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If you want a sidecar for your motorcycle in 2026, your best bet is to hit up Ural. But that may all change as CFMoto wants in on the sidecar action, along with it being 2WD. View the full article

It might be the Year of the Horse, but just one BMW S 1000 RR in the US is included in a switch recall that mostly affects other markets.View the full article

BMW ADV-X is a multi-day off-road experience curated by BMW Motorrad exclusively open to GS riders. View the full article

The Pan America, one of the better Harley-Davidson motorcycles in recent memory, is a Screamin' (Eagle) deal if you pick one up used right now. View the full article

Once a racer, always a racer, and his teammate and family were happy to honor his wishes and help him cross that finish line in 2026.View the full article

Ice and snow racing events just make me smile, but probably not for the reason you think. As awesome as these events are, and as cool as the race cars and trucks can be, it’s the people that are racing in the snow and ice all winter that really set these events apart. If you asked the average sand drags or traditional drag racing competitor if they would change a few things on their ride and then go race it on the ice or in the snow, most are going to say NO. But when you live in the ice and snow and can’t race your car or truck for several months because of it, your attitude changes a bit. These folks love to go racing on the ice and snow and think nothing of it. This is just what you do in the winter. I met some folks from Wisconsin and Minnesota several years ago while announcing at Optima’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car series, and one of them had an S2000 that was fast on both the autocross and the road course. While interviewing the driver for the tv show I asked about some road rash that was on the front fender lips. When he told me that was from the screws in his front tires for ice racing it took me a minute to comprehend what he was saying. I asked if the car used to be an ice racer, and he said it still was, and proceeded to tell me about a whole bunch of the racers and their cars that not only do road course and autocross duty during the sunny months, but also are thrown around on the frozen lake for ice racing season. It was awesome, and let me know that these guys were a bit more hard core than some of the others out there racing. So let’s see what 2000 horsepower trucks look like, hauling ass up a ski slope. This should be fun. Video Description: We made the trip up to Florence, Wisconsin for the Keyes Peak Uphill Truck Drags – one of the wildest winter races we’ve ever seen. Trucks line up at the bottom of a snowy hill and race uphill through deep snow, with builds ranging from mostly stock rigs all the way up to 2,000+ horsepower monsters that normally race dirt the rest of the year. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. Temperatures barely touched 15°F with heavy winds, making it the coldest shoot we’ve done.. ever? The post Drag Racing 2000hp Trucks UPHILL in SNOW! What Could Possibly Go Wrong? This Is Insane And Fun In All The Right Ways! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Moto Guzzi Soul & Summit Sale Moto Guzzi Australia is bringing its most advanced motorcycles within closer reach, with savings of up to $5000 across the run-out V100 Mandello and Stelvio range as part of the new ‘Soul & Summit Sale’, running until May 31, 2026, or while stocks last. Further elevating the value, customers […] The post Save up to $5K with Moto Guzzi’s Soul & Summit Sale appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Owing a motorcycle is a great accomplishment, pointing to the endless benefits it brings, from convenience in traffic to low parking needs. However, they also come with great responsibility to ensure they are in excellent shape. Neglecting small mechanical problems will result in more expensive repairs later on. The following tips help you prolong the lifespan of your motorcycle. Warm Up the Engine Before Riding Engine damage occurs when riders start their motorcycle before they ride at maximum speed. Warming […] The post How to Maximize the Lifespan of Your Motorcycle appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

Motorcycles have always carried a certain romance—freedom, independence, and a sense of style that four wheels rarely match. For students, that appeal is often mixed with very practical concerns: cost, reliability, and ease of ownership. A bike isn’t just a toy; it’s transport, identity, and sometimes a first serious mechanical relationship. Over the past few years, smaller and more affordable machines have gained renewed attention, blending classic looks with modern reliability. The result is a new generation of motorcycles that […] The post The Most Popular Budget Motorcycles Among Students appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

Alexis DeJoria reached the final round in her John Force Racing debut two weeks ago at Gainesville Raceway and, having earned her first career NHRA Funny Car victory at Firebird Motorsports in 2014, the driver of the Bandero Premium Tequila Chevrolet SS Funny Car has every confidence she can pick up another Wally at this weekend’s FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs. DeJoria and her Mike Neff / Jonnie Lindberg team took out Cruz Pedregon, Spencer Hyde and JR Todd enroute to the runner-up finish against Chad Green at this year’s Gatornationals. The three round wins in the 2026 NHRA season-opening event brought her career total to 198 heading into this weekend’s Arizona Nationals. “It was absolutely wonderful to be able to get to the final round at Gainesville in our very first race with John Force Racing,” said DeJoria. “It had been two years since I’d been to a final so just the way our Bandero team already works so well with the other JFR teams, the camaraderie, the knowledge and expertise is just unmatched gives us a great base to build on heading to Phoenix.” Her run to victory at the 2014 Arizona Nationals was even more impressive. After a first-round victory over Jeff Arend, the six-time NHRA Funny Car winner bowled over two of her biggest racing heroes – Del Worsham in the second round and current team owner and 16-time NHRA Funny Car Champion John Force in the semi’s. Those two major wins set up the final-round matchup against eventual three-time Funny Car Champion Robert Hight, where she ran 4.043 seconds at 309.63 mph while Hight’s John Force Racing entry lost traction and spun the tires. “Getting my first career Funny Car win in Phoenix in 2014 was such a major deal because I beat my heroes, John Force and Del Worsham, to get there,” DeJoria said. “Those are some huge names there but, my gosh, you’ve got to beat the best to be the best. Going back to Phoenix with the success I’ve had there in the past and what we already have with the current Bandero team, there’s an even greater confidence level in just knowing the racetrack, its little quirks here and there. I was also part of the inaugural Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty race there, which we’re a part of this week, is a hell of a confidence booster.” Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 10 p.m. ET. on Friday and 12 p.m. on Sunday, leading into eliminations at 6:30 p.m. ET. To purchase tickets to the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com. The post DeJoria Focused on First JFR Win in Arizona, Site of First Career Win first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

As good as a season-opening win in Gainesville felt for Matt Hartford, a repeat of that at his home track during this weekend’s FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs would represent something extremely special for the Pro Stock veteran. The Phoenix-area resident estimates more than 200 friends, family and Total Seal customers will be on hand to witness what he hopes is a second straight victory to open the 2026 NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series season. The Gainesville win snapped a 40-race winless stretch for Hartford, but he had been close multiple times throughout an otherwise strong 2025 campaign. That momentum carried over into the off-season, and Hartford and his team just kept rolling to open NHRA’s 75th anniversary season, defeating six-time champ Greg Anderson in the final round in Gainesville. Hartford celebrated that – and getting his first diamond Wally of the year – but a Phoenix win in his Total Seal Chevrolet Camaro would mark another high point in his career. “It’s a great feeling knowing we will have that kind of support this weekend,” Hartford said. “We’re going to try to do what we did last year and qualify No. 1, and then hopefully win the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday and follow it up with a victory on Sunday. We had a really competitive car last season as a whole and if you look at the 20-some (Pro Stock) cars out there, we’ve got a car as good as anyone out there. On any given Sunday, though, you’ve got to perform.” As part of NHRA’s yearlong 75th anniversary celebration, fans can expect multiple highlights at Firebird Motorsports Park this weekend, including: An appearance from NHRA legend and four-time world champion Don Prudhomme, as well as Charlie Allen and Jon Lundberg. On Friday, a free, limited-edition rally towel will be given to the first 3,000 fans in attendance to take in two rounds of pro qualifying. A new-look Nitro Mall, special displays and 75th anniversary stage in Nitro Alley. Last season, Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Paul Lee (Funny Car), and Anderson (Pro Stock) each earned wins. This year’s race will be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 22. It is the second of 20 events and run times were adjusted with the expected heat. Friday qualifying will begin at 9:30 a.m. local time on Friday with Pro Stock, followed by Funny Car and Top Fuel. The second session is slated to start at 12 p.m. On Saturday, Top Fuel will open the day at 10 a.m., followed by Funny Car and Pro Stock. The final qualifying session is scheduled to start at 12:30 p.m. with Top Fuel. Sunday eliminations will begin at 10 a.m. local time and gates will open at 7 a.m. Friday through Sunday. With that in mind, Hartford knows he has to be ready to lay down a good run right off the trailer. The first qualifying session might be the best conditions of the weekend for the Pro Stock category and with 20 entries, getting a good start – and getting in the field – will be an immediate priority. There’s a loaded field that includes reigning world champ Dallas Glenn, Anderson, Erica Enders, Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Aaron Stanfield, but Hartford is certainly in that mix as well. He’ll race in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday – with the bonus race also featuring Glenn, Anderson and Enders – and simply looking to continue to pick up steam, regardless of the weather. “We felt really good going into the Finals last year, so why reinvent things? The off-season was just an extended break for us,” Hartford said. “We didn’t look at Gainesville as the start of 2026. We just looked at it as the next race after Las Vegas (last fall). “But this weekend, we’re going into conditions nobody is used to running. It’s going to be uncharted territory. You’re going to have to perform on Friday and if you’re not in the field after Q1, you may not get in.” Top Fuel’s Shawn Langdon is after more Phoenix success, taking on a field that includes Gainesville winner Josh Hart, reigning world champ Doug Kalitta, rookie Maddi Gordon, Tony Stewart, Antron Brown and Leah Pruett. Paul Lee returns to the site of his first career Funny Car victory a year ago, looking to take down Gainesville winner Chad Green, back-to-back champ Austin Prock, Matt Hagan, Jordan Vandergriff and Ron Capps. The FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. Race fans at Firebird Motorsports Park 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 an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This opportunity gives fans a chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers and more. Fans can visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, and food and fun for the entire family. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 10 p.m. ET. on Friday and 12 p.m. on Sunday, leading into eliminations at 6:30 p.m. ET. To purchase tickets to the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com. The post Home Race Means Big Expectations for Gators Pro Stock Winner Matt Hartford in Phoenix first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Dayco, a global leader in high-performance drive system solutions, has announced its 2026 participation in the NHRA Contingency Program. Dayco will post $17,000 for racers competing at the NHRA level in specific classes who run Dayco blower belts and earn win or runner-up finishes. This initiative reinforces Dayco’s commitment to high-horsepower performance and grassroots-to-professional motorsports racing, as the Contingency Program was designed by the NHRA to create a direct connection between manufacturers and racers by rewarding superior performance with tangible financial incentives. For 2026, Dayco will award NHRA racers competing in Pro Mod, Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car classes. Eligible racers who run Dayco’s 8mm blower belts, display the required Dayco decals and meet NHRA Contingency Program guidelines will qualify for payouts when finishing as event winner or runner-up in these classes: Pro Mod ($500 to win, $100 to runner-up per event) Top Alcohol Dragster ($300 to win, $100 to runner-up per event) Top Alcohol Funny Car ($300 to win, $100 to runner-up per event) Dayco blower belts are engineered for extreme racing environments, delivering superior grip, reduced stretch, and consistent power transfer under high boost conditions. Designed to withstand the punishing demands of supercharged engines, Dayco belts are trusted by racers who compete at the highest levels of racing. “Our blower belts have become the belt of choice for several Top Fuel and Pro Mod teams due to their durability,” said Dipesh Maniar, head of Dayco North America’s motorsports program. “The drivers we partner with have seen our belts last two to three times longer than competitor belts so we are eager to see how many more drivers we can help reach the winner’s circle.” The NHRA Contingency Program rewards racers for using and promoting products from participating manufacturers. With more than 100 brands involved, it remains one of the most powerful marketing partnerships in motorsports, directly benefiting racers who align with performance-driven companies like Dayco. Racers interest in learning more about Dayco blower belts can click here. Details on eligible categories, payout levels and decal requirements will be available through NHRA’s official contingency portal: NHRA.com/Competition/Contingency. The post Dayco Joins NHRA Contingency Program first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Defending event champion Paul Lee heads into this weekend’s NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park with Mainline Sales, Inc. returning as the primary partner on the Paul Lee Racing Nitro Funny Car. Lee captured his first career Nitro Funny Car Wally at this event one year ago, marking a milestone victory for both the driver and the growing Paul Lee Racing (PLR) program. Now returning to Phoenix as the defending champions, the team looks to build on that momentum with a refreshed Mainline Sales paint scheme that highlights the company’s continued investment in the partnership. “Coming back to Phoenix as the defending event champion is really special for our entire team,” said Lee. “To have Mainline Sales and so many of their key manufacturing partners represented on our Funny Car makes it even more meaningful. Our Paul Lee Racing program is built on creating real business-to-business opportunities, and we’re proud to help generate new connections while continuing to strengthen the relationships with the partners who have supported us along the way.” Mainline Sales has been a part of Paul Lee Racing since the team’s inception in 2019, making this weekend’s primary sponsorship a continuation of a long-standing relationship rooted in performance and business-to-business growth. The 2026 Arizona Nationals livery will prominently feature the new Mainline Racing logo on the hood, the Mainline Sales corporate branding on the sides, and a collection of key manufacturer partners represented across the rear quarter panels. “This race in Phoenix is especially meaningful for us as we celebrate the opening of Mainline’s new 25,000-square-foot warehouse,” said Alicia Sylvester, Marketing LEAD & amp; Fuel Assistant. “We’re proud to share this milestone alongside Paul Lee and our valued manufacturer partners who have supported our primary sponsorship. Our program continues to grow, and our customers become more energized with every race weekend. It’s a great example of the strong B2B relationships created through Paul Lee and Steven Cole’s vision.” “We’re incredibly excited to move into our new warehouse facility and begin this next chapter of growth for our team,” added Joe Libman, Arizona & Southern Nevada LEAD. “This new space will allow us to operate more efficiently, expand our capabilities, and service the territory even better. As an associate sponsor of Paul Lee Racing over the past several seasons, Mainline Sales continues to see the value of the strong business-to-business relationships built through Paul Lee’s racing program and marketing platform.” The partnership between Mainline Sales and Paul Lee Racing continues to exemplify how motorsports can drive meaningful connections between manufacturers, distributors, and end users. With a shared focus on growth, service, and performance, both organizations have leveraged the NHRA platform to strengthen relationships across multiple markets. As Lee returns to the site of his breakthrough victory, the team aims to defend their title and continue establishing themselves as a consistent contender in Nitro Funny Car competition during the 2026 NHRA season. The post Defending Event Champion Paul Lee Returns to Phoenix with Mainline Sales as Primary Partner for NHRA Arizona Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Tony Stewart Racing’s Leah Pruett and Matt Hagan are set to take on the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park, the second of 20 events on the Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series season. Purett, who has a residence in Lake Havasu, will compete for her home crowd in the vibrant Rayce Rudeen Foundation livery on her Top Fuel dragster while Hagan will sport the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage colors on his Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car. Although this is the only event Pruett will primarily feature the Rayce Rudeen Foundation on the side of her dragster, she’ll carry their logo and message the entire race season. When Rayce Rudeen lost his battle with addiction in 2016, his family vowed to help prevent others from suffering the same loss—and with that, the Rayce Rudeen Foundation was born. The foundation honors Rayce’s memory by creating a supportive community in which everyone can access prevention, treatment, recovery, and family support resources—free from stigma. The Rayce Rudeen Foundation implements a diverse approach in working with various organizations to make a sustainable impact in communities by focusing on prevention, treatment, recovery, and support. They encourage a healthy and productive life, free from the disease of addiction and strive to address gaps in the systems of care for those who are struggling with substance misuse. “All of us, fans and racers alike, have more than love of horsepower in common. More than likely we all know someone who is fighting addiction or trying to find support for one in need. The purpose of us flying the Rayce Rudeen Foundation colors on such a large scale is to bring awareness to the resources within communities, fight the stigmatism of recovery, and promote support systems for families navigating trying times,” Pruett explained. “This is something that hits deeper than racing. To represent that and bring awareness to it on a national stage—it’s something I’m really proud of.” Pruett, who is making her second competitive appearance since reclaiming her Top Fuel dragster seat after starting a family, will be racing for her third win at Firebird Motorsports Park. She’s coming off a No. 3 qualifying position and quarterfinal exit at the Gatornationals. “Coming into the weekend, I feel really good, comfortable with every lap, and really focused on building momentum with this team,” Pruett said. “Everyone knows Phoenix is going to be wild hot, even with early qualifying, there still will be some really hot scenarios. I’ve become increasingly impressed with [crew chiefs] Neal Strausbaugh and Mike Domagala’s tuning adaptability given tough conditions. “I’m focused on one thing, and that’s improving as a driver every lap. I don’t feel the extra pressure of Phoenix, because we’re already giving everything we have. I feel pressure most when I’m more afraid of failing, than looking forward to the possibilities and results of succeeding,” Pruett continued. “Knowing what it’s like to win in Phoenix, and have dedicated crews of fans, with custom ‘GO Leah GO’ shirts, and chants on the way to lanes, is a super high level of awesome that is just the starter kit of the Phoenix momentum and fun. Needless to say. I’m eager to see what we can do this weekend.” The 12-time event winner got her first Top Fuel victory at the facility in 2016 and then turned around with a new team and took home the Wally again in 2017. “Phoenix is my adoptive home race for sure. Even before I moved to Arizona. I have always felt the love of the Phoenix fans, like they’ve taken me in as one of their own. Ten years ago, I was an underdog, fairly new on the pro scene, and found myself gravitating and connecting with so many west coast nitro-loving people. They really made me feel at home. They made winning my first Top Fuel race even better,” said Pruett who was also the No. 1 qualifier in 2017. “There weren’t many similarities about my back-to-back wins in Phoenix; They were with completely separate teams, cars, and crew chiefs. Which proves to me that Phoenix loves new energy, and that’s exactly what I have this year.” Her TSR Funny Car teammate Matt Hagan is also no stranger to success at Firebird Motorsports Park. The four-time world champion has raced his way to five final rounds in the desert and picked up three victories in 2015, 2017 and 2019. He has also been No. 1 qualifier three time in 2015, 2020 and most recently in 2022. “Phoenix is one of my favorite races to come to. Everything is great about this place, the atmosphere, who knows, I’d get a winter home here if I could, maybe one day. It’s going to be hot, kind of crazy hot but [crew chiefs] Mike Knudsen and Phil Shuler have proven they can do really well in the heat. We were one of the few cars to go down the hot racetrack during qualifying over the Gainesville weekend. So, I have a lot of confidence with us moving into some of these hotter races,” Hagan said. “We’ll be racing earlier, which is a good call on NHRA even though it’s a little tougher on the guys with the early mornings, but we want to put on a great show for these fans. It could be a lot of pedaling and we’ll have to adjust. One thing about Phil and Mike and our car chief Alex Conaway is they do a great job with that so I’m excited to see what we have in our arsenal.” Hagan is coming off a No. 5 qualifying position and quarterfinal exit at the NHRA Gatornationals a showing that has him entering the Arizona Nationals with his JHG Dodge team fifth in points. Last year at Firedbird Motorsports Park, Hagan qualified 10th before having a quarterfinal exit. “It’s our first race of the year with JHG and I’m excited. Jason Johnson, his wife Nikki, Nate and Genelle Cox, the whole family have become really good friends. I think we need to pull a Phoenix win out for them this year,” Hagan said. “I’ve had a lot of luck here, there’s a good vibe and just feels natural. We have a great car and proven we can get down a tricky racetrack, our team is all working well together, it’s a great group, I know I’ve got some work to do after that holeshot loss in Gainesville but we have the pieces to get the job done and I would love nothing more than to do it this weekend with the whole JHG group here.” Competition at the FMP Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park begins with four nitro qualifying sessions Friday and Saturday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. each day. Eliminations are slated for Sunday at 10 a.m. Television coverage of the event will be on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) starting with a qualifying shows Friday at 10 p.m. ET and Sunday at noon ET. Eliminations will air Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET. This story was originally published on March 18, 2026. The post Leah Pruett Returns to Site of First Top Fuel Win; Matt Hagan Confident in Tricky Conditions first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 417 “WHEN THE CAT’S AWAY…” WES IS OUT OF TOWN. AND YOU ALREADY KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS. THE MICE ARE RUNNIN’ THE SHOW. This week on The Wes Buck Show, we’re handin’ over the keys and lettin’ it rip. JT Hudson and Mike Carpenter are holdin’ it down, and they’ve brought in some serious backup with Brian Lohnes jumping in to co-host. That’s right. The voice of NHRA is in the seat and anything could happen. We’re talkin’ racing, we’re talkin’ nonsense, and we’re probably gonna stir the pot just a little bit while Wes is away. Then we bring in Chase Lautenbach, the man behind Street Car Takeover, one of the hottest brands in street car racing right now. The season is coming in hot and Chase is here to break down what they’ve got cookin’ for 2026. Big events, big crowds, and a whole lot of fast street cars. Joining him is Michael Poland, who is stepping in to help push Street Car Takeover to another level this year. More structure, more growth, more chaos in the best way possible. These guys are building something real and we’re here to talk about it. Fast cars. Big plans. No supervision. YOU KNOW THIS ONE’S GONNA GET INTERESTING. 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 #BrianLohnes #StreetCarTakeover #ChaseLautenbach #MichaelPoland #NoPrep #StreetCars #WBS #DI #RacersClub This story was originally published on March 18, 2026. The post The Wes Buck Show | Ep. 417 | Brian Lohnes. Chase Lautenbach, & Michael Poland! first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

In the world of custom motorcycles, we often talk about "career changes," but Jochen Heinrich’s transition might be the most enviable one we’ve heard yet. After four decades navigating the sterile halls of the banking sector, Jochen traded his spreadsheets for a set of spanners. It’s a return to for... View the full article

Melanie Johnson has been selected as a 2026 grant recipient by the Shift Up Now Foundation. The announcement, made in celebration of Women’s History Month, marks a significant milestone as Johnson becomes the first drag racer in the organization’s history to receive a grant. The Shift Up Now Foundation is dedicated to driving gender equality in motorsports by providing critical funding and resources to talented female athletes. For the 2026 season, the Foundation awarded over $300,000 in grants to 15 drivers across 10 different racing series. “I’m incredibly honored to join the Shift Up Now Athletes this year and represent an organization that is making things happen for females in motorsport,” said Johnson. “To be the first drag racer included in this group is a privilege, and I’m eager to help expand the foundation’s reach into the NHRA community. Thank you to all of the wonderful people and organizations that support the Shift Up Now Foundation.” A second-generation racer and driver of the McPhillips Racing Top Alcohol Dragster, Johnson has quickly made a name for herself in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. Since her debut in 2025, she has secured her first regional victory at Norwalk and multiple semifinal finishes at prestigious events like the U.S. Nationals and the Texas Fall Nationals. Beyond her performance on the track, Johnson is deeply committed to fostering growth for women in the industry. She currently serves as a committee member for the Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) Southern California Chapter, working to create networking and professional development opportunities for women across all disciplines of racing. The support from Shift Up Now joins an existing roster of valued partners, including NGK Spark Plugs, Lucas Oil, ARP, and Alan Johnson Performance Engineering (AJPE). With the 2026 season underway, Johnson and the McPhillips Racing team remain focused on consistency and championship contention. The post Melanie Johnson Joins Shift Up Now as First Drag Racing Grant Recipient first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Coming off a win at the season kickoff in Gainesville, Funny Car’s Chad Green is ready to head to the desert for the 41st annual FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs at Firebird Motorsports Park. Green wheels the 12,000-horsepower Bond Coat Ford Mustang and secured his third career win two weeks ago at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. The win was his second consecutive win at the season opener and Green believes his team will carry that momentum into Phoenix. He’s determined to make amends for last year’s early exit at the “Duel in the Desert” and keep himself in the mix in the loaded Funny Car category. “Anytime you win, it always helps with confidence, but what really gets me excited is to see how consistent our car ran all day in Gainesville,” said Green. “Nothing helps a driver’s confidence more than having a consistent race car. “Obviously, our main goal is to win the race. But short of that, we just need to go some rounds and avoid a first-round exit like last year in Phoenix, which can really kill your momentum after winning a race. It’s going to be a hot track this weekend and I think we will fare well under those conditions. My guys know how to navigate a hot track.” As part of NHRA’s yearlong 75th anniversary celebration, fans can expect multiple highlights at Firebird Motorsports Park, including: An appearance from NHRA legend and four-time world champion Don Prudhomme, as well as Charlie Allen and Jon Lundberg. On Friday, a free, limited-edition rally towel will be given to the first 3,000 fans in attendance to take in two rounds of pro qualifying. A new-look Nitro Mall, special displays and 75th anniversary stage in Nitro Alley. Last season, Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Paul Lee (Funny Car), and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) each earned wins. This year’s race will be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 22. It is the second of 20 events and run times were moved to earlier slots with the expected heat. Friday qualifying will begin at 9:30 a.m. local time on Friday with Pro Stock, followed by Funny Car and Top Fuel. The second session is slated to start at 12 p.m. On Saturday, Top Fuel will open the day at 10 a.m., followed by Funny Car and Pro Stock. The final qualifying session is scheduled to start at 12:30 p.m. with Top Fuel. Sunday eliminations will be bumped an hour earlier as well, with the first round of eliminations slated for 10 a.m. local time. Gates will open at 7 a.m. Friday through Sunday, with action in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series to begin at 7:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. on Sunday. With his win in Gainesville, Green has slotted himself into the first Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge of the season. The popular bonus race returns to the NHRA regular season as semifinalists from the previous race will rematch for a chance at a bonus purse and bonus points for the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Green will take on Funny Car newcomer Jordan Vandergriff, who made his John Force Racing debut in Gainesville, with Alexis DeJoria and J.R. Todd on the other side of the ladder. “The Mission Challenge is a great opportunity to get even more points,” Green said. “I want to be in it every race. It makes qualifying that much more exciting. I’m sure Jordan will be looking for some revenge from Gainesville. For us, we will be looking to stay undefeated in 2026.” Other Funny Car stars to watch in Phoenix include back-to-back world champ Austin Prock, who didn’t qualify in Gainesville, four-time champ Matt Hagan and Ron Capps. Top Fuel’s Shawn Langdon is after more Phoenix success, taking on a field that includes Gainesville winner Josh Hart, reigning world champ Doug Kalitta, rookie Maddi Gordon, Tony Stewart, Antron Brown and Leah Pruett. Greg Anderson will look to repeat in Pro Stock, but Gainesville winner and area resident Matt Hartford hopes to keep rolling along against reigning world champ Dallas Glenn, Erica Enders and Aaron Stanfield. The FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. Race fans at Firebird Motorsports Park 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 an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This opportunity gives fans a chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers and more. Fans can visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, and food and fun for the entire family. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 10 p.m. ET. on Friday and 12 p.m. on Sunday, leading into eliminations at 6:30 p.m. ET. To purchase tickets to the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com. The post Funny Car’s Chad Green Looks to Carry Momentum Into Phoenix at FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

A near-flawless weekend to open the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season has Top Fuel’s Josh Hart riding high heading into this weekend’s FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs at Firebird Motorsports Park. Hart made career-best runs, qualified No. 1, set the Gainesville Raceway track speed record with a 340-mph run and won in his debut with John Force Racing to kick off NHRA’s 75th anniversary season. It was a storybook start for Hart’s tenure at John Force Racing and it’s only made the talented Top Fuel driver think even bigger in his 12,000-horsepower Burnyzz Speed Shop/Speedmaster dragster. With a diamond Wally under his belt – as well as the points lead – Hart will have a chance to keep rolling in Phoenix and win the first Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge of the year, as well as get his first career victory at Firebird Motorsports Park. “The Burnyzz Speed Shop/Speedmaster team checked a lot of boxes at Gainesville and we’re going to take this momentum into Phoenix. We’re not going to take our foot off the gas; actually, quite the opposite,” Hart said. “We’ve set the expectation, we know where we need to improve and now it’s just to make sure that I can live up to everybody else’s expectations.” As part of NHRA’s yearlong 75th anniversary celebration, fans can expect multiple highlights this weekend at Firebird Motorsports Park, including: An appearance from NHRA legend and four-time world champion Don Prudhomme, as well as Charlie Allen and Jon Lundberg. Prudhomme’s iconic career and legacy in NHRA Drag Racing will be celebrated throughout the weekend as the race’s historic moment. On Friday, a free, limited-edition rally towel will be given to the first 3,000 fans in attendance to take in two rounds of pro qualifying. A new-look Nitro Mall, special displays and 75th anniversary stage in Nitro Alley. Last season, Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Paul Lee (Funny Car), and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) each earned wins. This year’s race will be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 22. It is the second of 20 events and run times were moved to earlier slots with the expected heat. Friday qualifying will begin at 9:30 a.m. local time on Friday with Pro Stock, followed by Funny Car and Top Fuel. The second session is slated to start at 12 p.m. On Saturday, Top Fuel will open the day at 10 a.m., followed by Funny Car and Pro Stock. The final qualifying session is scheduled to start at 12:30 p.m. with Top Fuel. Sunday eliminations will be bumped an hour earlier as well, with the first round of eliminations slated for 10 a.m. local time. Gates will open at 7 a.m. Friday through Sunday, with action in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series to begin at 7:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. on Sunday. The weather may present some challenging conditions, but Hart and his team, led by standout crew chief David Grubnic, will be ready. The team ran well in all conditions in Gainesville, which adds to Hart’s confidence level. He’ll face a loaded field in Phoenix, including reigning world champ and Gainesville runner-up Doug Kalitta, Langdon, Tony Stewart, Leah Pruett, Justin Ashley and four-time champ Antron Brown. Hart, though, is thinking big this year and that belief comes from the strong support around him. “I want to earn the trust and respect of the John Force Racing fans. I want to earn the respect of my peers – be a good driver, stage properly – and I obviously want to earn the trust and respect of our team,” Hart said. “We’ve made a couple of really good steps in that direction but I know that’s just the beginning.” “As for the weather forecast for Phoenix, I’m from Florida. I’m used to the heat so we’ll be just fine from the driver’s point of view.” Paul Lee returns to the site of his first career Funny Car victory a year ago, looking to take down Gainesville winner Chad Green, back-to-back champ Austin Prock, Matt Hagan, Jordan Vandergriff and Ron Capps. Greg Anderson will look to repeat in Pro Stock, but Gainesville winner and area resident Matt Hartford hopes to keep rolling along against reigning world champ Dallas Glenn, Erica Enders and Aaron Stanfield. The FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. Race fans at Firebird Motorsports Park 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 an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This opportunity gives fans a chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers and more. Fans can visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, and food and fun for the entire family. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 10 p.m. ET. on Friday and 12 p.m. on Sunday, leading into eliminations at 6:30 p.m. ET. To purchase tickets to the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com. The post Top Fuel’s Josh Hart Looks to Continue Strong Start at FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

NHRA Funny Car driver and team owner Buddy Hull has announced he will not compete at this weekend’s FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs, March 20-22, at Firebird Motorsports Park, as his team continues to recover and rebuild following their on-track incident two weeks ago in Gainesville. After an explosive mechanical failure during the event, Hull and his team immediately disassembled the Funny Car to assess the damage and determine next steps. While the team has since secured a replacement body, the time required to properly mount and prepare it for competition will prevent them from making the trip to Phoenix. “Obviously, this isn’t the news we wanted to share this week,” said Hull. “Any time you have to sit out a race, it’s tough, especially this early in the season. But at the end of the day, making sure everything is right with the car and that our team is safe is what matters most. We’re not going to rush that process. Matt Bynum and the guys are working hard to make sure we return better than ever.” The team has elaborated on the preparation heading into the Gatornationals. They had the Funny Car fully assembled in November of last season, displayed the Funny Car as part of their FS Performance sponsorship and began finalizing preparations well before the departure for Gainesville. Hull also provided an update on his condition following the incident. He suffered minor burns to his back and legs but credited his safety equipment for preventing more serious injuries. “My right hand is healing really well, and I’ve been staying in close contact with the NHRA medical team,” said Hull. “I had some minor burns from the fire, but honestly, my Impact firesuit did its job. It could have been a lot worse, so I’m grateful for that.” Looking ahead, Hull and his team are already evaluating options for the upcoming Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, including the possibility of competing in Top Fuel. With current Top Fuel entry numbers sitting below a full field, Hull noted his desire to support the category while also fulfilling sponsor commitments. “We’re looking at every option for Pomona right now, including maybe running my Top Fuel dragster,” said Hull. “We’ve got great partners who count on us, and I also want to do my part to help make sure fans are getting full, competitive fields at these events. We’ll make the best decision for everyone involved.” Despite being sidelined this weekend, Hull will remain engaged with the action. “I’ll be watching every round on NHRA.tv and cheering on all my competitors,” said Hull. “It sounds like it’s going to be a hot one in Phoenix, so I just hope everyone has a safe weekend out there.” Hull also took time to thank the outpouring of support from across the racing community. “The calls, messages, and offers to help from fans, sponsors, and other teams have meant a lot to us,” said Hull. “This sport is a family, and you really see that in moments like this.” Off the track, Hull remained active with fans, appearing at a major customer event last weekend at Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford in Dallas. His signature FS Performance Ford Mustang was on display as he signed autographs and met with attendees. The team is planning additional activations with the dealership throughout the season. Hull and his team remain focused on returning to competition as soon as possible, with safety and long-term performance guiding every step of the rebuild process. They will keep the NHRA and their fanbase updated as more decisions are made leading up to the Winternationals. Tickets for the NHRA Arizona Nationals and Winternationals can be purchased at www.nhra.com. This story was originally published on March 18, 2026. The post Buddy Hull to Sit Out NHRA Arizona Nationals as Team Focuses on Rebuilding first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

After Bajaj's takeover, rumors of KTM's MotoGP departure have hung over the outfit's head. But a recent report points to the 'Ready to Race' brand sticking around.View the full article

(Photos by David Whealon) – NHRA Drag Racing at the Gatornationals was off the hook yet again in 2026! The week started with new drivers, crew chiefs, and teams, plus record breaking performances in testing, and ended with big wins and happy fans. This is the start of a whole new year of NHRA Drag Racing and we know this season is going to be something special. We’ve got great action photos from Gainesville thanks to longtime contributor David Whealon. David was in Florida shooting all kinds of fun stuff at the Gatornationals and sent us a whole bunch of his favorites. I’ve raced and announced a fair amount in the state of Florida and can tell you that the fans there are awesome, and they came out in force this past weekend. We’re talking about a completely sold out crowd and packed house. That’s awesome news for drag racing fans. And boy did they get a great show at the 2026 Gators. Everyone that goes always comments on how fun the crowd is there and they aren’t kidding. We hope you enjoy the photos as much as they loved the live action. CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM THE GATORNATIONALS The post More of Our 2026 NHRA GatorNationals Action Photos: Door Cars, Floppers, Dragsters, And More! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

"Disco Dean Karns will debut a new-to-him Pro Modified 1969 Chevelle in his signature pink color at this weekend's IHRA season opener.View the full article

Intercomp has added another great scale system to its lineup. The SW700 XBT is packed with features that any racer needs in their scales. View the full article

The Omoway Omo-X can balance itself, park itself, and even come to you, but does that make it better or just more boring?View the full article