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EU Reconsiders Its Zero-Emission DeadlineThe European Union appears to be backing away from its once-firm resolve to completely halt the sale of new internal-combustion cars by 2025. This development marks a major shift in the EU’s long-term strategy to curb emissions from transport in an attempt to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. With German and Italian political leaders and automakers rallying against this rigid timeline, it seems that this once locked-in policy is now under review. Bring a Trailer German Chancellor Pushes for Policy RethinkA turning point of this decision arrived after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pressed European Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen to ease the proposed regulation. His request, delivered by way of a formal letter, argued that the 2035 cutoff didn’t account for the possibility of viable technologies emerging that could lower emissions from combustion engines to acceptable levels, in line with the EU’s long-term goals. While no changes have been officially announced yet, it looks like the Commission is weighing options that could leave room for the sale of plug-in hybrids, range-extended EVs, and highly-efficient combustion engines beyond the 2035 deadline. Alternative Fuels May Keep Internal Combustion GoingEU transport officials have acknowledged that developments in alternate fuel technology may also play a part in reworking the emissions strategy. Manufacturers have been working on renewable synthetic fuels and advanced biofuels that may be able to keep combustion engines alive without compromising on emission and climate commitments. Examples of these are BMW’s vegetable-oil-based HVO100 that dramatically cuts emissions in diesels, and the synthetic gasoline alternative that Porsche have been working on since 2022. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article European Commission Set To MeetThe European Commission will gather on December 10 to reevaluate its position and outline proposals aimed at stabilising the increasingly pressured auto sector. While the final announcement of their decisions may come at a later date, it looks like the 2035 ban will not go ahead as previously planned. It seems likely that the Commission will arrive at a more flexible framework designed to preserve innovation, protect manufacturing jobs, and offer a broader route towards cleaner mobility. View the full article

A Relatively Cheaper Successor to the LFARemember when the Lexus LFA came out in 2009? It carried a sticker price of $375,000, which already felt surreal at the time for a Toyota product. Adjust that number for inflation, and you're looking at roughly $563,000 today. That context matters because the new 641-horsepower GR GT is widely viewed as the spiritual successor to the LFA. Like the LFA, it's a flagship project born from motorsport thinking, obsessive engineering, and a desire to push Toyota's performance image forward. The difference this time is that Toyota seems far less interested in turning it into a once-in-a-lifetime collectible priced completely out of reach. Ahead of its planned 2027 arrival, Toyota has stopped well short of confirming any pricing. Still, the company has made it clear that the GR GT won't chase the same ultra-high entry point as the LFA. Instead of throwing out a number, executives have hinted toward a much more grounded frame of reference. Toyota Looking to European Benchmarks for Pricing CluesDuring the Toyota Gazoo Racing GR GT debut in Japan, The Drive asked what many enthusiasts are already wondering: how much this new flagship will actually cost. Rather than dodging the question entirely, GR GT Project Manager Takashi Doi offered a revealing answer. "There's a lot of GT3 cars on the market today, so use that as a reference," he told The Drive when asked about pricing expectations. That single comment narrows the field considerably. According to the publication, Toyota has benchmarked the GR GT against cars like the Porsche 911 GT3 and the Mercedes-AMG GT. Of note, the Porsche 911 GT3 now starts at $230,500, while Mercedes-AMG GT pushes past $200,000 for the top-spec plug-in version. It's likely that the GR GT places above the $200,000 mark at launch, depending on final specifications, production volume, and how aggressively Toyota wants to position it against established European rivals. Toyota appears to be positioning the GR GT as a true peer to Europe's most respected driver-focused GT machines, rather than as a halo car designed to exist more in museums than on roads. Toyota To Be Sold at Lexus dealershipsAnother key detail from The Drive's conversation with Toyota centers on how – or where – the GR GT will be sold in the US. Despite wearing the Gazoo Racing branding, the car won't be sold through standard Toyota dealerships side by side with the GR Corolla. At the same event, a Toyota spokesperson confirmed to the publication that the GR GT will be available for purchase at select Lexus dealerships. That decision makes sense when viewed through the lens of price and ownership experience. The GR GT won't wear a Lexus badge, but its expected cost and complexity demand a level of customer service well beyond what most Toyota dealers are set up to provide. By placing the GR GT within the Lexus retail and service network, Toyota is making sure buyers will receive specialized support and an ownership experience that aligns with the money being spent. So yes, the GR GT may not be as expensive as the LFA, but it's still very much a flagship. Toyota View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The annual Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show is poised to unleash a flurry of visual delights when it opens its doors to the public tomorrow. Colloquially known as Mooneyes, it's not only Japan's top show but also arguably one of the most prestigious in the world. So if you're planning to unveil your lat... View the full article

If you have been around cars for more than 20 years, you have heard all kinds of variations on how often you should change the oil in your car or truck. For years we were told that 3,000 miles was the magic number, especially if you were using your vehicle for any towing, and then all of a sudden the rules started changing. Some of that might be because of advancements in oil, but also because of advancements in engine machining and engine management systems. But knowing all that doesn’t change the fact that when the manual says you can now go 10,000 miles under ideal conditions, after being told for decades that 3,000 miles was the max, it’s kind of hard to believe. So what is the manual telling you? And is it correct? Can you trust the oil life indicators? Watch the latest video from our friend Lake Speed Jr. and then let us know what you think. Video Description: Can you trust the advice provided by your owner’s manual, especially when it comes to oil change intervals? As a Certified Lubrication Specialist, I review the advice provided by the owner’s manual and compare that with the data we’ve collected from thousands of used oil samples from new engines during the critical break-in period. If you have a new car, truck or motorcycle, this video is a must watch! Here’s a video with more information on engine break-in and break-in oil: • New Engine Break-In: Truth or Myth? Here is the proper framework for making decisions regarding oil. Step 1 – Utilize the OEM recommended oil spec and viscosity and do two early oil changes during the break-in process (500 to 1,000 miles and again between 3,000 and 4,000 miles). Step 2 – Take used oil samples at each oil change to establish the trend analysis. Step 3 – Go 5,000 miles on the third oil change and take a used oil sample. If the wear rate per 1,000 miles is below 5 ppm, you are good. If the wear rate is between 5 ppm and 10 ppm per 1,000 miles, go another 5,000 miles on the OEM recommended oil and resample. If the wear rate is still greater than 5 ppm per 1,000 miles, then move to step 4. Step 4 – Since the OEM recommended oil and viscosity have not produced a wear rate per 1,000 miles lower than 5 ppm, go up to next viscosity grade in that oil. Go 4,000 to 5,000 miles on that oil and then take another sample. See if the change in viscosity drops the wear rate per 1,000 miles below 5 ppm. If it does, you are good. If it does not, then move to Step 5. Step 5 – Since the change in viscosity did not get the wear rate per 1,000 miles below 5 ppm, try a different brand of oil in the same viscosity grade of whichever oil had the lowest wear rate per 1,000 miles. You will need to use it for 3,000 to 4,000 miles to flush the OEM oil out of the system before going 5,000 miles on the new oil to take another sample. See if the non-OEM oil lowers the wear rate per 1,000 miles to 5 ppm or less. If it does, you are good. You can then use the oil analysis results to fine tune the oil change interval. If the wear rate per 1,000 miles is still above 5 ppm, try the next higher viscosity oil of that same brand to see if that lowers the wear rate per 1,000 miles. Finding the best oil for an engine is an iterative process, but the data from the samples (viscosity, additive depletion, wear rate) will paint a picture that guides you in the right direction. For more information on oil analysis, check out: https://www.speediagnostix.com The post The FACTS About Oil Changes And What Your Owner’s Manual DIDN’T Tell You! How Often Should You Be Changing Oil? appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

I’m a fan of a good beater or sleeper. I’ve always liked them, but since my budget never allows for a high end “pretty” car, I tend to gravitate toward fast without flash. And nothing is cooler than taking your underdog beater out and beating up on someone in a fancy high dollar machine. Tony Angelo thinks the same way, so when he had the chance to put together this low buck beater Dart, and then put it up against his really nice 6.4 Hemi swapped ground up build, he took it. Watch the video below and let us know what you think. The 1970 Dart is beautiful, there is no doubt, but let us know which one of these you would actually prefer to have at the track. And before you watch the video, throw a comment in about which one you think will win in a shootout between the two. Video Description: Which Dart is the better Dart? We spent $30k and months building a KILLER 6.4 Gen 3 Hemi Swapped ’70 Dart with every bolt touched and every part replaced, and it’s a total ripper. BUT, can my $3,000 dirt cheap, ratty, 440 iron Big Block ’74 Dart embarrass my very expensive long term project? Stay Tuned to find out! THIS ’70 DART CAN BE YOURS! Starting Monday, December 8th, go to www.staytunedshop.com and buy some merch to get entered to win! The post Is Tony’s LOW BUCK Beater Dart as GOOD (or as FAST) as His HIGH END 6.4 Hemi Street Machine Dart!? appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

We’ve got tons of video and action from the DI Winter Series at Bradenton Motorsports Park this weekend, where the Snowbird Nationals are going on with tons of awesome racers and racing action. We’ve got NC Promoder’s video below from eliminations and hope you’ll watch and enjoy. There is no shortage of action in the videos below, so check them out and let us know what you think. The videos start with Round 1 at the bottom of the page. Round 1 Qualifying Round 3 The post Pro 10.5 Racing Action From The DI Winter Series Snowbird Nationals At Bradenton Motorsports Park In Florida appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

With $20,000 on the line, Kevin and the KSR crew are giving it their all at the Bradenton Motorsports Park Out For Blood Shootout. There are 50+ other cars and trucks battling it out too, and like most Lil Gangsta’s races you can expect real close racing action, upsets, and drama. It’s a good time for all that are there racing for sure, and everyone knows that Soccer Mom is a player, so Kevin has as good a shot at this as anyone else. Watch the video below to see how it all works out for them. Video Description: Team KSR takes SoccerMom down to Bradenton Motorsports Park for the Out For Blood Shootout to take on 50+ other racers in the “Lil Ganstas” 5.30 index class!! Follow along to see how we did!!! The post SoccerMom Goes Lil Ganstas Racing!! $20,000 On The Line So Kevin And KSR Is Going After It! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Following another record-setting day of Pro Mod qualifying Friday at the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks, Jason Harris held on to his No. 1 qualifying position in his Harts Charger-boosted “Party Time” Harold Denton tribute ’69 Camaro. Harris used a 3.560-second pass at 211.20 mph down the Bradenton Motorsports Park eighth-mile surface to lead the quickest 32-car field in Pro Mod history. Young gun Kyle Dvorak ended up on the bump spot with a 3.615-second pass, meaning the 32-car field is separated by just .055 seconds. The Snowbirds is the opening round of the 2025/2026 Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service, a three-race Pro Mod championship series at Bradenton. The winner of the Snowbirds will walk away with $50,000 and the opportunity to compete for the inaugural Elite Motorsports Million, a $1,000,000 bonus for winning all three races: the Snowbirds, the U.S. Street Nationals in January 2026, and the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod in February 2026. Harris, a four-time PDRA world champion, ended Thursday as the provisional No. 1 qualifier with his 3.560 at 211.20 in the night session. In the third qualifying session on Friday morning, he posted a 3.617 at 209.62. His 60-foot time on the fourth qualifying pass was on pace with the 3.56, but when his “Party Time” ’69 Camaro started to get out of shape, Harris wisely lifted off the throttle and coasted to a 4.066 at 133.49. As the No. 1 qualifier, Harris earned the $5,000 Jerry Bickel Race Cars No. 1 Qualifier Bonus. If he manages to qualify No. 1 at the other two Winter Series races – a feat Mark Micke pulled off in the inaugural Winter Series – he’ll win a brand-new Pro Mod rolling chassis valued at more than $200,000 thanks to the Jerry Bickel Race Cars Clean Sweep Challenge. “When you can qualify No. 1 in this field right here, you’ve gotta be one of the baddest guys out there, and that’s kind of the way I feel like we are right now,” Harris said. “We’re a lower budgeted team, so it feels good to win that $5,000. I want to thank Jerry Bickel Race Cars for giving me the opportunity, and I’m going to do my best to qualify No. 1 at the next two and see if I can get it. It would probably be the biggest highlight of my career to win. I’ve got a Bickel car right now, and to win something like that, it would just be life-changing for me.” Harris ended up drawing Micke in the random chip draw to determine first-round pairings. The newly crowned No. 1 qualifier will face off with the driver who qualified No. 1 at all three Winter Series races last winter to kick off the series. “I’m kind of bad at chip drawing, so I knew I was going to draw somebody who was going to be tough,” said Harris, who thanked his team, which includes his father, Bob, and tuner Brandon Stroud. “But No. 1 to 32 is all tough, and nobody wants me, but I don’t want anybody else. That’s just the way it goes because tomorrow’s another day and anything can happen in drag racing.” Jimmy Taylor, who made headlines before the Winter Series with his doorslammer world record passes behind the wheel of his twin-turbocharged Xtreme Racing Engines ’69 Camaro, qualified No. 2 with a 3.567 at 223.36 in the third session. He went into Friday not qualified after a battery switch and a broken intake spring plagued his first two qualifying attempts on Thursday. “I ain’t gonna lie, I didn’t sleep a whole lot last night,” said Taylor, who will face Robert Davis in the opening round. “I was pretty tore up. We weren’t even gonna make the field at that point with our luck. When we come out and run a .56, I was ecstatic. I was pretty much celebrating in the car to 330 because I knew we were on a lick and gonna make it into the field with it. This is 32 of the best guys in the world. It’s definitely gonna be hard, but we’re gonna give it everything we’ve got.” Ty Tutterow, the 2025 PDRA Pro Boost world champion, also made a big move on Friday to jump up to the No. 3 position. With his father, Todd “King Tut” Tutterow, calling the shots on the screw-blown Quik Fuel ’69 Camaro, Tutterow laid down a 3.572 at 208.39 in the final session. Tutterow will take on Eric Gustafson in the first round of eliminations. “To be in the field itself is a great task to accomplish,” said Tutterow, who thanked car owner Justin Smith and the Wyo Motorsports team. “and to be near the front is an honor. I’m just glad to be a part of this great team.” Defending Snowbirds event champion Kye Kelley, who made waves last December when he drove his steel-roof-and-quarters ’85 Camaro to the $50,000 win against a field full of purpose-built Pro Mods, qualified No. 4. Now also driving a purpose-built Pro Mod, a screw-blown Larry Jeffers Race Cars ’25 Camaro dubbed “Uncle Larry,” Kelley recorded a 3.575 at 209.62. “The car I had was a really great car, but coming in here with a purpose-built Pro Mod, something that’s meant to do this, it’s different,” said Kelley, who will meet up with fellow Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings alum Scott Taylor in the first round. “It just all boils down to my tuner, Jeff Pierce. I think he’s the best there is. I’ve got a lot of faith in him. When I strap in that car, I know I have a tune-up that’s gonna go right down the racetrack. You don’t see us out there knocking the tires off and all that. He gives me an opportunity to win every time I get in the car. It makes me confident as a driver, and I go out there every time thinking I’m gonna win.” Eric Gustafson, the 2020 NMCA Xtreme Pro Mod champion, rounded out the top five with a 3.576 at 210.01 in his ProCharged Coast Packing Co. “Lard Machine” ’69 Camaro. Pro 10.5 also completed two more qualifying sessions on Friday, but no one topped the 3.879 at 209.69 recorded by Canadian John Carinci on Thursday night. He earned a custom baseball bat from Victus Sports to commemorate the accomplishment. Carinci in his twin-turbocharged ’04 Corvette tuned by 2018 WSOPM champion Carl Stevens Jr. also qualified No. 1 at the WSOPM at Bradenton earlier this year. Apollo Beach, Florida-based driver Jerry Morgano also maintained his No. 2 spot with his 3.900 at 203.03 in his small-block, turbocharged “Copperhead” ’02 Mustang Cobra from Thursday. Ohio’s Bill Lutz fired off a 3.906 at 194.10 in his screw-blown “Big Boost ’67 Camaro to qualify third, bumping retired NFL star Fletcher Cox to fourth with a 3.907 at 190.32 in his nitrous-fed “Training Day” ’69 Camaro. The radial classes in competition at the Snowbirds, Limited Drag Radial and Ultra Street, completed one of their two planned qualifying sessions for the day to add to Thursday’s two sessions. Brett LaSala in his Bradenton-based, turbocharged “Snot Rocket” ’13 Mustang held on to the No. 1 spot in Limited Drag Radial with a 3.900 at 196.85. Similarly, Pittsboro, Indiana’s Terry Wilson in his ’95 Mustang locked in the No. 1 position in Ultra Street with his 4.425 at 157.80 from Thursday night. On-track activities at the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals will begin with index class qualifying at 8 a.m. Pro Mod eliminations will kick off at 10 a.m. The Jet Jam Night of Fire featuring jet Funny Cars, jet trucks, and jet dragsters, will include shows at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. General admission tickets for Saturday’s Night of Fire are available for $40. Active military and children ages 12 and under get in free. VIP packages are also available. Fans can watch the race through the official event livestream on www.FloRacing.com. This story was originally published on December 5, 2025. The post Jason Harris Secures Pro Mod No. 1 Qualifier Award at Snowbird Outlaw Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Michael Jordan took the stand on Friday afternoon in the Western District of North Carolina to close out the first week of the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports v NASCAR antitrust lawsuit trial to much fanfare. Jordan, who co-owns 23XI Racing with Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin and longtime business associate Curtis Polk, are suing NASCAR and CEO Jim France and the 15-month process reached ...Keep readingView the full article

Wanna be a repo person?A car repossession is one of the worst things that can happen to a driver. A repo damages your credit beyond repair for years and leaves you without the means of transportation you likely need. It’s an unfortunate dark side of the auto loans industry, and one company is making it easy for just about anyone to get in on repossessions. DRN, which is effectively the central nervous system of the repossession industry, sells everything from cameras that scan license plates and even access to a massive database of addresses where repossessible vehicles are likely parked. Those cameras, which are typically purchased by repossession agents, are actually available to just about anyone with a few thousand bucks to spare. You can also earn a commission on a repossession if that repo is due to the license plate info that your camera captures. DRN Repos are a dirty businessThe Quick-Deploy LPR (license plate reader) camera is meant to be stationary. You can affix it to poles or a wall, and it can “collect the make, model, color, speed of vehicles up to 100MPH and 75ft in any light.” A Fixed LPR Camera is designed for high-speed, high-traffic roadways and can capture vehicle information at up to 150 miles per hour, even in low light. It offers real-time alerts when paired with DRN’s ClientPortal system, helping repossession agents “protect communities and generate revenue.” DRN’s third camera, the L5M Mobile LPR Camera, is “designed for accurate plate capture on the move, even at high speeds.” It offers day and night vision, make-and-model identification, and in-car notifications. It can be mounted to a vehicle via magnets, lightbar mounts, or roof/trunk mounts specific to your vehicle's make and model. This camera can be purchased for as little as $208 per month with a DRN-financed zero-interest loan, too. While these cameras are meant for repossession agents, anyone can use them. DRN asks that those interested go through their sales department, but a licensed and bonded repossession agent could purchase or lease one on your behalf, or simply allow you to use one they already own. There’s really nothing preventing it. Get paid to snitch on your neighborsDRN first launched its revenue-sharing program in 2023. DRN says agents can earn up to $55 per repossession, as well as the fee they charge for the repossession. In addition, DRN claims it pays out up to $8,000 per month in scan bonuses. All payments are offered on a sliding scale based on the number of plates scanned. For example, if your camera scanned one million plates in a month, you’d earn a $1,000 scan bonus and $25 for each repossession. In DRN’s example, if 115 vehicles were “recovered” thanks to your scans, you’d earn a total of $3,875 for the month in commission. Those in dense, driver-heavy locales who drive often would fare best, as the program doesn’t pay if you scan fewer than 400,000 plates in a month. Beyond Duct Tape Fix It Right Final thoughtsDRN products are only available for sale to licensed, bonded repossession agents. You could get licensed and bonded yourself, but each state has its own rules and regulations, where you typically need a commercial driver’s license and special training before you can apply for a repossession license. Short of that, you could work with a repossession agent in your area to get a DRN camera for your car and start scanning plates as you drive, though you should expect them to want a cut of what you make. The cost of entry is high: around $7,000 for the camera and installation, plus a monthly service charge. It could be a lucrative side gig for those who drive a lot, but it’s not a gig you can be proud of. View the full article

Michael Annett, who turned 39 years old this year, has tragically passed away. Annett competed at all three national levels of the sport, and was a winner in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts (formerly Xfinity) Series. Annett was a full-time Cup driver from 2014 through 2016 as well, starting 106 races and placing as high as 13th in the 2015 Daytona 500. As a driver in the secondary level of the ...Keep readingView the full article

The people have spoken, Scout CEO saysAccording to a new report published by Bloomberg on November 26, Scout Motors, Volkswagen's recently established adventure-focused electric vehicle brand, stated that the brand will be making a hard pivot from purely battery-electric, off-road-oriented SUVs and pickup trucks to those incorporating a gasoline-powered engine. Namely, the brand will be giving its Harvester models extended-range electric versions (EREVs) that were revealed last year with the brand's Traveler SUV and Terra pickup. The biggest draw of the Harvester is its gas-powered engine, which can recharge the battery while in operation. Scout Motors What are EREVs?In an interview, Scout CEO Scott Keogh said that 80% of those who have placed a $100 reservation on a Scout vehicle have opted for the Harvester over pure electric versions. “The market clearly has spoken, without a doubt, and they like the EREV technology full stop,” Keogh told Bloomberg. “This is EV without the drama.” Although we don’t know the exact size of the Scout's battery, the vehicles are expected to feature an 800-volt battery architecture with 350 kW DC fast charging, bidirectional capability, and an estimated 350-mile range on just the battery alone. With the Harvester technology equipped, Scout claims that its cars can travel up to 500 miles using both battery-stored electricity and gas. John Keeble/Getty Images Over the past few years, range-extended or extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) have proven to be a particularly popular alternative to conventional battery-electric vehicles in key regions where EV adoption has surged, notably in China, where local manufacturers such as Li Auto and BYD have seen success with these models. As mentioned before, EREVs differ from other electrified vehicles, such as hybrids and battery-electric cars, as they feature a small gasoline engine that isn’t mechanically connected to the wheels in any way. Instead, it functions like an onboard power plant that activates whenever it is needed to recharge the battery. However, other automakers have recently shown interest in this technology, with several reportedly exploring EREVs to expand their reach. Recently, Jeep has confirmed that the 2026 Grand Wagoneer will feature a range-extender setup, while Ram is developing an extended-range version of the Ram 1500 called the REV. Hyundai is also developing an extended-range version of the Santa Fe. Even BMW is reportedly considering its own EREVs, based on the X5 and 7 Series. It wouldn't be the first time it offered such a technology, as it previously sold the BMW i3 REx, which utilized a small scooter engine to recharge the high-voltage battery when it was low on power. Scout CEO: We are "capable" of building other brands' carsScout Motors is poised to begin producing its vehicles in a brand-new $2 billion factory in South Carolina, which is slated to start production in late 2027. With tariff trouble affecting multiple brands in the Volkswagen portfolio and the possibility of Audiproducing a Scout-derived off-roader targeting the Mercedes G-Wagon and the Land Rover Defender, the Scout CEO did not entirely rule out the possibility of the factory producing four-ring-branded vehicles. “We are capable of making products for other brands, so the platform is capable, and the factory is capable,” Keogh said. “But I have actually nothing to confirm on Audi. Audi can give you that answer.” Final thoughtsScout CEO Scott Keogh also mentioned that with Scout's new facility, Volkswagen has the opportunity to create products that will compete in segments accounting for approximately 40% of the profits experienced by the US auto market, and are often bought by buyers who appreciate a product made in the USA. “The group can plant a brand right in the heart of the US profit pool,” Keogh said. “Regardless of party, I think Americans do want things made in America. These segments are strongly dominated by a ‘Buy American’ mentality.” In theory, EREVs can be a solution to traditional battery-electric cars, as their electric range tends to be much higher than that of many EVs. As charging infrastructure in the US continues to expand, concerns over charging reliability and range anxiety persist. However, these models provide the kind of security that the gas pump offers. View the full article

Valor Offroad, a rapidly growing leader in premium UTV wheels and accessories, proudly announces the release of its latest innovation: the V16 Beadlock Wheel. Purpose-built for aggressive off-road drivers, the V16 delivers a blend of lightweight construction, rugged durability, and modern styling that raises the bar for performance-focused wheel design. Engineered specifically for today’s high-horsepower UTVs, the V16 features a forged-grade beadlock ring, reinforced wheel lip, and optimized load distribution for superior tire retention in the most punishing terrain. Whether carving dunes, hammering through rock gardens, or pounding out desert miles, the V16 is built to hold the line. Valor Offroad V16 Beadlock Wheel Bold New Design. Race-Ready Strength. The V16 showcases Valor’s signature precision machining with a fresh multi-spoke layout engineered to shed weight without compromising strength. The beadlock ring utilizes aggressive hardware spacing for consistent clamping pressure, while the wheel’s inner reinforcement structure manages the shock loads associated with high-speed off-road driving. Valor Offroad V16 Beadlock Wheel Additional highlights include: True beadlock construction for maximum low-pressure tire security Lightweight, high-strength aluminum engineered for today’s heavy-duty UTV platforms Reinforced ring design that improves rigidity and durability in technical terrain Multiple fitments for popular sport and utility models Premium finishes engineered for corrosion resistance and long-term performance Built for Riders Who Demand More “With the V16, we set out to create a wheel that not only looks incredible but performs at a level our customers expect from Valor,” said [Insert Name], [Insert Title], Valor Offroad. “From its structural design to its premium hardware, every detail of the V16 reflects our commitment to reliable, race-inspired engineering.” Availability The new V16 Beadlock Wheel is available now through authorized Valor Offroad dealers and online retailers. For additional details, fitment information, and technical specifications, visit ValorOffroad.com. About Valor Offroad Valor Offroad designs and manufactures high-performance UTV wheels and accessories that blend strength, innovation, and rider-first engineering. Built for enthusiasts who push the limits of their machines, Valor products are tested in the harshest off-road environments to ensure uncompromising reliability. For more information, visit https://www.valoroffroad.com/ The post Valor Offroad Launches All-New V16 Beadlock Wheel Designed for Extreme UTV Performance appeared first on UTV Guide. View the full article

The 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports v NASCAR antitrust trial is raging on as the two sides do battle inside a North Carolina courtroom with the future of the sport likely to be reshaped by the outcome. Here, you can find a recap of some of the most important and interesting moments from each day of the trial, with links back to more in-depth stories from our Senior NASCAR Editor Matt ...Keep readingView the full article

The Automotive Advantage Podcast, featuring Justin and the Doc are back at it with their own 2025 Awards, which makes us laugh and cringe and want to argue with them as well. But it is entertaining and that is all that matters. So check out the episode below, and then make sure you follow BANGshift on Facebook and YouTube so you’ll see our Beards, Burnouts, And Beer Podcast next Wednesday where we just might make up our own 2025 Awards as well. Who know! But watch they boys below and let us know what you think in the comments. Video Description: Welcome back to The Automotive Advantage. Today we reveal the 2025 Automotive Awards that absolutely no one asked for, but everyone will have an opinion about. We break down the best, the worst, and the completely unhinged moments from across the automotive world and crown winners in categories like Car of the Year, Truck of the Year, Top Upfitter, Best Performance Part, Top Media, Best Event, and more. We even pick the Dogs of the Year and talk about the trends that shaped 2025. Inside this episode we cover: The car companies that actually moved the industry forward Why Ford, Dodge SRT, and Toyota dominated different segments Corvette ZR1, GTD, used enthusiast cars, and the rise of the $200K build The Slate truck hype and the f 150 as the new Fox Body Fox Factory, Singer, RTR, and the future of upfitted vehicles Why sim racing and iRacing are becoming real sanctioning bodies Influencers vs traditional media and why Bring a Trailer runs the culture Power Tour, Roadkill, Dream Cruise and the event boom The campaigns that worked and the ones that felt cursed HP Tuners, Whipple, and the new performance landscape The rise of AI generated chaos in automotive media Then we give out our picks for moment of the year, person of the year, and the industry low points we hope stay in 2025. Drop your top ten lists, tell us where we were wrong, and let us know what you are looking forward to in 2026. The post The Automotive Adventage Podcast Brings Us THE AUTOMOTIVE AWARDS NO ONE ASKED FOR! Top Cars, Trends, Winners, Losers of 2025 appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

When Freiburger and I were doing Car Junkie TV and then freelance stuff at Hot Rod, he had a big 1967 Impala Convertible that we did minimal work to before wrapping it with flames and the driving the hell out of it. He loved that thing and drove it often, but always said he was going to replace it with something else big and fun someday. Well, now is the time apparently. Check out the video, the motivation, and the car he got! Video Description: I needed more garbage cars and more adventure, so hit the road with me (or take the bus) as I buy the perfect beater and take the long way home. This 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 convertible is so good. I think you’ll agree. The post Freiburger Found The Perfect Big Beater Convertible To Road Trip, But Perhaps The Weather Could Be Better For Top down Cruising. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is no stranger to controversy, but his latest claim regarding his automaker's "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)" semi-autonomous technology could be seen as endangering lives. Roughly a month ago, Musk promised that FSD would soon allow users to text and drive, reports Electrek. FSD is still not a Level 5 hands-off, eyes-off, fully autonomous technology, but in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk yesterday responded to a question asking if the latest FSD v14.2.1 update allows users to text and drive in the affirmative, replying, "Depending on context of surrounding traffic, yes (sic)." We're not sure in what context texting and driving could be considered safe (one user suggested it would be at traffic lights), but it's certainly never legal. Fewer Safety Warnings for FSD? Tesla As noted above, FSD is still only a Level 2 driver aid, so it seems that Musk's comment indicates a relaxation of the "nags" that prompt a driver to pay attention after the in-cabin camera that tracks eye movement detects the user looking down for too long. In the past, FSD would shut down after a user had been detected looking away from the road too often, but Musk's comment suggests that these so-called nags will be less frequent, and FSD may not deactivate if a user fails to focus on the road and keep their hands on the wheel. Depending on context of surrounding traffic, yes — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 4, 2025 Several Tesla users responding to the above tweet have reported being able to keep their hands off the wheel for extended periods without any intervention from the system, with one saying they were able to do so "almost fully" throughout the day. Sure, if Tesla has come closer to Musk's ambition of "solving autonomy," that's good news and may lead to reduced traffic accidents. However, the fact remains that, at least for now, FSD is not "full self-driving" technology, and even if it had reached that milestone, texting and driving while behind the wheel of any car remains an offense (even if just a misdemeanor) in the eyes of the law. Tesla Vehicles Have a Long Record of Crashes With numerous accidents attributed to the unsupervised use of FSD, as well as several setbacks over the years, rival automakers have shown no interest in licensing the tech from Tesla. Even with human supervision, Tesla robotaxis have crashed often, drawing federal scrutiny. Autopilot has also been implicated in preventable crashes that may have been avoided if the users had been paying attention. Related: Rimac One-Ups Musk By Revealing a Fleet of Robotaxis Before Tesla Does Whatever advancements may have been made with this latest version of Tesla software, Musk's comment encourages more complacency among ignorant Tesla users who are not aware of the risks that failing to take responsibility for their safety and that of other road users creates, not to mention those who are cognizant of the risks but choose to take them anyway. Tesla may someday make autonomous cars a reality and get lawmakers to support unsupervised use of its tech, but until then, texting and driving is dangerous for everyone. View the full article

Unreal Adventure is back and we’ve got Part 5 of the adventures where the drivers and crew learn what Washington’s hardcore trails like to do to fullsize rigs! We’re super excited to see how the 2025 edition of Unreal Adventure will play out, because the 2024 edition was awesome! I want to build a rig to take so bad! I need another project like a hole in my head, but 2026 is going to be the year where I get a bunch of my stuff up and running so maybe 2027 is the year I build my dream off-road rig. Just you wait. Until then, I’m going to watch Unreal Adventure videos and be jealous of my off-road friends. Watch. Video Description: Its Day 5 of Unreal Adventure but this trip is far from over! After setting up camp well after dark near Liberty Township on the Eastern edge of the Cascades in Washington, we hit the trails early and quickly find out theres a whole lot of up and a whole lotta down in this trail system, including some tight spots that end up tippy for some of the bigger trucks. Our efforts are rewarded with amazing panoramic views of the area, a few mishaps, and another epic camp night in the pines. And of course, the hijinks continue both on and off the trail. Check it all out and be sure to check out our other episodes to get in on all the action! The post Unreal Adventure 2025: Unreal Adventure Hits The Pacific Northwest! Episode 5 – THEY ALMOST LOST TWO RIGS on Liberty Trail! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

This NA V6 May Not Be As Reliable as We ThoughtToyotas are known for their reliability more than anything else, but this isn’t necessarily always the case. The naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter 2GR-FKS V6 engine replaced the 2GR-FSE in 2015 and has been in production ever since. It is used in a number of models from Toyota, including the Camry, Tacoma, Avalon, and Highlander, as well as the Lexus GS 350, RX 350, IS 350, and RC 350. While these engines, especially from later years, are considered bulletproof and reliable for up to 200,000 miles, earlier examples from before 2018 occasionally didn’t fare as well. The motor being taken apart in this teardown video from The Car Care Nut YouTube channel came out of a 2017 Toyota Tacoma. The owner complained of loud knocking noises at just around 69,000 miles — a clear indication that something was seriously wrong within. Initial FindingsThe first visible issue on this engine was substantial oil stains from a timing cover leak — a common issue with 2GR motors. There were also coolant stains on the back of the engine, indicating a slow coolant leak from the plastic bypass pipe; yet another known issue. However, neither of these fluid leaks could be responsible for an engine failure. Spotless Top EndPulling off the cam covers revealed clean camshafts and timing chains, with everything where it should be and absolutely no surprises. Flipping the engine over and pulling off the lower oil pan didn’t reveal anything either, with no metal flakes in the pan and an extremely clean pickup tube. Ditto for the upper oil pan. The Car Care Nut View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article With the oil pans out of the way, the water pump and front timing cover could come off, revealing the timing chain setup; still, no visible issues here, save for that minor oil leak in the upper corner. Taking off the cam towers and camshafts enabled a thorough inspection of the hydraulic lifters and lower half of the heads, which, once again, were extremely clean with no sludge and no obvious problems making their presence known. Th View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Into the Lower EndThe first signs of trouble became visible once the heads were removed; deep scoring on the cylinder walls of the middle cylinders on both banks, with the piston rocking back and forth within the bore. This clearance issue would have been the source of the loud knocking sound, as the piston slapped against the cylinder walls, scoring them in the process. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The crank, rods, and associated bearings showed absolutely no wear, but the pistons from the middle cylinders displayed severe scoring and physical damage on the skirts, and oil rings that were seized in place. These are all indicators that the pistons have been rocking back and forth within the bore, damaging themselves and the cylinder walls in the process. Closer inspection of the pistons from the undamaged cylinders also revealed minor scoring on the skirt, which shouldn’t have been present at just 69,000 miles. What Owners Can DoWhile this teardown didn’t offer a definite cause for the accelerated piston and cylinder wear, the presenter is of the opinion that it may be a design issue with the oil control holes in the piston, leading to the oil rings seizing in place. This is supported by the fact that Toyota changed the design of these holes from 2018 onwards. If you own a pre-2018 Toyota or Lexus with this engine, you can pull out the spark plugs and inspect the cylinder walls with a borescope to check for scoring or damage. This will give you an early indication of whether or not your car’s motor is affected by this issue. Beyond this, there isn’t really much else you can do, aside from completely taking the engine apart. View the full article

Omega Racer's Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 café racer features all-new aluminum bodywork that showcases the company's skill with metal.Even if you're not familiar with Omega Racer's name, you've almost certainly seen their work. The Thailand-based outfit has been in business for fourteen years, ... View the full article

The 54th edition of the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks continues Friday at Bradenton Motorsports Park with two final qualifying sessions scheduled for the heads-up classes, including the headlining Pro Mod division. Friday’s qualifying sessions will set the field for eliminations, which will begin Saturday to get ahead of rain predicted for Sunday. The historic event serves as the opening race of the second annual Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service, a three-race Pro Mod series paying out more than $275,000 to race winners and the series champion. The event also includes Pro 10.5, True 10.5 N/T, Lil Gangstas, Limited Drag Radial, Ultra Street and more. Full qualifying sheets will be posted below when they’re available from race control. Find Thursday qualifying results here. Tune in to the official event livestream on FloRacing here: https://flosports.link/46edcdu Pro Mod Q3 Coming soon This story was originally published on December 5, 2025. The post Friday Qualifying Results – 2025 Snowbird Outlaw Nationals Pro Mod And Pro 10.5 first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The 2025 season of NHRA’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series was marked by a strong effort in pursuit of the world championship by NHRA Comp Eliminator racer Taylor Chomiski. In 2026, Chomiski is determined to turn the No. 5 on his window into a No. 1, and with Blind Frog Ranch on board as primary partner for the second consecutive season, they will together embark upon what they’ve coined the “Chasing Gold” tour. “First and foremost, I have to say thank you to Duane Ollinger and all the folks at Blind Frog Ranch for their support throughout the last couple of seasons,” said Chomiski, who claimed two victories in four final rounds in 2025. “They stepped up as the primary partner last year, and we were so proud to be able to park our Chevy Cobalt in the winner’s circle with Blind Frog Ranch on the door more than once. I believe there are even better things to come as we head into this next season together.” Texas native Ollinger is the owner of Blind Frog Ranch, a distinct patch of land in eastern Utah that has garnered a plethora of public attention for the curious caverns beneath it and what treasures they may hold. The enigmatic ranch has delighted those who share Ollinger’s passion for adventure and connected with individuals intrigued with the pursuit of treasure. Those traits are wholly shared by Chomiski and his father, respected engine builder and lifelong racer Gary Chomiski. The partnership with Blind Frog Ranch is a natural fit; while Ollinger has been prospecting in the Utah desert, the Chomiski men have been hunting for shining win lights on the dragstrip. The younger Chomiski grew up at the racetrack, helping his father in the pits for a variety of established and successful teams. Chomiski had long wanted to race and fell in love with Pro Stock, NHRA’s naturally aspirated professional class of factory hot rods, as well as Competition Eliminator, a premier Sportsman category that combines index racing with all out, first-to-the-finish wins. Chomiski’s C/SM (Super Modified) Cobalt is powered by a Chomiski Performance engine and, much like a Pro Stock car, he shifts his way down the quarter-mile race course. The efficient Cobalt covers the dragstrip in eight seconds at speeds in excess of 160 mph. In a driving career that launched for Chomiski in 2020, he has thus far accumulated three division wins in seven final rounds and has a perfect two-for-two win-record in national event finals. He finished No. 8 in the world in 2024 and No. 5 in 2025, and he’s eager to continue the climb with Blind Frog Ranch by his side, along with other valued partners. “It’s just unbelievably awesome to have someone like Duane behind us and to be partnered with such a unique and intriguing brand,” said Chomiski, who noted that a book diving into the story behind Blind Frog Ranch is expected for release mid-summer 2026. “The fan response has been incredible. A lot of people recognize Blind Frog Ranch, but the really cool thing is that they love it and want to know more. They’re excited, and so are we. It’s so much fun to race this car with Blind Frog Ranch on the door. Duane watches every run when he’s not with us at the racetrack, and he and his crew on the ranch were the inspiration for the Chasing Gold tour. That has us even more eager to get back to work and racing for our first world championship.” This story was originally published on December 5, 2025. The post Blind Frog Ranch Extends Partnership With NHRA Championship Contender Taylor Chomiski For ‘Chasing Gold’ Tour in 2026 first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Trackside Systems, the industry’s leading race-operations and ticketing platform, has announced its acquisition of Accutime Timing Systems, drag racing’s most advanced and accurate timing system. The announcement comes as Trackside prepares for its largest presence ever at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show, where the newly unified platform will be showcased for the first time. The acquisition brings together Accutime’s proven timing accuracy with Trackside’s modern digital operations, which include point-of-sale systems, ticketing systems, and more. Together, the two companies will provide the drag racing industry’s first fully integrated timing + ticketing + race management ecosystem. The acquisition and integration are being guided by Jason Kennedy, Chief Technology Officer of Trackside Systems, who brings more than 20 years of enterprise IT and software engineering experience. Kennedy’s years of experience as a road racing promoter led to the creation of Trackside after identifying major technology gaps in motorsports operations. He’s overseen its growth into the industry’s most modern race-operations platform. Kennedy now directs the technical strategy behind the integration of Accutime and Trackside. “Accutime’s core is incredibly reliable and is the best engineered solution in drag racing timing systems; we’re not changing that,” said Kennedy, who celebrated 21 years of AutoInterests events this season. “We’re adding the support, modernization, and integration the industry has been asking for – and PRI is the perfect place to show track operators what the future looks like.” Sarah Kennedy oversees company operations, customer experience, and organizational development at Trackside Systems. With a background in business operations and process optimization, she plays a key role in scaling Trackside’s support infrastructure, training programs, and customer-facing initiatives. Sarah supports the modernization efforts that will guide the combined Accutime + Trackside platform into the future. “The PRI Show is where the racing community comes together, so we’re looking forward to catching up with our current customers to show them what we’ve been developing while also meeting potential customers to tell them what we’re all about,” Sarah Kennedy said. “Attendees will see how the combined platform simplifies operations, reduces failure points, enhances racer and spectator experience, and delivers a complete end-to-end workflow, from race registration and payments to live timing and digital time slips.” The Kennedys work closely with Greg Miller, who directs Accutime system development and track operations strategy. Through more than 30 years of experience in drag racing operations, Miller has assisted track owners and operators nationwide through consulting, reopening facilities with new owners, and helping modernize race operations. He has extensive hands-on knowledge of Accutime Timing Systems across multiple facilities, and he was the third track operator to adopt Trackside Systems, immediately recognizing the platform’s importance and potential. “This is an exciting time for Trackside Systems and we’re eager to share our progress with everyone at PRI,” Miller said. “Trackside has invested heavily in strengthening both the Trackside and Accutime product lines, including a fully stocked dedicated warehouse for key components, an expanded field-service fleet, and a rapidly growing team undergoing extensive Accutime training. These efforts ensure a highly capable, responsive, and professional support experience for racetracks worldwide. Future enhancements, modernization initiatives, and expanded capabilities will be guided directly by track operators, ensuring both systems continue evolving in ways that meaningfully improve operations, reliability, and racer satisfaction. This was Accutime’s 30th anniversary season, but we feel like we’re just getting started with the exciting developments we have coming down the line.” In addition to greeting PRI Show attendees at the unified Trackside + Accutime booth (Booth #10008), the Trackside leadership team will host technology sessions on Thursday and Friday at the Indiana Convention Center. On Thursday, Accutime will host a private session with current customers at 11 a.m. in Room 207 to meet the team and discuss future plans, as well as an open session at 1 p.m. in Room 201-203 to demo the latest software updates. On Friday, Trackside will offer a private session with current customers at 11 a.m. in Room 236 to demo the latest updates and upcoming features. Finally, an open session at 1 p.m. in Room 236 will highlight the Accutime and Trackside integration. For PRI Show updates from Trackside Systems and Accutime Timing Systems, visit www.Facebook.com/TracksideSystems and www.Facebook.com/AccutimeTimingSystems. This story was originally published on December 5, 2025. The post Trackside Systems Announces Acquisition of Accutime Timing Systems Ahead of PRI Show first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Jim Halsey and Jeff Rudolf were involved in a scary crash at the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals. Both drivers walked away from the incident.View the full article

Cruz Pedregon Racing announced that crew chief Jason Bunker has departed the organization to explore new opportunities. The team thanks Bunker for his hard work and wishes him nothing but success on the road ahead. Pedregon finished eighth in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and won the NHRA Reading Nationals in 2025, his first win since 2022, the 40th Funny Car victory of his career. The change comes at an exciting moment for CPR, as the organization ramps up its efforts to elevate performance and build a refreshed, energized program for 2026. “We’re moving full speed ahead on strengthening our operation and putting the right pieces in place for 2026,” said team owner and driver Cruz Pedregon. “There’s a real sense of momentum in our camp. We’re confident in our direction, motivated to keep improving, and excited about what’s coming next. The work we’re doing right now is setting the tone for a standout season.” Two-time NHRA Funny Car world champion Cruz Pedregon will reveal his 2026 team lineup in the coming days and a brighter competitive future. The post Cruz Pedregon Racing Sets Sights On ’26 Season With Leadership Update appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article