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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lee Hartman has been a serious contender throughout the past three seasons in the NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series. In a class that is a serious battle between Fords, Chevrolets and Dodges Hartman has raced to several final rounds in his Dodge Drag Pak but the racer from Canfield, Ohio, is still looking for his first win. This season to bolster his chance, Hartman’s son Matthew has joined the class racing his own Chevrolet COPO Camaro and the Hartman combo is starting to pick up some momentum heading to the Gerber Collision and Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Peak, this weekend at Rt. 66 Raceway. “It’s great having my son Matthew on the team and to have someone else to help in the cause,” said Hartman. “He is doing great and who wouldn’t be proud of having their son beside you learning how to get it done. I’m really proud of how quickly he’s gaining the knowledge, skills and abilities to take that racecar down the track.” Heading into Chicago, Hartman is optimistic that his first career Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown win is right around the corner. “Every race I go into I think this could be the first win, but there has always been something in the way so far,” said Hartman, who has been racing in the Flexjet Factory Stock class since 2020. “There is always something to address, and we are just working our way through the issues and getting closer to that first win. We have several cars that we’ve been working on, so right now it’s going to be side by side to the finish line. We’ll continue to make things better, bigger, stronger and faster. Racing in Chicago, that’s a really nice facility.” For the younger Hartman the chance to race with his father has been a dream come true. While they are racing different platforms in competition the teamwork in the pits makes them a very tough duo. Through the first two races the second-generation driver has equipped himself well advancing out of the first round in both of his first two starts. “It’s been great,” said Matthew Hartman. “I have been very fortunate to have a good team behind me with my dad and Stanfield Racing. In Gainesville, I was fortunate to test before the race and that allowed me to get some more runs on the car. I had never even been to a four-wide track before the Charlotte race. I’m proud of what we’ve done so far through a little perseverance, working on some things with my driving and staying steady, working on the car. I am just happy to have the opportunity to do what I’ve been doing.”The Chevrolet COPO Camaro Hartman has been driving during his rookie season has been a smooth transition. While his father is wheeling a Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, Hartman’s COPO has been getting the job done on the track. “Getting to drive this Chevrolet COPO Camaro is one of those things that kind of just came together,” said Hartman, who will be racing in his third NHRA national event in the Flexjet sponsored series. “Anthony Troyer was wrapping up his operation, and we were able to take over. We were already comfortable with Camaros. I am comfortable in the racecar, and it feels like I’ve been racing it for way longer than two races. I wouldn’t say I’m a Chevy or Dodge guy yet. I think I’m still too early to decide from the racing aspect. I love all three of these manufacturers.” The weekend in Chicago will be the third race for the Hartman father and son to be joining forces. The camaraderie between them is nothing new to the category that boasts three sets of fathers and sons racing together. In addition to the Hartmans, Jason and Taylor Dietsch are racing as well as two-time Flexjet World Champion Mark Pawuk and his son Kyle. For Matthew Hartman the chance to spend time on and off the track with his dad is a great opportunity. “Getting to race with my dad is one of those moments that I only dreamed about,” said Hartman. “It feels like just yesterday, but six years ago, he and I were going to Indy for his first race. I was his crew chief at 16 years old, trying to figure out how to help him pack a parachute. I just remember going to multiple races each season and thinking, man, it would be cool if I could be side by side, racing him. I can’t express how grateful I am for the opportunity, and it’s just one of those things that you only prayed could happen and here I am living it.” While the Hartmans will be looking for their first wins, defending event champion Jason Dietsch will be focused on jumpstarting his 2026 Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series season. Last year Dietsch scored an unusual double up win, capturing his first Flexjet Factory Stock win on Saturday during the rain delayed Gatornationals and then on Sunday he turned on four more win lights to win the Chicago national event. It was a whirlwind weekend and Dietsch is hoping to recapture that magic at Rt. 66 Raceway this weekend. “Last year was just unforgettable,” said Dietsch, who raced to a runner-up finish at the Charlotte Four-Wide Nationals. “I mean, to go there and we have never won a Wally, and we leave with two Wallys as well as the Gatornationals trophy and the Globe trophy.” A strong finish in Charlotte has Dietsch confident he can get another win outside the Windy City. “I’m pretty confident and I think I have a better car now than I did last year,” said Dietsch. “This will be our fifth race of the year and second Flexjet Factory Stock race. The Chicago track has always have been good to me. I don’t know why. I really like the track. It’s a shame that track doesn’t get used more. It’s just an awesome place to race and it is close to home.” The Flexjet $1,000 bounty will be in play with Charlotte Four-Wide Nationals winner Jason Allegrucci trying to hold off a host of tough competitors. If Allegrucci can go undefeated in Chicago the bounty will double to $2,000 heading to the next event in Norwalk, Ohio. Qualifying will get underway on Friday for the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series at 12:15 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. On Saturday one more round of qualifying at 11:10 a.m. will set the 16-car field. The Fords, Chevrolets and Dodges will roll into the first round of eliminations on Saturday evening and wrap up with three more elimination rounds on Sunday. For information on the Route 66 Nationals visit www.nhra.com. This story was originally published on May 12, 2026. The post Hartman Father-Son Combo Looks to Take Win at Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown in Chicago first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Anyone that works on cars and trucks is familiar with Torx fasteners and bits, as are anyone who’s done any DIY, deck, fence, or construction projects in recent years. There are some big reasons why Torx are great, like their ability to transfer big torque with little stress on the fastener, but man when things go wrong they usually go wrong in the most frustrating way possible. Torx bits seem to be made so you will have to replace them more often than anyone would expect, and some of them seem to come apart with an insanely low amount of torque. So which bits are best, what are the challenges they face, and why do you care? Check out the video below to learn more. Video Description: LIFETIME OF TOOL RANKINGS: https://torquetestchannel.etsy.com/li… Today, 3 years in the making, we finally test torx bit sockets to failure to find the best brand and do a deep dive into Torx and why while its known by engineers to be the best it also sucks so damn often. Including today brands like Wera, Snap-On, Ko-Ken, Tekton, VIM, Gripedge, Milwaukee, Wiha, Pittsburgh and ICON. We do not accept any tools shown on the channel from any brand, nor do we take any sponsorships, partnerships, discounts, product placement deals, pre-market brand samples, money, items or compensation of any kind from brands, tool makers or otherwise in the planning or creation of these videos. The post Why Is Torx So Bad And So Good At The Same Time? Testing Torx Bits And Explaining How They REALLY Work. appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has raised concerns about the prevalence of performance-focused car advertisements, given the high number of fatalities linked to speeding and aggressive driving. A new study run by the safety authority looked at car ads airing between 2018 and 2022 and found that 43% of them focused on vehicle speed, maneuverability, traction, stopping, or power. Researchers also found that speed was promoted over twice as often as safety, highlighting a lack of regulation for vehicle ads in the United States relative to other major markets. A Culture of Dangerous Driving Ford Any gearhead appreciates the speed and power of a high-performance vehicle, but it also comes with a responsibility to exploit these vehicles’ capabilities only when it is safe to do so. The IIHS pointed out that vehicle ads in the U.S. promote a culture of hazardous driving, whereas other countries have stricter regulations in place. In the United Kingdom, for instance, vehicle ads with messaging about power, acceleration, or handling are prohibited unless mentioned in the context of safety. In the U.S., broadcasters rather than regulators set standards, so it’s easier to get around them. “Showing a stunt driver zooming around a tight turn in the rain might seem harmless, but these ads reinforce our cultural obsession with speed,” IIHS President David Harkey said. “The fine print may caution that it’s a professional driver on a closed course, but the message they convey is that you can drive this way too.” Chevrolet In 2024, 11,288 lives were lost in speed-related crashes in the U.S, making up 29% of all fatalities. That’s a significant percentage of fatalities, yet performance was the most common theme in 1,500 TV ads and 1,000 online ads surveyed. Only 8% of ads highlighted safety, and the IIHS says that even when vehicle traction was advertised, under 1 out of 10 of those ads portrayed traction in performance terms, not as a means of avoiding a crash. Visuals of cars kicking up dust, zooming across beaches, or blasting over mountain boulders were common. This is not a new phenomenon in the USA. As far back as 1990, a Super Bowl ad for the Nissan 300ZX Turbo was criticized by the IIHS and other safety groups, so much so that the automaker agreed not to run it again. “The vast majority of viewers are never going to take their vehicle through a mountain stream or up a sand dune, but this kind of ad could influence the way they drive in risky on-road conditions — in rainy or snowy weather, for instance,” said Amber Woods, IIHS Research Scientist. Performance Emphasis Increased Over Time Ford In ads that aired and were assessed between 2018 and 2022, the share of them with a speed focus increased from 14% to 19%, while those focused on traction increased from 20% to 38%. On the other hand, vehicle ads highlighting safety went from 11% to 3% over the same period. Regardless of vehicle type, performance themes were common in car ads, but they featured especially frequently in ads for pickup trucks. For speeding themes specifically, these were most commonly seen in ads for sedans, rather than SUVs or pickups. “This study highlights the cultural dimension of our road safety crisis,” Harkey said. “Automakers and broadcasters need to start treating unsafe speed the same way they would drunk driving or failure to use a seat belt.” Related: Parents Can Now Install Tech That Stops Teen Drivers From Speeding What It Means Stellantis America’s car-centric society and large enthusiast circles make it one of the most appealing markets in the world for gearheads. High-horsepower cars are prevalent and relatively cheaply accessible, but that same focus on speed and performance is dangerous in the wrong hands. Authorities in specific states have made some headway with new cameras, but the IIHS study suggests this isn’t getting to the root of the problem. Tighter regulations for vehicle advertisements could go some way towards encouraging less reckless driving. View the full article

As legacy market growth stalls, the world's largest carmaker is quietly placing a massive hedge with the poster child of rapid development, India. As reported by Nikkei Asia, Toyota Motor Corporation has formally committed roughly $1.9 billion (300 billion yen) to establish three new vehicle assembly plants in Maharashtra, India. This is a calculated investment in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and a rising export hub. Toyota is tapping India to be its export hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Toyota Toyota in IndiaHistorically, Toyota’s relationship with the Indian market has been notoriously turbulent. Just six years ago, in 2020, executives effectively halted local expansion, citing a highly punitive taxation regime that crippled organic growth, making it a hostile regulatory environment. But shifting economics and policy reforms have transformed India into one of the decade’s most attractive manufacturing economies. The Indian passenger vehicle market has officially eclipsed Japan to become the third-largest globally, offering the explosive growth trajectory that traditional automotive strongholds currently lack. India already functions as an export hub for car-makers such as the Hyundai Group and Suzuki. The new Maharashtra facilities, slated to begin initial operations in 2029 and fully ramp up through the early 2030s, will completely transform the automaker's footprint on the subcontinent. Toyota The investment is designed to triple Toyota's Indian production capacity to a staggering one million units annually. Upon completion, the expansion will elevate India to Toyota’s fourth-largest global manufacturing hub behind only Japan, China, and the U.S. Toyota's StrategyThe Maharashtra operation serves a highly lucrative dual mandate. These assembly lines are built to function as strategic export hubs. Toyota is engineering a localized fortress to feed vehicles directly into the rapidly expanding consumer markets of the Middle East and Africa, effectively bypassing the logistical and geopolitical friction of exporting from East Asia. While competitors throw billions at domestic pure-EV mandates, Toyota will employ the new Indian plants to heavily support plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) alongside its broader electrified portfolio. In 2025, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Toyota's Indian joint venture, recorded its strongest year on record with nearly 389,000 units sold—a 19 percent surge driven heavily by hybrid demand. By expanding local hybrid and PHEV assembly, Toyota circumvents the immediate limitations of India's fragile charging infrastructure while navigating a regulatory landscape that recently scaled back specific electric vehicle subsidies. Relying strictly on American consumers and European mandates is a blueprint for stagnation. Toyota recently invested $800 million in its Kentucky plant to prepare for North American BEV production, part of a larger $1 billion commitment to US manufacturing. However, Toyota recognizes that the next decade of automotive supremacy will not be decided in California or Beijing. It will be won on the factory floors of India, building pragmatic, electrified platforms for the emerging economies that the rest of the industry is actively ignoring. Automakers that fail to build supply chains in fast-growing economies risk losing future volume growth. View the full article

Lance Knigge surfaced a rarely referenced rule Saturday when he potentially won a round but his car flew over the finish line beams.View the full article

The Brand America Still Associates With FreedomFord and General Motors have long positioned themselves as deeply American brands, with the former even winning TIME and Statista’s Most Iconic American Companies list earlier this year. But according to a Brand Keys survey, Jeep is America’s Most Patriotic Brand, and rivals still cannot catch up. That’s because Jeep has held the title since the survey began in 2001, marking its 25th consecutive win this year. For 2026, Brand Keys surveyed more than 9,720 consumers ages 18 to 65, balanced by gender and political affiliation, with Jeep ranking ahead of roughly 1,200 brands. That does not necessarily mean Jeep vehicles are better or more “American” than others. Still, it gives Stellantis a useful marketing win, especially among patriotic buyers and off-road enthusiasts, and that kind of emotional brand pull could eventually help drive sales. (C) 2025 Doug Berger | DBPics The Lineup Behind The BrandingJeep offers several models in the U.S., including the Wrangler, Gladiator, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Compass. Most are assembled in the U.S., except for the Cherokee and Compass, though Stellantis plans to move both to Illinois production. The automaker is also preparing to launch the all-electric Recon, which is expected to be built in Mexico. The Wrangler is arguably the brand’s most iconic model, despite the Grand Cherokee outselling it in 2025. Its roots trace back to World War II, and it still retains many design cues from its spiritual predecessors, including the round headlights. That familiar look has helped Jeep preserve the heritage and Americana image closely tied to the brand. Stellantis Heritage Still Has ValueSpeaking about the achievement, Bob Broderdorf, Jeep brand CEO, said, “Earning recognition as America’s most patriotic brand for the 25th consecutive year affirms what generations of Jeep owners already know – that driving a Jeep vehicle comes with an unmistakable sense of pride.” If the streak continues, it could further strengthen Jeep’s brand image, which could prove crucial as it competes with models that also carry strong American identities, such as the Ford Bronco. So far this year, Jeep has been one of Stellantis’ main growth drivers in North America, helped in part by models like the refreshed Grand Wagoneer. Stellantis View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

The Maverick Keeps EvolvingThe Ford Maverick was introduced not as a heavy-duty off-roader, but as an affordable truck for buyers who may not want to spend F-150 money. As the Maverick became more popular, customers wanted the hybrid version to become more capable, and so Ford added an all-wheel-drive system starting in the 2025 model year. One issue that emerged, however, was how the AWD hybrid setup performed in challenging, low-traction conditions such as ice and mud. Now, thanks to real-world feedback from the media and testing by the Ford team, the automaker says the traction control system has been recalibrated and improved for the 2026 Maverick Hybrid AWD. Ford Why the Hybrid AWD Needed WorkThe issue was discovered after a Maverick struggled to send enough power to the wheel with grip, limiting its ability to move forward. Ideally, the AWD system should reduce wheelspin at wheels with less traction and transfer torque to those with more grip. Ford has long worked on 4x4 systems for vehicles like the F-150, but pairing AWD with a hybrid powertrain – which delivers power differently from a conventional gas setup – created a different challenge on the Maverick platform. To solve the issue, Ford’s Brake Controls team recalibrated the system to transfer torque to the wheels with better traction more aggressively. The update allows the brakes to pinch the wheels with less grip, helping redirect more power to the wheels that can actually move the vehicle forward. The development also led Ford to add three-wheel roller testing to its internal engineering procedures as a standard part of the evaluation process. Ford Tightening Up the MaverickThe upgrade does not require any hardware changes. 2025 Maverick Hybrid AWD customers will be able to download the improved calibration through an over-the-air update, with Ford set to announce more rollout details soon. This could help cement the Maverick’s position in the compact pickup segment, where it does not have much direct competition right now. Hyundai is reportedly ending the Santa Cruz program in favor of larger trucks, but more automakers are said to be interested in joining the fray, including Toyota. That gives the Blue Oval brand more reason to keep refining the Maverick before the segment gets more crowded. Ford View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Krista Baldwin makes her return to NHRA Top Fuel. Her dragster will have a special Chris “The Greek” Karamesines theme for the Joliet event.View the full article

While everyone else builds 150-horsepower land missiles, Chinese manufacturer Zongshen made something people might actually use. View the full article