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What Exactly Are We Looking At?Replicas have become better over the years – from high-end recreations of classics like the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, which now cost more than a Ferrari Purosangue, to pop-culture icons such as full-scale Batmobileslisted for sale. That said, Germany has become home to a new entry in the replica scene: a Nissan GT-R lookalike built on a Ford Cougar platform. And... let's just say it isn't as great as those we've mentioned, but hear us out. This particular GT-R recreation arrived on Germany's Mobile listing website. It's registered in Lithuania and positioned as an accessible alternative for buyers drawn to the shape and presence of Nissan’s performance flagship, but at a fraction of the cost. While it doesn’t promise supercar pace, it does demonstrate how far some builders will go to merge affordability with aspiration. mobile.de Godzilla by Name, Cougar at HeartThe vehicle is listed at about $9,000 at current exchange rates, and even offers financing at $95 a month, making it a budget-friendly entry point for something styled after a modern performance icon. Built in 2019 on a Ford Cougar chassis, the car has accumulated only 932 miles since its conversion and 3,107 miles total. At least it has a V6, though it's not Nissan's glorious VR38DETT – it only produces 163 hp and is paired with a manual transmission. While output is modest compared to the real GT-R, the car maintains the mechanical simplicity of its donor vehicle. Exterior modifications include original GT-R bumpers, an aluminum hood, fiberglass body panels, new LED lighting, and new alloy wheels fitted with Pirelli tires. The interior has been fully reupholstered and features automatic climate control, parking sensors, a rear camera, a TV, a sunroof, and various safety systems, including ABS and stability control. The listing also notes an unusual detail for a coupe: sliding doors on both sides. Although that detail might sound dubious, it certainly would be interesting. mobile.de A Humble Replica Albeit With Off-Putting ProportionsIs this a genuine GT-R? Absolutely not. Is it one of the most entertaining listings in Europe right now? Without question. For the price of a decent gaming PC, you could own a conversation piece that confuses purists, delights onlookers, and turns every gas-station stop into a Q&A session you never asked for. And honestly, in a world where replica supercars regularly sell for mansion money and movie-car clones get snapped up by collectors, this Ford-Cougar-turned-Godzilla feels… refreshingly humble. It knows what it is. And for less than $9,000, maybe that’s the purest GT-R experience you can buy today – even if it’s only GT-R-shaped in spirit. mobile.de View the full article

Supercars are becoming more and more dangerous, and the demographic of those who can afford to buy and drive them is getting younger and younger, creating inherent risks for road users. But McLaren is doing something about it, with a new patent submitted with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, first noticed by CarBuzz. The patent suggests locking a "race driving mode" behind a wall until the car's GPS detects that the vehicle is in a safe environment, i.e., a racetrack. Simply put, the idea is to lock McLaren supercars into a performance mode no more aggressive than Sport when on the street, with the hardcore Track or Race modes only available when the driver is on, well, the track. This makes even more sense considering that these modes often lower the suspension in a way that may "not meet one or more safety standards in order to be certified for use on public roads," says the patent. McLaren Sports And Supercars Will Still Be Fast On The Road McLaren Typically, a high-performance car will have (at least) three modes; the McLaren 750S in these images has Comfort, Sport, and Track, and this patent doesn't suggest turning the road-legal modes into hamstrung settings that make McLarens as slow as a new Prelude, or reducing horsepower to levels that would rival a Mitsubishi Mirage. Instead, the idea is to put the most aggressive (and most dangerous) mode out of bounds, leaving the baseline performance settings as they otherwise would be. USPTO/Patentscope Comfort is meant for everyday cruising, with relaxed suspension, steering, and throttle response settings. Sport mode turns things up a notch, often with sharper steering and throttle calibrations, and slightly stiffer suspension. Traction control is usually loosened a little, too, while Track mode puts the car in its most hardcore setting, which would typically mean total deactivation of traction control and electronic stability management programs, with the most sensitive throttle and steering settings and the lowest and stiffest suspension calibration. In some cars, Track also offers a Drift mode, making it easier to kick out the tail and light up the rear tires - not something you want to see on a public road. What About Temporary Racetracks? McLaren Fortunately, McLaren's patent acknowledges that temporary racetracks - like Lord March's driveway, used for the Goodwood Festival of Speed - also exist, so McLaren owners could still take their cars to autocross events held in parking lots, but there are still some problems with this technology if it ever becomes a reality in production cars. For one thing, McLaren would need to be aware of the autocross event in advance to update the car's GPS for the duration of the event. In addition, rallies or runs where the police are involved and allow the occasional rip may prove problematic. Another problem is that a poor internet connection could make it impossible to enjoy one's car to the full, even if in a safe and legal environment. Then there's the concern of how one's location data is used. On the other hand, a technology like this could prevent high-performance cars from someday being outlawed under possible legislative measures to make roads safer, and if widely adopted, put an end to street takeovers. With approximately 6.14 million road accidents in the U.S. last year, with nearly 40,000 fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it's certainly an idea worth considering. View the full article

Josh Hart's racing career enters a new phase with John Force Racing. Hart's move to JFR has felt seamless and he's ready to take on 2026.View the full article

BYD's Performance ArsenalAt this point, BYD has already built a global reputation for mass-market EVs and plug-in hybrids. However, the company's identity is also tinged with performance projects that draw a lot of attention. The most visible example is the Yangwang U9, the wild quad-motor 3,000-horsepower electric hypercar that set a Nürburgring lap record for EVs. It also grabbed headlines with a verified 294-mph run, giving BYD bragging rights in an area long dominated by European brands. Now another model from BYD's layered brand network is being lined up for Germany. Instead of another Yangwang, the task falls to Denza, BYD's other premium arm, which is preparing its Z sports car for a timed lap at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Denza The Denza Z Heads to Green HellAccording to a report from Autohome, the announcement came during the recent Denza Night event, where General Manager Li Hui confirmed that the production version of the Denza Z will head to the Nürburgring for an official challenge. Three audience members were selected on the spot to witness the run in Germany. The Z first appeared as a concept at this year's Shanghai Auto Show in April, showing a compact, two-door, four-seat layout that immediately drew comparisons to the Porsche 911. While not confirmed, the production version is expected to deliver 536 hp and a claimed 0-62 mph time of 3.2 seconds, though some reports have stated higher power outputs and quicker acceleration times. Denza has confirmed the model will use steer-by-wire, BYD's Cloud Carriage-M chassis tech, Easy3D system, and a version of the trippy DiSus "body control" dampening system found in the U9. Final specifications and timing for the lap attempt are still to come. Denza What Denza Brings to the TableOriginally founded as a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz, Denza was created to tap into the growing premium EV segment in China. Mercedes-Benz has since reduced its stake, but its early involvement helped shape Denza's positioning as the more upscale wing of the BYD portfolio. The Z represents Denza's move beyond crossovers and MPVs into something more expressive. Taking it to the Nürburgring means that the brand wants to be associated not just with comfort and tech, but with performance credibility. With the U9 already setting benchmarks, the Z's upcoming lap will show how deep BYD's performance bench really goes. Denza View the full article

Safety Recall Announced for 2025 Nissan SentraNissan has issued a new safety recall covering 41,797 units of the 2025 Sentra after discovering that some windshields may contain visible air bubbles that violate federal safety standards. These air bubbles could hinder outward visibility, thus increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, these bubbles may fall outside the acceptable limits defined by FMVSS 205, which prohibits imperfections extending more than 13 mm from the edge of the glass. The issue affects cars built between July 5 and October 17, 2025. Nissan How the Problem Was DiscoveredThe issue initially surfaced during a routine yard audit in August 2025 at Nissan’s Aguascalientes A2 plant in Mexico. A technician noticed bubbles within the glass and laminate layers on the front windshield of a Nissan Sentra, leading to the vehicle in question being quarantined and an investigation being initiated with the windshield supplier. Over the next couple of months it was discovered that the bubbles were being caused by foreign particles getting trapped between the layers of the windshield during the manufacture process, resulting in separation of the glass and laminate layers. The root cause of this delamination was finally traced to misaligned locator pins within the glass molds, which prevented proper air evacuation during assembly and allowed foreign particles to create the bubble-type delamination. Nissan What Owners Need to KnowNissan dealers will inspect affected vehicles and replace the windshields as required. The repair is said to take about two-and-a-half hours, and will be undertaken at absolutely no cost to owners. Dealers have already been notified about this issue, while Nissan will start reaching out to owners of all potentially affected vehicles from January 2026. If you think that your Sentra might be among those affected, you can verify this by running your VIN through Nissan’s recall lookup system, which has already been updated with this issue. View the full article

Porsche 911 fans were shocked in the 1990s when the 996-generation of the iconic sports car arrived, primarily because of its controversial design. The contentiousness centered around the 996’s headlights, which deviated from the classic rounded style with what became known as the “fried egg” headlight design. An independent designer from Simas Design Studio has now envisioned what a 996-inspired design would look like if applied to a modern 911. It’s a question nobody asked, but the final result isn’t as off-putting as you may imagine. A Fresh Take on the Modern 911 996-inspired Porsche 911 Simas Design Studio View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Whereas the 996’s entire light cluster assumed the fried egg shape, the designer instead chose to pair the traditional round headlights with integrated vents. Together, the vents and lights mirror the look of the traditional 996. The look adds a modern twist to the current 911 GTS without the car losing its classic, instantly recognizable profile. The only other change appears to be Turbo Look II wheels inspired by those on the original 996.2 Turbo. Simas Design Studio Commenters on social media mostly reacted positively to the changes. After all, finding a way to morph this 996 design cue into something that looks good takes some skill. Not everyone loves it, though, with some preferring to leave the 996 relegated to the past. Asked about the inspiration behind this design, the designer told CarScoops it was "a quick personal experiment" to see how the two generations of the 911 could be combined. 996 Was a Huge Departure 1999 Porsche 911 Bring A Trailer View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Although still lauded for its feedback and engaging handling, the 996 was such a massive departure from prior 911s that Porsche fans still look at it as a low point in the sports car’s generally unblemished history. Besides the new design, the 996 introduced a new generation of water-cooled engines, a departure from the older air-cooled mills. To save costs, the development of the 996 was shared with the cheaper, first-generation Porsche Boxster (986). For many, this diluted the appeal of the 911 at that time, an aspirational sports car that should have had little to do with the much cheaper Boxster. Bring A T Thankfully, there’s still much to appreciate about the 996. The flat-six engines still emit an intoxicating wail, but the car is about 110 pounds lighter than the older 993, so with close to 300 horsepower on the early base model, it feels a lot quicker. Later, the 996 Turbo arrived which, when equipped with the X50 Package, raised the output to a heady 444 hp. The 911 has moved on since the 996’s arrival, though. Today, the cheapest model has 388 hp and is nearly as quick as the 996 Turbo. You can also get it in hybrid form, although a plug-in hybrid doesn’t appear to be part of Porsche’s plans for its legendary sports car. With all that’s new under the skin, maybe it’s time for a more revolutionary approach to design, just as the 996 did for the nameplate in the 1990s. Related: Spied: Porsche Could Revive One Of The Strangest 911s Ever Built View the full article

The Scoox Zero X7 shows how new brands are bending categories in the EV space with outlandish styling choices and modern technology. View the full article

The phrase "Let there be light!" takes on a whole new meaning with Rigid Industries' Phoenix off-road lights, as they're powerful and almost endlessly configurable. View the full article

John Force’s office inhabits the northwestern corner of the second floor of a sprawling, 60,000 square foot Infiniti car dealership turned race shop in beautiful Yorba Linda, California. It’s a big office, of course, affording a spectacular view of the mountains of Chino Hills Range. Even the empty parking lot below seems impressive from this vantage point, though nothing more than asphalt. It’s difficult to shake the feeling that this is the house that drag racing built. On a recent January morning, Force, looking trim in a white linen dress shirt and a dark blue blazer with Castrol on the right chest, sits in an executive chair behind a massive multi-tiered polished black desk, drumming his fingers. Beautifully framed photographs hang on the wall all around him: His daughter’s baby pictures; John with his wife and daughters at the NHRA awards banquet; professionally taken black-and-white shots of his wife Laurie, as well as daughters Ashley, Courtney and Brittany. Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #51 in March of 2011. Sitting behind a desk, the man born John Harold Force is a bundle of nervous energy, it’s as if he’s hiding something, perhaps keeping a secret he’s dying to tell. He leans forward, looks first to his right, then to his left, seemingly checking to see who all is listening. “You know how much work goes on in here?” asks Force. “None.” His unsettled behavior starts to become a little clearer; Force genuinely isn’t comfortable in this setting – it’s not natural. He stands up, walks out from behind the desk towards a picture window overlooking the lobby, which is literally packed with countless trophies and pieces of racing memorabilia, as well as five complete Nitro Funny Cars – including the mount that carried him to his 15th NHRA world championship just a few months prior. “My office?” he asks. “Try the cab of my Ford F150 pickup truck. A tour of my truck probably wouldn’t be as much fun, though.” Admittedly, Force is a gypsy. The nomadic lifestyle of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and its 22 national events send him and what he refers to as his “traveling road show” back and forth across the country every season, and has since 1979. Life on the road isn’t anything new to Force, though. The son of a long-haul truck driver, Force inherited his highwaymen genes from his father, Harold. As a kid, Force spent his summers in the bed of a dump truck, riding up and down the California coast through the San Joaquin Valley, picking berries with the rest of his family. “I lived all summer in the bed of a dump truck,” Force says. “We all did. We had our refrigerator in it, we slept in it – people don’t even know.” Suddenly, it’s not that hard to understand why Force is like a cat on a hot tin roof within the confines of an office space, no matter how large or plush. “I’ve got this office here, full of trophies and pictures of my family, my grandbaby, Autumn, everything. I’ve got an office in Indy they built me – state-of-the-art – and it sits right now today empty. I never moved into it.” Surprising? Not really. Despite having become inarguably the most popular and successful drag racer in history, Force struggles to accept the role, though he can certainly play the part. He’s won championships, set records, defied all odds, time and time again, but for whatever reason refuses to accept the battle as over, the job done, the dream fulfilled. In the world of drag racing, John Force, at the age of 61, certainly isn’t the sole elder statesman; though by and large the majority of racers who have enjoyed continued success in the sport in their senior years have done so by transitioning their careers to team-ownership or some other facet of the industry. Force, in spite of his myriad business ventures, has been enjoying one of the biggest years of his racing career, particularly in the driver’s seat. With his 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Series world championship, his 15th total as a driver, 17th as a team owner, Force’s domination over the sport for more than twenty years is unparalleled in any professional sport. Drawing inspiration from people like Donald Trump and Henry Ford, Force has branched out of the racing industry with various business ventures. He recently broke ground on what will soon be a television studio and production company across the street from his racing facility in Yorba Linda, that already houses a museum and apparel store. “I read once where Donald Trump, he never took vacations,” says Force. “Then he finally took one to some island and he ended up buying a hotel while he was there. It made me laugh because I think the same way. Whether it’s trying to win another championship or build this traveling road show like PT Barnum – I always try to create excitement.” Though many racers and fans felt Force’s days as a competitive member of the Nitro Funny Car ranks were behind him after a devastating crash in 2007 left him hospitalized with a severely broken left ankle, a deep laceration on his right knee, a fractured and dislocated left wrist, and abrasive injuries to his right hand, he was only down, not out. An emergency six-hour surgery and extensive physical therapy at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, gave Force and family hope that he would walk again, but driving a 300mph race car seemed completely out of the question. Force even had his doubts. “My family was at my side every step of the way,” he says. “They all told me that I’d drive again, and I have to hand it to Robert [Hight] and Ashley – they have that determination.” And drive again he did, but that was about the extent of the experience as the years following the crash were a wash. For the first time in 23 years, Force endured an entire race season without a trip to the winner’s circle in 2009, though Ashley won two races and son-in-law Robert Hight won the championship. The next year, Force returned to his old form and proved that washed up he was not, adding six more wins in 2010 to his resume that already included 126 national event victories. Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen, a legendary drag racer in his own right, has been a friend of Force’s for years, and was one of the drivers that he aspired to be like in his early days. He says he talked to Force in the months following his accident in 2007, and told him he had to “suck it up” and get back to the track. “A lot of people,” says McEwen, “when they meet John, they think he’s on something – he’s so wound up. You have to know, that’s just John. It’s who he is. When he was down, struggling to qualify, let alone win races, I had to tell him that all he had to do was make the decision. He had to make the decision to win, to get back to kicking their asses like had been. It wasn’t up to anyone else. It was up to him.” As the tour through the John Force Racing headquarters continues, a young woman enters what is scheduled to be our last stop for the day, the showroom – the third floor of the building, which houses Force’s growing car collection as well as row after row of Funny Car bodies – she’s holding a stack of papers, carrying a concerned look on her face, and glances at her watch briefly before politely pulling Force aside. “Did you eat your breakfast?” she asks him. “Yes, berries,” Force says. “Good choice.” The woman, Stephanie Fernandez – Force’s assistant, who he explains helps keep his head on straight – smiles. “I thought you would like them,” she says. Force, making a point, replies, “She knows I’ll just drink coffee all day if she doesn’t put food right in front of me. I don’t slow down long enough to think about feeding myself.” Fernandez again checks her watch. “Remember, you have a conference call in a few minutes,” she says. “Or do you want me to try and push it back?” “Might have to push it back,” says Force with his million-watt smile. “We’re just getting started with the storytelling.” If John Force happens to stop by any of the local eateries for a bite to eat, maybe take a minute for himself if he dares and run by the theatre to catch a movie – it’s like everyone’s favorite relative is in town – the lady at the theatre wouldn’t dare charge him, waves him on in and calls him by name; the waitress at the restaurant already knows his order. A gypsy, as Force describes himself, is by definition strangers in all lands, but everywhere he goes people know him. Sure, he’s had more TV face time than any drag racer ever, but that’s not the John Force any of these people know. In public, and on camera, every move Force makes is authentic. He laughs genuinely, smiles often, and doesn’t hesitate to say exactly what’s on his mind. As a youth, Force famously lived with his parents and four siblings in a mobile home at a trailer court in Bell Gardens, California, and spent many a night looking out the window dreaming about the day he’d get out on his own. Though not afraid to talk about his humble beginnings or the success he has achieved in life, Force refuses to fully embrace one or the other. Perhaps it’s that very characteristic that has made him appeal to the masses – his bold and electrifying personality took him out of the trailer park and made him a superstar, while his endearing, lovable demeanor and rags-to-riches story has allowed him to connect with the everyman, and put him in the hearts of millions. John Force’s story makes anything seem possible, and his uncommon ability to tell his story and assume both roles simultaneously has created shoes that will never be filled. “I come from a family of storytellers,” says Force. “I used to tell stories at truck stops to get a free lunch, and to this day I’m telling those same stories only in a press room. There’s no difference. My momma used to say, ‘Nobody in our family died of cancer, nobody ever really died of a heart attack.’ I’d always ask her, ‘How did they die, momma?’ ‘Well, Johnny,’ she’d say, ‘most of them were hung for telling lies.’ Me, I never lie. I may embellish a good story, but there’s a big difference.” Widely considered one of the best drivers ever to grace the drag strip, Force’s strongest attributes have little to do with cutting lights or manhandling an 8,000 horsepower hot rod. It’s his ability to connect with people that has served him so well for all these years, though probably not as much to credit for his successes as Force’s never-ending belief that his dreams can, and will, come true. “Our family is full of very emotional people,” he says. “We believe in the dream. My dad left his family during the depression and hitchhiked to California in the snow – chasing the dream. My momma came from the dust bowl. My family lived The Grapes of Wrath. But we never stopped believing.” For Force, it would appear the dream has come true. Fame, fortune, and championships – he’s climbed to the top of the mountain. In a list of the Top 50 drivers of all time compiled by the NHRA in 2001 to commemorate their 50th anniversary, Force was named No. 2, second only to “Big Daddy” Don Garlits. Force openly admitted that he would have liked to be number-one; even though that’s a rating he’d never give himself. “In my mind, I’ll never be better than Don Prudhomme, [Kenny] Bernstein, McEwen,” says Force. “I idolized those guys. That’s who I wanted to be, and I’ll never let myself believe that I’ve surpassed them no matter how many championships we win. It’s never been about championships for me. That’s not what the dream is. If I was to let myself think I was the best, what’s left to accomplish?” As we exit the showroom, passing by a framed check hanging on the wall from the National Hot Rod Association to John Force Racing for four-hundred-thousand-dollars, Force leads us back downstairs towards the lobby, stopping as we approach a red, white, and blue Automobile Club of Southern California Ford Mustang Nitro Funny Car once driven by the late Eric Medlen – the first of Force’s Next Generation drivers, who passed away in a tragic accident in 2007. The tale of John Force is defined, like any story, by the actions of the main character when faced with a crossroads. Force identifies two in his life, both involving survival – the first his own, and the second that of those he cares about most. “I was sitting in my eighteen-wheeler at an interstate truck stop just outside of Memphis,” says Force. “I’d pulled over to call home. My daddy picked up the phone and he told me, ‘John, you have to come home.’ He told me the bank was broke, that I didn’t have any money – it was over. I didn’t know what to do. I remember my head going down on the wheel and I started to cry. “We didn’t have cell phones in them days. I was parked next to a phone booth and the next day my dad called back. He said, ‘a race track in Houston wants to book ya’. They lost their drivers, Prudhomme and Bernstein, because of a national event rainout, and he said they’ll give you money right now.’ I called the promoter and I asked how much he was paying. He started negotiating with me and I said, ‘Look, I’m either coming or I’m not, but I’m broke – I need a room, I need food for the two people I got with me, and I want half of what you would have paid Prudhomme.’ And he said, ‘You got a deal.’” Out of gas, figuratively and literally, Force was preparing himself to accept defeat, to quit, and give up the dream. Six hundred miles from a little backwoods track in Texas, Force chose to believe. More than 30 years later, he still is, though that truck stop wouldn’t be the last time his resolve was put to the test. Winning championships, setting records, his daughter set to make her Nitro Funny Car debut, his team growing, John Force was on top of the world. And then he lost Eric. “I went home and I looked at my trophies, and it made me sick,” Force recalls of the days following Medlen’s death. “What good was any of this without this young kid that was the next generation of John Force Racing? He had helped Ashley, he helped Robert – hell, he was even teaching me. Eric Medlen was really special, and then he was gone. “All of that glory, all of that wanting to be a hero, wanting to be a star; pounding coffee in the morning, energy drinks through the day, beer every night so you could sleep, and all of a sudden you realize – you’re nothing. All you thought mattered, didn’t matter.” Force did his best, but he was struggling. Mad at the world, confused, he was moving ahead, but only to a small degree. Nothing made sense, especially racing for trophies, and the most terrifying thing of all – his own daughter, his son-in-law, they were still racing. He was ready to quit, just like he was in Memphis. Again, Force chose to believe – mainly that these cars could be safer, and that Eric Medlen would not have died in vain. Seeking answers from points all across the motorsports landscape, Force took heed of the unforgettable advice of NASCAR President, Mike Helton, who told him, “You should surround your drivers with armor.” “I took that message to Tom Compton at the NHRA,” says Force. “I told him we needed more weight. Oh, no, these teams were screaming. They wanted to beat me up. Well, I wasn’t going back. I got my people around me – the brain trust, John Medlen, Austin [Coil], Bernie [Fedderly] – and I asked them ‘What are we going to do?’ Everybody went to work with Ford Motor Company’s engineers and we made changes to the cars, we changed the roll cages, we added padding. We couldn’t sit around and wait for another kid to die. It was about saving lives.” Little did Force know, ultimately, it would come down to saving his own life. Six months later, still unable to come to terms with Medlen’s death, begrudging everyone, God included, Force stood at the 1,000-foot mark in the pits of the Texas Motorplex on a Saturday night. “I was mad, drinking beer, and I asked God, ‘Why did you take Eric? Why did you give that family so much pain?’ I wanted a sign. I wanted a reason. The next day at 1,000-foot, the good Lord hit me with a hammer right where I had stood the night before, and he changed my life. “Kenny Bernstein and I ran into each other, all hell broke loose, and I almost died. If that wasn’t a sign, I don’t know what is,” says Force. “I woke up in the helicopter with bones sticking out of my feet, my wrists, my knee, and the doctors told me it was over. I lay in that hospital bed and my daughter, Ashley, and my wife, Laurie, they stood there and told me, ‘This is exactly what happened to Eric. If we wouldn’t have fixed the cars after his crash, you would have died.’ I realized then that Eric Medlen saved my life.” Far beyond our originally scheduled 60-minute time slot with the 15-time champion, Ms. Fernandez re-enters the room. Again she kindly reminds Force that he has other commitments that day, and by the acknowledging look on his face, it’s clear that our time is soon coming to an end. Having been given a story for nearly every square foot of the John Force Racing headquarters, it’s probably best that we met in California and not Indianapolis, where his 150,000-square feet shop serves as home base for the race teams, as well as houses the chassis shop, paint shop, Boss 500 engine program, Eric Medlen project, apparel store and another museum. (“You’ve got to come see this place in Indy,” he says. “It’s unbelievable.”) As we head towards the door, stopping briefly to load up our camera gear, Force takes the liberty of pushing back his pending conference call once again, which makes me feel, at least for a second, pretty important. He says he enjoyed showing us around, talking about racing, and life, but he the story wasn’t quite over. “I know I aggravate my people,” he says. “But I know I couldn’t do it without them. I am not a one-man band. It’s the people around me that have orchestrated this. Honestly, everyone is a part of this puzzle – well, it’s more like a Rubik’s cube most the time.” Throughout the course of our conversation Force has been candid; no holds barred, no topic off limits. Though books have been written chronicling his journey to the top of drag racing, he says he’s never spoken so openly. Maybe it’s therapeutic, or maybe it’s the berries; there’s no telling. Fortunately, nor is there any telling what he might say next. “These are things that I don’t usually talk about,” he says. “Maybe it’s just the mood I’m in this morning. I’m in a different mindset.” Almost every massive cardboard check on display in the museum, virtually every plaque and award on the wall, not to mention 132 coveted NHRA Wally trophies, all have his name inscribed on them, but if you asked John Force who was responsible for them he’d probably put his name last on the list. “I’m not a smart guy, I’m not a wiz kid,” he says. “Some people say I’m smart like a fox, but no – I’m actually dumber than mud, probably. But I surround myself with brilliant people. I surround myself with people that can take me where I want to go. “Education is a wonderful thing, and I am happy for those that have the money and the time to get a college education,” he continues. “I’ve given that to all my children, and my wife has her degree from San Diego State. I went to school to try and play football, and I didn’t last till noon on the first day. There are other ways to get educated – on the streets. I became a rich man in my lifetime because I worked seven days a week, I surrounded myself with people that could do what I couldn’t, but on top of that – I lived it. All day, every day.” Forking over the credit to his team and thanking his sponsors, Force attempts to sum up his success by quoting Paul Newman in the 1956 movie Somebody Up There Likes Me. “You know, I’ve been lucky,” says Force. “Somebody up there likes me.” Though his championship-winning performance this past November in Pomona looked much like a perfectly executed plan, Force can’t help but shake his head in amazement when he talks about it. “Beating Hagan,” he says, looking up. “Did that make any sense at all? That everything went wrong for him, and everything went right for me? Think about it. No, it doesn’t. There’s a higher power running this show, and I’ve learned that.” Force insists he has five years left to drive a race car, and that he’s going to give his fans and his sponsors all he’s got for every last one of them. “There won’t be any big announcement, there won’t be a retirement press conference,” he says. “Some older people want their finals days to relax, and God Bless them. When I step out of the seat, I know that I’m going to have to work harder to run the teams, to grow the business; whether it’s at the racetrack with the NHRA or if it’s in Hollywood. “I’m 61 going on 100,” he quips. “I will die at a drag strip. I know it’s already in the books, and it’s a good way to end my movie.” Even when speaking of his own death, Force recognizes an opportunity, and though it may be a tough pill to swallow when his body finally tells him that driving is no longer an option, it’s just one more road to cross. “Believe me, the legend is only beginning,” says Force. “It’s not about me. It’s about the future; it’s about our young drivers, our young crew chiefs. I’ve still got Bernie [Fedderly], and I’ve still got [Dave] Densmore, we’re the last of the old timers, and they remind me where I came from. We’ve got these young kids to take us to the next level.” Our hour-long meet and greet that had somehow morphed into a marathon confessional was finally winding down. Force has a meeting later this afternoon with Castrol in Los Angeles, which is clearly a priority. The first time he signed with Castrol was in 1985 for $5,000, and now he’s headed to their corporate offices to discuss what is certainly a multi-million dollar deal that will take the two partners into their 30th year together. “I’ve been racing for better than 30 years,” says Force. “It was never about the money. Just like I don’t work in that office upstairs, or live in these big houses I’m embarrassed to own, I don’t race for money or championships. Sure, I’ll take ‘em, and I’m proud, but there’s more to it than that. “So, what’s the motivation? What do I have left to prove?” he asks, preempting my question. “Nothing. I never did. All I’m doing is chasing the dream.” For John Force, the dream is simple – to be somebody. It’s been a lifelong quest to hear the crowd roar, and it’s served as both a blessing and a curse; the never-ending pursuit of the next accomplishment and tireless worth ethic keeps the championships coming, the sponsors on board, while the fear of failure and returning to that trailer house in Bell Gardens keeps him from ever truly enjoying his successes. “You have to understand,” says Force. “It’s where I came from. I was nobody. When I hear the cheer of the crowd, I can’t explain it – Superman comes out of me. It’s an addiction. It’s my ego.” So there it is, the dream. John Force has spent his whole life hoping, praying, and dreaming that one day he’d matter, that it’d be him the people stood and applauded. Though he’ll never rest, never stop fighting the good fight, Force’s dream came true a long time ago, and even if he called it quits with number fifteen – the crowd will never stop screaming every time they hear his name. The post DI Classic: John Force’s Dream first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Tech Overload?Manufacturers haven’t stopped at removing physical buttons. Now they’re busy reinventing the humble door handle, for better or worse — even if no one really asked for it. There are the pop-out units that have been around since the mid-2000s, along with those with the electronic variety. Some even have the handle but a hidden button to open the door behind it. Anything for a USP, right? The madness continues even on the inside these days. However, there have been several safety concerns surrounding it, and rightly so. James Riswick The BackupManufacturers constantly remind us that there is a backup system in case these electronic door openers fail. A manual door pull is still present, but it varies from one brand to another. Still, one would think that a regular door handle would be an easier solution, right? While there is some reassurance of an override, there are still concerns. Brought to light by Carscoops, a Rivian R1S owner discovered that the rear door panel — the one you need to remove to reach the emergency release — could break...while demonstrating the backup system to his children. How Does Rivian's Rear Emergency Door Pull Work?As mentioned, there are manual overrides in all cars with electronic door openers. But with the R1S, there are a couple of extra steps to open the door in an emergency if the power openers fail. Per the instructions, the first step is to pry the panel just below the armrest open. Yes, that leather-trimmed panel that looks more decorative than life-saving. Once that's removed, passengers will see a tab that must be pulled to open the doors. That's quite a number of steps for what's supposed to be a simple task. The Owner Says..."My kids are definitely dead in an emergency," said Reddit user u/AlstonCentral. The owner added, "The panel broke and could not be restored without Rivian service center ordering a new part, and I fully failed to even find the cable. There’s no way kids could ever figure this out if they had to." Unsurprisingly, the owner was very disappointed by what happened and is now pondering replacing his Rivian – likely with something that has a tried-and-tested manual door handle. Hopefully, Rivian addresses it down the line before anything tragic happens. That said, regulations could step in to prevent further cases of being trapped in emergency or panic situations. We can already hear your thoughts: Surely, a good ol' door handle would've sufficed. Rivian View the full article

Tech Overload?Manufacturers haven’t stopped at removing physical buttons. Now they’re busy reinventing the humble door handle, for better or worse — even if no one really asked for it. There are the pop-out units that have been around since the mid-2000s, along with those with the electronic variety. Some even have the handle but a hidden button to open the door behind it. Anything for a USP, right? The madness continues even on the inside these days. However, there have been several safety concerns surrounding it, and rightly so. James Riswick The BackupManufacturers constantly remind us that there is a backup system in case these electronic door openers fail. A manual door pull is still present, but it varies from one brand to another. Still, one would think that a regular door handle would be an easier solution, right? While there is some reassurance of an override, there are still concerns. Brought to light by Carscoops, a Rivian R1S owner discovered that the rear door panel — the one you need to remove to reach the emergency release — could break...while demonstrating the backup system to his children. How Does Rivian's Rear Emergency Door Pull Work?As mentioned, there are manual overrides in all cars with electronic door openers. But with the R1S, there are a couple of extra steps to open the door in an emergency if the power openers fail. Per the instructions, the first step is to pry the panel just below the armrest open. Yes, that leather-trimmed panel that looks more decorative than life-saving. Once that's removed, passengers will see a tab that must be pulled to open the doors. That's quite a number of steps for what's supposed to be a simple task. The Owner Says..."My kids are definitely dead in an emergency," said Reddit user u/AlstonCentral. The owner added, "The panel broke and could not be restored without Rivian service center ordering a new part, and I fully failed to even find the cable. There’s no way kids could ever figure this out if they had to." Unsurprisingly, the owner was very disappointed by what happened and is now pondering replacing his Rivian – likely with something that has a tried-and-tested manual door handle. Hopefully, Rivian addresses it down the line before anything tragic happens. That said, regulations could step in to prevent further cases of being trapped in emergency or panic situations. We can already hear your thoughts: Surely, a good ol' door handle would've sufficed. Rivian View the full article

KTM launches the Orange XP-160 program in India to help riders test the 160 Duke on safe, controlled go-kart tracks. View the full article

Meet BAIC’s Most Hardcore SUV YetThe BJ81 from Beijing Automotive Group Co., Ltd. (BAIC) is shaping up to be the brand’s boldest, most purpose-built SUV, but with far more military grit and off-road seriousness baked in from day one. According to Autohome, it is scheduled for its full unveiling on August 1, 2026. The BJ81 was introduced earlier this year as a tactical all-terrain vehicle designed for military units, hardcore off-roaders, and anyone who thinks “civilian spec” is just a polite suggestion. And yes, the resemblance to the military Geländewagen is so strong that BAIC isn’t even pretending it’s accidental. Its development approach is equally unconventional. BAIC is building the BJ81 under a BIP (Build in Public) framework, a design philosophy that uses crowdsourcing and collects user feedback as the project progresses. Once might even call it an enthusiast-tuned evolution shaped by people who actually spend weekends crawling over rocks instead of curbs. Autohome A Tactical SUV With Real Off-Road TeethBAIC loaded the BJ81 with unapologetically military-spec hardware: metal bumpers, an electric winch, roof-mounted spotlights, and even a drone launch platform. Function backs up the theatrics, too. The BJ81 can ford water up to 51 inches deep, giving it serious amphibious credibility and more than enough clearance for swollen rivers, flash floods, or impressing everyone at the local off-road meetup. Power comes from the BJ80’s proven engines. The 2.3-liter turbo-four delivers 231 hp through a 6-speed automatic, while the 3.0-liter six-cylinder makes 280 hp paired with an 8-speed auto. Selectable all-wheel drive comes standard, reinforcing that this isn’t some cosplay off-roader—it’s built to survive real punishment in the field. So… How Close Is It to the G-Wagon?Visually? Let’s just say you’ll need a double take and maybe a third. The BJ81’s upright proportions, flat fenders, blocky silhouette, and squared-off front end all echo the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon’s military origins. BAIC clearly studied the Geländewagen’s design language and decided to lean into it with enthusiasm. Where the modern G-Wagon has veered into six-figure luxury territory, the BJ81 seems wonderfully uninterested in pampering its occupants. This thing is intentionally rugged, right down to exposed bolts and mission-first hardware. It feels more like the G-Wagon of old, before it became a status symbol in Beverly Hills. And no, we wouldn’t bet a dollar on this SUV ever reaching the U.S., despite Americans warming up to the idea. Federal regulations, design similarities, and a certain German automaker’s legal department would likely have opinions on the matter. Autohome Final ThoughtsThe BAIC BJ81 is a welcome throwback to the era of unapologetically tough, military-inspired SUVs. Vehicles designed not for valet parking but for actual terrain. Its BIP development approach, tactical equipment, and purpose-driven engineering give it a sense of authenticity at a time when many off-roaders are becoming lifestyle props. When it debuts in August 2026, the BJ81 won’t dethrone the G-Class. But in markets that appreciate true off-road hardware, it could easily become the new go-to machine for people who want a vehicle that looks ready for deployment or to survive a zombie apocalypse. Autohome View the full article

The Kia Seltos first arrived back in 2019, and since then, it's been a consistently strong performer for the Korean brand, amassing U.S. sales of roughly 300,000 units. But now it's time for an all-new model, and Kia has shared the first clear images of the second generation of the subcompact SUV with a design that will bring it in line with the current range, thanks to the Opposites United design language. This means it will look more like an EV to some, but don't worry - the same combustion powertrains are expected to carry over. Details on those will be revealed during next week's online world premiere, on December 10. Until then, let's take a closer look at the design. A Sharp New Look For The Seltos Kia The all-new Seltos gets a front fascia with Kia's Star Map daytime running lights, with a vertical element framing either side of the front end, drawing the eye to the hoodline. These large end lights also help increase visual width, while the inner DRL elements are separated from the grille but backed by gloss black cladding, again making the vehicle look wider. We can also make out some aluminum-colored elements lower down, giving the design some ruggedness. The same finish appears below the roof racks and above the blacked-out glasshouse, which creates a floating roofline effect and narrows around the D-pillar to reduce visual mass at the rear for an athletic feel. Related: 2026 Kia Seltos' November Lease Deals Are Hard to Resist Muscular fenders with squared wheel arches fit with the overall design and give an impression of off-road readiness. Speaking of which, Kia has confirmed that the X-Line trim will return, as will the sporty GT-Line. At the rear, the Seltos adopts a full-width horizontal lightbar that is enclosed by vertical taillights with a sharp C shape. Lower down, black plastic cladding with more aluminum-style elements completes the design. Flush-fitting door handles, which have the potential to create a safety hazard but look sleek, give the crossover more of a contemporary feel and reduce aerodynamic drag. Finally, Kia says more exterior colors will be available. No Hints Of The Interior Design, But Expect More Tech Kia View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Kia hasn't shared any images of the cabin, but has said that the next-generation Seltos will have "a forward-looking, high-tech character," which implies that there'll be more screen real estate, new interior trim elements, and better safety technologies. The current 2026 Seltos starts at $23,690 and goes up to $31,390 and although the same front- and all-wheel-drive 2.0-liter four-cylinder (147 horsepower/132 lb-ft of torque) and 1.6-liter turbocharged (190 hp/195 lb-ft) are expected to carry over (possibly with the addition of a hybrid option), we expect a slight increase in those prices. We'll know more next Wednesday. View the full article

I rode a Vespa GTS 300 through one of the most dangerous areas in Mexico City during an ungodly storm, and it made me realize something motorcycling has been teaching me all my life.View the full article

GM is pouring more money into the production of its gas-powered carsDetroit automaking mainstay General Motors is making a massive investment to substantially boost its output of gas-powered models at its US factories. In an announcement released on November 20, the automaker announced that it will invest $550 million in two component plants in Michigan and Ohio that directly supply plants making some of its most well-known cars, particularly as it plans to ramp up production of its larger SUVs. Chevrolet Parts facilities in Ohio, Michigan to get significant investmentSpecifically, the $550 million is split between a $250 million investment in GM’s Parma Metal Center in Ohio, and $300 million to its Romulus Propulsion Systems plant in Michigan. The Parma Metal Center, near Cleveland, is one of GM's most important and most productive production operations, as it supplies sheet metal components for a wide range of GM-branded vehicles built across North America. According to General Motors, Parma makes more than 100 million parts every year and goes through more than 400 tons of steel a day. The additional funding set aside by GM will go towards new advanced technology, equipment, and training to support a production boost at the facility. Emily Elconin/Bloomberg via Getty Images In a statement, Mike Trevorrow, GM's senior vice president of global manufacturing, stated that the quarter-billion dollars the automaker is investing in its facility in Parma is more than just cars and equipment; it's a statement that the company cares about the people who build its cars. “Our commitment to Parma Metal Center isn’t just about upgrading equipment—it’s about investing in the people who make it all happen,” GM senior vice president of global manufacturing, Mike Trevorrow, said. “Our manufacturing teams are the driving force behind GM’s success, and we’re committed to giving them the tools and training they need to excel in today’s advanced manufacturing world. When we invest in our workforce, we’re not only building great vehicles—we’re helping secure the future of American manufacturing.” General Motors GM is investing a total of $5.5 billion into expanding its gas-powered productionIn addition to the boost in Ohio, GM is also reserving $300 million for its Romulus Propulsion Systems plant near Detroit to increase the output of the 10-speed automatic transmissions used in its full-size pickups and SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe. All in all, the $550 million investment that General Motors recently announced is the latest in a series of investments totaling $5.5 billion aimed at adapting to shifting consumer and regulatory demands at a time when favor for electric models is giving way to gas-powered machines. Back in May, the automaker announced that it was investing nearly $888 million in Tonawanda Propulsion to support production of a new V8 engine. In June, it announced plans to invest nearly $4 billion over the next two years to reshape its U.S. manufacturing strategy to assemble both gas and electric vehicles at three different plants in the United States; specifically, the Orion Assembly in Michigan, Fairfax Assembly in Kansas, and Spring Hill Manufacturing in Tennessee. At the time, GM confirmed that production of the gas-powered Chevrolet Blazer would move from Mexico to Spring Hill in 2027. However, the next month, GM announced that its idle Orion Assembly plant will be retooled from building electric pickup trucks to production of Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Cadillac Escalades. Final thoughtsIt makes sense that General Motors is investing directly to increase its production capacity; after all, output numbers and growth can be significantly hindered if production facilities fail to secure an appropriate amount of parts. Pickup trucks and full-size SUVs are some of the most profitable and best-selling vehicles for General Motors. According to data analyzed by GM Authority, sales of full-size vehicles from GM's Chevrolet brand showed improvement, as sales of Silverado pickups grew by 7.4%, while sales of Suburban and Tahoe SUVs grew by 39.3% and 9.6%, respectively. View the full article

The Sonora Rally School is the perfect entry point to international cross-country rally racing, including those wanting to do it in a side-by-side. And it's in our backyard!View the full article

Toyota's New-Era V6 Faces Tough QuestionsToyota's 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6, known internally as the V35A-FTS, was designed to replace the long-running 5.7-liter V8 in many of the brand's most important vehicles. It powers the latest Toyota Tundra, Sequoia, Land Cruiser 300, and the Lexus LX 600 and GX 550, giving Toyota's truck and SUV lineup a more modern, torque-rich powertrain. On paper, it makes more power and delivers better efficiency than the old V8, which is why Toyota committed to using it across multiple flagship products. However, its arrival wasn't smooth-sailing for the Japanese marque. Premature engine wear plagued the power plant, leading to a major recall covering hundreds of thousands of Toyota and Lexus models. Toyota has attributed the failures to machining debris left inside the engine during production, which could obstruct oil passages and starve critical components. It sounds simple enough, but the teardown of a failed Tundra engine offers a more nuanced perspective on what might be going wrong. What the Teardown RevealedThanks to the video by our favorite engine coroner, I Do Cars, the problematic V35A-FTS V6 got a closer look after failing a 2023 Tundra at just 38,000 miles. Despite being reported as "locked up," the engine still rotated by hand, though with abnormal resistance. Externally, nothing indicated catastrophic failure. Even the spark plugs looked clean. Once opened, the top end appeared surprisingly healthy. The camshafts, timing components, and cylinder heads showed minimal wear. No significant debris was present in the valvetrain, and combustion chambers looked uniform. But the deeper the teardown went, the more troubling the findings became. The lower end told a very different story. The oil pan contained metallic flakes, and an idler gear in the timing system was packed with metal debris. The main bearings were the clearest sign of trouble: two had spun inside their saddles, causing heat damage, scoring, and metal transfer onto the crankshaft. Rod bearings also showed wear inconsistent with the mileage. The failure pattern didn't neatly match Toyota's explanation that leftover machining debris was the cause. I Do Cars/YouTube View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article What Owners Should DoOf note, the video didn't claim a definite cause for the premature engine failure. However, as the presenter pointed out, it raises the possibility of machining tolerances, bearing sizing, or oil-pressure irregularities. The damage was far too concentrated in the main bearings to suggest random debris spread throughout the engine. While the rest of the engine looked clean and serviceable, the lower end showed clear signs of premature breakdown. For owners of Tundras, Sequoias, or Lexus LX and GX models equipped with the V35A V6, the takeaway is straightforward. If your vehicle falls under Toyota's recall, schedule the dealer visit and complete the inspection or engine replacement process. The teardown makes one thing clear: when this engine fails, it fails hard, and the earlier it's addressed, the better the chances of avoiding major, costly damage. Toyota View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Inspired by the legendary Ford GT40 racing car of the 1960s, the modern Ford GT is an unfiltered racing car that rubs shoulders with exotics from Lamborghini, Aston Martin, and Bugatti. The second-generation GT went into production late in 2016, emerging as a vicious track weapon and powered by a turbocharged V6 making well over 600 horsepower. Already prohibitively priced when new, used examples are now true collector’s items, and the 2019 example seen here is no exception. With tens of thousands in optional equipment and close to zero miles, bidding has already reached $651,000 for this supercar on Bring A Trailer, which makes even the Ford Mustang GTD look cheap. Related: Ranking The 5 Most Expensive New Fords You Can Buy An Aerodynamic Masterpiece 2019 Ford GT Bring A Trailer View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article Although it may lack the theater of a Ferrari, this 2019 Ford GT’s low-slung stance and mid-rear engine proportions are the stuff of a true exotic. From the cutaway nose and vents in the hood to the active rear spoiler at the back, the design was carefully crafted to prioritize downforce. The 2019 example featured here was ordered new in California and features Liquid Red Tri-Coat paint with Frozen White strips, set over a Dark Energy interior. Over $61,000 was spent on options alone, including the Exterior Carbon Fiber Gloss Package ($15,000), 20-inch gloss carbon-fiber wheels ($15,000), the Frozen White stripes ($10,000), and titanium exhaust ($10,000). When new, the base price was $491,500, but the options raised the total cost to $553,000. Inside, the GT has an F1-inspired steering wheel (optionally covered in leather here instead of the standard Alcantara), fixed carbon-fiber Sparco seats with Alcantara-wrapped bolsters, and anodized black aluminum shift paddles. Six-point harness anchors were added to this model, too. Related: Paul Walker’s 2005 Ford GT For Sale With 3,701 Miles And Ultra-Rare Spec Ultra-Low Miles 2019 Ford GT Bring A Trailer View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article This example has covered only nine miles, so has basically been standing still since new. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle and produces 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. The combination is enough to launch the GT to 60 mph in around three seconds, and big carbon-ceramic brakes (15.5 inches in front and 14.1 inches at the back) slow it down just as ferociously. The seller recommends an oil change, so it may have been some time since this was last done. As per the Carfax report, there are no accidents or any other damage to speak of. Although the tires have barely seen any action, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber has a mix of 2017 or 2018 tire codes, so any fastidious new owner who actually plans to drive the car may want to swap these for fresh ones. Related: Ford Racing Teases a 2026 ‘Production Road Car’ — Is a New GT on the Way? How Much Should You Pay? 2019 Ford GT Bring A Trailer View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article With two days to go before the auction concludes, this 2019 Ford GT’s maximum bid is sitting at $651,000. The first bid on November 25 was already $500k, and it shot up to $600k roughly 30 minutes after that, easily exceeding the original MSRP plus options. Other listings on Bring A Trailer from earlier this year show that two 2019 examples sold for $976,000 and $1,025,000, but both were desirable Heritage Editions. Another example went for $815,000 back in April, but that had 260 miles on the clock. The combination of this red GT’s unique specification and exceptionally low miles could see it exceed $800k. It’s hard to make a rational case for spending that much on a Ford GT, but this isn’t a machine guided by rational thought. For the diehard Ford collector, it’s difficult to put a number on such a well-preserved track weapon. View the full article

If you're thinking of doing a motorcycle track day, you'll read a ton of advice. Here are some small things you might not even think of to add to the knowledge pool.View the full article

After budget, personnel, and funding cuts throughout the US Forest Service and BLM, which help mitigate and forecast seasonal avalanches, Polaris' Trail Grants program stepped in. View the full article

We always dig the Best Of videos that come out around the new year and this one here is no different. My god there is some incredibly gnarly carnage in this one. We’re talking engine explosions, crashes, spins, and so much more! Sometimes the carnage is just jaw dropping. Drag racing’s wildest rides of the 2025 season are below! Check out the 12 and a half minute video of insanity below and tell us which carnage is your favorite. Video Description: Drag racing is a dangerous sport, and sometimes things just don’t go as planned. Whether it be small or big tires, things can go wrong quickly and these drivers experienced some of the craziest action we caught on camera this year. From wheel stands to crashes to explosions and more, all these drivers put it all on the line and walked away to race another day in the 2025 volume of Wild Rides!!!! All these Wild Rides were in a controlled environment at the race track and every driver walked away!!!! The post WILD RIDES 2025! HERE ARE THE WILDEST AND CRAZIEST MOMENTS OF SPOOLD MEDIA’S 2025 RACING SEASON! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

It seems like more and more products nowadays make absurd exaggerated claims as to how powerful, fast, or bright they are. It doesn’t matter what you are looking for online, there always seems to be manufacturers using crazy claims to attract buyers. When it comes to jump starters, amperage seems to be the thing that all the brands use to compare theirs to other brands. But are any of their amperage claims realistic? We’ll find out in this latest video from the Torque Test Channel as he’s built a robot to do the testing! Video Description: NOCO 1750: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WZKRHZZ?… WOLFBOX: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRRKRJ2S?… M18 & Ryobi: Tagged to video Cordless on the go style jump starters have gotten out of hand with their amps ratings, saying things like 1750, 2000, 4000 amps when none of them make anywhere near that – and they don’t need to looking at your vehicles own battery amp ratings. So we build a robot that spits out the truth about these products and tell you exactly what each can do including the new Milwaukee Hot Shot, Ryobi 1600A jump starter, NOCO 1000amp GB40, GB50 and GB55 models and the Wolfbox 4000 amp unit. We do not accept any tools shown on the channel from any brand, nor do we take any sponsorships, partnerships, discounts, product placement deals, pre-market brand samples, money, items or compensation of any kind from brands, tool makers or otherwise in the planning or creation of these videos. The post Building A New Robot To Test Cordless Jump Starters: These Jump Starters are Getting Out of Hand With Their Insane Claims on Amperage. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Tommy Lee Byrd, The Hot Road Hoarder, has had a VERY busy 2025 racing and show season and now he’s sharing his favorite highlights in this 1 hour special video. Tommy makes some awesome videos, including plenty of show coverage and feature videos. Plus his own projects like the Henry J gasser project, and a few others. All these make for some fun to see, but a full hour of nostalgia drag racing highlights is something pretty special. Check out all the action below and let us know what is your favorite highlight. Video Description: 1 solid hour of outstanding nostalgia drag racing action from my 2025 drag racing season, just in time for Thanksgiving! I appreciate all of you! Coverage from Southeast Gassers Association, Tri-Five Nationals, Bowtie Nationals, Brainerd Nostalgia Nationals and Wally Parks Nostalgia Nationals in Bowling Green. Wheels Up, big burnouts, dry hops, wild action for one hour. Tune in and see if you can find a special clip in this video. The post HOT ROD HOARDER HIGHLIGHT VIDEO! 1 Hour of Nostalgia Drag Racing Action From The 2025 Season. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Unreal Adventure is back and we’ve got Part 4 of the adventures where the drivers and crew learn what Washington state has to offer in the world of hardcore trails! 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: Day 4 of the Unreal Adventure 2025 presented by Skyjacker Suspension finds us North of Seattle in Walker Valley, a popular four-wheeling spot with trails ranging from mild to wild. The guys get their first taste of Washington rocks, with the added challenge of some tight trees in the mix. In other words, quintessential Pacific Northwest wheeling! Then it’s time to hit the road once again, crossing over the Cascades and winding through some cool towns before reaching camp for the night. Will we get to camp before midnight? Will there be carnage along the way? You’ll just have to watch and find out! The post Unreal Adventure 2025: Unreal Adventure Hits The Pacific Northwest! Episode 4 – Running the Rough 4×4 Trails of Washington State! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article