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The National Hot Rod Association is celebrating 75 years of drag racing in 2026 and that means some special NHRA 75th Classics for the YouTube channel. One of the greats is this 1986 edition of the Gator Nationals which you can watch in its entirety below. And if you want to watch Snake, Mongoose, and more from the 1970’s, use the link below to check it all out here. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE 1976 NHRA GATORNATIONALS FROM GAINESVILLE FLORIDA Video Description: Step back into drag racing history with this full broadcast of the 1986 NHRA Gatornationals from Gainesville Raceway! Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering this NHRA 75th Classic for the first time, this is a must-watch piece of racing history. The post NHRA 75th Anniversary Classics: Here Is The Complete 1986 NHRA Gatornationals TV Broadcast – Awesome Vintage Action! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

It’s time for IHRA Snow Outlaws! The first IHRA Snow Outlaws race of 2026 is coming to you live right here from Little St. Germain Lake in Wisconsin! This place is beautiful, and cold, and after all the winter weather we’ve had across the country, it is no surprise that snow machines will be hauling ass this weekend in the white stuff! Watch all the action live right here. Video Description: Eliminations and finals from Little St. Germain Lake in Wisconsin. Presented by St. Germain Chamber of Commerce and IHRA. With host Ralph Sheheen and Ken Stout calling the action and Dani Medin reporting from the pits. St. Germain, WI. Video Description: Testing and Qualifying action under the lights from Little St. Germain Lake in Wisconsin. Presented by St. Germain Chamber of Commerce and IHRA. With host Ralph Sheheen and Ken Stout calling the action and Dani Medin reporting from the pits. St. Germain, WI. The post IHRA Snow Outlaws: The St. Germain Shoot-Out Eliminations LIVE From Little St. Germain Lake in Wisconsin appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The owner of Easyriders Magazine, the OG of chopper culture print books, just posted and then subsequently removed, a graphic story about a biker engaging in pedophilia. View the full article

I’ve been waiting for this moment. In my hot little hand, the keyfob to the first 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack available in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The first time I’ve been allowed to drive one. No salesman coming with me. Just myself and the very polarizing yet very potent heavy-hitter within Stellantis’ offerings. I had video in my hands before the embargo lifted when this version of the Dodge Charger debuted in Detroit as the all-electric muscle car. I saw it in person at the SEMA show. I wrote it off entirely – an electric muscle car? It had to be the dawn of the second Malaise era, I resolved, but it would be okay. I’ve got my barge to work on, and there are plenty of Scat Packs, R/Ts, Hellcats and even final-year 300C SRTs out there if I really want that fix, plus the Mustangs and Holden imports that GM brought over. We all watched as Carlos Tavares seemed to be gutting the soul out of Dodge, one Hemi at a time. It was difficult to not breathe a sigh of relief when we ordered a Hemi-powered Ram 1500 a couple of years back, aware that the company that had been leading the charge for modern muscle was about to be neutered. Getting the twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six instead of the electric powertrain was a step in the right direction, and the rumor mill is busy about a V8 returning sooner than later. No more waiting. No more guessing. Time to see what it is really like. How big is the 2026 Dodge Charger? Right off the bat, let’s address the size of the car. It’s big. Properly big. In fact, it’s big enough to compare it to my 1976 Dodge Charger Daytona: My Charger is 77.8 inches wide. The 2026 Charger is 79.8 inches wide. My Charger is about 214 inches long. The 2026 Charger is 207 inches. Please keep in mind that difference could simply be adjusted by ditching the railroad bumpers on my car. My Charger is 77.8 inches wide. The 2026 Charger is 79.8 inches wide. My Charger weighs in at (roughly) 4,200 pounds. The 2026 Charger with the inline-six is about 4,800 pounds. A 2023 Challenger with the 392 is pushing 4,300 pounds. The electric Charger weighs in at nearly 6,000 pounds. I’ve driven modern Camaros, Mustangs, Chargers, Challengers, and the Holden imports. The Mopars and the Holdens fit well, while the Mustang and Camaro feel like smaller sports cars. Compared, the new Charger is roomy beyond roomy, yet it doesn’t quite feel like you drown in the interior like you would any 1970s-era personal luxury coupe. The seats are great, they adjust as much as you could possibly want, and the tilt/telescopic wheel helps. I’m not a fan of the tablets functioning as gauges and the infotainment center look, but I’ve seen worse. The big size is more impressive when you move rearward: a useful backseat in a 2-door and a huge hatchback area: Buyers will be able to pick between 2-door looks and four-door utility, but the seating and space arrangement is the same in either format. The backseat is just fine for adults, but I’m looking at how big that space is with the seats folded. Say it with me: f**k your SUV. That alone chalks up a win for the Charger. What is the 2026 Dodge Charger like to drive? There may have been a cheer when Dodge agreed to shove in the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter “Hurricane” inline-sixes into the Charger, but that cheer came with an asterisk. It’s not a Hemi. It’s not a V8. The internet peanut gallery spoke: “We’re glad it’s not electric-only, but a six cylinder can’t replace Hemis and Hellcats. It just can’t.” And while I know it’s possible, even I have to admit that it just isn’t quite the same going from that thumping bassline to the rorty hum of the Hurricane. That being said, don’t write this engine off. This tester has the 550-horsepower H.O. version of the engine. Given the fact that I got the keyfob with no resistance (and not believing my luck), I didn’t spend time messing around with things like Sport Mode or any of that. There are plenty of reviews and YouTube videos if you want to hear the car at full performance. As it was, I couldn’t help but hear a little bit of cammed-up Buick Grand National in the tone – it’s a six, sure, but there is a gravelly edge to the exhaust note that your ears pick up. Around town at lower speeds, the automatic pops through the gears with purpose and other than that little edge to the sound and some quiet turbo noise, it’s gentle. Inside, the car doesn’t feel as big as the dimensions suggest. If it wasn’t for Friday night traffic looky-loos who kept trying to merge into me for a better look at the newest car in traffic, I would’ve been perfectly comfortable. Soon enough I found myself at my favorite on-ramp, the same one I used on my Hellcat Charger drive years ago. At half-throttle, I was disappointed – where’s the turbo shove? Where’s the wheelspin? Where’s the six-cylinder yowl? Then I looked at the speedometer, realized I was beyond “expensive ticket” and deep into arrest and felony charges territory, and gave the Brembo brakes a test. This entire paragraph, from turning onto on-ramp to “Oh, f**k, slow down!” was done in about fifteen seconds. It might not have involved the half-life of the rear tires and didn’t sound like Satan’s favorite metal concert in the process, but I assure you that the new Charger gains speed with alarming calmness. 3.9-second 0-60 MPH with all-wheel-drive engaged? Believe it. Final Thoughts The latest Charger’s gestation has been very rocky. The electric version was received with a Bronx cheer. The internet pundits have blasted it from every direction – too big, still too many doors, etc. – and for many, the lack of eight cylinders is enough to say no. I understand their points. But until I drove this car I wasn’t going to say anything professionally about it. Now I have and here’s where I’m at: I’d buy it. Straight-up. Even with the high likelihood of a Hemi showing up, I wouldn’t kick this car out of my driveway at all. Per the Monroney, this car’s MSRP comes to $59,480 (yet another peanut gallery bitching point) after adding the only two options on this car: the Blacktop appearance package ($1,295) and the 20-inch wheel/tire package ($1,195), plus the $1,995 destination charge. My only regret is that I only got eight miles with this beast. Hey, Dodge: any chance we can get a long-term loaner? Thanks to Curtis at Martin Dodge in Bowling Green, Kentucky for letting us take this car for a spin! The post BangShift Test Drive: 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Blacktop – A Different Kind Of Speed Fix appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

You are about to turn a 2015 Yamaha V Star 650 into a clean, stripped-down bobber. You start with a solid platform that uses an air‑cooled engine and shaft drive, which makes the bike simple and dependable. That strong base lets you remove the extra parts and shape the bike into something lower, lighter, and more personal. You will use universal parts, basic tools, and some hands-on problem solving to make everything fit. You remove factory pieces, test new parts, […] The post Yamaha V-Star 650 Cafe Bobber Build Start appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

FOX Sports released the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Season Schedule. All 20 races air on FOX or FS1 for the 75th year.View the full article

Stevie “Fast” Jackson, the most recent winner in the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service, will not be in his familiar, fan-favorite Motion Raceworks “Shadow 3.0” ’68 Camaro when he rolls through the water box for Q1 at the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by Red Line Oil. As announced this week on the Shake and Bake Show, Jackson has converted the Shadow from outlaw trim to NHRA Pro Mod-legal trim and will instead drive the Pierce family’s “Purple Heart” ’68 Firebird in the $150,000-to-win DI Winter Series finale. The World Series of Pro Mod takes place Feb. 26-28 at Bradenton Motorsports Park, and just a few days later, the NHRA Pro Mod season kicks off at the NHRA Gatornationals, March 5-8. That tight timeframe led Jackson and his Killin’ Time Racing team to make some tough decisions. Rather than make the necessary changes to the screw-blown Shadow between races, Jackson got everything converted after winning the U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission in late January, giving him plenty of time to get his NHRA setup dialed in. “I’m very focused on trying to win a third NHRA Pro Mod world championship this year,” said Jackson, who won back-to-back NHRA titles in 2019-2020. “I’m racing all 11 races. KTR is all-in behind the series. I’m very focused on it. With Gainesville being the week after World Series of Pro Mod, I don’t feel it’s in our best chance to go to Gainesville to race the Motion Raceworks Shadow 3.0 at WSOPM. I will not be driving the Shadow 3.0 at WSOPM. It’s set up in NHRA trim. It’s been dynoed. It’s been tested. It’s sitting out there on the ground ready to go in the trailer for Gainesville.” Not competing in the World Series of Pro Mod was not an option for Jackson, though. With his win at the U.S. Street Nationals, he moved up to No. 2 in the Winter Series points standings behind Snowbird Outlaw Nationals winner Jason Harris. WSOPM is worth points-and-a-half, plus the $150,000 winner-take-all prize. Enter “Purple Heart.” Owned by KTR crew chief Jeff Pierce and his father, Dave, the M&M Transmission/Motion Raceworks ’68 Firebird now sports a screw-blown SF-1 engine. The car has been successful in MWDRS Pro Mod competition, and after some updates at KTR, Jackson is confident it’s ready for battle. “Jeff brought that thing here to KTR immediately after U.S. Street,” said Jackson, who was runner-up at the 2025 WSOPM. “All of our team dove in it, got it converted to an SF-1. She has been dynoed and ready to roll, also sitting out there ready to go. It’s not a very smart move to change your very winning car before the biggest Pro Mod race of the year. I have faith in my team, I got faith in my crew chief. I fit in it pretty good and I feel good about it.” WSOPM tickets are now available at www.TheWinterSeries.com. Watch the full Shake and Bake Show episode, including an interview with Pro Mod hero Von Smith, below. This story was originally published on February 13, 2026. The post Stevie ‘Fast’ Jackson Changes Cars Ahead of World Series of Pro Mod first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

BAKERSFIELD, CA – The iconic baseball movie Field of Dreams famously said, “If you build it, they will come…” and Famoso Dragstrip is living by that mantra every season with the famed Good Vibrations March Meet. The 68th installment will take place March 5-8, 2026, with four days of racing, car shows, swap meets and drag racing legends on the property. Known as the proving ground for speed and legendary performances Famoso Dragstrip is recognized around the world. The opportunity for old fans to relive distant memories and for new fans to be exposed to the high horsepower history and visual artistry of drag racing is what event promoter Blake Bower believes in. “When I go just about anywhere in the country or even round the world, when I say I am involved with the Good Vibrations March Meet and Famoso Dragstrip people always have a story or have heard something about this place,” said Bowser. “Our goal every year is to honor our history but also try and encourage new fans to come see something really cool that is more than racing and car culture. So many people are on their phones all the time but when they come here peoples’ heads are on a swivel because there is so much to see and do.” The car show is a spectacular display of cars, trucks and race cars from Pre-72 to modern day. Participants can show off their prized vehicles for a $40 (one day) to $150 (four day) entry fee. Pre-72 models can roll into the car show for free for the full event or one day. The eye candy that will be on display will wow everyone from the first-time visitors to the car culture expert. “We take a lot of pride in the car show, and the turnout is always amazing,” said Bowser. “There will be hundreds of cars and trucks that are in mint condition on display. I always take time to go through the car show because it is like a time machine just like the pit area. Fans will get to see some of the coolest muscle cars alongside beautiful roadsters and classic convertibles.” The four-day event will feature multiple days of qualifying and then the qualified field will race for one of the most historic trophies in drag racing on Sunday, March 8. Gates open at 8 a.m. and the full schedule can be found at www.marchmeet.com. Every day of the Good Vibrations March Meet is jam-packed with Funny Car, Top Fuel, Fuel Altered, and all the Nostalgia classes along with the car show, swap meet and vendor row running all day for fans from across the country. Fans can buy single and multi-day tickets here. For additional information on racing or participating in the car show visit www.marchmeet.com or call 800-759-8679. Fans can also email marchmeet@famosodragstrip.com for all event information. The post March Meet Provides Fan Access with Time Machine Atmosphere first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Based in Florida, USA, Cohn Racers is mostly known for its Muscle R2 series—burly Sportster scramblers swathed in carbon fiber and dripping with high-end components and bespoke engineering. But they like to shake things up from time to time, with projects that fall outside their usual domain.“We do ... View the full article

INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 13, 2026) – Coming off a standout season that included the most-watched race in NHRA history, NHRA officials and FOX Sports released the television schedule for the upcoming 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, a year that also celebrates NHRA’s 75th anniversary. All 20 races, along with the NHRA All-Star Callout events in Top Fuel and Funny Car, and the GETTRX NHRA All-Star Callout races in Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, will be broadcast on either FOX or FS1, as well as the FOX One app, during the milestone 2026 campaign. The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season opens March 5-8 with the 57th annual Amalie NHRA Gatornationals at legendary Gainesville Raceway. The race includes the Right Trailers NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout, which will be broadcast live at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 7 on FS1. Live eliminations from the season-opener will air from 12-3 p.m. ET. It is one of several ideal timeslots that serve as a lead-in or lead-out with additional motorsports programming. For the sixth straight season, an event in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs will also air on FOX adjacent to a professional football broadcast, presenting another huge potential audience during the NHRA playoffs. This past season, NHRA scored its most-watched telecast on record during the Texas NHRA FallNationals, drawing an average of 2.065 million viewers on FOX for Sunday’s eliminations coverage from Texas Motorplex. That will close out races airing on the FOX broadcast network, following a spring and summer filled with incredible racing action. Races currently scheduled to appear on FOX include the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals at Maryland International Raceway (May 31), the NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway (June 7), the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park (June 28) and the Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals from Pacific Raceways (July 26). The world’s biggest drag race, the prestigious 72nd annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, which takes place Sept. 2-7 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, will air on both FOX and FS1, including eliminations on FOX on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. In 2025, finals coverage from The Big Go drew 1.036 million viewers, marking the most-viewed live U.S. Nationals telecast in NHRA history The NHRA and FOX relationship began in 2016, and NHRA and FOX Sports announced a multiyear extension of their agreement in 2021, including expanded coverage, the professional football adjacent event during the Countdown to the Championship, and extensive finals coverage at the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals over Labor Day Weekend each year. The partnership has also led to numerous innovations on the broadcast in recent years, with the NHRA on FOX team collecting numerous Telly awards in 2025. FOX Sports and NHRA are also scheduling NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series broadcasts, as well as shows featuring the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series across the FOX Sports networks. NHRA races will also appear in Canada and the Caribbean through FOX Sports Racing as well, as well as through the FOX One app. For more information on NHRA, visit www.nhra.com. To view the full 2026 television schedule, please visit https://www.nhra.com/2026-tv-schedule. The post NHRA and Fox Sports Announce TV Schedule for NHRA’s 75th Anniversary Season first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

WYNNEWOOD, Okla. – As Elite Motorsports continues to solidify its standing as the largest professional team in the Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series, the organization has stayed dedicated to maintaining and building relationships with its longtime partners. Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage, the very best in custom cars, trucks and crate engines, Melling Performance Parts, a top manufacturer of the newest cutting edge performance parts, CTech Manufacturing, a leader in premium aluminum carts cabinets and drawers, Outlaw Light Beer, the fastest growing domestic light beer in the U.S., and Competition Trailers, a manufacturer of custom specialty trailers, have renewed their partnerships with the team, continuing their role as significant contributors through the 2026 season. “There’s been a lot of expansion at Elite Motorsports, we’re growing, it’s a good thing. The best part is that our already amazing partners are choosing to grow with us,” said Richard Freeman, owner and President of Elite Motorsports. “We have some of the best partners who happen to have some of the best people in this sport. JHG, Melling, CTech, they’re all either family businesses, or know how to treat their employees and partners like family, just like Elite. Having them onboard isn’t great just because they are quality brands with exceptional products, but because they get it and they want to be part of what we’re doing.” Since 2022, Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage (JHG) has been a prominent supporter of Elite Motorsports. The partnership has blossomed to include primary placement on the Pro Stock rides of Erica Enders and Aaron Stanfield as well as being featured across their teammates’ rides. That primary placement and team support will continue in the 2026 season where JHG will also be featured on Tony Stewart’s Top Fuel ride. JHG also serves as a partial primary for the Tony Stewart Racing Nitro Funny Car team. “We’re excited to continue our support of Elite Motorsports especially as they expand and grow. It’s been a good few years having them represent the JHG brand. They’ve always treated us like family, that’s the way Richard runs things. It’s an incredible organization with some of the best people. We’re looking forward to taking in what should be another very exciting season and seeing what the future brings.” Melling Performance joined the Elite Motorsports’ family in 2017 supporting the winningest female in motorsports history, Erica Enders. Their support for Elite has grown to include primary placement not only on Enders’ ride but rising Pro Stock phenom Aaron Stanfield’s. As they enter 2026, they’ll be celebrating their 80th Anniversary with a special anniversary logo on the rear deck lid of Enders and Stanfield’s cars. Melling will continue to be featured across Elite’s Pro Stock entries and will have billing on the Top Fuel hot rod of Tony Stewart. “The Melling team is thrilled to be back for another year of Pro Stock racing. We look forward to celebrating our 80th year of business with all the NHRA fans across the country and the entire Elite Motorsports team,” said Mark Melling, President and CEO of Melling Performance. “Richard Freeman runs a first-class operation, and we are happy to be a part of it and promote our brand with such a great group of people. It is an honor to be on board with Erica and Aaron for another year, and we plan to be on board for many years to come. The entire Melling team is behind our drivers as we support them on their quest to bring home a championship and a sixth professional championship for Melling.” CTech, who has been part of the Elite Motorsports family since 2022, has gradually grown their support as the team has expanded. Heading into the 2026 season, CTech will continue to be featured across the stable of Pro Stock cars including six-time world champions Erica Enders and Jeg Coughlin Jr. but will now also be featured on the Top Fuel dragster of motorsports legend Tony Stewart. Beyond the race cars, CTech’s premium carts and cabinets will play a central role in Elite’s operational footprint, anchoring the team’s upgraded hospitality environment and continuing to elevate efficiency and presentation throughout the pit. “Elite Motorsports’ expansion is an exciting step that reflects their ambition and drive to keep pushing forward. It’s the kind of bold move that defines who they are and why CTech is proud to stand with them,” said Michael Greenheck, President/CEO of CTech Manufacturing. “We’ve built our legacy supporting teams that demand the best, and we’re excited to continue that tradition as Elite enters this next chapter.” Outlaw Light Beer will continue its partnership with Elite Motorsports through longtime Elite supporter, Mark Stockseth. Stockseth has known Freeman for over 20 years and officially started supporting the team in 2013. Outlaw’s mission is to provide high quality light beer at an affordable price. That means continuous improvement and brilliant performance in order to create a product to be proud of. They are committed to bringing the fun and easy-going spirit back to the light beer category. “Our brand recognition is driven in large part by our partnerships with legacy brands such as Elite Motorsports. The expansion of Elite to include a Top Fuel team will only accelerate the success we have enjoyed together,” said Vic Wise, CMO of Outlaw. “Outlaw is a brand built for people who work hard and find inspiration in pursuing the American dream — the same kind of grit you see every time Elite hits the track. This partnership continues to be about celebrating that ‘Outlaw’ spirit with the fans. We’re ready to crack a few cold ones, cheer on some of the best in the business and keep this momentum rolling right alongside the Elite crew in 2026.” Competition Trailers has stood with Elite Motorsports for a decade and a half, a partnership built on trust, performance, and shared values. With more than 70 years of combined experience, the team at Competition Trailers listens closely to each client’s needs and engineers the best possible trailer for every application — from display to sales to service. They take pride in custom‑building to exact specifications, ensuring every trailer reflects the precision, purpose, and quality their customers expect. “Competition Trailers values long‑standing partnerships, and our relationship with Elite Motorsports for over 15 years stands as a prime example,” said Ken Evans, President of Competition Trailers. “We’re committed to supporting their ongoing growth and expansion, and we deeply appreciate the strong working relationship we’ve built with Richard. The future potential of this partnership is something we’re truly excited about.” The 2026 75th Anniversary season of the Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series kicks off with the NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway March 6-8 in Gainesville, Florida. The post Key Partners Continue Support of Elite Motorsports in 2026 first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

There are many different storylines to follow in the world of NHRA Mission Foods Series drag racing, and that much was evident in this week’s new episode of Chasing Speed, VICE’s NHRA docuseries. From Jasmine Salinas and Ida Zetterström discussing the challenges of finding funding to a behind-the-scenes look at Shawn Reed’s harrowing Seattle crash, Episode 4 dove into some of the harsh realities of professional drag racing. Viewers also get to hear from drivers like Matt Hagan, Austin Prock, Leah Pruett, Tony Stewart, Shawn Langdon, Antron Brown, J.R. Todd, and even big-money bracket racer Cory Gulitti. There’s a lot going on in this episode, but like the past three episodes, it’s a really cool look at the personalities that drive this sport. This story was originally published on February 13, 2026. The post WATCH: Episode 4 of VICE’s ‘Chasing Speed’ NHRA Docuseries first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Turbo noises are great. I’m a fan of all power adders, but there is something super cool and sexy about a turbo car running up the road at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. And the cool thing about this event is that all these cars are different. There aren’t 18 of the same thing, as some are mild and some are wild, but all of them cool. So if you are fan of exhaust produced boost, then check out the video below and let us know which one of these fun rides is your favorite. Video Description: OK, that video title is a bit of a statement, but we think these cars will make the case that turbo power is hard to beat. At the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard, we had turbo-powered cars from a wide variety of motorsport and road cars. Each one of these runs shows just why using a turbo-charger (or 4) is such an effective way of producing more power. The post All The Best Turbo Noises! Here Are The 18 Best TURBO runs from The 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

I mean…yeah. Tony Stewart, in my humble opinion, is the greatest race car driver to ever compete in this United States and honestly, I don’t see how there’s an argument against it. With the Rushville Rocket returning to NASCAR action this weekend for the Craftsman Truck Series 2026 season opener at Daytona, I thought now’s a good time to prove my point. Now let me clarify, I didn’t say greatest drag racer. But his foray into straightline motorsports makes his claim as the American GOAT only stronger. Most legendary racers had a “thing.” Jeff Gordon had his Rainbow Warrior Cup Series stock car. A.J. Foyt had his IndyCar. John Force, his Funny Car. But Smoke? His thing’s going fast in whatever he’s driving that day. Most drivers try to master one discipline; Stewart has spent more than three decades racing like he’s playing a video game on Legendary mode. Three NASCAR Cup titles as a driver and a fourth as an owner? Check. IndyCar championship? Yup. USAC Triple Crown? Uh-huh. Chili Bowl title? Affirmative. After swapping circle tracks for a drag strip and stepping into an 11,000-horsepower, nitro-burning Top Fuel dragster, he’s proven he’s not just passing through the NHRA—he wants to dominate it. Before Smoke took over for his wife, Leah Pruett, in the Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) Top Fueler for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, he learned to drag race the right way, enrolling in the Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School in order learn to pilot a Top Alcohol rail. The Indiana native went on to be the 2023 Top Alcohol Driver of the Year, finishing second in points and following that up with the 2024 North Central Top Alcohol title. Additionally, he raced nitro that year and, on the same day his first child was born, clinched 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year honors in Pomona at the World Finals. In 2025, Smoke earned his first Top Fuel Wally at the 4-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas and took the top spot in the points after another win at Route 66 Raceway. On top of those two Nationals wins, he secured the Top Fuel regular-season championship, an incredible feat in only his second full season of top-tier drag racing. Tony’s dominance stems from the fact he doesn’t just drive; he understands the machinery. He’s a hands-on owner/driver who can talk shop with crew chiefs, then hop in the car and go 330 mph. The passion displayed earning wins and titles in every other discipline he’s raced, he brought to NHRA drag racing. Why should he be considered the greatest? It’s not just the 49 NASCAR wins or the 1997 IndyCar title. It’s that he’s won in open-wheel, stock cars, dirt tracks, and now drag racing. He is the ultimate racer, and at 54, he’s still finding new ways to cross the finish line ahead of his opponents. And that, folks, is why Tony Stewart is the American GOAT. vvv This story was originally published on February 13, 2026. The post OP-ED: Is Tony Stewart America’s Greatest Racer? first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Between the DCT craze and the 8-10 speed automatics, it’s no wonder there are so many new options for transmissions. It has never been easier to have the highest levels of performance in your hot rod, muscle car, restomod, or custom truck. There are so many performance parts available that never were before, and with the factory putting out better and better parts all the time it is also amazing what you can swap into your ride And the beauty is that more and more people are doing them so the tips and tricks are starting to flow now, which is why Kevin is leaning on some friends who’ve done a bunch of these to help him out with his swap. Check it out. Video Description: We’ve locked in the ultimate performance upgrade for our LS V8 swapped 280ZX with a modern BMW DCT transmission! This dual-clutch gearbox delivers lightning-fast shifts in under 100 milliseconds, keeping the 5.3 LS engine in the sweet spot without power interruptions. We get the option of seamless paddle-shift control, and an engaging driving experience that blends manual precision with automatic convenience. I think we’re gonna start calling this thing a RESTOMOD… since it kinda fits. We do a shop-tour at https://www.germanmotorworksnashville... where we pick up our new gearbox, and stop by ‪@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160‬ on the way home! Thanks for watching! Don’t forget to subscribe!!! I’m leaning on the crew at https://www.seemslegitgarage.com/ ‪@SeemsLegitGarage‬ since they’ve been doing these swaps for years. Thanks for watching! and don’t forget we have excellent training courses at https://www.paintucationu.com/ and new swag on the YouTube store!f The post This 280Z Project Is Getting A DCT Swap! Watch Kevin Slide One In Behind An LS For Ultimate Fun And Excitement appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

We know everyone gets upset when they talk about Finnegan and Freiburger, since they both were beloved on Roadkill and all the other fun Motortrend shows, but in this video you’ll be able to find out more about your favorite duo and see them answer all the questions that you guys have been asking. The two of them were on the road together for more than a week, and once they got back they both put together great videos with all the questions and answers. If you want to see the first video, use the link below to check it out. And watch this new one to see all the questions that people have been asking, and just how the boys answer them. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED THE FIRST Q&A Video FROM THIS ROAD TRIP Video Description: Get OFFICIAL D/F and Stubby Bob gear here: https://shop.davidfreiburger.com/ Mike Finnegan and I have more videos together coming up soon! Meanwhile, here’s an episode with Finnegan and me answering your questions from various locations around the Southwest. Once Mike and I were finished shooting, I picked up another car and kept going for a total of 15 days on the road digging into viewer questions! ALSO, you’ll get a behind the scenes look at what’s coming up. Thanks for joining us, and don’t forget to buy a shirt! The link is above.—D/F The post 15 DAYS ON THE ROAD Shooting With Finnegan and Freiburger Answering All YOUR Questions! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Corona, California – February 13, 2026 – TMI Products, a leader in premium automotive interiors for more than 40 years, is proud to announce the launch of its new late‑model Car, Truck, and SUV Leather Upholstery product line. Known throughout the industry for its award‑winning classic and Restomod interiors, TMI now brings its proven craftsmanship, manufacturing excellence, and design innovation to modern‑era vehicles. Expanding Expertise into Late‑Model Excellence For over four decades, TMI has set the standard for quality, precision, and style in the custom upholstery market. The company’s expansion into late‑model interiors represents a natural evolution driven by customer demand and TMI’s unmatched upholstery heritage. All TMI late‑model upholstery is manufactured in the company’s state‑of‑the‑art facility, which is proudly certified by both the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Automotive Task Force (IATF). These certifications ensure world‑class quality management, exceptional consistency, and elevated customer satisfaction across every product produced. Airbag Safety Tested and Certified Safety remains TMI’s top priority. Every TMI seat undergoes routine, independent laboratory testing conducted by MGA Research Corporation, one of the industry’s most respected automotive testing organizations. These tests evaluate side‑airbag deployment performance, comparing original OEM seat upholstery to TMI’s replacement designs. Each test confirms that TMI upholstery meets or exceeds all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). This ensures: Proven reliability Long‑term durability Airbag compatibility you can trust Protection equal to or better than the original factory upholstery Premium Upholstery Options for Modern Interiors With more than 40 years of upholstery craftsmanship, TMI offers late‑model vehicle owners the ability to refresh, upgrade, or fully customize their interior. Customers can choose from: Factory‑match upholstery Fully custom design options Premium vinyl/leather combination Full leather upholstery Luxurious Nappa Leather selections Available for many of today’s most popular cars, trucks, and SUVs, TMI’s new upholstery program includes: Front and rear seat configurations Custom applications Custom pattern choices Perforated or smooth insert options Every TMI seat is engineered to deliver luxury, style, and long‑lasting quality. Bucket and Bench Seat Programs TMI’s late‑model seat upholstery is available in three distinct tiers to match every preference and budget: Standard- Insert Premium Full Leather Both bucket and bench seat configurations are supported. Check out your seat configuration at TMIproducts.com/upholstery # # # About TMI Automotive Products, Inc. TMI Automotive Products, Inc. was founded in 1982 by the Tuccinardi brothers, who began producing Volkswagen door panels in their family garage in Torrance, California. Over the years, TMI has continuously evolved to meet the changing demands of the automotive market, offering a wide range of interior components, including seating, consoles, carpet kits, door panels, convertible roof assemblies, headliners, and dash pads. Despite our growth, our commitment to hands-on, in-house construction has remained unchanged. Every aspect of our products, from the cutting and welding of raw materials to the meticulous stitching, foam pouring, and final assembly, is performed with hands-on precision. What started as a family-run business four decades ago remains true to its roots. For more information, please visit www.tmiproducts.com or follow them at @tmiproducts on Instagram and Facebook, or at @Tmiproducts-Upholstery on YouTube. The post Featured Products: TMI Products Announces New Late‑Model Car, Truck, and SUV Leather Upholstery Line appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

ProCharger, manufacturers of high-performance centrifugal superchargers, will serve as an associate sponsor of the upcoming Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by Red Line Oil, race officials announced today. With more than 70 drivers competing for the $150,000 winner-take-all prize, the World Series of Pro Mod is the ultimate proving ground for eighth-mile Pro Modified racers, including those relying on ProCharger superchargers for power. Set to take place Feb 26-28 at Bradenton Motorsports Park, it’s the final race of the three-race 2025/2026 Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service. “The folks at ProCharger are no strangers to the Winter Series and the World Series of Pro Mod, but having them jump on board as an associate sponsor is special,” said Wes Buck, Drag Illustrated founder and Winter Series promoter. “The Winter Series is many things for many people, but it’s evolved into a platform where the industry’s engine builders, chassis builders, power adders, and other manufacturers can battle it out and put their products to the test. Our drivers and teams are showing what these products can do in the most competitive eighth-mile Pro Mod fields of all time. We’re thrilled that ProCharger sees the value in that and wanted to be a bigger part of the World Series of Pro Mod.” ProCharger produces centrifugal superchargers for a wide variety of applications, from street cars and trucks to motorcycles and marine applications. ProCharger’s line of race superchargers support power levels from 500 to 4,500-plus horsepower, running the gamut both by size and racing class. ProCharger-powered racers have competed in the first two races of the DI Winter Series, the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals in December and the U.S. Street Nationals in January. Eric Gustafson utilized a ProCharger supercharger to set the Winter Series elapsed time series record, a 3.543-second pass, in the opening round of eliminations at the U.S. Street Nationals. “Racer support has always been our focus,” said Kyle Fickler, Director of Business Development, ProCharger. “Wes Buck and the DI team have done a great job of pulling together a Pro Mod event that attracts racers from other disciplines, too, which I think is super cool. The fact that this event is an invitational adds even more credence to how high-quality the field is. When you look at the numbers – the entire field within .040 at the U.S. Street Nationals – as a manufacturer, if you’ve got any pride in your product at all, you can’t help but want to be part of that. This is where we want our product to show out – against the best of the best.” ProCharger will once again have a strong presence in the pits and on track at the World Series of Pro Mod not only in Pro Mod, but also the supporting classes like Pro 10.5 and True 10.5. ProCharger-powered teams will benefit from on-site racer support. “For me personally, it’s always boots on the ground,” said Raven Justice, Motorsports Lead, ProCharger. “I’ve been traveling almost every week for the past six months, developing and making sure our products are where they need to be for racers to stay competitive. That goes hand in hand with being at the Winter Series races. I’ll be there, hands-on, doing whatever I can to make sure our racers – in all classes, not just Pro Mod – are performing and have everything they need.” To learn more about ProCharger, visit www.ProCharger.com. Tickets for the World Series of Pro Mod are on sale now. Visit www.TheWinterSeries.com/tickets to purchase tickets. This story was originally published on February 13, 2026. The post ProCharger Joins World Series of Pro Mod as Associate Sponsor first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Sick Week 2026 was an amazing event. Check out this photo gallery that captures all of the emotions and action from Sick Week 2026.View the full article

The principles remain the same, even if you have to adapt them slightly for different bikes and different situations. But that's the fun!View the full article

The Triumph Trident 800 sits in an unoccupied middle ground between modern nakeds and modern-retro roadsters. And it's got more than style on its side.View the full article

Will the fourth time on the world-famous Mount Panorama circuit be the charm for the Doctor? Could be, and here's why.View the full article

The 2026 Honda Talon 1000R gets factory 30 inch tires, boosting ground clearance and serious off road capability. View the full article

I’ve been using Power Stations for several years now, as we use them on our livestreams to power downtrack cameras and wireless equipment. I own Jackery, Predator, and Anker models and have tried all of them with great success. Yes, some are better than others, or have different features than others, but the truth is that they all work really well for what I’m doing. When we had 5 days without power, it was nice to be able to use my power stations, even though they are little units compared those being tested, because I could use them to run the internet, tv, and keep my phone and computer charged up and working. My refrigerators ran off my generator, but thankfully I only had to have it running every few hours to keep the fridges topped off on cold and make sure the power stations were fully charged. It wasn’t hard, and they saved the day for sure. A unit like one of these 2000 watt jobbies can really be a life savor in a disaster, but also can be your power solution for drag and drive events. If you can plug in to charge them at night in the hotel, or at the track with solar, then you can power all the tools and lights you need during even the longest drag and drive events like Rocky Mountain Race Week. Check out the video below, where a bunch of these 2000 watt power stations are put to the test, and let us know which one you have or are going to buy. Video Description: 2000W Power Stations compared for efficiency, functionality as an uninterruptable power supply, watt hour capacity, pure sign wave capability, cooling fan noise, standby mode power drain, and USB port performance. Brands: Jackery, ECOFLOW, BLUETTI, GRECELL, ANKER, DJI, Dabbsson, OUPES, and Segway. I purchased all of the power stations to ensure an unbiased review. So, thank you for supporting the channel! The post Power Station Testing And Reviews: Who Makes The Best Power Station For Your House, Shop, Or Drag And Drive Setup? appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

BMW’s 2026 GS Experience brings structured Level 1 and Level 2 off-road training to GS riders across India. View the full article