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It is no secret that overlanders are gear heads. One of our favorite parts of Overland Expo is exploring the hundreds of vendors in search of cool new products to support upcoming travel. Overland Expo PNW 2026 exceeded expectations with a healthy collection of new and notable gear, including a first peek at the long-awaited book on Loren and Patty Upton’s lifetime of travel adventures. Here are ten things that caught our eye that we think you should check out. Patty Upton – Road’s End to Road’s End: The Epic Voyage of the Sand Ship Discovery In the overland community, there are few people more impressive than Patty Upton and her late husband, Loren, who spent thirty years traveling the world in their 1966 CJ-5 Jeep, the “Sand Ship Discovery”. If you’ve had the pleasure of sitting in on one of Patty’s presentations at Overland Expo, you know what an epic collection of travel adventures she and Loren had, including a Guinness Book of Records entry for the first all-land crossing of the Darién Gap in that very Jeep. With writing partner Misti Tokarsky (an impressive adventurer in her own right), Patty has released a much awaited book, Road’s End to Road’s End: The Epic Voyage of the Sand Ship Discovery documenting her legendary adventures with Loren. While they quickly sold out of books at Overland Expo PNW, you can order a copy from Amazon now. Those of us who have already started reading it can confirm that it is a book well worth adding to one’s library. LEARN MORE Freedom Recovery Gear – Stage 5 Vehicle Recovery Kit We’ve long been fans of Freedom Recovery Gear’s kit for their top quality materials and manufacturing, as well as their thoughtful design and attention to engineering as well as providing loading and limitation documentation. Recently they released their Vehicle-to-Vehicle “VTV” Stage 4 Recovery Kit that is a one stop collection of all the gear you need to get your vehicle out of a bind in a VTV scenario. They offer four versions of the set matched to the weight of your vehicle, with the equipment in the package tailored to the loading and forces of the differently sized vehicles. Each kit contains eight items: their TuggERR kinetic energy recovery rope, two screw pin bow shackles (with a 6:1 safety factor), three TuffX Soft Shackles with chafe guards, a TuffX Winch Line Extension/Bridle, and a gear storage bay with YKK zippers. They are currently offering a very nicely machined receiver recovery adaptor and a waterproof and tear resistant VTV Field Reference as a bonus. LEARN MORE Agile Offroad – Agile Vehicle Diagnostic The INEOS Grenadier has become increasingly more popular as a modern expedition vehicle, but with its growth has come some growing pains. As with many modern vehicles, more and more of the vehicle systems rely on dealer intervention for maintenance, troubleshooting, and system configuration and depending on where you are in the world, a Grenadier service provider can be hours or days away. Agile Offroad is preparing to release software that provides owners and independent service providers access to vehicle diagnostics and maintenance functions that have traditionally required dealer-specific diagnostic equipment, with additional features planned in future software updates. The software connects to the vehicle through the OBD-II diagnostic port and provides access to electronic control modules needed to perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and system configuration. Key functions include reading and clearing diagnostic trouble codes, performing both quick and comprehensive vehicle scans, resetting and customizing service intervals, and generating diagnostic reports for maintenance records or technical support. The software also provides advanced TPMS configuration options, allowing tire pressure parameters and warning thresholds to be adjusted for different tire and wheel combinations. In addition, users can view, save, restore, and modify selected vehicle configuration settings, enabling customized operating profiles while preserving original factory settings. Stay tuned for more information and the release of the software and corresponding hardware mid-July. LEARN MORE Pelican – Crate After hearing about the new Pelican CRATE storage containers, we finally got to see them in person, and we feel comfortable predicting that they are going to be very popular among our crowd. For those not familiar, the Pelican CRATE line is a recently released family of heavy-duty storage containers designed for securely transporting valuable gear. They are manufactured from injection-molded HPX polymer providing a durable enclosure that resists impacts and is moisture and dust sealed. The product line is available in multiple capacities, including the 45-liter and 90-liter models they had on display this weekend. They have a common design that allows the containers to be stacked and secured for efficient packing, even with dissimilar sizes. They also come with a removable lid that can be positioned in multiple orientations, an automatic pressure equalization valve, and provisions for padlocks. An integrated ModRail attachment system enables accessories and organization components to be mounted to the exterior of the crate without drilling or other permanent modifications. Color us excited to see another high-quality storage option available. LEARN MORE Rucker Knives – Fireside Cleaver We are suckers for a good knife, especially when they are made by hand. Pair that with a family business that represents three generations of knife making, and you have us hooked. If you aren’t familiar with Rucker Knives, you owe it to yourself to peruse their website. They have a broad array of hunting, camping, and kitchen knives that have a unique design flair that will appeal to both collectors and the EDC crowd alike. Of the several hundred knives they had on display at Overland Expo PNW this last weekend, the one that most caught our eye was their Fireside Cleaver. The blades are made from recycled timber mill blades that have a unique story to accompany their eye-catching design. The carbide steel promises a sharp edge that holds up well to use. The knife comes with a handmade leather sheath and free lifetime sharpening. For those smitten with the design and story behind the cleaver, they also have a kitchen knife and cleaver combo that comes in a beautiful leather knife roll sure to up your camp kitchen cred. LEARN MORE RollerCam – Sandstake If you’ve ever had the displeasure of using a traditional stake in sand, you know how poorly they work. RollerCam has a solution in their new SandStake that is a dream for anchoring tents, awnings, and other gear in that unforgiving substrate. The SandStake works by providing a widened stake face that better distributes the load from the line across the sand and takes the connection of the line down into the sand where the forces work for you instead of simply pulling a traditional stake out. The stakes are manufactured from corrosion-resistant aluminum and provide a secure attachment point for ropes, straps, and guy lines used for anchoring. If you find yourself in the desert or at the beach, these are worth picking up. They really are a game-changer for staking in sand. LEARN MORE RalliTEK – Subaru Hidden Winch Mount RalliTEK had an impressive array of suspension, armor, and recovery equipment for Subaru platforms on display at their booth this weekend. One of the things that really stood out was their hidden winch mount, which integrates seamlessly with the OEM front bumper design for an array of Subaru models. The winch mount is made of 3/16″ powder-coated steel and accommodates a wide array of winches while also providing hard recovery points. Best of all, they are surprisingly affordable and can be ordered with or without the winch. If you are ready to push the capabilities of your Subaru platform, it’s well worth checking out what RalliTEK offers. LEARN MORE STōD Gear Co. – Woodgaiter If you transport fire wood on your overlanding adventures, you know what a pain it can be to transport it and clean up the aftermath of debris. STōD Gear Company had a solution to this predicament on display at their booth this weekend – the WoodGaiter. The WoodGaiter is a reusable firewood carrier designed to transport, store, and contain firewood while minimizing the spread of bark, dirt, insects, and other debris. It is constructed from heavy-duty, weather-resistant fabric with reinforced stitching and integrated carry handles and it is designed to support repeated loading and transport of split firewood. Adjustable closure straps secure the load during transport and allow the carrier to be rolled into a compact package for storage when not in use. When opened flat, the WoodGaiter also functions as a durable utility mat that provides a clean work surface for campsite activities, vehicle maintenance, or equipment storage. LEARN MORE Forage and Thrive – Eat Off the Land Cookbook We were lucky enough to sit in on Sharon Tramell’s class this weekend, “The Forage and Thrive Approach: Ethical, Safe, and Flavorful Wild Foods for Every Overlander,” which piqued our interest in wild foraged food. Fortunately, a trip by her booth revealed her new cookbook Eat Off the Land. The tome covers safe plant identification, food preservation, camp and home cooking techniques for foraged food, and more than 170 recipes for integrating wild foods into your diet and cooking routine. At only $25, it’s hard to pass up if you are curious about the world of wild foods. LEARN MORE Fjallraven – Splitpack The Fjällräven Splitpack is a travel duffel backpack with a couple unique takes on the classic design. The bag features a clamshell design that divides the interior into two equal compartments separated by zippered mesh panels, allowing contents to remain organized and accessible while helping distribute the load evenly. The bag is constructed from durable, abrasion-resistant fabric with reinforced handles and heavy-duty zippers, the Splitpack looks and felt like it will withstand years of travel and outdoor use. Padded, adjustable shoulder straps allow the bag to be carried as a backpack and can be stowed when not in use, while multiple interior and exterior pockets provide additional storage for smaller items. Our favorite feature was the end grab handles that make pulling it out from the back of a vehicle easy. LEARN MORE View the full article

It’s no secret that overlanders like to kit out our vehicles for our adventures, whether we plan to take them on weekend trips or around the world expeditions. For this month, we’ve hunted down a number of new and notable products, from sleeping platforms to radios and from lights to trailers, that expand your vehicle’s capabilities and comfort. CarToCamp — Sleeping Platform The CarToCamp Sleeping Platform turns any car into a comfortable and organized camper. It is engineered to level out the uneven slant of the folded seats to create a flat space for two people to sleep inside the car. Underneath the Sleeping Platform is easy to access storage space for all your camping gear. At the rear of the vehicle are openings to slide storage bins, camp chairs, solar panels, and more. At the front of the Sleeping Platform there is a hinged wing at each side, making it easy to lift up and access even more storage compartments. Depending on the vehicle size, the Sleeping Platform can be extended up to 74” in length and matches the curvature of the inside of the vehicle to maximize sleeping space. When the Sleeping Platform arrives at your door it can easily be assembled in under ten minutes without any tools required. Simply assemble the parts with notches and grooves – anyone can do it! Between camping trips the Sleeping Platform can be disassembled just as easily and stored flat in your apartment, garage, or even under your couch. Many customers choose to leave the back half installed in their vehicle year round to be used as a shelf storage system for everyday items like groceries. Proudly manufactured in Reading, Pennsylvania, the Sleeping Platform is backed by the CarToCamp Guarantee and highly reviewed customer support. Use the vehicle compatibility checker on the website to find the right Sleeping Platform for your car. Shop confidently knowing that since 2020 CarToCamp Sleeping Platforms have been meticulously designed, tested, and refined for hundreds of different vehicle models. MSRP: $695.00 BUY NOW Dreamhaven RV — Gladiator Force Engineered for serious off-grid travel, the Gladiator Force is made for extended backcountry runs beyond maintained roads, where travellers stay self-sufficient, and on (or off) the road longer. From high-country tracks to desert crossings and riverside camps, it is built for those who keep going when the pavement ends. Manufactured by Australia’s most awarded RV builder*, Dreamhaven RVs Gladiator Force is designed for real-world overlanding, not showroom conditions. Underneath is a six inch, dual stacked Australian chassis paired with off-road airbag suspension; delivering the strength, stability, and control needed to handle rough terrain with confidence. Where it earns its reputation is off-grid independence. A 460Ah lithium battery, 3kW inverter, dual 230W solar panels, Anderson-style input for portable solar, and advanced DC/DC battery management system work together to provide reliable power in remote locations. Dual freshwater tanks and a dedicated grey water tank support extended stays away from facilities, while portable induction cooking provides a safe and efficient cooking setup that still performs at altitude and in remote conditions. Inside, practicality meets comfort for extended travel. A private wet bath with cassette toilet, smart storage throughout, smart TV, and a twin-to-queen bed conversion create a functional living space, while external work lights simplify camp setup after dark. Every detail is designed to balance comfort with genuine self-sufficiency. Backed by more than 20 years of Australian RV manufacturing experience, Dreamhaven RV has built an overland trailer for serious travel, not weekend imitation. The Gladiator Force delivers durability, independence, and the capability to keep travelling long after the road disappears. Go further and stay longer in a Dreamhaven RV. Crusader Caravans is the most awarded caravan manufacturer in the history of the Caravan Industry Victoria, Australia (CIV) Hall of Fame and Industry Awards, having received the prestigious CIV Manufacturer of the Year award in 2019, 2021, 2024, and 2025. Crusader also holds the distinction of being the first and only Manufacturer of the Year to earn the esteemed Master Manufacturer title, awarded by CIV. MSRP: $83,590 BUY NOW Midland Radio — GXT67 GMRS 5 Watt Walkie Talkie – GXT67PRO When the next and greatest adventure takes overlanders further off grid and away from cell service, dependable communication becomes an essential part of the experience. The Midland® GXT67 GMRS 5-Watt Walkie Talkie – GXT67PRO is built to help overlanders stay connected, whether they’re navigating remote trails, coordinating with a convoy, or setting up camp after a long day off the beaten path. Powered by 5 Watts and featuring GMRS repeater capability, the GXT67 PRO delivers maximum two-way radio range, helping overlanders communicate confidently across challenging terrain. This extensive range ensures team members can reach one another while traveling together or when splitting up for activities like hiking, paddleboarding, or fishing. Ultimately, this powerful walkie-talkie serves as the perfect companion to in-vehicle base stations for seamless connection anywhere. Engineered with an IP67 waterproof and dustproof design, the radio is built to handle mud, rain, dust, river crossings, and unpredictable weather, making it a reliable tool wherever the trail leads. Because long days on the trail require dependable battery performance, the GXT67 PRO provides up to 16 hours of active operation or up to 4 days of standby time. When it is time to power up, the included 4-hour rapid charger quickly gets adventurers back on the move. The intuitive menu interface makes changing channels, adjusting settings, and accessing features simple, even during fast-paced expeditions.The system is straightforward enough that anyone on the journey can instantly use it for streamlined communication. NOAA Weather Radio keeps travelers informed of shifting weather conditions, imperative as users spend long periods of time exploring the outdoors. It gives them the time needed to get to safety should severe weather pop up. Designed for overlanders who venture beyond the pavement, the Midland GXT67 PRO provides the performance, durability, and communication needed to keep every adventure connected. When the next great adventure takes overlanders further off-grid and away from cell service, dependable communication becomes an essential part of the experience. The Midland GXT67 GMRS 5-Watt Walkie Talkie – GXT67PRO is built to help adventurers stay connected, whether they are navigating remote trails, coordinating with a convoy, or setting up camp after a long day off the beaten path. Powered by 5 Watts and featuring GMRS repeater capability, the GXT67 PRO delivers maximum two-way radio range, allowing overlanders to communicate confidently across challenging terrain. This extensive range ensures team members can reach one another while traveling together or when splitting up for activities like hiking, paddleboarding, or fishing. Ultimately, this powerful walkie-talkie serves as the perfect companion to in-vehicle base stations for seamless connection anywhere. Engineered with an IP67 waterproof and dustproof design, the radio is built to handle mud, rain, dust, river crossings, and unpredictable weather, making it a reliable tool wherever the trail leads. Because long days on the trail require dependable battery performance, the GXT67 PRO provides up to 16 hours of active operation or up to 4 days of standby time. When it is time to power up, the included 4-hour rapid charger quickly gets adventurers back on the move. The intuitive menu interface makes changing channels, adjusting settings, and accessing features simple—even during fast-paced expeditions. The system is straightforward enough that anyone on the journey can instantly use it for streamlined communication. Additionally, integrated NOAA Weather Radio keeps travelers informed of shifting conditions. This real-time tracking is imperative for anyone spending extended periods exploring the outdoors, giving users the vital time needed to seek safety should severe weather suddenly arise. Designed specifically for overlanders who venture far beyond the pavement, the Midland GXT67 PRO provides the performance, durability, and communication capability needed to keep every adventure connected. MSRP: $239.99 BUY NOW READ MORE: Best Rigs of Overland Expo Pacific Northwest 2026 Baja Designs — S2 Sport Universal Light Kit The Baja Designs S2 Sport is a bit of a do-it-all. It works as a chase light to increase safety and visibility on dusty trails. In camp, it’s a scene light to illuminate around your rig, and when you need to knock out some projects in the backcountry, it’s a great work light. It’s truly a universal kit that includes a single-light 2-pin harness with an on/off switch and a 10ft extension harness, making it compatible with nearly any off-road vehicle. The included extension harness makes installation easy and ensures reliable operation, allowing you to position your chase light at the rear of almost any vehicle. MSRP: $164.95 BUY NOW Front Runner — 4 Wolf Pack Pro Storage System Kit Front Runner is no stranger to the overland storage game. Their boxes are ubiquitous. This system is a great option for many SUVs, and Front Runner offers similar kits in different sizes. Front Runner Wolf Pack Pros, the heart of this modular storage system, are perfectly sized for kitchen supplies, dried goods, tools, camera gear, toiletries, even clothes. The cargo deck system is spring-loaded to secure your SBOX031 boxes in place, preventing vibration and excess movement. The top deck can also be used to mount Front Runner Cargo/Fridge Slides, and it’s finished with a clean bamboo surface. Plus, the whole thing can be installed in minutes, so you can upgrade your storage and hit the trail. MSRP: $1,062.00 Sale Price: $902.70 BUY NOW Kakadu — Outback Shower System Photo: Rick Stowe Photo: Rick Stowe Keeping clean in the backcountry greatly improves livability, and the Kakadu Outback Shower System makes it easy to maintain hygiene and other camp chores in a compact, dependable package. We tested this shower system over several months, and it was a great option for personal showers, dishes, and more. Check out our full review HERE. With an onboard thermostat, easy setup, and even an onboard battery, all you need is your own water source, and you’re good to go. The whole kit packs into its own bag for easy transport. MSRP: $499.00 Sale Price: $399.20 BUY NOW View the full article

Angelle Sampey continued building experience behind the wheel of her Hangsterfer’s/FVP/Mission Foods A/Fuel dragster this weekend at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, competing in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Top Alcohol Dragster category at Summit Motorsports Park. Despite battling a handful of tune-up challenges throughout qualifying, Sampey and the AB Accelerate/Michalek Brothers Racing team continued making progress and secured the No. 13 qualifying position for race day. Friday’s opening qualifying session ended almost as quickly as it began when Sampey’s dragster overpowered the racetrack, sending the tires into smoke immediately after launch. She coasted to a 9.379-second pass at 146.16 mph to open the weekend. The team made significant improvements during the second qualifying session as Sampey posted a 5.327 at 274.83 mph to climb to the No. 13 position. In Saturday’s final qualifying attempt, Sampey once again encountered issues off the starting line but drove through tire shake to complete a 5.364-second pass at 274.33 mph, solidifying the No. 13 qualifying position. Paired against Jamie Noonan in the opening round of eliminations, Sampey gained the advantage at the starting line before mechanical trouble developed near the 330-foot mark. She coasted to an 8.990-second pass at 89.85 mph as Noonan advanced to the second round. Although the weekend ended earlier than hoped, Sampey and the team remained encouraged by the progress made and immediately shifted their focus toward additional testing. “We’re still trying to figure this whole thing out,” Sampey said. “My team is going to stay and test tomorrow with Corey’s car, and that information will transfer over to my car. So we’re hoping we learn something. I know we’re on the cusp of getting it figured out and getting my beautiful black-and-green Hangsterfer’s, FVP, Mission Foods A/Fuel dragster where it needs to be.” Rather than heading home after race weekend, the MBR team elected to remain at Summit Motorsports Park for a scheduled test session to gather additional data. Sampey and the AB Accelerate/MBR team will return to action at the NHRA Brainerd Nationals, August 20-23, at Brainerd International Raceway. The post Angelle Sampey and Team Focused on Continued Progress After Norwalk Weekend first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Joan Mir and Dani Holgado will form BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP’s 2027 line-up, with Mir set for factory-spec Ducati machinery and Holgado to make his premier-class debut. The post Gresini move gives Mir chance to turn commitment into results appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Delhi's government is trying to reduce air pollution in the city by banning the sale of certain ICE vehicles and hoping its citizens will buy electric instead. But this plan has come under criticism.View the full article

The Dubbin Motorsports Top Alcohol Dragster team failed to qualify at Norwalk, ending a planned comeback weekend at a track where the team previously scored a win. Driver Kirk Wolf and the team encountered issues across all three qualifying sessions. In Q1, the team lost an O-ring in the barrel valve during the burnout, causing a fuel leak. Crew members worked to repair the leak but left the throttle stop in place, limiting injector blade travel and forcing Wolf to abort the run with only part throttle. “We lost an O-ring in the barrel valve in the burnout, so it was leaking fuel everywhere,” said team owner Dean Dubbin. “While they were trying to fix that, we forgot to take the throttle stop off, but that turned out to be good news because the engine had an issue that would’ve been catastrophic if we had tried to make a full pass.” In Q2, the car shook early and dropped cylinders past half‑track, leaving Wolf with a run that kept him just outside the show in the No. 17 spot. In Q3, the car left hard but rattled the tires just past 60 feet. Wolf tried a quick pedal slap, but the front end began to lift, forcing him to shut it off. “In Q3, Kirk peddled it, and it hiked the front end up, and he had to abort the run,” Dubbin said of the Q3 attempt. “There isn’t much you can do when they start lifting the front end like that.” The team made multiple changes over the weekend, including a clutch swap and a nitromethane drum change to rule out fuel contamination. “Through the weekend, we put a completely different clutch in the car, and we even changed our drum of Nitro, thinking we had some contaminated fuel,” said Dubbin. “The car is extremely aggressive, and we have to work on getting it through the shake zone. “To sum it up, we aren’t happy at all with what we are putting on the racetrack right now,” Dubbin added. “This team has too much talent and too much experience to be running like this. We will be doing some testing to get things straightened out before the Brainerd event in August.” Dubbin declined to address rumors about a new Top Alcohol Dragster program under development, but he did hint that the team may roll out “something new” when they return at Brainerd later in the summer. The post Kirk Wolf Misses Norwalk Field In Disappointing Comeback Bid first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

You know you've made a bad move when the guy who designed the racetrack that's getting moved calls you out.View the full article

EVP has a new tune and clutch weight kit to give you that extra oomph.View the full article

The world needs cheap bikes, the West wants fancy ones, and TVS wants both receipts.View the full article

Patrick Evans won the Best Trick category at the 2026 X Games aboard a Stark Varg. But the fact that he threw a whip during the competition is making headlines.View the full article

Swapping a pit bike engine into a vintage Honda Cub is such a sweet idea, but it needs a few little tweaks to make it the perfect sleeper.View the full article

A hand-built streetfighter for people who think subtlety is for the impoverished.View the full article

Celebrating a decade of custom motorcycle craftsmanship, China’s BVL Garage has unveiled the BVL-VMX-900, a striking reinterpretation of the all-new Triumph Scrambler 900 that draws heavy inspiration from the iconic 1981 Triumph TR7T Tiger Trail. The one-off project blends vintage motocross styling with modern engineering, creating a motorcycle that pays tribute to the adventurous spirit of the late 1970s and early 1980s while embracing contemporary manufacturing techniques. At the heart of the build is the latest Scrambler 900 platform, transformed […] The post BVL Garage Reimagines the Triumph Scrambler 900 as an 1980s-Inspired VMX Adventure Machine appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

The NHRA regular season points titles are starting to heat up. Check out who's got a chance to win the regular season championship. View the full article

Peter Stevens Motorcycles has expanded its national retail footprint with new dealerships in Epping, Victoria and Sydney, adding new brands and services under the MotorCycle Holdings banner. The post Peter Stevens Motorcycles accelerates national expansion as part of MotorCycle Holdings appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

(Photos and words by Darr Hawthorne) • There was a time when owning an automobile was a privilege reserved for the rich. Then along came Henry Ford. When Ford introduced the moving assembly line, he didn’t just build a better car, he revolutionized the way the world manufactured everything. Ford cranked out vehicles and suddenly the average working family and his assembly line workers could own an automobile. The Ford Model T put the entire world on wheels. More than a century later, that pioneering spirit is still alive as dozens of century old Fords gathered at the base of Hill Street the dividing line between Long Beach and Signal Hill, California to tackle one of Southern California’s most unique automotive traditions. The goal is to motor to the top of a steep, one-tenth-mile climb featuring an engine-testing 22-percent grade. Today’s Camaros and Mustangs barely notice the incline, but a 100-year-old Model T has to huff and puff to gain every foot of it, with help from a much-deserved running start. The 2026 event found the top time of 11.71-seconds by Jerry Sherman Jr. in his Model T-powered Sprint car that his dad purchased in the early 70’s. In a previous life the car had raced on local dry lakes and dirt tracks. John Von Karvaly has driven this 1920 Touring Car for the past fifteen years, climbing the grade in 11.96-seconds with an overhead valve 4-cylinder conversion. Steven Chase powered his 1923 Speedster up Signal Hill in 14.22-seconds. His hot rod appeared in the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and he took a handful of runs up the incline. Chris Craig drove his Model T-powered 1914 Speedster, sporting a Weber carb and a ’28 Chevy head. He climbed Signal Hill in 14.33-seconds. In 1957 the Long Beach Model T Club organized its first climb of Signal Hill. What started as a friendly challenge quickly became one of SoCal’s must-attend vintage automotive events. Year after year, spectators lined the sidewalks to watch buzzing magnetos, grinding transmissions, and determined drivers who persuaded their “Tin Lizzies” up the famous hill. Against all odds, and to the surprise of first-time spectators, the little old Fords conquered the climb with remarkable determination. The yearly event continued for 23 years before rising liability insurance costs and disagreements with adjacent property owners eventually brought the curtain down on a cherished tradition in 1979. When the City of Signal Hill celebrated its Centennial in 2024, they joined with the Long Beach Model T Club to bring back the Signal Hill Climb. The revival proved to be such a tremendous success that the Model Ts returned this year as part of America’s nationwide celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States. Drivers leaned forward over skinny steering wheels while a couple hundred spectators cheered from the sidewalks and hilltop finish line, watching history back come to life, one 4-cylinder at a time. The Signal Hill Model T Hill Climb serves as a reminder of where it all began. It’s hosted by the Long Beach Model T Club. More than 100 years after Henry Ford changed the world, the Model T is still climbing those steep hills, and the two-dozen competitors loved it. CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM SIGNAL HILL HILL CLIMB! The post Model T’s Storm Up California’s Signal Hill Once Again! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

If you spend any time scrolling through the digital archives of Mayerl Motorcycl...View the full article

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 430 “DOUBLE TROUBLE & THE NEXT BIG THING” SOME WEEKENDS YOU WIN. SOME WEEKENDS YOUR WHOLE TEAM WINS. AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED. This week on The Wes Buck Show, we’re talking about one of the coolest storylines in NHRA this season, and we’ve got the people who lived it. First up, Ron Capps and Maddi Gordon, teammates who pulled off an incredible double-up at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. Ron is a straight-up legend. Champion. Future Hall of Famer. The guy has forgotten more about drag racing than most people will ever know. And then there’s Maddi. If you’ve watched her interviews after a run, you know exactly what we’re talking about. The excitement. The passion. The raw emotion. It’s genuine, it’s contagious, and it’s exactly the kind of energy this sport needs. Fresh off her first career Top Fuel victory, she’s quickly becoming one of the brightest young stars in NHRA. We’re gonna talk about the huge weekend, sharing the winner’s circle with her teammate, and where this ride is headed. Then we shift gears to the world of Pro Mod. Peter Norton, the DI Winter Series champion, joins us after making another big move. He’s teamed up with Paige Coughlin, giving one of drag racing’s most recognizable last names the opportunity to climb behind the wheel of a Pro Mod. Paige comes from one of the most respected families in motorsports, and now she’s getting her shot in one of the wildest classes on the planet. We’ll talk about how it all came together, what the future looks like, and why this is such a cool opportunity for everyone involved. Champions. Legends. Future stars. This one has everything. LET’S GOOOOO! 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 #RonCapps #MaddiGordon #PeterNorton #PaigeCoughlin #NHRA #TopFuel #FunnyCar #ProMod #DIWinterSeries #WBS #DI #RacersClub This story was originally published on July 1, 2026. The post The WBS | Ep. 403 | Ron Capps, Maddi Gordon, Peter Norton, & Paige Coughlin! first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

It's not exactly a denial. Is it?View the full article

The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season hit the halfway point last weekend in Norwalk, but that also means only four races remain in the regular season. With the regular season championship back in 2026 during NHRA’s 75th anniversary campaign, there’s plenty on the line over the next four events in Sonoma (July 17-19), Seattle (July 24-26), Brainerd (Aug. 18-22) and Indy (Sept. 2-7). For the second straight year, NHRA will award nearly $400,000 to the regular season champs in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle, with $150,000 going to the driver in both Top Fuel and Funny Car who finishes first in points at the end of the prestigious Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. Here’s where things stand in each category in the race for the regular season title. TOP FUEL For all intents and purposes, this is a two-horse race – and it’s all in the Kalitta Motorsports stable. Shawn Langdon has been incredible thus far in 2026, winning four times and advancing to eight final rounds. Those are stout numbers for an entire season, but Langdon has managed to accomplish all that in 10 races. Reigning world champ Doug Kalitta has also been great, but even he’s been unable to keep up, sitting 150 points back of his teammate. He’ll need to get hot and Langdon will have to slip up for this race to get interesting in Indy. Leah Pruett is third at 279 points back and has enjoyed a banner year in her return to the sport, but catching Langdon or Kalitta – at least in the regular season – seems like a tough ask over the next four events. FUNNY CAR Ron Capps took a big step toward his first regular season title with his Norwalk victory. It put him 121 points up on Matt Hagan and Capps has three wins this year, something no other Funny Car driver can claim. But there’s a loaded group not that far off in Funny Car and things can change quickly in this category. J.R. Todd, who has done everything but pick up a win in 2026, is 123 points behind in third and Jack Beckman is only 128 points back. Jordan Vandergriff (-161) and Chad Green (-179) can’t be counted out, either, in a race that may go down to the wire in Indy. Capps, though, is always strong in Brainerd and has been stellar as of late in Indy as he looks for a big finish in the regular season. PRO STOCK For the second straight year for this title, it’s the Dallas Glenn and Greg Anderson show. Matt Hartford has been excellent, winning three races in 2026, but at 161 points back in third, it’s tough to see both Glenn and Anderson slipping up enough for Hartford to claim the regular season title. As for Glenn and Anderson, it’s a toss-up. The points lead has changed hands on several occasions this year, with Glenn moving back into the lead after Norwalk, now leading his KB Titan Racing teammate by 23 points. Glenn won in Seattle last year, while Anderson rolled to the win in Brainerd and the six-time champ is always tough to beat at The Big Go. If it’s less than 30 points in Indy, it comes down to who has the better Labor Day and that would certainly be fun to watch. PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE This one will come down to Indy, if only because it’s the only race left in the regular season for the two-wheeled category. Indy is all that’s left before the playoffs in Pro Stock Motorcycle and Richard Gadson strengthened his grip on the title with a victory in Norwalk. His lead stands at 83 points over Gaige Herrera, who won the regular season crown in 2025. Angie and Matt Smith are 111 and 136 points back, respectively, but the Vance & Hines team of Gadson and Herrera have been in control as of late, which makes that gap a tall order to overcome in just one race. For more information on NHRA, including the 2026 schedule, visit www.NHRA.com. The post Regular Season Title Back for Second Straight Year in NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

ScottRod Racing made more progress with the 12,000-horsepower land rocket on and off the track this past weekend at the 20th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Norwalk Nationals. High Gear Professional Drone Services and Powell Roofing Company joined the team as associate sponsors during the race which saw driver Scott Farley and the ScottRod team qualify No. 15. The partnership came together through Tim Bucher, owner of High Gear Professional Drone Services and Powell Roofing Company. Although Scott Farley and Michelle Torromeo had met Bucher previously, the relationship grew throughout the Norwalk race weekend, where conversations in the pit strengthened an already positive connection. One moment stood out to Torromeo as the race progressed at Summit Motorsports Park. “Tim has coached me on staying calm under fire,” said Torromeo, Managing Partner of ScottRod Racing. “Late in the weekend, he looked at me and said, ‘You look more confident.’ Coming from someone I respect, that meant a great deal.” As fellow aviators, another unexpected connection developed away from the race car. Despite thousands of hours flying MD-11s, neither Scott nor Michelle had ever piloted a drone. Tim introduced them to the controls, and the experience became one of the lighter moments of an otherwise intense race weekend. “We’re grateful to Tim for believing in what we’re building and choosing to be part of our journey,” Torromeo said. “It’s relationships like these that make NHRA racing so special.” The High Gear Professional Drone Services and Powell Roofing Company logos appeared on the ScottRod Racing Top Fuel dragster throughout the Norwalk event. The post High Gear Professional Drone Services and Powell Roofing Company Thrilled to be Onboard with ScottRod Racing as Associate Sponsors for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

SCAG Racing started the celebration of America’s military heroes throughout the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park while all four nitro entries proudly carried the team’s “Simply the Brave” military tribute wraps. Veterans and active-duty military members signed each race car throughout the weekend, making for a memorable event both on and off the racetrack. Daniel Wilkerson led the way for SCAG Racing in his SCAG Power Equipment Ford Funny Car, advancing to the quarterfinals after defeating No. 5 qualifier Matt Hagan in the opening round. Wilkerson qualified No. 12 with a 3.938-second pass at 322.50 mph. A stellar .037 reaction time helped Wilkerson leave first, and he never looked back, running a 3.935 at 327.59 mph to defeat Hagan’s 4.308 at 213.40 mph. In the second round, Wilkerson faced No. 4 qualifier, Jack Beckman. Once again, Wilkerson left first with an impressive .036 reaction time — the quickest Funny Car reaction time on race day — but smoked the tires immediately and coasted to an 11.550 at 76.39 mph while Beckman advanced with a 3.981 at 323.19 mph. “I think we all had pretty high hopes for today, especially after first round,” said Wilkerson. “We love coming out to run at Summit Motorsports Park, Summit has been a huge supporter of mine for my entire career so we always like to put down some nice runs for the fans here. “Definitely seems like we got our race car back but as you saw second round, she’s still a little finicky. We slowed her down, trying to make her go down the track and it just wasn’t enough. So in a very rare move for SCAG Wilkerson Racing, we’re going to stay tomorrow and make some runs and see if we can figure out what’s going on with this Ford Mustang. I want to thank everyone who came over to the pits to sign our ‘Simply the Brave’ body and thank you for your sacrifice and service to this great country.” Dave Richards qualified No. 8 in his Bluebird Turf Funny Car with a strong 3.930 at 335.90 mph before matching up with No. 9 qualifier Del Worsham in the first round of eliminations. Richards posted a quicker .101 reaction time to Worsham’s .124 but was unable to overcome a loss of traction, running a 4.207 at 243.33 mph while Worsham advanced with a 3.963 at 331.53 mph. “Overall a great weekend here in Norwalk celebrating all our heroes and debuting our Simply The Brave tribute cars,” said Richards. “We had tons of veterans come and sign the car again today, it’s just been an amazing time. I’m really happy with the progress we’re making with this race car. I keep saying it but we’re getting better and better and I just I know where we’re gonna be here real soon, so I’m excited for the future.” Will Smith qualified No. 11 with his Bluebird Turf Top Fuel team after a 3.788-second pass at 326.32 mph and faced No. 6 qualifier Tony Schumacher in the opening round. Smith delivered the quickest reaction time of all Top Fuel drivers on race day with a .037 light to Schumacher’s .102, but smoked the tires soon after. He pedaled the car in an attempt to regain traction, but could not. Smith crossed the finish line in 4.648 seconds at 208.88 mph while Schumacher advanced with a 4.350 at 208.81 mph. “Unfortunately, we smoked the tires in the first round today,” said Smith. “I pedaled it and gave it everything I had, but we just couldn’t recover enough to get the job done. Even though the result isn’t what we wanted, I’m really proud of the progress our Simply the Brave Bluebird Turf team made throughout the weekend. We learned a lot, made some positive strides with the race car, and that’s something we can continue to build on. “One of the biggest highlights was seeing so many veterans and active-duty military members stop by to sign our Simply the Brave tribute race car. It’s been an incredible way to honor the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country, and we’re proud to represent them. We have had a great crowd of dealers and customers with us this weekend and it’s always great spending time with them and giving them the ultimate NHRA experience. We’ll take what we’ve learned, keep working hard, and be ready for the next one.” Justin Ashley qualified No. 13 in the SCAG Power Equipment Top Fuel dragster with a 3.801 at 328.30 mph and faced No. 4 qualifier Tony Stewart in the opening round of Top Fuel eliminations. Ashley left first with a .041 reaction time to Stewart’s .070 but smoked the tires early in the run. Ashley slowed to a 5.435 at 130.10 mph while Stewart advanced with a 3.758 at 328.86 mph. “I’d like to start by thanking all of the active and veteran military members who came to sign our cars this weekend,” said Ashley. “We are honored and grateful for your service. Admittedly, it’s been a struggle for the first half of the season. But we know where we’re going and won’t stop until we get there. Everyone loves a comeback story. We are ready to put our best foot forward for everyone at SCAG Power Equipment, Mac Tools, Mobil 1, Impact, FastTz & Signs and all those that support us. Tomorrow’s test session will put on the right path for Sonoma and beyond.” Following the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, SCAG Racing will remain at Summit Motorsports Park for a Monday test session before heading west for the Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway, July 24-26. This story was originally published on July 1, 2026. The post SCAG Racing Delivers Memorable Weekend in Norwalk Honoring America’s Heroes first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals is a top-tier event. Check out our photo gallery that highlights just how special this event is.View the full article

For Nitro Joe Morrison, the veteran multi-class professional drag racer, NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series national events are about on-track performance and off-track fan interaction. This past weekend at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals the Herzhauser Funny Car narrowly missed qualifying for one of the quickest Funny Car fields of the season, but Morrison took the win for his fan interaction opportunities throughout the three-day race. He was racing with support from the Right2Breathe® Project, PennGrade1 and CarTimeDover.com. Also, this weekend Before & After Painting, wrapped up the “Livin’ the Dream” two-race series with major branding on the Funny Car. “This has been an amazing two week stretch for me,” said Morrison. “We raced in Columbus last week and Norwalk this weekend with this great ‘Livin the Dream’ Funny Car. We had a tough weekend, but we made the most of it. I appreciate the opportunity from Herzhauser Racing group.” Friday’s schedule was adjusted to avoid inclement weather and the Herzhauser team opted to take their best shot at qualifying on Saturday with two qualifying sessions available. In the first session Morrison’s 12,000-horsepower Funny Car smoked the tires right off the starting line and still coasted to the finish line 1000 feet down track with a time of 11.677 seconds at 95.58 mph. In the final session needing to post a time quicker than 4.134 seconds, Morrison made almost a full run before his blower belt expired, robbing his motor of much needed power and slowing him to a run of 5.160 seconds at 151.41 mph. He finished qualifying No. 17 just outside the quick 16. “We spent a lot of time in the Right2Breathe display and on the NHRA stage,” said Morrison. “That is really what this program is about, and I want to thank the Cleveland Clinic for continuing to support our program. We changed a lot of lives this weekend and we will continue to spread the word about being proactive with your lung health.” Off the track Morrison was one of the busiest drivers on the property. On Friday and Saturday, he spent significant time in the Right2Breathe® Project tent with the Cleveland Clinic as well as NDD Medical and BluZone Health. Morrison was part of the team of people encouraging fans to participate in the “Put Your Lungs on the Dyno” Lung Health Screening. Right2Breathe, a New Jersey based 501(c)(3) non-profit, in collaboration with the team of healthcare professionals and support from Sanofi Pharmaceutical, offered onsite lung health screenings and education to the estimated 70,000+ fans and racers who attended the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals. On Saturday Morrison was one of the featured drivers on the NHRA stage with NHRA personality and WFO radio host Joe Castello. The duo talked about Morrison’s racing season, the Right2Breathe program and his passion for helping people. Following the stage show Morrison hosted Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Richard Gadson, 2025 NHRA Rookie of the Year Spencer Hyde and accomplished Top Alcohol Dragster driver Melanie Johnson in the Right2Breathe display for a fan autograph session. “I had a great time with Richard, Spencer and Melanie signing for the fans on Saturday morning,” said Morrison. “The fans loved seeing these drivers and I appreciate all the support we get from our fellow competitors and the NHRA.” On race day even though Morrison was on the sidelines he still was a part of the first round racing action. During eliminations he was interviewed on the starting line about his work with the Cleveland Clinic and the Right2Breathe program. Throughout race day fans were encouraged to stop by the display for an autograph and to get their free lung screening. Morrison is looking at his future plans to see when he can return to the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, possibly for the historic U.S. Nationals Labor Day weekend. The veteran driver is balancing his Right2Breathe project obligations with racing opportunities in a variety of professional racing series. This story was originally published on July 1, 2026. The post Joe Morrison Packs Norwalk With Racing and Significant Fan Interaction first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

(Photos by Neal Sabo) We just finished sharing our lost Buckeye Skips drag and drive photos from 2025 the other day, but we’re excited about 2026! Yesterday was Day 1, when the driver’s meeting went down and the first day’s drive had racers testing their street tunes, as well as racing at National Trail. We’ve already got photos from BANGshifter Neal Sabo, so check them out below. Neal will be there all week snapping pictures and checking out the cool stuff going on. He is planning to hit all three days, at Darana Dragway at Dragway 42, Darana Raceway National Trail, and Kuhnle Motorsports Park to get all kinds of cool photos. He’ll be hitting the checkpoints and the tracks. We’ll have more coming throughout the week so check back tomorrow too! If you missed the previous photos, CLICK HERE TO SEE THEM TOO! The post Drag and Drive Photos: Buckeye Skips 2026 – Day 1 Driver’s Meeting, Checkpoints, and Racing at Darana Raceway National Trail in Ohio appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article