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I don’t know any car guys and gals who don’t like mini bikes and go karts, and in recent years there is no better engine than a Predator from Harbor Freight. Freiburger and I built mini bikes nearly 20 years ago, when these Predators first came out, and I can tell you that the 6.5 horsepower engine made way more power than the 4 hp that came on them and it make them a riot to ride. With a little intake and carb love and exhaust it made more power, but we had no clue how much. Thanks to Frankie and Pat at Engine Power we know what these engines make now, and what power gains are possible with different mods. Check it out as they do the cheapest and quickest mods, plus go all out with a full engine rebuild. Regardless of the mods, the price is right because you are only talking about a small single cylinder engine. So what is the zip tie on the governor worth? How about a carb and straight pipe? What about a connecting rod, some extra compression, a cam and flywheel? How about a cylinder head? Watch, you’ll dig the results. Video Description: We show you how to have lots of fun building engines on a budget. We dive into the world of small engines, doing a multi-stage build on a 212 CC Go-Kart engine, and we test some easy, bolt-on upgrades on the chassis dyno and behind the wheel. PARTS USED IN THIS EPISODE ARP Bolts & Fasteners EC Carburetors Wildcat WC946 Assembly with Valves, Springs & Aluminum Retainers Go Power Sports Head Gasket: 212cc Non-Hemi Predator Go Power Sports Predator Performance Billet Connecting Rod Harbor Freight Tools Predator 6.5HP (212cc) OHV Horizontal-Shaft Gas Engine NIBBI Racing Predator 212 Carburetor Set The post Big Power, Small Engine: Double Or TRIPLE The Power Of Your Predator Engine For Go Kart And Mini Bike Fun! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

When you make enough trades, there is no doubt that occasionally you won’t end up making out exactly as planned. Doesn’t mean the car or truck you trade for sucks, but maybe it just doesn’t quite live up to expectations. Meanwhile I’ve also known folks who made trades or buys only to find out that the car or truck is not what it was said to be. We’ve all heard about engines there were “rebuilt” only to find out they were just painted. So is that what happened to Mortske on this one? Is this lowered dually a dud? Watch the entertaining video on getting this thing, trying to make it home a few hundred miles, and then figuring out what’s going on with it. Video Description: Join along as we attempt to road trip my 1994 GMC dually I just got on trade and then we fix all of the issues we find along the way! If you’d like to own this pickup it is available for $12,000 cash in the as shown condition! As always, thanks for watching! The post This Crew Cab Dually Trade Road Trip Goes South For Mortske! Did He Get TAKEN Or Is This Just Lowered Dually Life? appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Waterproof touring gear from KLIM was redesigned with upgrades in comfort, abrasion resistance and an all-new proprietary armor package.View the full article

The California Court of Appeals reversed a lawsuit against Suzuki from 2018, and now the plaintiff owes the OEM $6M and maybe more, depending on how the new trial goes.View the full article

Here’s a livestream replay from the Southeast Gassers Association’s First Race of 2026 at Shadyside Dragway in North Carolina. If you like traditional nose high gassers that still row the gears, still have names on the side, and still have backup girls, then this is the racing for you. Their whole mantra is to race like it’s 1967 and if you haven’t seen their races yet, you are going to want to grab a snack and a drink and click play. This is some awesome racing action. The post Southeast Gassers Association 2026: First Drag Race of The Year from Shadyside Dragway appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The NHRA Winternationals is a special event. Check out this massive photo gallery from the 2026 Winternationals. View the full article

While living in Southern California, I went to many a street race out in the middle of nowhere in the high desert. There is something about racing that far out that just makes it hit different. This race featured some killer small tire cars and lots and lots of wheels up action. Video Description: It’s been awhile but we’re back in the Mexico desert for another small tire cash days. 17 small tire cars got together in (quite literally) the middle of nowhere to compete in a classic, single elimination, 5 round race. $7,000 on the line for 1st place. You guys know the deal – don’t skip – there are LOTS of tight races in every round! The post Desert Cash Days Video: Middle Of Nowhere Mexico Street Race For Big Money! Wheels Up On The Street! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

In the month of March ProCharger racers brought home some big wins. Here's who parked their ride in the winner's circle. View the full article

GAS Imports has secured just 10 Brembo 50th Anniversary RCS Corsa Corta RR master cylinders for Australia, giving local riders a rare chance to add a numbered, MotoGP-inspired braking component to a premium road, track or custom build. The post Brembo 50th Anniversary RCS Corsa Corta RR arrives in Australia appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

The 2026 KTM 1390 Super Duke RR is headed to Australia in June priced from $45,695 ride away, bringing lighter weight, WP Pro suspension, Brembo HyPure brakes and very limited local availability. The post KTM’s wildest naked yet: 2026 1390 Super Duke RR for Australia appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

EK 520RV and 525/530 L-Series Chains EK’s all-new 520RV and 525/530 L-Series is bringing cold-forged 3D technology to road riders, track day regulars and high-performance street builds. EK Chains has been engineering precision drive chains for over a century. The Japanese manufacturer holds the distinction of being the first in the world to mass-produce a […] The post EK’s RV and L-Series 3D high-performance chains have arrived appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Ready to be a part of the premier overlanding event series, but don’t know where to start? We have a few tips for first time exhibitors or anyone who wants a refresh on how to show up. Tip 1 — Know why you’re here (and measure it) Before you design a booth or order swag, decide the single highest-priority goal for this Overland Expo show: build brand awareness, find new customers, launch a product, generate direct sales, etc. Give that goal a measurable KPI (e.g., X qualified leads, Y product demos, Z direct sales, or N social impressions) and build everything around it — messaging, staffing, and follow-up. Overland Expo’s audience is a large, engaged community (tens of thousands with broad geographic reach and high interest in Overland vehicles, gear, and hands‑on learning), so match your objective to the crowd you’ll meet. Practical first-time move: pick one KPI (not five). If brand awareness is primary, budget for visibility plays (see Tip 5). If sales are primary, reduce your messaging to one clear CTA (call-to-action) and staff at the booth with people trained to make the sale. Tip 2 — Choose the right exposure: booth vs. sponsorship vs. activation Exhibiting is more than a footprint on the map. For a first timer, combining a booth with a highly targeted sponsorship or hands-on activation can be a force-multiplier. Overland Expo’s brand-integration deck shows sponsorships tied to special areas (Roundtable Pavilion, Hands‑On Pavilion, The Learning Lab, ADV Skills Area) and marketing inclusions like a Compass editorial, Overland E‑News, social posts, on‑schedule listings, banner placement, attendee‑bag opportunities — all useful for amplifying your goal. Choose the sponsorship that maps to your reason for being there, your why. Some good examples include sponsoring the Hands‑On Pavilion to introduce your brand to the DIY community; The Learning Lab for a product launch, attendee-bags for main-gate visibility, and many more. It’s important to go over all of the available options with your Overland Expo Rep. Practical first-time move: talk to your Rep about Special Area Sponsorship options like the Film Festival or the Storytelling Pavillon — these often deliver outsized visibility without the complexity of a larger sponsorship. Tip 3 — Design a simple, readable booth that pulls people in As a first-time exhibitor, simplicity wins. Your booth should answer three questions in five seconds: Who are you? What do you do? What is your call-to-action? Use bold, legible graphics, one clear demo or centerpiece (not five competing messages), and a short demo script for staff. Consider a small, comfortable demo area or hands‑on element to keep people longer — Overland Expo attendees respond to tactile, instructional experiences, which aligns with their “hands on” offerings. Practical first-time move: limit printed collateral to a single high‑value takeaway (a one‑page spec sheet or a QR code to a landing page). If you want to showcase vehicles or gear larger than your footprint, consider sponsoring a ride & drive or experiential activation (see Tip 2) to get attendees behind the product in a controlled setting. Tip 4 — Capture leads and follow up—fast Use a reliable digital lead‑capture tool (badge scan or app) that syncs with your CRM and triggers an automated, personalized follow-up within 24–48 hours. Speed and relevance are the difference between a warm lead and a forgotten contact. First-time exhibitors who prepare an automated post‑show nurture (thank‑you + CTA for demo or purchase) see markedly better conversions than those who rely on manual follow-up. Track simple metrics (leads, demos scheduled, conversion rate, sales) so you can judge ROI and improve next year. Practical first-time move: test your lead-capture workflow before the show (scan → CRM → automated email). Assign clear roles for booth staff: who greets, who demos, who scans, and who qualifies. Tip 5 — Amplify your presence before, during, and after the show Your show investment stretches across three phases. Pre-show: announce your attendance, tease an exclusive demo or giveaway, and invite your core customer. During: post real-time social content, encourage visitors to tag you, and use the show-provided editorials or email inclusions you purchased. Post‑show: follow up within two days, recycle show content (short videos, photos) into paid social ads, and gather input from your staff at the show such as what worked, what didn’t, what do we want to differently next year, etc. Overland Expo’s on-going marketing programs explicitly support this cadence — sponsors can earn pre- and on‑site exposure (Compass editorial, Overland E‑News features, social posts, inclusion on the official event schedule, IG/FB stories at the event, and premium items in the attendee bag), plus tangible perks like extra exhibitor badges and guest passes that let you invite customers or partners to the show. For first-time exhibitors, buying at least one earned editorial or email inclusion can be a more efficient way to get noticed than spending on more complex booth construction. Practical first-time move: allocate at least 20–30% of your exhibitor budget to marketing (pre‑show outreach, sponsorship or editorial inclusion, and post‑show ads). Use the Overland Expo’s sponsorship packages to add one integrated marketing item (e.g., a Compass editorial or bag insert) so you’re visible before attendees even reach the floor. Final checklist for first timers Set one clear objective, your why, and get laser-focused on that objective. Train your staff and secure an automated lead‑capture system. Secure a sponsorship aligned to your goal (Hands‑On Pavilion, Learning Lab, Roundtable, ADV Skills, bag inclusion, editorial/email features). FYI – sponsorships sell out quickly, so plan ahead. Keep the booth message simple with a clear call-to-action. Follow up within 48 hours with a personalized email and a clear next step. Exhibiting for the first time at Overland Expo is a learning curve, but it’s also a unique opportunity: you’ll meet passionate, purchase-ready people who came for the experience. Set a single goal, use sponsorships to amplify your message, keep your booth focused, and follow up promptly. Do those things and your first show will turn into repeat business, a sharper marketing playbook, and—most importantly—a real pipeline you can measure next time. Space is still available at Overland Expo PNW, Mtn West, and East for 2026. Connect with a rep to learn more. View the full article

During the 66th Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals the NHRA was celebrating its 75th anniversary and the running of the 1000th Funny Car race. For Top Fuel team owner and Funny Car and Top Fuel driver Travis Shumake, whose father Tripp, was a beloved driver throughout his career, the weekend was an emotional experience. The younger Shumake entered a nostalgia Funny Car with the livery his father race when he won the 1981 Southern Nationals, the 100th Funny Car race in NHRA history. “This was an amazing opportunity to honor my father and celebrate NHRA Funny Car racing,” said Shumake, who has been a fixture in the NHRA since 2021. “Running the Johnny Loper Little Hoss Funny Car was a thrill for the fans and for me. Throughout the weekend fans came up to our pits or stopped us in the staging lanes to say nice things about my dad and seeing him race. I want to thank the NHRA for all they did this weekend to honor Tripp.” On Friday Shumake was on the NHRA stage in the professional pits talking with FOX announcer Courtney Enders about his father’s legacy, what it was like growing up with a Funny Car dad and his own professional drag racing career. On Saturday Shumake was part of the huge autograph session representing his father along all the milestone Funny Car winners before the group was presented with framed National Dragster covers highlighting their significant wins. The presentation happened on the starting line before the third qualifying session. “The drivers who won significant Funny Car races include some of the biggest stars in the category,” said Shumake. “I was proud to represent my dad and our family. Tripp had a great career and that win at the Southern Nationals was a special achievement for sure.” Saturday night Shumake was one of the featured drivers at the Night of Champions event at the NHRA Auto Club Museum. Funny Car world champion Jack Beckman hosted several of the milestone Funny Car winners for a lively question and answer session. For Shumake, getting to spend a day celebrating his father and the Funny Car class was a highlight he won’t forget any time soon. “My career has been a wild ride with ups and downs,” said Shumake. “I look at what my dad accomplished and that motivates me to keep working hard and finding sponsors so I can have a long career in drag racing. This weekend was so special because it proved that your legacy could live forever. My dad is a part of NHRA history, and I want to continue to honor his legacy and make my own special moments. Racing in the Legacy Funny Car Series is a fun experience and I am learning every pass.” On the track Shumake was turning heads driving for Funny Car veteran Dave Bejamin, the Funny Car featured the famed Little Hoss colors of his father’s original car owner, Johnny Loper. This was Shumake’s second consecutive Legacy Funny Car Series event. Shumake added Le Tour wines, a non-alcoholic wine that tastes like the real thing as a significant sponsor for the rest of the season. Le Tour starts with real French grapes, sourced from trusted vineyards and made using traditional winemaking methods. Through a gentle dealcoholization process, the alcohol is removed keeping the flavor and structure intact. “Getting together with Le Tour wines for the rest of the season will be very exciting,” said Shumake. “I love wine and I love drag racing. Their dealcoholization process means I can enjoy both at the track. This is a great environment for them to activate and introduce Le Tour to a huge audience. This weekend was a great introduction to the sport for Le Tour.” For more information on Travis Shumake and his racing program head over to www.travisshumake.com. The post Celebratory Winternationals Weekend Highlight for Travis Shumake first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

If you’re looking for a spectacle in Las Vegas, you’ll usually find it under the neon glow of the Strip. But true magic happens in the shadows of the Mojave. Mike Rabideau, known to the custom world as ‘Majik Mike,’ has been conjuring two-wheeled illusions out of his workshop, Majik Mike’s Designs, ... View the full article

Chad Green of Midland, Tex., drove his nitro-burning CGM Bond-Coat Ford Mustang Funny Car to the quarterfinals Sunday at the famed NHRA Winternationals drag races at the In-N-Out Burger Dragstrip in a rain-delayed event. After two sun-drenched days of qualifying at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds racing plant, Green, who qualified sixth, and the 16-driver Funny Car field had to play a waiting game with a series of rainstorms pelting the facility throughout Sunday morning and afternoon. After the NHRA Safety Safari dried the racing surface, eliminations got a late start with Green advancing out of the first round. Green recorded a 3.963-second pass at 326.87 miles per hour over veteran Paul Lee, who smoked his rear tires in his 12,000-horsepower machine. In the quarterfinals, Green’s mount clocked a 3.970, but lost to John Force Racing’s Jordan Vandergriff, who recorded a 3.914 to advance to the semifinals. Despite the loss, Green remains in the Top 4 in the current NHRA Mission Funny Car point standings as the national drag racing tour heads to Charlotte for the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals on April 24-26 at the zMax Dragway. “Our car ran well in qualifying and the rain on Sunday kept everyone guessing on the track conditions,” said Green, a former winner at the In-N-Out Dragstrip in 2023 when he captured the NHRA World Finals. “We had an issue with the blower (supercharger) and we didn’t run the times that we should have in eliminations. We also had an oil leak against Vandergriff which also hurt. But we know what happened in both situations and we’ll be ready for the Charlotte race in two weeks.” Green’s CGM teammate, veteran Blake Alexander, had similar supercharger issues with his Pronto Auto Services Dodge Hellcat in the opening round of eliminations when he raced against the No. 1 qualifier, J.R. Todd. Alexander had a good reaction time off the starting line but his 4.049-second run wasn’t enough to Todd’s 3.889 pass. The CGM team will return to NHRA competition on April 24-26 with the exciting Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte as Green and his son, Hunter, will drive the squad’s two nitro machines. Nitro qualifying will begin on Friday, April 24, at 5 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. EDT, with Saturday’s action scheduled for at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. EDT. Final eliminations begin at 12 p.m. EDT on Sunday, April 26. The Fox telecast will be aired at 7 p.m. EDT/4 p.m. PDT on Fox Sports 1. The post Chad Green Drives to Quarterfinals at Rain-Delayed NHRA Winternaitonals; Teammate Blake Alexander Out First Round first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

AutoMeter Products, Inc. introduces the new 7400 InVision Digital Dash, a universal-fit solution on AutoMeter’s latest 8.8-inch InVision platform. Designed to expand fitment opportunities, the 7400 delivers modern instrumentation in a more compact format, offering the same advanced functionality and performance as AutoMeter’s popular 12.3″ InVision series. At the center of the system is a high-resolution 8.8″ LCD display, providing sharp, easy-to-read data across five user-selectable screens with customizable color options to complement any build. The 7400 features an intuitive joystick controller for quick, precise menu navigation, avoiding fingerprints on the screen and the need for additional buttons while maintaining a clean interior appearance. Engineered for flexibility, the universal design allows the display to be integrated into a wide range of custom dash panels and applications, making it an ideal solution for builds where a smaller form factor is preferred without sacrificing capability. Each kit includes a pre-terminated wiring harness, water and oil senders, and mounting hardware to simplify installation. The system provides full vehicle monitoring, including speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, water temperature, voltage, and fuel level, along with integrated on-screen high beam, turn signal, mileage/trip and check engine indicators, as well as programmable visual and audible warning alerts. The 7400 InVision Digital Dash combines compact design, modern technology, and user-friendly control, delivering a versatile digital instrumentation solution for a wide range of applications. For more information, visit www.autometer.com The post AutoMeter Launches 7400 Universal 8.8″ InVision Digital Dash first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Rolling into the 66th Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals Funny Car driver Dylan Winefsky was eager to make his mark at the 1,000th NHRA Funny Car race. Coming off a record setting performance three weeks ago at the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals at his hometown track Firebird Motorsports Park the rising star was focused on building momentum. The 21-year-old driver made the most of this weekend on and off the track qualifying and spending time with the fans. “Going into Q4 yesterday, being number 11 was definitely a huge positive,” said Winefsky. “Even though we got bumped down to 15th, we are using that as a confidence boost. It was a plus having two back-to-back races within two weeks. Everything is fresh on your mind, and you remember all the movements. It’ll be a little tough not being in the car for a couple months, but I’m going to get to drive Johnny West’s car in Tucson, Arizona in a couple weeks.” After four rounds of qualifying, Winefsky and the Nitro Moose Funny Car qualified for the second national event in a row in a tough Funny Car field. After two days the Nitro Moose Funny Car entered race day as the No. 15 qualified Funny Car. Their quickest run was a solid 4.112 seconds, which was his quickest career run. During the qualifying rounds he was positioned as high as No. 11 before moving back to the No. 15 position. For his efforts he was matched up with three-time Funny Car world champion Ron Capps. “The biggest positive from this weekend was resetting my personal best with that 4.11 pass,” said Winefsky. “Getting more seat time in the car is always huge. No matter what kind of run it’s always a learning curve. I feel increasingly comfortable in this Nitro Moose Funny Car.” After a lengthy rain delay followed by a nearly 90-minute track clean up during the first round of Top Fuel eliminations Winefsky and Capps squared off. Capps was first off the starting line, but Winefsky was right beside him as they passed the Christmas Tree. Unfortunately for the young driver his Funny Car burned up a piston and the safety system disconnected the throttle so Winefsky couldn’t pedal his race car. As he was experiencing this issue Capps overpowered the track but he was able to regain control of his 12,000-horsepower land rocket. Winefsky was forced to watch Capps pull away for the round one victory. The weekend was another busy learning experience for Winefsky as he represented his sponsors on the NHRA stage during a Friday question and answer session with FOX personality Courtney Enders. Winefsky talked about the sponsorship backing he has received from supporters across the country. Lowe’s Home Improvement was featured along with Audio Express, Robert’s Car Care, Outlaw Race Engines and Bob Jackson Body Repair on the blue and white Nitro Moose machine. Being a part of the 1,000th Funny Car race was a special moment for the young driver. Seeing the significant moments recognized throughout the weekend along with the variety of Funny Car special guests that were at the event made the race one to remember. As Winefsky looks ahead to his next national event the progress he has made both here and at the Arizona Nationals will pay huge dividends. “It was definitely a memorable moment to be able to be a part of the 1,000th Funny Car race,” said Winefsky. “There were 18 cars on the property, and all 18 were capable of getting in, so to be one of the quickest 16 is super cool.” Fans interested in more information on Dylan Winefsky follow his social media on Facebook and Instagram. The post Dylan Winefsky Maximizes Winternationals Weekend first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Jordan Vandergriff was introduced as a kid to the sport of drag racing at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, his hometown track, and he hoped to earn his first Funny Car win there in the NHRA’s 1,000th Funny Car race but the semifinals finish he and his Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car team were able to achieve in the NHRA Lucas Oil Winternationals was still an experience he’ll always treasure. John Force Racing teammates Josh Hart, Alexis DeJoria and Jack Beckman all ran strong in their first-round matchups before bowing out in the second round of the oil-down and rain-delayed third race of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. In the semifinal matchup, Vandergriff grabbed the holeshot from three-time NHRA Funny Car Champion Ron Capps, 0.069 to 0.077, and ran his personal event-best elapsed time of 3.889 seconds at 334.15 mph but it wasn’t enough for Capps’ overall event-best elapsed time of 3.863 seconds at 330.31 mph. “What a weekend for the John Force Racing Cornwell Quality Tools Chevrolet Funny Car,” said Vandergriff. “Being at my home track, having a lot of my friends and family out here and doing it for John at his home means a lot to me, too. So, getting to the semis was great but somebody was just a little quicker in the end. We’re getting there. I think we have something really strong to build on and I know a win is coming very soon.” Vandergriff defeated Daniel Wilkerson in Round 1 with a run of 3.894 seconds at 334.57 mph and outlasted Chad Green in the second round with a run of 3.914 seconds at 330.63 mph to Green’s 3.970 seconds at 325.22 mph. Hart ended up making a single run in Round 1 when Cameron Ferre was forced to shut off after completing the burnout, running his event-best elapsed time and speed of 3.698 seconds at 336.91 mph. The 2026 NHRA Gatornationals champion faced Tony Stewart in Round 2, cut a 0.065 light to Stewart’s 0.058, and was running nearly side by side to halfway before the Speedmaster Top Fueler slowed to a run of 3.968 seconds at 236.46 mph while Stewart ran 3.715 at 337.92. “That one stings,” said Hart. “We were swinging for the fences with great conditions for record-breaking runs in the Speedmaster dragster. The fans kept the house vibes up even in the rain and all the down time so I am grateful to everyone who came out, and especially for those who stayed to the end.” DeJoria defeated Dave Richards in Round 1, running 3.906 seconds at 330.07 mph to Richards’ 6.818 at 105.00. In Round 2, the SoCal native got the holeshot against three-time Funny Car Champion Ron Capps but the Bandero Café Chevy lost traction shortly after. DeJoria pedaled the throttle but Capps streaked to a run of 3.884 seconds at 323.34 mph while DeJoria clicked the lights in 6.941 seconds at 95.41 mph. “We had a pretty consistent Bandero Café Chevy this weekend,” said DeJoria. “We made three-second runs every time down the track. Then, on Sunday, we made a really good run in Round 1 and were set to do so again in the second round. We were trying to run a 3.87 and just overpowered the track by a fraction. I had a good light and I’m pretty sure if it had stuck, we would have gotten the round win. This is the race we really wanted to win. It’s the 1,000th Funny Car race and it’s my home track at Pomona. But, on to the next. We’ve learned a lot and we’re just going to take that knowledge and continue our momentum.” Beckman and the PEAK SQUAD won their first round of eliminations, defeating Jim Campbell with a run of 3.890 seconds at 332.75 mph. Despite the team’s best run of the event, they lost lane choice by one-thousandth-of-a-second to JR Todd. In the Round 2 matchup, the PEAK Chevy lost traction early and, despite Beckman pedaling the throttle, Todd streaked to the win with a run of 3.914 seconds at 334.65 mph to Beckman’s 4.760 seconds at 193.05 mph. “There are a lot of runs where we have a parts issue,” said Beckman. “At the end of the first run, we burned a piston. Actually, it forced us to change the engine. There are also a lot of runs where you miss it and you say, ‘okay, we didn’t have the right clutch in it’. That was the second round run. The track was really getting tight. If you look at our overlays from runs at similar tracks, it’s a coin toss whether that run makes it or not. Unfortunately, that time it didn’t make it for us. You hate to lose those races because, had it stuck, who knows? But I think we finally have our PEAK Chevy back. We earned some qualifying points after a really odd Friday trying to figure out the racetrack. I think all the calls we made after that were spot on. The one in the second round was just that small percentile off.” The fourth of 20 events on the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series calendar is the April 24-26 4-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway in Concord, N.C. The post Vandergriff Earns Semifinal Finish at Pomona; Hart, DeJoria, and Beckman Bow Out in Quarterfinals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Graeme and Luisa Bell are long-term overland travelers, authors, and field-tested storytellers who have spent more than a decade living and traveling full-time on the road with their children, Keelan and Jessica, and their dogs, Chewy (a South African Yorkie rescue) and Daisy (a Mexican street dog rescue). The Bell family have circumnavigated South America, traveled from Argentina to Alaska, crossed the United States multiple times, and driven from Europe to their native South Africa via the west coast of Africa—an expedition that demanded resilience, adaptability, and deep cultural engagement. Their travels are rooted in self-reliance and immersive exploration. Whether navigating remote tracks in West Africa or frozen winter roads to the Arctic Ocean—most recently in a Ram truck with a Nimbl camper—the Bells favor practical vehicles, thoughtful preparation, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. They are currently based in Mexico, continuing to explore the Americas while sharing their experience through writing and public speaking. At the heart of their journey is a Land Rover Defender 130, affectionately known as “Mafuta,” which Graeme designed and built with the help of the family to support long-term global travel. Graeme is the Senior Editor of 4WD for Expedition Portal and Overland Journal and has authored multiple books on overlanding, including Travel the Planet Overland, co-written with Luisa. He is also a longstanding member of The Explorers Club. Together, the Bells offer a rare, multigenerational perspective on long-term travel grounded in lived experience across continents, climates, and cultures. The Bell family will be joining us at Overland Expo West to teach 16 Years Overlanding the Globe, What We Wish We Knew From the Start. Overland travel is often portrayed as a seamless blend of freedom, adventure, and faraway horizons, but the reality of long-term life on the road is shaped just as much by hard-earned lessons as it is by spectacular landscapes. In this presentation, Graeme Bell draws on 16 years of overland travel around the globe to share what he and his family wish they had understood from the beginning, from lifestyle, vehicle, and gear decisions to route planning, health, safety, and the practical realities of crossing borders and living on the move. Designed to be both informative and engaging, the session offers clear takeaways for new travelers and seasoned overlanders alike, with insights aimed at helping attendees travel smarter, reduce avoidable mistakes, and get more out of every mile. A chat with the Bell Family about their overland adventures Before we get some time in with the Bells in Flagstaff, AZ, we chatted with them about their rigs, favorite camps, and much more. OE: What vehicles make up your current fleet? The Bells: As a family, we run a small but diverse fleet. Our primary vehicle is a self-built camper on a 2003 Land Rover Defender 130 platform, which has crossed the Atlantic three times. Keelan’s personal vehicle is a 1995 Land Rover Discovery Series 1, purchased online and driven back from Canada to Mexico; it now serves as the family’s daily driver and will soon be further outfitted. Luisa owns a 2006 Land Rover LR3 used primarily as a trail vehicle. In addition, Graeme and Keelan ride two 2025 Italika DM 300 dual-purpose motorcycles to explore the backroads of Michoacán, Mexico. OE: Do you have a favorite campsite? The Bells: We have camped in exceptional locations around the world, but a few stand out: Camping Azilane in Chefchaouen, Morocco; Stille Waters in the Breede Valley, South Africa (weekday camping only); and Los Nogales in Córdoba, Argentina. Of these, Los Nogales remains especially memorable thanks to the hospitality of Carlos and his family, as well as the property’s spring-fed swimming pools. OE: What do you typically cook on the road? The Bells: As South Africans, our first choice is always a braai—meat cooked over an open fire. A close second is souvlaki. READ MORE: The Social Side of Overland Expo West 2026 OE: Tell us about a challenging moment that turned into something positive. The Bells: While off-roading in the Rif Mountains of Morocco, our Defender suffered a complete clutch failure. Although the location was remote, it proved to be an unexpectedly ideal place to break down, surrounded by forest, friendly locals, and a fresh mountain spring. After three days of attempted repairs, the vehicle was towed down the mountain by tractor. Then we spent a month camping above Chefchaouen in winter while waiting for parts. What began as a setback became a welcome pause, allowing us to recover from months of preparation, form new friendships, and explore the region at a slower pace. OE: What aspects of overland travel do you feel you have mastered, and where could you improve? The Bells: Having built and maintained our own vehicle, we are highly self-sufficient and comfortable traveling deep into remote regions without support. We work well as a team and tend to perform best in challenging or uncomfortable situations. One area we could improve is our social engagement on the road. We naturally gravitate toward solitude, which occasionally surprises fellow travelers familiar with our work. OE: How do you divide responsibilities while traveling? The Bells: Graeme typically handles mechanical maintenance, camp setup, and fire management. Luisa manages most meals and housekeeping and takes responsibility for electrical systems and repairs. She leads navigation and trip planning, while Graeme focuses primarily on driving—although Luisa has taken on significant driving responsibilities in the past, particularly during our time in West Africa. BUY TICKETS View the full article

Dometic is taking a different approach to experiential marketing this spring, launching a Los Angeles-based campaign that gives consumers direct access to the outdoors with no planning required. Starting today, April 14, the outdoor tech company will offer a limited number of fully equipped off-road vehicles for free 36-hour getaways, positioning the initiative as a frictionless way for city dwellers to step away from daily routines and into nature. The program centers around a small fleet of premium rigs sourced from brands like Lexus, Toyota, and Ford. Each vehicle comes preloaded with Dometic’s full range of gear, including sleeping systems, portable power, cooking equipment, and hydration solutions. Also included is the brand’s CFX5 electric cooler, stocked with chef-prepared meals designed to elevate the outdoor experience beyond typical camp fare. READ MORE: Level Up with Overland Expo Training at PNW Participants won’t need to map routes or secure campsites ahead of time. Each trip includes a reserved campsite in Joshua Tree, along with a curated guide of activities and access to 24/7 support. The idea, according to the company, is to remove the common barriers such as gear, logistics, and planning, that often prevent people from getting outside. Los Angeles serves as a strategic launch point. The city consistently ranks among the most congested in the U.S., with drivers losing an average of 83 hours to traffic annually. For Dometic, that statistic highlights a broader tension between urban living and the growing demand for outdoor experiences. The campaign will run through April 24, with 17 trips available via an online entry system. While limited in scale, the initiative reflects a larger shift in how outdoor brands are connecting with consumers by moving beyond product storytelling and into fully integrated, real-world experiences. For those interested in participating more information can be found dometic.com/thiswayout. View the full article

Funny Car driver Spencer Hyde delivered a weekend of progress and promise at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, competing in the milestone 1,000th NHRA Funny Car race. Hyde qualified No. 13 in a competitive 18-car field, powered by a strong 4.057 second pass at 312.06 mph during the fourth and final round of qualifying on Saturday. The run secured his spot in eliminations and demonstrated the continued upward trajectory of the Head Racing team. The weekend began on a high note Friday, when the Canadian driver picked up two bonus points in the opening qualifying session after recording the second-quickest run of the round. Hyde also showed impressive consistency on the starting line, turning in some of his best reaction times of the season. “This team is really gaining some momentum,” said Hyde. “We’ve been working hard on every aspect of our performance, and it’s great to see improvements, especially on the starting line. That’s a big confidence boost for me as a driver.” In Sunday’s opening round, Hyde faced off against No. 4 qualifier and four-time World Champion Matt Hagan. Despite a solid start, Hyde’s run was cut short due to loss of traction, allowing Hagan to take the win. Hagan went on to win the Winternationals and capture the 1000th Funny Car race in NHRA’s 75-year history. “We knew we had a tough draw going up against Hagan,” said Hyde. “Unfortunately, we lost traction early and that was the end of it. It’s frustrating, but these are the kind of challenges that push you to get better.” The event carried added significance as the 1,000th Funny Car race in NHRA history, a milestone Hyde was proud to be part of. “It’s really special to be part of something like this,” said Hyde. “Funny Car has such an incredible history, and just being in the field for the 1,000th race is something I’ll always remember. Of course, we would have loved to win it, but I truly believe our first win is coming soon.” Hyde also connected with fans on Saturday as a featured driver on the NHRA Stage, further showcasing his growing presence both on and off the track. The 2025 NHRA Rookie of the Year was quick to credit the effort behind the scenes, particularly crew chief and team owner Jim Head, for the team’s continued progress. “Jim Head and this entire crew have been giving me a great race car,” said Hyde. “Their dedication and attention to detail is second to none. We’re building something strong here, and I’m really grateful for all the hard work they put in every weekend.” Hyde also acknowledged the continued support of his partners, including Hyde Construction, OUTLAW Light Beer and the Caine Group. “I can’t thank our sponsors enough,” said Hyde. “Hyde Construction, Outlaw Light Beer and The Caine Group believe in what we’re doing, and that means everything. We’re working hard to deliver results for them, and I’m confident those results are right around the corner.” Hyde and the Head Racing team will be back in competition in two weeks at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals on April 23-26 at zMAX Dragway. There will be two qualifying sessions on Friday, April 24 and two qualifying sessions on Saturday, April 25. For tickets or more information on the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals visit nhra.com. The post Spencer Hyde Continues to Build Momentum at 1,000th Funny Car Race first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The latest rooftop tent from Thule, dubbed the Widesky, provides more than just a good night’s rest. Beyond the great living space, it’s relatively lightweight and a great match for almost any overland rig. While it isn’t the first tent we’ve seen with a sofa, it does put a spin on this awesome addition to your backcountry abode. Photo by Thule Photo by Thule Photo by Thule Photo by Thule The Widesky is a pop-up style rooftop tent featuring two struts, a slope roof, plus massive doors and windows on three sides. The futon-style mattress lifts from the front end, and when it is in couch mode, the Widesky provides its namesake vistas. “With Thule Widesky, we focused on creating a refined hardshell experience that feels just as comfortable during the day as it does at night,” Kajsa Levinsson, Thule’s Senior Category Manager, said in a statement. “It’s designed for people who value comfort and smart design, and who want a rooftop tent that invites them to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.” READ MORE: Camping at Overland Expo PNW Can’t Be Beat Beyond the futon mattress, the Widesky features LED lights, interior storage pockets, and a collapsible aluminum ladder and storage bag that can stay in the tent when it isn’t in use. All of this comes in at a svelte 147 lbs. The tent measures 83 x 55 x 52 inches open, 83 x 55 x 7.9 inches closed, and it provides a 79 x 51 inches sleeping area. Even though it’s a pretty light tent, the Widesky is rated for a static load of 660 lbs. We haven’t tested out a rooftop tent that’s oriented for you to sleep at the “narrow” end. Based on our experience with Alu Cab 3R’s option couch mattress, it’s great to have an upright seating position in your tent, especially during long winter nights and/or inclement weather. Image by Thule Image by Thule Image by Thule The Widesky retails $3,999.95, firmly planting it amongst other premium rooftop tents. Given the features, building quality, and the excellent reputation of Thule products, we expect this tent to last years of backcountry travel. LEARN MORE View the full article

History found its moment Sunday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, and Matt Hagan was the one behind the wheel when it happened. In a milestone final round to close out the 66th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, Hagan drove to victory in the 1,000th Funny Car race in NHRA history, defeating Ron Capps with a strong 3.876 at 330.39 mph. It wasn’t just another win – it was one of those moments that will be replayed anytime the conversation turns to Funny Car history. Against a fellow multi-time world champion in Capps, Hagan delivered a clean, decisive run when it mattered most. Top Fuel saw Tony Stewart continue building momentum in his nitro career, powering to a 3.683 at 332.51 mph to secure the victory. Round by round, Stewart showed the kind of consistency that wins races – and increasingly, commands attention in the class. In Pro Stock, Greg Anderson added another chapter to his already-stacked Pomona résumé. The six-time world champion picked up his 113th career victory — and a record-tying 17th at Pomona — by turning in a 6.505 at 209.88 mph to hold off reigning world champion Dallas Glenn in the final. It was a matchup that felt inevitable, and Anderson once again proved why this track has long been one of his strongest. The sportsman categories rounded out a full weekend of racing. Doug Gordon defeated Annie Whiteley in Top Alcohol Funny Car, while Garrett Bateman drove past Jon Bradford for the Top Alcohol Dragster win. In Legacy Nitro Funny Car competition, Geoff Monise got the victory over Nathan Sitko, adding a nostalgic punch to the final eliminations. Three races into the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, Pomona once again delivered — big speeds, heavyweight matchups, and a piece of history that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. This story was originally published on April 14, 2026. The post PHOTO GALLERY: Raceday Sunday at The 2026 NHRA Winternationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Alexis DeJoria continued to build momentum with John Force Racing at the NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, driving her Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car to a quarterfinal finish Sunday afternoon. In pursuit of the 1,000th NHRA Funny Car Wally, DeJoria picked up championship bonus points in qualifying and posted a solid showing in eliminations. She leaves the third of 20 races on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour ranked seventh in the Funny Car points standings. After a tricky first qualifying session on Friday, DeJoria bounced back in the second session with a 3.989-second pass at 328.30 mph to jump up to the provisional No. 2 spot. It was also the second-quickest pass of the session, earning two championship bonus points for DeJoria. She followed that up on Saturday with a 3.998 E.T. at 324.83 mph in the third session and her quickest pass of qualifying, a 3.979 E.T. at 328.46 mph, in the final session. With the confidence that comes with making three quick and consistent runs in qualifying, DeJoria went into eliminations in the No. 7 position. DeJoria and crew chiefs Mike Neff and Jonnie Lindberg kept their momentum rolling in the opening round of eliminations on Sunday. DeJoria grabbed a slight starting line advantage over Dave Richards and powered to her quickest pass of the event, a 3.906-second performance at 330.07 mph, to move on to the quarterfinals with lane choice. When Funny Car’s second round kicked off, DeJoria moved first off the starting line against Ron Capps before losing traction early. Though she pedaled the Bandero Café machine in an attempt to chase down Capps, DeJoria ultimately lifted off the throttle as Capps posted low E.T. of the round. “I had a starting line advantage, which was good,” DeJoria said. “We had a very consistent car this weekend and made it down the track more times than not. I have a lot of faith in our abilities, and I’m very much looking forward to our future as a team. We have a really good, consistent car. We know exactly what the issue was with that last run and we’re just going to take that information and move forward. We’re still gaining information and runs for this team and for this race car. We learned this weekend that you live and learn and you move on and you use that to your advantage the next time. I’m really looking forward to Charlotte.” DeJoria and the John Force Racing Bandero Café Funny Car team will return to action at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, April 24-26, at zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina. The post Alexis DeJoria Builds Momentum with Quarterfinal Finish at NHRA Winternationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

(Photos by David Whealon) – The PDRA Carolina Nationals from Darlington were cold and challenging, but we’ve got a bunch of photos from David Whealon showing just how cool the cars and racing action were. While they were not able to finish the event, because of weather and cold track temps, the final two rounds of eliminations will be contested at this weekend’s East Coast Nationals at Darana Motorsports Park GALOT. That means fans and racers are in for three big days of racing with Thursday’s action finishing up the Carolina Nationals eliminations, followed by qualifying and eliminations for the East Coast Nationals themselves. With Pro Nitrous, Pro Boost, Extreme Pro Stock, Outlawy 632 and more on hand, you know that some awesome racing was happening. The car counts were strong and the competition was unrelenting throughout eliminations in all categories. The post Drag Racing Photos: The PDRA Carolina Nationals 2026 Were Cold But The Action Was Hot! Check Out All Of Our Galleries Starting Right Here! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article