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Steve Johnson will storm into fabled Route 66 Raceway aboard his 200-mph Suzuki for the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals, May 14-17, seeking to find some redemption after an early exit at the NHRA Southern Nationals, two weeks ago. It’s the fourth of 14 races this season for the Pro Stock Motorcycle class as the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series heats up in the Midwest. As Johnson continues to celebrate his historic 40th season of NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle competition, the NHRA resumes their yearlong 75th anniversary party in Chicago, with tremendous side by side racing action and festivities galore. Johnson is the only racer competing in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class today to have qualified at the inaugural Route 66 Nationals in 1998. The lanky veteran has run well at Route 66 Raceway, with runner-up finishes in the money round in 1999 and again in 2010. Last year he used a second round holeshot victory to ride his red and white Suzuki to a solid semifinal finish. “Every track has its own personality, but I remember rolling out of the tunnel into this stadium-like arena for the first time in 1998 and it was awesome.” Johnson said, looking back fondly. “The giant grandstands were full, and the track was fast and it was very thrilling. There’s no other track in the series built that way. “I remember racing Matt Hines in the final round in 1999 too. I’ve also spent some time huddling in the bathrooms under the grandstands during tornado warnings,” Johnson added with a laugh. With the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycles competing for the third time in four weeks, Johnson reveals that there is a strategy developed inside the process of his race preparation. “There’s a process after every race involving everything from unloading the motorcycle and engines off of the truck and trailer, to evaluating our performance from the last event,” said Johnson from his Alabama-based shop. “Then we developed a strategy that helps us get everything ready and loaded back on the trailer and prepared in time to travel to the next race.” Johnson will thunder into his all-time, class leading 523rd career race at the Route 66 Nationals tied for 8th in the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series points standings, with one quarter of the season schedule already in the books. “I feel like our Suzuki is faster than the scoreboard shows,” said Johnson. “Our bike is very difficult to ride perfectly and some of my competitors use such good technique that they make it look very easy.” Headed into the Route 66 Nationals, Johnson will be striving to find that riding perfection aboard his Suzuki this weekend. “The traction is so good on that starting line, especially during that Friday evening session,” Johnson added with anticipation. “They call it Chicagoland, but in the pits we call it Disneyland.” In addition to racing, Johnson will also be busy during the week presenting 10 BATman scholarships, along with George Arrants of the ASE Education Foundation, to students from Wisconsin and Illinois. All the winners and runner-up will be at the Route 66 Nationals on Friday as guests of the Mopar Career Automotive Program and the NHRA Youth Education System events. The post Steve Johnson Racing Storms Into Chicago for NHRA Route 66 Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Even Kurt Busch is surprised that NASCAR didn’t penalize his brother, two-time Cup Series champion, Kyle Busch. The 2004 Cup Series champion, who won his title with Roush Racing, appeared on the Door, Bumper, Clear podcast this week and was asked about the penalty to Ryan Preece due to the incident with Ty Gibbs two weeks ago at Texas but also the non-penalty for his brother’s contact with ...Keep readingView the full article

Ducati’s centenary year has been marked by the biggest #WeRideAsOne yet, with more than 22,000 Ducatisti from over 70 countries taking part across five continents. The post #WeRideAsOne brings 22,000 Ducatisti together for Ducati’s 100th year appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Motorcycle riders have always needed gear that works as hard as their bikes. In 2026, the Peak Design Motorcycle Bar Mount continues to stand out as a top choice for riders who want to bring their phones along safely and securely. Whether you use your phone for GPS navigation, music, or capturing rides, the right mount makes a big difference. New updates make it stronger, more versatile, and easier to use than ever before. If you ride a sport bike, […] The post Peak Design Motorcycle Bar Mount in 2026: What’s New and Worth Knowing appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

Mazda has been slow to adopt all-electric vehicles, and it's about to slow progress even further. After it was announced at the beginning of 2026 that Mazda would delay its first in-house-developed EV from 2027 to 2028, the automaker has now decided to push that timeline back another year, with its first EVs only arriving in 2029 at the earliest. Concurrently, Mazda has announced that it is slashing EV investments by nearly half, focusing instead on profitable hybrids. While this may seem like a tumultuous time for the Japanese company, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro said that it will be able to shift with almost no impairments or write-downs, unlike Stellantis, GM, and Ford, for example. Mazda Is Careful With EV Expenditure, and It Could Pay Off Big Time Mazda Mazda has described itself for years as an "intentional follower" when it comes to EV development, partly because of research and development budget limitations, and partly because it wanted to be sure that the world would gravitate toward all-electric mobility before betting it all on red. According to Automotive News, Mazda had not fully locked in funds intended for EV development before deciding to reverse course. "We made the decision before we started," said Moro today while announcing Mazda's financial results for the fiscal year ended March 31. "For battery EVs, we were always careful." Toyota has also been pragmatic and careful in its approach to EVs, but it still took a $1.2 billion hit last year, thanks to the war in Iran, tariffs, and yes, EV costs. Toyota is pivoting to hybrids to improve profitability, and that's what Mazda has planned too, which could be huge in the current climate, where hybrids are soaring in popularity. Related: Mazda Is Asking Enthusiasts How to Build the Next Miata "Regarding internal man-hours, we are shifting resources back from electric vehicle-related work to internal combustion engines and hybrid vehicles," said Moro. Along with the hybrid version of the revised CX-5 crossover scheduled for 2027, which may also spawn a rugged variant, Mazda now intends to launch no less than three new hybrids between 2028 and 2030, each with the Mazda-created Skyactiv-Z four-cylinder engine rather than the Toyota-developed hybrid powertrain in the CX-50. While it works on these products, European EV demand will be satisfied by the likes of the Chinese-made EZ-60 crossover and EZ-6 sedan, allowing Mazda to cut electrification investment from roughly $12.53 billion to approximately $7.52 billion through 2030. Its new target is to produce 200,000 to 250,000 EVs by 2030, roughly 15 percent of global volume and down from previous targets of between 25 and 40 percent. Autoblog's Take Jared Rosenholtz/Autoblog Six years ago, the likes of Mazda and Toyota were criticized for taking the long route to EV production, being discounted as latecomers that were slow to meet global trends, but since then, Europe has relaxed emission requirements slightly, and America has heavily loosened Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards. At the same time, the wave of early EV adopters has crested, and while EVs remain an important part of any automaker's strategy, these latecomers to the electric mobility niche are poised to reap the rewards as most buyers gravitate towards hybrids, which provide the security of combustion with the efficiency of electrification. View the full article

Single-Rotor-Rotary Engine In its standard form, the Mazda 13B Rotary engine has two rotors that make a distinct 'brap-brap' while at idle, and a 9,000 RPM scream on full tilt. It's a two-stroke dream of an engine with a cult following, and the most reliable rotary that Mazda has built so far. The loyal ones are a different breed, and their dedication runs deep when it comes to rebuilding, maintaining, and improving their rotor motors. Rob Dahm is one of those guys who make crazy builds. Just a while back, he built a 12-rotor motor with a goal of 5,000 horsepower. So what's next? 14? 16? 18? Well, how about a single-rotor rotary engine? The Most Modular Engine Ever? When it comes to building a rotary engine, it's almost like a Lego kit. With enough know-how, you can theoretically build an engine with any number of rotors. Common rotor counts include 2, 3, or 4, but rarely do you see exercises in excess, like a 12-rotor engine. On the other end of the spectrum, how about a minimal setup? One rotor, a lightweight chassis, and a turbocharger. This Miata has been built from the ground up by Rob. It features a single-rotor, single-turbo setup that we assume displaces about 600 cc of air. It's a tiny engine, but it makes 1.5-liter power. Recently, his build was completed enough to head to the dyno for some tuning and a few pulls, and it did not disappoint, making 155 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque. Rob Dahm - YouTube Not Done Yet The engine was fashioned from billet aluminum, and it weighs about 70 pounds. In theory, it should be easy to build something so simple, but just like any project car, there are always problems that come up. In his Turbo One Rotor Miata Playlist on YouTube, you can see how Dahm went through the motions. On its side, the engine comes with an internally wastegated Garrett GBC-22 turbocharger and a 3D-printed intake manifold. Due to the oddity of a single-rotor setup, Dahm expectedly had to go the custom route for this build. During his single-rotor build series, he's experienced quite a number of problems, from running too rich (too much fuel) to refining the powerband and how the engine runs. It works, but again, it's a project, so it's far from perfect. It's interesting to note that Dahm's Miata made 155 horsepower and 136 lb ft of torque, even with those issues, when he took it to the dyno. Once all those problems are smoothed over, we can expect even more power from this engine. Currently, the goal is to run it at 20 pounds of boost, but the car's experiencing some boost creep, with spikes up to 22 pounds that are blowing oil straight into its catch can. I'm confident that this will be one of the more "relatable" rotary builds that Dahm makes. While rotaries are already an exotic piece of automotive history for many enthusiasts, this stands out as one of the more interesting and unique setups in a while. Perhaps there's a joke in there about the fuel crisis and the need to downsize from 12 rotors and three turbos to a single rotor and single turbo, but I'll let it be. I'm happy to finally hear what a single-rotor rotary engine sounds like after getting earfuls of 2, 3, 4, and 12-rotor engines over the years. Rob Dahm - YouTube View the full article

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series rolls into the Chicago suburbs this weekend for the 26th annual Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK Performance, the sixth event of the 2026 season. Four nights of nitro, Pro Mod, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle, and Factory Stock Showdown action at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois – May 14-17, 2026. This is your one-stop hub for storylines, schedule, track records, TV times, and Drag Illustrated’s full coverage. Bookmark it. We’ll update with winners and results as eliminations roll Sunday. Jump to: Storylines to Watch · Weekend Schedule · Track Records · TV Schedule · DI Coverage · Results Storylines to Watch in Chicago Top Fuel: Langdon’s record run meets Stewart’s title defense Shawn Langdon arrives at Route 66 Raceway riding the hottest streak in Top Fuel after rewriting the NHRA speed record book at the Southern Nationals in Valdosta, where he reset the national speed record at 345.00 mph. Tony Stewart is the defending Route 66 Nationals champion and the points race in the world’s quickest accelerating class continues to tighten. Watch for Doug Kalitta, who owns the Route 66 Raceway track record at 3.661 seconds set last May, and Antron Brown, tied with Tony Schumacher for most active-driver wins at this event with four apiece. Funny Car: Beckman defending, Capps looking for redemption Jack Beckman returns to Joliet as the defending Route 66 Nationals Funny Car winner and brings momentum to the John Force Racing camp. Matt Hagan sits tied for the active-driver event wins lead with four. Ron Capps, who told Drag Illustrated last week he’s “looking ahead to Chicago after a challenging Southern Nationals weekend,” is overdue. Track records to chase: Robert Hight’s 3.831 ET from May ’23 and J.R. Todd’s 336.40 mph from May ’25. Pro Stock: Back at Route 66 after a year off Pro Stock did not contest the Route 66 Nationals in 2025, which means no defending champion – and a wide-open weekend. Jeg Coughlin Jr. leads active drivers with four Route 66 wins. Greg Anderson owns the track speed record (212.39 mph from June ’19) and recently set the national ET record (6.443 sec at the Gatornationals). Dallas Glenn holds the Route 66 Raceway track ET record at 6.510 seconds from May ’23 and will look to defend it. Pro Stock Motorcycle: Herrera chases a third straight Chicago Wally Gaige Herrera arrives at Route 66 Raceway as the three-time defending winner of this event and the bike with the most active-driver Route 66 victories on the property. Herrera also holds the track ET record at 6.672 seconds from May ’23. Matt Smith reset the Pro Stock Motorcycle track speed record at 204.26 mph last May and will be the rider most likely to break Herrera’s stranglehold. Angie Smith, Richard Gadson, and Steve Johnson round out the headliners. Pro Mod: Six-race JBS Equipment series rolls on The JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports continues its 2026 schedule with two qualifying sessions Friday and two more Saturday before Sunday eliminations. The class continues to draw the deepest fields in drag racing, with the doorslammer wars between turbo, supercharger, and nitrous combinations producing some of the most competitive racing on the NHRA tour. Weekend Schedule All times Central. Spectator gates open at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Friday, May 15 – Qualifying Day 1 Time (CT)Session12:45 p.m.Pro Mod Q11:30 p.m.Pro Stock Motorcycle & Pro Stock Q12:30 p.m.Nitro Q1 (Funny Car, Top Fuel)3:30 p.m.Pro Mod Q24:00 p.m.Pro Stock Motorcycle & Pro Stock Q25:00 p.m.Nitro Q2 with Chris Karamesines in the PA Booth Saturday, May 16 – Qualifying Day 2 + Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge Time (CT)Session11:30 a.m.Pro Mod Q312:00 p.m.Top Fuel Q3 + Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge Round 112:30 p.m.Funny Car Q3 + Mission Challenge Round 11:00 p.m.Pro Stock Q3 + Mission Challenge Round 11:30 p.m.Pro Stock Motorcycle Q3 + Mission Challenge Round 12:00 p.m.Pro Mod Q42:30 p.m.Top Fuel Q4 + Mission Challenge Finals3:00 p.m.Funny Car Q4 + Mission Challenge Finals3:30 p.m.Pro Stock Q4 + Mission Challenge Finals4:00 p.m.Pro Stock Motorcycle Q4 + Mission Challenge Finals Sunday, May 17 – Eliminations Time (CT)Session9:45 a.m.SealMaster Track Walk & Driver Introductions11:00 a.m.Mission Foods Series Eliminations begin (Top Fuel first) Track Records to Chase ClassTrack ET RecordTrack Speed RecordTop Fuel3.661 sec – Doug Kalitta (May ’25)338.09 mph – Antron Brown (May ’25)Funny Car3.831 sec – Robert Hight (May ’23)336.40 mph – J.R. Todd (May ’25)Pro Stock6.510 sec – Dallas Glenn (May ’23)212.39 mph – Greg Anderson (June ’19)Pro Stock Motorcycle6.672 sec – Gaige Herrera (May ’23)204.26 mph – Matt Smith (May ’25) TV Schedule All Route 66 Nationals broadcast windows are on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). All times Eastern. DayTime (ET)CoverageFriday, May 157:30 p.m.Qualifying (90 minutes)Saturday, May 1611:30 p.m.Qualifying (1 hour)Sunday, May 175:00 p.m.Finals (3 hours) Drag Illustrated Pre-Race Coverage Catch up on everything DI has published heading into the Route 66 Nationals: NHRA Roars Into Chicago at Fan-Favorite Route 66 Raceway for Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals – The full event preview from Drag Illustrated.Hartman Father-Son Combo Looks to Take Win at Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown in Chicago – The Factory Stock storyline to watch.Drag Race Bracket Bonanza Partners with PEAK in Chicago – PEAK’s expanded footprint at the event.Racing Electronics Becomes Official Radio Supplier of Ron Capps Motorsports – New tech partnership for Ron Capps headed into Joliet.Ron Capps Looks Ahead to Chicago After Challenging Southern Nationals Weekend – Capps’ Q&A heading to Route 66. Results – Updating Sunday Final results, winners, and round-by-round eliminations will be posted here as the action unfolds Sunday, May 17. Check back for Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle, and JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series outcomes plus full Drag Illustrated coverage of every storyline that broke this weekend. Track address: 500 Speedway Blvd, Joliet, IL 60433. Onsite PA broadcast on 88.3 FM. I-80 construction may impact travel times – check the IDOT project page before heading to the track. This story was originally published on May 12, 2026. The post 2026 NHRA Route 66 Nationals: Results, Winners & Coverage first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Australians get all the credit for big burnout competitions, but their neighbors the Kiwis also know what they are doing when it comes to creating big tire smoke. With huge “Australian style” burnout contests being held all over the world now, it’s no wonder the folks in Mercer New Zealand jumped on board with their own new competition at Meremere Dragway and it looks like it was a good time had by all. Check out the highlights video below and let us know what you think! Video Description: The full Top 10 from Punish the Pad — what a lineup. Massive congrats to LIMITR for taking out the very first Punish the Pad title! Heaps of talent on display and drivers putting it all on the line — this event definitely delivered. The post Punish the Pad New Zealand Burnout Competition Video: Destroying Tires, Lighting Fires, and Entertaining The Masses! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The previous-generation Jeep Cherokee has new blemishes on its reliability and safety reputation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2019-2023 Cherokee is facing a recall potentially impacting 61,711 vehicles whose power transfer units (PTUs) may fail. When this happens while driving, it can result in a loss of power, and when this happens while parked, the vehicle could roll away, potentially crashing into obstacles despite being left in park. In fact, an accident potentially related to this problem has already resulted in injury. As serious as the issue is, Stellantis has yet to solve the problem after it first appeared nearly six years ago. Jeep Cherokee Crossovers Built From 2018-2023 Could Fail Stellantis The NHTSA recall report says that the problematic vehicles were produced between December 12, 2018, and February 24, 2023. These vehicles may have been equipped with faulty two-speed PTUs, and when these fail internally, it "can cause an unexpected and unrecoverable" loss of drive power "at any speed." In other words, whether one is driving at low speed through town or at high speed on the freeway, the vehicle could coast to a stop, creating a traffic hazard. As mentioned above, the issue can also cause the vehicles to roll despite park being selected on the transmission, which the NHTSA says "can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning or injury to others outside the vehicle." On the plus side, there may at least be warning signs; the recall report says drivers may be shown a message telling them to service the 4WD system, and there may be noises, vibrations, or changes in drive quality before the PTU fails completely. But on the other hand, this is a problem that seems like it should have been fixed by now. Jeep Cherokee PTU Failures May Have Caused Injury Stellantis Regardless, it's a serious mechanical problem, and it's been plaguing buyers for a long time, with a recall (FCA US Recall ID W47) first issued in June 2020 for certain 2014-2017 Cherokees that had potential PTU input spline failures. Problems began showing up in Canada in December 2022, and the automaker investigated again in March 2023, leading to FCA Recall ID 45A, expanding the number of affected vehicles. The problem has also appeared in other countries, and in January 2025, FCA US issued another recall, this time for potentially improperly seated snap rings in the PTU. As of April 22, 2026, the automaker is aware of one accident and one injury potentially related to the problem, as well as nine customer assistance records, 387 warranty claims, five field reports, and 16 other service records potentially relating to the problem. So how long must owners wait to have their vehicles repaired? Related: 2026 Jeep Cherokee vs 2026 Grand Cherokee: 5 Key Differences VINs will be searchable on nhtsa.gov from May 14, the same date that dealers will be notified of the problem, but a remedy is still in development, and it's unclear how long this will take. In the meantime, Jeep Cherokee owners who may be impacted by the issue will receive an interim notification "on or about" June 25-26. View the full article

IHRA Pro Mod points leader Jason Harris took his Harts-Charger equipped “Party Time” ’69 Camaro to the winner’s circle for the first time this season at the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series Spring Nationals at Darana – National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio. Harris defeated Jason Lee in the final round after Lee turned on the red light – a common occurrence for opponents facing Harris throughout eliminations. “We’ve been in the finals, and I’ve screwed up a bunch,” Harris said after the win, thanking his sponsors: Southern Diamond Company, ProLine, Harts Charger, TKM, Hoosier, M&M Transmission, Alliance Racewear, and LAT Oil. “I gotta thank my crew. When you got a car like this, it’s your job to screw up, and I was there all day.” Despite not scoring an event win in the first two IHRA races of the year, Harris has displayed strong performances all season, including wins at the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals at Bradenton Motorsports Park in December and the PDRA East Coast Nationals at Darana Motorsports Park – Dunn in April. He continued that trend with a No. 1 qualifying effort in Hebron, running a 3.601 at 210.08 mph to earn a first-round bye in the 13-car field. Despite the bye run, Harris didn’t take it easy, laying down a 3.600 at 209.50 mph, giving him lane choice in the second round against Drag Illustrated Winter Series points champion and winner of the IHRA season opener, Peter Norton. In what became the theme of the day, Norton went red, throwing away a 3.629-second pass. Harris, meanwhile, set low e.t. of the entire weekend with a 3.595 at 208.62. Harris received a bit of luck in the semifinals, where he lined up against Greg Blevins. While Harris ran a stout 3.605 at 209.40 mph, Blevins threw away an even quicker 3.600 by the slimmest of margins – he turned on the red light by a miniscule -.0008. On the other side of the ladder, Jason Lee qualified No. 6 with a 3.624 at 209.21 mph. He remained in the mid- to low-3.60’s throughout eliminations, defeating Jacob McNeal, the most recent IHRA event winner Tony Wilson, and Kye Kelley en route to the finals. As was the case with every single driver that faced Harris on race day, Lee left too soon, turning on the red light. Lee clicked off his ProCharger-equipped, Coast Packing Company ’69 Camaro early as Harris ran a 3.686 at 200.27 mph for the win. “A Jason was definitely gonna win the final,” joked Harris. “Jason Lee and them are great guys. I love racing them, been around them a long time. Everybody we ran today are great competitors. You just gotta do your thing and be up on the wheel.” The IHRA Spring Nationals win was extra special for a variety of reasons for Harris. In addition to being Mother’s Day weekend, Harris and his wife, Crystal, were celebrating their 22nd wedding anniversary, as well as mourning the loss of a close family member. “I lost my mother-in-law about a week ago,” Harris said, visibly emotional. “This is for her. This one’s special.” This story was originally published on May 12, 2026. The post Jason Harris Scores Pro Mod Win at IHRA Spring Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

When I close my eyes and envision a chopper, the mental reel usually defaults to a specific brand of Americana. I see the Harley-Davidson Panhead, a Shovelhead, or even a Sportster. To some, the metric Chopper world is a secondary thought, even with the long-standing popularity of Triumph Pre-Units,... View the full article

The Hartman family has their eyes on picking up a Factory Stock Showdown win. Here's what the father and son have to say about racing. View the full article

Jack Miller will return to the Suzuka 8 Hours with Yamaha Factory Racing in July, joining Katsuyuki Nakasuga and Andrea Locatelli on the factory YZF-R1 as Yamaha targets its first victory in the Japanese endurance classic since 2018. The post Jack Miller back on Yamaha’s factory R1 for Suzuka 8 Hours appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

While Bonneville gets the most fame and attention, and is the most iconic land speed racing location on earth, the dry lake bed at El Mirage is home to land speed racing and arguably the toughest spot to set a record. Winning an SCTA championship requires really good performances on the silty dirt lakebed, and is an accomplishment that any veteran land speed racer really respects. Setting a record on the salt at Bonneville is really tough, but El Mirage is tougher yet. When we saw that our friends at Gearhead Hobbies had gotten their 2025 SCTA El Mirage highlight video posted this morning we knew we had to share it. Check out all the action below. Video Description: Highlights from the 2025 season of Land Speed Racing on El Mirage dry lake bed. This 30 minute highlight roll captures some of the fastest, loudest, and most unique machines from the 2025 SCTA El Mirage Flying Mile season. From hot rods and motorcycles to streamliners and high horsepower imports, racers from across the country came to the lakebed chasing one thing — more speed. Speeds approaching 300 MPH Real grassroots land speed racing Racing on dirt at the legendary El Mirage Dry Lake If you’re into roll racing, top speed builds, Bonneville, or motorsports history, this is a side of racing you need to see. Featuring: • Flying mile speed runs • Vintage and modern race cars • Custom motorcycles • Streamliners • Pit footage and lakebed atmosphere • Youngest person to achieve 200 MPH • Pure top speed competition SCTA-BNI racing is also one of the only places you can witness machines like the world’s fastest 2JZ-powered Nissan 240 pushing the limits on dirt. El Mirage Dry Lake, California Southern California Timing Association The post Land Speed Racers Chasing Speed at El Mirage: Here Are The 2025 Southern California Timing Association Season Highlights! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Lee Hartman has been a serious contender throughout the past three seasons in the NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series. In a class that is a serious battle between Fords, Chevrolets and Dodges Hartman has raced to several final rounds in his Dodge Drag Pak but the racer from Canfield, Ohio, is still looking for his first win. This season to bolster his chance, Hartman’s son Matthew has joined the class racing his own Chevrolet COPO Camaro and the Hartman combo is starting to pick up some momentum heading to the Gerber Collision and Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Peak, this weekend at Rt. 66 Raceway. “It’s great having my son Matthew on the team and to have someone else to help in the cause,” said Hartman. “He is doing great and who wouldn’t be proud of having their son beside you learning how to get it done. I’m really proud of how quickly he’s gaining the knowledge, skills and abilities to take that racecar down the track.” Heading into Chicago, Hartman is optimistic that his first career Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown win is right around the corner. “Every race I go into I think this could be the first win, but there has always been something in the way so far,” said Hartman, who has been racing in the Flexjet Factory Stock class since 2020. “There is always something to address, and we are just working our way through the issues and getting closer to that first win. We have several cars that we’ve been working on, so right now it’s going to be side by side to the finish line. We’ll continue to make things better, bigger, stronger and faster. Racing in Chicago, that’s a really nice facility.” For the younger Hartman the chance to race with his father has been a dream come true. While they are racing different platforms in competition the teamwork in the pits makes them a very tough duo. Through the first two races the second-generation driver has equipped himself well advancing out of the first round in both of his first two starts. “It’s been great,” said Matthew Hartman. “I have been very fortunate to have a good team behind me with my dad and Stanfield Racing. In Gainesville, I was fortunate to test before the race and that allowed me to get some more runs on the car. I had never even been to a four-wide track before the Charlotte race. I’m proud of what we’ve done so far through a little perseverance, working on some things with my driving and staying steady, working on the car. I am just happy to have the opportunity to do what I’ve been doing.”The Chevrolet COPO Camaro Hartman has been driving during his rookie season has been a smooth transition. While his father is wheeling a Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, Hartman’s COPO has been getting the job done on the track. “Getting to drive this Chevrolet COPO Camaro is one of those things that kind of just came together,” said Hartman, who will be racing in his third NHRA national event in the Flexjet sponsored series. “Anthony Troyer was wrapping up his operation, and we were able to take over. We were already comfortable with Camaros. I am comfortable in the racecar, and it feels like I’ve been racing it for way longer than two races. I wouldn’t say I’m a Chevy or Dodge guy yet. I think I’m still too early to decide from the racing aspect. I love all three of these manufacturers.” The weekend in Chicago will be the third race for the Hartman father and son to be joining forces. The camaraderie between them is nothing new to the category that boasts three sets of fathers and sons racing together. In addition to the Hartmans, Jason and Taylor Dietsch are racing as well as two-time Flexjet World Champion Mark Pawuk and his son Kyle. For Matthew Hartman the chance to spend time on and off the track with his dad is a great opportunity. “Getting to race with my dad is one of those moments that I only dreamed about,” said Hartman. “It feels like just yesterday, but six years ago, he and I were going to Indy for his first race. I was his crew chief at 16 years old, trying to figure out how to help him pack a parachute. I just remember going to multiple races each season and thinking, man, it would be cool if I could be side by side, racing him. I can’t express how grateful I am for the opportunity, and it’s just one of those things that you only prayed could happen and here I am living it.” While the Hartmans will be looking for their first wins, defending event champion Jason Dietsch will be focused on jumpstarting his 2026 Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series season. Last year Dietsch scored an unusual double up win, capturing his first Flexjet Factory Stock win on Saturday during the rain delayed Gatornationals and then on Sunday he turned on four more win lights to win the Chicago national event. It was a whirlwind weekend and Dietsch is hoping to recapture that magic at Rt. 66 Raceway this weekend. “Last year was just unforgettable,” said Dietsch, who raced to a runner-up finish at the Charlotte Four-Wide Nationals. “I mean, to go there and we have never won a Wally, and we leave with two Wallys as well as the Gatornationals trophy and the Globe trophy.” A strong finish in Charlotte has Dietsch confident he can get another win outside the Windy City. “I’m pretty confident and I think I have a better car now than I did last year,” said Dietsch. “This will be our fifth race of the year and second Flexjet Factory Stock race. The Chicago track has always have been good to me. I don’t know why. I really like the track. It’s a shame that track doesn’t get used more. It’s just an awesome place to race and it is close to home.” The Flexjet $1,000 bounty will be in play with Charlotte Four-Wide Nationals winner Jason Allegrucci trying to hold off a host of tough competitors. If Allegrucci can go undefeated in Chicago the bounty will double to $2,000 heading to the next event in Norwalk, Ohio. Qualifying will get underway on Friday for the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series at 12:15 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. On Saturday one more round of qualifying at 11:10 a.m. will set the 16-car field. The Fords, Chevrolets and Dodges will roll into the first round of eliminations on Saturday evening and wrap up with three more elimination rounds on Sunday. For information on the Route 66 Nationals visit www.nhra.com. This story was originally published on May 12, 2026. The post Hartman Father-Son Combo Looks to Take Win at Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown in Chicago first appeared on Drag Illustrated. 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Anyone that works on cars and trucks is familiar with Torx fasteners and bits, as are anyone who’s done any DIY, deck, fence, or construction projects in recent years. There are some big reasons why Torx are great, like their ability to transfer big torque with little stress on the fastener, but man when things go wrong they usually go wrong in the most frustrating way possible. Torx bits seem to be made so you will have to replace them more often than anyone would expect, and some of them seem to come apart with an insanely low amount of torque. So which bits are best, what are the challenges they face, and why do you care? Check out the video below to learn more. Video Description: LIFETIME OF TOOL RANKINGS: https://torquetestchannel.etsy.com/li… Today, 3 years in the making, we finally test torx bit sockets to failure to find the best brand and do a deep dive into Torx and why while its known by engineers to be the best it also sucks so damn often. Including today brands like Wera, Snap-On, Ko-Ken, Tekton, VIM, Gripedge, Milwaukee, Wiha, Pittsburgh and ICON. We do not accept any tools shown on the channel from any brand, nor do we take any sponsorships, partnerships, discounts, product placement deals, pre-market brand samples, money, items or compensation of any kind from brands, tool makers or otherwise in the planning or creation of these videos. The post Why Is Torx So Bad And So Good At The Same Time? Testing Torx Bits And Explaining How They REALLY Work. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Shannon is back at the fab work on the FJ40, with the rear bumper done, it’s time for fender flares. But these aren’t just any flares, as they will tie into the bumper out back for strength. There is a lot of fabrication going on in this one, so we hope it inspires you to get out there and start cutting and welding something on your ride this week. Shannon and Jess are moving right along on the FJ40 and things just keep getting better. If you like a Landcruiser, you’ll dig this one. But if restored to factory is your jam, this one might not be quite up your alley. We dig them all, so we are in. If you missed this FJ40 project that Shannon Campbell is working on, we’ve got a link below, but if you are back for the next installment in this build series you are in luck as well. I think this is going to be a fun project, because I love FJ40s, but if you have any ideas of building a custom chassis for your FJ or Jeep, you should check this one out. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED ANY OF THE UPDATES ON THIS FJ40 PROJECT SO FAR The post FJ40 Land Cruiser Custom Fabrication: Custom Fender Flares Built For Punishment! Truly Custom Fabrication. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

As fans arrive at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK, there will be no question who is driving the energy around one of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series’ marquee events. From title sponsorship of the race weekend to a strong on-track presence with John Force Racing’s PEAK-backed Funny Car team, PEAK is once again making its hometown event a centerpiece of its motorsports marketing efforts. Now, PEAK is taking that fan engagement even further through their continued partnership with Drag Race Bracket Bonanza (DRBB), the free-to-play bracket game that has become a weekly destination for drag racing fans across the country. “PEAK has fully embraced the idea of creating an immersive fan experience around the Route 66 Nationals,” said DRBB creator Elon Werner. “What started as a race sponsorship has evolved into a much bigger collaboration focused on connecting with fans in multiple ways throughout race weekend. DRBB gives PEAK a unique platform to engage both hardcore drag racing fans and newer fans who are discovering the sport through interactive experiences.” Following a successful activation in previous seasons, PEAK and DRBB are raising the stakes for 2026 with expanded prizes, fan competitions and social media integrations designed to increase engagement throughout race weekend. In addition to awarding prize packs to the five plaque winners in the global DRBB league, PEAK will once again reward the winner of the growing #PEAKSquad league, a dedicated community built around PEAK’s most passionate fans and supporters. The #PEAKSquad league has continued to gain momentum throughout the season, and PEAK plans to make it a major focal point during its hometown event in Chicago. Guests attending the Route 66 Nationals with PEAK will be encouraged to compete in the league and participate in fan activities tied to DRBB. “Our #PEAKSquad community is one of the most important parts of our motorsports program,” said Brian Bohlander, Director of Marketing – Sports & Partnerships for Old World Industries. “We’ve spent years building authentic relationships with fans both online and at the racetrack. DRBB gives us another way to interact with that community in real time during race day, while creating fun competition and deeper engagement around the NHRA experience.” As part of the weekend’s fan-focused programming, PEAK and DRBB will also team up with influencers Alex and Nick Taylor. The Taylors will complete their own Route 66 Nationals brackets, which will be revealed publicly on social media after bracket selections lock on Sunday morning. Five players who outperform the Taylor’s brackets by the conclusion of eliminations will receive a special certificate. Additionally, DRBB will be randomly choosing 5 players who fill out brackets to receive Brittany Force PEAK dragster diecasts.“Our players have always shown incredible support for the brands that help make DRBB possible,” said Werner. “Because the game is free to play, partnerships are essential to helping us continue growing. PEAK has consistently looked for creative ways to maximize every opportunity within DRBB, from custom leagues and social activations to fan engagement initiatives and polling insights. Seeing sponsors embrace the platform at this level shows how much DRBB has evolved from a simple idea into a meaningful part of the NHRA fan experience.” Headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Northbrook, Old World Industries (OWI) continues to be a leading manufacturer of automotive products under its PEAK and BlueDEF brands. The company has been a major sponsor in the NHRA for more than three decades, including as an official partner since the 2013 season. PEAK has also been a longtime sponsor of John Force Racing, which in 2026 includes Top Fuel driver Josh Hart and Funny Car drivers Jack Beckman, Alexis DeJoria and Jordan Vandergriff. DRBB players will have the chance to fill out their brackets for the Route 66 Nationals when qualifying ends at Route 66 Raceway on Saturday, May 16. They will then have until the first round of eliminations begins on Sunday, May 17 at 11 a.m. CST to submit their picks. Fans can follow DRBB on social media for cool stats, prize updates, and info on Twitter/X at @dragracebb or @DragRaceBracketBonanza on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. And they can watch the NHRA broadcast on FS1. This story was originally published on May 12, 2026. The post Drag Race Bracket Bonanza Partners with Peak in Chicago first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

If you've missed out on securing a build slot for the sold-out Lamborghini Fenomeno Roadster, Sant'Agata's most powerful open-top car yet, perhaps the Italian automaker's new special edition will help. It's called the Revuelto NA63, and as its name suggests, it's exclusive to the North American markets of the U.S. and Canada, with only 63 examples available. As you may know, 63 references the year of Automobili Lamborghini's inception, and 2026 is the 63rd anniversary of that momentous occasion, so what better way to celebrate both the journey of the Raging Bull and its biggest market than an exclusive special edition? Special Livery for Lamborghini Revuelto NA63 Lamborghini The new Revuelto NA63 gets a distinctive look that is meant to reference both Lamborghini and North America, with bi-color stripes in either red and white or red and blue running down the front end and complemented by similar accents on the side skirts, front splitter, and rear diffuser. Buyers will get to choose from four color themes, the first of which pairs a Blu Marinus (blue) body with front stripes in Rosso Mut (red) and Bianco Monocerus Matt (white). As you can guess, this references the stars and stripes of the U.S. flag, while the dual-stripe red and white livery calls to mind the Canadian flag. Don't like these choices? Three other configurations are possible. Lamborghini Grigio Serget (grey) bodywork can be paired with Blue Royal (blue) and Bianco Monocerus accents, or Bianco Sideralis (white) bodywork can be highlighted by Rosso Mars (red) and Blue Royal accents. The final option open to buyers blends Grigio Acheso (a different grey) bodywork with Nero Nemesis (black) and Arancio Xanto (orange) accents. Sadly, Lamborghini has only provided four photos, and none of them show the rear of the Revuelto NA63, nor the interior. However, we do see that each North American special will get a carbon fiber plaque showing the vehicle's rarity. Lamborghini Still Has Much More Planned for 2026 Lamborghini While the new Revuelto special edition looks neat, Lamborghini still has several new models to launch before 2026 comes to an end. Spy shots reveal that a more hardcore Revuelto is in the works, possibly carrying the S or SV designation, and the purveyor of Italian exotica is also developing a Temerario Spyder so wealthy buyers can feel the wind in their hair. As if that's not enough, we also know a more powerful Urus, possibly resurrecting the Performante nomenclature, is also being put through its paces. Beyond that, we don't doubt that more region-specific special editions, and possibly even more Few-Off low-volume creations, will be revealed in the next seven months or so. It's an exciting year for Lamborghini, and we can't wait to see what comes next. View the full article

Wow what a score this one will be for someone. With less than 70,000 miles on the odometer, and interior and paint that look near mint, this big block 2500 Suburban will make a great family cruiser and tow rig for someone not afraid of today’s gas prices. It’s got a Big Block, TH400, and 3.73 geared 14 bolt, can tow 10,000 lbs and seats 9 people. That means you can load the boat, and all your family, and head out to the lake for a fun day on the water. And while $23k isn’t cheap, and I’m sure there is a little wiggle room there, this isn’t going to be a cheap truck. With low miles, recent service, great paint, and great interior, this one is going to be hard to duplicate. Especially in a 2500 with all the good stuff. Check it out in the photos below and if you want to contact the seller you can do that throught the link below. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ORIGINAL AD AND TO CONTACT THE SELLER AD INFORMATION: 1985 Square Body 3/4 Ton Suburban. 454-4 brrl, 373 Rear end. Heavy Duty Excellent Tow Vehicle!Excellent condition. Low miles. Runs great, drives great! Clean CarFax, Clean Title in hand. Brand new tires, new dual exhaust with FlowMasters-Sounds Great!! Interior is beautiful -9 passenger. Fresh oil change, trans & rear differential service. Fully serviced with long list of work. Paint is very presentable-a 7 out of 10. Undercarriage is spotless. Vehicle spent its entire life in Arkansas. $23,950 or Best Offer. Cash or Verifiable Cashiers Check Only. Additional pics available upon request. Brownwood, Texas. Not a dealer. The post Marketplace Find: This Survivor 1985 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 Is Big Block Powered Gold! Big Block, TH400, 3.73, And 68K miles! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Severe storms, critical fire weather, and lingering Alaska crosswinds are stacking up across the country today, Tuesday May 12, 2026, with the Storm Prediction Center flagging hail and damaging winds from the central Plains into the Midwest while NWS Anchorage tracks the tail of a weekend Fujiwhara merger across Kodiak and Turnagain Arm. Peak Driving Danger WindowTuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening delivers the highest-risk window for drivers on I-70, I-29, and I-35 in Kansas and Missouri, where hail and 60 mph thunderstorm gusts overlap with critical fire weather and blowing dust on I-94 across eastern Montana. What to ExpectSevere storms: Hail and damaging wind gusts from the central Plains into the Midwest Tuesday afternoon and eveningCritical fire weather: Sub-15 percent humidity and 40 mph gusts across eastern Montana and western North DakotaFlorida Peninsula: Damaging thunderstorm winds across the eastern half of the state through tonightAlaska: 40 mph crosswinds and refreeze risk on Kodiak, Turnagain Arm, and the Glenn Highway through Wednesday morningNorthern Rockies: Mixed precipitation arriving Thursday on I-90 and I-15 as a Pacific front pushes inlandAn eastern Canadian closed upper low sustains troughing over the East through late week while a Pacific closed low moves inland Wednesday into Thursday, driving the multi-hazard pattern on both flanks of the country. Road ConditionsState DOTs across the Plains are bracing for windblown debris and reduced visibility on I-70 east of Hays and I-29 north of Kansas City as the cold front sweeps through. Check live conditions at Kansas DOT KanDrive and confirm your drivetrain is matched to the surface in our guide on AWD vs 4WD before any open-country crossing this evening. Severe Storms On The Central Plains And MidwestThe Tuesday SPC outlook shows isolated severe thunderstorms developing this afternoon from eastern Kansas and northern Missouri into Wisconsin and eastern Illinois, with hail and damaging gusts the primary threats. The cold-front squall line hits I-70, I-35, and I-80 late afternoon through midnight, with a follow-on wave Wednesday targeting the Ohio Valley and reaching the I-95 corridor by Thursday. Critical Fire Weather Across Eastern Montana And Western North DakotaThe WPC Short Range Discussion carries a Critical Fire Weather Risk across eastern Montana and western North Dakota today, with sub-15 percent relative humidity and 40 mph westerly gusts on I-94 between Miles City and Bismarck. Blowing dust can collapse visibility on the open stretches east of Glendive in seconds, with rear-end pileup risk the dominant operational concern. Florida Peninsula Damaging Winds On I-95 And I-4NWS Melbourne and Miami offices are tracking damaging thunderstorm winds across the eastern peninsula today, with I-95 between Daytona Beach and Stuart and I-4 east of Orlando exposed to 60 mph downbursts and brief heavy rain. Check Florida 511 before any overnight run south of Jacksonville. Alaska Crosswinds And RefreezeNWS Anchorage logged a 39 mph east gust and 0.84 inches of rain in Anchorage on Monday, with Kodiak gusting to 43 mph from the south. Crosswinds remain the operational threat through Wednesday on Kodiak's coastal segments and the Glenn Highway through Turnagain Pass, where overnight refreeze drives more spring slide-offs than the snowfall itself. Check the Alaska 511 system before any peninsula crossing. Storm Driving TipsThree-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) tires remain the minimum for any Alaska or Northern Rockies crossing this week, with tread at 4/32 inch or deeper. On the hail and downburst corridors in the Plains, pull off when visibility falls below a quarter mile rather than holding cruise control through a squall line. Cold air drops tire pressure roughly 1 to 2 PSI per 10 degree Fahrenheit, so check cold pressures before leaving a heated garage. See Autoblog's best cars and SUVs for snow and winter driving and snow, ice, and rain best practices, and review NWS thunderstorm safety before the afternoon run. TimingThe central Plains and Midwest severe threat peaks Tuesday afternoon and pushes east overnight into the Ohio Valley by Wednesday and the Mid-Atlantic by Thursday. The Northern Plains fire weather risk is a single-day Tuesday issue. A Pacific frontal system arrives in the Northern Rockies on Thursday with mixed precipitation above 6,000 feet on I-90 and I-15, while Alaska eases Wednesday afternoon with a second Pacific wave queued for Friday and Saturday. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

Gas prices have risen astronomically since the war in Iran led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, blocking tankers from delivering their liquid gold. Prices are some $1.385 per gallon higher than they were a year ago, with the national average price of gasoline soaring to $4.520 per gallon, and with Americans feeling the pinch and an end to the conflict out of sight, the White House under the Donald Trump administration is looking for new ways to ease the burden. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told NBC's Meet the Press that the government is "open to all ideas" that may help lower gas and diesel prices, including suspending the federal gas tax. Energy Secretary: Trump Is Exploring All Options to Lower Gas Prices Getty "All measures that can be taken to lower the price at the pump and lower the prices for Americans, this administration is in support of," said Wright. If the federal gas tax were suspended, this would provide relief to the sum of 18.4 cents per gallon of gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon of diesel. Diesel is the lifeblood of the economy, supporting transportation, farming, and heavy industry, and with the national average now at $5.636 per gallon, diesel is just 18 cents below its all-time high (unless you're in California, where an all-time record of $7.559 per gallon was set in early April). Related: Hybrid Sales Are Soaring As $4.50 Gas Makes Americans Rethink New Cars President Trump told CBS News that the federal government may suspend the tax until there's more stability: "We're going to take off the gas tax for a period of time, and when gas goes down, we'll let it phase back in." In the meantime, things are so bad that thieves are drilling holes in the gas tanks of parked cars, and material prices are surging so much that car prices could jump a thousand dollars. Suspending the Gas Tax Is Easier Said Than Done David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images To suspend the federal gas tax, Congress would have to approve the move, and it could have knock-on effects for the federal government, which would lose approximately half a billion dollars a week in tax income. Still, representatives on both sides of the aisle seem to be in favor of such a move, so it may not take long to approve. Of course, discounts of 18.4 cents per gallon of gas and 24.4 cents per gallon of diesel make a small impact when prices have risen so dramatically over the last 12 months, and the best solution would be an end to the war in Iran. Unfortunately, Trump has also suggested that the ceasefire may soon come to an end, so Americans may have to wait a long time to see pricing at the pumps reach the levels they were at a year ago. At least there are now tools to help drivers find the cheapest gas in their area. View the full article

Chip Foose is no stranger to cool cars, whether in the project stage or finished or anywhere in between. But what you might not think about is that Chip is a hot rodder just like the rest of us and when he gets the chance to check out a cool collection of projects and parts and pieces, he’s going to jump at it. And in this particular video you are going to see him check out the collection of Allen Decker and boy are we glad he made this visit. This is the kind of collection of cars and trucks and gearhead “stuff” that just makes you smile. I know that everyone watching is going to want to know prices and availability on a ton of this stuff, and I don’t blame them. Watch the video, check out all the cool stuff, and let us know which one you want to buy and finish up. BTW, this is just the first of three videos from the Decker collection, so stay tuned for more! Video Description: Today I took a trip to Allen Deckers collection, which is home to some of the craziest barn finds I’ve ever seen! This is going to be part 1 to a 3 part series, because there was just too much on this property to cover in one video. Allen’s son, Jake takes us around the property and gives us the stories on how each of these vintage vehicles ended up in their possession. The atmosphere at this ranch really feels like you’ve gone through a time capsule. Everything is vintage. It really is a hot rodders heaven. From old military vehicles to classic telephone booths, this place has everything you could ask for. Jake gave us an awesome tour, and I could spend days looking at everything on this property. Let me know which part of this farm is your favorite, and which piece I should buy and bring back to Foose Design to work on! The post My Best BARN FIND Yet? Chip Foose Explores A Hot Rodders Collection And Finds One He Just Can’t Believe. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Hyundai Strengthens Foundations for Building Flying CarsWhile Elon Musk continues teasing futuristic Tesla concepts that could one day take to the skies, Hyundai Motor Group is taking a more grounded approach by partnering with Korea Aerospace Industries to develop real Advanced Air Mobility aircraft. The two companies recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding focused on creating future flying vehicles powered by electrified aviation systems. The partnership combines Hyundai’s expertise in EV powertrains and mass production with KAI’s long history in aircraft engineering. Hyundai says its U.S.-based air mobility division, Supernal, will lead aircraft design and engineering, while KAI will handle airframe development. The collaboration will also cover supply chains, certification, and global customer networks as both companies push to commercialize electric flying vehicles. It is a far more serious and structured effort compared to the speculative concepts often associated with flying car discussions. Hyundai’s Flying Car Program Looked Dead Months Ago, Now It’s BackThe announcement is significant because it comes only months after reports surfaced that Supernal had reduced its workforce by roughly 80 percent. The drastic cuts raised questions about whether Hyundai was quietly backing away from its ambitious $1.7 billion flying car project amid slowing investor enthusiasm and uncertain timelines surrounding urban air mobility. Instead of abandoning the segment entirely, Hyundai appears to be recalibrating its strategy. Bringing KAI into the equation gives the automaker access to aerospace manufacturing experience that few car companies possess internally. Hyundai also recently appointed veteran rotorcraft expert Dr. Farhan Gandhi as Supernal’s new CTO, signaling that the company is still serious about developing vertical flight technology. The latest agreement suggests Hyundai may now be prioritizing long-term industrial partnerships over rapid expansion and hype-driven promises. Hyundai Flying Cars Sound Crazy Until You Realize They’re Already Taking OffFlying cars still sound like science fiction to many people, but the technology is inching closer to reality much faster than expected. Politicians in the United States have already started publicly discussing infrastructure preparation for airborne mobility systems. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis previously expressed interest in preparing the state for flying cars, showing that governments are at least beginning to acknowledge the possibility of urban air mobility becoming mainstream. At the same time, startups have already demonstrated functioning electric flying vehicles in public tests. That means the conversation has shifted from “if” to “when.” The biggest challenge now is not necessarily technology. It is regulation, safety certification, infrastructure, and public acceptance. Hyundai and KAI entering the race together could give South Korea a major advantage in the global air mobility sector. If successful, this partnership may eventually position Hyundai as more than just a carmaker. It could become one of the companies defining how people travel above traffic in the decades ahead. View the full article

The Localization StrategyUnder Nissan’s America-first strategy, the automaker reduced its tariff exposure by $2.3 billion in its last fiscal year, cutting its potential tariff burden by 61% after the import duties took effect in April 2025. That was made possible by increasing domestic production of its SUVs and pickup trucks, including the Rogue, Pathfinder, and Frontier. According to Automotive News, Nissan increased the domestic production share of its U.S. sales volume by a third to 60%. Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier expects local production to reach 70% of sales by late 2028, once the next-generation Rogue and its e-Power hybrid variant are fully localized in Smyrna, Tennessee, and up to 80% within four to five years. Nissan The Affordable-Car CatchBut despite that financial relief, the strategy is not as straightforward as it sounds. Nissan considered moving production of its affordable models, the Sentra and the Kicks, from Mexico to the U.S., but opted not to because it would be “impractical.” That’s because vehicles under the $30,000 price point have thin profit margins, and without the benefit of lower production costs in Mexico, the company decided to absorb the 25% tariffs instead. Nevertheless, Nissan appears to be heading in the right direction in the U.S. market over the long term. In fact, its tariff hit is expected to fall to $1 billion or less in the current fiscal year, according to a person familiar with the matter. That should also be helped by reducing its reliance on imported parts, including those from China. Chase Bierenkoven Nissan Goes BiggerAside from existing models, Nissan will further increase U.S. production with new and upcoming body-on-frame vehicles, including the Xterra, which would give the automaker an answer to the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler. The Xterra is expected to be one of five truck-based models being explored for the U.S., with luxury brand Infiniti reportedly planning related models. If anything, Nissan’s approach sounds a bit like the Toyota playbook. Toyota has an extensive U.S. production network and a strong lineup of truck-based models, the kind of vehicles American buyers have long favored. That includes the Tundra and Sequoia. Whether Nissan can replicate that success remains to be seen, but the early signs and projections are encouraging. Nissan View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article