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Anyone who’s experienced an Overland Expo knows the Overland Expo Foundation Raffle is one of the most anticipated moments of the weekend, and Overland Expo SoCal in Costa Mesa is bringing the energy. Join us Saturday night, March 14th, at the Oasis Bar and Food Court sponsored by Nokian Tyres, where the overland community will gather to support the charitable efforts of the Overland Expo Foundation and take a shot at some incredible gear. This year’s prize table is stacked with thousands of dollars worth of gear up for grabs. Some of the brands and prizes include: CompanyDescriptionARB 4×4 AccessoriesARB 12V Single Motor Portable Air CompressorGOSO CookwarePremium quality carbon steel frying pan set including removable handle, 8″ and 10″ USA made frying pans, leather protector, and seasoning paste.Nokian TyresA set of five Nokian Tyres (Passenger or LT)Beat-Sonic USA, Inc.Encore Alpha Power Amplifier – https://www.beatsonicusa.com/products/ena-3t3?variant=45579135287447Overland Products1-year SubscriptionVSSL GearVSSL Coffee Kit: Pour Over Kit, Nomadic Tailgate MatRumpl(1) OG Puffy Blanket and (1) Overland MatOverland Journal1 year SubscriptionOverland Glovebox Guide1-year SubscriptionAEVGift CertificateSandy VansThe Sandy Vans Hidden Hitch Holder is designed to install directly into your factory hitch’s existing side frame mount holes with 2 provided bolts, giving you a secure and convenient way to store your trailer hitch when it’s not in use.Classic Overland$1,500 Classic Overland Build Credit Certificate Redeemable exclusively with the purchase of a Classic Overland Warthog or Signature Series Land Rover Defender. Valid for 12 months from the SoCal Overland Expo event. The credit may be applied toward the vehicle purchase price or toward upgrades and accessories added at the time of build, including items such as rooftop tents, performance enhancements, interior packages, and other custom modifications on a new or consigned build. READ MORE: The Overland Expo Foundation: Huge Accomplishments in 2025 How to get raffle tickets Tickets are available for purchase at check-in and at the Overland Expo Foundation / Ultimate Builds booth. You must be present to win. Overland Expo Foundation Interested in learning more about the work of the Overland Expo Foundation or thinking about applying for a scholarship or travel grant? Visit www.overlandexpofoundation.org for details. And if you haven’t secured your tickets for Overland Expo SoCal yet, there’s still time to join the adventure. Buy Tickets View the full article

With victories under his belt at both Bandimere Speedway and Bradenton Motorsports Park, Jeff Pierce is one of the most accomplished tuners in the history of the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod and the broader Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service. He led the late Scotty Oksas to the $100,000 win at the final WSOPM at Bandimere in 2019, tuned Kye Kelley to an unlikely Snowbirds Pro Mod win worth $50K in 2024, and most recently guided Stevie “Fast” Jackson to the $75,000 U.S. Street Nationals victory. Now, he’s ready to tackle the $150,000-to-win WSOPM presented by Red Line Oil this weekend. The sport of Pro Modified drag racing has evolved immensely since Pierce’s early days following in the footsteps of his dad, Dave Pierce, who campaigned a nitrous Pro Mod for years. Even since Pierce won the 2019 WSOPM in Denver with Oksas and his twin-turbo Mustang, Pro Mod has taken leaps and bounds. Looking at WSOPM alone, the event moved from a quarter-mile, NHRA-legal format at Denver from 2017-2019 to an eighth-mile, “outlaw” format at Bradenton beginning in 2023. Those changes drew a significantly larger racer base, opening up a 32-car field with many, many more cars left outside the field once qualifying wrapped up. At the first Bradenton edition of WSOPM in 2023, Johnny Camp qualified No. 1 with a 3.626-second pass and eventual winner Spencer Hyde famously qualified No. 32 with a 3.682. Last year, WSOPM became the grand finale of the new DI Winter Series, which brought the longstanding Snowbird Outlaw Nationals and U.S. Street Nationals together into one official three-race points series at BMP. With Pierce tuning, Street Outlaws star Kye Kelley won the first Winter Series race, the Snowbirds, driving his steel-roof-and-quarters ’85 Camaro originally intended for No Prep Kings competition. The performance shocked the Pro Mod world, as Kelley used a combination of holeshots and passes into the 3.50-second range to knock out Pro Mod veterans driving purpose-built Pro Mods. Fast-forward to the most recent Winter Series race, the U.S. Street Nationals, where Jimmy Taylor topped the qualifying sheet with a 3.555 and 2017 WSOPM champion Mike Bowman sat on the 32-car bump spot with a 3.596 to anchor the first all-3.50-second eighth-mile Pro Mod field in history. The 3.626 that Camp used to qualify No. 1 at the 2023 WSOPM would’ve put him No. 52 on this qualifying sheet. Pierce has been a part of it all as a tuner for numerous customers with various power adders, engine combinations, and chassis builders. “It’s like Pro Stock,” Pierce said. “When I was a kid, we’d look at Pro Stock fields that were within a tenth of a second and think, man, that’s really tight. Now we’ve got Pro Mods where the entire field is within four hundredths – and there are 32 cars, not 16. This is the most competitive class you can race. You have to get the efficiency of a Pro Stock car while managing power levels that are starting to approach Top Fuel, and it’s all done with a suspended chassis. It’s by far the coolest class. It’s relatable to fans, and it’s been an honor to tune these cars for people.” As the crew chief for Jackson, Pierce enjoyed his latest Winter Series winner’s circle celebration in January when he tuned Jackson’s screw-blown Motion Raceworks “Shadow 3.0” ’68 Camaro to victory over that record-setting field. Jackson ran a 3.566 at 210.80 mph in the final round to get the win over a red-lighting Derek Menholt, who ran a 3.570 at 211.36 but went red by .006 seconds. Pierce said consistency was the key to coming out on top over the most competitive group of Pro Mods ever assembled. “Stevie’s been the most consistent driver on the property – reaction times, doing everything exactly the same every run,” Pierce explained. “We’ve just been picking away at it, trying to find a little bit more because we feel like we’re a little behind the centrifugal cars. We kept chipping away at it. We gave it everything in the final and luckily it paid off.” Now, Pierce is focused on chasing another WSOPM victory as well as a Winter Series championship. Jackson moved up to second in the points standings behind Snowbirds winner Jason Harris with his U.S. Street Nationals win. Sidnei Frigo, who races out of Jackson’s Killin’ Time Racing camp and is also tuned by Pierce, is also less than a round out of the points lead thanks to his runner-up finish to Harris at the Snowbirds. Matters are complicated a bit, though, as Jackson parked his “Shadow 3.0” Camaro after the last race and swapped it over to NHRA-legal trim to compete for a third NHRA Pro Mod world championship starting at the Gatornationals in Gainesville next weekend. The Pierce family’s “Purple Heart” ’68 Firebird will serve as Jackson’s WSOPM ride after receiving a new SF-1 engine at KTR headquarters. Numbers from pre-race testing have already suggested it will be a contender out of the gate when qualifying kicks off on Thursday. “We’ve got great momentum,” Pierce said. “Stevie brought out his new engine platform at the end of the NHRA season and we knew it would run well on 92 over [overdrive]. Sidnei’s car ran well right away. We were fighting a few small things on the Shadow, but we got those sorted out. To be in the final of the first race and win the second, we’ve got a ton of momentum. We’re going to come into the World Series of Pro Mod swinging and try to win the championship.” This story was originally published on February 25, 2026. The post From Bandimere to Bradenton: Tuner Jeff Pierce Chasing More WSOPM Success first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

2026 Ducati DesertX New 890 V2, monocoque frame, revised KYB suspension Ducati has unveiled the second-generation DesertX as part of its Ducati World Première 2026 program, with the adventure model comprehensively redesigned around the brand’s new 890 cc V2 engine and an aluminium monocoque chassis. The updated DesertX keeps the 21-inch front / 18-inch rear […] The post 2026 Ducati DesertX revealed with new 890 V2 and monocoque chassis appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Keith Haney is no stranger to Pro Modified success. The co-owner of Tulsa Raceway Park is a two-time Midwest Drag Racing Series points champion, and has qualified each of the past two years at the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by Red Line Oil – cementing his place among the elite drivers in the class. Haney entered 2026 with high hopes and a brand-new car – “Black Widow,” a Jerry Bickel Race Cars 2025 C7 Corvette with a giant Pat Musi motor and a whole lot of nitrous. The car is already one of a kind (for the moment), featuring the very first redesigned Cynergy Composites C7 body. Unfortunately, with the car not ready until the last minute, the team entered the U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission – the second race of the 2025/2026 Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service – completely untested. Under normal circumstances, Haney might have brought his tried-and-true ‘Black Mamba’ nitrous Camaro to Bradenton Motorsports Park. But parts breakage at the first race of the Winter Series, the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks, took that option away. “We made the decision to come to U.S. Street with the new car because we didn’t really have a choice,” Haney said. “The Mamba was broken pretty good – the whole back end –forcing us to bring the new car out. We normally go test for a week or two before the race with nobody even seeing us, but we didn’t have that opportunity for this one. The car didn’t get finished until the week of the race, and it just takes time to learn.” With nitrous guru Brandon Switzer doing the tuning, Haney managed a best run of 3.710 at 203.16 mph – a respectable pass under most circumstances, but not enough when trying to get into the quickest field in Pro Mod history, where five drivers ran 3.59 and still didn’t qualify. “You can’t be one run behind. Not at this level,” admitted Haney. “This is the best of the best. This is like a heavyweight boxing match, the world championship – but instead of two guys going at it, you got freaking 80 guys going at it, just to get into that one spot.” The new C7 Corvette body featured on ‘Black Widow’ is also imperative to the testing process. While Haney is excited about its potential – citing Derek Menholt’s consistently smooth runs en route to a runner-up finish at the U.S. Street Nationals with the same body style – it’s simply a matter of getting more passes with it. “The difference in this car and all the others is Brandon Switzer has a lot of data on Camaro bodies,” Haney said. “You take a look at my ‘Black Mamba’, look at Jim Halsey, Mike Achenbach, he has a lot of data on all those cars. But this body drives better on the big end; it drives way better than my Camaro. There is definitely promise in the car.” Haney also remains one of the biggest supporters of nitrous cars in Pro Mod. At a time when many other drivers are opting for alternative power adders, Haney remains committed to – and firmly believes in – keeping the nitrous combination competitive. He’s quick to note that 2024 WSOPM runner-up Jim Halsey has consistently shown its potential, and Haney has two of the best nitrous minds in the sport in Switzer and renowned engine builder Pat Musi. “This is the only thing I’ve ever driven, the only thing I’ve ever known,” said Haney. “My best friend is Brandon Switzer, and Pat Musi and I have become very close friends. When you build a friendship, it’s not…I don’t do this for a living. Do I want to compete? Yes. Do I want to be on the top? Yes. I think the rules are there for us. Everybody’s seen Halsey’s car. He’s proven that he can compete. But it’s not always about winning. I’m winning every day that I get to get in the race car, because a lot of people don’t have that opportunity.” With that comes the challenge and opportunity of trying new things, experimenting, pushing the envelope of what the combo can do. Haney admits the reduced minimum weights for nitrous cars at the Winter Series are already lower than he can get to, so performance will have to come in other areas – something he and Switzer are working hard at. “We’ve learned a lot at U.S. Street, but we gotta keep working with different things,” Haney said. “Shocks, tires, air pressure, nitrous kit changes, tune-ups, timing – I can name a million different things. You just gotta play with them. It’s there, we’ve just got to work on it. “There’ll be some developmental stuff down the road that allows us to compete even more,” he added. “People just got to put some money there to do it. You’ve got to develop new things. It’s no different than the 500-inch motors I own with KB Titan Racing. They’re trying to find hundreds of thousandths, or two horsepower, five horsepower. We’re trying to manage the power that we have down the track at the weight we’re at too.” With Switzer busy at South Georgia Motorsports Park for Lights Out 17 the week prior to the World Series of Pro Mod, Haney will once again have limited testing opportunities. Despite that, the team knows they’re close – and just one strong pass might be all they need to showcase what the ‘Black Widow’ can do. “We just need that one good pass,” said Haney. “At the end of the day, if I go a 3.60, .61, .62, we can move on from there. When Brandon finds that one good pass, everything’s going to fall in line after that just like it did with the ‘Black Mamba’. It took us a bit, but we got her done and she won championships, won a lot of racing, and everybody knew when we pulled up that she was going to go down the track.” This story was originally published on February 25, 2026. The post Keith Haney Looking to Bounce Back at World Series of Pro Mod first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Race week for the biggest Pro Modified event on the planet will get underway in fitting fashion Wednesday night as Drag Illustrated hosts its 20th Anniversary Party and World Series of Pro Mod Kickoff at Yard House Sarasota, just minutes from Bradenton Motorsports Park. Set for Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m., the celebration serves as both a milestone moment for Drag Illustrated’s two decades in the sport and the official launch of the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by Red Line Oil, Feb. 26-28 at BMP. Conveniently located near the track and the hotels housing racers and fans, Yard House has become a familiar hub during Winter Series events, making it a natural setting for the festivities. The evening, powered by Motorsports Travel Services, will included appearances by drivers and industry personalities, Kallee Mills and Billy Banaka’s Pro Mods on display, and a packed house of racers and fans ready to usher in Pro Mod’s biggest weekend. “We love having parties. Everybody knows that,” said Drag Illustrated’s JT Hudson. “So why wouldn’t we throw one to kick off the biggest Pro Mod race in the world?” Hudson also reflected on the significance of the milestone anniversary. “Twenty years ago we were just hoping somebody would talk to us. Now we’re 20 years deep in this industry. That means something. That’s loyalty. That’s family.” Yard House’s Sarasota location — long a favorite hangout for DI staff and racers alike — will also unveil its new beer garden during the event, complementing more than 120 beers on tap, a full bar, and live music. “And where else would we do it but Yard House? It’s basically Wes [Buck, DI founder and editorial director]’s favorite spot,” Hudson added. “I think we eat every single meal here during the Winter Series. It’s turned into the racers’ place. After a long day at the track, this is where everybody ends up.” Hudson emphasized the relationship between the venue and the racing community. “This place became our spot. The people who run it and work here became our people. They’ve even come out to the track and help us. That’s real.” Motorsports Travel Services, presenting sponsor of the party, earned praise for its behind-the-scenes role supporting teams and the DI crew throughout the season. “When we need rooms, dates changed, last-minute chaos handled, they make it happen every time,” Hudson said. “They’ve been riding with us and that means a lot.” With racers, fans, and industry leaders all expected to attend, the gathering is positioned as both a reunion and a launchpad — a chance to toast Drag Illustrated’s first 20 years while setting the tone for the high-stakes action to come at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Event Details Drag Illustrated 20th Anniversary & WSOPM Kickoff Party Yard House Sarasota 115 University Town Center Dr. Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m. This story was originally published on February 25, 2026. The post Drag Illustrated to Celebrate 20 Years with WSOPM Kickoff Party at Yard House Sarasota first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

QuantumScape’s push toward scalable production hints at lighter, more compact electric bikes if it all works. View the full article

We all have limited space for our recreational toys. But that doesn't mean they should languish outside, in the cold, covered in snow, and pelted by rain. That's where this motorcycle shed comes in. View the full article

This crane-equipped Toyota Hilux that just sold on Facebook Marketplace shows how capable and compact utility trucks could be.View the full article

A good shop truck is invaluable, but it depends on the kind of work you do at your shop as to what would make the best shop truck. In the case of someone building hot rods and stuff, having a good truck that can haul steel, engines, parts, and materials is key. And a flatbed is super handy. I own a flatbed truck and can tell you that it is beyond convenient and handy, and that once you have one you’ll never want to be without one again. Newbern is about to learn that in a big way with this really nice looking C30 flatbed he’s just picking up in this video. Check out the trip to get it, and then watch as he moves onto the 1963 Biscayne Project which will run and drive for the first time right here! Check it out. Video Description: Welcome to Newbern’s Garage! In this episode, we track down what might just be the perfect shop truck for the channel. After striking the deal, we hit the road and road-trip it home to its new life at the shop. But we’re not stopping there… We finally fire up our 1963 Biscayne for the first time! After all the work, it’s time to see if she’ll run — and of course, we couldn’t resist attempting a few burnouts… let’s just say things didn’t exactly go as planned. Don’t forget to check out the merch and more at newbernsgarage.com The post Perfect Shop Truck? Newberns Got A New C30 Flatbed Shop Truck and He’s Fixing The 1963 Biscayne Project! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Titanium slip-ons for the Ducati Panigale V2 and Multistrada V2 bring lighter weight, subtle horsepower gains, and Euro 5+ compliance. View the full article

I’ve done a lot of racing over the years. Not as much as I’d like to, but a lot more than a lot of folks. And while a ton of it has been drag racing and autocross, I’ve done a fair amount of wheel to wheel racing as well and that is something truly special. With the exception of one race, all of my wheel to wheel racing has been WITHOUT a spotter. Mirrors and on track awareness were all you had to keep yourself out of the front end of one of your competitors. But in most circle track and endurance races, especially those endurance races happening inside large ovals like the Daytona 24, teams will have spotters perched way up high at the track to talk directly to the driver so they know where they are on track, and in relation to the other drivers, at all times. In the video below you’ll see a cool look behind the scenes at what it is really like to be a spotter for one of these teams in a big 24 hour endurance race. Check it out and let us know what you think. Video Description: In endurance racing, the driver isn’t alone. High above the track, the spotter is the driver’s second set of eyes — protecting the car, managing chaos, and filtering information at 180+ mph. This is the unseen role that shapes every result. Pack racing 30 cars deep. Fog that erases visibility. Prototype traffic closing on GTD and GTD PRO. Editing radio calls in real time so drivers can stay locked in. Spotters don’t just call “clear.” They predict battles half a lap ahead, identify platinum vs. bronze drivers in traffic, manage tire pace in crunch time, and operate on instinct after 20 straight hours on the stand. Special thanks to spotters, Steve Welk and Barry Waddell of Acura Meyer Shank Racing, and Chris Long of Ford Racing. The post How Race Car Drivers See Their Blind Spots | Behind the Scenes with Spotters at The Rolex 24 appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The World Series of Pro Mod is this weekend, in Bradenton Florida, and we can’t wait. But before all the racing coverage starts in a few days, there is some testing going on for the teams that need a few extra hits to get their combos ready to rock and roll, and for some drivers to knock the cobwebs off before race season. Whatever the reason, lots of teams will test when they can for an even this big. Below are the livestreams and replay videos from NC Pro Moder who has been covering testing. The post FREE LIVESTREAM: World Series of Pro Mod Testing Continues, LIVE From Bradenton Motorsports Park appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

For 2026 the Husqvarna Trek takes Norden 901 and 701 Enduro owners into the Outback.View the full article

The OG backcountry hunter, Remi Warren, sat down with RideApart at the Western Hunt Expo to talk how side-by-sides help get others out into the field, and give you the ability to find further hunting success. View the full article

The 1320Video crew was back at it for the Merrill Ice Drags and the action did not disappoint. It was plenty cold, but thanks to clear skies and sunny conditions there was definitely some shine to the ice and the first couple of inches were definitely slushier than previous races this season. This is some special drag racing right here with everything from daily drivers to full on drag cars competing for bragging rights. Other than changing tires, these cars are pretty much the same as they would be going down a paved or concrete dragstrip, but the tires are a really really big deal. With thousands of screws going through them, these teams are doing everything they can to hook up on the ice. They shoot big rooster tails of the white stuff, and even some of the slower classes give some pretty sideways and entertaining runs. Check out the video below and let us know what you think. Are you ready to come out to Merrill for the ice drags? Video Description: We made our way up to Merrill, Wisconsin for the Merrill Ice Drags, one of the most unique drag racing events you’ll ever see. For decades, racers have been lining up on the frozen surface of Lake Alexander for head-to-head 1/8-mile drag racing on ice, often called the fastest 1/8 mile on ice. This video wraps up everything we filmed — from the rubber tire classes all the way up to the 1,000+ horsepower monsters running thousands of screws in each tire just to find traction. The post Merrill Ice Drags Video: This Shouldn’t Be Possible.. 1000HP Cars Drag Race on ICE! Frozen Lake Drag Racing appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Ducati’s top U.S. executive tells Business Insider that autonomous bikes miss what makes motorcycling meaningful.View the full article

Grudge on the Gate 2 brought out 114 cars in a full-on street brawl. Check out all the action from the streets of Memphis.View the full article

MotoGP 2026 Round One – Thailand Preview MotoGP fires up for the PT Grand Prix of Thailand this weekend at Buriram’s Chang International Circuit, and while it’s “only” Round One, the bigger context is impossible to ignore. A season framed by two countdown clocks: Michelin’s final year as MotoGP control tyre supplier, before Pirelli takes […] The post MotoGP 2026 – A season framed by two countdown clocks appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Texas Speed made the move to grind its own LS and LT camshafts. Check out this behind-the-scenes look at the cam grinding process. View the full article

Originally meant to be flipped, longtime Ford aficionado John Evans took a Buick Grand National on trade and built it into a street terror.View the full article

Indian 125th Anniversary Collection Chief, Scout, Challenger, Roadmaster Indian Motorcycle has released Australia and New Zealand-specific information for its 125th Anniversary Collection, confirming a four-model limited-edition lineup for our market, including a Roadmaster 125th Anniversary Edition, compared to the smaller three-model lineup offered in most other markets. Across the range, Indian is using a hand-painted […] The post Indian Motorcycle details four 125th Anniversary limited editions for 2026 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

After making her first-ever runs in a 12,000-horsepower Top Fuel dragster last week during the PRO preseason test session at Gainesville Raceway, rookie driver Maddi Gordon has officially completed her Top Fuel licensing process, clearing the way for her professional NHRA debut with Ron Capps Motorsports at the upcoming 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season opener. The third-generation racer and former Top Alcohol Funny Car standout completed the licensing process while gaining valuable on-track experience aboard a 330-mph, nitromethane-burning machine. With four days of testing behind her, Gordon shared her thoughts on the transition to the sport’s quickest class and what she’s learned so far as her Rookie of the Year campaign begins aboard the Carlyle Tools Top Fuel dragster next weekend at the NHRA Gatornationals. The team is led by crew chiefs Rob Flynn and Troy Fasching, with Chuck Grospitch serving as car chief. Congratulations on earning your Top Fuel license. Who signed off on it? Maddi Gordon: Thank you, No. 100 TF! Brittany Force, Clay Millican, Shawn Langdon, and of course Ron Capps. Shawn was up there every single run, giving me advice so that was really cool. On our final licensing pass, we ran a 3.834 at 318.09; that was my first time going over 300 miles per hour. What was going through your mind the first time you staged the car? Gordon: Don’t oversteer it! That was my biggest thing. And to make sure I didn’t hit the clutch pedal back in after crossing the finish line. Both those things are second nature to me because of the Alcohol car, but other than that, I kind of just tried to clear my mind of everything and make sure I did my procedures right – pull the fuel on, let off the clutch, bump it in. I wasn’t focused on my lights at all this time around; I was just trying to make sure I saw yellow and get an E.T. slip. How did the experience of a Top Fuel run compare to what you expected going in? Gordon: Everything that everyone said was going to happen, happened. The Top Fuel car, it goes out there, leaves hard, the motor drops, and then it accelerates super hard, but when the RPMs drop, it starts going faster. That seems so backwards to me, but it’s exactly what happened. Ron and Rob and Troy and Chuck and Shawn Langdon, everyone who spent a lot of time answering all my questions were so helpful. There was a time with one of my burnouts, it hung the throttle open a little bit and it was idling high and I couldn’t stop it; that was one of my questions and they told me to lean it out and if it doesn’t kill it right away, hit the switch, and that’s what I did, but I think it just goes back to being surrounded by great people and great mentors who are helping me learn and made sure we were at the point of being able to successfully license. How did you prepare for this moment? Gordon: As far as the starting line goes, I built a mechanism with our clutch pedal assembly and throttle pedal that matched what we had in the Alcohol trailer, and I practiced my procedures on that. Everything from pulling the fuel on when they start it, to letting off the clutch when you go to do the burnout, staging the car, pulling the parachutes, all of that. We have a mini (starting line) tree at my house, and I would practice my reaction times on the tree and then I’d also set up in-car videos of Shawn Langdon in front of me, and I’d go through the whole entire run. I probably did that like 300 times, just trying to prep and get ready. I also asked a million questions! So, thank you to Ron and Rob and Troy and Shawn for answering all my questions. What surprised you most about driving a Top Fuel dragster compared to Top Alcohol Funny Car? Gordon: How hard it pushes you when it puts a cylinder out. I knew it pushed you around, but these things push you hard, and I was really surprised by how aggressively it shoves you over when one goes out. But honestly, you can’t really compare it. In the Alcohol Funny Car, you’re revving it up and you’re dropping the clutch, you’re shifting it twice, yanking it around, it usually carries the front end to 200 feet and then it sets it back down. Everything in the Alcohol car happens between the start and the eighth mile; that’s the gnarliest part, and after that, it mellows out. Once you get to the eighth mile, as long as you’re not out of the groove, you’re cruising. But with the fuel car, it’s gnarly from start to 500 feet, and then it gets even crazier when you go from 500 feet to the back half. You keep going faster and that’s the opposite of the Alcohol car. The driving style is just completely different. I can’t really directly compare it to driving the Alcohol car, but I do think having that experience really helped me with being able to make those quick decisions and split-second seat of the pants driving calls you have to make. What has been the biggest learning curve so far? Gordon: Realizing that you do have to drive out of your comfort zone to a certain extent. I’m not going to be comfortable going 330 miles per hour; I’m obviously new to this so of course I’m going to be uncomfortable for a bit, it’s just a matter of how far out of your comfort zone you can drive, so I was being a bit more timid those first few runs. It put some cylinders out, it pushed hard and I let off. I think an experienced driver would’ve been able to drive through that, but me, I was feeling a little bit behind the car so I didn’t feel like I could correct it back. It’s just going to be a matter of building confidence; the more times I go out on the race track, the more things I feel. The last run we made, it shook but it wasn’t really that bad of shake. It’s questionable whether it would’ve made it or not. I just need more seat time. I’m a person who processes things over time, so having this week now to kind of decompress and debrief before getting back in the car next week is really good for me because I’m going through all these rounds in my head over and over, and I think I’ll feel a lot more prepared heading into testing next week. Even though I’m out of the car right now, I still feel like I’m learning a lot by replaying it in my head. How have Ron and your team helped you through your first runs in the car? Gordon: The people who have taught me to drive are experienced. Every single run, I talk to Ron and I’m like ‘hey, what did you think about that? did it get out of the groove? was it drivable? not drivable?’ I ask Chuck questions, I talk to Rob and Troy about the tune-up, and did I go straight, should I have done X, Y, or Z? I trust their opinion and know they’re going to be straight up with me if I need to change something or if I did something wrong. Without Chuck, Rob, Troy, and of course, Ron, I couldn’t have done this. I ask them a lot of questions, and fortunately, they’re patient and are so helpful. Gordon will make her professional Top Fuel debut with Ron Capps Motorsports aboard the Carlyle Tools Top Fuel dragster at the AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, March 6-8, at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Fla., when the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season commences. Before the race weekend, Gordon is scheduled to complete two additional days of testing in Gainesville, March 3-4. This story was originally published on February 24, 2026. The post Maddi Gordon Earns Top Fuel License, Reflects on First Runs Ahead of Pro Debut first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

KTM 990 RC R Track KTM has announced the 990 RC R TRACK, a circuit-only version of the 990 RC R that deletes road equipment and adds track-focused hardware, electronics options and race-ready accessories. The 990 RC R TRACK is not street legal. KTM says the lights, mirrors, side stand, and other road requirements have […] The post KTM 990 RC R TRACK: track-only 947 cc twin, 133 hp appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Young gun Ty Kasper is one of the names that’s been missing on the Pro 10.5 qualifying sheets at the first two races in the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service at Bradenton Motorsports Park. That ends this week at the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by Red Line Oil, as Kasper is back with his twin-turbocharged Mustang after making significant upgrades over the winter. He’s also set to debut a brand-new sponsor, Boost Gangster, a new line of apparel with a powerful mission statement. The Kasper family racing operation, led by Ty’s father, Tom, and older brother, TJ, was full steam ahead on preparing for the 2025/2026 DI Winter Series when they realized the front pillar on the car was cracked. Rather than Band-Aid it up with a quick weld job, they decided to take the time to completely redo the front half of the chassis. Over a four-month period, they made updates to the double frame rail and suspension. Offseason upgrades also included a freshened motor from Joe Newsham at J&E Engines and a new wrap showing off Boost Gangster and Kasper’s longtime sponsor, Victus Sports. “It’s been a mad thrash all winter, but the car is finally on the property and we’re ready to get back out there,” said Tom Kasper, who has also worked behind the scenes on the Winter Series Pro 10.5 program rounding up racers and sponsors. “It pained us to miss the first two races, but we really wanted to take our time and do things right. We were so close to making the U.S. Street Nationals, but we’re bringing out a new sponsor and want to make a really positive first impression. That’s what we’re hoping to do this weekend at WSOPM.” Boost Gangster is new apparel brand taking a deep dive into the drag racing world. The Kasper family’s Mustang and Smart Car tow vehicle have been wrapped in a sharp new matte black look with Boost Gangster branding, and the brand will have a presence on the WSOPM Midway at Bradenton. “We’re really excited to introduce Boost Gangster to the fans at WSOPM,” Kasper said. “Our twin-turbo Mustang making all kinds of boost is the perfect billboard for this brand.” Kasper also noted the team’s supporters that contributed to the team’s efforts to get back on track for the Winter Series finale, the World Series of Pro Mod. “There are numerous people and companies locally that helped make this come together in the short frame of time,” Kasper said. “Joe Newsham at J & E Engines, Steve Hryckowain at Sticky Situation, Scotty Sr., Scotty Jr., and Linda McCracken at SLS Racing, Freddy Sicoli at Killer Kreations, Mike Shiavone and Dave Cappolina at PC Powdercoatings, Kasper Performance Edge and Automotive, TJ Kasper, Ty Kasper, Jennifer Ward, and Jade Maloney, Boost Gangster Apparel, and Nick Fiola at Victus Baseball Bats.” Ty Kasper in the Boost Gangster Mustang will be one of the drivers chasing the custom Victus Sports baseball bat that’s awarded to the Pro 10.5 No. 1 qualifier when Pro 10.5 qualifying kicks off on Thursday afternoon. Fans can stream the race live on FloRacing.com. This story was originally published on February 24, 2026. The post Ty Kasper Returning to Pro 10.5 With New Sponsor at WSOPM first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

AB Motorsports crew chief Brian Corradi and multi-time NHRA champion Bo Butner are set to take on the biggest Pro Mod race of the year at the World Series of Pro Mod, February 26-28, the third and final stop of the Drag Illustrated Winter Series at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida. The duo will once again campaign the well-known “Gotham City Returns” 2018 Camaro, backed by Robots Done Right, as they look to cap the Winter Series with a statement performance. Robots Done Right, a Warren, Ohio-based leader in previously owned industrial robots and robotic equipment, partnered with Corradi and AB Motorsports team owner Antron Brown this offseason to support their three-race Winter Series effort. In addition to the Pro Mod program, Robots Done Right will also receive branding on AB Motorsports’ Matco Tools Top Fuel dragster when the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series begins next month in Gainesville, Florida. After suffering an engine failure at the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals and narrowly missing the historic field at the U.S. Street Nationals, Corradi and Butner are eager to hit the track at the World Series of Pro Mod. With an engine change complete and additional testing underway at Bradenton, confidence is building heading into the marquee event. “I am looking forward to the biggest Pro Mod race of the year, the World Series of Pro Mod. We can’t wait to get it on with our robots, done right, Camaro driven by the one and only Bo Butner,” Corradi, a multi-time NHRA crew chief champion, exclaimed. Butner is equally eager to return to the cockpit. “I can’t wait to hop back in our Robots Done Right Pro Mod. We had a great Snowbird car and made the fastest run we have made to date at U.S. Street. It’s time to put it all together and show what these guys and this car are capable of,” Butner said. “Our Summit Racing, Hoosier Tire Camaro will be more than ready. Hoping Brian brings some of that Top Fuel tuning and turns it up!” Robots Done Right co-founder John McGill believes the pieces are coming together at the right time. “I’m excited to partner with Brian and Bo for the World Series of Pro Mod,” McGill said. “We’re optimistic after the engine change they made and the testing that they’ve been doing down in Bradenton. I’m looking forward to this endeavor and ending Saturday night in the winner’s circle.” Qualifying for the World Series of Pro Mod begins on Thursday, February 26, with racers having five chances to make the 32-car field. Then eliminations begin on Saturday, February 28. This story was originally published on February 24, 2026. The post Corradi, Butner Ready for World Series of Pro Mod with Robots Done Right Backed Camaro first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article