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40th Anniversary Suzuki GSX-R1000R $30,990 ride-away The 40th Anniversary Suzuki GSX-R1000R has been confirmed for Australia, with online pre-orders opening and pricing set at $30,990 ride-away, with the first 40 to receive an exclusive Collectors Garage Pack. Following its global unveiling, customers can now secure their motorcycle through Suzuki’s online “Build and Order” platform at […] The post 40th Anniversary GSX-R1000R pricing confirmed appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Not all tires are created equal. Here's why it's a bad idea to use a motorcycle tire as a front runner on your car.View the full article

Let’s be real for a second. If you ride a Harley Sportster, then you know the struggle. You want to mount the luggage bags on your bike, but you don’t want to mess up the clean lines of the bike with fat and awkward-looking bags. I have spent years testing luggage on everything from cruisers to tourers, and I can tell you that finding a set of saddlebags that do not fit a Sportster right is harder than it looks. […] The post Viking Bags 32L Baelor Harley Saddlebags for Iron 883 Custom Review appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

As part of NHRA”s 75th anniversary during the 2026 season, a special commemorative ticket will be available for fans to purchase online, highlighting some of the biggest moments and legends in NHRA history. NHRA announced today the commemorative tickets for the first five races have been released, honoring legends Kenny Bernstein (Gainesville and Pomona), Don Prudhomme (Phoenix), current Funny Car star Matt Hagan (Charlotte) and Don Garlits (Valdosta, Ga). The collector’s item offers another opportunity to celebrate 75 years of NHRA Drag Racing and the special moments – and incredible drivers – that have filled the past seven-plus decades. To purchase a special 75th anniversary ticket featuring many of the iconic NHRA stars, fans can CLICK HERE. The next group of tickets will be released for events in Chicago, Maryland, Epping, Bristol and Norwalk in the coming weeks, featuring a new group of legends and current standouts. At the event, fans can scan the onsite signs to purchase the commemorative ticket, including at this weekend’s season-opening Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. Each commemorative ticket will be available for purchase online all season and will be distinctive to each race during NHRA’s milestone 2026 campaign. The special ticket for the first five races will include these NHRA legends: Gainesville: Kenny Bernstein will be the featured driver and moment, as the legendary multi-time champ had one of the sport’s most memorable runs with his 300-mph pass in 1992 at the famed facility. The commemorative ticket will honor Bernstein and that history-making moment. Phoenix: Don “The Snake” Prudhomme will be on the collector’s ticket in Phoenix at the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs, as NHRA will honor the career and legacy of Prudhomme, one of the greatest and most influential drivers in NHRA history. Pomona 1: At the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, Bernstein will be the featured ticket. The Top Fuel and Funny Car standout broke the 310-mph barrier at the 1994 event at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, another celebrated moment in his spectacular career. Charlotte: Funny Car’s Matt Hagan will be the featured commemorative ticket for the 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway thanks to his historic run in 2011 when he made the first 3-second pass in Funny Car history. The four-time champ continues to have success and is a title contender again in 2026. Valdosta: The legendary Don Garlits will be the honored driver as NHRA makes its debut at South Georgia Motorsports Park with the return of the NHRA Southern Nationals. Garlits’ remarkable career and unmatched legacy will be highlighted throughout the weekend as he is the focus of the special ticket. The one-of-a-kind souvenir and collector’s items will also be available for purchase with a clear display holder. Each commemorative ticket will only be offered this season during NHRA’s 75th anniversary celebration. This weekend in Gainesville, NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features two rounds at 1:30 and 4 p.m. ET on Friday, March 6, and the final two qualifying rounds on Saturday, March 7 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on Sunday, March 8. The first round of the Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout takes place at 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, with the semifinals slated for 2:15 p.m. and the final round at 3:30 p.m. To purchase tickets to the 2026 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information about the NHRA, including the full 2026 schedule, visit www.nhra.com. The post NHRA Announces First Wave of 75th Anniversary Commemorative Tickets for First Five Races first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

2026 Triumph Speed Triple RS 1200 Review By Rennie Scaysbrook ‘Far out, this bike is seriously stiff,’ I say to myself as I roll down the freeway on the 2026 Triumph Speed Triple RS 1200. I’m in Sport mode, which, when combined with the more direct throttle response, gives a stiffer setting to the Ohlins […] The post Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS Review | Motorcycle Test appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 415 “KINGS CROWNED, CHECKS CASHED, HISTORY MADE” THE DI WINTER SERIES IS A WRAP. THE BIGGEST, BADDEST, RICHEST PRO MOD RACE ON THE PLANET JUST WENT DOWN. AND WE ARE STILL CATCHING OUR BREATH. This week we are fresh off the World Series of Pro Mod and let me tell you, it delivered in every possible way. First up, Fletcher Cox, your Pro 10.5 winner. Big Fletch showed up and showed out. That class was loaded and he stood tallest when it mattered most. We are breaking down the run, the pressure, and what a win like that means on a stage that big. Then we bring in the man of the hour, the winner of the World Series of Pro Mod, Aaron Stanfield. The NHRA Pro Stock standout stepped into the Pro Mod jungle and walked out with the biggest prize in the game. That is not normal behavior. That is superstar behavior. Huge win. Huge statement. We are going to talk about what it took, how it felt, and what this does for his trajectory moving forward. And of course, we’ve got Red Line Oil’s own Mark Beatty in the house. Big supporter of the World Series of Pro Mod. Big supporter of the DI Winter Series. Big supporter of racers across the board. Mark is one of those guys who quietly makes the sport better for everyone involved. We’re giving him his flowers and talking about why backing events like this matters more than ever. Three massive guests. One historic weekend. The DI Winter Series just set the bar again. The smoke has cleared. The champions have been crowned. And we are just getting started. LET’S GO. 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 #WorldSeriesOfProMod #AaronStanfield #FletcherCox #Pro105 #RedLineOil #MarkBeatty #DIWinterSeries #ProMod #WBS #DI #RacersClub This story was originally published on March 4, 2026. The post The Wes Buck Show | Ep. 415 | Aaron Stanfield, Fletcher Cox, & Mark Beatty first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

In addition to their appearance at the upcoming Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, legendary NHRA drivers Kenny Bernstein, Joe Amato, Warren Johnson and Bruce Larson will take to the track on Friday and Saturday for a special legends match race at Gainesville Raceway. It’s another added item for NHRA’s kickoff to the 75th anniversary season in Gainesville, as fans will see four of NHRA’s biggest names take to the track in 550-horsepower 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpacks. The first round is slated for 2:20 p.m. on Friday, March 6, leading into the opening round of qualifying in the 12,000-horsepower, 340-mph Funny Car and Top Fuel ranks. The two winners will meet up in the final round at 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, right before the opening round of the Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout. The winner of the four-car legends race will also receive the special Golden Gator trophy given to all Gainesville winners. It’s an incredible four-car lineup with some of the biggest names in NHRA history. Johnson racked up six world championships in Pro Stock and a remarkable 97 wins, while Larson raced in both Funny Car and Pro Stock, winning a Funny Car championship in 1989. Bernstein earned six world titles across Top Fuel and Funny Car, and Amato was a standout force in Top Fuel, winning 52 races and five world titles. Joining them in Gainesville will be Don Garlits, Don Prudhomme, a four-time world champion, three-time Top Fuel champ Shirley Muldowney and Bob Frey. Each will be making several appearances throughout the weekend, including the Top Eliminator Club, in the announcer’s booth, on the Nitro Alley stage and more. For a full slate of appearances from NHRA legends, fans can go here: https://app.nhra.com/GatornatsEventGuide Along with a full slate of racing, including the Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout on Saturday, fans can expect a multitude of events to celebrate the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals and NHRA’s 75th anniversary, including: Appearances from a host of NHRA legends during the event, including Kenny Bernstein, Don Garlits, Joe Amato, Don Prudhomme, Shirley Muldowney, Darrell Gwynn and Bob Frey. A celebration of Bernstein’s historic 300-mph run from 1992. A free, limited-edition NHRA 2026 season poster to the first 6,500 fans in attendance on Sunday. A new-look Nitro Mall, special displays and 75th anniversary stage in Nitro Alley. Race winners will get the special NHRA 75th anniversary Diamond Wally, along with the Gatornationals traditional Golden Gator trophy. The 2025 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals featured wins by Brown (Top Fuel), Chad Green (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle). This year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 8. This year, fans will see a host of major stars, including Kalitta, Stewart, Hart, who joined John Force Racing, and the return of star driver Leah Pruett. In Funny Car, the stars include back-to-back world champ Austin Prock, Ron Capps, Matt Hagan, Jack Beckman and new John Force Racing driver Jordan Vandergriff, while Pro Stock features champ Glenn, Anderson, Erica Enders, Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Aaron Stanfield. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Gaige Herrera is after a fourth straight Gatornationals win, while Richard Gadson begins his title defense against the likes of Matt Smith, Angie Smith and Chase Van Sant. Before the race, fans will again be invited to a special “Gatornationals Kickoff Party and Fanfest” at Hart’s Burnyzz Speedshop in Ocala. In what’s become an exciting pre-event tradition, the event will take place from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4. The fun-filled kickoff event will include driver appearances and autographs from 7-8 p.m. NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features two rounds at 1:30 and 4 p.m. ET on Friday, March 6, and the final two qualifying rounds on Saturday, March 7 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on Sunday, March 8. To purchase tickets to the 2026 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, including upgraded experiences in the Gainesville Top Eliminator Club, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information about the NHRA, visit www.nhra.com. This story was originally published on March 4, 2026. The post Legends Race with Bernstein, Amato, WJ and Larson Set for AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

(Words and Photos by Joe Grippo) Here in the northeast section of the country we are in the deep freeze so most of the fun stuff moves indoors. We took a break from off season race car upgrades and maintenance, and made trip to Lebanon, Pennsylvania to check out the DragFest Indoor Drag Racing Showcase. It’s a great static gathering of drag cars, show cars and more. A few area dragstrips were in attendance handing out 2026 schedules along with a few of the cars that are regulars at their facilities. Numidia Raceway and South Mountain Dragway were set up loud and proud. A bunch of racing clubs displayed member cars and promoted their upcoming appearances. Back Seat Drivers a group of vintage style front engine dragsters and the Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Drag Racing Association (MANDA) each dominated a few of the rooms at the Lebanon Convention Center. This year’s show had some amazing survivors and barn find type stuff. Check out the 1957 Ford with twin carbed Y-Block and Paxton Supercharger, the killer tunnel rammed big block chevy powered ’68 Camaro resplendent in B/MP trim, complete with a quarte window full of Atco Dragway kill stickers! Killer stuff. My favorite machine in show was the Survivor 1971 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler street machine; you can’t miss it in the gallery! A real deal time capsule from the early ‘70’s, this is one of only 353 Spoilers built in 1971, which is special enough, but the wild custom paint job and body work applied in ’73 is mind-blowing. The colors, design layout, and murals kept me coming back to it all day. And don’t sleep on the extra-stuffed diamond tufted custom interior with that crazy console! Dig into the photos for much more! The gang at Motorama Productions put this and other shows on throughout the year. I’ll be hitting a few more soon. The post I-24 Lebanon Dragfest 2026 Photos! This Indoor Drag Racing Showcase Features Some Amazing Race Cars, History, And More! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

In today’s ultra-competitive world of Pro Mod, Outlaw 10.5, drag radial, and high-horsepower doorslammer racing, the difference between winning and watching can come down to the smallest details, and few details matter more than fuel delivery. That’s where Atomizer Fuel Systems’ all-new APEX injector enters the conversation, bringing a purpose-built solution designed specifically for racers pushing the limits of boost, pressure, and power. Engineered from the ground up for uncompromising performance, the APEX injector is all about precision. Lightning-fast response times deliver razor-sharp throttle control while an optimized spray pattern promotes cleaner combustion and more usable horsepower. Each unit is flow-matched for balanced cylinders and built to withstand extreme boost and fuel pressure, all while remaining 100% rebuildable and field-serviceable – a major advantage for teams working against the clock at the racetrack. “Since day one, I’ve poured my heart, soul, and over 40 years of injector engineering into every Atomizer product,” said Jack French, founder of Atomizer Injectors. “Our new high-flow Apex design represents the pinnacle of that passion – built with the most advanced proprietary materials and precision engineering for truly unmatched fuel delivery control on the planet.” Atomizer has long built its reputation on American craftsmanship, and the APEX series continues that tradition. Each injector is designed, machined, and assembled in the United States using American materials and labor, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to durability and consistency for racers competing at the highest levels around the globe. Technically speaking, the APEX injector was engineered for extreme horsepower applications in both single- and dual-injector configurations. The injectors are available in flow rates ranging from 725 to 1,525 pounds per hour, with custom flow sizing offered at no additional cost. Each unit is statically and dynamically calibrated to ensure consistent fueling from idle to wide-open throttle across a variety of fuels, pressures, and power levels. “The all-new Atomizer APEX injector was engineered from the ground up for extreme horsepower in single and dual injector configurations,” French said. “It uses a 5.6mm internal pintle — the largest in the industry — and a 1.45-ohm coil to maximize electromagnetic efficiency and fuel delivery stability.” For teams already running Atomizer 3 systems, the APEX serves as a direct upgrade, while its military-spec, patented, fully rebuildable design and 90-degree connectors simplify packaging in tight engine bays, a practical feature for modern race cars where space is always at a premium. The injector is equally at home in high-boost forced-induction combinations, nitrous-assisted setups, methanol engines, and large-displacement powerplants. Engine builder and tuner Carl Stevens Jr., who has worked extensively with Atomizer products, summed it up simply: “The APEX injector is unmatched in precision fuel delivery. If you want to be the quickest and fastest, the details matter – and APEX is the only choice.” With its combination of cutting-edge engineering, serviceability, and proven performance pedigree, the Atomizer APEX injector positions itself as a serious tool for racers chasing more power, more consistency, and ultimately, more win lights. Racers and teams looking to learn more or order a set can visit www.atomizerfuelcomponents.com for full specifications and availability. This story was originally published on March 4, 2026. The post Atomizer Unleashes APEX Injectors, Built for the Next Level of Extreme Horsepower first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The NHRA celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2026, and Goodyear will mark the occasion with specially branded tires in this weekend’s season-opening NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway in Florida. The partnership between Goodyear and the NHRA goes back to the early days of the drag racing organization. Today, Goodyear is the exclusive tire supplier to NHRA’s top three categories – Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock Car. Its Goodyear Racing Eagle tires are trusted to translate 11,000+ horsepower into traction and control, withstanding g-forces greater than experienced in a space shuttle launch. These Goodyear Racing Eagle tires will carry a special ‘NHRA 75th’ marking this weekend as the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series gets underway, highlighting the decades-long partnership between these two icons of racing. “The unique ‘NHRA 75th’ sidewall design fans will see on Goodyear Racing Eagle tires this weekend is a visible symbol of our long-standing partnership with NHRA,” said Justin Fantozzi, Goodyear Director of Racing for the Americas. “After a 2025 season that saw multiple records made, we look forward to continue pushing the limits of performance together in what is one of motorsport’s greatest spectacles.” “Goodyear has been a committed partner with NHRA for years, and introducing these specially-branded ‘NHRA 75th’ tires at Gainesville to kick off our milestone season celebrates their innovation and NHRA’s competitive spirit,” said Glen Cromwell, NHRA President. “Their continued commitment plays a critical role in the incredible performances and safety of our teams, and we’re proud to work alongside them as we open 2026 at one of our most iconic events in Gainesville.” Preseason testing at Gainesville Raceway last month revealed strong and promising performance, pointing to another highly competitive season ahead – one expected to deliver excitement, surprises, and possibly even new records. The right weather conditions this weekend could be the perfect opportunity to get the 2026 season off to a record-breaking start. NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Race: AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals Track: Gainesville Raceway (Gainesville, FL) Date/Time: Sunday, March 8, 10 a.m. ET TV/Radio: NHRA TV, FS1 Track Surface: Concrete/asphalt Concrete Launchpad: 693 feet Track Direction: West to east Goodyear Eagle NHRA Tires Goodyear Racing Eagle Top Fuel & Funny Car Rear Tire Tire Code: D-2747 Tire Measurements (diameter / width / rim size (in)): 36.0×17.5-16 Tire Weight: 48 lbs Tire Pressure: 6-9 psi Goodyear Racing Eagle Pro Stock Rear Tire Tire Code: D-2433 Tire Measurements (diameter / width / rim size (in)): 33.5×17.0-16 Tire Weight: 43.3 lbs Tire Pressure: 5.5-6.5 psi Goodyear Racing Eagle Top Fuel Front Tire Tire Code: D-2904 Tire Measurements (diameter / width / rim size (in)): 22.0×4.0-17 Tire Weight: 5.3 lbs Tire Pressure: 80-90 psi Goodyear Racing Eagle Funny Car Front Tire Tire Code: D-2989 Tire Measurements (diameter / width / rim size (in)): 23.0×5.0-15 Tire Weight: 12.2 lbs Tire Pressure: 50-65 psi Goodyear Racing Eagle Pro Stock Front Tire Tire Code: D-2991 Tire Measurements (diameter / width / rim size (in)): 25.0×4.5-15 Tire Weight: 10 lbs Tire Pressure: 45-55 psi The post Goodyear to Celebrate NHRA’s 75th Anniversary at Gatornationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

For the second time in three years, Top Fuel veteran Doug Kalitta will start the season as the reigning world champion heading into this weekend’s Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, an impressive feat considering Kalitta’s longtime quest to win a world title in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Kalitta will open NHRA’s special 75th anniversary season as the driver everyone is chasing after a brilliant run in the second half of the 2025 campaign. He remained poised and consistent in the Countdown to the Championship, winning twice in the playoffs to capture a second world championship in his 12,000-horsepower Mac Tools dragster. It’s a moment Kalitta continues to treasure as he heads to Gainesville to open NHRA’s milestone year. He’ll have a chance to defend his title in the Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout specialty race as well. The bonus race takes place on Saturday and Kalitta enters as the No. 1 seed with the opportunity to have a magical weekend in Gainesville. “It’s really nice to go to the first race and have the No. 1 on your car, for sure,” Kalitta said. “The first race kind of resets everything and it’s off we go again. I’m really proud of what our Mac Tools team accomplished last year. It’s nice to have that number one back on the car for the year and seeing it there on the car never gets old. It’s taken a while – we had a long time of trying to accomplish this goal, and it looks good on there, I think.” Last year, Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Chad Green (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won on the hallowed grounds of Gainesville Raceway to open the year. This year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 8. It’s the first of 20 races during the 2026 season and along with a full slate of racing, fans can expect a multitude of events to celebrate the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals and NHRA’s 75th anniversary, including: Appearances from a host of NHRA legends during the event, including Kenny Bernstein, Don Garlits, Joe Amato, Don Prudhomme, Shirley Muldowney, Darrell Gwynn and Bob Frey. A celebration of Bernstein’s historic 300-mph run from 1992. A free, limited-edition NHRA 2026 season poster to the first 6,500 fans in attendance on Sunday. A new-look Nitro Mall, special displays and 75th anniversary stage in Nitro Alley. Race winners will get the special NHRA 75th anniversary Diamond Wally, along with the Gatornationals traditional Golden Gator trophy. Kalitta would love to be the first to win the 75th anniversary Diamond Wally and he’ll certainly be among the favorites in the loaded Top Fuel ranks. After riding high thanks to a season that included four victories and seven trips to the final round – along with eight No. 1 qualifiers – Kalitta enjoyed strong results at the test session in Gainesville two weeks ago. That added to his confidence level and Kalitta has high hopes for what should be one of the biggest Gatornationals in recent memory. “Testing went very well,” Kalitta said. “The car performed well. All the things you hope to find at a test session – we were able to work through a lot of issues, and I think we’re hopefully in good shape. The car ran really well, but we always win testing. It’s good to get everybody working again and doing our thing. We’ll be ready to hit the ground running.” Joining Kalitta in the eight-car Callout will be teammate Shawn Langdon, Brown, racing legend Tony Stewart, Justin Ashley, Clay Millican, Shawn Reed and 2023 Callout winner Josh Hart. Chad Green won his second career Funny Car race last season, beating three-time world champ Ron Capps. Austin Prock earned his second straight title and after a move to Tasca Racing, he’ll look to keep rolling against four-time champ Matt Hagan, class newcomer Jordan Vandergriff, Jack Beckman and Daniel Wilkerson. The 2025 Pro Stock season was dominated by KB Titan Racing, with standout star Dallas Glenn earning his first world title. Glenn will take on teammate Greg Anderson, six-time world champ Erica Enders, Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Aaron Stanfield. Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Gaige Herrera has never lost in Gainesville. Last year, he won his third straight, defeating rival Matt Smith. He’ll look for four in a row against reigning world champ Richard Gadson, Angie Smith, Steve Johnson and Jianna Evaristo. The weekend will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Flexjet Factory Showdown and the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. Before the race, fans are invited to the “Gatornationals Kickoff Party and Fanfest” at Josh Hart’s Burnyzz Speedshop in Ocala. In what’s become an exciting pre-event tradition, the event will take place from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday. The fun-filled kickoff event will include driver appearances and autographs at the facility and more. Fans will also be invited all weekend long to the Nitro Alley Stage, which hosts Nitro School, meet and greets, music and more. Race fans in Gainesville can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan-favorite SealMaster Track Walk. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction. Fans have a chance to see teams in action and service their cars between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers and more. Fans can visit NHRA’s Nitro Alley, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, and food and fun for the entire family. NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features two rounds at 1:30 and 4 p.m. ET on Friday, March 6, and the final two qualifying rounds on Saturday, March 7 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on Sunday, March 8. The first round of the Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout takes place at 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, with the semifinals slated for 2:15 p.m. and the final round at 3:30 p.m. A special Callout broadcast will also air at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday on FS1. To purchase tickets to the 2026 NHRA Gatornationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information about the NHRA, visit www.nhra.com. The post Top Fuel’s Doug Kalitta Looks to Stay at the Top Starting at AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

When the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season kicks off at the legendary AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, March 5-8, at Gainesville Raceway, Buddy Hull will roll into the staging lanes with more momentum, and more pride, than ever before. The event marks Hull’s third season competing in the ultra-competitive Funny Car category, but more importantly, it signifies his debut as a Funny Car team owner with Hull Racing. The Texas-based driver has spent the offseason building the program from the ground up alongside his wife, Madi, laying the foundation for what he believes will be a breakout year. “This offseason has been the most meaningful of my career,” said Hull. “Madi and I have poured everything we have into Hull Racing. There were long nights, tough decisions and a lot of faith involved. But standing here now, heading into Gainesville as a team owner, I couldn’t be more excited. We didn’t cut corners. We built this the right way.”The 2026 Gatornationals once again boasts a stacked Funny Car field, with 19 entries battling for just 16 qualified spots on race day, ensuring that every qualifying pass will count at one of the most historic events in NHRA competition. “There’s no better place to start this next chapter than Gainesville,” said Hull. “The Gatornationals are iconic. The legends of this sport have won here. To kick off the season at such a prestigious race during the NHRA’s 75th anniversary, knowing we’ve got a strong car and a great team behind us, it fires me up.” Hull Racing will debut its 2026 livery featuring primary partners FS Performance and Sam Pack Ford, organizations Hull says have been instrumental in bringing the new team to life. “We’re incredibly proud to represent FS Performance and Sam Pack Ford,” said Hull. “They believe in what we’re building. When partners believe in your vision the way they do, it gives you even more confidence to go out and perform.” A key part of Hull’s optimism comes from the leadership atop his pit box. Crew chiefs Mike Guger and Matt Bynum will call the shots for the Funny Car in 2026, and Hull has full faith in their ability to deliver. “I have 100 percent confidence in Mike and Matt,” said Hull. “These guys are some of the smartest in this business. They’ve put together a combination that we truly believe can run with anyone in the field. When I strap in, I know I’ve got two crew chiefs who have done their homework and aren’t afraid to push. That gives me all the confidence in the world.” Before the on-track action begins, Hull will sign autographs and connect with fans at the annual Burnyzz FanFest on Wednesday, March 4, 7-8:30 p.m., where he will appear as a featured driver to help launch race week festivities in Gainesville. “The Burnyzz FanFest is such a cool way to kick off the Gatornationals,” said Hull. “The fans are the heart of NHRA and getting to spend time with them before we even fire the engines makes the whole weekend even more special.” With a new team, trusted leadership, committed partners, and unwavering belief in the work done during the offseason, Hull is ready to make a statement at the first race of the 2026 season. “We’re not here just to participate,” said Hull. “We’re here to compete. We’ve done the work. We’ve built a strong foundation. Now it’s time to show what Hull Racing can do.” Fans will get the chance to catch up with Hull when he is a guest with NHRA personality Hannah Rickards on the NHRA stage on Friday at 10 a.m. in the middle of the Gatornationals pit area. The Hull Racing team will be on track for the first time this season with two qualifying runs on Friday, March 6 and then two more qualifying runs on March 7 at Gainesville Raceway. The top 16 quickest Funny Cars will battle it out for the Wally and a special Gatornationals trophy starting on Sunday, March 8 at 10 a.m. ET with the first round of eliminations live on FS1. For tickets or more information on the NHRA Gatornationals visit www.nhra.com. This story was originally published on March 4, 2026. The post Buddy Hull Making Funny Car Team Ownership Debut in Gainesville first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The 2026 racing season has just started and ProCharger racers are already on top. Here's how the top ProCharger racers have fared. View the full article

Day one of the West Coast Rumble presented by Match Race Madness opened in a major way at Famoso Dragstrip, highlighted by the NHRA Youth & Education Services (YES) Program. Representing NHRA were Division 7 Director Matt DeYoung and Director of National Event Marketing John Baadilla, underscoring the importance of the program’s stop in Bakersfield. The impact was undeniable: 18 schools participated 660 students attended One unforgettable day at the racetrack Founded in 1989, the NHRA Youth & Education Services (YES) Program remains the only full-time education program in motorsports. The initiative is completely free and focuses on goal setting, continued education, and exposing students to career opportunities both within motorsports and beyond. Students learned how S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) applies to real-world situations — and to NHRA Drag Racing — before stepping outside to experience it firsthand at Famoso Dragstrip. From the technology inside a race car to the precision required on the starting line, the classroom-to-track connection was on full display. A special full-circle moment came when it was noted that Famoso Dragstrip promoter Tim Huddleston attended the very first YES Program meeting in 1989 at University High School in West Los Angeles. Also part of that original 1989 gathering was longtime Funny Car standout Gary Densham, who at the time was working as an automotive shop teacher before rising through the ranks of NHRA competition. Decades later, seeing 660 students at the Bakersfield facility for the same program speaks volumes about the longevity of the YES initiative and the deep educational roots that continue to run through the sport. Once the education portion — held Friday only — wrapped up, racing took center stage. With temperatures in the 70s and ideal conditions, teams filled the staging lanes and delivered a full afternoon of West Coast Rumble action. Hard launches, side-by-side battles, and the unmistakable thunder of nitro and horsepower signaled that the event had officially shifted from classroom inspiration to on-track intensity. If the opening day was any indication, the West Coast Rumble delivered more than just competition — it reinforced the connection between education, opportunity, and the future of drag racing. This story was originally published on March 4, 2026. The post NHRA YES Program Draws 660 Students to Open West Coast Rumble at Famoso Dragstrip first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

If you haven’t seen a video with an RC car hauling ass across a lake, or the same thing with a dirt bike or snowmobile, you must live under a rock. It’s not hard for an RV car as they have way more power than necessary for their size and they just skim across the water. The same goes for a snowmachine, but it can be a bit trickier on a dirt bike. Regardless of what you are in, or on, the act of making it across a body of water under power requires some pretty simple things to happen. The most important of which is keeping enough speed to keep the wheels and tires from dipping too deep in the water and slowing down. For this lesson, and the rest, we’re going to share the video below so you can see how they are pulling this off, why they are trying it in the first place, and what the heck is the point? We’re glad to see this entire escapade going on, because it’s fun and entertaining and shows physics which is science and that’s a thing we have gotten incredibly skeptical about in recent years which is a shame. Physics can be fun and here is a prime example. The post Can You Actually Drive A Car On Water? Travis Pastrana, And A Huge Team Of Folks, Want To Prove You Can. Watch! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Finnegan’s Sick Week adventures, like most of his adventures in Blasphemi, featured some unfortunate drama that would really be okay to leave behind. But in typical Finnegan fashion, he took it with a sigh and a smile, and with some help from friends and co-pilot Joe was able to make a fix. But man it wasn’t a cheap one! Swapping transmissions is rarely fun, and this one was no different. So what do you think? Is it time for an automatic in Blasphemi? Video Description: Episode 392 of Finnegan’s Garage contains the end of our Sick Week 2026 adventure as well as an epic roadside transmission replacement. On a small backroad in Florida something let loose inside of my Tick Performance-modified T56 gearbox and we were forced to replace it right next to the highway as cars wizzed by us. Thanks to my friends and neighbors we got it done and pressed on and attempted to finish the event. Welcome to my channel. This is a fun place to learn about modifying, repairing and upgrading your hot rod car, truck and even boat! I’ll teach you how to weld, how to build high performance engines, how to fabricate your own parts while you learn from watching me wrench on my own project vehicles. I’ll even take you on the adventure as I leave my workshop on epic road trips and racing events as we test out the mods done to all of my projects. Along the way we’ll meet new and interesting people and share in the joy of their automotive creations! Thanks for watching! The post Why The Hell Was Finnegan Swapping a Modded $10,000 T56 Transmission On The Side of the Road? This Question Answered and More… appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Amplifier wiring kits have been around for decades and decades, but with HUGE variations in pricing there have been a lot of cheap brands out there with components that just aren’t very good. And with power and ground wires, there is a little more to it than just the size. Size DOES MATTER when it comes to power and ground wire, but so does the material itself. Copper is clearly the best conductor, but with Copper Coated Aluminum and Tinned Copper options, it isn’t just as simple as looking for Oxygen Free Copper anymore, especially with companies using thicker insulation so they can cut down on the conductor size inside. So in the video below you’ll see three amp wiring kits reviewed, and ranked, based on the quality of wiring and components in the kit. None of these are big money kits, just good value propositions for the average project. But before we get to the video, let me explain a couple of things about car audio wiring so the lingo isn’t foreign to you. OFC: This means Oxygen-Free Copper, which has long been considered by many to be the gold standard for car audio wiring. Tinned OFC: Tinned Oxygen-Free Copper is a high-purity, low-resistance copper wire that is coated with a protective layer of tin to prevent oxidation and corrosion in harsh conditions. Car and marine audio systems are ideal for TOFC which gives the best conductivity and durability when compared to standard OFC. Twisted Pair RCA Cables: RCA cables, which carry the signal from your head unit to the amplifier, come in a variety of styles, with insane price fluctuations. One key feature to look for in them is Twisted Pair construction where the wires inside are twisted around each other to eliminate or reduce “noise” in the system. If you have ever been in a car with an audio system that whines as RPM increases, you have heard this “noise”. So now that you understand a few of the key phrases you’ll hear in the video, check it out and see what you think. And while these brands are being highlighted, know that the things being shown in this video can help you purchase amp wiring kits from any manufacturer. Video Description: In this vide we checkout and compare three four guauge amp wire kits to find out if this wire is true to size or oversized as the brand claims. Good news, these are all great kits. The post Amp Wiring Kit Shootout: What You Need To Know, And Measure, To Choose The Right Kit For Your Project appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

At Famoso Dragstrip, Andy and Ryan Partridge have taken on track prep duties with a focus on providing racers a consistent racing surface from the first pass to the last. The brothers bring years of experience from Irwindale, where they spent roughly 15 years working around the facility before eventually handling much of the prep work themselves. “The last several years at Irwindale we were primarily handling dragstrip prep,” Andy Partridge said. Now at Famoso, the responsibilities are shared. “Both of us will be involved,” Andy said. “If I’m not here, he is, and vice versa.” Ryan Partridge said the move into dragstrip preparation required a different approach — and a lot of learning. “Track prep is almost black magic,” Ryan said. “Scraping, spraying, mixtures, different glue — there’s a lot that goes into it. Ask 100 racers how they want the track and you’ll get 100 different answers, so you really have to look at the data.” To help remove guesswork, the team plans to rely on measurable consistency rather than feel alone. “I’ve got a grip meter coming so racers know what they’re getting when they show up,” Andy said. “That’s the big thing.” The Partridge family’s connection to the sport goes back decades. Their grandfather Bernie and grandmother Phyllis were longtime figures in NHRA Division 7, while other family members were involved in announcing and facility operations at tracks including Irwindale and Fontana. That background shapes how they approach the job at Famoso. “The heritage of the place is important,” Ryan said. “We want to keep the history but still move forward and improve things where it makes sense.” Ryan will not be present every race weekend but will assist during the week with preparation and maintenance, while Andy handles the day-to-day track work. “The goal is Andy as the lead guy day to day,” Ryan said. “I’m here to help and keep continuity, but he’s more than capable.” From early morning track cleaning to maintaining equipment and monitoring changing conditions, the focus remains the same — delivering a predictable racing surface racers can trust each time they stage. This story was originally published on March 4, 2026. The post Family Heritage: Partridge Brothers Handling Track Prep at Famoso first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Wheels and tires make or break a car. When combined with the right stance, the wheels and tires on your ride can dramatically change the look, character, and feel of any car or truck. With one simple change of wheels and tires you can change a car from race car to hot rod, lowrider to custom cruiser, and more. The style of the wheels, along with the size and fitment, can make a really big difference. And if two identical cars have the same style of wheel, but different backspacing/offset and dimensions, they can still look completely different. Fit matters. But the right fit and the wrong wheel style can be just as bad. Here’s a history lesson wheels, with more to come in another episode of Influence and Impact. Video Description: Auto Revolution’s Influence & Impact traces the automotive history of custom car and truck builders. We dive into the history of custom wheels, starting at the beginning. Not the Stone Age but when wooden spokes changed to Dayton wire wheels on Ford Model Ts. Hot rodders began to experiment with different casting materials to create alloy and mag wheels as tires became more advanced as well. The post Influence And Impact Podcast: Rolling Art – Wheel History Part 1. From Spokes to Mag Wheels, Dayton Wires, And So Much More! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

A retro-styled sidecar from Watsonian expands the touring potential of Triumph’s Rocket 3 motorcycle.View the full article

The 2026 Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series will rev up March 5-8, 2026, at the historic NHRA Gatornationals, with two-time world champ Mark Pawuk looking to hold off a host of challengers. Pawuk, the 2024 Gatornationals winner, will strap into the all-new, Hemi-powered 2026 Dodge Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak by Direct Connection and will face some of the toughest competition from Ford Cobra Jets and Chevrolet COPO Camaros in on-track action over a nine-race coast to coast schedule. The Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series will be one of the many highlight classes at Gainesville Raceway as the NHRA celebrates its 75th anniversary as the premiere drag racing sanctioning body in the world. “I started racing in the 1970s with Dodge and Plymouth, and I’ll finish my career with Dodge,” Pawuk said. “Debuting the new Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak during the NHRA’s 75th anniversary is special. We see tremendous potential. It’ll take time to develop—but I want to win one of those 75th-season Wallys, and I believe this car can do it.” Pawuk’s return follows a dominant two-year run in the Empaco Equipment Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak, where he claimed back-to-back championships in 2024–2025 with victories at Bristol and Norwalk, plus multiple semifinal finishes. After several successful test sessions in Florida, the veteran from Richfield, Ohio, now sets his sights on a historic three-peat—this time in an entirely new platform. “Did I think I’d get two world championships? No,” said Pawuk. “Now I’m going to try for three, and all I can do is hope and pray that everything goes our way. We have a lot of tough competition out there again.” Looking to stop Pawuk’s reign as world champion will be perennial championship contenders Scott Libersher and Lee Hartman. Libersher and his Chevrolet COPO Camaro are eager to get back on track and start a new season. The excitement level is not lost on the veteran driver from Wilmington, Ill., who has been battling with Pawuk for years. “Dodge has got some stuff going on so I am kind of interested to see what’s going on with the competition,” said Libersher. “We did some engine work with a little R&D with Barton Racing and we got a bit more horsepower for this Chevy. This is the first time I’ll be in the race car this year, and I think it’s just kind of like opening day with baseball. I like seeing what everybody’s doing and it’s the whole vibe.” For Hartman he will bring his competitive Dodge Challenger Drag Pak to the Gatornationals looking for his first career win in the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series. He raced to several final rounds last season but the driver from Canfield, Ohio will be looking to break through in 2026. His first opportunity for victory will be this weekend.“After looking at the Weather Channel, it looks like we’re gonna have a great week,” said Hartman. “I believe that the first race is go time, right? When we finished the last race at St. Louis, as soon as we crossed the finish line, we started thinking about this season. ‘What can we do better?’ We spent all winter reviewing what we did in the past at every location, every race. We looked at what worked and what didn’t work. The Gatornationals will be the first chance to see all that hard work pay off.” “Winning the Gatornationals would be awesome, but there’s some loaded guns coming this year. My son’s one of them, so he’s not going to be laying down lightly for dad or anyone else. Aaron and Greg Stanfield have been working with him. We are looking to have a lot of success this year,” added Hartman. Qualifying in the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown category is scheduled for Friday at 12:45 p.m. ET, with eliminations scheduled at 10:30 a.m. ET on Saturday. Tune in to NHRA.tv to watch this historic race milestone live! The post World Champion Mark Pawuk Chases Historic Three-Peat as Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Revs Up at NHRA Gatornationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

BMW Motorrad France rolls out F 900 XR Aurelius Green and F 900 R Frozen Grey special editions, and neither model is available in the US market.View the full article

Harley-Davidson's 'Let’s Ride Challenge' channels the power of motorcycles into measurable support for military and emergency service communities.View the full article

The US International Trade Commission issued a decision on GoPro's complaint against Insta360. Both companies declared victory, so here's what it all means.View the full article

Todd Blicharz is set to debut his Camaro in Small Tire Pro Stock. This Camaro should be a front runner in the class in 2026. View the full article