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Overland Expo SoCal 2026 is less than a month away, and it’s going to be a jam-packed weekend full of exhibitors with the latest and greatest gear, must-see classes and sessions, and thousands of rigs to inspire your build and future adventures. Before you head to Costa Mesa, CA, for the first Overland Expo of the year, be sure you pack the essentials. You’ll be putting down the miles checking out everything the expo has to offer, and you’ll need to be prepared for all conditions. Here are some suggestions for things to pack for Overland Expo. Helios Sun Hat Sun protection goes a long way towards making sure you have a great weekend. That starts at the top with a good hat that will protect your face, ears, and neck. We’re big fans of Outdoor Research offerings, especially the Helio Sun Hat. It’s lightweight, provides plenty of coverage, and packs away when you don’t need it. Plus, the foam brim provides flotation if you forget to use the handy cinch cord on aquatic adventures. BUY NOW YETI Rambler You have to stay hydrated to stay on top of your game, and at Overland Expo, you don’t want to miss anything, so keep a trusty water bottle at hand. The YETI Rambler is a great option with double-walled stainless steel construction that keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot for hours. On the outside, a durable coating provides grip and an opportunity for self-expression. How cool is that Moon Dust color? And the best part is the Chug cap that includes a wide and narrow mouth option, plus a grab loop in one expertly engineered package. BUY NOW Helinox Savanna Chair While you’re taking a break, reviewing the class schedule, and chatting with friends back at camp, it’s great to have a comfortable seat. For a packable and surprisingly lightweight option, the Savanna Chair is tough to beat. With cup holders, a high breathable back, and even a storage bag that works as a pillow, this chair packs a lot of features into a 4 lb. package. BUY NOW GCI Stowaway Rocker For the ultimate in camp comfort at the end of the day, you’d be hard-pressed to find something better than the GCI Outdoors Stowaway Rocker. Padded armrest, multiple pockets, patented Spring-Action Rocker Technology, and a fold flat design are all covered by a 3-year warranty. GCI Outdoors has been redefining what a camp chair can be for years. If you haven’t tried one yet, this is a great time to change that. BUY NOW READ MORE: Instructor Spotlight: Jess Stone JackRabbit OG2 We’ve seen some cool ebikes, and they’re definitely handy for zipping around Overland Expo, your neighborhood, or the campground, and none of them are as compact and convenient as the JackRabbit. It may look like a BMX bike, but with a folding design, scalable battery capacity, and a powerful motor, the JackRabbit offers all the benefits of larger ebikes with tons of added convenience. It’s even FAA-compliant, so you can fly with it! BUY NOW Ombraz Teton Sunglasses SoCal is known for the sun, and to block the rays, you can rely on Ombraz for a comfortable fit, UVA/UVB protection, and hassle-free on and off as you duck into classes, exhibitor tents, and awesome expedition vehicles. The integrated cord in place of the traditional arms keeps them snug, makes them easy to slip on and off, and, most importantly, eliminates a common failure point on sunglasses. The Teton caught our eye, but Ombraz has a wide range of styles with all of these awesome features. BUY NOW Midland GXT67 GMRS Walkie Talkie Call us old school, but even with smartphones in everyone’s pocket, we still appreciate a good walkie-talkie. No matter if we’re hitting Overland Expo or the trail, we like to have some radios handy. We’ve been rocking these handheld GMRS units from Midland for a couple of years, and they offer excellent battery life, great coverage across rough terrain, and they’re waterproof. It’s a great way to stay in touch with friends while exploring Overland Expo, and you’ll be bringing these along on adventures for years to come. You can check out our review of the Midland GXT67 for more info. BUY NOW Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Shopping Bag You’ll definitely pick up some swag, you might want to carry an extra layer you’ll shed throughout the day, and you really never know what you might find at Overland Expo, so having a bag to carry stuff is a must-have. This one from Sea to Summit is unbelievably small, and when it’s packed into the integrated stuff sack, it literally fits into your hand. Don’t let the size and lightweight material fool you: the Ultra-Sil Shopping Bag holds 30 liters, and it’s been tested to hold a shocking 286 lbs. It’s the perfect size to toss into your pack or pocket, and forget about it until you need a trusty carry companion. BUY NOW Ruff Wear Hi & Light Trail Shoes If you’re bringing your furry friend, be sure to protect their feet from hot concrete and asphalt. These booties from Ruff Wear are easy on, offer great protection for your dog’s pads, and are breathable. This will keep them happy, healthy, and excited to be there. Also, be on the lookout for hydration and shade opportunities depending on the temperature and your dog’s sensitivity to heat. BUY NOW View the full article

Jeep is opening the door to more V-8-powered adventures with the introduction of the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Willys 392, a limited-edition model that combines classic Willys heritage with the muscle of a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8. Released as part of the brand’s Twelve 4 Twelve celebration, the new model delivers serious trail performance at a price noticeably lower than previous V-8 Wranglers. With a starting MSRP of $69,995, the Willys 392 comes in well below the former Rubicon 392 while keeping the same 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. For overlanders, that kind of output is about more than speed. It means easier highway miles when carrying gear, strong pulling power on steep grades, and the ability to keep moving through sand, mud, or deep ruts. A selectable dual-mode exhaust allows the HEMI to stay subdued on long drives or open up when the trail calls for it. Capability is still at the heart of the Willys formula. The Willys 392 rolls on 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires mounted to beadlock-capable wheels and features a Selec-Trac full-time transfer case, heavy-duty Dana 44 axles, and a Tru-Lok locking rear differential. A 4.56 axle ratio, rock rails, and steel bumpers strengthen its trail readiness, while the winch-capable front bumper and auxiliary switches make it easy to outfit the vehicle for extended backcountry travel. READ MORE: Exclusive Show Specials at Overland Expo SoCal 2026 Inside, Jeep mixes durability with comfort, equipping the Willys 392 with heated Nappa leather seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, and an Alpine premium audio system. Those touches are comforting for any journey. Heritage Willys graphics and new paint options, including the heritage-inspired Goldilocks color, give the 2026 model a distinctive look that connects past and present. Orders for the 2026 Wrangler Willys 392 are scheduled to open in March. With factory V-8 power, real off-road hardware, and a more attainable price point, it stands out as a Wrangler built for enthusiasts who want to load up, point toward the horizon, and keep going long after the pavement ends. View the full article

Overland Expo SoCal 2026 is fast approaching, bringing with it a great chance for attendees to take advantage of exclusive show-only deals. Taking place March 14–15 in Costa Mesa, the event will draw thousands of Overlanders eager to explore the newest vehicles, gear, and camping innovations. Many exhibitors will be offering special pricing, bundled packages, and limited-time promotions available only during the event. It’s an ideal opportunity to upgrade your setup, discover new equipment, and connect with fellow enthusiasts while experiencing everything the Overland Expo has to offer. Check out the list below for a preview of some of the exclusive discounts and promotions you can expect at Overland Expo SoCal, March 14-15, 2026 at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA! Exclusive Deals at Overland Expo SoCal CompanyBoothShow SpecialVillage Camp Outdoor Resort#SA-14420% Off Your Arizona Mountain EscapePause – Forest River#LI-1160Pause Overlanding Trailers by Palomino OverlandingAEONrv#OC-126$5,000 Off AEONrvTRUKD#PP-210010% Off TRUKD ProductsHiatus Campers#FF-1200$1,000 Off! Window Bundle DiscountLiquidSpring Smart Suspensions#CM-325LiquidSpring® Smart SuspensionRhino-Rack / MAXTRAX / RockyMounts#PP-302020% Off Everything!RBP Tires#PP-4100RBP TiresOne Niner Expeditions LLC#10-441Kruger Overlanding Safari Adventure – South AfricaNomad Kitchen Co.#PP-6060Swing by booth PP-6060 for a free shipping code!RedRunner Designs#12-313RedRunner Designs Quick Disconnect Sway Bar LinksExpedition One LLC#FF-421Expedition One SoCal Discounts up to 25% OffApex by Seaview#10-423Starlink Mounting & Accessories Show SpecialsRhino USA Inc#LI-3061Rhino USA special kitsYASSA STEP#12-220Get Up Easier On Your RackOM SYSTEM#12-301Win a FREE Camera and Save BIG on Gear!Tail Gater Tire Table#FF-750Show SpecialsVMACS, Inc#LI-3041Adventure Ready: $100 Off for the Overland ExpoClassic Overland#10-201 TITLEDefender Build Credit – Show OnlyMosko Moto#FF-104015% off all orders placed during the ExpoOverland Products#LI-2101Gear Up & Save: 20% Off All Overland FuelGlobalstar/ SPOT, LLC#FF-220TRADE SHOW SPECIAL Come camp, unwind, shop, celebrate, and learn with us at Overland Expo SoCal in Costa Mesa on March 14–15. Whether you’re planning upgrades for your rig, stocking up on camping essentials, or checking out the latest gear just arriving on the market, Overland Expo is the place to experience it all in person and take advantage of exclusive show deals. Click the link to learn more and get your tickets today. Buy Tickets View the full article

When Steve King rolls into Bradenton Motorsports Park for the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by Red Line Oil, he’ll be looking to do something nobody has ever accomplished: become a two-time winner of the event. As the defending WSOPM champion, King knows he’ll have a target on his back during the final race of the 2025/2026 Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service. It just comes with the territory when you win the biggest, richest Pro Mod race in the history of the known universe. “We’re the reigning champs, which is unbelievable in one aspect, but the amount of publicity that brings you as a driver and for Pilot Racing…” King said. “We’ve won a lot of races, but to win that race really puts you on the map. We go out there and beat 80 of the best cars in the world, win the biggest race in the world, it puts you on a pedestal I can’t even describe.” Last year, King came out of nowhere from the No. 30 qualifying position, making his way to the finals where he faced two-time NHRA Pro Mod world champion, “Stevie Fast” Jackson. Although Jackson got the starting line advantage – .029 to .052 – King’s 3.629 elapsed time was just enough to drive around Jackson’s 3.652, a margin of victory of just .001. The car’s performance – not just in the finals, but throughout eliminations – was a testament to King’s crew, led by tuner Jon Salemi, Jeff Miller, Chad Wright, and Tyler “Bubba” King. He noted that Salemi especially turned it up in the final round, allowing King to narrowly slip by Jackson and avoid a hole shot loss. “I’m confident in Jon Salemi,” said King. “He’s won it two years in a row. He carried me. I drove okay, but did I drive great? No. The cars have gotten so tight, we’re talking anything less than .030 on the tree is just not cutting it. You have to be the superior driver. This year, I think you gotta be .020 or better, probably .010 like bracket racers. You’ve gotta go home, practice, and be on it.” With $150,000 on the line, that pressure to perform only continues to increase. Throughout the Winter Series, fans have consistently seen red lights from drivers they least expect it from, and others that are way late on the tree. Despite already having a WSOPM championship under his belt, King’s not sure that pressure goes away – it’s simply something he revels in. “I’ve been driving these things for many, many years,” King said. “I take pride in that when it needs to happen, I need to make it happen as a driver. You just step up to the plate. It was no different in the final (last year) – you roll up there, the lights are on, the music’s blaring, a thousand people on the starting line, your heart’s beating…you have to clear your mind when you pull up there. If you’re thinking about work or anything else, you’re already behind. Once the car starts up and the sea parts, you just calm down. It’s another day at the office and you get the job done.” Another key component to the King’s success is team owner Gene Pilot. The two men have been partnered together for the last few years, and have, in essence, become “big game hunters,” winning multiple big-money Pro Mod events. In addition to the $150k purse at the 2025 WSOPM, King also won $20k at the 2025 Yellowbullet Nationals, and $50k at Cecil County Dragway’s Pro Mod Invitational in 2024. “When Gene Pilot got involved with us, he basically told us straightforward, ‘I don’t race for second place,’” said King. “That’s his mentality in business, life, everything. He’s not happy if he doesn’t win. It’s a business to him, and we’re going to run it accordingly. Gene put together a great squad, and I’ve been living the dream with him involved. Every day I wake up it’s a dream that I dreamed about sitting in English class looking at a Hot Rod Magazine inside my English book. It takes a lot of work, but you gotta chase it – and Gene’s allowed me to do that.” Although King hasn’t been able to replicate his WSOPM success so far during this year’s Winter Series – he lost to Brazilian veteran Sidnei Frigo in the second round of the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks, and fell to 2023 WSOPM champion Spencer Hyde in the opening round of the U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission – he’s quick to point out that given the current level of competition, just making it into the field and giving himself a chance is already an impressive accomplishment. “Let’s be honest – just qualifying is a feat in and of itself,” King said. “I don’t care who you are. You’re one broken part or missed run away from being behind and never catching back up in order to get in. And there’s so many cars…you’re fighting 80 of the baddest drivers and tuners. Everyone is so close, if you’re .035 on the tree or the tuner misses just one little thing, you’re done. That’s what you’re fighting – you can make a great run and still be going to the house.” Despite the grind of competing at the highest level throughout what most people would consider the “offseason,” King is still relishing every moment from last year’s victory – whether it’s at the track or hosting his new podcast with co-host, and 2025 Snowbird winner, Jason Harris – and looking forward to having the opportunity to go back-to-back. “The World Series of Pro Mod is the U.S. Nationals for what we do,” said King. “I think it’s the perfect storm: warm weather, wintertime, and Pro Mods. Just from winning that one race, I can’t even go to my local place to eat without people talking about it. My local people knew we raced, but after that race – with all the access – now when we go to these races, they put it up on the big screen.” This story was originally published on February 18, 2026. The post Steve King Ready to Defend His Crown at World Series of Pro Mod first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 414 “OUTLAWS, GOOD GUYS, AND PRO MOD HEAT” THIS WEEK WE’RE STACKED WITH HORSEPOWER, PERSONALITY, AND A WHOLE LOT OF BOOST. We are rollin’ straight toward the World Series of Pro Mod and this lineup feels like a heavyweight fight card. First up, the OG himself, Ryan Martin. Street Outlaws legend. No Prep Kings hammer. And now he’s bringin’ that swagger into the Pro Mod ranks at the World Series of Pro Mod. You know he’s not showing up just to make laps. He’s coming to shake the tree. We’re gonna talk about the jump, the challenge, and what it means to line up against the baddest doorslammers on the planet. Then we’ve got Kyle Dvorak, who has quietly turned into one of the most talked about names in Pro Mod. The guy is fast, consistent, and just flat out easy to root for. Everybody in the pits likes him. Everybody respects him. And he’s proving he belongs in the deep end of this pool. We’ll talk about the rise, the grind, and what’s next. And rounding it out, Tommy D’Aprile. Longtime Pro Mod hitter. Longtime Drag Illustrated columnist. Tough as they come and never short on opinions. He’s been in the trenches for years and he’s still swinging. We’re gonna talk racing, writing, and what keeps him coming back for more. Three Pro Mod killers. Three different paths. One massive stage. The World Series of Pro Mod is knocking and the temperature is rising. LET’S GET IT. Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing. SUBSCRIBE for the latest in drag racing: @dragillustrated GRAB YOUR MERCH: dragillustrated.store STAY CONNECTED: @thewesbuckshow @dragillustrated RACERS CLUB MERCH: racers.club Wanna sponsor the show? Contact us: wes@dragillustrated.com dragracing #wesbuck #RyanMartin #KyleDvorak #TommyDAprile #ProMod #WorldSeriesOfProMod #StreetOutlaws #NoPrepKings #WBS #DI #RacersClub This story was originally published on February 18, 2026. The post The Wes Buck Show | Ep. 414 | Ryan Martin, Kyle Dvorak, & Tommy D’Aprile first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Flexjet, a global leader in private aviation, will continue as the title sponsor of the exciting NHRA Factory Stock Showdown class, which will make nine appearances at NHRA national events during the upcoming 2026 season. Two-time world champion Mark Pawuk will be looking to make it three championships in a row when the series kicks off at the historic Gatornationals, March 5-8, 2026. Competitors from across the country will be battling it out on the track in Dodge, Ford and Chevrolet factory hot rods. The Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series will add an extra race for 2026 and will begin its season at the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., on March 5-8 before heading to Charlotte, N.C. for the four-wide race on April 24-26. From there, the class will race at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago on May 14-17, followed by races at picturesque Bristol Dragway on June 12-14 and then fan-favorite Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, on June 25-28. The category will take a summer break following the Norwalk race, returning to action as part of the prestigious Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals on Labor Day weekend in Indianapolis. The Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown class will stay busy to close out the season, racing at US 131 Motorsports Park on Sept. 18-20 and then at World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis on Oct. 2-4. The added ninth race will also serve as the finale, as the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown will close out the 2026 season at Texas Motorplex on Oct. 14-18 as part of the track’s massive Stampede of Speed and Texas NHRA Fall Nationals. The Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown category has provided thrilling action for several years, with some of drag racing’s top drivers competing for the prestigious Wally behind the wheel of Chevrolet COPO Camaros, Ford Cobra Jets and Dodge Challenger Drag Paks. In 2025, Pawuk clinched his second straight championship on the strength of event wins in Norwalk and Bristol. He was also the runner-up in Charlotte, holding off a strong charge from Jason and Taylor Dietsch, who won a combined four races. The popular Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown Bounty Program will also return in 2026. Established during the 2021 season, the program puts a “bounty” on the winner of the previous event. 2026 FLEXJET NHRA FACTORY STOCK SHOWDOWN SCHEDULE March 5-8: 57th annual NHRA Gatornationals, Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, Fla. April 24-26: 16th annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, zMAX Dragway, Charlotte, N.C. May 14-17: 26th annual Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK Performance, Route 66 Raceway, Chicago June 12-14: 25th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, Bristol Dragway, Bristol, Tenn. June 25-28: 20th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio Sept. 2-7: 72nd annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Indianapolis Sept. 18-20: Inaugural NHRA Great Lakes Nationals, US 131 Motorsports Park, Martin, Mich. Oct. 2-4: 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals, World Wide Technology Raceway, St. Louis Oct. 14-18: 41st annual Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, Texas Motorplex, Dallas The post Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown Sets Nine-Race Schedule for 2026 Season, Mark Pawuk Looking for Three-Peat first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

AB Motorsports announced today that Autoland Outlets will join the team as an official partner for the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, aligning with four-time Top Fuel world champion Antron Brown and the AB Motorsports organization, including the AB Motorsports Accelerate Program. A leading automotive dealer specializing in specialty pick-up trucks and commercial vehicles, Autoland Outlets brings long-standing ties to the drag racing community. This partnership deepens Autoland Outlets’ roots in the sport and marks the dealership’s return to the professional stage of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series alongside Brown, one of the most accomplished and respected names in the sport. “Drag racing is at the core of who we are at Autoland Outlets. From supporting local racing at our home track of Byron Dragway to backing big-money bracket programs across the country, like the popular Autoland Outlets Big Money Bracket Racing Contingency Program and title sponsor of the Autoland Door Car Challenge, we believe in investing in this sport at every level,” B.J. Vangsness, President of Autoland Outlets, said. “Partnering with Antron and AB Motorsports for the 2026 NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series is a natural next step for us. Antron has so much energy and passion for the sport — his values align perfectly with our dealership.” The partnership strengthens AB Motorsports’ lineup heading into NHRA’s 75th Anniversary season in 2026. Brown, recently named to NHRA’s Top 75 Drivers list, enters the year with 81 career NHRA national event wins and a continued pursuit of championship success in Top Fuel. “I’m excited to welcome Autoland Outlets to the AB Motorsports family for the 2026 season,” Brown said. “It means a lot to partner with a company that truly understands drag racing. Their commitment to racers and race fans shows they’re not just sponsors — they’re part of the racing community.” The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season begins March 5–8 at the NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida, where Brown will pursue his fifth championship title in Top Fuel. The post AB Motorsports Announces Partnership with Autoland Outlets for 2026 NHRA Season first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has officially acquired Atlanta Dragway in Banks County, just outside Commerce, Georgia, marking an important step in bringing one of the Southeast’s most historic drag racing facilities back to life. Originally opened in 1976, Atlanta Dragway became a cornerstone of grassroots and national drag racing. Built on land originally graded for an airport, with its first timing tower repurposed from the airport’s control tower, the facility represents the ingenuity and heart of American motorsports. After its closure in 2021, the future of the track remained uncertain until the local community and leaders worked to preserve it for racing. A recent unanimous vote by the Banks County Commission cleared the way for its reopening. “On behalf of Banks County, I want to welcome IHRA and express our appreciation for their investment in Atlanta Dragway,” said Taylor Griffith, Banks County Commissioner. “This facility has long been an important part of our community’s identity and economy. We are encouraged by IHRA’s commitment to revitalizing the property and preserving its legacy for racers and fans alike. “Banks County understands the positive impact that motorsports can have on local businesses, tourism, and community pride. We look forward to working alongside IHRA to ensure Atlanta Dragway continues to be a destination that benefits our citizens while honoring the rich racing history that so many families here cherish. “We are optimistic about this next chapter and the opportunities it brings for growth, partnership, and continued economic development in Banks County.” For IHRA, this acquisition is about more than reopening a racetrack. It is about restoring a place where families gathered, racers built careers, and memories were made. “Atlanta Dragway has a long history in the sport, and we’re proud to bring it into the IHRA family,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of IHRA. “Our goal is to invest in historic tracks, support racers at every level, and build strong relationships with the communities around our facilities. Hosting the Outlaw Nitro Series World Finals is just the beginning of what we plan to build here.” Atlanta Dragway will host the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series World Finals, October 22–24, 2026, immediately reestablishing the facility as a national-level destination. The track will also serve as a key Southeastern hub for sportsman competition, national events, and community-focused programming. The post International Hot Rod Association Acquires Atlanta Dragway in Banks County, Georgia first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

While ARP (Automotive Racing Products) has long been an NHRA Major Sponsor, posting for use of its head studs (or bolts) for all Sportsman categories at all National events, the company also supports grassroots racers in other venues. At the upcoming Good Vibrations March Meet, to be held on March 5-8 at Famoso Dragstrip near Bakersfield, California, ARP is the presenting sponsor of Heritage T/F and Funny Car categories with cash awards to the event winners and quickest qualifiers. ARP is also providing a cash bonus for the No. 1 AA/Fuel Altered qualifier and the event winner. On the opposite site of the country, ARP is lending its support to the Southeast Gassers Association and posting contingency awards at its 10-race schedule. The popular series pays homage to the wild, wheelstanding early iron that roamed the nation’s drag strips in the sport’s halcyon days. ARP is also continuing its support of the Contingency Connection, which offers benefits to grassroots competitors at a large number of tracks across the United States. For additional information on the wide variety of ARP fasteners available for your race car or street machine download the new 2026 catalog at www.ARPcatalog.com or request a free printed copy. For personalized technical assistance call 800-826-3045. This story was originally published on February 18, 2026. The post ARP Continues Support of Grassroots Drag Racing first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

That’s right folks, after announcing that they have taken over Virginia Motorsports Park most recently, and tons of other iconic tracks around the country in the last 6 months, the IHRA announced this morning that they have finalized the deal to bring back Atlanta Dragway! And not only are they bringing it back, but they are going to do so quickly, and in grand fashion, as the new Atlanta Dragway will be home to the 2026 IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series World Finals! Here is the full announcement. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE International Hot Rod Association Acquires Atlanta Dragway in Banks County, Georgia Fairfield, OH — February 18, 2026 — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has officially acquired Atlanta Dragway in Banks County, just outside Commerce, Georgia, marking an important step in bringing one of the Southeast’s most historic drag racing facilities back to life. Originally opened in 1976, Atlanta Dragway became a cornerstone of grassroots and national drag racing. Built on land originally graded for an airport, with its first timing tower repurposed from the airport’s control tower, the facility represents the ingenuity and heart of American motorsports. After its closure in 2021, the future of the track remained uncertain until the local community and leaders worked to preserve it for racing. A recent unanimous vote by the Banks County Commission cleared the way for its reopening. “On behalf of Banks County, I want to welcome IHRA and express our appreciation for their investment in Atlanta Dragway. This facility has long been an important part of our community’s identity and economy. We are encouraged by IHRA’s commitment to revitalizing the property and preserving its legacy for racers and fans alike. Banks County understands the positive impact that motorsports can have on local businesses, tourism, and community pride. We look forward to working alongside IHRA to ensure Atlanta Dragway continues to be a destination that benefits our citizens while honoring the rich racing history that so many families here cherish. We are optimistic about this next chapter and the opportunities it brings for growth, partnership, and continued economic development in Banks County.” — Taylor Griffith, Banks County Commissioner For IHRA, this acquisition is about more than reopening a racetrack. It is about restoring a place where families gathered, racers built careers, and memories were made. “Atlanta Dragway has a long history in the sport, and we’re proud to bring it into the IHRA family,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of IHRA. “Our goal is to invest in historic tracks, support racers at every level, and build strong relationships with the communities around our facilities. Hosting the Outlaw Nitro Series World Finals is just the beginning of what we plan to build here.” Atlanta Dragway will host the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series World Finals, October 22–24, 2026, immediately reestablishing the facility as a national-level destination. The track will also serve as a key Southeastern hub for sportsman competition, national events, and community-focused programming. The post Atlanta Dragway Returns As 2026 IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series World Finals Location! The International Hot Rod Association Acquires Atlanta Dragway in Banks County, Georgia. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

I miss that you don’t get to watch every World Rally Championship event from start to finish like we used to get back in the day, unless you pay for a subscription of some kind. The coverage that was available back in the early 2000’s was excellent, with on track, in car, in the pits, and aerial footage as well. And that was without all the great technology that exists today to make shooting races like this even easier. I say all this because whenever I do see YouTube coverage it makes me happy and I want to watch. Like this video here, which is a full stage at speed from inside the car. Yes, this is the action we love. The post World Rally Championship FULL ONBOARD Video From WRC Rally Sweden Stage 17 with Katsuta and Johnston appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Thanks to the IHRA Atlanta Dragway will live again. The organization announced it has purchased the facility and plans to open it once again.View the full article

Like most of the country, we’ve had some weird weather down here in Texas over the past couple of months. From absurdly warm to bitter cold, and everything in between. Like many, we were iced in at times and even when the roads were clear we have had some really cold and dry weather which makes doing anything outside a challenge, let alone trying to put down 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower to the ground on the streets. But that is exactly what was going down at this Texas Cash Days event. Lucky for us, Fred and Kyle and the 1320Video crew were on hand and ready to rock when the racing started. Watch the video below. Video Description: We were out in DFW, Texas for a Cash Days with 17 cars putting in for a $4,000 pot. The temps were down in the 30’s, which made the street extra tricky and turned traction into the biggest challenge of the night. Cold pavement, big power, and zero prep made every matchup unpredictable. When the road’s this cold, it doesn’t take much to turn a clean run into a smoke show. Another cold night on the street with money on the line — and only one car walking away with the pot. The post Brrrrrrrrr… Texas Cash Days In The Cold Means Tuners Were Working Hard To Put Power Down In The Lonestar State appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

MotoGP Sports Entertainment, formally Dorna Sports, tried to switch the Phillip Island MotoGP event to Albert Park, but the Victorian government is blocking the move.View the full article

A brand-new nuclear reactor is set to undergo testing at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab in Orangeville, Utah. That's about two hours away from Moab, and only 30 minutes from where the author elk hunted last season.View the full article

Between motorcycle-specific navigation and performance analytics, no other model can compete with Garmin's latest Zūmo XT3 navigation system.View the full article

French engineering firm Furion just turned Yamaha’s hooligan twin into a two-wheel-drive hybrid with a hub-mounted front motor.View the full article

Built in China, branded in Spain, and priced under 4,000 euros, the Leonart Racer 300 dares you to take the gamble.View the full article

Choose from a regular-degular Aprilia track day experience at COTA, or a VIP experience with Aprilia's MotoGP and Trackhouse racing teams.View the full article

Press surrounding the closure of a handful of off-road trails in the Mojave are that of "the sky is falling." The truth is far more benign, but that's not what the Blue Ribbon Coalition wants you to think. View the full article

The Turn & Burn drag-and-drive provides a twist on the typical drag and drive. Racers will get to hit some unique stops during this event. View the full article

MotoGP in Australia MotoGP on the streets of Adelaide… The relationship between Phillip Island Circuit management and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, an arm of the Victorian Government that also puts on the Albert Park Formula One Grand Prix, has been under strain for some time. Phillip Island Circuit directly promotes and organises Australia’s round […] The post Adelaide street circuit set to replace Phillip Island on MotoGP calendar appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

P.I. WorldSBK/SSP Testing Images Gallery C Images by RbMotoLens and TH The post Phillip Island WorldSBK/SSP Testing Images – Gallery C appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

It’s time for Lights Out 17, Winter’s favorite radial race, and thanks to NC Promoder we can all watch testing and highlights as Monday and Tuesday had teams doing shakedown hits to see if their winter changes were going to work out. We may never know who was sandbagging and who was showing off, but we do know who’s there already! Video Description: Monday test session from South Georgia Motorsports Park. Many competitor’s are shaking down getting ready for Lights Out 17. The post Lights Out 17 Testing Livestream And Video: It’s Time For Radial Revolution 2026 At South Georgia Motorsports Park appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

YPSILANTI, Mich. – Two iconic brands that partner on multiple levels in multiple businesses, DHL and Kalitta Motorsports, signed a multi-year contract extension for J.R. Todd’s DHL GR Supra Funny Car, the team announced today. The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series begins March 6-8 at the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla. What started some two decades ago as an agreement to sponsor race cars is now a multi-faceted relationship that enjoys success on and off the racetrack including charitable efforts, business-to-business networking and track-side experiences for DHL customers. In addition to winning NHRA Funny Car championships with Todd (2018) and Del Worsham (2015), DHL and Team Kalitta partner in the fight against food insecurity. Through “The Race to End Hunger,” DHL, Kalitta Motorsports and Kalitta Air combine forces each season to raise funds equivalent to at least one million meals through Feeding America, the largest charity working to end hunger in the United States. “For more than 20 years, Kalitta has been a trusted partner, united by a shared commitment to excellence on the racetrack and making a positive difference in the communities we serve,” said Mike Parra, CEO of DHL Express Europe and Head of Global Partnerships. “Together, we’ve brought fans and employees closer to the sport while strengthening both our business and community initiatives. This multi-year extension reflects how naturally our brands align, and we’re excited to continue building on this momentum in the years ahead.” As the global leader in international logistics and express shipping services, DHL enjoys a decades-long partnership with Kalitta Air, which transports DHL customers’ shipments around the globe. Its relationship with Kalitta Air led DHL to Kalitta Motorsports in a business-to-business development which can encompass all Kalitta Motorsports corporate partners. Each year, Kalitta Motorsports hosts a business-to-business summit among all its partners in hopes of fostering additional business relationships among the attendees. “DHL is just a phenomenal partner,” Team Kalitta General Manager Chad Head said. “They are partners in the true sense of the word; the DHL-Kalitta relationship is so much more than a logo on the side of a race car. We collaborate on many levels from entertaining their customers at the racetrack, growing both companies through our business-to-business efforts, our drivers visiting their hubs around the country, or working with Kalitta Air or fighting hunger each fall, DHL is always there, working with us side-by-side. We are proud to consider our friends at DHL part of the Team Kalitta family.” The post DHL, Kalitta Motorsports Sign Multi-Year Partnership Extension first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article