Everything posted by reporter
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Recapping the WorldSBK/SSP action from Friday at Phillip Island
WorldSBK 2026 Round One – Phillip Island – Friday The sun continued to shine over the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit as the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship returned to the track for Friday afternoon’s Free Practice 2 session. With the light turning green at 4pm, riders headed out for the second 45-minute session of […] The post Recapping the WorldSBK/SSP action from Friday at Phillip Island appeared first on MCNews. View the full article
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Tech Tool: How 3D Scanners Can Increase Your Capabilities In The Shop
Technology continues to change how we build projects. Here's how you can use a 3D scanner in the shop on custom projects. View the full article
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ASBK Friday: West fastest, Voight closing as heat tempers improvements
ASBK 2026 Round One – Phillip Island – Day One SW-Motech Superbike Many ASBK riders failed to improve in the markedly warmer afternoon conditions at Phillip Island as track temperatures climbed beyond 40-degrees. Anthony West’s final lap from FP1 remained the benchmark across the opening day. His 1m31.492 stood unchallenged through FP2 as the DesmoSport […] The post ASBK Friday: West fastest, Voight closing as heat tempers improvements appeared first on MCNews. View the full article
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Jake Dixon recovering from wrist-hand surgery in Melbourne
Jake Dixon Undergoes Successful Surgery in Melbourne Honda HRC rider Jake Dixon has successfully undergone surgery at The Avenue Hospital to address multiple fractures to his left wrist and hand, injuries sustained in a crash during the second day of official WorldSBK testing at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit last Tuesday. Following an initial medical […] The post Jake Dixon recovering from wrist-hand surgery in Melbourne appeared first on MCNews. View the full article
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Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents and How Fault Is Determined
Motorcycles are a tiny fraction of the vehicles on American roads, yet motorcyclists make up a gruesome high share of traffic fatalities every single year. Thousands of riders lose their lives on the roads and tens of thousands more suffer serious injuries that can turn their lives upside down. Most motorcycle accident causes fall into three broad categories: rider mistakes, mistakes made by other drivers, and issues with the road or the bike itself. Figuring out the most common causes […] The post Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents and How Fault Is Determined appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article
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Westy starts DesmoSport Ducati partnership with P1 in FP1
ASBK 2026 Harrison Voight was quickest out of the blocks this morning as the 2026 ASBK season opener began under clear skies at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Voight was immediately into the 1m31s and then began stringing them together with impressive regularity, the Queenslander setting the early benchmark while others worked through their […] The post Westy starts DesmoSport Ducati partnership with P1 in FP1 appeared first on MCNews. View the full article
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Stephen Gall’s ‘No Easy Way’ Autobiography pre-sales open
‘No Easy Way’ Illustrated Stephen Gall Autobiography Stephen Gall, Australia’s ‘Mr Motocross’, is gearing up for the launch of his forthcoming illustrated autobiography book, ‘No Easy Way’ – The Stephen Gall Story, which is available for presale now. The coffee-table book is written and designed, and will be rolling down the print presses in a […] The post Stephen Gall’s ‘No Easy Way’ Autobiography pre-sales open appeared first on MCNews. View the full article
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Husqvarna Trek to take on the Flinders Ranges this September
Husqvarna Trek 2026 The seventh annual Husqvarna Trek will head into the untamed South Australian outback this September, exploring the Flinders Ranges, with strictly limited numbers making this a hot ticket item on the calendar. Running from Tuesday, 8 September to Monday, 14 September 2026, the Husqvarna Trek: Flinders Ranges is a fully supported, six-day […] The post Husqvarna Trek to take on the Flinders Ranges this September appeared first on MCNews. View the full article
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Future/Past: A Dynamic Honda CB750 Superbike from Italy
Widely considered the world's first superbike, the Honda CB750 changed the game when it hit the scene in 1969. 57 years later, it has another claim to fame—its immense popularity as a donor for custom motorcycle projects.The CB750 breathes the same rarefied air as bikes like the Harley Sportster and... View the full article
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Atomizer Racing Injectors Joins World Series of Pro Mod as Associate Sponsor
Atomizer Fuel Components, producers of high-performance racing injectors, will serve as an associate sponsor of the upcoming Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by Red Line Oil, race officials announced today. With more than 70 drivers competing for the $150,000 winner-take-all prize, the World Series of Pro Mod is the ultimate proving ground for eighth-mile Pro Modified racers, including those relying on Atomizer Racing Injectors. Taking place Feb. 26-28 at Bradenton Motorsports Park, it’s the final race of the three-race 2025/2026 Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service. “Jack French and the team at Atomizer Racing Injectors represent exactly the kind of forward-thinking, racer-driven companies we want aligned with the World Series of Pro Mod,” said Wes Buck, Drag Illustrated founder and WSOPM promoter. “They’re helping power the baddest door cars on the planet, making an impact in classes like Pro Mod and Pro 10.5, so having them involved with this event just makes sense. We’re excited to welcome Atomizer as an associate sponsor and believe this is the beginning of a partnership that can grow in a big way.” “We’re fired up to team up with Drag Illustrated for the World Series of Pro Mod,” said Elisa Noelle, Marketing Manager for Atomizer Racing Injectors. “This event showcases the baddest doorslammers on the planet, and we’re proud to help racers like Jimmy Taylor shatter ET barriers and achieve the precise fuel control they need to win on the biggest stage in Pro Mod racing with the world’s fastest racing injectors.” Atomizer is the only fully rebuildable, high-performance, purpose-built fuel injector on the market, setting the standard for racers who demand the best. Every Atomizer injector is hand-built in the USA with American materials and labor, reflecting their deep pride in American craftsmanship. When you choose Atomizer, you’re not only supporting American-made excellence, but also joining a winning tradition dedicated to helping racers reach the winner’s circle around the world – including the brand-new Atomizer APEX injector. “The all-new Atomizer APEX injector was engineered from the ground up for extreme horsepower in single and dual injector configurations,” said Jack French, owner of Atomizer Injectors. “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. “APEX injectors are available from 725 PPH up to 1,525 PPH, with custom flow sizes at no additional cost, and each unit is statically and dynamically calibrated for consistent fueling from idle to wide‑open throttle across different fuels, pressures, and power levels. The APEX is a direct upgrade for Atomizer 3 installations, ideal for high‑boost forced‑induction, nitrous, methanol, and large‑displacement combinations, built in the USA with a military‑spec, patented, fully rebuildable design and 90‑degree connectors that simplify packaging in tight race engine bays.” Jimmy Taylor, driver of the quickest and fastest door car in the world, is a prime example of Atomizer’s success. Taylor, along with tuner and 2018 WSOPM champion Carl Stevens Jr., qualified No. 1 at the U.S. Street Nationals last month with a 3.555-second pass at 224.77 mph. Prior to the Winter Series, they set the 1/8-mile door car e.t. and speed record at Maryland International Raceway, running a 3.387 at 240.29 mph. Both Taylor and Stevens credit Atomizer Racing Injectors for playing an instrumental role in their performance. “The APEX injector is unmatched in precision fuel delivery,” said Stevens. “If you want to be the quickest and fastest, the details matter – and APEX is the only choice.” To learn more about Atomizer Injectors, visit www.atomizerfuelcomponents.com. Tickets for the World Series of Pro Mod are on sale now. Visit www.TheWinterSeries.com/tickets to purchase tickets. This story was originally published on February 19, 2026. The post Atomizer Racing Injectors Joins World Series of Pro Mod as Associate Sponsor first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article
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FJ40 Land Cruiser Custom Chassis Fabrication: Back In The Shop With Shannon Campbell For A New Build
Shannon Campbell is back at it after King of the Hammers in California, and despite breaking some stuff during the Race of Kings, he’s ready to get back at it with some new projects at the shop. First off is this Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser project that is getting a custom chassis. Video Description: We’re back in the shop and easing into our normal routine! In this video, Shannon gets right to work on the frame for the FJ40, making solid progress—be sure to take a look and let us know what you think so far. The post FJ40 Land Cruiser Custom Chassis Fabrication: Back In The Shop With Shannon Campbell For A New Build appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article
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Leah Pruett Makes Her Dodge TSR NHRA Top Fuel Return After Two-year Hiatus, Teams Up with Four-time Champ Matt Hagan at Season-opening NHRA Gatornationals
Leah Pruett makes her NHRA Top Fuel return, after a two-year break, at the upcoming NHRA Gatornationals on March 5-8 in the nitro-burning Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) Dodge dragster Pruett, a 12-time NHRA national event winner, entrusted her 12,000-horsepower Top Fuel dragster to her husband and team owner Tony Stewart for two seasons as she stepped away to welcome their son Dominic The Cal State University graduate comes back to NHRA action with a new outlook as a racer, wife and mother, but her competitive spirit is as strong as ever heading to Gainesville Pruett also has the opportunity to compete against her husband for the first time in 2026, as Stewart continues his racing career in the Elite Motorsports Top Fuel car TSR Dodge driver Matt Hagan opens his quest for a fifth NHRA Funny Car Championship in 2026 at Gainesville with his potent TSR Dodge//SRT Hellcat machine Hagan, a winner of a career 55 NHRA races, recorded three victories in 2025 (Seattle, St. Louis and Las Vegas) and placed runner-up in the NHRA Funny Car final points standings The iconic racer and Dodge fan-favorite enters his 19th season driving a Dodge NHRA Funny Car, the longest current driver/manufacturer Funny Car combination in NHRA Hagan and first-year crew chiefs Mike Knudsen and Phil Shuler proved to be a vaunted combination at the end of the 2025 campaign and look to continue that momentum at Gainesville in 2026 February 19, 2026, Auburn Hills, Mich. – After a two-year hiatus, Dodge NHRA Top Fuel standout Leah Pruett is set to make a headline-grabbing return to competition, climbing back into her 12,000-horsepower Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) dragster for a highly anticipated season debut at the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, March 5–8. Pruett rejoins a powerhouse Dodge TSR lineup anchored by four-time NHRA Funny Car world champion Matt Hagan. “The 2026 NHRA season gives Dodge and Tony Stewart Racing another chance to show what happens when pure competitive drive and Dodge muscle hit the drag strip,” said Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO. “We welcome Leah Pruett back home to her Tony Stewart Racing Top Fuel dragster and four-time NHRA champ Matt Hagan back for his 19th year behind the wheel of a Dodge Funny Car. Both Leah and Matt, as well as team owner Tony Stewart, embody the attitude the Dodge brand stands for, and together they make this season one that will push our limits in all the right ways.” Pruett, a 12-time NHRA Top Fuel national event winner, shocked the motorsports world in 2023 when she walked away from the TSR Top Fuel car that nearly took her to the 2023 world championship to start a family with husband Tony Stewart. Stewart, a NASCAR, IndyCar and USAC series champion and motorsports Hall of Famer, continued the TSR team’s Top Fuel success by winning two NHRA events (Las Vegas and Joliet). as well as the 2025 NHRA Top Fuel regular-season title. But Stewart always said he was the substitute driver in the TSR Dodge dragster until his wife was ready to return to action. After giving birth to son Dominic in November 2024, and serving as a mother and team consultant in 2025, Pruett tested during the 2025 season and made the decision to come back as a driver. “I wasn’t sure if I was ready to jump back into a Top Fuel dragster,” Pruett said. “Being involved with the TSR team the last two years kept me active in the sport, and watching from outside the cockpit was a different perspective. When I first tested the dragster again, my brain was at 150 mph, and the car was going 300 mph. We have a new dragster for this year and I feel much more comfortable as we head toward the Gatornationals. “Working with the team in a different capacity the past two years had me deeply involved in the team’s activities, and I was like a student again talking with Tony. I was listening to Tony’s description of the car and engine, and it was similar to when he was starting in drag racing and I was his driver coach. Now, I am really anxious to make some ‘hits’ with the new race car. It feels great and I am ready to be behind the wheel again.” Stewart, who placed fifth in the 2025 NHRA Top Fuel points, is happy to have his wife back in the TSR Dodge dragster in 2026 after her two-year break, but his Top Fuel career isn’t over. The man known as “Smoke,” who also recently competed for Ram in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, will be driving the Elite Motorsports Top Fuel car in 2026. Chances are good the husband and wife will compete against each other when action starts at Gainesville. “I’m excited to see Leah get back in our TSR Dodge Top Fueler,” said Stewart. “She’s done such an amazing job of becoming a mother, going through a whole year of pregnancy and our first year with Dominic. I knew deep down inside she wanted to drive that race car really bad, so I’m just excited to see her get that opportunity again. She has been a critical part of this team’s success and projects that we’re working on. And I know she wants to drive that car more than anything. “And, yes, with me in another Top Fuel car, we are going to have to race against each other this year. At first, I wasn’t sure about that. But I win in both situations. If I win the race, I move on to the next round. If Leah wins, my race team moves on to the next round. So, it’s a win-win for me.” Pruett wasn’t convinced she wanted to get back in the TSR Dodge Top Fuel car at first, but recent testing in Stewart’s car brought back her passion for the sport. Now she is more determined than ever to chase her first NHRA Mission Top Fuel crown when competition gets underway at the Gatornationals. “I’ll be honest, I wasn’t totally sure that my passion for the sport was still there on the driving side,” said Pruett. “But once I got behind the wheel again, it was like I never left. My competitive spirit jumped right out again. I’m ready to go. And if I have to race Tony, then I’m set to beat him and he knows it. That matchup could happen as soon as the Gatornationals. Tony, myself, our respective teams and the fans will be ready for that one!” Hagan, the Dodge fan-favorite and four-time NHRA World Funny Car champion, has set his sights on a fifth title this year with a new TSR Dodge//SRT Hellcat chassis and new parts for his Mike Knudson and Phil Shuler-led squad. Knudson was a first-time crew chief in 2025, and Hagan was very pleased with Mike’s progression throughout the season, which included three victories (Seattle, St. Louis and Las Vegas) and a runner-up finish in the final NHRA Funny Car points standing. Coming to Gainesville has Hagan, a multi-time Gatornationals race winner, seeking another Wally trophy with excitement to put his all-new nitro-burning Hellcat back in the winner’s circle. “It was a great achievement for our guys in new positions, and I knew there would be a learning curve in 2025 for the TSR Dodge Funny Car team,” said Hagan, a 55-time NHRA Funny Car event winner, all in Dodge machinery. “But I see great potential with the new lineup, and it showed with three wins late in the 2025 season. Now, in the winter, they have been working extremely hard prepping for the 2026 tour. They have been getting new parts and pieces and developing new setups for the race car.” Hagan has become synonymous with the Dodge brand and the drag strip, representing the brand in a Dodge NHRA Funny Car for a nearly two-decade run. The Virginia racer enters his 19th NHRA campaign piloting a Dodge//SRT Funny Car, the longest current driver/manufacturer Funny Car combination in NHRA. “I know this team can win championships and I see the drive and ambition they have together,” said Hagan. “It’s hard to believe that I have been with Dodge and Mopar for 19 years. It has been a great relationship, and I want to continue the tradition with the 2026 NHRA World Championship. I know it’s possible with this group of guys.” Both Pruett’s Top Fuel dragster and Hagan’s Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car will be sporting a new red, white and blue Dodge livery at the Gatornationals. The NHRA Gatornationals are scheduled for March 5-8, with qualifying set for two runs at 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. EST on Friday (March 6) and Saturday (March 7) at 12:35 p.m. and 3:35 p.m. EST. The final eliminations will take place on Sunday (March 8) beginning at 10 a.m. EDT. The post Leah Pruett Makes Her Dodge TSR NHRA Top Fuel Return After Two-year Hiatus, Teams Up with Four-time Champ Matt Hagan at Season-opening NHRA Gatornationals appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article
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Right Trailers Joins Vic Alvarez for 2026 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod
One of drag racing’s fastest-growing brands is stepping onto one of the sport’s biggest stages. Right Trailers has partnered with Vic Alvarez for the 2026 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by Red Line Oil, with the company set to be prominently featured on the doors of Alvarez’s centrifugally supercharged ’69 Camaro at Bradenton Motorsports Park. The partnership aligns one of drag racing’s most active and visible sponsors with the most competitive Pro Mod race in the world. Right Trailers has established itself as a major force within the NHRA ecosystem, serving as a sponsor of the Top Dragster and Top Sportsman classes in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series while also investing heavily in the future of the sport through the NHRA Junior Drag Racing League. The company is the title sponsor of the NHRA JDRL Conference Finals and operates the popular “Right on the Number” program, which awards cash bonuses to winners in select sportsman categories. With multiple locations across Florida, Wisconsin, Mississippi, and Alabama – and an inventory exceeding 1,000 trailers – Right Trailers has built a reputation as a go-to provider for racers at every level, from junior competitors to professional teams. For company owner Michael Scott, who competes himself in Top Dragster and Top Sportsman, the move into the World Series of Pro Mod platform represents a natural next step. “We’ve been invested in this sport for a long time – from juniors all the way up through the sportsman ranks,” said Scott. “The World Series of Pro Mod is one of the most visible and talked-about events in drag racing. Partnering with Vic and being part of that environment allows us to connect with racers and fans on one of the biggest stages in the sport.” Alvarez, who pilots the team’s notorious purple 1969 Camaro, recently turned in a strong performance at the U.S. Street Nationals – the second event of the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service – underscoring the steady progress of a program determined to compete among the sport’s elite. “This event has become the epicenter of Pro Mod,” Alvarez said. “When you look at the depth of the field, the professionalism, and the attention the race receives, it’s unmatched. Having a brand like Right Trailers on the car means a lot. They understand racers because they are racers, and that matters.” The Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod consistently draws tens of thousands of fans to Bradenton Motorsports Park, along with a massive digital audience of hardcore drag racing enthusiasts through streaming partners and online platforms. With hundreds of thousands of eyeballs tracking qualifying and eliminations throughout the weekend, the event provides a powerful marketing platform for partners seeking both grassroots credibility and national visibility. Drag Illustrated founder and WSOPM promoter Wes Buck sees the alignment as a strong fit for both sides. “Right Trailers has done an incredible job embedding themselves into the fabric of the sport – especially in sportsman and junior racing,” said Buck. “The World Series of Pro Mod gives them a chance to showcase their brand in front of one of the largest and most engaged audiences in drag racing. It’s a natural extension of the momentum they’ve built.” As the 2026 World Series of Pro Mod approaches, the Alvarez Camaro will carry the Right Trailers branding into one of the deepest and most competitive Pro Mod fields assembled anywhere in the world. Qualifying for the 2026 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by Red Line Oil begins Thursday, February 26 at 12:30 PM at Bradenton Motorsports Park. For Right Trailers and Vic Alvarez, the doors are open – and the spotlight is bright. The post Right Trailers Joins Vic Alvarez for 2026 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article
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Inaugural World Series of Pro Mod Prayer Breakfast Set for Saturday Morning at Bradenton
Before engines fire and eliminations begin at the 2026 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by Red Line Oil, competitors, crew members, and fans will have the opportunity to gather for a different kind of moment. The inaugural World Series of Pro Mod Prayer Breakfast will take place Saturday morning at 8:30 AM inside the Strange Engineering VIP Pavilion at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Open to all, the gathering will feature complimentary coffee and donuts and provide a brief time of encouragement and perspective before the biggest day in doorslammer racing. The Prayer Breakfast is being organized by Jason Terrell of Tin Soldier Race Cars in partnership with the SEMA and PRI Prayer Breakfast team, with additional support from Tommy D’Aprile and Racers For Christ. “This sport is intense,” said Terrell. “It’s competitive. It’s loud. It moves fast. But it’s also built on people – families, friendships, and faith. The idea behind the Prayer Breakfast is simple: give everyone a moment to breathe, reset, and remember what really matters before we go racing.” The World Series of Pro Mod has become known for record car counts, unprecedented purses, and historic performances. But for Drag Illustrated founder and promoter Wes Buck, creating space for reflection is just as important as raising the competitive ceiling. “This event brings together thousands of people – racers, crew members, fans from all over the world,” said Buck. “We can’t control everything that happens in life or in racing, but we can choose to start the biggest day of the weekend with gratitude and perspective. Jason and his team have done an incredible job putting this together.” The Prayer Breakfast builds on the tradition established by the SEMA and PRI Prayer Breakfast gatherings and reflects the strong faith-based community that has long existed within drag racing. From local tracks to the sport’s biggest stages, racers have consistently leaned on one another through both triumph and adversity. The Saturday morning gathering will offer a short message, fellowship, and a chance for attendees to center themselves before eliminations begin. Eliminations for the 2026 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by Red Line Oil begin later that morning, with Pro Mod first-round action scheduled for 10:00 AM. For those looking to begin race day with purpose and perspective, the doors open at 8:30 AM inside the Strange Engineering VIP Pavilion. Coffee will be hot. Donuts will be ready. All are welcome. The post Inaugural World Series of Pro Mod Prayer Breakfast Set for Saturday Morning at Bradenton first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article
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Cody Anderson Set to Write His Own Story With Pro Stock Debut in Gainesville
Some might say that Cody Anderson has big shoes to fill as the son of the most successful Pro Stock racer in NHRA history. The truth of the matter, though, is that the 27-year-old has no intention of walking in dad Greg Anderson’s footsteps. Cody is writing his own story in the world of Pro Stock, and it will begin on the first day of NHRA’s 75th anniversary celebration at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla. He will pull to the starting line for the first time in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series behind the wheel of a KB Titan Racing Pro Stock car with primary support from J&A Service, Mid-West Drag Racing Series, and Troy Humphrey Motorsports. “I’m super excited and grateful for the opportunity,” said Cody, who completed his final licensing passes at historic Rockingham Dragway. “I’ve had a lot of encouragement and support, and honestly this wouldn’t have happened without that. Jim Whiteley, Keith Haney, my grandfather Troy Humphrey, my family, and every guy on this team made this possible for me. Their support has kept my nerves calm. I can’t wait to get to Gainesville.” After initial tests at Mooresville Dragway and then beginning the process mid-January at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Florida, the final runs at Rockingham Dragway were enough to lock down an NHRA Pro Stock license with the nod of approval and signatures from two of the best in the class: reigning world champion Dallas Glenn and, of course, Greg Anderson. “This is pretty awesome, standing on the starting line watching my son,” said Greg, a six-time Pro Stock champion and the most winning driver in the history of the class. “To jump into a Pro Stock car like this – this is the first time he’s ever let the clutch out on any type of vehicle, let alone a Pro Stock car, and I couldn’t be more proud of him. He’s done fantastic.” Although many second-generation racers get their start in the Jr. drag racing league or in the Sportsman ranks, Cody’s early education came by absorption as he traveled the country with his parents in support of his father’s racing. He was just a toddler, but Cody was there for his father’s first win at Bristol in 2001, and since that time, he’s been in the winner’s circle for many of his 112 Pro Stock victories. He’s been witness to the relentless effort, tireless work ethic, and buckets of sweat that have been behind those wins, and he’s seen firsthand what makes a champion. The approach to procuring his own license in a Pro Stock car was gradual, and in the beginning, the process was simply to see if the younger Anderson was even interested in pursuing driving a naturally aspirated hot rod at the professional level. “We’ve taken it slow and gone step-by-step,” explained his father. “After Cody got the burnout down, he was doing it better than I’ve ever done. Leaving the starting line and driving downtrack and shifting gears, you can see that the kid’s got talent, without a doubt. I couldn’t be a prouder papa. This is a new chapter for me, and I am really looking forward to this.” At the beginning of the year at Mooresville Dragway, the small racetrack just around the corner from the KB Titan Racing shop, Cody got his feet wet in the team’s burnout car — the blacked-out machine is the skeleton of the Pro Stock car his father drove to the 2010 world championship. Glenn, who has been integral in the development of new drivers for the team, made his own initial efforts in the burnout car as well. It is equipped with a traditional Pro Stock clutch and shifter and functions in the same way a complete car does, and it has been a helpful tool in educating drivers new to the class. Under the watchful eye of his father and guidance of Glenn, Cody made several burnouts and starts off the line, and then the crew ventured south to Bradenton, where Dave Connolly joined the gang of instructors. With his comfort level growing and with the intention of earning his license, the team carried on to Rockingham two weeks before the Gatornationals. There, Cody grabbed more and more gears, finally making his first full pass. “It’s definitely difficult to drive one of these things,” shared Cody. “But I’ve been enjoying it. It’s starting to get easier, and it gets more and more fun as you start to learn more and get more comfortable.” Although he had no previous experience in a racecar, throughout his youth, Cody was actively involved in baseball and golf, and his increasingly competitive spirit thrived. He occasionally helped on his father’s car, and in 2016 he got a taste of being part of the crew in an official capacity. At 17 years of age, Cody helped on the back-half of the Pro Stock car driven by then-KB Racing driver Bo Butner at the Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas. The future was in motion. A few years later, the young man was working full-time on his father’s car, arriving at the track early and staying late, getting his hands dirty and expanding his Pro Stock education alongside the ever-growing, always-winning team. He was surrounded by winners and champions, the best-of-the-best in the class, from his father and the team’s longtime crew chief Rob Downing and assistant crew chief Nate VanWassenhove, to reigning Pro Stock world champion Glenn and driver-turned-crew chief Connolly, who tuned Cody’s good friend Tanner Gray to the 2018 Pro Stock series title. For most of his life, Cody has been asked when he was going to race, and to this point, he’s been content to be part of a team behind the scenes. He’s learned the ins-and-outs of the KB Titan Racing program at the shop and at the track, flourishing in the ultra-competitive environment and becoming increasingly passionate in their collective drive for results. Now, the tide shifts, and he will arrive in Gainesville with the support of J&A Service, Keith Haney’s Mid-West Drag Racing Series, and Troy Humphrey Motorsports. NHRA’s newest Pro Stock racer is committed to at least 10 events in his first season and will be eligible for the Rookie of the Year award. The newest KB Titan Racing driver is excited for the chance to pen his own new chapter from the inside of a 500-cubic inch, naturally aspirated Pro Stock car, but he’s under no delusion of grandeur. He fully accepts that the road ahead is long and will not be easy. “I’m not going to Gainesville with any expectations, other than to continue to learn and to try to enjoy every minute of this,” he said. “This is just the beginning, and there is still a lot left to learn. I’m just going to soak it all in, enjoy the opportunity, and see what we can make of it.” This story was originally published on February 19, 2026. The post Cody Anderson Set to Write His Own Story With Pro Stock Debut in Gainesville first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article
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Fendt Extends Multi Year Partnership as Official Tractor of NHRA
Fendt®, a leading provider of advanced agricultural machinery and smart farming solutions, today announced a renewed, two-year partnership with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). The company will continue serving as the official NHRA tractor, expanding its visibility across fan engagement and track operations. “Fendt’s ongoing NHRA commitment reflects the continued growth and strength of this partnership and our shared values of performance, precision and reliability,” said Tim Millwood, Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer for AGCO. “The NHRA community includes thousands of farmers, ranchers and rural business owners who depend on our equipment every day. The partnership allows us to better engage with them about how Fendt’s machines and technology can make them more profitable and productive and gives more visibility to the brand’s growing presence in North America.” The agreement includes the use of the Fendt 314 Vario®, a versatile tractor renowned for its compact design and robust performance, at all NHRA national events. It will support track preparation through the NHRA Safety Safari, a critical component of event performance and racer safety. Fendt will also appear with six major midway displays during the 2026 season, offering fans immersive equipment showcases, interactive experiences and opportunities to connect with local dealers and the Fendt brand. “We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Fendt as they continue as the Official Tractor of NHRA,” said Brad Gerber, NHRA Vice President and Chief Development Officer. “Fendt has been an outstanding partner with NHRA, delivering world-class innovation and performance to the NHRA and our Safety Safari and Competition Department teams. Their reliability plays a huge role in preparing and maintaining a safe and consistent racing surface for our race teams, and we look forward to this partnership continuing to grow.” In addition, Fendt is excited to continue sponsoring Anthony Troyer, a Florida farmer and loyal Fendt owner, and his Fendt Top Alcohol Dragster. The dragster is built and managed by McPhillips Racing, a team with 28 NHRA national wins, 51 regional wins and 11 regional championships. This partnership will include track appearances, updated car livery and customer engagement opportunities integrated with the Fendt midway footprint. “I am very grateful to have the full support of the Fendt team and the opportunity to continue driving for McPhillips Racing,” said Troyer. “They have truly supported my racing journey every step of the way, and I am looking forward to having another very successful year on the NHRA circuit.” The post Fendt Extends Multi Year Partnership as Official Tractor of NHRA first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article
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Can Ryan Make This Fairmont Run 6’s In The 1/8 For Under 6K? How About Naturally Aspirated With A 5.0?
I love budget builds. Hell, everything I own is a budget build. But sometimes I think folks are just trying to make things harder on themselves. I mean Ryan’s mismatched Fairmont is a GREAT platform for doing this one the cheap, since it is the original Foxbody, but some might say he’s nuts to be trying to do this with an 8.2 deck small block Ford. Oh, and he’s doing it NA. Oh, but that’s not the best part. Nope, not by a long shot. He’s doing it with a STICK! Yep, stick. WTF. I’d love to make fun of him, but I love it. I really love it. And now I’m going to have to help him with it because I love it so much. So can we do it? Can we run 6’s with an NA small block FORD and a T5? Sure! What could possibly go wrong? Video Description: STREETCAR CHRONICLES AND MOONSHINER GARAGE have joined forces to bring the best content to this channel we can!! This was just a taste of the BANGERS coming in the future! We are here to have fun and share our hot rod life style with you and our friends….Welcome to the channel we’re glad you’re here! The post Can Ryan Make This Fairmont Run 6’s In The 1/8 For Under 6K? How About Naturally Aspirated With A 5.0? appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article
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Jasmine Salinas Set for 2026 NHRA Top Fuel Return
Jasmine Salinas returns to action for the 2026 season. The driver will run a hybrid NHRA and IHRA schedule to gain more seat time.View the full article
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Oberhofer Brothers Reunited at Rick Ware Racing
The Oberhofer brothers are teaming up again at Rick Ware Racing for the 2026 season. They will tune two elite Top Fuel dragsters.View the full article
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Sonnax Launches Award-winning TH400, 4L80-E Servos for Quick Low/Reverse Band Checks at the Track
Sonnax Transmission Company, the leader in transmission innovation, announces a groundbreaking servo system to improve GM TH400, 4L80-E reliability and make staging more consistent and predictable. The externally adjustable low/reverse servo were named runner-up in the performance racing new product category at the 2025 SEMA show, standing out among more than 1,300 entries across 15 categories. In drag racing, proper L/R band adjustment is critical to prevent transbrake malfunction. If the servo is out of adjustment, the piston can bottom out in the case bore, causing the band to slip and the vehicle to creep forward during staging. Until now, racers faced a major challenge: OE servos with steel covers are difficult to adjust in-vehicle, making quick checks impractical. Sonnax externally adjustable servos overcome this challenge by making band checks and adjustments easy. Thanks to a unique design, there is no cover or access plug to remove — the adjuster itself extends through the cover. A quick check is done simply by pushing on the end of the adjuster and observing the movement of the piston relative to the servo cover. This unique feature combined with top-quality materials make these servos an ideal performance upgrade for any vehicle. Choose from kits for the TH400 (part number 34914-20K) or 4L80-E, 4L85-E (part number 34914-28K) transmission. Key Features Quickly check and adjust the low/reverse band to prevent transbrake issues Externally adjustable design for easy in-vehicle service Works with or without OE 1-2 accumulator piston 6061 Anodized billet aluminum cover for strength and durability Sonnax externally adjustable L/R servos are available now through authorized distributors. Learn more about these and other Sonnax performance parts at www.sonnax.com. The post Sonnax Launches Award-winning TH400, 4L80-E Servos for Quick Low/Reverse Band Checks at the Track first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article
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Hull Racing Adds Crew Chief Matt Bynum and Focuses on Strong Start in Gainesville
Team owner and Funny Car driver Buddy Hull is building his newly formed Hull Racing team on a foundation of performance, safety and strong relationships. The past two months have seen a flurry of activity in Hull’s race shop located just south of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex by long-time crew chief Mike Guger and new addition veteran crew chief Matt Bynum. With two Funny Cars in the shop the tandem has been meticulously going over every part and piece of the operation preparing for their season debut at the historic Gatornationals, March 5-8, 2026. Hull is excited about the beginning of a new era in his career. “I have been a team owner and a team driver but this new endeavor, Hull Racing, has me so excited for my future,” said Hull. “This is a family-owned team with my wife Madi and my son Maverick. We are building a program that I am very proud of. Having Matt join Mike to tune this Funny Car gives me a lot of confidence for the long term. Matt has a background like mine, and I am really looking forward to working with him and seeing the success he and Mike can have with this team.” Bynum joins Hull Racing after years working on nitro Funny Cars with several top-level teams including Blake Alexander, Del Worsham and Alexis DeJoria. Bynum also has extensive success in the nostalgia Funny Car ranks. “Funny Car is a premiere category and working with Buddy is something fresh and new,” said Bynum. “This is a chance to build on what I have been doing over the past several years. Buddy and I have the same mindset. We want to stay within ourselves and make full runs without smoking the tires. We are going to be consistent, safe and quick.” Hull is proud to be working with one of the youngest crew chiefs in the sport and helping build the future of his team. Bynum, 34, has worked with some of the brightest minds in drag racing and he is eager to join Guger and continue to build a quality program. “I am always looking to give young talent a chance to shine whether it is one the racetrack or with my business Vertex General Contractors,” said Hull. “I want to work with people who are hungry for success and have a great positive attitude. Matt has come into the shop and really continued to move us in the right direction. He and I have had several conversations about racing and life. This is going to be an exciting season for sure.” Over the off-season Hull along with Guger and Bynum have been adding parts and inventory to their Funny Car team which includes a primary Funny Car along with a back-up Funny Car and all the supporting materials. Hull recently announced Red Line Oil as a sponsor and he has a marketing relationship with Five Star Ford, a major Dallas/Ft. Worth-based dealership. Additional sponsorship announcements will be made in the coming weeks leading up to the Gatornationals. For additional information on the team visit www.hullracing.com. The post Hull Racing Adds Crew Chief Matt Bynum and Focuses on Strong Start in Gainesville first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article
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Elite Motorsports Partners with HBOT4Heroes
Elite Motorsports is proud to announce a partnership with HBOT4Heroes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to veterans and first responders suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI), post‑traumatic stress (PTSD), and other invisible wounds of service. “HBOT4Heroes is doing life‑changing work, and we’re honored to help amplify their mission,” said Richard Freeman, Owner and President of Elite Motorsports. “The NHRA community includes countless veterans and first responders. Supporting an organization that is actively saving lives is something we’re proud to stand behind.” HBOT4Heroes provides access to HBOT, an evidence‑supported therapy that delivers oxygen in a pressurized environment to help stimulate cellular repair, improve blood flow and reduce symptoms associated with TBI and PTSD. HBOT4Heroes’ mission is rooted in a critical and urgent reality: an estimated 44 veterans die by suicide each day — a number far higher than the traditional cited 17-22 per day — and a driving force behind the organization’s work to expand access to care. “Every day, we meet veterans and first responders who have been told their symptoms are permanent or that they’ve run out of options,” said Travis Burt, ambassador for HBOT4Heroes. “Our mission at HBOT4Heroes is to make sure no hero is left behind. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is restoring lives, restoring families, and giving people hope again. Partnering with Elite Motorsports helps us reach more of the men and women who desperately need this care.” Through this partnership, Elite Motorsports will welcome HBOT4Heroes’ guests, including veterans, first responders, and supporters, into the team’s hospitality areas at select NHRA national events during the 2026 season. These race‑day experiences offer a meaningful opportunity for recognition, connection, and community support. HBOT4Heroes’ first NHRA experience will be at the season-opening Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, March 6-8 in Florida. This story was originally published on February 19, 2026. The post Elite Motorsports Partners with HBOT4Heroes first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article
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NHRA Releases Free Streaming Schedule for NHRA.TV and NHRA YouTube Page
NHRA announced today a continued and comprehensive free coverage plan on NHRA.tv and its NHRA YouTube page starting this weekend for the 2026 season in the popular Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. For the second consecutive year, NHRA will stream more than 30 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events on either NHRA.tv or the NHRA YouTube page for free during the 2026 campaign, including extensive action from across all seven divisions, special events and more. The full schedule of complimentary races is available now at NHRA.tv, starting with this weekend’s Division 7 double-divisional race at Firebird Motorsports Park in Phoenix. All 20 Mission Foods Drag Racing Series national events during NHRA’s 75th season in 2026 can also be viewed on NHRA.tv, with the price at $164.99 for the entire season or $24.99 per national event. The test session at Gainesville Raceway on March 3-4 will also be streamed for free on NHRA.tv, which leads into the legendary season-opening Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals on March 5-8 at the historic facility. This weekend’s race in Phoenix gives fans their first glimpse of NHRA racing in 2026, kicking off an action-packed year across the country. The season-long free coverage takes place from February through November, concluding with the Division 7 divisional on Nov. 5-8 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Fans will have the chance to watch thrilling action from all seven NHRA divisions in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season, including 12 double divisional events. To watch the select divisional races for free, fans simply need to sign up for a complimentary account on NHRA.tv. Streaming coverage of the divisional races is sponsored by Strange Engineering, Summit Racing Equipment, Laris Motorsports Insurance, Right Trailers, Competition Products, Total Seal and Speedmaster, and will provide fans a free look into the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which features several of the world’s top racers. Beginning this weekend in Phoenix, race fans can watch several divisional races every month on either NHRA.tv or the NHRA YouTube page. That includes four events in March, five races in June, six races in July, and four races in both August and September. Complimentary coverage will also include major events like the JEGS SPORTSnationals in May at Beech Bend Raceway, the Laris Motorsports Insurance Cajun NHRA SPORTSnationals in March at No Problem Raceway, the Hot Rod Reunion in June and the popular double divisional races all year. Along with the complimentary coverage, fans who purchase the full NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season on NHRA.tv get incredible access to watch more than 50 live events this year, along with access to hours of original, special content, previous years of racing, historical moments and more. For more information about the NHRA, including the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule, visit www.nhra.com. This story was originally published on February 19, 2026. The post NHRA Releases Free Streaming Schedule for NHRA.TV and NHRA YouTube Page first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article
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Doug Foley Transitions to Team Owner Role; Gary Pritchett Named 2026 Top Fuel Driver
Doug Foley Racing announced today that Doug Foley will transition from driving duties to a full-time team owner role beginning with the 2026 season. Gary Pritchett has been named driver of the team’s Top Fuel dragster. “We are going to do a driver swap in 2026,” Foley said. “I am going to get out of the seat. And I just felt like we could be better all the way around and I kind of wanted to focus more on just taking the team to another level, and so I decided to get out of the seat.”Foley, a veteran Top Fuel competitor and multi-time IHRA event winner, said the move allows him to focus on strengthening the organization both competitively and commercially. “I just didn’t feel like our team was at the level it could be, and that’s my goal to fix that,” Foley said. The team will compete in a combination of NHRA and IHRA events in 2026. Foley said the hybrid schedule provides opportunities for growth while maintaining a competitive presence across both sanctioning bodies. Pritchett, a former Top Alcohol Dragster competitor and longtime Top Fuel crew member, earned his Top Fuel license in 2015 under the guidance of crew chief Doug Kuch. “Doug Kuch actually got me my Top Fuel license back in 2015 in Charlotte and coming full circle,” Pritchett said. “I feel like all the stars are kind of aligning and really excited for the opportunity.” Pritchett said the opportunity represents a career milestone. “It feels like I got the opportunity I’ve been waiting on my whole life,” he said. Additional announcements regarding partnerships and testing plans for the 2026 season will be released in the coming weeks. For more information, visit http://www.foleylewisracing.com. The post Doug Foley Transitions to Team Owner Role; Gary Pritchett Named 2026 Top Fuel Driver first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article
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Beta’s New Trials Bikes Prove That Horsepower Means Nothing Without Balance
Beta’s 2026 Evo 300 4T keeps the four-stroke trials formula alive while making the sport more accessible to new riders.View the full article