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Scooters like the Suzuki Burgman Street 125 prove extreme fuel efficiency matters more than power in today's economy. View the full article

I realize the numbers are small, but there are people out there that would like a C8 Corvette with a clutch pedal. And as a guy who drives a stick shift car most days, I understand the allure. But I can also tell you that the DCT that comes in a C8 is far better than any of us that love to shift gears outselves. We romanticize the opposite, but the truth is that a DCT is capable of shifting so much quicker than you or I. It’s mind boggling actually, and if you know how a DCT works then you know why. They aren’t that complicated actually. But when Tremec had a billet aluminum trans axle on display at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, that was NOT a DCT, everyone immediately assumed it was for a C8 Corvette and that these were coming to showrooms near you. Or at least that they would be available in kit form. But not one person had a single bit of real intel, just a bunch of conjecture. Until now. That’s because Mike Kidd with Tremec joined Jamie and Justin for the Automotive Advantage Podcast and gave them all the real info. Video Description: The Tremec Manual Transaxle stopped SEMA cold. Phones are ringing off the hook. And yet… the Corvette world isn’t sure what to believe. In this episode of Automotive Advantage, we sit down with Mike Kidd, Aftermarket Business Unit Manager at Tremec, to get the straight story on the manual transaxle that became the most talked-about Corvette product and why the internet’s assumptions about it being a factory C8 option were dead wrong. Mike sets the record straight, breaks down what this transmission actually is, who it’s built for, and when you can get your hands on one. We also dig into why manual transmissions are dying in production vehicles but why the aftermarket demand has never been stronger. The post Aftermarket Gossip: Is a Manual C8 Corvette Actually Happening? TREMEC’s Aftermarket Chief Tells All! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Triumph's Demo Days are coming, but all I can think about is whether I can jump a barbed wire fence like The Great Escape?View the full article

I like a good Cummins as much as the next guy, but this is a bit over the top. Of course it won’t surprise you since it is coming from Westen Champlin, but at the same time it is taking the Cummins swap the world mantra a bit far don’t you think? It even has a neighbor hater sticking out of the hood. This beast is torn up, from its life before Westen got it, but their plan is to make this thing good again. Watch the three videos below to get all the back story, starting with the first video on top. The post First Drive Video: Westen Champlin’s Cummins Swapped Rolls Royce Is Something Special. Absurd, But Special. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Royal Enfield added three wild, new paint schemes to the Hunter 350, making it arguably the quirkiest option from the manufacturer. There's just one catch.View the full article

Slick tire racers have a new wheel option. RC Components released its Apex beadlock liner wheels for small tire racers looking for traction. View the full article

Australia’s motorcycle market made a stronger start to 2026, but the headline growth story was driven largely by off-road machinery. Road bikes continued to trend lower, scooters edged forward and OHV sales slipped again. The post Australian motorcycle sales rising in 2026 as off-road leads the way appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

It should come as no surprise to anyone who has attended an Overland Expo that the overlanding community is a tight-knit group with friendships that span years, miles, and social media. Recently, at Overland Expo SoCal, we caught up with Nolen Yapp. Nolen has been a part of our team; he’s currently working with the passionate Land Rover experts at Classic Overland, and before all of that, he was no stranger to overland trips far and wide. Read on to learn more about his story. OE: Thanks for taking the time to catch up with us, Nolen! We really appreciate it. Before we dive into your experience with Overland Expo and your current role, why don’t you tell us a bit about your history with overlanding?  NY: Cars have been my passion for as long as I can remember. Early on, motorsports, automotive history, and building cars became my world. By high school, I was deep into BMWs and Subarus. I restored an ’86 BMW E30 (with my quality YouTube mechanic certification), got into autocross and time attack, and turned my Subaru WRX daily driver into what I thought was a track car.  The turning point came when I was attending Kansas State , and my WRX lost its life, totaled in a freak flash flood. That forced me to step back and rethink what I actually wanted out of a vehicle.  At the same time, I’ve always had a strong creative side, especially in photography and videography. I was really drawn to the imagery behind Camel Trophy, that raw, in-the-moment storytelling. Photographers like Nick Dimbleby showed me how to create captivating imagery where the car is the center of the story. Others , like Jimmy Chin, shaped how I capture outdoor adventure. Both are incredible storytellers who inspire my visual lens.  READ MORE: Level Up with Overland Expo Training at PNW Then COVID hit, and living in Oregon at the time, everything shut down. Adventure behind the wheel is what I live and breathe, and to keep the automotive adventures going, really, the only places that were accessible were BLM land and national forests. Cars and Coffee and track events were closed or canceled. If I wanted to keep driving, I’d need to take the road less traveled. That was the outlet , and that’s what changed everything.  This shift forced me to experience cars differently. It wasn’t about lap times or modifications anymore; it was about where a vehicle could take you. It honestly felt like rediscovering cars all over again, like hearing your favorite song for the first time.  I started building out a rig piece by piece, gear that supported getting out there, and over time, it naturally turned into an overland setup. It wasn’t a planned transition from track builds; it was just the evolution of trying to stay behind the wheel.  OE: Before your current role, you were actually on the other side of Overland Expo as a team member. Did your tenure as event videographer provide any insight or surprises as to what happens at each Overland Expo?  NY: I first attended Overland Expo as an attendee with my friends, celebrating a successful week-long trip in Canyonlands on the iconic White Rim Road. The next year, we submitted a documentary covering the trip that was an official selection at the Overland Expo PNW Film Festival. Then I booked with the team as an event videographer for Overland Expo SoCal. I was thrilled to meet the crew and move to the professional side, coming from being a spectator, truly a dream come true. This experience showed me the “soul” side of Overland Expo; everyone is there because they love it – the overlanding community, the products, the adventure. It’s not a big corporate machine. It’s a tight-knit team delivering a massive event. Having worked on the corporate side of Microsoft and BMW, I know how many people it can take to achieve an event even half the size of what Overland Expo is. What I learned is that passion and professionalism in this community run deep, and that’s why it works so well.  Photo courtesy of Nolen Yapp Photo courtesy of Nolen Yapp But being a videographer or photographer here isn’t like shooting any event. You can’t come in as an off-the-shelf wedding shooter. You have to love the vehicles, the terrain, and the adventure. It’s like being a driver. If you don’t know the terrain, you can’t tell the story. For me, it was an honor because I wasn’t just documenting it. I was part of the same passion. I was capturing the people, their builds, and their journeys.  READ MORE: Meet Your Favorite Creators at Overland Expo West OE: What can you tell us about your current role at Classic Overland?   NY: I lead operations and brand at Classic Overland, so I’m responsible for both how our vehicles are built and how we present ourselves as an organization. On the operations side, I oversee each build from concept through delivery, making sure every decision aligns with the end vision.  Our Signature Series is a full body-off restoration taken down to the nuts and bolts, rebuilt with modern powertrains and engine swaps, so the vehicle feels as good to drive as it does to look at. The Warthog Series is more purpose-driven, focused on simplicity, durability, and accessibility for first-time Defender buyers.  Photo courtesy of Nolen Yapp Photo courtesy of Nolen Yapp Photo courtesy of Nolen Yapp Photo courtesy of Nolen Yapp Photo courtesy of Nolen Yapp Photo courtesy of Nolen Yapp Photo courtesy of Nolen Yapp On the brand side, I make sure everything we do reflects that philosophy. We’re not building showpieces. We’re building vehicles meant to be driven and kept. My role is to make sure that the standard is consistent across the product and the experience. If you want to follow along with the builds, events, and everything behind the scenes, you can find me on Instagram at @yapping_about_cars.  OE: Classic Overland builds some truly incredible and unique trucks, and it’s always amazing to see the detail, fit, and finish in those builds. Undoubtedly, it’s a team effort with lots of moving parts. What’s the process like when those builds come together?  NY: Every build starts with a clear vision, and from there, my role is to keep everything moving in that direction. I’m coordinating across sourcing, engineering, fabrication, and assembly to make sure nothing drifts from the original intent.  Because each vehicle is highly customized, the process is not linear. There are constant adjustments with parts, timelines, and execution, so a big part of what I do is making decisions in real time without losing sight of the end result. Our clients and their vision are at the heart of all we do.  It’s a complex process, but the goal is simple. When the vehicle is finished, it should feel cohesive, intentional, and exactly how it was meant to come together from day one.  OE: We have to ask, what’s your most memorable overland trip to date, and likewise, what’s your bucket list trip or destination?  NY: My most memorable trip would be when Layne, my now wife, and I celebrated our engagement in Iceland. We road tripped through the country in a Land Rover Defender 110 at the tail end of winter with my best man and her maid of honor.  It wasn’t our first time traveling behind the wheel, but it was one of the most spontaneous trips we’ve ever taken. We planned it on the fly after watching The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and ended up chasing a lot of the filming locations. That meant long days on the road, pulling off wherever something caught our eye, and planning some special only there activities like hiking in ice caves on a volcano and snorkeling in the continental rift. It was one of those trips where you stop overthinking and just go.  Iceland has a way of stripping everything back. You’re driving through landscapes that don’t feel real, volcanic terrain, frozen waterfalls, and steam rising out of the ground. In winter, it’s quiet and raw, and every mile feels intentional.  We rented the Defender through ISAK 4×4, which is pretty surreal looking back. They’ve since become a brand partner of Classic Overland, and at the time, I never would have expected that our paths would cross again in that way.  That trip was the first time I really saw how driving, storytelling, and exploration could all come together into something bigger.  Looking ahead, my bucket list is a documentary expedition through Alaska in a Defender. The documentary concept is called “Driven by Adventure: Northern Wild,” and the goal is to capture one of the last untouched wildlife corridors left in North America before it changes for good.  A lot of that inspiration comes from XOverland and creators like Bound For Nowhere, especially the way they approach long-form, immersive storytelling. I’d want to start by taking the ferry from Washington up to Alaska, letting that transition set the tone for the entire journey and allowing the route itself to shape the story as much as the destination.  It would follow an overland journey from tidewater to tundra with Layne and our two dogs, Bruno and Lilly. Documenting not just the landscapes, but the wildlife and the people who depend on that land. Bears, remote communities, and the reality of what it means to live alongside a wilderness that is slowly disappearing. I’d want to develop it through a grant program with National Geographic and tell it in a way that feels real and honest.  On the other end of the spectrum, a dream trip for Layne and me would be Australia. Something built around an event like the Birdsville Big Red Bash, then extending into time spent out in the bush, even volunteering at Sleepy Burrows Wombat Sanctuary while traveling in a Defender. It’s a completely different kind of experience, but still rooted in the same idea of getting behind the wheel and letting the journey shape everything.  Because at the end of the day, the Defender is the poster child for that kind of experience, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.  View the full article

Ron Capps got his hands on his first special diamond Wally for NHRA’s 75th anniversary season at the most recent race in Phoenix. As sweet as that was, there’s a chance for even more at this weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. Of course, there’s another diamond Wally on the line at one of NHRA’s most legendary races, but the weekend also marks the 1,000th Funny Car race in NHRA history. There’s another special trophy for that, as well as the opportunity to capture a remarkable milestone win during NHRA’s special anniversary season. Capps’ win in Phoenix gave the three-time Funny Car world champ 78 victories in his spectacular career – the most among active Funny Car drivers – but he never won one of the 100th race milestones. That could change this weekend in his 12,000-horsepower NAPA Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra and the magnitude of the weekend isn’t lost on Capps. “We’ve talked about celebrating 75 years of NHRA in 2026 for quite some time now, and I can’t think of a track with more legacy or that better signifies the history of our sport than Pomona, the birthplace of NHRA Drag Racing,” Capps said. “How cool that it lines up where this weekend is the 1,000th Funny Car race. I’ve been lucky enough to not only be a part of some of the big ones, but also to have had a front row seat to some incredible matchups over the years with some of the biggest names, including my former boss, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme. The Winternationals is one of the most historic events, so you really couldn’t have drawn it up better.” In 2025, Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Clay Millican (Top Fuel) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) claimed Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals wins. This year’s race will be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage on Sunday, April 12, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET. It is the third of 20 races and the loaded weekend that includes two rounds of qualifying on Friday and Saturday, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty bonus race on Saturday and 75th anniversary celebrations like: An appearance from NHRA legend and six-time champion Kenny Bernstein, in honor of his historic 310-mph pass at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in 1994. Other legends scheduled to appear include milestone Funny Car winners Larson, Gray, Wilkerson and Force, as well as legends like Prudhomme, Richard Tharp, Gary Beck, Jim Dunn and more. On Friday, the first 4,000 fans in attendance will receive a special NHRA 75th anniversary Winternationals event poster. If Capps does nab the 1,000th Funny Car race win, he’d prefer to do it with far less drama than it took in Phoenix. Capps’ car suffered a massive explosion during his second-round win and the team had a furious thrash to return in time for the semifinals. It all ended well, as Capps got past reigning Rookie of the Year Spencer Hyde in the final round, but back-to-back wins won’t be easy in the loaded category. Hyde moved up to second in points – one spot ahead of Capps – with Chad Green still in the points lead after his Gainesville win. Other standouts include four-time champ Matt Hagan, defending event winner Beckman, J.R. Todd, Cruz Pedregon, Alexis DeJoria and class newcomer Jordan Vandergriff. That level of competition makes the wins that much sweeter, especially during NHRA’s 75th anniversary season. “This is the coveted one right here,” Capps said of the special diamond Wally after winning in Phoenix. “You just think of the legacy and what’s gone into this. It’s unbelievable and thanks to Wally Parks, first of all. NHRA being around 75 years, it’s so awesome and at Ron Capps Motorsports, we’re just having a lot of fun right now.” Top Fuel’s Clay Millican is after his first win of the year – and a Pomona repeat – against points leader and reigning world champ Doug Kalitta, Phoenix winner Shawn Langdon, Tony Stewart, Leah Pruett, Antron Brown and Gainesville winner Josh Hart. Reigning world champ Dallas Glenn is coming off a win in Phoenix, taking on the likes of Anderson, Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield and Gainesville winner Matt Hartford. All weekend, fans also get to see racing action in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. The Nitro Alley Stage is the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, and much more. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their hot rods between rounds and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create an exciting atmosphere. Race fans at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners. NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features qualifying at 1:30 and 4 p.m. PT on Friday, April 10, and the final two rounds on Saturday, April 11 at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. PT on Sunday, April 12. Television coverage includes eliminations on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET. To purchase tickets to the 2026 Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. The post Ron Capps has Sights on Win at 1,000th Funny Car Race at Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

For Funny Car driver Chad Green, the In-N-Out Burger Dragstrip has a special place for the Midland, Tex., racer as he scored his first NHRA Funny Car national event win at the famed Los Angeles County Fairgrounds, capturing the 2023 NHRA In-N-Out World Finals. Now, Green is ready for another winner’s circle visit this weekend (April 10-12) in the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals. Green comes to Pomona as the current NHRA Mission Funny Car points leader with his 12,000-horsepower CGM Bond-Coat Ford Mustang after an impressive win at the season-opening NHRA Gatornationals last month in Gainesville, Fla. The Gatornationals victory was the second consecutive win at the Gainesville Raceway track and kicked off a strong effort in his quest for the coveted NHRA Mission World Championship that concludes in November at the NHRA In-N-Out World Finals. And Green knows another solid performance in the first Pomona event will springboard his effort for the World title. “Obviously, the Gatornationals win was a great way to start the 2026 season,” said the Midland, Tex., businessman when he isn’t piloting a nitro-burning Funny Car. “Our crew did a great job during the off-season preparing our cars and parts for a good start to the racing tour. We have had some tricky tracks at Gainesville and Phoenix with very hot conditions. That won’t be case at Pomona and I believe we are ready to get back to cooler weather and strong runs. “We missed a little bit at Phoenix with our setup, but we know what happened. We are prepared with my Bond-Coat car and Blake’s (Alexander) Pronto Auto Services car now. We tested earlier this year, and I think we learned a few things that will help us for the Pomona race. I’m anxious to hit the track on Friday.” For veteran Alexander, the four-time NHRA national event winner from Charlotte, the Pomona event will be his second race of the drag racing tour after his 2026 debut last month at Phoenix. This year marks the second season with Chad Green Motorsports for the personable driver after scoring a runner-up finishes and several semifinals placings in 2025. “It is great to be back with CGM this year and to see Chad win the Gatornationals again,” said Alexander. “The conditions for my first race at Phoenix were tough with track temperatures near 150 degrees. We have never seen track surface temps that high before. Luckily, the Winternationals will have cooler conditions, and we have a good setup for that type of weather. “The crew has worked hard over the winter, and you have seen Chad’s car run consistently and quick already. We are working together with the two crews this year and we have seen good performance in the early races. I’m ready for a strong run at Pomona now.” Green and Alexander will take their 12,000-horsepower, nitro machines into action at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals on Friday, April 10, with qualifying rounds at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.PDT. Saturday’s (April 11) qualifying will take place at 12:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. PDT, with final eliminations on Sunday, April 12, at 11 a.m. PDT. Fox Sports 1 will telecast Sunday’s eliminations at 6:30 p.m. EDT/3:30 p.m. PDT. This story was originally published on April 8, 2026. The post NHRA Funny Car Points Leader Chad Green Ready for Pomona with Teammate Blake Alexander first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Ida Zetterström is ready to make her return to Top Fuel. Zetterström will drive for Shawn Reed Racing at the Charlotte 4-wide Nats'View the full article

John Force Racing drivers all have a chance to make history at the Winternationals. Here's a preview for each JFR driver at Pomona. View the full article

If you’re overlanding and adventuring with a canine companion, you don’t want to miss the latest addition to Overland Expo West. Dogs and Donuts happening at Overland Expo West, May 17th, 10 am -12 pm. It’s a great chance to ensure that you’re better prepared to address dog emergencies. This session is led by Dr. Stacey Thomas, a frequent exhibitor and instructor at Overland Expo events, and we couldn’t be more excited to have her back at Overland Expo West this year. Dogs and Donuts at Overland Expo West Dogs and Donuts will provide attendees with the knowledge and hands-on skills they need to venture out with their four-legged companions. This will include breakout groups for hands-on learning with all materials provided, and we’ll keep it fun with first aid games, dog trivia, and giveaways. The sessions will cover the following. The 10 Essentials you need to carry to keep your dog safe on the trail. How to understand common trail injurious, illnesses, and toxins, plus how to respond appropriately. What you need in a dog first aid kit and when to use it. At Overland Expo, we believe in learning from the best, and Dogs and Donuts is no exception. Dr. Stacey is a shelter veterinarian with more than fifteen years of service as a search and rescue EMT. She is the founder and creator of Far Fetched Adventures, an online education resource for pet parents who want to learn how to provide first aid for their dog on the road or the trail until they can get to veterinary care. She is also the founder and CEO of Far Fetched Charities, a 501(c)(3) organization consisting of a team of veterinary professionals that delivers compassionate medical aid to animals and communities in need, stepping in where veterinary care is absent. We ensure that vaccines, wellness, sick care, and spay/neuter services reach those who are unreachable, whether they are in homeless encampments, rural communities, remote regions in the US and internationally, or disaster-stricken areas. When she’s not in the shelter, she’s likely hiking and camping with her dogs somewhere between Arizona and Alaska. Get tickets View the full article

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 420 “420 SMOKE, BIG CHECKS, AND FUTURE STARS” YEAH… IT’S EPISODE 420. YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN JOKES. WE’RE JUST HERE TO BRING THE HEAT. This week on The Wes Buck Show, we’ve got a lineup that hits every corner of the sport. Nitro, bracket racing, and the future of NHRA all in one place. First up, Buddy Hull, NHRA Funny Car driver and team owner. This dude is out there doing it the hard way. Driving, managing, building something from the ground up, and chasing nitro dreams at the highest level. We’re talking Funny Cars, funding, and what it really takes to keep one of these operations alive and competitive. Then we’ve got Tyler Bohanan, and yeah… the man just went out and won a million dollars. No big deal, right? Bracket racing at its absolute highest level, pressure through the roof, and he came out on top. We’re gonna break down the run, the mindset, and what it feels like to cash the biggest check in the game. And then, keep your eyes on this one, Maddi Gordon. NHRA Top Fuel rookie with Ron Capps Racing, and a name you’re gonna be hearing a lot more of. Star in the making. Serious talent. The kind of driver who could be the next face of the sport if things click. We’re talking opportunity, pressure, and what it’s like stepping into that spotlight. Three guests. Three completely different worlds. One hell of a show. LET’S GET IT. Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing. SUBSCRIBE for the latest in drag racing: @dragillustrated GRAB YOUR MERCH: dragillustrated.store STAY CONNECTED: @thewesbuckshow @dragillustrated RACERS CLUB MERCH: racers.club Wanna sponsor the show? Contact us: wes@dragillustrated.com dragracing #wesbuck #BuddyHull #TylerBohanan #MaddiGordon #NHRA #FunnyCar #TopFuel #BracketRacing #MillionDollarRace #WBS #DI #RacersClub This story was originally published on April 8, 2026. The post The Wes Buck Show | Ep. 420 | Buddy Hull, Maddi Gordon, & Tyler Bohannon!!! first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

In the foggy, industrial heart of Hamburg, Germany, there is a workshop that operates more like a high-end watchmaker’s atelier than a grease-stained garage. This is the realm of Axel Budde and Kaffeemaschine Motorcycles.Hamburg, a city defined by its bustling port and stoic, red-brick architecture,... View the full article

“Fire ’em up!” is about to be exclaimed for the first time in 2026 for premier gasser drag racing. The Southeast Gassers Association’s ten race championship season will ignite at Shadyside Dragway for The First Drag Race presented by Robbins Repairables April 10-11 to begin the next installment of nostalgia, no rival, gasser action. It will mark the start of a season that has SEGA returning to fundamental elements to fire off into a favorable future. Shadyside Dragway will be the only two-stop venue for SEGA in 2026. It will bookend the season as the opener and closer of the championship contest in SEGA drag racing. The historic strip near Shelby, North Carolina, is a fan and competitor favorite. For many competitors, it is the home track in SEGA competition, while fans take in the nostalgia at a throwback facility, allowing for immersion in the glory days of pioneering drag racing when the gasser was king. The championship categories on display will include A/Gas, B/Gas, C/Gas, and Super Stock with A/FX and H/Gas as exhibition elements at Shadyside Dragway. Nealy every reigning champion will begin their title defense fights in the gasser and Super Stock categories (2025 Champions: A/Gas – Chase Howard, B/Gas – Ken Rainwater, C/Gas – Jerren Perdue, Super Stock – Jerry Dean). The one exception in title defense is Ken Rainwater, who makes a move from B/Gas to the A/Gas ranks. Rainwater’s move is not the only storyline in the A/Gas category that, with internal SEGA reports, seems to be swelling with competition. Barry Adler in the Iron Eagle Corvette A/Gasser, along with Leslie Horne in the Chick Magnet Chevrolet A/Gasser return after on-track incidents and off-season repairs. 2024 B/Gas champion, Daniel Haynes, driver of the The Patriot Flacon, is a notable entry amongst the B/Gas competitors who only had two starts in 2025 (A/FX and B/Gas). In C/Gas there are rumors of a strong A/Gas car being reconfigured for C/Gas competition. For Super Stock, the only question is who can stop Jerry Dean? The season for 2026 in SEGA drag racing will ignite Friday at 5:00PM Eastern with a SEGA-only test and tune (gates open at 3PM ET – $20 admission). Saturday will showcase qualifying at 1:00PM Eastern with championship eliminations to follow (gates open at 10AM ET – $25 admission – $35 weekend pass). The Southeast Gassers Association competition will continue premier nostalgia gasser drag racing, bringing an authentic 1960s racing experience. For more information, you can visit www.southeastgassers.com or www.shadysidedragway.net – also check out the social media outlets for both the Southeast Gassers Association and Shadyside Dragway on the major platforms such as Facebook. THE SOUTHEAST GASSERS ASSOCIATION 2026 SCHEDULE 4/11 Shadyside Dragway – Shelby, NC. 5/2 Holiday Raceway – Woodstock, AL. 5/30 Brainerd Motorsports Park – Ringold, GA. 6/27 Knoxville Dragway – Knoxville, TN. 8/1 Rockingham Dragway – Rockingham, NC. 8/22 Farmington Dragway – Mocksville, NC. 9/12 Greer Dragway – Greer, SC. 10/9, 10 Gulfport Dragway – Gulfport, MS. (Double Feature) 10/31 Shadyside Dragway – Shelby, NC. The post Southeast Gassers Association Ready to Ignite 2026 Championship Season at Historic Shadyside Dragway first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Since his season debut at the Arizona Nationals Dylan Winefsky and the Nitro Moose Funny Car team have been working on improving their team in anticipation of a strong showing at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, the 1000th Funny Car race in NHRA history. The 21-year-old driver from El Mirage, Arizona, qualified No. 14 to open his 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. Winefsky, who races under the Nitro Moose banner, with crew chief Johnny West and the support of his family is excited to race at historic In-N-Out Dragstrip at Pomona for the first time. “There is a lot of history in the Funny Car class, and we are just excited to be in the mix this weekend,” said Winefsky. “The NHRA will have a special trophy for this race I think plus this is the 75th anniversary of the NHRA and the new Wally’s look amazing. Our goal is to come out and qualify and then see what can happen on Sunday.” During the Arizona Nationals Winefsky had a career weekend setting personal bests with his quickest and fastest runs. Through four rounds of qualifying in Arizona Winefsky and the Nitro Moose Funny Car team tuned by veteran Johnny West improved on the performance side, capped off their best qualifying effort, a 4.159 second, 299.93 mph run, personal bests for Winefsky. “Each run in the car just keeps getting better. I am getting more comfortable with each run too. I couldn’t do it without all these guys and everyone on this team. It was great weekend in Arizona, and it couldn’t have gone better,” said Winefsky. “It was cool seeing a bunch of our friends come out and support us. I’m having a blast. We are hoping to have a good group join us in Pomona.” Winefsky has received sponsorship backing from supporters across the country. Lowe’s will be highlighted on his 12,000 horsepower Funny Car along with Audio Express, Robert’s Car Care, Outlaw Race Engines and Bob Jackson Body Repair. The support from these companies is appreciated by Winefsky, especially the budding Lowe’s Home Improvement relationship.“We are a single car, family-run team so every dollar matters and we really appreciate all the support we get,” said Winefsky. “Getting involved with Lowe’s even on a small scale was huge. When we went to Lowe’s in Maricopa before the Arizona Nationals it was cool to talk with the customers and sign a few autographs. I am hoping to grow that relationship as well as everyone else on our race car.” Seeing the Funny Car qualify in a tough Funny Car field in Arizona has Winefsky confident about the team’s chances heading into Pomona. There will be 18 Funny Cars vying for 16 spots on race day. Four qualifying runs are on the schedule with the 16 quickest drivers earning their way into the race day program. The fact that everyone starts with an even shot at qualifying is a huge benefit in Winefsky’s opinion. “Everyone has to prove themselves in the NHRA no matter if you are a world championship team or a team like us that is just getting started building our program,” said Winefsky. “Johnny West has a ton of experience, and our crew guys do a great job so we have a solid chance. The key is just being prepared and consistent. Since Phoenix we have been improving a lot of our inventory of race parts so we will be ready for the Winternationals. My dad and I have been in the shop, our garage, every chance we get going over everything to make sure we are ready. I am looking forward to a busy weekend.” In addition to the on-track racing activities Winefsky will be a featured guest on the NHRA stage in the Nitro Alley pit area. Fans will get a chance to hear from him on Friday at 12:30 p.m. when he will be interviewed by NHRA stage emcee Hannah Rickards. The young driver enjoys the opportunity to talk with fans about his career and the thrill of racing a Nitro Funny Car. “I am getting better behind the wheel at every race, and I feel like I am also getting more comfortable talking with the media every race too,” said Winefsky, who was also a guest on the NHRA stage last year in Seattle. “I love being able to talk about our team and our sponsors. We are a new team, and I appreciate all the support from the fans. Every race there is someone new talking to us and wishing us luck. That is pretty cool.” The Nitro Moose Funny Car team along with the rest of the Funny Car class will get two qualifying runs on Friday at 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. with the final two sessions contested on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The quickest 16 Funny Cars will run in eliminations on Sunday morning beginning at 11:00 a.m. Fans can tune into the race on FS1 and following Dylan on his social media accounts throughout the weekend. The post Dylan Winefsky Thrilled to Compete at Winternationals, 1,000th Funny Car Race first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The 10K Drag Shootout is back with some new twists. There are other great shows coming to Horsepower Wars Season 5 too.View the full article

Ron Capps and Maddi Gordon have started the NHRA season on the right foot. Both drivers want a big weekend at Pomona. View the full article

Racing at his home track is always special for Shawn Langdon. But racing at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip during this weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals will be even more memorable this season for the past Top Fuel world champion. It’s the first Pomona race of the year during NHRA’s 75th anniversary season and also the first for Langdon at his home track since being named to NHRA’s Top 75 Drivers list at the start of the 2026 campaign. Langdon will be officially recognized with that honor this weekend in Pomona and it comes at a perfect time with the veteran coming off his third straight Phoenix win at the most recent NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series event. The team has plenty of momentum and a win this weekend in his 12,000-horsepower Kalitta Air Careers dragster would be extra meaningful on a number of levels. “Being on NHRA’s top 75 drivers list is kind of weird for me, but it’s humbling, and I appreciate it,” Langdon said. “Good on NHRA for recognizing the drivers and a lot of the history of the sport because that’s what got us all into it. When I was a kid, I watched all those guys. A lot of those people I looked up to as a kid and got autographs from as a kid are heroes of mine. “We have a lot of confidence going into Pomona and we have a lot of confidence about this season. I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of success at Pomona. It’s my home track and I always look forward to racing there. We’re motivated to win races and winning at Pomona is always special. Connie (team owner Connie Kalitta) gives us everything we need to race for a championship and that’s what we want to do this season.” In 2025, Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Clay Millican (Top Fuel) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) claimed Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals wins. This year’s race will be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage on Sunday, April 12, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET. It is the third of 20 races during NHRA’s milestone year and it marks the 1,000th Funny Car race in NHRA history. It’s part of a loaded weekend that includes two rounds of qualifying on Friday and Saturday, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty bonus race on Saturday and 75th anniversary celebrations like: An appearance from NHRA legend and six-time champion Kenny Bernstein, in honor of his historic 310-mph pass at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in 1994. Other legends scheduled to appear include milestone Funny Car winners Larson, Gray, Wilkerson and Force, as well as legends like Don Prudhomme, Richard Tharp, Gary Beck, Jim Dunn and more. On Friday, the first 4,000 fans in attendance will receive a special NHRA 75th anniversary Winternationals event poster. Langdon will also be honored, but the best result would be finishing the weekend with another 75th anniversary diamond Wally. He picked up one in Phoenix to pull to third in points behind reigning world champ Doug Kalitta and Gainesville winner Josh Hart. Other stalwarts in the category include rookie sensation Maddi Gordon, reigning regular season champ Tony Stewart, Leah Pruett, who advanced to the final in Phoenix, defending event winner Millican and four-time world champ Antron Brown. It’s a loaded field, but Langdon feels incredibly confident with his car and the team surrounding him. “The Kalitta Air Careers team is so good,” Langdon said. “When I’m inside the car, I demand perfection of myself. This is what I love to do and what I dream of doing. The thing I love about Brian (crew chief Brian Husen) is that he demands perfection from himself, he demands perfection from the team. I think a lot of the guys on our team are taking that same approach. We have a fantastic group and they just don’t make mistakes.” Beckman will look to win again in Pomona, this time at the 1,000th Funny Car race. Others aiming for the milestone win include points leader Chad Green, Ron Capps, Matt Hagan, back-to-back champ Austin Prock, J.R. Todd and Spencer Hyde. Reigning world champ Dallas Glenn is coming off a win in Phoenix, taking on the likes of Anderson, Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield and Gainesville winner Matt Hartford. All weekend, fans also get to see racing action in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. The Nitro Alley Stage is the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, and much more. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their hot rods between rounds and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create an exciting atmosphere. Race fans at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners. NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features qualifying at 1:30 and 4 p.m. PT on Friday, April 10, and the final two rounds on Saturday, April 11 at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. PT on Sunday, April 12. Television coverage includes eliminations on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET. To purchase tickets to the 2026 Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. The post Top Fuel’s Shawn Langdon Eyes Big Weekend at Home Track for Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Drag Race Bracket Bonanza (DRBB), the rapidly growing free interactive game for NHRA fans, today announced that Nitro, the high-performance data platform developed by Lamkin Software Solutions, will serve as the official sponsor for two major upcoming events: the NHRA Winternationals, April 9-12, and the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, April 23-26. Nitro is a cutting-edge, all-in-one data platform designed specifically for the demands of drag racing, centralizing race data, track conditions and performance insights to help teams make faster, smarter decisions on race day. The NHRA Winternationals marks the second race in DRBB’s premier The Majors series, which combines total points from the Gatornationals, Winternationals and the prestigious U.S. Nationals to crown an overall champion. Just weeks later, the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals will deliver a unique challenge as the only four-wide race on the 2026 schedule, offering fans and players a distinctive format that tests both strategy and prediction skills. “This partnership with Nitro represents a natural evolution for DRBB and the sport as a whole,” said DRBB creator Elon Werner. “What Aidan has built goes beyond software, it’s a tool that brings clarity to the complexity of race day. As DRBB continues to engage fans in new ways, aligning with a platform that enhances real-world decision-making makes this collaboration especially meaningful.” Nitro was developed to address a long-standing challenge in drag racing: fragmented data. By consolidating everything from reaction times and weather conditions to setup changes and historical performance, Nitro enables teams to uncover patterns, optimize strategy and improve performance with unprecedented speed and accuracy. “Drag racing is a sport built on data, but for years that data has been difficult to organize and fully utilize,” said Aidan Lamkin, founder of Lamkin Software Solutions. “With Nitro, we’re giving teams a clearer picture of what it takes to win. Partnering with DRBB for these marquee events is an exciting way to showcase how data can elevate both competition and fan engagement.” Since its debut, Drag Race Bracket Bonanza has attracted a passionate audience by allowing fans to fill out brackets for NHRA national events and predict race outcomes. The addition of Nitro as a sponsor further strengthens the connection between cutting-edge race day technology and the fan experience. Leading up to the Winternationals bracket, the DRBB Major Moments Pro Stock bracket will remain open, giving fans the opportunity to vote on the most iconic Pro Stock moment in 75 years of NHRA history. It was an intentional choice to have this Major Moments bracket coincide with one of the most historic events in the sport. For both the Winternationals and 4-Wide Nationals, DRBB players will have the chance to win the famed event plaques signed by the race winners. There will be four prizes to be won for the Winternationals: the Overall, Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock plaques. The Funny Car plaque will be extra special because it will be signed by the driver who wins the 1,000th NHRA Funny Car event. For the 4-Wide Nationals, there will be five prizes to be won: the Overall, Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle plaques. Players can fill out a Winternationals brackets once qualifying concludes at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip on Saturday, April 11. Picks must be submitted before the opening round of eliminations begins Sunday, April 12, at 2 p.m. EST. Fans can catch race coverage on FS1 and follow DRBB on social media for stats, prize updates and news on Twitter/X at @dragracebb and on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube at @DragRaceBracketBonanza. To learn more about nitro, teams can visit nitro-data.com. On demand race reports are available at the basic tier beginning at $30 per race. The post Drag Race Bracket Bonanza Announces Sponsorship for Winternationals and 4-Wide Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

No matter how old your bike is, it's good to check that all your maintenance items are ticked off the list before you head out for fun.View the full article

NHRA officials announced today that hood scoops will return to Pro Stock bodies beginning in the 2027 season, along with removing the single forward-facing throttle body and replacing it with two top-mounted 4-barrel style throttlebodies. This comes from the NHRA Technical Department’s continued effort to add more parity, continue to increase participation and reduce overall long-term costs for teams. This announcement comes a decade after the Pro Stock category transitioned from two carburetors and hood scoops to electronic fuel injection (EFI) and flat hoods in 2016. EFI will remain for 2027, but hood scoops will return to the popular category, which has seen strong participation in recent seasons. After extensive discussion with teams, racers, engine builders and crew chiefs, the strong majority were in favor of adding a hood scoop air entry back to Pro Stock cars, starting next season. By adding the hood scoop back, along with the new dual throttle body EFI setup, the consensus is that it will provide a more beneficial and efficient way to tune the cars, with less variation from car to car. “The general feeling among competitors and stakeholders is the current low/front air-entry setup makes the engines more difficult to tune and creates more variation from car to car than it should,” NHRA Director of Engineering Clinton Snead said. “By adding the hood scoop and top-mounted/dual throttle bodies, it should eliminate those issues, which should help all teams, but especially the smaller and lower-budget teams. “We’re excited about the return of hood scoops and the addition of dual throttle bodies in Pro Stock. There was considerable momentum from teams, racers and engine builders to make this move, and we believe this should draw added interest from fans as well, returning to more of the classic look fans have associated with the category. “The class is in a strong place as far as overall participation, and we’re confident this move will only continue to add to the depth and interest in Pro Stock.” Along with the strong visual element of hood scoops, the addition was made with an eye on increased E.T. performance. Hood scoops will only be required to meet a limited number of measurement rules, similar to previous guidelines. The 2027 rules package for Pro Stock will also include loosened rules on throttle bodies, manifolds and air inlets. The new top-mounted dual throttle body rules will be based on dimensional requirements, allowing teams to build their own units or work with outside companies. The manifold rules will also be opened up to allow for increased innovation and performance. For more information on NHRA, including the 2026 schedule, visit www.NHRA.com. The post Hood Scoops Set to Return to NHRA Pro Stock Category in 2027 first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The NHRA is bringing back hood scoops for Pro Stock in 2027. Teams will also be given more leeway for intake manifolds and air inlets.View the full article

Top Fuel driver Ron August Jr. will begin his 2026 season at this weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals in Pomona teamed with Larry Antaya Racing and receiving support from Fire Protection Management Inc., Pleasanton Ready Mix, Kleen Blast, CSA Gym, and California Air Inc. Antaya, whose Fire Protection Management Inc. business joined August’s efforts as a sponsor at the Sonoma event last season, has increased his involvement in drag racing following successful campaigns in sprint car racing, notably scoring wins in the 410 NARC Series. He assumes the racing operations of Ron August Motorsports with a common quality-over-quantity approach of progressing the performance of the 11,000-horsepower Top Fuel dragster throughout their four-race schedule. “We are going all-in with Ron August,” said Antaya. “We are excited going into Pomona. Everybody here has a full-time job, so our goal is to run hard at the four events we attend this year on the West Coast.” August’s volunteer team based out of Pleasanton, Calif., is led by crew chief Rick Wilkinson. In his most recent outing at last year’s Sonoma event, August recorded a career-best 3.82-second pass opposite eventual event winner Doug Kalitta during eliminations. He has since acquired parts and pieces to help further his on-track results. “We can’t wait to get back out there in Pomona,” said August. “It takes a lot of people coming together to make this happen. I’m grateful to be involved with Larry and the crew, John Santos from Pleasanton Ready Mix, Tim Spurgeon from Kleen Blast, and MJ Hamid from CSA Gym.” August is a national event winner in Top Alcohol Funny Car with experience in a variety of race cars including front-engine Nostalgia Top Fuel dragsters, the Pure Hell fuel altered, and a Division 7 championship-winning Super Eliminator dragster. The post Larry Antaya Racing Teams with Top Fuel’s Ron August Jr. for 2026 Season first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article