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Top Fuel rookie Maddi Gordon’s first trip to South Georgia Motorsports Park for the NHRA Southern Nationals resulted in new career-bests in both elapsed time and speed for the driver of the Carlyle Tools Top Fuel dragster. She became only the second woman and fourth Top Fuel driver to eclipse the 340-mph barrier, hitting the mark twice across qualifying and Sunday eliminations. The Ron Capps Motorsports driver closed out the weekend with a quarterfinal exit at the fifth of 20 races on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule and leaves Georgia ranked sixth in the Top Fuel points standings. Before heading to South Georgia, Gordon joined teammate and team owner Ron Capps for a visit to NAPA headquarters near Atlanta. She also threw out the first pitch at Wednesday night’s Atlanta Braves game versus the Detroit Tigers, adding to the excitement leading up to the NHRA Mission Foods Series’ first visit to South Georgia. The hype continued when qualifying kicked off on Friday as Gordon powered to the provisional No. 1 spot with her 3.775-second pass at 329.75 mph, earning three championship bonus points for having the quickest run of the first session. Tire smoke followed in the second session, with Gordon settling into the No. 4 position to end the day. Heavy rain on Saturday pushed the remainder of qualifying into the early evening, but it was worth the wait for Gordon, who set new career-best numbers with an impressive blast of 3.748 seconds at 340.05 mph to lock in the No. 4 position for race day. Gordon paired up with Will Smith in Sunday’s first round of eliminations. She piloted the Carlyle Tools machine to more career-best numbers and another 340-mph pass, a 3.728-second run at 340.22 mph, to move on to the second round. In the quarterfinal match against Smith’s teammate, Justin Ashley, Gordon drove into tire smoke early and watched as Ashley raced by for the win. “Of course, we wanted to go further than the second round,” Gordon said. “We all thought we had a really good shot this weekend. But we’re still learning. I’ve never smoked the tires instantly before, so I got to learn what that felt like. There was no way I was going to pedal it because I saw him out there anyways, but we’ll learn from that and take it to the next one.” The energetic and optimistic Gordon found plenty of positives in the weekend, from the pre-race festivities and meeting passionate new fans at a new track to making more history with her 340-mph passes. “The 340s were really insane,” said Gordon, who credited crew chiefs Rob Flynn and Troy Fasching, car chief Chuck Grospitch, and the Carlyle Tools team. “That is such a huge milestone, especially afterwards realizing not very many drivers have done that. There are world champions out there who haven’t gone 340 yet, so to hit that milestone this early in my career was just really, really exciting and just a huge morale booster. We’ve been having a great season, but those little milestones are just so, so cool. Everything has to go perfect for that to happen.” Gordon’s rookie season with the Carlyle Tools team and Ron Capps Motorsports will continue May 15-17 at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., outside Chicago. The post Maddi Gordon Sets New Career-Best Numbers With 340 MPH Passes at NHRA Southern Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Ford’s Emissions DilemmaFord is in a strong spot in Australia, but things are getting complicated. The Ranger still tops the sales charts, but most buyers pick diesel or gasoline versions – exactly the ones that push past Australia’s tightening emissions limits. With the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard now in play in the Land Down Under, brands that depend on high-CO2 models are feeling the squeeze. Right now, only the plug-in hybrid Ranger stays under the emissions cap. Every other version just adds to Ford’s emissions total, which could mean penalties or extra costs down the line. So Ford faces a familiar dilemma: spend big on a new electrified platform, or find a quicker, cheaper solution. Ford Geely Says Collaboration Makes More SenseGeely’s offer is simple. They’re already working on a new truck platform built for electrification, and they’re willing to share it. Speaking to Carsales, Geely Auto International vice president Alex Gu didn’t leave much ambiguity. When asked whether a partnership with Ford was possible, he said: “Why not?” Gu made it clear: for established brands struggling with electrification, teaming up just makes more sense. Building a new platform from scratch takes a long time and a lot of money, so partnerships are starting to look like the smarter move. Geely is quickly building its reputation here. Their new hybrid system could deliver more power while keeping emissions in check. That’s the same formula newer players like the BYD Shark 6 are using to get ahead—more muscle, less emissions headache. Ford Talks Denied, but the Door Isn’t ClosedFord and Geely have reportedly explored collaboration in recent months, though the former has pushed back on that narrative. Ford CEO Jim Farley has already warned that Chinese automakers pose a serious competitive threat. Partnerships – whether acknowledged or not – are becoming part of the global industry conversation. Any partnership would probably depend on the market. The US-spec Ford Ranger plays by different rules, but places like Australia and Europe have much tougher emissions standards. Those, plus the ASEAN region, are the markets where a shared platform or joint project makes the most sense. Nothing’s official yet. But Geely isn’t hiding its intentions – if Ford wants to talk, they’re ready. Ford View the 5 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Hyundai has just posted its April sales results in the U.S., and while there has been an overall decline, there were also some notable model-specific results. The company sold 80,157 cars last month, down 2% relative to strong pre-tariff sales a year ago, but sales of hybrid and sedan sales increased considerably. A third of Hyundai sales in April were electrified models, and the Sonata Hybrid sedan had a stellar month with sales exploding by 171% year-over-year. Here’s a closer look at the numbers. Best-Ever April Sales For Hyundai Hybrids Hyundai Hyundai’s entire hybrid lineup grew by 52%, the best April for electrified models ever. Leading the charge was the Sonata Hybrid, with this sedan’s sales increasing by 171%. The Elantra hybrid (+55%) also contributed. However, Hyundai doesn’t report sales figures by powertrain alone, so it’s not known exactly how many of the 7,105 Sonatas sold last month were hybrids. That total is still some way off the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord—Honda sold 16,071 Accords last month—but it aligns with a renewed interest in affordable sedans. “Hyundai’s performance in April reflects the strength of our product lineup and our continued focus on delivering value to customers, with electrified vehicles accounting for one‑third of our total sales,” said Randy Parker, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “Even as the industry navigates a more challenging environment shaped by affordability pressures and broader economic uncertainty, the U.S. auto market remains resilient.” Elsewhere in Hyundai’s range, the Tucson retained its title as the brand’s most popular model with 22,024 units sold. It was followed by the Elantra (14,778) and Palisade (11,324). No SUV achieved the growth of Hyundai’s gas/hybrid sedans, though. Sonata Hybrid: An Underrated Sedan Hyundai The Sonata Hybrid’s sales in April represented its best-ever U.S. sales month, which is quite an achievement for a sedan that first debuted for the 2011 model year. Today’s 2026 Sonata Hybrid is exceptionally frugal, with a best EPA rating of 47/56/51 mpg city/highway/combined. It’s even more economical than the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid in highway driving. The Sonata Hybrid is less powerful than both Japanese rivals, though. Its 2.0-liter engine and electric motor combine for 192 horsepower, and while it’s not as engaging to drive as the Camry, the Hyundai felt a touch more premium to us in a back-to-back drive between the two cars last year. At $29,200, the Sonata Hybrid easily undercuts the Accord Hybrid—and it’s just $100 cheaper than the base Camry. What It Means Hyundai Like Honda, Hyundai is seeing some very impressive sales for hybrids and affordable sedans in recent months. This comes as many consumers gravitate toward vehicles that are cheaper to buy and run, given the high cost of gas right now. It’s why some American automakers are looking to re-enter the sedan segment after largely abandoning it for SUVs. Efficiency and value could end up being the primary drivers behind a sedan resurgence and a cooling off period for SUVs. View the full article

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series broke new ground at South Georgia Motorsports Park, as the longtime hub of outlaw and radial racing welcomed its first NHRA national event with the NHRA Southern Nationals. For decades, the Valdosta facility has been synonymous with some of the most iconic radial races in the sport, and that same energy carried over as the NHRA’s professional categories – along with the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Series presented by Elite Motorsports and the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series – took center stage. Even with heavy rain disrupting Saturday’s schedule, the event delivered a weekend that felt equal parts historic and inevitable. Fans who stuck it out were rewarded with a headline-making performance from Shawn Langdon, who recorded the first 345-mph run in NHRA history before racing to the Top Fuel victory on Sunday. In Funny Car, rookie Jordan Vandergriff broke through for his first career win, while Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) added to their résumés with wins of their own. The weekend also delivered a full-circle moment in Pro Mod, where Jason Collins picked up his first NHRA victory at the same track where he once made waves in Pro 275 competition. Captured through the lens of Drag Illustrated contributing photographer and past DI 30 Under 30 honoree Kaitlyn Ward, this gallery reflects both the scale of the moment and the personality of a facility finally hosting the sport’s biggest stage. From record-setting speed to breakthrough wins, the images document a weekend that bridged eras – where radial roots met NHRA history in real time. This story was originally published on May 4, 2026. The post PHOTO GALLERY: NHRA Southern Nationals Take Over South Georgia first appeared on Drag Illustrated. View the full article

Cristiano Ronaldo is not a man who does things quietly. With a net worth estimated at $1.4 billion and annual earnings of around $200 million, he has the means to back that up at every turn. The footballer's car collection spans hypercars, supercars, and luxury SUVs, estimated to be worth well over $25 million. So when a 1-of-20, bespoke open-top Mercedes-AMG G-Class becomes available, and you happen to be playing for a football club with very specific colors, ordering one in those exact colors feels almost inevitable. We were sent this image this morning by someone familiar with the project, reportedly of Ronaldo's unit. The car, finished in Al-Nassr's iconic yellow and blue, with bespoke CR7 sill plates, is said to be ready for delivery. Cristiano View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article A $1.32 Million G-Wagon for the World's Highest-Paid FootballerRefined Marques, a luxury car dealer in Dubai, unveiled this bespoke project limited to just 20 units worldwide and priced at approximately $1.32 million. Under the hood, it retains the G63's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 horsepower and 850 Nm of peak torque, paired to a nine-speed automatic gearbox sending power to all four wheels. The idea, remarkably, was born when the CEO's five-year-old son asked if a Brabus G700 could have a soft-top roof. Development on the world’s only G63 Cabriolet took 18 months, with a team of Formula 1 and supercar engineers in Germany handling the conversion. The roof opens by simply releasing the latches, hitting the brake pedal, and pressing a button. It can also be lowered while on the move, with suicide doors at the rear rounding off the major changes. No two of the 20 units will look the same. Club Colors, Personal StatementAl-Nassr have worn yellow and blue since the club's founding in 1955, with yellow representing the sands of the Arabian desert and blue symbolizing the surrounding bodies of water. Those colors are deeply embedded in the club's identity, and on a drop-top G63, they’re likely to be stunning. The custom sill plates make the whole car feel less like a purchase and more like a commission. This isn't the first time Ronaldo's cars have been entangled with club loyalty. When Al-Nassr signed a sponsorship deal with BMW, all players received cars as gifts ranging from the i5 to the XM, with Ronaldo getting the top-tier XM Label as a special honor. But that was a gift. This G63 Cabriolet, at $1.32 million, is a choice. And for a man who owns a Bugatti Centodieci reportedly worth around $9 million and has multiple exotics in the garage, it is still one of his most deliberately personal acquisitions yet. View the full article

Polaris headed to Maui in the Hawaiian Islands to lend a hand to Maui Nui Venison in the company and island's quest to find balance with its axis deer population. View the full article

The Triumph Thruxton 400 is a modern café racer that revives the Thruxton name with a smaller, more accessible platform. It blends retro-inspired design with contemporary engineering and sits at the top of Triumph’s 400cc performance-focused lineup in terms of visual aggression and sporty intent. While its stance strongly echoes larger performance machines like the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR, its real-world character proves more approachable than its styling suggests. Engine and Performance Power comes from Triumph’s 398cc TR-series single-cylinder […] The post VIDEO: 2026 Thruxton 400 Tested: Triumph’s Entry-Level Café Racer With Big Bike Attitude appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

If you own a 2024 through 2026 Street Glide, Road Glide, Fat Boy, Breakout, or Road Glide 3, you'll want to know about this recall.View the full article

Car Owners Are Doing the MathWhile dealership servicing is often recommended, some owners prefer taking their cars to independent shops. A recent Ducker Carlisle study touched on that trend, finding that price is the main reason behind the shift. Ducker Carlisle’s Nate Chenenko told Automotive News that quick lube shops made more money from 2024 to 2025, while dealerships made less. Both quick lubes and dealers are raising prices, though the former is doing so at a slower rate. The study also found that dealers are struggling to retain customers, especially after the free maintenance period, which usually lasts up to two years, ends. Ford The Industry Is AdjustingMarket share for quick lubes, independent repair facilities, and tire chains increased from January 2025 to January 2026, with the study saying those gains came at the expense of dealerships. Interestingly, this happened even as automakers continue bringing more EVs to market. As a refresher, EVs do not need oil changes and can be more cost-efficient to maintain, thanks to fewer moving parts and fewer fluids to replace. Many manufacturers also offer warranties that cover high-voltage batteries. The overall number of transactions across the industry fell 11% from January 2025 to January 2026. Dealerships saw the steepest decline at 13%, followed by independent shops at 9.6%, tire chains at 8%, and quick lubes at 7.8%. The study also measured transaction dollar amounts, which declined 8.3% across the industry over the same period. Dealers again saw a larger drop at 11%, followed by tire chains at 6.4%, independent shops at 4.8%, and quick lubes at 3.4%. Getty Images What Dealers Can LearnFor car owners, the hope is that dealerships take this trend into account and come up with more compelling ways to keep customers in their service bays. After all, dealers don’t just rely on vehicle sales – service is a key part of keeping the business running. “Knowing this helps OEMs price – maybe they’re too expensive relative to tire chains, for example – and market themselves,“ Chenenko said. That could become even more important as more EVs enter the market, including the Rivian R2 and Kia EV3. Quick lubes may also see EV adoption as a long-term threat, though not an immediate one, given the strong demand for ICE vehicles in the U.S. Over time, that shift could give independent shops and tire chains more room to grow, especially if dealerships fail to give customers stronger reasons to keep coming back to their service bays. Getty View the 1 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

Blazing the TrailThe name Chevrolet Blazer is important; this model has been one of the brand's more iconic nameplates, dating back to the late 60s and 70s. Over the years, it has taken on different form factors and has survived a lot of ups and downs, but what is notable today is that it now bears the EV powertrain for the brand. Having been in production since 2024, it is about time the mid-cycle refresh is given to the Blazer EV, and for 2027, GM is set to introduce notable updates to the aging model. Chevrolet Updated Charging and New ColorsChevrolet is changing things up a bit. We already covered that they're going to make the Blazer EV for 2027, now NACS compatible. This will give new Blazer EV owners access to Tesla's extensive Supercharging network. Part of the new updates, as reported by GM Authority are a tweak to the available color choices. The big change to the color palette sees Chevy dropping the Galaxy Gray Metallic, marking 2026 as the final year you can get it. This colorway has been part of the Blazer EV's lineup since it launched in 2024. Taking its place for 2027 is White Sands, a light beige color that is already available with the Silverado EV. According to the report, this new color option for the Blazer will be available only on the LT and RS variants, not the range-topping SS. Some of the new color options for the roof will also be adjusted; Summit White will be removed as a choice for 2027. This will effectively remove the option for buyers to pair a light-colored roof with a darker exterior tone. Staying in place will be the black-painted roof for those who want a two-tone look. In terms of availability, it'll be an option on the LT variant but standard on the RS and SS. If you aren't a fan of two-tone, Chevrolet will offer the option to paint your Blazer EV a single color. Chevrolet Uniform LookWhile not really considered significant upgrades for the 2027 model year of the Blazer EV, it seems that moving forward, Chevrolet wants to streamline the exterior combinations of the car. It might also be doing this to further distinguish the model variants from one another and eliminate design elements that overlap among the three variants. Chevrolet View the full article

It took just five events behind the wheel of John Force Racing’s Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car for Jordan Vandergriff to make the final round of eliminations, and he made the best of it in capturing his first NHRA event win at the NHRA Southern Nationals in his adopted state of Georgia. Vandergriff streaked across the finish line in 4.007 seconds at 314.17 mph as J.R. Todd, the 2018 NHRA Funny Car World Champion, lost traction early and clicked it off. The win made the third generation drag racer the 13th different driver to win a Top Fuel or Funny Car event in NHRA competition for John Force Racing. Immediately after winning, Vandergriff popped out of his Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car and sprinted back up the race track, much like his uncle, Bob Vandergriff Jr., did after his victories in Top Fuel. “I’m still kind of taking in just how special this is. This moment is something I thought of for a very long time, since my last final in 2019, when I lost to Billy Torrence in Dallas,” Vandergriff said. “You know, running up the track was something I always thought about doing because my uncle did it out of pure joy when he won his first, and I just had to do it. I was contemplating it in the car before the run, and I was like, I’m doing it, no matter what. Hopefully, this is just the first of many, and it’s a good one to start.” Vandergriff dedicated the victory to Adria Force Hight, team owner John Force’s eldest daughter, who passed away April 28. “Adria got this one for me, and I truly believe that,” said Vandergriff. “I had a feeling since this morning when I thought about that her and Autumn (Adria’s daughter Autumn Hight), and the Force family and everything they’ve been through this week. I was just thinking about everything Adria did for John Force Racing. She was a pivotal part of this organization and I thank her for all the hard work she put in in helping John build this amazing race team that is giving me the chance to live my dreams and represent them.” Vandergriff defeated Hunter Green in his semifinal round, making a solid 3.964-second run at 331.36 mph to Green’s 4.151-second effort. He defeated Spencer Hyde in Rd. 2, running 3.956 seconds at 332.34 mph to a tire-smoking Hyde. In Rd. 1, Vandergriff ran 3.950 seconds at 330.63 mph to Jeff Arend’s 4.154 seconds at 309.77 mph. The Atlanta resident’s only other final-round appearance was Oct. 20, 2019, in the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals while competing in the Top Fuel category for his family-owned team. He was ahead of Billy Torrence at halftrack before hazing the tires and allowing Torrence to take the win. DeJoria lined up the Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car in the left lane against last week’s race winner J.R. Todd for her semifinal matchup, with Todd having lane choice. Both cars smoked the tires almost immediately and it became a pedal-fest from there. The Bandero Café Chevy swapped back and forth, eventually making contact with timing cones at halftrack, while Todd was able to cross the center line first, posting a 6.188-second run to DeJoria’s 7.878-second effort. The six-time NHRA Funny Car winner defeated Matt Hagan in Rd. 2, running 4.016 seconds at 314.68 mph while Hagan smoked the tires right at the start. In Rd. 1, she ran 3.946 seconds at 325.61 mph to defeat Cruz Pedregon’s run of 4.135 seconds at 237.80 mph. “Man, it’s been a crazy weekend, just a crap shoot,” said DeJoria. “The semifinals wasn’t a pretty run at all. We both smoked the tires right at the hit. It’s a blessing and a curse that I’ve been in so many unsettling runs to know what to do and what not to do, to keep myself on the good side of getting in a wreck. So, that being said, we came out unscathed, the Bandero Café Chevy SS body is fine. “But again, we had another long Sunday. It’s just our fifth race out, we’re building, and I have so much confidence in these guys. Our hearts are with our boss, John Force, and, uh, gaining those points, man. And, you know, and keeping our position in the 6th spot means a lot going into that Chicago race in a couple weeks.” Hart beat Leah Pruett off the starting line by nearly two hundredths of a second (.077 to .094) but the Speedmaster Top Fuel Dragster smoked the tires shortly thereafter, coasting to a run of 7.296 seconds at 77.48 mph to Pruett’s 3.996 seconds at 287.78 mph. “I fought hard for this ride with John Force Racing and Speedmaster and prayed for it even harder,” said Hart. “Now, I have the seat and our confidence is strong despite today’s unfortunate results. I love this JFR team and we will make up ground and improve together.” Beckman’s PEAK Chevrolet SS Funny Car also spun the tires shortly off the starting line to run 4.598 seconds at 183.24 mph to Matt Hagan’s 3.988-second run at 328.06 mph. “I hate to use the expression ‘throwaway weekend,’ because you try to find a silver lining,” said Beckman. “We’re going to keep digging until we find that silver lining. You want to be retrospective and say, ‘Okay, if we had to do all over again, what would we have done differently?’ I’m not sure I have a good answer for that, and those are the frustrating weekends for this PEAK Chevy team. This is a forgettable weekend and we’ll be over it soon.” The sixth of 20 races of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series is the May 15-17 Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA National presented by PEAK at Route 66 Speedway in Joliet, Ill. The post Jordan Vandergriff Bags First Wally at NHRA Southern Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated. 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Honda's Wagon HistoryHonda isn't normally associated with building station wagons, but it has made pretty good ones over the years. The U.S. had two generations of Accord Wagon, and there were the quirky Civic "Wagovans" from the '80s. North America was also fortunate enough to get the Acura TSX Sport Wagon, itself a federalized version of the European and Japanese-spec Accord Tourer. Outside North America, Honda offered many more longroofs. For instance, the European market still had a Civic Tourer until 2017, and Japan never stopped making Accord wagons until 2015. Speaking of, the home market had a whole slew of wagons, and fans of the brand will cite models such as the Orthia, Fit Shuttle/Shuttle, and Avancier as examples. However, the Shuttle was discontinued in Japan in 2022, leaving Honda without a true station wagon. That said, it does have a unique model in China, and it's more of a different take on the Subaru Outback. Well, that should count for something. Acura Its Crossover-Wagon Could Go GlobalJapanese auto website Creative311 managed to obtain spy shots of a new, wagon-like vehicle driving around the country. It's still heavily camouflaged, though, suggesting that it might be a while before it's fully revealed. Given that it was spotted in Japan, there might be a chance this tall wagon could be offered as a global model. The publication described the vehicle as 'European-like' and about the same length as the Passport. There's a fair amount of ground clearance, although not at the level of a Pilot, so this is more of a raised wagon than an outright crossover. One photo also reveals that it's right-hand drive, so it's possible it could be sold in Japan. As for the name, the possibility of calling it Avancier has been raised. これが噂のトライトンベースの新型パジェロ、、、？ pic.twitter.com/v7yJj2owqq — わち (@loop595) March 24, 2026 What is the Avancier?Honda first used the Avancier name in 1999 as a more upmarket version of the Japanese-market Accord Wagon and ceased production in 2003. The name was revived for the Chinese market as the company's midsize wagon/crossover mix. It's also known as the UR-V over there, featuring some cosmetic changes over the Avancier. With that in mind, the next generation of those models might finally be sold outside China. Currently, the Avancier and UR-V use the same platform as the previous-generation Pilot, but it's been lowered and shortened to suit the market. It was introduced in 2016 and has received two facelifts since. Now that it's a decade old, it's due for an all-new model. In terms of positioning, it slots in between the CR-V and Passport. Honda Potential Outback RivalGiven its size, it could be a good match for the Subaru Outback. The Outback is currently facing a bit of a challenge, as sales dropped by a whopping 40%. This Honda wagon/crossover could well capitalize on that, but that's if the company decides to offer it for North America. There's also a strong possibility of it coming with a hybrid powertrain - something the Subaru doesn't have, further broadening its appeal and market reach. It does make sense for the European market, too, as wagons remain strong there. If anything, there is still demand for midsize station wagons in the Old Continent, as proven by models such as the VW Passat and Skoda Superb. Honda hasn't offered a wagon in Europe for over a decade, and this model could be a good way to re-enter that segment. Honda View the full article

This familiar retro twin resurfaces under Morbidelli with the same specs, same platform, and a new, surprisingly appropriate name. View the full article

A Night That Ended in SirensA report from ABC13 says several drivers were arrested for street racing on Houston’s South Loop. Under a 2023 Texas law, vehicles involved can be impounded immediately and, in some cases, permanently seized. According to Taylor Vanegas, chief prosecutor of the Vehicular Crimes Unit at the Montgomery County DA’s Office, social media has encouraged some drivers to engage in acts like street racing for attention and clicks. The numbers appear to back that up: Montgomery County filed 51 racing-related cases last year and 31 in the first four months of 2026. Harris County saw an even sharper increase, 174 cases filed in the first four months of 2026, compared with 95 last year. The Social Media EffectOn social media, the more dramatic and action-packed a clip is, the more attention it tends to attract. That visibility can boost a user’s profile, potentially opening the door to opportunities such as brand deals and monetization. However, street racing is dangerous and puts public safety at risk, which is why authorities have imposed harsher penalties, with San Diego police even crushing seized vehicles involved in dangerous road behavior. In the latest incident in Texas, a total of five vehicles, reportedly doing 90 to 100 mph or even faster, were seized – four were stopped near NRG Stadium, while the fifth was located elsewhere. The report did not specify the exact models involved, but footage from the scene appears to show an S550 Ford Mustang Mach 1, another S550 Mustang in Shelby GT350 form, a Chevrolet C8 Corvette, and a Dodge Charger. For the uninitiated, those cars bring serious muscle and performance credentials. Ford What It Really CostsIn addition to vehicles being impounded, drivers found guilty of street racing could face several months in jail for a first offense and several years for repeat offenses or if a crash results in serious injuries or worse. Vanegas also warned drivers, saying, “We’ll never know who is choosing not to race because of this, but we do know they won’t keep racing as long as we have their car.” With all that said, track days remain the best way to explore a car’s full performance safely and legally. They can be expensive, but the consequences of street racing – from fines and jail time to losing the vehicle – can often cost far more. If more drivers used social media to promote track days instead, they could even help encourage safer outlets for performance driving. Chevrolet View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article View the full article

You're used to hearing about computer hacking, and maybe even robot vacuum hacking, but no one wants to hear about motorcycle hacking. But that's what is occurring with Zero and Yadea right now.View the full article

The Norton Commando 961 Classic ‘Final Edition’ serves as a fitting swansong for one of Britain’s most evocative modern classics, blending heritage design with contemporary engineering in a strictly limited run of just 40 examples. As a ‘last of the line’ variant, it carries both historical weight and collector appeal, marking the end of the 961 platform’s production lifecycle. At its core lies a fuel-injected 961cc air-cooled parallel-twin, delivering approximately 77bhp through a five-speed transmission. The powertrain retains the characterful […] The post Bike of the Day: 2022 Norton Commando 961 Classic ‘Final Edition’ appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers. View the full article

The Oben Rorr Evo delivers real motorcycle performance at just north of $1,000, making it one of the most accessible EV bikes yet. View the full article

For 2027, KTM doubled down on orange across its entire SX dirt bike lineup. Here's what to expect for next year's models.View the full article

The peak of the storm lands on Tuesday evening, which is also Cinco de Mayo, so anyone driving in the zone after dark will be sharing the road with holiday traffic on top of active chain controls and deteriorating mountain routes. Current StatusI-80 Wyoming (Cheyenne to Rawlins): open, light/high-profile restriction expected Monday nightI-25 north (Cheyenne to Casper): open, snow and wind impacts TuesdayI-70 west of Denver: open, chain controls likely Tuesday afternoonUS-34 through Rocky Mountain National Park: open, expected to close TuesdayHighway 14 over Cameron Pass: summit deterioratingWhat ChangedThe watches went to warnings overnight. NWS Cheyenne issued at 2:41 AM MDT. NWS Denver/Boulder issued just before 1 AM. The Weather Prediction Center is holding heavy snow risk at HIGH for both Tuesday and Wednesday across the Rockies. I-80 Summit, WyomingThe Winter Storm Warning here covers I-80 between Cheyenne and Laramie. The interstate climbs to about 8,640 feet at the top. Forecast: 8 to 16 inches from 9 PM Monday through noon Wednesday MDT. This stretch closes a lot. WYDOT's monthly closure data has southern Wyoming at or near the top of the country in almost every winter month, and 8 to 16 inches at the Summit makes a multi-day closure close to certain. What to watch for: WYDOT will post a "light/high-profile vehicle restriction" before any full closure. Empty trailers, RVs, campers, and passenger vehicles towing trailers get pulled off; loaded freight keeps running. Once that's posted, full closure usually follows within hours, and once the gates come down at the Cheyenne and Laramie ramps, you're not getting back on until WYDOT lifts it. The closure radio on AM 1610 carries the updates. The historic problem spot is the stretch west of Rawlins toward Bitter Creek and the Continental Divide. Drift heights there have hit four feet in past storms, which means rotaries and motor graders rather than regular plows. Elk MountainA separate Winter Storm Warning covers Arlington and Elk Mountain along I-80. Totals here are smaller, 5 to 10 inches, but Elk Mountain produces multi-truck pileups out of proportion to its snowfall numbers. The grade is steep, the crosswinds funnel between the Snowy Range and the Medicine Bow, and once the first truck jackknifes the rest of the queue can't get going again on the climb. Northern ColoradoThe Winter Storm Warning for northern Colorado covers 10 to 24 inches across the Front Range foothills, the Medicine Bow Range, and Rocky Mountain National Park. The bulletin from NWS Denver/Boulder puts it plainly: travel could be "very difficult to impossible at times, especially late Tuesday." Named in the warning: Estes Park, Nederland, Red Feather Lakes, Cameron Pass. Affected routes: US-34 through RMNP: likely closed TuesdayCO-7 / Peak to Peak Highway: chain controls, possible closureHighway 14 over Cameron Pass: summit closure likelyWestern approaches to Boulder and Fort Collins: heavy wet snow Tuesday morningThrough-TrafficSierra warnings are still active and I-70 west of Denver is also under HIGH heavy snow risk, so east-west travel across the central and southern Rockies is going to be slow or stopped through Wednesday across most of the corridor. The alternates are I-90 north or I-40 south, both of which add hundreds of miles. If You Are on the RoadCheck before every leg, not the night before. wyoroad.info, cotrip.org, or 511.If a restriction goes up on I-80, plan to stop in Cheyenne, Laramie, or Rawlins rather than at a smaller exit, since those are the towns with hotel capacity.Carry chains regardless of drive type. Colorado's Traction Law runs through May 31, and AWD doesn't exempt you.Storm tapers Wednesday afternoon, with warming returning Thursday. View the full article

In the United States, we often refer to them as the Pace Car, but in most of the rest of the world they are referred to as the Safety Car. Same thing, different name, as they are the car that goes out during cautions to slow the field down and control the speed, or pace, that the cars are traveling at under caution laps. Teams strategize how to manage cautions so that they can try to stay ahead of the Safety Car in certain conditions and circumstances. At races like this month’s Indy 500, the Pace Car has been driven by lots of different famous people over the years, but it’s not just a publicity opportunity. The Safety Car isn’t just there to look good leading the pack. In the video below you’ll see what it is like to be the safety car driver and what a race weekend can throw at them. This is during the FIA World Endurance Championship race at SPA and is a 6 hour race. But there are practice and qualifying sessions as well, so the safety car is busier than you might think. Let’s see whether it seems like a fun job or a stressful one, or maybe both. Video Description: Join Pedro Couceiro, the FIA WEC Safety Car driver, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at his race weekend duties during the 2025 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps! The post A Race Weekend In The Life of The Safety Car Driver: Behind The Scenes At The TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa FIA World Endurance Championships appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

We’re back with more Impact testing to find out how Snap-On compares to the Milwaukee M18, along with offerings from Bosch and Hopeful. It’s 3/4″ impact testing, but the results will be telling even if you aren’t in the market for a big boy impact like this. We love the Torque Test Channel as they do some great testing, have a live lifetime rankings spreadsheet that is available, and more. They put real tools to the test and aren’t afraid to get creative when the need arises either. So let’s see how the ultra expensive Snap-On compares to the rest! Video Description: LIFETIME OF RANKINGS: https://torquetestchannel.etsy.com/li… How does Snap-On top dog in impact wrenches compare to a more middle of the road Bosch 3/4″? What about a $130 example off Amazon no one has ever heard of? The reality is maybe a bit more flipped on its head than you might expect. 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 The Latest Snap-On Impact vs Milwaukee M18, Bosch & $130 Hopeful Get Put To The Test! Which 3/4 inch Impact Will Reign Supreme? appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

When you think traditional hot rods, you think of a few geographic areas of the States and a few specific shows that cater to them. I’ve seen plenty of rides like Andrew’s 1932 Ford Roadster driving around SoCal, at specific east coast shows, and at events like the Roundup in Austin Texas. Where I don’t expect to see a ride like this going down the road is in New Zealand. But that’s exactly where Andrew is at and where he’s driving the wheels off this awesome machine. Check out the feature video and interview and let us know what you think about this clean, cool, and low hot rod 1932 Ford. I know I’d drive the hell out of this thing and love every minute of it. Video Description: Our May episode features HRR repeat offender Andrew. This time it’s his low and less-is-more 32 Roadster in the lime light, a style not often seen on NZ roads. The post Lowlife! Andrew’s Traditional Low And Lean 1932 Ford Roadster Is Traditional Greatness, In A Not So Traditional Place appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Corvette. The plastic fantastic. The most mass produced fiberglass car in American history. One of the best things about them is you don’t have to worry about dents or rust. Or at least not normally. But rust never sleeps in the furthest northern reaches of the United States where Mortske is at. Well technically he’s pretty far south in North Dakota, but it’s still North Dakota. They do cold and stuff at a whole other level up there. No gracias. But I digress. So if you want to have to do rust repair on a Corvette, you need to go find one that has lived in the snow long enough to catch a case of the frame rot, because otherwise you are out of luck. In this video here you’ll see Mortske taking on a 1972 Corvette that has seen better days and is in need of some love. Let’s watch. Video Description: I recently had to scratch my itch for a steel bumper C3 Corvette so of course I bought the most affordable option which also unfortunately included a very rusty frame! But we can fix that! I hope… Join along as we get this Vette back on the road once again! If you’d like to own it, it is available for $11,000. As always, thanks for watching! The post Rust Repair On A Classic Corvette? But They Are Fiberglass! Mortske is Refreshing a 1972 Corvette on a Budget! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Here we go with more awesome vintage F1 action from the streets of Monaco! The Monaco Historic Grand Prix is one hell of an event, and it’s back after a few years off! If you dig old race cars, you are going to love this. And the way that it is organized at Monaco is something special. They organize the F1 races based on years, and they livestream the entire weekend. We shared the livestream already, and if you missed it then use the link below. But if you just want to see the independent races, we’re going to share those as well, and the first one is down below. This is the 1977-1980 Formula 1 race and just look at how sexy these race cars are! CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED THE MONACO HISTORIC LIVESTREAM The post Watch Real 1977-1980 Formula One Cars Race At Monaco! Late 1970s F1 Magic at the 2026 Monaco Historic Grand Prix! appeared first on BangShift.com. View the full article

Jonas Folger will return to MotoGP with Red Bull KTM Tech3 at Le Mans, replacing Maverick Viñales as the Spaniard continues his recovery from shoulder surgery. The post Folger to sub for Viñales at French MotoGP as KTM injury shuffle continues appeared first on MCNews. View the full article