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Due to an inclement weather forecast in both Kentucky and Maryland, the JEGS SPORTSnationals at Beech Bend Raceway Park and the Testo SPORTSnationals at Cecil County Dragway are being postponed. The JEGS SPORTSnationals at Beech Bend Raceway Park will move to the final weekend of August, as part of a revitalization of JEGS Speedweek, with the previously planned North Central Division Lucas Oil Series event now taking place first followed by the SPORTSnationals. The event will still include class eliminations for Stock and Super Stock. The Top Alcohol portion of the Lucas Oil Series divisional will still take place on the weekend. Full details to follow in the coming weeks. The official dates are August 26-30. The Testo SPORTSnationals at Cecil County Dragway and the associated Northeast Division Lucas Oil Series event will move to August 13-16, with the format unchanged, including a divisional event, followed by class eliminations and a SPORTSnationals race to finish out the weekend. “NHRA officials have worked with both tracks and event sponsors to make this decision as early as possible,” said Jason Galvin, NHRA Sportsman Manager. “We value our sportsman racers and want to deliver the best experience for them at each event and feel this solution is the best moving forward for all parties. “These decisions were made in conjunction with Broc Porter at Beech Bend Raceway Park and the team from JEGS Performance, all of whom have been updated with the plans and are enthusiastic about the ability to host such an event leading into the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals. “The same can be said in Division 1, where Division Director Mark Dawson worked with Jim Halsey and the team at Cecil County Dragway, as well as Michael Ficacci at Testo to create a workable solution to a tough problem.” This story was originally published on May 18, 2026. The post This Weekend’s NHRA SPORTSnationals Events Postponed first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

“Maddi Mania” continues to ripple across the country as the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series gets into the thick of its 2026 competition schedule. Top Fuel rookie Maddi Gordon piloted the Carlyle Tools dragster to an impressive qualifying performance, qualifying No. 2 at the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK. The energetic young phenom went on to reach a quarterfinal finish (with the first Top Fuel engine that she helped to build) on race day at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill. Gordon launched to the top of the timing sheets as qualifying got underway on Friday afternoon. She made the best pass of the session, covering the track in 3.779 seconds at 335.32 mph and securing three valuable bonus points. In the second heat of the day, several Top Fuel competitors knocked Gordon down a few spots and by the time she made her burnout, she was sitting in seventh place. The Carlyle Tools team, led by crew chiefs Rob Flynn and Troy Fasching, answered with a blistering lap of 3.738 at 334.90, the second-fastest pass of the session and another standout performance for the rookie driver. “Qualifying on Friday was a super good day,” said Gordon. “We were the lowest E.T. of the first session and the second lowest of Q2, which gave us five bonus points, which is great.” While Saturday started with tire smoke in Q3, Gordon’s reaction time of .037 seconds was her best yet. The NHRA Rookie of the Year candidate made another solid pass in the final qualifying opportunity of the event, running a 3.783 at 332.92. In the process, the team experienced its first parts issue, leading to them needing to swap engines before competition began Sunday morning. “On Saturday, we struggled a little bit,” recalled Gordon. “We actually had our first big parts failure, so we had to change engines. That was a bummer. But the guys got to learn. And I got to learn what it feels like to kick the rods out. The engine we used today for eliminations was the engine that I helped build. Dustin (Minnick) took time with me in Phoenix and taught me how to help him build the short block. So, we nicknamed it ‘The Lime’ because we love lime over here repping Carlyle Tools. We were hoping ‘The Lime’ was going to take us all the way, but it didn’t. It’s still really cool though that I got to run in Top Fuel with an engine that I helped to build.” Gordon began race day from the No. 2 position, facing No. 15 qualifier Krista Baldwin in what was dubbed NHRA’s “Marquee Matchup.” It began as a solid side-by-side drag race. Gordon got the starting line advantage, but Baldwin edged ahead of her around the 330-foot mark. At the midpoint, Baldwin’s dragster began to lose traction while Gordon remained steady on the throttle to cross the finish line first with a 3.813-second pass at 329.58 mph. Facing multi-time world champion Antron Brown in the quarterfinals, the duo left within five-thousandths of each other, putting on a great show for the fans as they powered down the track but at the stripe, it was Brown who turned on the win light to advance. “I felt pretty solid coming into Sunday,” said Gordon, who departs Joliet ranked sixth in the Top Fuel standings. “We had a good car. It was really consistent. We just got beat in a good race. Obviously, we wanted to win this weekend and I thought we had a really good shot. I talked to Rob and Troy up in the lounge and something that I’m really grateful for is that I go up to the line every single time and I don’t have to stress. I’m not stressing about whether the car is going to get down the track, or if it’s going to blow up or put holes out. I can go up there and just have confidence in what our guys have done so I can focus on my job. And that’s something I think has really shortened my learning curve in a way because I can just focus on me, not wondering what the car’s going to do.” The Carlyle Tools Top Fuel team, along with Capps and the NAPA Auto Care Funny Car team, will be competing for the next four weekends straight, hitting the IHRA Triple Crown Race at Maple Grove Raceway over Memorial Day Weekend and returning to NHRA competition when the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series rolls into Maryland for the NHRA Potomac Nationals, May 29-31 at Maryland International Raceway in Mechanicsville, Maryland. The post Maddi Gordon Records Strong Qualifying Performance, Quarterfinal Finish in Chicago first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

The IHRA is going to be looking for a new President. Leah Martin announced that she's parted ways with the sanctioning body on Monday.View the full article

We were at Darana Dragway Milan last fall for the IHRA $125,000 to win Pro Mod Shootout and man is that track fun. I hadn’t been to Milan in years, and they have definitely added some nice newer touches to it that made it an even more fun place to be. Their Frontside No Prep Series is just one of the races you can find at the track, and the video below is a complete livestream replay from this past Saturday’s race. If you like small tire, true street, and more, you’ll find it all below so enjoy! The post Check Out The Action From The Frontside NO-PREP Shootout at Darana Dragway, Milan MI – May 16th 2026 appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

IMSA has had some of the coolest race cars on the planet over their decades of racing, with GTP and GTP Lights being some of their coolest. In the late 1980’s, when many believe GTP was at it’s all time best, there were some of the most famous GTP cars of all time battling it out all over the world. But the 1989 Nissan Grand Prix of Miami was something special. This is old school street course racing, and with cars that just make your heart sing. Check out the complete 1989 Miami Grand Prix right here and tell us which IMSA GTP or GTP Light was your favorite on the track. Video Description: Watch the original ESPN Speedworld broadcast of the 1989 IMSA Nissan Grand Prix of Miami Presented by Xtra. Racing on May 3rd of 1989, this GTP race had a 25 car grid. Two classes of cars raced, GTP, and GTP Lights. Including iconic cars such as the Nissan GTP ZX-T and the Porsche 962C. The overall win went to the No.83 Nissan GTP ZX-T driven by Geoff Brabham. The IMSA Grand Prix of Miami launched in 1983, when promoter Ralph Sanchez brought sports car racing to downtown Miami with a street course through Bayfront and Bicentennial Parks — IMSA’s first true street race. That 1983 race was ended early due to torrential rain and the entire area being flooded after 27 laps. Despite the race ending before it was 50% complete, Sanchez paid the full purse — including $50,000 for first to Al Holbert in his Chevrolet March GTP car. Through the ’80s and early ’90s, it became an early-season highlight of the IMSA GT Championship, with winners like Al Holbert, Geoff Brabham, and Juan Manuel Fangio II mastering one of the most ambitious street circuits of its time. In 1984, Derek Bell made a dramatic pass for the win at the end of the Biscayne Blvd main straight in the Löwenbräu Porsche 962 over Darren Brassfield in the Budweiser Chevrolet March GTP — a true battle of the beers. The event ultimately ended after 1993 as rising costs, downtown construction, and shifting event priorities made the large-scale street layout harder to sustain. Still, the IMSA Grand Prix of Miami helped the rise of North American street racing and cemented Miami as a landmark city in IMSA history — long before today’s Miami Grand Prix. #IMSA #autoracing #motorsport #sportscars #imsaclassic The post Vintage IMSA! Watch The 1989 IMSA Nissan Grand Prix of Miami Right Here! The Original Miami Street Circuit. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

It’s time for more road racing in England! This weekend there are drag races at Santa Pod and then a big road racing weekend at Thruxton. The weather is good, the racers and fans are out in droves, and we love that all of the racing action is being broadcast live for us to share. Check out the BARC LIVESTREAM replay below from Thruxton! Video Description: The British Automobile Racing Club closes out its weekend at Thruxton with a full-throttle race day. Wowing the crowds will be the likes of the British Truck Racing Championship, Pickup Truck Racing Championship, Civic Cup, Audi Cup and MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport. The post Free Road Racing Livestream From England: British Automobile Racing Club Action LIVE From Thruxton appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

In the mid-2010s, Yamaha did something radical: they made motorcycling affordable, accessible, and, most importantly, fun again. The catalyst was the MT-07 (known as the FZ-07 in North America). While the spec sheet described a modest 689 cc parallel twin, the reality was a masterpiece of torque and... View the full article

Viewers of Formula 1 over the last couple of years will know the sport is standing on the precipice of a massive identity crisis. The 2026 power unit regulations promised a radical shakeup: a strict 50-50 split between traditional internal combustion power and electric energy. Viewers and participants were not entirely positive about this move. Thankfully, the administration and team management have found a way to address this issue - keeping the visceral nature of the sport alive. Formula 1 Driving DilemmaOn paper, it sounded like a triumph for eco-conscious engineering. In reality? Early simulator data gave teams nightmares. Drivers were staring down a future of "tactical lifting"—literally backing off the throttle on straightaways to harvest enough battery juice to make it to the next corner. Imagine tuning in to the Miami Grand Prix or Las Vegas under the lights, expecting 200 mph wheel-to-wheel combat, only to watch the world’s best drivers hyper-miling. Thankfully, F1 chiefs realized that nobody buys a ticket to watch MPG wars; they pay to watch adrenaline-pumping, engine-screaming, and gravity-warping motorsport. Aston Martin The FixFollowing an agreement in principle among F1, the FIA, and engine manufacturers, the sport has decided to course-correct for the 2027 season. The strict 50-50 split is dead. Instead, the regulations are pivoting to a more organic 60-40 split in favor of the internal combustion engine, something BYD may not appreciate considering their intent on joining Formula 1, and their electric expertise. The fix is beautifully simple: the V6 engine gets a 50kW boost (roughly 67 horsepower) along with an increased fuel flow rate, while the electric Energy Recovery System (ERS) drops by the same 50kW. The overall power remains immense, but the way that power is delivered changes completely. Driving will become "more intuitive," meaning when a driver mashes the right pedal, the car will actually go faster for longer, without a computer forcing them to lift and coast on a 1.2-mile straightaway. The sport has undergone severe changes in the last decade, most of which softened it. It is refreshing to see a different approach. Formula 1 Engine manufacturers need long lead times to cast blocks and design hardware, which is why these 2027 tweaks are being locked in now. By stepping back from the digital ledge and embracing a bit more mechanical muscle, F1 has ensured that the upcoming engine era will still feel like the pinnacle of motorsport. Power units should push drivers' limits—not their patience. View the full article

Shannon is back at the fab work on the FJ40, with the rear bumper and fender flares complete, it’s time to wrap up the rear with the tailgate mounts. 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 project, 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 Video Description: In this episode, Shannon gets to work on the FJ40 and custom mounts the tailgate, dialing in both function and fit with that signature fabrication style you guys know and love. Every detail matters on this build, and this is one more step toward bringing it all together the right way. While the sparks are flying in the shop, we’re also starting to shift gears and get everything ready to hit the road for Jeep Beach! Loading, prepping, organizing… you know how it goes—controlled chaos, but we’re getting close and we’re excited to bring you all along for the ride. The post FJ40 Land Cruiser Custom Fabrication: Custom FJ40 Tailgate Mount + Jeep Beach Prep Begins With Shannon and Jess Campbell appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

We’ve got 704 Outlaws video below, thanks to our friends at Spoold Media. If you aren’t familiar with the 704 Outlaws classes, trust us when we say they are fun. They’ve got simple rules, small tires, and plenty of action. So check out the video below and let us know what you think! We dig these cars and this track, so we hope you do too. Video Description: The 704 Outlaws returned to Mooresville Dragway for another ganster small tire shootout!! With 16 fast, local small tire drag radial cars in the house, they would battle for $3,000 and bragging rights as the baddest small tire car for May!!! The post 704 Outlaws Video: Outlaw Small Tire Racing Returns To North Carolina’s Mooresville Dragway appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Ron Capps put his NAPA Auto Care Funny Car in position for a successful Sunday run at the NHRA Route 66 Nationals, qualifying No. 2 and earning bonus points, before bowing out in a tire-smoking quarterfinal match with Chad Green at Route 66 Raceway outside Chicago. Capps, a two-time winner six races into the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, moved back into the points lead, which he shares with J.R. Todd. Capps, who has raced at Route 66 Raceway since the inaugural event in 1998, wrapped up day one as the provisional No. 2 qualifier on Friday thanks to his 3.916-second pass at 330.31 mph in the second session. He earned two championship bonus points with that effort, as it was the second-quickest pass of the session. Capps drove into tire smoke early in the third qualifying session on Saturday, but he bounced back in the final session with a 3.952 E.T. at 326.79 mph, the third-quickest pass of the round, to pick up another bonus point and maintain the No. 2 position going into race day. Maddi Gordon, driver of Ron Capps Motorsports’ Carlyle Tools Top Fuel dragster, also qualified second. Capps met up with Chicagoland’s own Bobby Bode in the opening round of eliminations on Sunday. Capps lost power as he approached the finish line, but his 3.978 E.T. at 301.47 mph was still more than enough to defeat Bode’s 4.659-second effort. A wild pedalfest followed in the second round against Chad Green. Capps moved first before both drivers went into tire smoke almost immediately. Capps worked the throttle to regain traction, but it was Green who recovered quicker and got the round win. “We had a great weekend with both cars – our car and Maddi’s Carlyle Tools dragster – qualified No. 2, and we felt great going into Sunday,” Capps said. “The weather wasn’t like everybody thought it would be today. We had heat come in and the track got trickier. The second round of Funny Car was just bizarre. It was a matter of who could just get down the track. It was a learning curve for us on Sunday, but overall, another great weekend for Ron Capps Motorsports.” Though Capps’ race day didn’t last as long as he would’ve liked, he found highlights in the off-track aspects of the weekend. “This track is still considered one of the coolest places, and I remember the first year we came here. I still get that feeling when we come here,” Capps said. “I’ve always loved this track because it’s another home facility of sorts with a lot of the family members of our crew members coming up from Indy. That’s very important to me. We were also able to host Dorman Products, a great partner with NAPA Auto Parts. We had a fun time with a lot of their customers and a lot of first-timers, which is always great when you can bring somebody out and introduce them to NHRA Drag Racing.” Capps and the NAPA Auto Care Funny Car team will now shift their focus to becoming the first Funny Car winners at the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals, May 29-31, at Maryland International Raceway in Mechanicsville, Maryland. Prior, they will compete at the IHRA Triple Crown in Reading, Pa., over Memorial Day weekend, kicking off a grueling schedule of five consecutive race weekends. The post Strong Qualifying Effort, Quarterfinal Finish in Chicago Moves Ron Capps Back to the Top of the Funny Car Standings first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Hypercar Ownership Hits DifferentIt does not take a rocket scientist to know that owning a hypercar is expensive. Still, the actual cost can be shocking when it is laid out on paper. This Mercedes-AMG One listed for sale on RM Sotheby’s is said to have received routine “Service A” maintenance for €37,610, or about $44,100 at current exchange rates, despite having only 185 km (115 miles) on the odometer. That can help explain why some hypercar owners choose not to drive their vehicles, which inevitably draws criticism from enthusiasts who argue that cars should be driven. Given that Mercedes-AMG One production was limited to just 275 units, most people will not be directly affected by the cost anyway. Interestingly, though, the service bill includes some notable details, particularly regarding labor costs. RM Sotheby's Servicing It Sounds Like SurgeryThe 80 hours of labor for the “Service A” alone set the owner back €31,600 ($37,050), already accounting for most of the cost. That works out to €395, or about $463, per hour. The rest consists of an air filter for €1,872.54 ($2,195), a transmission oil filter for €2,300 ($2,696), engine oil for €555.80 ($652), and a drain plug for €150 ($176). On most passenger cars, servicing those items would typically take only a few hours, making the 80-hour labor figure sound absurd. But then again, the Mercedes-AMG One's packaging is likely extremely tight, prioritizing performance at the expense of ease of service and accessibility, which could explain the longer labor time. So far, though, the results appear to justify the complexity. The hypercar currently holds the Nürburgring production-car lap record, more than 10 seconds ahead of the Ford Mustang GTD Competition and Porsche 911 GT2 RS Manthey. It uses a Formula 1-derived hybrid powertrain that produces 1,049 horsepower, enabling a 0-to-62-mph sprint in just 2.9 seconds. RM Sotheby's The Madness Comes With ResultsThe next owner of this example is likely already aware of what comes with owning a Mercedes-AMG One, including the eye-watering servicing costs. The car is scheduled to be auctioned in the Netherlands this week with an estimated sale price of $3.1 million to $3.5 million. Some notable people reported to have owned or ordered a Mercedes-AMG One include former Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 drivers Nico Rosberg and Valtteri Bottas. RM Sotheby's View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The 2026 edition of the NASCAR All-Star Race featured big wrecks, fireballs, field inverts, and a calculator nearby. The 350-lapper was the first time the event has gone to Dover, with the Monster Mile not hosting a points race for the first time since 1968. And while the format was completely different than your standard race, the same driver who won at Dover last year returned to Victory ...Keep readingView the full article

Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown points leader Jonathan Allegrucci raced to his second consecutive national event win today at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Peak. Allegrucci, the No. 2 qualifier, outran No. 1 qualifier Jason Dietsch in an all-Ford Mustang Cobra Jet final round. Dietsch was the defending Route 66 Nationals winner and is also a teammate to Allegrucci. Getting the second win was important to Allegrucci on the heels of the Charlotte victory. “I gave my Charlotte Wally to Kimmy Mapes Jr., he deserved it,” said Allegrucci. “He puts his heart and soul into this race car. He builds the motor with his own hands, he tunes the car, he knows every inch of the car like the back of his hand, it’s his car and I am lucky enough to drive it. I definitely wanted to win again to get another one of these diamond Wallys. I am going to hang onto this one for sure.” The final was a rematch of the Charlotte final round. When the Christmas Tree flashed it was Allegrucci grabbing a massive starting line advantage with a .025 second reaction time in front of Dietsch’s .088, to set him up for the hole shot win. His Ford Mustang Cobra Jet never trailed in the final round winning with a 7.711 second at 178.68 mph pass in front of Dietsch’s slightly quicker 7.710 second at 178.12 mph run. Throughout race day Allegrucci’s winning elapsed times were a very consistent 7.709, 7.706, and 7.718 seconds leading up to the final. The win was Allegrucci’s third career Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown victory and he extended his point lead to 72 points over Raymond Nash.“These guys have these Mustangs running like nothing else,” said Allegrucci. “The team puts the time in and it shows. Jason’s car is always fast. Normally, it’s a couple hundredths faster than ours, but we’re working on ours too. We are starting to close that gap. We knew it would come down to getting off the line and the tune-up. To win these races you need the whole ball of wax.” The win will double the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown bounty to $2,000 at the next NHRA national event. Allegrucci turned on four win lights defeating Kim Shirley, Doug Duell and Raymond Nash before outrunning Dietsch in the final. “Kimmy and I keep a logbook like no other, and we go back on notes and read the weather,” said Allegrucci. “The way the car is running really gives us confidence in knowing what we can and can’t do. This race was a really strong weekend for us, and we are glad we held onto the bounty. I hope I keep it for a few more races.” The Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series will be back in action at Thunder Valley Raceway in Bristol, Tenn., June 12-14, 2026. This story was originally published on May 18, 2026. The post Jonathan Allegrucci Wins Second in a Row; Captures Chicago Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Title first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

A Reasonable Starting PriceThe 2027 Volvo EX60 arrives in the United States in late summer, and this car is a huge deal. It's the first Volvo to ride on the company's SPA3 800-volt architecture, which promises super-fast charging and impressive range. Volvo just announced official pricing for the P6 RWD and P10 AWD versions, and they both undercut the EX60's closest rival, the 2027 BMW iX3 ($61,500). Volvo View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article You will pay $58,400 (plus a $1,395 destination fee) for the P6 RWD Plus model, which includes a rear motor delivering 369 horsepower and an 83 kWh battery enabling up to 307 miles of range. The P6 RWD Ultra adds more features, increasing the price to $65,000. For comparison, a gas-powered XC60 T5 Plus costs $55,695, so it's only a $2,705 premium to upgrade to the EV. It's also worth pointing out the EX60 is cheaper than the XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid, which starts at $62,545. Trim MSRP MSRP (w/destination) P6 RWD Plus $58,400 $59,795 P6 RWD Ultra $65,000 $66,395 P10 AWD Plus $60,750 $62,145 P10 AWD Ultra $67,350 $68,745 The P10 Includes A Lot Volvo View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Upgrading to the P10 AWD Plus brings the price tag to $60,750, a $2,350 delta, but Volvo gives you more than most automakers for that premium. Whereas most AWD EVs make you sacrifice range to get AWD and more performance, the P10 gives you the best of both worlds. It comes with a larger 95 kWh battery, meaning the range improves to (up to) 322 miles while the output jumps to 503 hp. Volvo says the peak charge speed is also higher on the P10 (370 kW versus 320 kW) so the larger battery takes the same time (16 minutes) to go from 10-80%. Opting for the P10 also gives you an adaptive suspension that isn't available on the P6. Upgrading to the P10 Ultra costs $6,600 just like it does on the P6, bringing to the total to $67,350. The Ultra trim adds Nappa leather seats with heating and ventilation up front, integrated heated booster seats in the rear, a 28-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, electrochromic glass roof, heated steering wheel, heated wipers, pixel headlights, and more. The Plus trim is still pretty nicely equipped with a 21-speaker Bose audio system, heated front seats, a 360-degree camera, and much more. P12 (And More) Coming Later Volvo View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Pricing for the top P12 AWD variant has not been revealed, but Volvo hinted it could follow the same cadence as the other variants. If that's the case, the P12 may cost $2,350 more than the P10, meaning it would start at $63,100 for the Plus version and $69,700 for the Ultra. The P12 bumps the output to 670 hp with a larger 117 kWh battery, enabling up to 400 miles of range. Volvo says the P12 arrives in the US in "late 2026," so pricing should be announced sooner to that date. Along with the P12, Volvo will offer an EX60 Cross Country variant based on the P10, but it won't arrive until 2027 as a 2028 model year vehicle. Volvo also told Autoblog there may be a less expensive EX60 Core trim added in future model years, making this EV even more affordable. View the full article

For the second time in the first six races of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, Alexis DeJoria drove her John Force Racing Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car to the final round Sunday afternoon at the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK. It was a rematch of the final round at the season-opening NHRA Gatornationals, with DeJoria losing a close race to Chad Green. Between a Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win on Saturday and a runner-up finish on Sunday, DeJoria is proud of what her team accomplished at Route 66 Raceway. She maintained her No. 6 position in the Funny Car points. DeJoria kicked off Friday qualifying on a promising note as she recorded a 4.014-second pass at 326.08 mph to take the No. 6 spot. She improved to a 3.994 E.T. at 329.42 mph in Q2 to wrap up Friday in the No. 10 position. In the third qualifying session on Saturday, which was also the first round of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, DeJoria posted a consistent 4.015 E.T. at 323.35 mph to defeat J.R. Todd. She then scored her second career #2Fast2Tasty title when John Force Racing teammate Jordan Vandergriff encountered mechanical issues and couldn’t stage his car for the final round. Racing from the No. 12 position on the ladder, DeJoria faced 2025 NHRA Rookie of the Year Spencer Hyde in the first round of eliminations on Sunday. She powered to a 3.947 E.T. at 326.48 mph to get past a tire-smoking Hyde and earn lane choice for the next round against Dave Richards. DeJoria left the starting line first and set low E.T. of the round, a 4.005-second pass at 327.98 mph, to advance to the semifinals for the second consecutive race. Crew chiefs Mike Neff and Jonnie Lindberg provided DeJoria with a consistent machine again in the semis, as she laid down a 4.006 E.T. at 326.56 mph to eliminate four-time world champion Matt Hagan and his 4.061 E.T. In a rematch of the Gainesville final round, DeJoria squared off against Chad Green to decide the Route 66 Nationals winner. It was a side-by-side race from start to finish, though DeJoria’s 3.965 E.T. at 328.86 mph came up just .026 seconds short to Green’s 3.945 E.T. “Come race day, I just had a feeling,” DeJoria said. “I felt like this was our race, and it sure was until the very end. Out of eight runs we made this weekend, seven of those went from A to B, solid, consistently. We may have not been the quickest, fastest car on the racetrack every run, but we were the most consistent car. In the finals, we ran well and I had a good light, so there’s nothing to hang our heads about. We got a lot of good points this weekend. It’s our second final already this year. I’m just heartbroken for the guys. Of course I want to win, but I want us to win as a team because I see how hard they work day in and day out.” Encouraged by the consistency her team has displayed over the last few races, DeJoria is confident her next win is coming soon. She credits Neff and Lindberg for the program they’ve developed in such a short time together at John Force Racing. “I feel like I got a head start working with Mike Neff for a year before we came over to JFR this season,” DeJoria said. “Everything really came together adding Jonnie into the mix. When the timing’s right, the timing’s right, and the timing was right this year. It was written in the stars. We didn’t get that trophy today, but I can tell you right now, we are coming for them. There’s a lot left on this table. We’re a very consistent team and we’re putting people on notice right now.” With momentum on her side, DeJoria will next compete at a brand-new stop on the NHRA Mission Foods Series tour, the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals, May 29-31, at Maryland International Raceway in Mechanicsville, Maryland. This story was originally published on May 18, 2026. The post Consistency Carries Alexis DeJoria to Runner-Up Finish at NHRA Route 66 Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

BMW M CEO Frank van Meel said earlier this year that "the manual doesn't really make sense" because of how it impacts torque (and fuel consumption), adding that it's becoming more difficult to develop manual gearboxes for contemporary requirements. Until then, we can still have some fun manual Bimmers, including the latest from the M division: the 2027 M3 CS Handschalter. "We" refers to the United States and Canada; those are the only countries getting this special edition, but it's bittersweet news. BMW says it is "marking the close of the M3's sixth generation" with this 75-pound-lighter, rear-wheel-drive, manual version of the CS. As a result of the stick and three pedals, the only M3 CS ever (of two after the DCT-only F80 CS) loses some power, but without the AWD components, the CS track enhancements should be more apparent, making the luxury sports sedan even more fun to drive. As good as a CT5-V Blackwing? We'll have to drive it to know, but here's what we do know about the G80's sendoff. 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter Is Still Fast BMW View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Like the non-Competition G80, the S58 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six has been restrained to 473 horsepower, and even with the human behind the wheel in charge of clutch depression and slot selection, and even without the front wheels helping to find traction, BMW claims 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds (3.8 if you use a 1-foot rollout as most manufacturers do), and with the M Driver's Package included, top speed is 180 mph. Take all those figures with a pinch of sugar rather than salt, because BMW tends to tell white lies about its performance figures, with real-world results typically even more impressive. The only exception on the spec sheet to carry an asterisk is the weight figure, because the 75-lb weight reduction is only accurate if you order M Carbon Ceramic brakes (painted red or gold; the latter used to be the only color available for these brakes) that save 31.5 lbs of unsprung weight. If you stick with M Compound brakes, you can have red or black calipers. BMW View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Whichever you choose, the headlight DRLs are yellow, and Style 927M forged alloy wheels are standard in either Gold Bronze or black. Clearly, wheel color will have to come into the equation when choosing your brakes: do you want gold on gold or black on black in filling your wheel arches? Maybe. Maybe not. As a CS, BMW also fiddled with the chassis, and the tuning is bespoke to this car because of its RWD setup and what that does to the weight distribution. The steering, engine, and gearbox settings also got tweaked for this car, but it's in the suspension department that the most real change happened. The axle kinematics and camber settings were updated, helped by shock absorbers from the M4 CSL, new springs, the addition of auxiliary springs, and a new rear axle link that is 6 millimeters lower than on a normal M3. To get the most out of the engineers' work, buyers can spend another $600 for track rubber and another $1,100 on a cast aluminum M front strut brace to increase rigidity while adding some weight back in. Interestingly, Canada gets this for free, though the tires haven't been priced. Carbon Fiber Adds Cost to the Manual RWD M3 CS BMW View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article As always, no special edition is complete without plenty of carbon fiber, with plenty of it exposed on the M3 CS. You can see the weave on the roof, in the recesses on the hood, in the front splitter and air intakes, on the mirror caps, on the trunk spoiler, and in the diffuser housing the quad-tipped titanium rear silencer that completes the exhaust. Using titanium in the exhaust and carbon fiber inside and out, including standard heated and adjustable M Carbon buckets, carbon trim, and a carbon center console, saved eight pounds of the 42 lost compared to a regular M3, with the optional brakes making up the difference. Related: BMW's Outgoing CEO Teases New 3 Series Touring for Wagon Lovers In either a stroke of brilliance or a total headscratcher, and while BMW has given buyers the luxuries of Harman Kardon Surround Sound and a drift analyzer, it's also taken away the center armrest. BMW always does this with CS models, and it sucks on long journeys. It may have benefits during spirited driving here, but we bet regular users may get annoyed. Speaking of, the armrest isn't the only piece deleted in the onslaught against ounces, as you have to order the Daily Driver Package to have a power-operated trunk lid and a head-up display (yes, while this is a 2027 model, it doesn't have the Neue Klasse Panoramic Vision infotainment setup). Interestingly, the Canadian press site makes no mention of the Daily Driver Package. But enough stalling, let's talk price. BMW View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article So what does this cost? $107,100 plus $1,350 for destination and handling in the U.S., and $132,500 CAD for our neighbors to the north. We don't have Canadian pricing for the paint options, but American buyers get Isle of Man Green metallic or Black Sapphire metallic at no charge, with Imola Red and Techno Violet metallic (BMW Individual options formerly available with the E46 and E36 M3, respectively) costing $4,500. Is this a fine celebration of the M3's heritage, and more importantly, is this the true beginning of the end for the manual M car? We'll have to wait for a drive of this and more news of the next M3 to answer those questions. BMW BMW BMW BMW BMW BMW BMW BMW BMW BMW View the full article

The Short-Lived Murano HybridFor most of its life, the Nissan Murano was offered with a V6 engine. While four-cylinders were also available, one would typically associate it with six, and it's only in its current iteration that it opted for the downsized turbo route. At the moment, it's not offered with a hybrid, either. However, the midsize crossover was once available with an electrified powertrain. By short-lived, we mean it lasted only one model year and was sold in 2016. It was powered by a supercharged 2.5-liter engine with a compact motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering 250 hp and 243 lb-ft. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions were made, but only about 600 to 650 made it to customers. For reference, the CrossCabriolet remained on the market for three years. Drew Phillips A Second Attempt?Hybrid technology has moved on a lot since 2016. The same year the Murano Hybrid was axed, Nissan introduced e-Power, a series hybrid system that effectively turns any car into a range-extended electric vehicle. It was first applied to the Note subcompact hatchback, then eventually fitted to the Kicks and Serena minivan. Now, the Qashqai has it, too, as well as the X-Trail, the Elgrand luxury minivan, and soon, the next-generation Rogue. However, a report from Japan suggests that another model will get the e-Power treatment. Creative Trend recently speculated that the Murano will be next, following a 'cryptic post' from a Nissan dealer. If so, it will be the first time technology has been used in a midsize crossover. Nissan Nissan Dealer Suggests the JDM Murano Will Have DifferencesNissan Prince Kanagawa had tweeted that there have been many inquiries about the Murano. The dealer said it cannot reveal any information for now, but translated from Japanese, said, "But an absolutely insane story is going to unfold, so stay tuned." Creative Trend listed down possible scenarios for the Japanese-market Murano. The first is that it could be offered in right-hand drive down the line should it prove successful. The second is the chance for it to gain a Nismo version. But the website stressed that the most logical possibility is for the crossover to get the e-Power system. Nearly every vehicle that Nissan sells in Japan is electrified, and if the company wants to boost the model's chances in its home market, it must come in as a hybrid, or it risks staying glued to showroom floors. The company already has the hardware for it, and e-Power's compact packaging allows it to be fitted to various models. Nissan A Murano e-Power for the World?The Murano is exclusively built at Nissan's Smyrna, Tennessee, assembly plant, and, if it benefits from e-Power tech, it should boost the model's appeal worldwide. Because of its electrified powertrain, it should be able to enter markets where the 2.0-liter VTC would otherwise be hampered by stringent emissions regulations, namely in Europe, where Nissan has to regain its footing. The U.S. market could also benefit from an electrified Murano. By exporting to more countries beyond Nissan, it can take advantage of economies of scale. Currently, the Murano is sold in limited markets, namely the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and China. Given that Nissan has to make the most of its production capacity, adding a hybrid might be the key to making the Murano a true global product to help boost volume and curb tariff costs. View the full article

The ‘Fluttering Hood’ Lawsuit Over 2022 Outlander SUVsMitsubishi Motors North America has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit involving certain 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander models, which are accused of having defective hoods that could flutter, shake, or partially open while driving. Plaintiffs alleged the hood assembly was prone to excessive movement at highway speeds, creating safety concerns for drivers who experienced violent hood vibrations during normal operation. The settlement received preliminary approval on January 21, 2026, and applies to current and former owners or lessees of eligible 2022 Outlander vehicles in the United States. Consumers can determine eligibility through the VIN lookup tool on the court-approved settlement website, hoodsettlement.com. Under the agreement, Mitsubishi will replace the hood on covered vehicles for owners who report fluttering concerns. Customers who previously paid for hood repairs or replacements through authorized Mitsubishi dealers before May 1, 2026, can receive full reimbursement for parts and labor, while repairs completed at independent facilities are capped at $4,595. Rental vehicle costs related to hood repairs may also qualify for reimbursement. Mitsubishi will additionally extend warranty coverage for hood repairs and replacements for 18 months after May 1, 2026, regardless of whether the SUV remains under its original five-year or 60,000-mile factory warranty. Final approval for the settlement is scheduled for August 3, 2026. Cole Attisha The Mitsubishi Outlander Has Faced Multiple RecallsThe lawsuit adds to a growing list of safety and quality concerns surrounding the Mitsubishi Outlander in recent years. Although lawsuits involving Mitsubishi vehicles remain relatively uncommon, the Outlander has faced several recalls tied to potential defects. One recall involved rearview camera problems, while another focused on defective liftgate components that could unexpectedly fail during normal use. The repeated recalls have placed additional scrutiny on Mitsubishi’s quality control efforts surrounding its best-selling crossover. One of the more concerning recalls involved liftgate struts that could weaken over time and suddenly detach, increasing the risk of the tailgate falling and injuring owners standing behind the vehicle. The issue affected multiple Outlander model years and required dealer inspections and repairs nationwide. While recalls are common across the auto industry, defect lawsuits remain far less frequent for Mitsubishi. That makes the hood settlement especially significant as the automaker attempts to maintain confidence in one of its most important vehicles in the American market. Cole Attisha The LowdownMitsubishi is already facing mounting pressure in the United States after sales dropped sharply in 2025 following the discontinuation of the Mirage. The automaker has increasingly leaned on fleet contracts and commercial sales to stabilize volume while preparing a broader product expansion strategy. Mitsubishi has promised a major comeback effort in North America with plans to significantly expand its U.S. lineup over the next several years. Unfortunately for the brand, news surrounding recalls and lawsuits creates another obstacle in rebuilding consumer confidence. The Outlander remains Mitsubishi’s most important vehicle in the United States, which means ongoing quality concerns can have an outsized impact on the company’s reputation. Even if the hood settlement ultimately resolves the legal battle, repeated safety headlines tied to the crossover are unlikely to help Mitsubishi as it attempts to regain momentum in an intensely competitive SUV market. Mitsubishi View the full article

Europe's foremost vehicle safety organisation, Euro NCAP, functions much like America's NHTSA and IIHS, which independently crash tests new cars and rates them on a scale of one to five stars so buyers know what they're actually getting into. Euro NCAP technical director Richard Schram told Drive that some brands are deliberately targeting fewer than five stars to keep costs down. The clearest example he gave was Dacia, a budget-focused brand that clearly doesn't aim for five stars. Instead, it targets around three stars, wanting to remain competitive at the affordable end of the market. The point Euro NCAP is trying to make is not that these companies can't hit the top mark. It's that hitting a 5-star safety rating doesn't fit the price point they're selling at. Dacia View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Safety as an Upgrade, Not a StandardThe uncomfortable truth buried in all this is how it fits into the automotive industry's favourite habit of tiered trim levels. Euro NCAP has highlighted the growing use of dual ratings, where certain vehicles achieve different safety scores depending on the trim level or optional safety pack fitted. Honda and Kia follow this approach, with the Honda HR-V and CR-V only achieving five-star scores in higher-spec configurations, while the Kia K4 received a four-star rating in its base form. Features that can genuinely save lives, such as advanced collision avoidance, extra radar sensors, and smarter lane assist, are locked behind the paywall of higher-spec variants. Meanwhile, Euro NCAP secretary general Dr Michiel van Ratingen pushed back on the idea that safety technology is what's making new cars expensive, arguing that there are five-star vehicles available in every segment for buyers who want them. Getty Who Actually Pays the PriceThis pattern holds true even in the American market. Vehicles priced around $17,000–$20,000, like some Mitsubishi and Nissanentry-level models, often carry fewer advanced driver-assist features in base trim than their higher-spec siblings costing several thousand dollars more. The gap isn't always dramatic in crash test numbers, but the gap in crash avoidance technology can be significant. Which raises the real question. Should the minimum legal standard for selling a car also be the minimum safety standard a buyer can afford? As new car prices hit $50,000 on average, the people buying at the bottom of the market are already paying more than they can comfortably afford. Asking them to pay even more for safety isn't democratising anything. In the end, just who ends up paying for better standards of road safety — actual car buyers or automakers themselves? View the full article

The Sienna's Fancier CousinsMinivans may have a domesticated image in America, but it's a different matter around the world. Many markets have tapped the potential of the luxury minivan market, and for Toyota, it's paying off big time. In Japan and parts of Asia, Toyota has been in the posh minivan game for over 20 years. It started with the Alphard, and eventually added the Vellfire as a 'sporty' alternative. Park an Alphard or a Vellfire next to a Sienna, and those models look and feel like Lexus products, especially in higher trim levels. So, in 2019, Toyota actually put on Lexus badges on the Alphard and rolled out the LM. As it is, the Alphard is a plush van, but the LM takes it up by several notches. The first model proved so successful that it warranted a second generation. The LM's biggest market? None other than China. Lexus Purely HybridThe first Lexus LM was offered with either the 3.5-liter V6 that served every midsize Toyota and Lexus model since the mid-2000s, or a four-cylinder hybrid. For the second generation, it has, rather predictably, gone straight for a pure hybrid lineup. It starts with the LM 350h, a 2.5-liter hybrid, and tops out with the LM 500h, a punchier 2.4-liter turbo-hybrid. Its lesser siblings, the Alphard and Vellfire, are still offered with ICE options. It's safe to say that the LM should take the pure hybrid route. Save for the GX, every model Lexus makes has an electrified powertrain on offer, and as these luxury minivans aim for a silent, comfortable ride, a hybrid was the only way to go. Now, it seems that there might be a third hybrid choice on the way, as suggested by a recent trademark filing. Lexus A Mid-Spec Model Underway?The first filing, a little over a week ago, was a trademark registration for the name LM 400h. As the name implies, it hints at a model that might slot in between the 350h and the 500h. Of course, it could simply mean that Toyota is protecting the name to block other automakers from using it. Still, the idea of a mid-spec LM might appeal to those shopping for one. The 250h makes a relatively conservative 247 hp, while the 500h might seem too much with its combined output of 366 hp. We're not complaining about the power figure of the latter, but not every LM shopper shares our sentiments. We can rule out the possibility of it being a plug-in hybrid model. The lack of a '+' suffix suggests the model will be a regular hybrid, although we wouldn't be too surprised if a PHEV eventually joins the LM lineup. After all, the hardware for that is already available in the Alphard and Vellfire. Lexus Does the LM Have a Chance in the U.S.?Truth be told, it's hard to say. On the one hand, the LM offers far more space than an LX, and there's heaps more seating flexibility in terms of space and adjustment. On the flip side, it's difficult to gauge whether the U.S. market will warm up to the idea of a family shuttle turned into an executive lounge. The LM's formula has already proved successful in Asia, and it's doing well in Europe, given its niche status there. Lexus isn't shy from pushing the idea to the next level, either, as the company might turn the LS into an even more opulent sibling for the LM, evolving from Luxury Sedan to Luxury Space. Lexus Lexus View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Walk through any major Pro Mod pit area in 2026 and you’ll hear it before your own name. “Boost & Bullshit!” That’s the moment Steve King knew. The 2025 World Series of Pro Mod champion has spent more than three decades around drag strips, and he’s used to fans shouting at him through the ropes. But this was different. This was the title of a podcast he started with Jason Harris in early 2025 echoing back from strangers in lawn chairs. “You hear a lot of Boost & Bullshit hollering from the fans, a lot more than I ever expected,” says King. “When you’re walking through the pits and you hear the fans hollering Boost & Bullshit before they holler your name, that’s a big part of it.” Just over a year into its run, the BOOST & BULLSH*T Podcast has done something a lot of motorsports media projects never manage. It’s broken through. Hosted by Harris, the inaugural PDRA Pro Nitrous world champion and back-to-back PDRA Pro Boost titlist, and King, who took the closest final round in WSOPM history against Stevie “Fast” Jackson aboard the Gene Pilot-owned, screw-blown “Savage” 2018 Corvette for a $150,000 winner-take-all check, the show has become required Monday-night viewing for the doorslammer crowd and a growing slice of fans who don’t even race. The pitch is simple. Two of the most decorated active Pro Mod racers in the country sit down with no script and talk. The chemistry, country and blunt and funny and occasionally unprintable, does the rest. “Two drivers that’s been doing it for quite a few years with different combinations, so you get two different sides to the story, but they’re real-life stories,” says King. “In the trenches. Very involved with the programs, both been doing it for many years. Very, very similar personalities.” Harris frames it as yin and yang. King runs a screw-blown Pro Mod with Pilot Racing money behind it. Harris built his career on the nitrous side and now races Pro Boost out of his North Carolina shop, where he still wrenches between race weekends. “I think they listen to us because they see two ends of the spectrum,” says Harris. “They see Steve’s version, somebody who’s got a really good race team and screw blower, and me and him are more approachable maybe than some other people that are a little more guarded or take it maybe a little bit too serious. I take it serious, but I have fun with it, too.” That mix of boost-versus-blower technical talk one minute and locker-room storytelling the next is the whole bit. It’s also the part that has Pro Mod’s notoriously guarded operators talking on the record about things they used to whisper about in the trailer. “When the rule combination stuff came up, they didn’t expect people to be truthful about how fast they could go or how fast they couldn’t go,” says Harris. “There’s a lot of talk back and forth between a lot of friends that you realize maybe weren’t your friends, or some that were probably better friends than you thought they really were.” The show’s biggest swings have come from the live setups. Jess Miliante, the show’s PR lead and producer who has driven much of the production buildout, says the Winter Series Palooza shows at the track moved the numbers more than anything they’ve done. “That set we take on the road monopolizes my entire day at the track. It’s around three to four hours to set up and break down,” says Miliante. “But it’s a balance between letting those guys focus on testing and then peeling them away from the car to be able to sit down for an hour and BS. That’s definitely my favorite part of what we do.” King points to those same Palooza tapings, recorded in the middle of the much-talked-about rules debate that popped up during this year’s DI Winter Series, as the inflection point. “The biggest one we had was probably the Winter Series Palooza shows, the live ones with the multiple guests literally at the race track,” says King. “There was obviously some talk about the rules down there, so that was a very hot topic, and the guys came on with their opinions, along with some of the big personalities. That all brought a big dynamic all at one show.” The audience picture is broader than you’d guess from the title. Milante recently rebranded the YouTube channel away from the old Pilot Racing handle to its own official podcast destination, and she lives in the analytics after every episode posts. “The second-highest watched device is on a TV. Over 30 percent of viewers,” says Milante. “People really watching this show in the living room on a Monday night blows my mind.” That’s the part Harris keeps coming back to. He didn’t realize what they had until strangers started walking up in the pits. “The first time I realized it was just more than me and him talking and shooting the shit was when just two guys came in our pit and were talking about the podcast and how much they love it,” says Harris. “I started hearing people that I wouldn’t think would watch the show, other racers, guys that race other classes, talk about the show all the time. They put it on and just sit there and listen at night on Monday night, when they don’t watch Monday Night Football and they watch us. That told me we were starting something new.” There’s a discipline behind the chaos. Harris admits he’s pulled the wheel back when a take might have done more damage than good, to him or to the sport. King doesn’t pretend Monday nights are pure improv either. “We go in with no script, just hit what we want to talk about, and we kind of shoot from the hip,” says Harris. “Sometimes you go through life too serious and you come across as an asshole. You can come across as serious and then cut a joke when it needs to be. That’s where the bullshit comes in.” The roadmap from here is more ambitious than the early-2025 version of this thing ever pitched itself as. Apparel is in production. Sponsor conversations are heating up beyond endemic racing brands into apparel and food and beverage. King wants Scotty Cannon, the godfather of Pro Mod doorslammer racing, to sit down for an episode. Milante is aiming higher, and weirder, than that. “Even someone like Theo Von would be cool as hell,” says Milante. “I want to work on integrating more lifestyle content. I think it will help blend this sport that’s so niche to the wider audience, which will ultimately help expand their following.” For two guys who started out trading bit videos at each other on social and a producer who saw what was hiding in plain sight, the next 12 months are about turning a hit into a property. The Monday-night living-room audience is already locked in. The room to grow is everywhere else. “It’s gone farther than I ever thought it would,” says King. “People actually calling and wanting to come on the show, people wanting to be involved with the show, I never thought that would come about. We’re just moving forward with the YouTube stuff and see where it goes.” This story was originally published on May 18, 2026. The post King, Harris, Miliante Reflect on Growth & Popularity of Their Boost & Bullsh*t Podcast first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Last weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, the SCCA ran two days of Hoosier Super Tour races and we’ve got the livestream replay right here! These are some fun SCCA regional races and feature some cool cars that look like they would be a riot to drive near their limits. Check out the livestream replay below and let us know which ones you most want to drive. Video Description: The 2026 Hoosier Racing Tire SCCA Super Tour heads east to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for Rounds 11 & 12 of the season. This top-tier pro circuit is conveniently located between Columbus and Cleveland and represents one of the most popular venues all season – for teams and spectators alike. Join Greg Creamer, Brendan Kaczmarek, and the DriversEye Live team from trackside as qualifying kicks off on Friday, May 15 at approximately 1:35pm ET. Coverage resumes on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 8:00am ET for two full days of racing action. Don’t miss a minute! The post REPLAY – Free Livestreaming Road Racing: The 2026 SCCA Hoosier Super Tour at Mid Ohio Sports Car Course – FULL WEEKEND Coverage LIVE! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

A Defining Design Some design elements are made out of necessity and are taken up by the cultural zeitgeist after years and years of consistency. Think about BMW's Kidney Grille, or Porsche's bug-eyed, low-hood, rear-engined layout, or whatever's tickling the fancy of the current designers of (insert-Chinese-brand here). Speaking of, Geely may own Volvo, but being almost a century old, it has a lot of history to draw on. That, and nobody else seems to be giving a nod to Norse Mythology in the industry. While it may be low-hanging fruit for Volvo, I don't think any other brand could have done it without being an ill fit. Volvo gave CarBuzz an initial spin in its new models, opening up the topic to our eyes. Apparently, there's a bit more to the story, so let's open up the topic a bit more. Copyright 2015 Noah Joseph / AOL Thor's Hammer, Mjolnir You could say that Volvo's Daytime Running Light (DRL) design hits the nail on the head for the Swedish automaker. Thor's hammer is a distinct feature that's found on modern Volvo vehicles. The sideways T-shaped DRLs have become a defining characteristic of Volvo vehicles in recent years, including the new XC90 and XC40 SUVs. Whether it's an ICE or an EV, all new Volvo cars come with this design feature, and with the unveiling of new Volvo EVs, we're noticing that it's getting bigger, much like BMW's now-massive Kidney Grille. Volvo's rendition of Mjolnir used to look like a thin, elegant T-shape, but it appears the brand is now using a thicker, "digital" version of the prior iteration. Beyond its now-iconic shape, the digital design also underscores Volvo's push for technologically advanced EVs. The hammer is also different depending on which Volvo you're looking at. On some models, it's more boxy and flat, akin to the Volvo's classic design language. Think back to the brand's boxy design era. Now, we still get a largely boxy appearance, albeit complemented by modern curves and some swooping lines. On some cars, the hammer is skewed a certain way, giving it a "fast" look. James Riswick IP Protected The DRLs have also made an impression on older Volvo fans. On some forums, people have actually managed to purchase aftermarket headlight kits that retrofit the hammer onto older models. On other sites like AliExpress, you can find several kits for older Volvos like the V40 and more if you're willing to look hard enough and perhaps roll the dice on a Chinese part. The design has resonated so well since the brand first showcased it in 2015 on the XC90 that Volvo sought to secure IP protection for the headlight design, allowing it to combat counterfeits and reproductions and prevent competitors from copying it. According to the European Union's IPO's General Court, it decided to affirm that Volvo's shape mark applications are eligible for trademark protection. This was granted in 2017, right after Volvo filed it. In 2022, Volvo sought to expand its trademark protections; however, it went into appeal mode for a couple of years afterward. By 2024, after a bit of back-and-forth with the European Union's IPO office, Volvo had successfully appealed its case to the General Court, which handed down a largely favorable decision. You can expect Volvo to have total enforcement over the headlights IP in Sweden, and limited protection depending on the region. Copyright 2015 Noah Joseph / AOL View the full article

BYD has won a significant legal victory against a Chinese EV blogger, with a court upholding a ruling ordering the creator known as "Long Ge Talks EVs" to pay roughly $293,000 in compensation and issue a public apology. The blogger released an apology video this week, admitting that his earlier content discussing repairs to BYD battery, motor, and electric-control systems lacked verified technical evidence and damaged the company's reputation. The ruling ordered the blogger to stop the infringement, eliminate its impact, and compensate BYD in full. BYD's Bigger War on MisinformationIn June 2025, BYD's legal department went public with a sweeping offensive, announcing it had sued 37 social media influencers for defamation and placed another 126 accounts under internal monitoring. The company even offered whistleblower rewards ranging from $7,000 to a staggering $700,000 for credible leads. BYD described the situation as a series of "repeated, organized, and malicious online attacks" orchestrated by unnamed media outlets and PR firms. Li Yunfei, BYD's head of branding and public relations, was direct about the company's position, saying criticism and oversight were welcome, but fabricated content was not. The content BYD took issue with ranged from false claims about its financial stability to allegations of rigged influencer campaigns and bogus vehicle safety concerns. Courts had already started ruling in BYD's favor before the Long Ge case even concluded. Long Lei/Xinhua via Getty Images When It Went GlobalThe controversy wasn't limited to Chinese social media. British automotive YouTuber James Martin, AKA JayEmm on Cars, made a video titled "QUICK! WATCH THIS BEFORE THEIR LAWYERS!" covering BYD's extraordinary business practices and its legal campaign against creators. The title alone tells you the mood among automotive commentators at the time. It became part of a wider conversation about how aggressively Chinese automakers were willing to police their image online, and whether that aggression crossed a line from legitimate brand protection into something more chilling. It reframed BYD from a fast-rising EV disruptor to a company willing to weaponize its legal resources, on the level one has come to expect from a legacy manufacturer like Ferrari. This latest ruling is, by any measure, a statement. Close to $300,000 and a forced apology are far from a mere slap on the wrist. View the full article