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Cameo appearances from past racers and the unofficial mid-season testing of materials and components has come to an end for MotoGP, as the sport moved to ban wildcards and more. View the full article

Hands-on and handmade beats the hell out of push-button AI slop every day, 365 days of the year, 7 days a week, and it's how we save ourselves.View the full article

The Combat Motors F-117 Fighter is a bold exercise in mechanical minimalism and uncompromising engineering, a limited-production machine that blurs the line between industrial sculpture and high-performance motorcycle. Conceived as the evolution of the P-51 Combat Fighter platform, it embodies Combat Motors’ philosophy of raw, exposed functionality paired with meticulous craftsmanship. At its core lies a formidable 1,917cc (117ci) 56-degree air-cooled V-twin, delivering 140bhp at 5,100rpm and an immense 160 ft-lb of torque at just 2,000rpm. This low-end torque bias defines […] The post Bike of the Day: 2023 Combat Motors F-117 Fighter appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

Have you ever walked into someone’s shop or garage and seen a tool that got you excited because you realized it is something someone customized? I’ve done it too many times to count, and am always interested in seeing why someone modified their tools in a particular way. Sometimes it is obvious, but other times not so much. But when Jason from Fireball Tools put out this latest video, showing him bringing one of their fab tables and a stand up drill press together, I knew this one was going to be good. In fact, I’m a little disappointed that I never thought of it myself. I can’t even tell you the number of times when having a big table to clamp something down would have meant I could use my drill press rather than a hand drill or something sketchy. If you can’t wrap your head around why this works, check out the video below and you’ll see just what Jason is doing to pull this off. Video Description: Head over to the Fireball Forum to drop your ideas for future tests in the comments, or to join the discussion: https://fireball.discourse.group/ Today, I am combining my drill press with a Fireball Welding Fixture Pro Table Kit. I am tricking it all out with a Sidekick Vise and a comfy seat to make this the ultimate drill press station. I will walk through, step-by-step, how to install all the pieces so you can make your own custom station at home! And check out the Fireball Pro Table Kit and all the other tools used in this video right here at: fireballtool.com https://www.fireballtool.com/products… The Fireball Welding Fixture Pro Table Kit is the best DIY table. The Fireball Welding Fixture Pro Table Kit is the easiest self-assembly table. The Fireball Welding Fixture Pro Table Kit is the ideal table for your drill press. #fireballtool #workshoptools #machinist The post Drill Press Meets Fab Table: Jason From Fireball Tools Built the Drill Press He’s Always Wanted! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Harley-Davidson's sales have been in freefall for decades now, as older generations stopped buying new motorcycles, and younger generations don't want or can't afford the Motor Co.'s offerings. So color us surprised when the new CEO announced his intent to quadruple profitability in less than five years. View the full article

If you are fired up about the 2026 IHRA Outlaw Nitro season, you are not alone! The first two events of the year have been awesome, and this weekend is going to be race #3 from Darana Raceway National Trail! Teams are fired up and ready to rock and roll, but there are plenty of them that haven’t been on the track in months and that means there are plenty of teams that were interested in testing. Thankfully, our friend NC Promoder has been on hand all week long with testing highlights and livestreams. So check out all of the testing action below, with the oldest video at the bottom and the newest up top. The post Free Drag Racing Livestream: Wednesday Testing from the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Nationals at Darana Raceway in Hebron Ohio appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Project 508 is in full swing and we are super excited about what is going on with this machine. We’ve got another couple videos to share below and will be bringing you more in the coming weeks as well. This drag and drive Camaro project sure has go some seriously sick fabrication going on. In this installment we’ve got video showing the new wishbone, rockers going into to tie into the chassis, and more. I love new drag and drive builds, and because I’m going to Sweden this year for Street Week I am really excited that this new drag and drive build is being built at Auto Cut in Stockholm by Martin Lundqvist Racing Fabrication. This is going to be something special. Because they are in Sweden, they aren’t talking much in these videos and what they are say you probably won’t understand. We would crank up the Closed Captioning for the subtitles, but that wasn’t an option. We know this was a drag car in it’s former life, and it’s going to be ultra cool when it’s done. While they aren’t scrapping the entire car to start new, they are replacing a whole hell of a lot of this car. We can’t wait to see it coming together, because they are doing some really cool stuff with the Auto Cut cnc machines and water jets. This is some special stuff. Check it out. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED THE OTHER VIDEOS The post Chassis, Suspension And Rocker Work On The Martin Lundqvist Racing Fabrication Swedish Drag and Drive 1969 Camaro Project! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

John Jackson is back at it, this time in our home state of Texas as he visits the Rio Grande Valley for the Rio Heat Show. And not only did he capture awesome cars and custom trucks, but also made a visit at a couple of really good BBQ spots. Check it out if you like cars and smoked meat! Video Description: Rio Heat Car Show & Texas BBQ Tour: Mercedes, TX Join us for an epic weekend in the Rio Grande Valley! We headed down to the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Showgrounds in Mercedes, Texas, for the high-energy Rio Heat Car & Truck Show. After missing the Estos Vatos Car Club show in Laredo back in April, we knew we had to make the trip to catch up with the crew and see some of the cleanest builds in South Texas. From slammed trucks to classic lowriders, the RGV scene did not disappoint! Beyond the Car Show: Boots & BBQ We made the most of our time in Mercedes by diving deep into Texas culture: Rios of Mercedes Handmade Boots: We got an exclusive look at the legendary craftsmanship of Rios of Mercedes. They’ve been hand-making premium boots since 1853, and seeing their process in person was a masterclass in Texas heritage. The Ultimate BBQ Run: You can’t visit the RGV without hitting the Texas Monthly Top 50 list. We stopped at both Teddy’s Barbecue and GW’s BBQ. If you’re a fan of authentic Texas brisket and ribs, these two are absolute must-visits. Thanks as Always for taking the time to to watch our videos. JJ The post Rio Heat Show: John Jackson Heads South for the Loudest Show in the Rio Grande Valley! Plus BBQ Joint Visits! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Former road racer J.R. Osborne's ride is wild. He's partnered with FFRE to create a unique Coyote-powered Pro Mod Mustang.View the full article

The Norton Manx R is a 206 hp, 1200 cc V4 superbike built in the UK under TVS ownership. But this is more than a new-bike launch; it is Norton’s first serious credibility test after a troubled recent past. The post Norton Manx R is the V4 superbike that has to make Norton trustworthy again appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Le Mans has no shortage of storylines for MotoGP in 2026. Aprilia arrives as the form factory, Ducati needs to answer back, Jonas Folger returns for Tech3, and Jack Miller heads back to a circuit with deep Australian history. The post French MotoGP preview: Aprilia leads, Miller returns to happy hunting ground appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

The North West 200 returns this week with Glenn Irwin back, Davey Todd ruled out, Michael Dunlop’s plans still under watch, and Josh Brookes and David Johnson carrying Australian interest. The post 2026 North West 200 Preview | Brookes and Johnson headline Aussie interest appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

When rain set in after round one of eliminations at Mike Beland’s Cash Days 4, the party simply moved under awnings and into trailers until the bad weather subsided. Karaoke was sung (was that really singing?), shots were drank, and good cleanish fun was had by all. And when the sun shown again Sunday on Shelby, North Carolina’s Shadyside Dragway, hangovers were hydrated, turbos were spooled, and rubber was burned. THE hot event on the gasoline-burning, Harley-Davidson, motorcycle drag racing calendar ran on and its $25,000 cash payday distributed – mostly to two legends of the Grudge game. Pro Bagger and Street Bagger For the two top tier Pro Bagger and Street Bagger classes, Cash Days 4 looked much like a repeat of 3. At the end of the day, “Burnout Bruce” Emanuel was sitting on “Boosted Bob” and “Trailer Park” answering a thick phone made out of cash. The Pro Bagger field boiled down to Emanuel on “Boosted Bob” and Khole Sellers from Gforce Racing. Sellers got an .056 to .101 jump at the tree, but (let’s change the name a bit here) “Bruceted Bob” drove around 5.02 at 152 mph to 5.30 at 139 for the win. It was Bruce vs. Tony Boone in the Street Bagger final, and once again, Emanuel and “Trailer Park” took the win. “Always an honor to run against Bruce Emanuel,” said Boone. “First off, thank you to God for blessing me with the talent, strength, and opportunity to do what I love,” said Bruce. “Big shoutout to A1 Cycles for another successful race – Cash Days 4 was one to remember. I was able to take home the win in the biggest Harley Bagger grudge race of the year against a strong team at All American Cycles. Then doubled up and got it done in two Pro classes – winning Pro Bagger with the event’s quickest and fastest pass on Boosted Bob, and also bringing home the Street Class win on Trailer Park. “None of this would be possible without my sponsors,” Bruce added. “Trailer Park Motorsports, Moonshine Harley-Davidson, Moonshine Horsepower, Vance & Hines Motorsports, and GRC Crankshafts. I appreciate everything y’all do. Special thanks to my best friend and the best builder/tuner in Harley Bagger racing, Cullen Gillis – couldn’t do it without you. Appreciate all the sponsors for the payouts, the staff for putting on a great event, all the spectators who came out and showed love, and Eddie Reed. We’re just getting started.” True Street Bagger Always displaying a much more quiet and humble persona in person than he does online, Bruce had a premonition that he wouldn’t sweep all three bagger classes this year. Sitting on last year’s winner “Moonshine” in the now sun-drenched lanes before the start of round two of True Street, he said, “There’s a lot of riders in this class this year.” And one of them was his teammate. “Dez is a good rider.” True enough, Bruce lost to Dez Cue on “Noisey Boy” in the semis when “Moonshine” failed to grab third gear. “Had an .050 light to his .146,” reported Bruce. “Yep, I had a chance to sweep it again. Missed a shift. We gonna replace the transmission.” Dez then had wheelie masterblaster Desmond “Kill Bill” Spaulding on the Hawes Racing Bike in the final, and this time it was Kill Bill with the win. “I think my closest round was probably the finals against Dez,” said Kill Bill. “It’s just a lil’ True Street Road King from Hawes Racing. It’s a lil’ different from riding the Grudges sportbikes that I’m used to and known for riding, but it’s definitely just as exciting and competitive as the Grudge sportsbikes. “I would like to thank Hawes Racing for reaching out and giving me an opportunity to try something different, also giving me an amazing bike to compete with. Would also like to think the guys that put on the event. Not sure of everyone’s name just yet, but it was amazing event.” Non-Bagger No one’s yet caught up to Jason Crisp’s new-for-last-year build, as he again won Non-Bagger. He even raced the same final round opponent: A1 employee Andrew Hefner. Crisp took the tree with an .035 to Hefner’s .067, and ran a 5.53 at 126 mph to Andrew’s 5.71 with a turbo-pumped 132 mph trap speed. “We pretty much showed up with the same bike from last year,” said Crisp. “Made a few small changes and hoped for the best, as we hadn’t done any testing prior to Cash Days. I was pretty consistent low 5.5s and knew if anyone was gonna beat me, they’d have their work cut out for them. “I want to thank my wife and son for their help all weekend, and my father for the help building and maintaining it.” ET Bracket Race Robbie Bryant took out Cash Days 3 Gamblers Race winner Byron Cass in the ET Bracket Race final. “It was my first time coming to this event,” said Bryant. “My nephew and I were supposed to be in Maryland for the XDA race, but it was canceled due to rain. We had looked Friday for somewhere that was racing because we were itching to get on our motorcycles. We found out Shadyside had an event going on so we hooked up to the trailer and headed out at 11:45 pm Friday to make the four and a half hour trip. “The racing on Saturday was fast paced. Made it down to 12 motorcycles before the rain came and the race was canceled till Sunday. “Sunday afternoon came and we went back to the lanes to pull chips and see who would race who. This chip draw came with controversy on how things were done on bye runs. My nephew should’ve had the bye run being he had the best light the round before on Saturday. They don’t do that there, they put a bye chip in the bag and if you’re lucky enough to get that chip you have a free pass to the next round. Everywhere else we race the person that gets the bye is the person who did their job and cut a good light on the tree. “My nephew Wesley and I pulled each other for the third round and we are riding the same motorcycle. Since it was my motorcycle, Wesley let me get a free pass into the next round. I ended up going on to win the event. “This is my second time at Shadyside and my second win at that track. My first win there was at the Hogs Gone Wild event a few years back. All in all I had a good weekend of racing and I’ll probably be back to see if I can take another win at Shadyside.” Gamblers Race Cass also runnered-up in Friday night’s Gamblers Race, with Bryce Creek taking the win. “After three years in a row of being put out in the finals or semifinals by Byron Cass, I finally got it done Friday night in the ET Gamblers Race in the finals against him,” said Creek. “I ran a 7.07 on a 7.05 dial against his breakout 5.91 on a 5.97 dial. It was a reaction time win! DFH (that’s Donnie F*****’ Huffman) always pounded in my head ‘Don’t be late!’ and it shows. “Thanks to all of our season sponsors: Man O’War Harley-Davidson of Lexington, Kentucky, Metal Supermarkets of Lexington, 317 Cycles, All Pro Contractors, Huffman Performance & Service of Lakeland, Florida, and R&R Cycles of Lakeland. “Cash Days 4 was a success for Shadetree Racing. See you all in the lanes at a track near you!” Shutdown Area Rain didn’t stop the wild-style events of the Old Town Revival (OTR) Spring Fling. The Minibike Misfits races, Hippy’s Minibike Hillclimb, Rebel Spirit Burnout Pit, WIFMIX Freestyle Stunt Shows, Hot Rod Row, Run What You Brung, and live music just got sloppier and more fun than ever. “Even though the rain came through Saturday afternoon, we still had a great night and finished up strong Sunday,” said promoter Beland. ‘Nothing can stop the highest paying, lowest cost race of the year! Cash Days 5 is booked for 2027 so don’t miss it! The only way to lose is to stay home!” This story was originally published on May 5, 2026. The post Grudge Legends Score Cash Days 4 Bagger Wins at Shadyside Dragway first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Ron Capps has earned another honor. Capps will be inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Class as a part of the 2027 class. View the full article

Overland Expo West 2026 is just around the corner, bringing with it an exciting opportunity to score exclusive show-only deals. Taking place May 15–17 in Flagstaff at Fort Tuthill County Park, the event will draw thousands of overlanders ready to explore the latest 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 the perfect chance to upgrade your setup, discover new equipment, and connect with the community while experiencing everything Overland Expo West 2026 has to offer. Check out the list below for a preview of some of the exclusive discounts and promotions you can expect throughout the weekend. CompanyBoothShow SpecialGOBI Racks USA#E21Overland Expo West SpecialNexen Tire USA#B12Win a Free Set of Nexen TiresTactical Application Vehicle#A1XTAV partners with Dirtbox OverlandTOPS Knives#R7Overland SeriesIronclad Performance Wear#M2030% Off Sitewide at ironclad.comEncore RV – ROG Adventure Trailers#Q8Encore Partners with OVS at Overland Expo WestTRUKD, LLC#G1410% off Bed Racks and AccessoriesWanderbox#Q34$10,000 OFF Your WanderboxFLATED#G13Exclusive Show Special at FLATED boothArcane Warrior Limited#Q22ARCANE WARRIOR OEW SPECIAL: 15% OFF SITEWIDEAFE POWER#P4015% Off aFe Power Booth #P4GRAYL#H12Up to 30% OffGiantMouse Knives#M21GiantMouse Cross-Bar Knife Show Special ($120)GiantMouse Knives#M21GiantMouse FREE Daily GiveawayGiantMouse Knives#M21GiantMouse MagnaCut Knife Show Special ($120)Opus Camper#B29OPUS Campers – Special Expo Pricing on 2027 ModelsLenSun Solar#F13Lensun SolarPACKFIRE#L38$100 Off! PACKFIRE Foldable Fire PitsEasy Wind Outfitters#D6Easy Wind Show SpecialORIS Adventure Cooking#J11ORIS Show SpecialTitan Vans#S2Titan 2024 Metis 144Bottle Jack Buddy LLC#IE26Bottle Jack BuddyOverland Gear Guy#P6Overland Gear Guy at Overland Expo West — Save 10%Trails Offroad#F410 for 10 with Trails Offroad and Tread Lightly!Freedom Campers#D9Freedom Campers Special OfferClassic Overland#Q70Classic Overland – Up to $5000 Show Special CreditKONI America#C16Follow KONI Shocks for a Chance to Win a WIHA toolQuikrStuff#IE2110% Off QuikrStuff Bike RacksRigid Industries#P57Rigid Industries PHOENIXHEST#J420% off HEST!MG INNOVATIVE/ VOLTOUR EBIKES#M12Voltour E-bikesBUNDUTECUSA#P2CBundutecUSA Show OffersAutoply Inc#IE11Autoply Insulation Show Discount 20%Guild Outfitters#G1620%+ Off All Guild Brand Product & Select PartnersWildland Firefighter Foundation#J5Overland Expo Gear Bundle-Fundraiser RaffleDark Energy#M35Dark Energy Toughest Portable Power – 30% OffYASSA STEP#B26YASSA STEP – The most versatile item on your rackSandy Vans#L20$5,000 Off Your Custom Sandy Van BuildRhino USA#R1RHINO USA Show Special KitsKAMA#K8KAMA SHOW SPECIALTESCHE TIRES#Q12TESCHE TIRES RIDGE BLADE X/RTAPEX by Seaview#H9Starlink Mounts & Accessory Show SpecialsTRANSCOOL 12 VOLT AIR COOLERS#IE20Transcool E3Tail Gater Tire Table#E10Show SpecialsFour Wheel Campers#P1$875 Off InstallationSPOT, LLC#P44BTRADE SHOW SPECIALGlobe Trekker INC#C14Globe Trekker – campers, subframes, E-Series, VansKokopelli#L13Kokopelli Overland Show Specials Come camp, explore, shop, and learn with us in Flagstaff this May. Whether you’re planning your next build, stocking up on essentials, or checking out the latest gear hitting the market, Overland Expo West is the place to see it all in person and take advantage of show specials. View the full article

Leaf Racewear & Safety Equipment will return in 2026 as the preferred and official uniform supplier for the Quick 32 Sportsman Series. For over 42 years, Leaf Racewear & Safety Equipment Inc. has been a trusted name in motorsports safety. The company manufactures and distributes a wide variety of premium racewear, including fire-resistant driver suits, undergarments, gloves, shoes, racing helmets, seat belt harness systems, and custom sublimated crew shirts to racers worldwide. “From the beginning, Colin Grandy and Leaf Racewear & Safety Equipment have always been one of the first to offer support for our drag race series,” explained Bruce Mehlenbacher, Director of Operations for the Series. “Quality, innovation and confidence, that is Leaf Racewear.” Leaf Racewear products meet and exceed SFI 3.2A/1, SFI 3.2A/5, and SFI 16.1 safety standards, ensuring drivers are equipped for nearly every form of racing, including stock cars, drag racing, sprint cars, karting, off-road, boat racing, and monster trucks. “Leaf Racewear is committed to delivering exceptional value through superior craftsmanship, continuous innovation, tailored solutions for individuals and teams, and prompt, professional customer service. Whether you are a weekend racer or a seasoned professional, Leaf Racewear is here to fuel your passion with confidence on and off the track,” stated Colin Grandy. “These suits are custom-designed and made for drag racing.” Contact Leaf Racewear & Safety Equipment Inc. at 1 (800) 731-7735 or visit www.leafracewear.com. The Quick 32 Sportsman Series will join the John Scotti Canadian Championship Series during the NHRA National Open double-headers at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario. Events are scheduled for Victoria Day Weekend, May 15-17, and Labour Day Weekend, September 4-6, 2026. Visit facebook.com/quick32 for more information and event updates from the Quick 32 Sportsman Series. This story was originally published on May 5, 2026. The post Leaf Racewear & Safety Equipment Returns as Official Uniform Supplier for Quick 32 Sportsman Series first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Honda’s transverse-twin has always lived on the fringes. Launched in 1978, the CX500 paired a liquid-cooled V-twin with shaft drive and a reputation for durability that bordered on agricultural. It was never conventionally pretty, never especially fast, but the 80-degree mill had serious novelty and... View the full article

Melling Engine Parts proudly announces its 80th anniversary as a family-owned leader in the automotive aftermarket industry. Since its founding in 1946 by George Melling Sr. and his son Ben, Melling has been committed to delivering high-quality engine components that keep vehicles running strong. What began with precision oil pumps for older vehicles has grown into a global brand offering thousands of aftermarket and performance engine parts across 27 product lines and over one million applications. This milestone reflects eight decades of innovation, craftsmanship, and dedication to customers and partners worldwide. “We are beyond grateful to welcome in 2026 and the 80th year of Melling Engine Parts,” said Mark Melling, President and CEO. “80 years of family-owned business is not just a testament to current Melling employees, but those that have gone before. I am extremely proud of the work our team has done to get us to 80 years of service, and we are looking forward to celebrating many more anniversaries to come. We are a family business, and with the fifth generation joining the business this year we plan to continue the legacy for decades to come. Thank you to our vendors and customers that have made it possible for us to achieve such a meaningful milestone!” Brendan Melling, representing the next generation, added: “This is an exciting time for me to join the family business. I look forward to celebrating the 80th year of service with Melling enthusiasts and continuing the Melling name in the automotive industry. 80 years is incredible, and I look forward to being on board for 100 years!” As Melling celebrates this historic milestone, the company remains focused on innovation and customer service. Follow our journey throughout 2026 as we honor our past and share what’s next for Melling Engine Parts. For more information, visit melling.com/who-we-are/ or follow us on social media atMellingEngineParts or mellingperformance. This story was originally published on May 5, 2026. The post Melling Engine Parts Celebrates 80 Years of Excellence in the Automotive Industry first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Moser Engineering is making rearend upgrades easy. Moser Engineering is offering free assembly of its MusclePak rearneds in the month of may.View the full article

Royal Enfield turns up the heat with the Guerrilla 450 Apex, adding real grip, sharper ergonomics, and a more aggressive feel. View the full article

American Honda is recalling 2025 and 2026 CRF250s and 450s over a handlebar clamp issue, and has had one report of a crash so far (no injury).View the full article

When Rok Bagaros first started riding in the late 90s, he was a teenager with a 50cc Yamaha Aerox and a dream. And now, he's cranking it up.View the full article

Akrapovič’s titanium footpegs bring MotoGP-grade materials to ADV bikes like the BMW R 1300 GS, which will let you pair your exhaust with your pegs.View the full article

Royal Enfield announced its inaugural Himalayan Base Camp adventure, and registration is already open.View the full article

Our boy Scott Liggett is back with a new drag and drive project! After buying a 1950 Chevy coupe a year or two ago, and realizing it would be more work than he was really wanting to tackle, he sold it and sent it on to a new owner. He’s been on the lookout for something else that sparks his interest and the other day he found something we think is pretty cool. It’s a Monza, but not just any Monza. Nope, this one is a 1977 Monza Town Coupe, which is an odd little notchback but they are cool and there are parts available to make one mild, wild, or anywhere in between. Using mostly bolt on parts, plus a roll cage and some safety gear, Scott will be able to make this thing a fun driver at whatever performance level his wallet will allow. He’s looking for a name for this thing, and while I was thinking of something to go with the yellow color, there were some trim parts in the car that had a label on them that said Cousin Eddie. It’s hard not to think that might be a cool name too, so watch the video and chime in to let us know what you think. Video Description: I bought this ’77 Monza Town Coupe. Yes, it’s yellow! I bought it to build for drag and drive type events. And, have fun on the streets as well, if I am being really honest. I wasn’t really looking for a replacement for my 50 Chevy Coupe, but I came across this one on FB Marketplace locally. And, it was incredibly straight and rust free. And, it was originally powered by a 305 V8! Not only that, it has clear title and the price was right. I even got a set of SBC headers out of the deal. So, on the trailer it went. What do you think of it? The post RebelDryver Got A New Project Car! This 1977 Chevy Monza Is Going To Become A Drag And Drive Machine! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article