Pistons & Rods

12/15/2024

Drag Racing and PRI News Roundup (December 8-15, 2024)

This week brought a whirlwind of excitement in the world of drag racing and performance racing, with major events, new sponsorships, and groundbreaking technologies taking center stage. From the thrilling conclusion of the NHRA season to the bustling PRI Show floor, there's plenty to catch up on. Let's dive into the latest news and updates:

PRI Show News

The 2024 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show roared into Indianapolis this week, drawing a massive crowd and showcasing the latest advancements in motorsports technology and innovation1. With over 1,000 exhibitors, including 161 first-time participants, the show floor was abuzz with activity.

Industry Growth

The impressive turnout at this year's PRI Show underscores the robust growth and innovation within the performance racing industry1. Enthusiasts and professionals alike flocked to the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium to explore cutting-edge products, connect with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights into the future of motorsports.

Exhibitor News

Several exhibitors made waves with exciting announcements and product launches:

BluePrint Engines: BluePrint Engines unveiled its new motorsports division, dedicated to producing high-performance racing engines. This move signals a commitment to providing top-tier powerplants for competitive racing applications.

Forgeline: Forgeline introduced new wheel models featuring advanced carbon-fiber technology4. These lightweight and durable wheels are designed to enhance performance and handling on the track.

Dayco: Dayco launched a new Top Fuel blower belt and announced an expanded partnership with Kalitta Motorsports4. This collaboration highlights Dayco's dedication to supporting top-tier drag racing teams.

Hot Shot's Secret: Hot Shot's Secret showcased a powerful ProMod Diesel Ram truck equipped with a Wagler Performance billet CX 6.7L Cummins engine. This impressive display demonstrated the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of diesel performance.

Vanson Leathers: Vanson Leathers introduced a new line of custom Nomex race suits, offering drivers enhanced safety and comfort on the track.

04/07/2024

Pistons & Rods: Smoke, Thunder, and the Birth of Drag Racing

Forget the gleaming chrome and polished perfection of modern drag strips. The true origins of drag racing lie in a rougher, rowdier world – the cracked tarmac of abandoned airfields, where guts and grease were the currency, and the only polish was a defiant shine on a well-worn fender.

These weren't the playgrounds of the elite, but dusty expanses christened with names like Half Moon Bay or Saugus Speedway, where the ghosts of WWII aircraft mingled with the growl of home-built beasts. The starting line? Often just a hastily drawn mark, or the nod of a weathered starter. Forget those fancy electronic trees, these were races born from raw hunger for speed.

The machines were a testament to American ingenuity, not slick sponsorships. War-surplus engines were coaxed to life, stock bodies hacked and chopped with a more-power-more-better attitude. These were Frankenstein machines, welded together in garages and backyards, their roar a primal challenge to anything and everything sleek and refined.

And the drivers? A motley crew of ex-military mechanics with fire in their eyes, restless farm boys who preferred horsepower to tractors, and anyone else with a burning need to prove that raw, gritty determination could outperform deep pockets. It was less about finesse, more about sheer will squeezed into the throttle.

Safety wasn't a rulebook, it was more an afterthought. Crowds risked their eardrums and maybe a limb to get close to the action, the faint chance of mechanical carnage half the thrill. Engine explosions? Those added to the spectacle. Fire suits were for sissies, leather jackets and lucky charms the preferred safety gear.

Drag racing, in those untamed years, wasn't a sport, it was a rebellion. A middle finger to convention, a celebration of the makeshift and the undeniably dangerous. It was about pushing limits, your own and your machine's, with a heady mix of fear and exhilaration. That spirit, that raw hunger, still beats within the modern sport, beneath the high-tech polish and blindingly fast times. It's a reminder that drag racing was born in the grit and roar, a testament to the relentless human drive to go faster, louder, and push against every boundary.

04/06/2024

If you missed yesterdays 710 Performance video, you can check it out here

Get ready for some serious restoration magic in Episode 3 of our 1967 Plymouth Valiant build! This time, we're laying down filler and tackling those imperfec...

04/02/2024

Save the Roar: Why Racetracks Are More Than Finish Lines

They're not just ribbons of asphalt laid across open fields. Racetracks are pulsating hearts in the world of speed, where the echoes of legendary races and the dreams of future champions hang heavy in the air. But these temples of motorsport are under threat, and their silence would be a deafening loss.

Here's why we should fight to **save the roar** and keep racetracks alive:

**They're Economic Powerhouses:** Forget checkered flags, think greenbacks. Race weekends are economic goldmines for host communities. A single event can pump millions into local businesses, from hotels overflowing with fans to restaurants sizzling with activity. Think jobs for tow truck drivers, souvenir hawkers, and countless others who thrive on race day buzz.

**Cradle of Automotive Innovation:** Move over Silicon Valley, there's another innovation hub in town. Racetracks are laboratories on wheels. The relentless pursuit of speed pushes engineers to the limit, developing technologies that make it onto our everyday vehicles. Anti-lock brakes? Fueled by the racetrack. Imagine a world without these safety features, all thanks to the relentless testing grounds of racing.

**Safety on the Fast Track:** The white-knuckled world of racing translates to real-world lifesavers. Research conducted on the track to protect drivers from high-speed mishaps paves the way for advanced safety features in our cars. From crumple zones that absorb impact to improved helmets that shield heads, racetracks are proving grounds for technologies that keep us safe on the road.

**Community on Four Wheels:** Racetracks are more than asphalt and exhaust fumes. They're community centers fueled by the shared passion for motorsport. Families bond over the thrill of the race, creating lasting memories. For towns, they become rallying points, drawing people together in a celebration of adrenaline and camaraderie.

**Going Green on the Racetrack:** Yes, racing has an environmental footprint. But the industry is taking a checkered flag toward a sustainable future. Electric and hybrid racecars are roaring onto the scene, while biofuels and stricter efficiency standards are changing the game. The future of racing is one where speed meets sustainability.

Let's not relegate the roar of the crowd and the blur of speeding cars to a faded photograph. Racetracks are cultural icons, economic engines, and testaments to human ingenuity. By supporting them, we ensure a vibrant future where the checkered flag continues to signal not just the end of a race, but the start of a new generation of innovation, community, and heart-pounding excitement.

03/30/2024

Drag Racing Across America: Hitting the Track Year-Round

The USA is a drag racing haven, boasting tracks across the country that cater to enthusiasts all year round. Whether you're a seasoned racer or a spectator itching for adrenaline-pumping action, there's a track waiting to welcome you. But with so many options, where do you start? This guide will unveil some of the best states for drag racing throughout the year, along with links to upcoming events to fuel your inner speed demon.

Sunshine State Showdown: Florida

Florida's warm climate makes it a prime destination for drag racing enthusiasts. Tracks like the renowned Sunshine Dragway in West Palm Beach and the Orlando Speed World Dragway host events nearly year-round. Check out the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) https://www.nhra.com/ calendar for upcoming races at Gainesville Raceway, known for its scorching summer showdowns.

West Coast Powerhouse: California

California's drag racing legacy is undeniable. Pomona Raceway, birthplace of the NHRA Winternationals, features races throughout the winter, while Auto Club Raceway in Bakersfield heats things up with events in the spring and summer. Don't miss the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in October, a spectacular display of drag racing history.

Southern Hospitality Meets Speed: Texas

Texas is a haven for drag racing, offering tracks that cater to all levels. The Texas Motorplex, one of the world's premier drag racing facilities, features NHRA events throughout the spring and fall. Head to Houston Motorsports Park in the warmer months for thrilling heads-up races or bracket racing.

Beyond the Usual Suspects

While these states reign supreme, drag racing isn't limited to the sunshine and southern hospitality. Bristol Dragway in Tennessee, nicknamed "Thunder Valley," ignites the tarmac in the spring and summer with NHRA national events. For those seeking a unique challenge, Bandimere Speedway in Colorado, nicknamed "Thunder Mountain," presents racers with the high-altitude challenge due to its near 6,000-foot elevation.

Remember: Safety first! Always prioritize legal and safe drag racing at dedicated facilities.

This list just scratches the surface of the drag racing haven that is the USA. So, buckle up, research upcoming events, and get ready to experience the thrill of drag racing in some of the best states across the nation!

03/22/2024

It's live on Youtube! Go check it out!

Get ready for an epic car build series! We're starting with a 1967 Plymouth Valiant and this is just part one. Follow along as we transform this classic car ...

02/16/2024

Here's a list of some of the most popular drag-and-drive events happening in 2024. Keep in mind that smaller, regional events might pop up throughout the year, so do some additional research on websites like Drag-N-Drive (https://drag-n-drive.com/).

Major Drag-and-Drive Events in 2024

Sick Week (January 28 - February 2): One of the earliest and most grueling drag-and-drive challenges. Competitors race at five different tracks in Florida over a single week.
Image of Sick Week drag and drive eventOpens in a new window
dragillustrated.com
Sick Week drag and drive event

Hardass 1000 (March 18-23): An Australian drag-and-drive event known for its long distances and tough conditions.

Carolina Drag Cruise (April 4-7): A popular event starting in North Carolina and covering tracks in the region.
Image of Carolina Drag Cruise drag and drive eventOpens in a new window
www.sickthemagazine.com
Carolina Drag Cruise drag and drive event

The Circuit (April 19-21): Features various racing locations in the Midwestern United States.
Image of Circuit drag and drive eventOpens in a new window
www.sickthemagazine.com
Circuit drag and drive event

Drop the Hammer (May 31 - June 2): Hosted at US131 Motorsports Park in Michigan.
Image of Drop the Hammer drag and drive eventOpens in a new window
tickets.thefoat.com
Drop the Hammer drag and drive event

Sick Summer (June 9-14): Another brutal test run during the hot summer months, starting at Byron Dragway in Illinois.
Image of Sick Summer drag and drive eventOpens in a new window
bangshift.com
Sick Summer drag and drive event

HOT ROD Drag Week (September 15-20): The longest-running and arguably the most iconic drag-and-drive competition. Drag Week travels to five tracks in five days, testing both cars and drivers.
www.motortrend.com
HOT ROD Drag Week event

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02/10/2024

Round 3 Qualifying at the Pro Superstar Shootout 2024 at BMP

02/03/2024

Congratulations to all the Sick The Magazine Sick Week 2024 Winners!

02/03/2024

Sick The Magazine had an awesome Sick Week 2024 with new records set!

Congrats to all those who competed, even if they didn’t finish!

01/26/2024

Sick The Magazine’s Sick Week is comin up!

Who’s ready for race season?

Sick Week is coming January 28-February 2, 2024! spectator tickets event Schedule Event RESULTS driving routes Event Coverage Subscribe to Sick The Mag Sick Merchandise racer information 🏆 Winner - Drag Illustrated Event of the Year 2023 🏆Sick Week 2024 Presented By Gear Vendors will see 350 o...

12/14/2023

Some valve covers for a big block Chevy Steve Morris Engines is doing.

Done by 710 Performance