blacktop was registering 45 degrees as riders formed up on the grid for the opening World Supersport contest of the 2026 season. For the first time since 2019, this race was set to be contested over a full 18-lap distance, with every […] The post Hard fought maiden WorldSSP podium for Oli Bayliss in front of home crowd appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

ASBK 2026 Round One – Phillip Island Kawasaki Supersport Race Two Olly Simpson fired off the line first once again for a two from two holeshot record so far for the DesmoSport Ducati V2 to again lead the BC Performance Kawasaki pairing of Tom Edwards and Hayden Nelson, as Roberto Tamburini and Tom Toparis chased […] The post Recapping ASBK Supersport Race Two from Phillip Island appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

ASBK 2026 Round One – Phillip Island SW-Motech Superbike Race One After delivering a precise and clinical lap to secure pole position in near-perfect Saturday morning conditions, Harrison Voight rolled to the front of the grid knowing that Phillip Island rarely rewards qualifying pace alone. Voight’s benchmark lap to take his maiden Australian Superbike pole […] The post Youngsters shake up the ASBK form guide in cracking race one at P.I. appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Keanu Reeves has been passionate about motorcycles since childhood, when motorcycle gangs would visit Toronto and spark his imagination. His journey with bikes started in the 1980s when he learned to ride while filming in Munich and later bought his first motorcycle in Los Angeles. From riding classic Nortons to performing stunts in blockbuster films, his love for motorcycles eventually led him to co-found Arch Motorcycle, a company that builds custom high-performance bikes. Arch Motorcycle represents the combination of […] The post Keanu Reeves Shows Off His Most Prized Motorcycles appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

Tommy D’Aprile has seen Pro Modified drag racing from just about every angle imaginable. He’s lived through the handbrake days. The clutch cars. The 5,000-RPM launch routines. The 52-car IHRA staging lanes fighting for 16 spots. The era when simply qualifying could feel like winning. Now, as the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by Red Line Oil approaches, D’Aprile finds himself immersed in a version of Pro Mod that is faster, tighter, and more unforgiving than ever before. And he loves it. “I’m more prepared and better than I’ve ever been right now,” D’Aprile said on The Wes Buck Show. “And that’s because my head’s right.” That statement says more than any elapsed time ever could. D’Aprile stepped away from full-time competition for a period – not because he couldn’t compete, but because he needed perspective. He needed to ground himself. He needed to evaluate what mattered. “When I stepped back, it was one of the best things I did,” said D’Aprile. “When I came back, the focus was totally different.” That reset has translated into clarity. The Pro Mod class he re-entered isn’t the same one he left. “This is less of a manhandling driver’s race than it used to be,” D’Aprile explained. “We used to hold RPM at 5,000, 6,000 RPM, handbrake, clutch. You had to manage the car.” Modern Pro Mods are more automated. The procedure is different. The speeds are higher. The fields are tighter. The technology has evolved dramatically. But the demand on the driver hasn’t disappeared – it’s shifted. “It basically is like my bracket car now,” said D’Aprile. “Brake, button, it’s just a lot faster. But if you’re not on it, you’re losing.” That’s not exaggeration. At the U.S. Street Nationals, the 32-car field was separated by four-hundredths of a second. Four hundredths. That’s the difference between a hero interview and loading the trailer. “There’s no round where you can back it down,” D’Aprile said. “Years ago, if we qualified number one, we’d back off first round just to get that win. Now? It’s game on just to get in the field.” That reality has forced evolution – not just in machinery, but in mindset. “My goal is to be double-O every single round,” said D’Aprile. “That’s what it’s going to take.” It’s not bravado. It’s acceptance. The World Series of Pro Mod doesn’t reward nostalgia. It rewards execution. But beyond the numbers and reaction times, D’Aprile sees something else happening within the class: Community. “This race is different,” D’Aprile said. “Everybody is there. You don’t see that anymore. All the best from everywhere – PDRA, Mid-West, NHRA, Street Outlaws – we’re all in one place.” That convergence is what makes the Winter Series and the World Series finale unique. In one pit area, you’ll see former IHRA champions. NHRA stars. Radial tire heavyweights. Street Outlaws personalities. Independent teams. Major operations. It’s not fragmented, it’s unified. And D’Aprile believes that matters. “You can have 30 of these races a year and have 30 different winners,” said D’Aprile. “That’s how competitive it is.” The margins are thin. The talent is deep. The outcome is never guaranteed. But for D’Aprile, winning isn’t the only metric anymore. “Victory is a choice,” D’Aprile said. “I’m victorious every day because I choose it.” That’s not something the younger version of Tommy D’Aprile would have said. “There were years where if I didn’t win, I wasn’t a very good loser,” he admitted. “Now I’m relaxed. I’m having fun.” That perspective has been shaped by faith, maturity, and experience. A fixture in Racers for Christ and ministry efforts within the pits, D’Aprile is known for praying with competitors – even opponents he’s about to race. “I’ll go out of my way to pray with my opponent,” said D’Aprile. “We’re not running bicycles. These are serious machines. But relationships matter.” For D’Aprile, the legacy isn’t about trophies. “My legacy isn’t the championship,” he said. “It’s more about what did I leave in the community?” That mindset coexists with his competitive fire – not replaces it. But make no mistake: D’Aprile intends to win. “I have every intention of winning this race,” he said plainly. “If it comes to fruition, there will be a heck of a celebration.” And if it doesn’t? “We’ll celebrate with whoever wins.” That’s not weakness. That’s strength. The World Series of Pro Mod represents the most concentrated collection of Pro Mod talent in the sport today. It’s not a points race. It’s not a season-long campaign. It’s one shot. And that format suits a veteran who understands the weight of the moment. When D’Aprile returned to competition at the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals, he didn’t tiptoe back in. He won. That wasn’t luck. It was preparation meeting clarity. Now, as the final race of the Winter Series approaches, he stands as both a link to Pro Mod’s past and a fully capable threat in its present. He’s raced in the era of 52-car qualifying wars. He’s won championships. He’s stepped away and returned with renewed purpose. And now, in a field where hundredths define history, Tommy D’Aprile believes he’s better equipped than ever. Not just because of horsepower. Because of perspective. And in a class where pressure bursts pipes and emotions run high, that may be the most dangerous advantage of all. The post Tommy D’Aprile Reflects on Pro Mod’s Evolution Ahead of World Series Showdown first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

ASBK 2026 Round One – Phillip Island Kawasaki Supersport Race One Olly Simpson fired off the line on the NextGen Ducati, but a big highside at turn one for Marianos Nikolis saw the red flag come out, and riders were sent back to the grid to prepare for a full restart over a reduced eight-lap […] The post ASBK Supersport opener at P.I. an almost photo finish and the pace was hot! appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

When the 2026 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by Red Line Oil rolls into eliminations Saturday at Bradenton Motorsports Park, the spotlight won’t shine on just 32 cars. Thanks to a new partnership with Outlaw Light Beer, positions 33 through 64 after qualifying will have their own stage – and their own purse – in the inaugural Outlaw Light Beer Wild Card Shootout, a race within the race that puts $15,000 to the winner, $5,000 to the runner-up, and $2,500 to each semifinalist. Five rounds. Sixty-four cars competing on Saturday. One historic showcase. The Wild Card Shootout ensures that unprecedented participation at the World Series of Pro Mod is rewarded, not sidelined. Exclusivity has always defined the World Series of Pro Mod – bringing together the best of the best in one place, under one banner. But record car counts demand opportunity. With 60-plus Pro Mods converging on Bradenton, the Outlaw Light Beer Wild Card Shootout creates meaningful competition for the next wave of elite contenders. “This event continues to raise the bar,” said Mark Stockseth of Outlaw Light Beer. “The World Series of Pro Mod is the most competitive doorslammer race in the world, and when you have that level of participation, you need a stage big enough to match it. The Wild Card Shootout is exactly that – high-stakes, high-energy racing that fans can get excited about.” Outlaw Light Beer, which has built a fast-growing presence in motorsports and entertainment – including partnerships with country music superstar HARDY and activations across racing platforms – sees the Wild Card Shootout as a natural extension of its brand identity. Independent. Competitive. Built for the bold. For Drag Illustrated founder and WSOPM promoter Wes Buck, the partnership reinforces a core philosophy. “Historic participation like this has to be rewarded,” said Buck. “Exclusivity is a huge part of what we do – assembling the absolute best Pro Mod racers on the planet – but it’s just as important to provide real opportunity. The Outlaw Light Beer Wild Card Shootout makes sure more of these racers get their moment on Saturday.” The Wild Card Shootout will run alongside Pro Mod eliminations throughout the day, creating a layered Saturday program unlike anything else in doorslammer racing. From first round to final, drivers in positions 33-64 will battle through five rounds of heads-up competition, culminating in a standalone winner’s circle celebration. It’s not a consolation. It’s a proving ground. With $15,000 on the line and the backing of a national lifestyle brand, the Outlaw Light Beer Wild Card Shootout elevates the competitive ceiling of the event even further. Qualifying for the 2026 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by Red Line Oil begins Thursday, February 26 at 12:30 PM, setting the stage for a weekend that will feature 64 Pro Mods competing on Saturday across two elite eliminators. The World Series of Pro Mod continues to expand what’s possible in professional doorslammer racing. Now, thanks to Outlaw Light Beer, more racers than ever will have the chance to race for it. The post Outlaw Light Beer Wild Card Shootout Set to Bring Even More Action to World Series of Pro Mod first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

ASBK 2026 The 30-minute qualifying session for Australian Superbike got underway just after 0800 this morning at Phillip Island, under somewhat cloudy skies but with an ambient temperature already over 20 degrees despite the early hour, on what looked like perfect track conditions. Cam Dunker certainly got out of the right side of the bed; […] The post Voight takes pole in perfect conditions on Saturday morning at P.I. appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

In a class where thousandths of a second separate legends from heartbreak, the starting line often tells the real story. For the 2026 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod, Aeromotive is putting serious money where reaction time matters most. Aeromotive will award a $1,000 Hole Shot Bonus in every round of eliminations, paying the driver who wins their matchup with the best starting-line reaction time. Across five rounds of eliminations, that adds an additional $5,000 on the line – purely for excellence on the tree. At the richest and most competitive Pro Mod race on the planet, it’s a fitting spotlight on the discipline, focus, and split-second precision that define championship-caliber driving. “Reaction time is where preparation meets instinct,” said Matt Brewer of Aeromotive. “When you’re racing at this level, the margins are microscopic. We’re proud to reward the drivers who rise to that moment and execute under pressure.” Added Jackson Lueg of Aeromotive, “The World Series of Pro Mod represents the absolute pinnacle of doorslammer competition. Supporting a program that highlights driver skill in that environment aligns perfectly with who we are and what we believe in. We’re excited to be part of the movement.” The Aeromotive Hole Shot Bonus adds yet another layer of intensity to eliminations at Bradenton Motorsports Park. With record-setting fields, six-figure payouts, and the eyes of the sport locked in on every pass, even the smallest advantage can define a weekend. For Drag Illustrated founder and event promoter Wes Buck, the partnership reflects both performance and legacy. “We’re incredibly excited to be working with our longtime friends Matt, Jackson, and the entire Aeromotive team,” said Buck. “They’ve supported this sport for decades, and programs like this elevate the experience for racers and fans alike. The starting line is sacred ground in Pro Mod. Putting real money behind killer performance on the tree only makes it that much more compelling.” Qualifying for the 2026 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by Red Line Oil begins Thursday, February 26 at 12:30 PM with the first Pro Mod qualifying session, launching three days of competition at Bradenton Motorsports Park. In Pro Mod, the smallest advantage often makes the biggest difference. This year, it pays. This story was originally published on February 20, 2026. The post Aeromotive Fuels the Fight at World Series of Pro Mod with $5,000 Hole Shot Bonus Program first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

After a season on the sidelines, veteran doorslammer racer Mike Thielen is set to return to NHRA Pro Modified competition this season, reuniting with the Janis family racing operation for the full 11-race season to compete for a world championship beginning at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, March 6–8, at Gainesville Raceway. Thielen will pilot a ’67 Mustang tuned by the father-son Mike Janis Sr. and Jr. duo and equipped with a roots-style supercharger, marking both a return to familiar territory and a fresh start following a year away from the cockpit. His Washington-based company, Glacier Aviation Inc., a helicopter pilot training flight school, will again serve as the team’s primary sponsor. “We kind of got the band back together and I’m back with the Janis family racing,” Thielen said. “They helped me get my start in Pro Mod, and it just felt right to come back. Last year was hectic with business, moving into a new house, and a lot going on personally, so we took the year off to let things settle down. Now we’re in a better spot, and when the opportunity came up to get back in the seat, we took it.” Thielen’s Pro Mod journey began with Mike Janis Sr. and Mike Janis Jr. before racing a nitrous-fed Camaro with Rickie Smith in 2024. The reunion brings a sense of continuity as he prepares to jump back into one of the most competitive classes in drag racing. He’ll drive the same ’67 Mustang that Janis Sr. drove in NHRA Pro Mod competition last season. “I’ve been in Chevys since day one on the West Coast, so switching things up and getting into a Mustang is pretty cool,” Thielen said. “It’s a new look, a new car, and I’m excited to get back with the original team.” Despite missing a year of competition, Thielen remained closely connected to the NHRA Pro Mod scene, even attending the season finale in Las Vegas. The time away only reinforced how much he missed being part of the tight-knit group. “I’ll be brutally honest – I missed it every day,” Thielen said. “I followed all the races and even went to Vegas just to see everybody. It’s such a cool class. Everyone’s tough, but it’s a great group of people. I’m just excited to get back around everybody.” In addition to Glacier Aviation’s continued support, Thielen acknowledged partners including AvFuel, Luke 1:37 Racing, Glacier Gun Club, T Brothers Liquor Lodge, and the Janis Superchargers team for helping make the return possible. The team plans to test at Bradenton Motorsports Park before final preseason testing runs in Gainesville, with Thielen eager to make his first qualifying hit of the season when NHRA Pro Mod kicks off at the Gatornationals. The post Mike Thielen Returning to NHRA Pro Mod Competition With Mike Janis Racing first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

There are moments in drag racing that feel bigger than a single race. Bigger than a single class. Bigger than a single driver. Ryan Martin making his Pro Mod debut at the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by Red Line Oil is one of those moments. For more than a decade, Martin has been the tentpole figure of Street Outlaws and No Prep Kings – a central character in one of the most culturally significant movements the sport has seen in modern times. He helped turn outlaw racing into mainstream entertainment. He helped make it cool to be a gearhead again. He helped introduce drag racing to millions who had never stepped foot at a racetrack. Now he’s stepping into Pro Modified competition at the sport’s biggest stage. And he’s not easing into it quietly. “Man, grateful is the best way I can explain how I feel,” Martin said on The Wes Buck Show. “When I was a kid watching John Force and NHRA drag racing, I don’t know that I ever thought one day I’d be on a stage like this, much less that street racing would turn into something that would get us here.” That “here” is the World Series of Pro Mod – the grand finale of the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service – a 32-car battlefield stacked with the fastest, most talented doorslammer racers on the planet. For Martin, the move isn’t about chasing relevance. It’s about evolution. With Street Outlaws currently paused and No Prep Kings at a crossroads, Martin has been deliberate about what’s next. “Where’s the next thing for me in professional drag racing?” he asked openly. “I had my eyes set on the Winter Series, maybe some NHRA stuff, Mid-West Pro Mod. But I wanted to be part of this.” The path getting here wasn’t simple. Martin’s own Pro Mod build isn’t complete. That could have delayed everything. Instead, a phone call around Thanksgiving changed the trajectory. Australian engine builder Frank Marchese – a longtime friend – had a state-of-the-art Pro Mod sitting unfinished. The program’s owners were focused on building their new racetrack in Australia. The car wasn’t ready. The infrastructure wasn’t there. Martin offered to help. “I called Frank just to say Happy Thanksgiving,” Martin explained. “Next thing you know we’re talking about the car not being done. I said, ‘Let me see what I can do.’ At first it was about helping them. Then he said, ‘Do you want to run it?’” The original twin-turbo Hemi combination proved frustrating in early testing. After 15 passes and limited progress, Martin made a decision. “If we can’t go a .50-anything, I don’t want to just be a class filler,” he said. “That’s not why we’re here.” The car was converted to a ProCharged combination with help from ProLine Racing. The rotating assembly changed. Headers were built. The program pivoted fast. And it worked. “We had it dialed in in about ten passes,” Martin said. “I feel pretty good about the car. The boys gave us a good piece.” That confidence matters – because the World Series of Pro Mod is no place for hesitation. This isn’t a “learn as you go” environment. It’s 32 of the quickest Pro Mods in history separated by mere hundredths of a second. At the U.S. Street Nationals, the entire qualified field was spread across just four-hundredths of a second. In this arena, reaction time matters. Composure matters. Execution matters. Fortunately for Martin, high-pressure competition is nothing new. “Some people that haven’t done it don’t understand how competitive No Prep Kings was,” said Martin. “We were letting go of the button 15 or 16 weekends a year on racetracks. And probably 30 or 40 times a year on the street with a flashlight. It trains you to be ready for almost anything. When we get to something like Pro Mod, there’s almost some normalcy to it.” Martin understands that Pro Mod has traditionally belonged to names like Stevie Jackson, Lyle Barnett, Spencer Hyde, and the sport’s elite veterans. “I don’t think of myself when I think of Pro Mod,” Martin admitted. “I think of those guys. So for me, it feels like we’re hopping into a realm of, ‘Hey, these are all the other badasses – now we’ve got to compete with them.’” That humility is genuine. But so is the competitive fire. “I’m not scared to lose,” Martin said. “But I have a feeling we’re going to do pretty good.” His participation represents something bigger than just another car in the field. It’s convergence. For years, traditional Pro Mod racers and the Street Outlaws world lived parallel but separate. Now those worlds are merging – not in theory, but in competition. When Kye Kelley shocked the establishment by winning the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals, it sent a message. When Kallee Mills, Scott Taylor, Shawn Ellington, Robin Roberts, Jimmy Taylor and others proved they belonged, it shifted perception. Martin’s debut accelerates that shift. He sees it clearly. “You guys picked up on how Street Outlaws made it popular,” Martin said. “It’s about the people behind it. The hardship. The blown-up motors. Leaving family behind. That’s what people care about.” That philosophy aligns perfectly with the direction Drag Illustrated has embraced – not promoting races, but promoting racers. “I don’t feel like I promote drag races,” Wes Buck said during the show. “I promote drag racers.” “It’s not about what car wins the race,” agreed Martin. “It’s about who wins the race, and the people behind him or her.” That mindset – combined with a competitive ProCharger-equipped Camaro – makes his debut one of the most compelling storylines heading into the World Series of Pro Mod. Will he qualify? Will he go rounds? Will he shock the field?No one knows. But one thing is certain: The stage just got bigger. This story was originally published on February 20, 2026. The post From No Prep Kings to Pro Mod: Ryan Martin Enters the Chat at WSOPM first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

It debuted on the 1948 Harley-Davidson Model S, found its way onto the backbone of the Sportster in the 50s, and became a staple of both The Motor Co.'s factory offerings and custom choppers. The word 'iconic' is bandied about much these days—but the humble peanut tank deserves it.Last year's Yokoha... View the full article

Free live drag racing starts here and continues all weekend long from the NHRA Regional at Firebird Raceway in Arizona. We’re talking all kinds of Sportsman Drag racing which means wheels up Stock and Super Stock Eliminator, plus Competition Eliminator and all your favorite Super categories. This is points racing and while it isn’t for big money, it is still a big deal as these points might end up being what gives someone the Divisional or National Championship in 2026. Watch all the racing action below! The post FREE LIVE NHRA Divisional Racing Action: Division 7 Lucas Oil Drag Racing At Firebird Raceway – Friday appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

MotoGP has inked a fresh deal that will see the Australian round take place on the Adelaide street circuit from 2027, replacing Phillip Island, and fans aren't happy.View the full article

India’s EV two-wheeler sales crossed 1.27 million units in 2025, with monthly volumes holding above 100,000.View the full article

The two-car team of Tony Stewart Racing is set to kick off the 2026 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series season. Leah Pruett returns to the seat of the Top Fuel dragster after a two-year hiatus, while four-time Funny Car world champion Matt Hagan is looking to carry over momentum from a second-place finish in 2025. Both teams were back on the drag strip February 17-20 for NHRA / Professional Racers Owners Organization (PRO) testing at Gainesville Raceway in Florida, two weeks ahead of NHRA’s 75th Anniversary season-opener. Pruett, a 12-time NHRA national event winner, has taken back the seat of her Top Fuel dragster just 15 months after giving birth to her first child, Dominic. For ten races Pruett’s dragster will feature a Dodge livery with their historical Fratzog logo. The Fratzog, uniquely named by one of their designers, was used by Dodge on vehicles between 1962 and 1976. For the remaining races, Pruett’s livery will rotate between Mobil 1, Rinnai, Rush Truck Centers, Rayce Rudeen and American Rebel. “Our team prepared very well to optimize our time at this test session, and it is showing. Every lap has been extremely strategic, from riffling through new fuel systems, rear ends, engine tune, long game dynamic strategies and a long list of new / different parts and systems to making sure our spare car is 100% fully functional,” Pruett said. “I love being back. Every part of it. The focus, the hustle, the long days and nights, the progress, the immediate turnarounds, the satisfaction that I do not feel that I have been out of the seat for two years, the positive results of applying new strategies inside the cockpit that work, and kicking others to the absolute curb. It sounds funny, but I’ve let all superstitions go, and even frames of mind that have held me bound. Which is absolutely freeing. “Although I am happy with my cadence and my brain’s processing speed of where I am on the track while I’m in the car, I’m looking forward to dialing in details in the cockpit that have worked for me so far,” Pruett continued. “There are no substitutions for laps, no matter how many times I run scenarios in my brain. So, I’ll take as many hits on track as I can get.” Pruett’s Top Fuel team will be led by co-crew chiefs Neal Strausbaugh and Mike Domagala with Ryan McGilvry serving as car chief. “The team dynamic honestly couldn’t be a more Mobil1 well-oiled machine. Sure, all of our bodies hurt a bit from moving, grooving, lifting, and hustling in ways that the off season doesn’t replicate, but our leadership from Neal and Mike continues to be profoundly strong,” said Pruett. “We are a team that values thorough communication, collective focus, and never individual ego.” In Funny Car, Matt Hagan, who had three wins in five final round appearances and was only 101 points back from a championship crown in 2025, will also sport the Dodge livery with the Fratzog logo for ten races. Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage, American Rebel Light Beer and Shelor Motor Mile will also be in rotation as primary sponsors as Hagan looks for his fifth world title. “If you do the math, and I’m not great at math, but I think this is my 19th year now. Definitely not that rookie feeling anymore. It’s one of those things where it’s always great to get back in the car, make a hit, just kind of knock that rust off. During the offseason, our guys have worked pretty hard on some stuff with motor combos, and I think you just want to see how all that kind of stuff shakes out. Plus, we got a new chassis, new pipe and you’re making some adjustments here and there, just seeing if the car works,” Hagan said. “I’ve had seasons where we come out here, and we shook 20 times, and come to find out some pipes and different things from back in the day were put in the wrong place, you know? You just never know how testing’s going to go but, the chassis seems to be great. We shook down our old car and then put it in the box so we could just kind of focus on this new one a little bit to see what we can do and how it’s going to respond. All in all, I feel great about it.” Hagan’s Funny Car team will continue to be led by co-crew chiefs Mike Knudsen and Phil Shuler with Alex Conaway as car chief. “The charisma, the energy, the feel of being here, knocking the rust off, it’s been great with the guys. Everybody is pretty much back from last year and the team is strong. We got one new kid on tire and body, but it’s been going well,” Hagan said. “I’m excited to start the season. We’ve had a couple good days of testing so far. Anything can happen with nitro cars, you can have the greatest test session and then the last couple runs, blow it up. So, it’s just a matter of seeing what we can do and how we can keep progressing forward.” Pruett and Hagan will begin their hunt for championship crowns at the 2026 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series season-opening Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway March 6-8 in Florida. The post TSR Season Preview: Leah Pruett Returns; Matt Hagan Looks to Continue Momentum first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Lots of people like to complain about The Youth™ not wanting to do or learn things anymore, but how are they supposed to learn if no one shows them?View the full article

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum founder, George Barber Jr., passed away at the age of 86, and left behind one of the greatest legacies in the motorcycle industry.View the full article