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Have Pigs Started Flying?If we were to name cars we least expected from manufacturers, we could list down a few prime examples. There's the Porsche Cayenne that inspired more specialty manufacturers to build SUVs, and the Audi R8, which was the last thing we thought the folks from Ingolstadt would actually produce. And let's not forget the impact of the original Lexus LS, which showcased Toyota's true engineering might at the time. German Patent and Trademark Office Then we get to BMW. Sure, it made the occasional special model here and there, but it all felt like a natural progression from the brand's ethos. However, a recent patent spotted by CarBuzz will be a shock to the senses for the BMW faithful, or probably even everyone. The Bavarians have filed a patent for, wait for it, a ladder frame chassis. The Rumored G-Class RivalAbout a year ago, it was reported that BMW intends to build a potential rival to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. At the time, it was said that it could replace the slow-selling XM, making it more of an alternative to the G63 AMG. The thing is, the Mercedes-Benz is a body-on-frame SUV, and BMW has zero experience in that field. Still, that hasn't stopped the company from having a crack at it, at least in patent form. The fact that BMW filed it is a signal of its intention to build a more rugged vehicle. This development also aligns with the report of the company planning to make off-road-oriented versions of its current crossovers, and this ladder frame patent could serve as the basis for a potential flagship model. German Patent and Trademark Office Not BMW's First Ladder FrameAs BMW is over a century old, of course, it made body-on-frame vehicles. The company only shifted to unibody/monocoque chassis in 1959, and hasn't looked back since...at least until the 2010s. Technically speaking, the i3 (the original one, not the electric 3 Series) had a body-on-frame design, mainly serving as a mounting point for its electric drive components. This is still a patent, though, and it doesn't necessarily mean BMW will build it for real. Still, as mentioned, there is at least an intent, and it's something the company can put in its back pocket when the time is right. BMW View the full article

Coupe SUVs Usually Cost More—Not This TimeThe usual playbook for coupe SUVs is straightforward: start with a practical SUV, trade some utility for a sleeker roofline, and then ask buyers to pay extra for the style. That’s been the case since the first BMW X6. Infiniti, though, is taking a different approach with the QX65. Order guide data uncovered by CarsDirect shows Infiniti’s coupe SUV actually undercuts the more traditional QX60 when you line up the trims. The 2027 QX60 starts at $51,890 for the base Pure with front-wheel drive, while the QX65 opens at $53,990. That sounds higher at first, but the QX65 skips the entry trim and comes standard with all-wheel drive. But once you start matching features and drivetrains, the newcomer’s price advantage starts to show. Infiniti The Numbers Tell a Different StoryAccording to the report, the QX60 Luxe with all-wheel drive is listed at $59,390. The equivalent QX65 holds at $53,990. That’s a $5,400 difference, and it favors the model that’s supposed to be the niche, style-focused option. Look further up the range, and the pattern holds. Both SUVs offer an Autograph trim with standard all-wheel drive. The QX60 Autograph starts at $66,890, while the QX65 Autograph is $62,590 – a $4,300 gap. There are a few things to keep in mind. The QX65 bundles more features into its lower trims. It also comes with all-wheel drive as standard, while the QX60 offers a cheaper front-wheel-drive setup in its base models. Infiniti Same Roots, Different PrioritiesThe QX65 and QX60 share the same platform under the skin, along with core features and design language. The real difference, apart from the raked roofline, comes down to what each model is built to do. The QX60 is the familiar three-row midsize SUV, built for families who need space, flexibility, and everyday practicality. It’s the safe bet in the lineup. The QX65, meanwhile, drops the third row in favor of a sleeker profile and a more driver-focused feel. It’s a two-row SUV with less cargo space but a lot more visual presence. Infiniti is also expected to add some performance upgrades, possibly even reviving the Red Sport badge, to back up its sportier image and more premium features. So rather than charging extra for style, Infiniti is positioning the QX65 as a different kind of value: less utility, more personality, and in some cases, a lower price tag. Adam Lynton/Autoblog View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Volkswagen Group is facing increased pressure from its board to further cut costs despite already announcing radical measures, such as axing around 50,000 jobs in Germany by 2030 and reducing production capacity by up to 3 million units per year to 9 million, which would make it very difficult to avoid plant closures or sales. Overall, Europe’s largest automaker aims to reduce costs by 20% by the end of 2028. In an attempt to mitigate the effect of these measures, the automaker appears ready to do what not too long ago would have seemed unthinkable, namely selling China-developed cars in Europe and even sharing its underutilized plants in the region with its Chinese partners. VW's Chinese Partners Could Use Production Capacity in Europe Getty That’s what CEO Oliver Blume told investors and analysts on April 30 after presenting the company’s first-quarter 2026 results, which saw the automaker's profit drop 14% to $2.92 billion amid higher U.S. tariffs and intense competition from Chinese carmakers. In order to deal with excess capacity in Europe and rising competition from Chinese brands in Europe in the coming years, Blume said VW Group is considering selling China-built cars in Europe. It’s the first time that Volkswagen has acknowledged it is contemplating such a move. Volkswagen Group According to Wolfsburg’s head honcho, VW Group would check “if there are opportunities for our Chinese partners in Europe,” Reuters reported. When an analyst remarked that doing so could help Chinese makers further increase their market share in Europe, Blume downplayed the concerns. He said one of the ideas could be “opening this for partnering, maybe with our partners we do have in China.” Volkswagen has three joint venture partners in China, all of which are owned by the Chinese state—SAIC, FAW, and JAC. VW also owns a stake in Chinese EV maker Xpeng. None of these Chinese automakers currently have production capacity in Europe. China-Developed EVs Could Fill Segments VW Does Not Cover in Europe Volkswagen Group China Oliver Blume also floated the idea of bringing over to Europe some of the vehicles developed for China by Volkswagen and its partners. The CEO noted that VW is looking at “which models could fit in Europe, especially in segments where we are not present.” He noted that no final decision has been made, pointing to tariffs, logistics and other factors as potential hurdles. But before some of VW’s China vehicles arrive in Europe, the priority is to ship them to other regions, including South America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and India, Blume added. “It's too early to decide if we want to localize a Chinese platform in Germany, but if we would do it, our priority would be to take one of our own platforms first,” the exec added according to Autocar. Volkswagen Group China At the Auto China 2026 show in Beijing last month, VW unveiled several EVs, including the ID. Unyx 09 flagship sedan and ID. Unyx 08 large SUV built by the Volkswagen Anhui joint venture and co-developed with Xpeng, as well as the ID. Aura T6 midsize SUV built by FAW-Volkswagen. The automaker also debuted the Jetta X budget SUV built by FAW-VW, SAIC-VW's massive ID. Era 9X three-row SUV with an extended-range EV powertrain, and the AUDI E7X large premium SUV from SAIC-VW. Blume said that VW Group’s “strong footprint” in China could benefit its Western operations by providing them with “innovation, speed and practices.” It sounds like big changes are on the way for Volkswagen and the way it has been doing business for many decades. Volkswagen Group View the full article

Cadillac is marking its debut season in Formula 1 in style with a new, limited edition of its CT5-V Blackwing called the F1 Collector Series. Unveiled on the eve of this Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix, which will be the inaugural home race for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, the CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series brings more than just unique styling touches. You’re looking at the most powerful Blackwing model Cadillac ever made, and therefore the pinnacle of the V-Series lineup. The Ultimate Track-Focused CT5-V BlackwingThe ultra-exclusive performance sedan—only 26 units will be made as a nod to the year Cadillac entered Formula 1—features a souped-up version of the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that brings extra power and torque. The engine is rated at 685 horsepower and 673 pound-feet of torque in the F1 Collector Series, 17 hp and 14 lb-ft more than the standard model. It’s not much, but it's certainly enough for bragging rights, as the CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series is the most powerful Blackwing model ever. Cadillac The extra oomph comes courtesy of an upgraded supercharger, developed in collaboration with GM Motorsports, which also created a CNC-machined supercharger cover. The vehicle’s exclusive character is further highlighted by the fact it comes exclusively with the 6-speed manual transmission and the standard Precision Package. This combination makes it “the ultimate track-focused realization of the Blackwing model,” according to Cadillac. “The CT5-V Blackwing embodies the very best of Cadillac track-capable performance. With the F1 Collector Series, we’re channeling the energy and innovation of Formula 1 into a road-ready sedan that feels every bit as special as our entry into the sport,” said GM President Mark Reuss. “Each of the 26 vehicles is curated to be a centerpiece in any collection and a true celebration of Cadillac’s new era in Formula 1.” Cadillac View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Here's How to Recognize It on the Street Cadillac As you would expect, the CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series comes with unique racing-inspired styling with Formula 1 accents. The most obvious one is the Midnight Stone Frost paint and monochromatic exterior execution, including Carbon Flash Metallic wheels, Harbor Gray Metallic brake calipers, carbon fiber lower bodywork with a Switchblade Silver pinstripe, and gloss black exterior badging and monochrome Cadillac crests. All these details echo the Cadillac Formula 1 car's livery. A closer look at the performance sedan also reveals many endorsed F1 and FIA logos, such as the stamped F1 logo on the driver door created with a new “autocraft” stamping technique, F1 and FIA logos on the spoiler, and FIA logo on the carbon fiber rocker panels. Pop the hood and you’ll also notice the laser-etched FIA logo and CNC-machined F1 logo on the supercharged cover. Cadillac Inside, the monochromatic cabin also features a Cadillac Formula 1 Team logo on the sill plate, embossed F1 logo on seat headrests, 3D-printed F1 logo shifter medallion and FIA logo under the carbon fiber center console trim clear coat, and F1 and FIA logos featured on the Builder’s badge, which sports unique serialization for the Collector Series. Production of the CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series will begin in mid-2026 and the model will only be sold in the U.S. and Canada. Cadillac hasn’t reveled pricing yet, but we imagine that doesn’t matter much since probably all of the 26 units are already spoken for. Cadillac View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Genesis is inching closer to unveiling its most ambitious SUV yet, and a new digital render by KindelAuto offers one of the clearest previews so far. Based on recent spy shots, the interpretation closely mirrors camouflaged prototypes and points to a flagship EV designed to stand out. A More Ambitious Take on the Luxury SUV Although the GV90 carries an upright stance similar to a Cadillac Escalade, its overall shape appears longer and sleeker, giving it a more flowing silhouette. The render imagines the GV90 in a classy metallic green finish, paired with a contrasting black roof and chrome accents, a combination that feels every bit like a flagship specification. The lighting elements are more minimalist than what we've seen from the Korean brand in the past. And while Genesis has already been challenging German luxury carmakers on value, the GV90’s bold design makes it stand out even more from models like the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. At the same time, the brand continues to carve out its own identity as it distances itself from parent company, Hyundai, and evolves into a more standalone luxury marque. Coach Doors Could Redefine the Segment SH Proshots/Autoblog The biggest talking point is the coach door setup. The render showcases doors that open from the center, a rare feature in this segment. Often called suicide doors, they are typically associated with top-of-the-range luxury SUVs like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. And if the doors weren't flamboyant enough, this render sports whopping 24-inch wheels, just like the prototype wore. That said, these dramatic doors may not make it to production. However, patent filings indicate Genesis has been developing a complex multi-layer sealing system designed to support a pillarless structure, so only time will tell. A Lounge-Like Interior for Flagship Status YouTube / @shorts_car While the render focuses on the exterior, its interior is another staple feature. Recently, photos of the GV90's interior leaked, revealing a strong emphasis on comfort. A four-seat layout with executive-style rear seating suggests this all-electric SUV is being designed as a true luxury lounge. With a G90 facelift also on the way, the brand is reinforcing its position at the top end of the market and making it clear that it intends to compete at the highest level. View the full article

Mother Nature tried to ruin Swanfest, but the racers wouldn't let that happen. Here's a recap of all the no time action from The Rock.View the full article

Ford Bronco, Ranger Back on the Recall ListIt hasn’t been long since Ford Motor Company issued a massive recall covering more than 1.7 million SUVs and crossovers over faulty rearview cameras – some of which included the Ford Bronco. Meanwhile, the Ranger was just recalled last month for a faulty wiring issue. Now, both nameplates are back on the recall list, but for a different reason. This isn’t about electronics; it’s a mechanical issue that goes right to the basics of keeping people safe. Recall documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that this recall covers a large number of Broncos and Rangers. Nearly 180,000 Units Affected by Seat Bolt IssueIn total, 179,698 vehicles are affected – 117,443 Bronco SUVs and 62,255 Ranger pickups built for the 2024 to 2026 model years, with production dates from November 1, 2024, to October 1, 2025. The problem comes down to the front seat height-adjust pivot link bolts. Over time, these bolts can loosen, and in rare cases, even come out completely. Ford traced the cause to a supplier process where bolts were checked for tightness before the adhesive had set. That mistake means the bolts might not hold up to the bumps and vibrations of daily driving. If you own one of these vehicles, watch for early signs like squeaks, rattles, or a seat that feels loose. If the problem isn’t fixed, the seat might not protect you properly in a crash. So far, Ford has identified 60 warranty claims and one field report tied to the issue, covering 59 unique vehicles. There have been no reported accidents or injuries related to the defect. Ford What Owners Should DoThe fix? It’s relatively simple. Just bring your vehicle to a dealer, where they’ll remove the front seats and check the bolts. If anything’s wrong, they’ll replace the parts for free. Dealers have already received notifications about this recall, while owners will get letters in phases starting mid-May. Ford isn’t telling owners to stop driving, but it’s smart to watch for any odd seat movement or noise. As with most recalls, getting your vehicle checked early can keep a small problem from becoming a bigger one. Ford View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

No matter where you live in the world, fuel prices are either bad or worse. For US folks, is excessive ethanol to blame? These guys ran a test.View the full article

NOAA's Weather Prediction Center has raised Colorado's mountains to a "moderate" heavy snow risk for Wednesday, a rare category for May, as a back to back Pacific storm targets I-70, I-80, US-50, US-395, and Wolf Creek Pass from Monday into Wednesday. Two Act StormA two act late season storm will hit the western United States starting Monday night, with the second act bringing the harder punch. California's Sierra Nevada gets struck first. NWS forecast offices in Sacramento, Reno, and Hanford are tracking a Pacific upper level low that pushes onshore Monday afternoon and grinds across the range through Tuesday. Snow levels are forecast to drop as low as 4,500 feet, putting accumulating snow into communities that rarely see it in May. The system then reloads over Colorado Tuesday night and intensifies through Wednesday, the day WPC has flagged as "moderate" risk for heavy snow. The CorridorsI-80 over Donner Pass and US-50 over Echo Summit are the primary east west routes across the Northern Sierra. When both close at the same time, there is no realistic alternative across central California. Chain controls appear increasingly likely Monday night into Tuesday, with possible full closures during the heaviest hours. US-395 along the Eastern Sierra, the only bypass around the range from south to north, faces high winds along the crest with side roads to Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain treacherous at best. In Colorado, the heavy snow zone covers most major mountain corridors: I-70 over Loveland Pass and Eisenhower Tunnel, US-50 over Monarch Pass, US-160 over Wolf Creek, US-40 over Berthoud Pass, and I-25 approaching Raton Pass at the New Mexico border. Yosemite's Tioga Pass and Colorado's Independence Pass, both only just opening for the season, will likely close again. Why This MattersA "moderate" categorical risk this deep into spring is unusual. WPC issuing it five days out, instead of the typical 24 to 48 hours, signals that ensemble model agreement is unusually strong. NWS Pueblo's discussion already names Tuesday and Wednesday as the focus window. For Colorado this is the third storm in two weeks, layering fresh heavy snow on a cold, saturated base. Avalanche risk for backcountry travelers will spike. Colorado's Traction Law stays in force through May 31. For California, where the April 1 Sierra snowpack came in at just 18% of normal, the second lowest on record, every spring system carries outsized weight for summer water supply. If You're TravelingCarry chains even if your vehicle is 4WD or AWD. Colorado's Traction Law applies regardless of drive type, and California's chain controls override AWD ratings above 4,000 to 5,000 feet. Keep a full tank of fuel before entering the mountains, since closures can strand drivers for hours and idling burns through reserves quickly. Pack an emergency kit: blanket, flashlight, water, snacks, a folding shovel, and a portable phone charger. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. Run the engine in 15 minute intervals with a window cracked for ventilation, and keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. Check road conditions immediately before departure, not the night before. Mountain passes can flip from dry pavement to ice in under an hour during late season events. Allow extra following distance, slow down well before braking, and avoid using cruise control on snow or ice. If visibility drops below a quarter mile, exit at the nearest safe stop rather than pushing through. Check road status at cotrip.org for Colorado and quickmap.dot.ca.gov for California before you leave. View the full article

Josh Waters mastered a wet Saturday at The Bend to claim ASBK pole ahead of Harrison Voight, while Cameron Dunker completed the front row. The post Josh Waters rises to the top in wet Qualifying at The Bend appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

While the battle for the lead captivated viewers, few eyeballs (and almost no cameras) were fixated on the very back of the field near the end of Friday's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. But suddenly, three trucks nowhere near the front of the pack suffered significant damage in a major crash on the frontstretch. The race was red-flagged, and TV cameras only caught part of the story, but ...Keep readingView the full article

Kyle Busch said he is grateful for what Jim Pohlman brought to his Richard Childress Racing No. 8 team through the first 10 races of the season and that senior leadership ultimately made the decision to pair him with Andy Street instead. After finishing second to Carson Hocevar in the Truck Series race on Friday night at Texas Motor Speedway, Busch addressed the change in leadership atop the ...Keep readingView the full article

After two red flags and an overtime restart, Carson Hocevar captured the checkered flag in Friday's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. He passed Gio Ruggiero on the final restart, winning at Texas just days after his first Cup win at Talladega, continuing a dream week for the rising star. Kyle Busch finished second in a Spire 1-2 for the team. "It’s ...Keep readingView the full article

A late-season Sierra Nevada winter storm is taking aim at California today, Friday May 1, 2026, with the Weather Prediction Center flagging significant snow Sunday night through Tuesday as a Pacific low ejects onshore and drives moisture more than 90 percent above seasonal norms into the high country. Peak Driving Danger WindowSunday night through Tuesday morning across I-80, Highway 50, and Highway 395, when snow levels crash from 7,000 feet to as low as 4,500 feet and overnight ice forms on lower-elevation approaches. What to ExpectSnow totals: 1-2 feet above 6,000 feet, with up to 3-4 feet possible on the highest peaksWind gusts: 50-70 MPH along the Sierra crest, locally to 80 MPHSnow level crash: Starts around 7,000 feet Sunday, drops to 4,500 feet by Tuesday morningWorst corridors: I-80 over Donner Pass (7,000 ft), Highway 50 over Echo Summit (7,382 ft), Highway 395 along the Eastern SierraRoad ConditionsCaltrans will require chains on most vehicles above 5,000 feet, and AWD or 4WD with snow tires may still need them. I-80 and Highway 50 both face possible multi-hour closures Sunday night into Monday, and when both routes shut simultaneously there is no realistic alternative across the central Sierra. Winter Driving TipsCalifornia's Traction Law and chain controls apply through any active warning. Carry chains, a blanket, flashlight, portable charger, water, food, and a full tank of fuel before crossing any pass. Autoblog's best practices for driving in snow, ice, and rain covers the fundamentals, and our roundup of the best cars and SUVs for snow and winter driving is worth a look if your vehicle isn't set up for it. Check Caltrans QuickMap before you leave. TimingThe system arrives Sunday evening, peaks Monday, and tapers Tuesday afternoon. We'll update this article as conditions evolve. View the full article

When Jim Pohlman left JR Motorsports to take the job to serve as crew chief for Kyle Busch, Justin Allgaier said that the two-time champion would get back whatever he put into that relationship. In the end, the Pohlman-Busch pairing lasted just 10 races, with Andy Street returning to a role he occupied on an interim basis last year with the Richard Childress Racing team. Pohlman was replaced on ...Keep readingView the full article

AJ Allmendinger will be the next driver in Kaulig Racing's 'free agent' No. 25 Ram 1500, driving the truck at Watkins Glen International next weekend. That race will feature several other notable names, including Connor Zilisch, Shane van Gisbergen, Ross Chastain, and Carson Hocevar. Kaulig has used a variety of drivers in its No. 25 truck this year, and recently announced Jamie McMurray (San ...Keep readingView the full article

For the first time, NHRA’s Mission Foods Drag Racing Series is racing at South Georgia Motorsports Park, and on the first day of qualifying there at the NHRA Southern Nationals, Greg Anderson rolled the dice on an unknown racing surface and came up aces. Driving the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro out of the esteemed KB Titan Racing stable of Pro Stock cars, six-time world champ Anderson is set to thrown down on Saturday at SGMP in an effort to keep hold of the top spot and chase a second Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge title. In the first session of qualifying on a racetrack that no one yet knew how to manage, Anderson was out of the gate with a wildly quick 6.498-second pass at 210.60 mph. Three bonus points were drawn in, and the KB Titan team began to build a notebook. In the second session, the power applied was more than the racetrack could hold, which set bookends for Anderson and his HendrickCars.com Chevy. “It’s great out there, it’s fantastic, and that’s why we used to come here to test,” said Anderson, who hadn’t been to South Georgia Motorsports Park in upwards of a decade. “There were quite a few cars that got over-center today, but that’s just because the air was very good and we’re making a lot of power. We missed a little bit on the starting line second session and got a little bit too aggressive, but that will just be a small adjustment for tomorrow.” Weather permitting, Saturday should bring two final rounds of qualifying as well as the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge, the specialty race that pits the semifinalists from the previous race against one another for bragging rights and bonus points that will come into play when the Countdown to the Championship kicks begins. Anderson, along with KB Titan Racing teammates Matt Latino, Cody Coughlin, and Charlotte winner Matt Hartford, will all compete in the bonus event. If Anderson holds onto the top spot, it will be the fourth consecutive and 144th No. 1 qualifier award of his career. “Power-wise, the weather is looking good all weekend, so it’s going to be fast, and come Sunday, it’s going to be a great race,” said Anderson. “This is such a neat place to race. The people here are very appreciative that we’re here, and I like that a lot. I love being here, and I’m having fun.” Qualifying and the first rounds of the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge are scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at South Georgia Motorsports Park, with final qualifying and the #2Fast2Tasty finals to take place beginning at 3 p.m. ET. The post Peachy Start for Greg Anderson and HendrickCars.com with Provisional No. 1 first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Iker Lecuona topped Friday practice at Balaton Park as Ducati filled the top seven on combined WorldSBK times. Albert Arenas claimed WorldSSP Superpole, while Maria Herrera was fastest in WorldWCR before a grid penalty. The post Ducati top seven as Lecuona leads dominant Balaton Friday appeared first on MCNews. View the full article

Top Fuel’s Shawn Langdon made the fastest pass in NHRA history on Friday, making a huge splash in NHRA’s debut at South Georgia Motorsports Park and taking the provisional No. 1 spot at the NHRA Southern Nationals. J.R. Todd (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the fifth of 20 races during the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. Langdon went 3.724-seconds at an incredible 345.00 mph in his 12,000-horsepower Kalitta Air dragster, shattering the previous speed record of 343.51 set by Brittany Force last year in Indianapolis. The record-breaking pass puts Langdon, a past world champion in the category, on track for his third No. 1 qualifier of the season and the 25th in his career. Langdon made impressive passes in testing before the season-opener in Gainesville and had made 340-mph runs in his career, but making the fastest run in NHRA history on Friday certainly qualifies as an incredible statement for the driver named to NHRA’s Top 75 Drivers list before the season. “To see that [345 mph] pop up on the scoreboard, I think it was special for the guys. I was happy for them, especially Brian [Husen, crew chief],” Langdon said. “We were able to do that testing and some people had different ideas on what they thought, if it was legit or not. We kind of talked about it and Brian was like, ‘Well, we’ll just do it in the season to prove it was legit’. “It’s also good to be able to do that here, at this new track, in front of these new fans. I knew it was on a good run, but I was actually a little surprised because you don’t really notice the mile per hour.” Tony Stewart went to second with a 3.758 at 334.40 and points leader Doug Kalitta is third after going 3.762 at 334.40. Not to be outdone by his Kalitta Motorsports teammate, Funny Car’s J.R. Todd had his own spectacular showing on Friday at South Georgia Motorsports Park, making the fastest pass of the year in Funny Car with a fantastic run of 3.887 at 339.28 in his 12,000-horsepower DHL Toyota GR Supra. It sets a massive career-best speed for the past world champion and puts Todd in position to pick up his second No. 1 qualifier of the season and 16th in his career. After going five years in between No. 1 qualifiers, Todd now has a chance for two in the past three races, which is a great showcase for the progress of his team. He’s third in points and closing in on his first victory of the season, and Todd was also impressed with the 3.930 the team ran in the second round of qualifying, giving him the best pass of both sessions on Friday. “Obviously, today was a good day and kind of continues everything we’ve done so far this year,” Todd said. “We hit the ground running in testing and I knew we had a really good car. What I’m happy with is Dickie [Venables] and Todd [Smith] adjusting to the conditions. Even here, the track is good, but it’s still a bit tricky, and you see a lot of people struggling to get down. We made that good run in Q1 and the speed surprised me when I got out and saw the time slip. “We went back and kind of slowed it down for Q2, because we just wanted to make sure we got down the track. We weren’t trying to throw down, but they said we pretty much got all of it. It was refreshing to hear that we didn’t leave anything on the table.” Jordan Vandergriff sits second with his pass of 3.924 at 325.14 and Pomona winner Matt Hagan jumped to third in the second session after going 3.933 at 328.78. Pro Stock’s Greg Anderson continues to be nearly unstoppable in qualifying and that was evident on Friday, blasting to a 6.498 at 210.60 in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro as he looks for his fourth straight No. 1 qualifier of the season. No other car sniffed the 6.40s on Friday at SGMP, putting the six-time world champ in a great position to claim his 144th career No. 1 qualifier. Anderson has praised the car all year and the results have shown, as he’s advanced to the final round at three of the first four races, winning in Pomona. He’d love to do it again at NHRA’s debut at the facility and add another impressive accomplishment to his legacy. “This is a good racetrack, but it seems like quite a few of us got a little greedy today, just because the air was so good. We made a lot of power out there today, and some of us missed, including myself,” Anderson said. “We missed a little bit on the starting line, just got a little bit too aggressive, but other than that, we just have to adjust for tomorrow. It’s not a big adjustment.” Eric Latino is second after Friday thanks to his 6.508 at 209.75 and Aaron Stanfield is third with a run of 6.525 at 210.60. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Matt Smith made his NHRA debut at SGMP on his Denso Auto Parts Buell a good one, making the first run in the 6.60s in 2026 with a standout pass of 6.669 at 203.03. It’s the quickest run of the season in the category and puts Smith on track for his second straight No. 1 qualifier. This comes a race after he became Pro Stock Motorcycle’s all-time leader in No. 1 qualifiers with 60. Smith, a six-time world champion is now looking to make it 61 and he had a consistent Friday with the quickest run in each session. Next on the to-do list for Smith is finishing the job and he hopes Friday’s strong start at a new track leads to his first victory of the 2026 campaign. “You know, we tested a lot, even when we left Charlotte, we went and tested again in Rockingham, so, I mean, we’re out here trying to be better and it’s showing every day. We’re getting better and better, and that’s the name of the game,” Smith said. “Looking at the weather I said we should run 6.69 to 6.70, and it went 6.699, so it was as close to a 70 as you can get. On the second run, we had a headwind, so we knew we were going to slow down a little bit.” Charlotte winner Gaige Herrera is currently second with a run of 6.723 at 200.23 and reigning world champ Richard Gadson is right behind after going 6.730 at 201.37. Qualifying continues at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at the NHRA Southern Nationals at South Georgia Motorsports Park. This story was originally published on May 1, 2026. The post Langdon Makes Fastest Run in NHRA History; Todd, Anderson, and M. Smith Open NHRA Southern Nationals in Provisional No. 1 Spots first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

If you want to see live big money bracket racing, this Triple Threat Bracket Series event is one to watch so check it out LIVE right here thanks to our friends at MotorManiaTV. We love this track, love the staff, and love that the racing action is hot and heavy regardless of the series. If you want a great time, make sure you hit Virginia Motorsports Park. Video Description: North Dinwiddie, VA – The East Coast’s favorite big money bracket series just got BIGGER! Due to the weather forecast for Saturday, the format has been adjusted so we’re bringing you two massive $15,000-to-win days — Friday and Sunday — live from Virginia Motorsports Park! Event Dates: April 30 – May 3, 2026 Location: Virginia Motorsports Park – North Dinwiddie, VA Huge Weekend Payouts: Friday & Sunday – $15,000 to Win each day $3,750 Runner-Up • $1,500 Semis • $150 Round Money $750 Bonus to the No-Box Winner each day! Thursday Action: Test & Tune + Super 64 Shootout – $4,000 to Win New This Year: 32-Car Junior Dragster Showdown – $1,200 to Win (Sunday Double-Header – 2 Races in 1 Day!) Featured: 2025 PDRA Series Champion Austin Thompson No-Box Runs Separate Down to the Final! Double Entries Permitted This is high-stakes bracket racing with massive payouts all weekend long! The post FREE LIVE DRAG RACING: PDRA Mega Bucks Triple Threat Bracket Series Racing At VMP – Friday appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Here we go with action from the NHRA Southern Nationals LIVE at South Georgia Motorsports Park. This is the first NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing event held at SGMP which is normally home to some of the nations biggest Radial races like Lights Out and No Mercy. This is the first time that NHRA has brought nitro drag racing to the Valdosta area and it should be a run event to watch. They have added all kinds of new grandstands at SGMP for the event and we’re looking forward to it. Check out all your favorites below! The post FREE LIVESTREAM: NHRA Southern Nationals FREE Preview Friday Plus Pro Mod Qualifying! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Peter Biondo and Dan Fletcher headline the free Smarter Racing Workshop. Attendees gain proven strategies to lower their reaction times.View the full article

As a three-time No Prep Kings points champion and winningest driver ever in the series, Ryan Martin is no stranger to success. His stoic nature is one of a driver that never appears to be too high or too low. But standing at the top end of zMAX Dragway after winning the first-ever event in the Right Trailers Outlaw Street class at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, not even Martin could reign in his emotions. “Honestly, it’s pretty surreal,” says Martin. “I thank God that I’ve been very fortunate – I’ve won races for $100,000 and I’ve won championships back-to-back, and that is all fantastic. But you still go, ‘Hey, NHRA is the big stage, NHRA gives away Wally’s, and I don’t have one of those.’ This class gave us the ability to go get a Wally – a 75th anniversary Diamond Wally. That was just icing on the cake.” The final round was decided right at the starting line. Martin’s opponent, Scott Taylor, went -.002 red, throwing away a 3.702-second pass at 195.65. A timing malfunction in Martin’s lane caused him to not receive a time, and despite seeing the win light come on in his lane, it took a couple minutes until he knew for sure. “It was a very odd moment,” Martin says. “I could clearly tell he got out in front of me, so the first thing I do is look up to see if he went red. He didn’t have a red light when I looked up, but I had a win light. I make my pass and no time comes up. I’m on my radio going, ‘What happened? What happened?’ waiting for somebody to say something. They’d already kicked their headphones off celebrating. Until I parked the car next to Scott, then looked over at the guy walking up to me with the Wally…that’s the first time I knew.” The weekend wasn’t without its challenges. Martin’s team struggled throughout qualifying, with a 3.889 at 177.84 mph being his best pass, narrowly making the field in the No. 8 position. His reward for getting in the show was a first-round matchup with No. 1 qualifier Kyle Canion, who posted a 3.667 elapsed time at an incredible 218.58 mph. Martin admits there was no specific moment that turned things around. “I hate to say this, but I think we just had a lot of bad luck,” says Martin. “We tested at Rockingham on the way here, and we couldn’t do no wrong. This car’s been a 3.64 before, and we were dipping close to that. When we left the test session, I thought we were gonna be in good shape. “We showed up for Q1 and I honestly believed we were going to go down and set the bar, but we busted the bypass valve off the hose. In Q2 it was a tuneup malfunction, and Q3 the thing smoked the tires out of nowhere. Sometimes you get bad luck and sometimes you get good luck – we just had a string of bad luck.” Martin’s luck changed quickly in eliminations. He used a slight starting line advantage and a 3.724 e.t. at 210.57 mph to get around Canion in Saturday afternoon’s first round, who slowed to a 3.807 at 175.94. From there, he knew he had his hot rod back headed into Sunday. “We knew you can only suck so many times, right?” Martin says with a laugh. “We knew Kyle was the car to beat, but we also knew the sun was out. The track was 125 degrees. That’s where [tuner] Jamie [Miller] came in and really helped us out. He said, ‘Let’s calm it down, make a fast run in the heat of the day.’ That’s why we won, because he made the right tuning call on race day.” In the semifinals, Martin faced his teammate Carson Baker in his orange “Speedo Cheeto” Camaro. Like Taylor would do later in the final round, Baker also went red, handing Martin a free ticket to the final round. While some might argue that Martin got lucky being on the receiving end of two red lights in three rounds, it’s also an example of how widely respected Martin is – opponents know they have to cut a great light to beat him. “I guess you could call it an intimidation factor,” says Martin. “For me to be able to go up there and they be worried about racing me, I like that. Carson’s my teammate, so I don’t like to have that on him. He had a bunch of family members here, and he was on a big stage. It was easier for me to just breathe and make a pass than it was for him. “Scott, that’s a different story. He’s a veteran driver. Him and I have been battling it out back and forth for 10-plus years now. We know how to deal with each other, and he was getting in my head as much as I was getting in his. You could say he had a consistent car and I didn’t, but at the end of the day, we got the W.” This story was originally published on May 1, 2026. The post Ryan Martin Savors “Surreal” Moment, Earns First Career Wally in NHRA’s Outlaw Street Debut first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

With the exception of a very reserved legalese declaration, Denny Hamlin has largely kept his feelings to himself regarding the Joe Gibbs Racing v Chris Gabehart and Spire Motorsports lawsuit. Those feelings were made way more explicit on Thursday evening. Earlier in the day, Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson appeared on the GluckCast weekly show and answered a very specific question ...Keep readingView the full article

Once again, Pres. Donald Trump is revising his tariff playbook, this time announcing he will increase tariffs on European auto imports to 25%, up from the 15% figure set in a trade deal the U.S. and EU reached last year. The move comes at a perilous time considering the economic challenges already posed by Trump’s war with Iran. And it could cost European automakers and suppliers hundreds of millions of dollars in additional tariffs each month, based on forecasts previously made by EU officials. The president accused the Europeans of “not complying” with terms of last year’s trade agreement. But EU officials previously said they expected the U.S. “to honor its commitments.” Volkswagen The Trade War Heats Up AgainAs far back as his first term in office, from January 2017 to January 2021, Trump frequently threatened to take steps to increase duties on, and even ban, European auto imports. He finally acted shortly after taking office for a second term last year. Last July, Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reached terms on a broad deal setting tariffs at 15% on most imports from the EU, including automobiles. But the so-called Turnberry Agreement – named after a Trump golf course in Scotland – has since come under review. Now, he said in a Truth Social post. "Based on the fact the European Union is not complying with our fully agreed to Trade Deal, next week I will be increasing Tariffs charged to the European Union for Cars and Trucks coming into the United States. The tariff,” he added, will be increased to 25%.” Kristen Brown A Big Hit to European BrandsThe impact of the planned tariff hike could be substantial, especially for German and British luxury brands. Tariffs are based on what are, effectively, wholesale prices. But that could still add up to several thousand dollars on a model like the Golf GTI, which starts at $34,590 before delivery fees. The increase could push into the tens of thousands of dollars on high-line models, like the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class which starts at $185,000, or a $242,700 Bentley Continental GT. Last September, EU officials estimated that the 15% figure set in the trade deal with the U.S. would save its manufacturers from 500 million to 600 million euros, or $585 million to $700 million, a month compared to the 27.5% tariff the White House originally set. That offers a sense of how much costs go up under Trump’s latest shift. European automakers like Mercedes, VW, BMW and Volvo do produce a number of vehicles in U.S. plants – but their costs could go up substantially, as well, if the revised tariffs broadly cover auto parts and components, as well as fully assembled vehicles. Most of the American-made models still use thousands of dollars of everything from anti-lock brake systems to powertrains supplied from the EU. Alicia Windzio/picture alliance via Getty Images A Deal is a DealThe European Union is America’s largest trade partner, accounting for a bilateral 1.7 trillion euros, or $2 trillion, in goods and services in 2024, according to European statistics organization Eurostat. EU Pres. Von der Leyden welcomed the deal after it was approved last year, but the European Commission spoke out after the U.S. Supreme Court subsequently weighed in, ruling Trump “lacked the legal authority to declare an economic emergency and charge tariffs on EU goods,” according to the AP. “A deal is a deal,” the European Commission responded in February 2026. In that statement, the commission said it “stands by its commitments (and) expects the U.S. to honor its commitments set out in the Joint Statement. In his Truth Social post, Trump did not offer any specific examples of where he felt the EU was not complying with last year’s trade deal. View the full article