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Flood-Prone Waymo is recalling 3,791 of its RoboTaxis due to the risk of entering flooded roads at higher speeds. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Waymo have issued a recall due to a safety risk. An incident on April 20, 2026, involved a Waymo taxi that drove into a flooded road in San Antonio during some extreme weather. Fortunately, nobody was injured in this incident, but that was enough for the transport provider to investigate and review it. and review similar situations involving a vehicle on impassable flooded roads at high speeds. Waymo Slow Downs According to the recall, on April 20, 2026, "an unoccupied Waymo AV encountered an untraversable flooded section of a roadway that has a 40 mph speed limit. The Waymo AV detected potentially untraversable flood water and proceeded at reduced speed." Following that, the document stated that Waymo immediately implemented additional operating restrictions in locations with a flooded lane on a higher-speed highway. Four days later, on April 24, 2026, Waymo's Safety Board decided to conduct a safety recall. This isn't the first time that the NHTSA has investigated a safety concern surrounding an automated transport provider. Avride, another U.S.-based company, was investigated after 16 accidents were logged. According to the source, the Automated Driving System (ADS) failed, leading to the accidents. Waymo has also come under fire for other incidents, including an 8-lane crossing that left its passengers screaming. Another involved the transport service's vehicles getting caught breaking road laws. Riley Walz The ResponseThe NHTSA issued its safety recall on May 6, 2026, and highlighted April 20, 2026, as the date of the incident. As stated on the recall: "On higher speed roadways, the Waymo AV may slow but not stop in response to detecting a potentially untraversable flood lane," the recall reads. The safety risk, according to the agency's recall, stated that "entering an untraversable flooded roadway can result in loss of vehicle control." Waymo's 5th and 6th-generation ADS-equipped taxis are affected by this flood crossing case. According to the company: "[Waymo is] working to implement additional software safeguards and has put mitigations in place, including refining our extreme weather operations during periods of intense rain, limiting access to areas where flash flooding might occur." Waymo View the full article

The Ford FE powerplant is arguably one of the most important engines in Ford’s racing heritage. Sure there have been plenty of other powerful combos over the years, but when Chevrolet and Ford were fighting for dominance at the birth of the muscle car, these are the engines that were making heads turn. And they continue to do so. So much so that this year was the 2nd Annual FE Race and Reunion on Muncie Dragway, where an awesome collection of hot rods and race cars were on hand to wow the crowd. Check out the video below to see what you missed, and if you are an FE Ford fan make sure it is on your list for next year. Video Description: REVan Evan and Kalyn Guenther of KRG Photography headed to Muncie Dragway in Muncie, IN for the 2nd Annual FE Race & Reunion. This is a special event that showcases the Ford FE engine with a drag race, car show and swap meet, plus a reunion of friends and fans of the FE engine. The post Ford Big-Blocks Unleashed! FE Race & Reunion Muncie Dragway! 352, 390, 406, 427, 428, SOHC! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Tony Schumacher and Clay Millican have history with Route 66 Raceway. Both drivers want to add to it this weekend. View the full article

Just when you think it's all over, it starts up again. Fast and Furious actor and producer Vin Diesel has announced that, in addition to an eleventh(!) film on the way, there's now also a TV series in the making. NBCUniversal and Diesel have announced that the star will be the executive producer behind a new series coming to streaming, with Diesel himself saying, "Peacock is launching four shows in the Fast and the Furious universe." However, the Hollywood Reporter says that a source at Peacock has confirmed only one series in development. Either way, the F&F saga is clearly far from over, so what can we expect? Conflicting Opinions About Quantity Raise Questions Over Substance Photo by Buda Mendes/LatinContent/Getty Images According to Deadline, there could be up to four different episodic series, each with its own unique stories, with the publication claiming its insiders have confirmed that one of the series is already set up at Peacock, with more to follow. But that's the thing about anonymous sources - they can say just about anything. Diesel seems confident that there's an appetite for so much content, but he's always been tied to the franchise and hasn't found much success beyond it, XXX and Riddick notwithstanding. "As you all know, we are very precious about these movies, but over the last decade, we've realized that the fans have wanted more, they wanted us to expand the legacy characters, their stories," said Diesel. "And for the last decade, the desire has been for us to enter the TV space." Of course, there is already an affiliated TV Series, Netflix's Fast and Furious: Spy Racers, and it got six seasons, but that's animated, and this will be live action. Fast & Furious Still Has Wild Stories to Tell, Apparently Mecum Auctions For what is believed to be the final film in the franchise, Fast Forever, a release date is scheduled for March 17, 2028, and to help up the ante set by its prequels, it may be the wildest one yet, with soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo supposedly playing a part, according to Diesel and co-star Tyrese Gibson. The late Paul Walker's character, Brian O'Conner, is also set to return. Whether the series (plural or singular) will focus on the events between Fast X and the finale, prior to them, or another period altogether remains to be seen, but it seems the producers won't stop coming up with ways to combine cars, crime, and carnage to fill their coffers. Related: Lego Is Releasing a Fast and Furious Supra and Ferrari Hypercar for $30 While we don't doubt that the F&F franchise will lend its name to whatever project it thinks would turn a profit, it's worth keeping in mind that Diesel doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to playing well with others, including Dwayne Johnson. The pair have made up to capitalize on the final film, but Diesel has butted heads with studios in the past, too, be it over budget constraints or creative differences. What do you think? Are there still stories in this universe worth telling, or has the franchise already run itself into the ground? Let us know your thoughts below. View the full article

Ride Days events across the US aim to make motorcycle culture less scary and way more approachable for motorcycle-curious folks. View the full article

The ATR-3X combines 6D’s fifth-generation ODS technology, as well as compatibility with the brands revolutionary MAX Goggle. Is this the do-everything dirt helmet?View the full article

Freiburger and Turk have had plenty of adventures over the years, and some of them have resulted in awesome records around the world at a variety of races, but some have also just been while cruising cross country or thrashing on some old car, truck, or van. That’s why this Econoline adventure will not surprise anyone that knows the two of them well. In the video below you are going to see the two of them thrash to fix some junk, surprise surprise, and then proceed to hit a deer while seeing the USA from behind the wheel of a classic. This is good stuff. And the van actually made it. Which is weird. But cool. Video Description: This time it’s a 2,400-mile, across-the-USA road trip in a vintage van with David Freiburger and Keith Turk! The van is a 1965 Ford Falcon (Econoline) and the mission is to deliver D/F’s 1,080-horsepower Bonneville small-block engine from Alabama to Los Angeles. The trip includes ‘50s neon signs, then-and-now Americana, breakdowns, roadside repairs, and the smallest pinch of Van Halen history! The post A Freiburger and Turk Adventure Video: THEY FIXED JUNK, HIT A DEER, and SAW THE USA In A Beat Up Old Ford. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

New AI Assistant in TownIt comes as no surprise that Google Maps remains the go-to navigation app for many users, including those on Apple devices. The app is widely viewed as the more capable option thanks to its data-rich navigation experience, though Apple Maps has made significant improvements in recent years. That said, Apple users may welcome a code leak from MacRumors suggesting that Google Gemini could soon be integrated into Google Maps for Apple CarPlay. Gemini is an AI-powered conversational assistant designed to deliver a smarter and more advanced navigation experience. While Gemini is already available in Google Maps on iPhones, Google’s support page still says it is not available through CarPlay. Your GPS Is About to Get ChattySo, what could CarPlay users expect from Gemini? Instead of handling only basic routing commands like “take me to the nearest coffee shop,” Gemini could support more conversational requests, such as summarizing restaurant reviews or finding destinations near electric vehicle charging stations. It could also help drivers save money by identifying nearby gas stations with lower fuel prices, a useful feature amid elevated fuel costs. On the other hand, one potential downside – as counterintuitive as it may sound – is distracted driving. A more conversational AI experience could lead to longer interactions, potentially increasing cognitive distraction while driving. Another concern is data privacy, especially as lawsuits continue to emerge alleging that some automakers shared customer and vehicle data with third parties without drivers fully realizing the extent of the data collection. Nevertheless, AI increasingly looks like an inevitable force in the auto industry, especially as vehicles such as the Rivian R1T push the idea of cars becoming “software on four wheels.” Brands such as General Motors, Volvo, and Polestar have also begun integrating Gemini into vehicles with Google built-in, underscoring how automakers are trying to turn cars into more than machines that simply take drivers from point A to point B. Apple/YouTube Cars Are Becoming Rolling ComputersThe rollout of Gemini into Google Maps on Apple CarPlay has yet to be officially confirmed. However, the reported integration aligns with recent developments surrounding CarPlay, where third-party AI-powered platforms, including ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Grok, have gained compatibility following Apple’s broader AI integration push in iOS 26.4. As for Android Auto users, Gemini is becoming more deeply integrated into the platform, while Google Maps is gaining new features, including Immersive Navigation with 3D views. Together, these upgrades could make Android Auto more competitive with Apple CarPlay Ultra, which debuted in Aston Martin models such as the DBX707. James Riswick View the full article

The Norton Manx R's spec sheet reads like a list of aftermarket parts. It's a luxury superbike and demands luxury superbike prices.View the full article

The Audi Allroad ModelsOne can say that Audi is one of the pioneers of the lifted luxury station wagon. It started with the A6 Allroad in 1999, and since then, every succeeding generation of the A6 Avant (outside the U.S.) has received the Allroad treatment. Even the A4 Avant got its stilts in 2009 and continued selling until the new-generation A5 came in. Audi still has the A6 Allroad, although it seems to be the forgotten car in the range. If anything, you have to dig deep within the Audi website to even find the model's landing page. If it weren't for Google, the raised wagon might as well be invisible to consumers unless you're actively searching for one. Audi A New Generation is ComingIt may not be a huge seller in the U.S, but the A6 Allroad still has its fans all over the world. For those hoping the redesigned A6 gets an Allroad version, there's good news. Australian publication Drive uncovered files that confirm its existence. Per the article, the government files that approve the sale of the high-riding wagon in Australia. That pretty much makes it clear that we can all expect a redesigned Allroad based on the current A6 Avant. Test mules of the car had already been spotted around Europe as well, so there's little doubt left. Oddly enough, Audi itself hasn't confirmed if it will build a new Allroad. At least we can thank Australia for saying what the folks from Ingolstadt wouldn't say. Drive reckons that its world premiere is imminent. After all, a year has passed since the all-new A6 made its world premiere, and Allroad models typically come after that. There is, however, another question that needs to be answered. Audi Will It Come to America?Truth be told, we're not holding our breath for that. It's difficult to say exactly how many A6 Allroads were sold last year, but it's safe to say it's not many out of the 6,897 units. If anything, there's a chance that Audi might have sold about the same number of Allroads and RS6s during the same period. That said, the Allroad has always been a staple in Audi's range, whether in compact or midsize guises. While the new model is certain, its chances of coming to America are looking rather slim. Still, never say never, and not everyone who'd like an Audi Avant has the RS6 in mind. Audi View the full article

A custom motorcycle builder recently finished up their Ferrari-powered motorcycle project, using a V8 from a 355 supercar. And someone just bought it for $500,000 only a few months after it was completed. View the full article

The aftermarket superbike scene has produced no shortage of radical interpretations of the BMW S1000RR, but few are as comprehensively executed or historically significant as the 2011 Wunderlich “MADUSA” currently offered on Bring a Trailer. Built in 2012 by William Plam of Wunderlich America in Hendersonville, North Carolina, the machine served as a rolling product showcase for the German performance specialist and paid tribute to Wunderlich’s earlier “MAD MAX” concept while emphasizing its American assembly origins. Finished in satin black […] The post FOR SALE: 2011 BMW S1000RR Wunderlich “MADUSA” appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

Every racer and fan knows that in the heat of competition emotions and adrenaline run high. We’ve all seen it, when a couple of drivers bump and bang and then it continues off track. But it’s one thing for racers to push and shove each other after an on track altercation, and completely another when they start running into each other with their cars. And that’s exactly what happened this past weekend at I-75 Raceway in Tennessee, and the driver in question has been charged with assault after crashing his car into the car of a competitor and throwing his crew to the ground. You can watch the assault in the video below. The driver, Greg Martin, was competing in the Best Plumber 604 Dirt Late Model Racing Series season opener at I-75 Raceway where he and driver Matt Henderson made contact in the main. Martin was pissed, and while Henderson’s car was being worked on in the pits, with crewmembers in and around it, Martin rammed it. The resulting damage to the car probably wasn’t much, but the crew people on the other side of the car were thrown to the ground. It was uncalled for and could have been much worse. Luckily both injured crew members were not seriously hurt. Martin, 51, was disqualified from the event, arrested and charged with assault, and the series has suspended him for at least two years. “Driver and crew safety is of the utmost importance to the Best Plumber 604 Racing Series,” series officials said in a statement. “All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that protects the safety of competitors, crews, officials, fans and partner tracks” and it will “continue to uphold the standards of conduct expected at all series events.” Henderson addressed the incident that led to the pit road run-in via Facebook, saying: “I bottomed out and hit Greg getting into turn one 3 laps after a restart. We had ran door to door for 3 laps so if my intention was to wreck him I wouldn’t have waited to do it for 3 laps. We hit as I bounced through the holes and it wrecked us. I hate that. Would rather have just got me. If Greg wanted to fight me or tell me how unhappy he was or anything to that degree I’d have understood it. No one wants that. So I get it. When he chose to use his race car to hit mine in a crowded pit area and injured people, that I can’t understand. That is not something that should ever happen. “I apologize to my team for everything that happened. I hate mine and Greg’s car was torn up in the on track stuff and then further once he rammed them together in the pit area. I am not asking for support of the on track incident or anyone to think that I blame him for that. I bottomed out and caused that accident. The running through the pits speeding to hit a car and assaulting guys with race cars has to be a hard line in the sand that we don’t allow to get crossed.” “Thankfully no one was injured far worse. Stuff like that can head a completely different direction rather we mean for it to or not.” So the question is, should Martin be charged with assault? Is the two year ban enough? Have you seen worse from drivers? Let us know in the comments section below. The post Dirt Track Racer Charged With Assault After Ramming Other Car In The Pits: On Track Contact Leads To Race Rage Incident and Ban From Racing. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

The addition of the Carhartt Special Edition as well as bigger tires, new Tremor options and more luxury are not the only update Ford is making to the 2027 Super Duty lineup, which consists of the F-250, F-350 and F-450. A more significant change is coming under the hood as the Blue Oval is reportedly removing the base engines from its heavy-duty truck line, based on order books that were posted on the Ford Truck Enthusiasts forum (hat tip to Car and Driver). The "Mini Godzilla" Replaced by the 7.3L Godzilla V8 as the Standard Engine Ford What this means is 2027 Ford Super Duty customers won’t be able to select the previously standard 6.8-liter gas engine or the base 6.7-liter diesel. This leaves the 7.3-liter Godzilla V8 as the standard choice, while the high-output Power Stroke V8 remains the sole diesel option. The forum post includes Ford’s own order books that reveal the 6.8-liter V8 gas engine has been dropped for the new model year along with the standard-output version of the Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel. Nicknamed “Mini Godzilla,” the 6.8-liter pushrod V8 gas unit debuted for the 2023MY with 405 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 445 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm, while the 6.7-liter SO Power Stroke V8 diesel makes 475 hp at 2,600 rpm and 1,050 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. This promotes the real Godzilla V8 to standard engine status across the lineup. The 7.3-liter gas engine puts out 430 hp at 5,500 rpm and 485 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, which is not that big a difference compared to the outgoing 6.8-liter unit. However, the Godzilla V8 brings superior towing and hauling capacity to the Ford Super Duty compared to the 6.8-liter. Unfortunately, it’s also priced $1,500 higher for the 2026MY. While Ford hasn’t announced pricing for the 2027 Super Duty lineup yet, we should expect a similar premium for the now standard Godzilla engine. High-Output 6.7-Liter Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel Becomes the Only Optional Engine As for the high-output 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel, which from now on will be the only optional powertrain for the Super Duty, it delivers a best-in-class 500 horsepower at 2,600 rpm and a monumental 1,200 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. It’s also the undisputed king of towing and hauling in the heavy-duty pickup segment. The F-450 6.7L HO Power Stroke offers maximum towing of up to 40,000 pounds (gooseneck), while the F-250 6.7L HO Power Stroke is rated at 23,000 lbs (conventional towing). The maximum payload is 8,000 lbs on properly equipped F-350 Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) models. The high-output 6.7-liter Power Stroke is priced $3,500 higher than the standard-output Power Stroke version, so we should expect Ford to charge more for the 2027 Super Duty since it will come exclusively with the top engines. The order books don’t include pricing, so we’ll have to wait and see the effect these changes will have on customers' bank accounts. Ford View the full article

The X275 record has fallen again. Davey Hull laid down a 4.02 and pushed the class record even closer to the three-second zone. View the full article

The advisory was issued at 12:27 PM MDT Tuesday by NWS Missoula and is one of several National Weather Service Winter Weather Advisories currently active across the country. The same Pacific trough that brought wintry mix to the Cascades earlier in the week is delivering one last late-season hit to the Northern Rockies before the pattern turns warmer for the weekend. Affected ZoneWest Glacier Region above 5,000 feet is forecast to receive wet snow accumulating 2 to 5 inches with gusts to 50 mph. This zone covers the alpine and subalpine terrain of the park's western side, including the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor from roughly the Loop upward, Logan Pass itself, and the high country accessed from the Highline Trail and Hidden Lake. NWS wording: hazardous conditions in the backcountry, gusty winds may bring down tree branches, snowfall could impact roads. Lower elevations on the west side of the park (Apgar, Lake McDonald, the West Glacier area) sit below the advisory threshold and will see rain and gusty wind rather than accumulating snow. Road ConditionsThe advisory does not directly impact major interstates. Interstate 90 runs roughly 80 miles south of the park through Missoula and stays well clear of the storm zone. US Highway 2, which wraps the southern boundary of the park and crosses Marias Pass at 5,213 feet, sits right at the elevation threshold of the advisory and is the corridor most likely to see slick spots and reduced visibility Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon. Inside the park, only the lower west-side section of Going-to-the-Sun Road from Apgar to Avalanche Creek is currently open. The alpine section above Avalanche Creek through Logan Pass to the east side remains closed for the season while crews continue snow clearing. The storm will not affect drivers in the open lower section beyond rain and gusty wind at low elevation. What drivers should know:US-2 over Marias Pass: snow and wind possible Wednesday night into Thursday, slick spots likely, allow extra timeGoing-to-the-Sun Road (Apgar to Avalanche Creek): open, rain and gusts at low elevation, no closures expectedGoing-to-the-Sun Road above Avalanche Creek: closed for the season, no public access regardless of weatherI-90 in western Montana: not affected, normal travel conditionsMany Glacier and Two Medicine roads: seasonal openings vary, check status before drivingMontana road conditions are at mdt.mt.gov/travinfo or by calling 511. What to Watch ForThe advisory ends 3 PM MDT Thursday. Crews will assess Friday morning. The medium-range forecast from the Weather Prediction Center points to another upper trough moving into the Northwest over the weekend, which could bring additional high-elevation precipitation chances to the Northern Rockies between May 15 and May 19. Probabilities are not yet at advisory level, but the pattern is not finished. For anyone planning a Glacier trip in late May or early June: do not change plans on a single advisory. The park is open. Lower elevations are accessible. Opening date for the full road will be announced by NPS when crews complete the upper sections, and that announcement is the moment to lock in alpine plans. This article will be updated as conditions evolve. Sources: NWS Missoula Winter Weather Advisory (issued 12:27 PM MDT Tuesday May 12, 2026, product code O.NEW.KMSO.WW.Y.0022), Weather Prediction Center Day 1 to 7 outlook (May 12, 2026), National Park Service Glacier National Park road status and 2026 visitor information. View the full article

In the late-night hours following the opening Indy 500 practice session, reports emerged that Katherine Legge will attempt the rare Indy 500/Coke 600 Double -- this year. Motorsport.com has since independently confirmed the news as well. The 45-year-old is already confirmed to be taking part in the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500, driving the No. 11 HMD Motorsports/AJ Foyt Racing ...Keep readingView the full article

Jaguar's Road to RevivalJaguar has been known for its grace, space, and pace, while also constantly at risk of going out of existence. As good as most of its cars are, the British automaker just never made enough profit for true long-term survival. So, in an unprecedented move, it decided to axe all of its current cars and completely reboot its image. The 'Copy Nothing' reboot has received a mixed reception, to put it lightly. But the truth is, the previous formula just wasn't working anymore. But whatever your opinion on it is, the campaign definitely grabbed attention. Fast forward to 2026, and Jaguar is just about ready to unveil its first car for its new era. Jaguar Finally, a NameFor the longest time, the new Jaguar car has been going by unofficial names. It's been called either the GT or the Type 00, just like the concept shown previously. Now we finally know its real name: it'll be called the Type 01. We don't blame you if it sounds a bit predictable, anticlimactic, or both, but there is meaning to it. Jaguar explains that the use of the word Type refers to classic models, 0 stands for zero emissions, and 1 stands for the first model under the new philosophy. "We have reimagined Jaguar for a new era, with inspiration from what has gone before. Our engineers have achieved this with a vehicle that looks and drives like no other electric car, yet reflects a unique provenance. The Type 01 name is part of that story – for me, the zero also signifies a complete brand reset, and the '1', our first car for a new chapter, a 'one of a kind,'" said Rawdon Glover, the managing director for Jaguar. Jaguar What to ExpectWe already know some preliminary specifications. The Type 01 will have a tri-motor powertrain that will pack over 1,000 hp and 950 lb-ft of torque. The large four-door will also come with all-wheel drive and a bevy of suspension technologies to make it drive and ride like a Jaguar. As for design, Jaguar calls it 'modernist', and judging by the camouflaged cars, it'll be a boxy look with some curves thrown in for contrast. We expect the same for the interior, although not as radical as the one seen in the concept. So far, initial impressions of the car seem favorable. But good impressions don't necessarily translate into sales right off the bat. That said, the Type 01 needs to succeed if Jaguar wants to hang around for longer. Of course, Jaguar isn't pinning its hopes to just one model, as there will be a full range of vehicles based on this flagship model down the line. We wouldn't be too surprised if a crossover joins the mix. Jaguar View the full article

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

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

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

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

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

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

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