Dodge is returning to the NASCAR Cup Series after a 14-year hiatus, the company announced at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Kaulig Racing will field two full-time Dodge Chargers for the manufacturer beginning in 2027. Dodge most recently competed in NASCAR's top-level series between 2001 and 2012, claiming the Cup Series championship and its 217th and most recent win in 2012 with Brad Keselowski behind the wheel of a Penske Racing Dodge Charger.

"Dodge's return to the NASCAR Cup Series is a significant milestone for the sport," NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell said. "This commitment speaks to Dodge's belief in our sport and gives fans another reason to be excited about what's ahead. The partnership between NASCAR, Tim Kuniskis and the entire team at Stellantis has been nothing short of phenomenal. They have a deep passion for NASCAR and its ability to showcase the world's top brands, and we can't wait to see Dodge on the race track for the Daytona 500 and beyond."

John Probst, president of NASCAR Event Management, views Dodge's re-entry to the sport as a signal both to the sport's rising status as well as that of the automobile industry, particularly the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) currently in the sport as Dodge rejoins Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota.

"I think it shows not only the strength of the North American car market, but also the value that NASCAR plays with these OEMs in that market as the premier motorsports in North America," Probst said in a Monday teleconference.

Stellantis, Dodge's parent company, re-entered NASCAR in 2026 by partnering with Kaulig Racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series under its Ram truck brand. The organization fielded five full-time trucks and featured stars like three-time Cup champion Tony Stewart, 2010 Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 champion Jamie McMurray and 2008 Daytona 500 champion Ryan Newman behind the wheel.

According to Stellantis, Kaulig Racing will serve as the anchor team to both Dodge and Ram, re-establishing "a factory-backed presence at the track" and creating a foundation for the next phase of the company's commitment to American motorsports. Dodge SRT Racing will lead the manufacturer's return to NASCAR. Dodge SRT Racing also oversees all the manufacturer's North American racing efforts, including NASCAR, NHRA and elsewhere.

"This is a very exciting moment for (team CEO) Chris Rice and me," Kaulig Racing owner Matt Kaulig said in a statement. "We launched Kaulig Racing a decade ago and have overcome so many challenges together, which makes it even more remarkable to be announced as the anchor team for Dodge's return to the NASCAR Cup Series. What a monumental time to be a member of Kaulig Racing."

Kaulig Racing will announce its 2027 driver lineup at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where the NASCAR Cup Series championship will be awarded on Sunday, November 8. Dodge will reveal the race car that Kaulig Racing will use to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series on December 4 at the 2026 Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, where the feature race is scheduled for Sunday, December 6. Coverage of the reveal will be live-streamed on FloRacing and the NASCAR Channel.

For more information, visit nascar.com.

Image courtesy of NASCAR

(Clockwise from far left) Ron Babb, Kas Kastner, Brian Redman, Tim Suddard and the late Clif Tufte will be inducted into the SCCA Hall of Fame in January 2027.

The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Hall of Fame Class of 2027 has been unveiled, honoring five SCCA legends whose on- and off-track achievements have earned them a place among the organization's most distinguished members.

Ron Babb, Kas Kastner, Brian Redman, Tim Suddard and the late Clif Tufte form the illustrious class of honorees, who will be officially inducted into the SCCA Hall of Fame in January during the SCCA National Convention.

Since the Hall of Fame's inception in 2005, the SCCA has recognized an extraordinary group of individuals whose contributions have helped shape the Club and the world of motorsports. Past inductees include racing greats Roger Penske, Carroll Shelby, Dan Gurney, Phil Hill and Bobby Rahal, along with influential figures such as Paul Newman, Denise McCluggage and Lyn St. James. From championship-winning drivers and innovative engineers to dedicated volunteers and leaders, each has left a lasting mark on SCCA's history, carrying forward a legacy that continues with the Class of 2027.

What follows is a summary of the accomplishments of the SCCA Hall of Fame as the Class of 2027.

Ron Babb

An active autocrosser since joining the SCCA in 1980, Ron Babb was successful on the Solo course and in developing programs at both the Regional and National level. A cofounder of the Northwest Region Solo program in the 1980s, Babb brought administrative developments learned from his Naval career to the program. He mentored other NorPac Regions who were improving their own programs and encouraged members to make the long tow to what is now called the Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Championships in the heartland, often leading a caravan himself. Prior to smartphones, his 20-year tenure as Nationals Chief of Info provided information to competitors on site, including live results. On the course, Babb is a four-time National Champion, adding to his Hall of Fame legacy.

R.W. "Kas" Kastner

R.W. "Kas" Kastner changed the way SCCA competitors approached their cars. As a driver, Kastner was the 1959 E Production National Champion, but his real legacy came off the track. Already running the Triumph Competition Department, he was the winner of SCCA's Best Technical Article award in 1963. That was when he developed manuals and, eventually, books explaining how to extract performance from Triumphs under the now-famous motto: "never be beaten by equipment." His models allowed competitors to extract the maximum performance from a car using what amounts to factory support in their own garages. He finished his career in charge of Nissan's successful IMSA GTP program. Along the way, he served as the Cal Club Region chief driving instructor, was the SCCA National Licensing Chair, and was on the Cal Club Board of Governors, which comes in addition to his being a team manager, team builder and mentor.

Brian Redman

Even today, Brian Redman is known as the consummate race car driver. A current and active member of SCCA's Central Florida Region, Redman was the only person to win three consecutive SCCA Formula 5000 championships in the mid-1970s. The Burnley, England, native was a Formula 1 racer and won at Le Mans, Daytona and Sebring. Off the track, Redman has been an unofficial promoter of SCCA activities, including the Stewards program, and an official promoter of vintage racing across the United States, with his legendary cat elevating his notoriety even more in the sport.

Tim Suddard

From the time Tim Suddard joined the SCCA in 1983 after attending his first autocross, he has provided a voice for the Club on a National and global level. As the founder of Grassroots Motorsports Magazine, which began as Auto-X, he was a cheerleader for programs that may have been overlooked on the larger motorsports stage. He was an autocross promoter near his home in Daytona Beach, and introduced the first event program to what is now the Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Championships. His magazine amplified programs like SCCA Hill Climbs and was an early proponent of SCCA's Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack program. That theme continues today, where Grassroots Motorsports Magazine reaches an audience of more than six million enthusiasts through print and digital outlets.

Clif Tufte

In the 1950s, the late Clif Tufte envisioned the future of motorsports taking place on permanent racetracks. As the road racing tide turned away from temporary courses on Strategic Air Command airports and public roads in the 1950s, Tufte conceived of, raised the funds for, designed, and built Road America outside of Elkhart Lake, WI. As the track’s first president and promoter when Road America opened in 1955, he and his team provided the blueprint for every permanent road course to come. The first race held at Road America came in September 1955 and was an SCCA National, won by fellow SCCA Hall of Fame member Phil Hill. Tufte retired from the track in 1978, prior to his passing in 1981 at 84 years old.

Ford has announced new details for the inaugural Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic, a military tribute race and musical performances at Daytona International Speedway on November 11 that will unite racing, music and service in support of the nation's military community.

Twelve Ford Racing drivers, in six teams, will each race in honor of a branch of the U.S. military, and will go head-to-head in Mustang Dark Horse Rs with custom military-inspired liveries. They will compete in a 15-minute qualifying session ahead of a 30-minute race.

The driver lineup, and which branch they will represent, includes:

• U.S. Army: Brad Keselowski and Joey Hand
• U.S. Marine Corps: Ryan Blaney and Ben Hobson
• U.S. Navy: Ryan Preece and Logan Sargeant
• U.S. Air Force: Austin Cindric and Frankie Muniz
• U.S. Space Force: Noah Gragson and Layne Riggs
• U.S. Coast Guard: Joey Logano and Ty Majeski

The Classic was developed in collaboration with NASCAR, IMSA (International Motor Sports Association), HSR (Historic Sportscar Racing) and Blue Star Families. It will benefit six nonprofits: Blue Star Families, Camp Southern Ground, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), Team Rubicon, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and The Travis Manion Foundation.

Each Mustang Dark Horse R will feature a custom Ford Racing livery inspired by an iconic vehicle, vessel or aircraft associated with one of the six military branches.

• U.S. Army: Inspired by the Abrams tank, one of the world's most capable battle tanks, and its powerful, purposeful design.
• U.S. Marine Corps: Inspired by the Assault Amphibious Vehicle and its ability to operate across land and water.
• U.S. Navy: Inspired by the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer and its commanding presence at sea.
• U.S. Air Force: Inspired by the F-22 Raptor, a supersonic stealth fighter aircraft, and its sleek, advanced design.
• U.S. Space Force: Inspired by the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle and its forward-looking, space-ready form.
• U.S. Coast Guard: Inspired by the Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutter patrol vessel and its speed and mission-ready design.

For more information, visit fordveteransdayclassic.com.

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the WRC Promoter have unveiled the 2027 FIA Junior WRC Championship calendar alongside changes designed to make the championship more accessible and strengthen its role as a development pathway for the next generation of rally drivers.

The 2027 Junior WRC season will be contested across five European rounds, marking a significant step towards reducing the financial and logistical demands of competing at international level. With all five events taking place in Europe, the revised calendar will help limit travel and transportation costs for competitors, while maintaining a diverse range of surfaces and conditions to test and develop emerging rally talent.

The championship will begin on the snow and ice of Rally Sweden before moving to the asphalt stages of Croatia Rally. Rally d'Italia will host the third round of the season, followed by the high-speed gravel roads of Rally Finland, before the championship concludes at Rally Scotland.

Alongside the revised calendar, the FIA and WRC Promoter have introduced a significantly expanded prize package for the 2027 Junior WRC Champion, who will receive a seven-round WRC2 program for the 2028 season. Increased from four events in previous editions, the prize will provide the winning driver with an enhanced opportunity to gain experience and establish themselves at the next level of international rallying.

The expanded prize represents further investment in junior rallying and reinforces the Junior WRC's position as a key stepping stone towards WRC2 and, ultimately, the highest level of the FIA World Rally Championship.

In addition, Hankook will provide an allocation of free tires to Junior WRC competitors throughout the 2027 season, helping to reduce one of the principal costs associated with competing in the championship.

Building on Hankook's existing involvement in the FIA World Rally Championship, the initiative will provide additional financial support to emerging drivers, making international rallying more accessible to up-and-coming crews.

The sporting format will also be revised for 2027, with changes designed to reward consistent performance and maintain a competitive championship battle throughout the season.

While points from all five rallies will contribute towards the Championship standings, each crew's best four event results will count towards the final classification. Participation in the final round at Rally Scotland will be compulsory for crews to qualify for the Championship classification.

The previous double-points format for the season finale will also be removed, with Rally Scotland awarding standard Championship points in line with the other four rounds.

Together, these changes will further strengthen Junior WRC’s position as the world's premier development championship for emerging rally talent, says the FIA.

Learn more on the FIA release.

Polaris and RZR Factory Racing have introduced the all-new, purpose-built RZR Pro R Factory Boost platform for open-desert racing.

Delivering up to 400 hp, the RZR Pro R Factory Boost is designed and developed by Polaris engineers and built in Roseau, Minnesota, bringing a bigger, stronger and more capable package to the race-proven platform, according to the manufacturer. The model joins the existing Gen 2 RZR Pro R Factory in Polaris's race vehicle lineup.

The RZR Pro R Factory Boost builds on the recently introduced production RZR Pro R Boost while incorporating proven components and lessons learned from the Gen 2 RZR Pro R Factory. Engineered specifically for competition, the new race machine further refines power delivery, chassis design, cooling and suspension to meet the demands of high-speed desert racing, according to Polaris.

The RZR Pro R Factory Boost includes the following race modifications:

• Turbocharged Power: A race-tuned, turbocharged ProStar Fury 2.0L four-cylinder engine delivers up to 400 hp for commanding holeshots, high-speed passes and the power to attack demanding terrain.
• Performance Race-Spec Chassis: The reinforced chassis features a wheelbase extended by 6.5 in. to a total of 111 in., for greater straight-line stability and control over rough terrain. Increased tubing size across key structural members adds strength and stiffness to support higher speeds and the demands of desert racing.
• Competition-Ready Cockpit and Cage: Redesigned with driver feedback in mind, the all-new cage design delivers added strength, while a cab that’s two inches wider provides more cockpit space for improved comfort and legroom. The expanded design transforms the feel from a traditional side-by-side to a purpose-built race car.
• Full Carbon Fiber Bodywork with Aerodynamic Design: Sculpted carbon fiber bodywork and an arched roofline reduce weight and improve aerodynamic efficiency at high speeds. Polaris engineers used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to model airflow at speeds exceeding 100 mph, informing the cage shape and redesigned rear body profile to optimize airflow and support high-speed desert racing performance.
• Upgraded Fuel System: A 45-gallon (170-L) fuel cell increases capacity over the previous-generation RZR Pro R Factory’s 34-gallon system, extending its range beyond 200 miles to reduce pit stops.
• MoTeC Components: The fully integrated MoTeC electronics package features an upgraded M150 ECU and dual power distribution modules, adding a second PDM over the Gen 2 RZR Pro R Factory for expanded power distribution and control capabilities.
• Race-Tuned DYNAMIX DV Suspension: Three-inch internal bypass DYNAMIX DV Live Valve shocks feature race-specific components and upgraded one-inch shock shafts for increased strength and a broader dynamic range. Race-specific tuning maintains control across changing terrain, while a standard FOX steering damper absorbs large impacts to improve steering control and driver confidence at high speeds.

The RZR Pro R Factory Boost is available to order now in limited quantities through SCI Distribution, LLC, an exclusive distributor, with the first order window closing February 15, 2027. The new race machine will be offered alongside the continued availability of the RZR Pro R Factory, giving racers two platforms to choose from based on their performance needs and racing goals. Polaris will produce the RZR Pro R Factory Boost with SCI managing the sales and post-sale customer support process.

Image courtesy of Polaris

Motorsports executive Brian Flynn has been promoted from executive vice president and general manager to president of Sonoma Raceway, Speedway Motorsports, owner and operator of the California facility announced.

For more than three years, Flynn has elevated the business performance of the motorsports facility while continuing to expand Sonoma Raceway's reputation and event calendar as a race fan, tourist and corporate event destination in wine country, according to Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. Sonoma Raceway annually hosts thousands of guests from around the world for signature events such as the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Cup Series race, the Ferrari Challenge North America, the DENSO NHRA Nationals and the Velocity Invitational. Under Flynn's leadership, Sonoma Raceway has earned the Speedway Motorsports Acceleration Award for the past two years, recognizing year-over-year gains in financial performance, according to the company. In addition to leading Sonoma Raceway, Flynn serves in an executive leadership role for Willow Springs Raceway in Southern California.

"Brian has built a team that is operating at the highest-level hosting internationally recognized motorsports and high-performance automotive events," said Smith. "He and his team have also established the facility's exclusive Turn 11 as a premium hospitality venue amongst global brands."

With 30 years of senior motorsports and business management experience, Flynn joined Sonoma Raceway as general manager in 2023 after consulting since 2020 on its high-performance driving, karting and hospitality experiences. From 2009 until 2018, Flynn served as CEO of Petty Holdings LLC, which included the Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE) and Petty Enterprises where Flynn had served as president of the NASCAR race team from 2000-2005.

For more information, visit sonomaraceway.com.

Andersen Promotions has announced the upcoming season schedule for USF Pro Championships, featuring a calendar of 52 races and a combined total of 50 dedicated pre-event and series’ test days.

Approaching its 18th season of competition, USF Pro Championships––USF Pro 2000, USF2000 and USF Juniors––continues to solidify its role as a pipeline to North America's highest levels of racing, according to series officials. To date, more than $30 million in career-advancement scholarships has been awarded to help drivers take the next steps.

Highlights of the 2027 calendar include:

• An increase to 36 races in support of INDYCAR
• A two-day pre-season Spring Training at Barber Motorsports Park
• The return of USF Pro 2000 to the streets of St. Petersburg
• The addition of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for USF2000 and USF Juniors
• An expansion to three events on INDYCAR race weekends for USF Juniors
• An extended schedule concluding the beginning of October, culminating in a Monday Championships Awards Celebration at The Osthoff Resort
• The continuation of both INDYCAR and AMR Safety Team services

An increase in prize money and awards will see more than $1.62M distributed in 2027, anchored by major advancement scholarships for each series champion alongside $53,000 in continued pole position awards from Continental Tire. The scholarship funding breakdown features increases valued at $603,000 for the USF Pro 2000 champion to graduate into INDY NXT, $451,710 for the USF2000 champion to advance to USF Pro 2000, and $300,810 for the USF Juniors champion to ascend into USF2000.

Under the USF Pro Championships TV banner, Pro Racing Group will enter its 14th season as the official broadcast and social media arm providing live streaming of all events, behind-the-scenes content and programming specials such as the Driven series.

Click here for more information, visit usf2000.com.

See the full 2027 schedule below:

The engines are cold and the tracks are quiet, but the three most important business days in motorsports are nearly upon us.

For motorsports professionals, the 38th annual PRI Show is not simply another perfunctory trade show. It's the most important annual business gathering of the entire industry—an invaluable opportunity to network, learn, and secure deals that can change the trajectory of a season, a career, or an entire business.

Held December 10–12 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, the 2026 PRI Show is expected to attract more than 1,000 exhibiting companies and more than 40,000 motorsports professionals from all 50 states and 70 countries. With every discipline of the industry represented, attendees will also have access to educational seminars, networking events, and countless demonstrations of tools and machines in action.

Put simply, there is no comparison to the scale and value of the PRI Show.

"The PRI Show is the only industry show where we can learn more about what other like-minded industry people are involved in and how we can provide a better service to our customers and the sport in general," said Stephen Whyte of the Australian Auto-Sport Alliance (AASA) in Melbourne, Australia.

Registration for the 2026 PRI Show has been simplified. With the new Direct-to-Badge registration process, qualified motorsports professionals can purchase their badges for the PRI Show directly, without a PRI membership. While early-bird pricing expired on October 2, attendees can purchase a badge for $55 until December 9. On-site registration will be $65.

"We view the PRI Show as the kickoff to a new racing season," said Alec Braun of Performance Bodies & Parts, Cedar Falls, Iowa. "With our primary customer base being circle track dirt racers, December is that brief 'downtime' before everyone begins preparing for the upcoming season."

Don't miss your opportunity to kick off the 2027 season armed with the latest knowledge, innovative tooling, and valuable connections that you'll only find at the 38th annual PRI Show.

The Value of Connection and Comparison

With every motorsports discipline gathered in one place, the PRI Show creates unmatched opportunities for personal connections as well as comparisons of products and strategies across the entire industry.

"PRI gives us a perspective beyond our own regional series," said Drew and Beth Kreibich of the Midwest Truck Series in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. "As a series, we want to continually improve and stay ahead of where the industry is going. PRI gives us insight into new opportunities to grow our brand, develop sponsorships, evaluate technical and operational practices, and ultimately create the best racing product we can for our teams and fans."

Cross-discipline conversations at the PRI Show are rarely planned, yet they often facilitate a valuable exchange of information among parties who would otherwise never cross paths at the track. Whether in an education seminar, social hour, or on the Show floor, any conversation may surface a nugget of information that translates into additional performance or opportunity in 2027.

"The PRI Show helps our business by way of knowledge, the latest innovation in the sport, and an opportunity to compare our business processes so that we can either learn from or pass along information to our fellow sanctioning bodies," said Whyte. "It is invaluable to have the connection with the international motorsport industry."

With the entire motorsports industry gathered in one place, attendees' access to decision-makers is unmatched. But the lasting value comes from the countless connections forged at PRI, which pay dividends long into the future.

The best way to build connections and capitalize on these opportunities is to come into the PRI Show with a solid plan and an outgoing personality.

"As the Show has grown in so many different directions, we've found the greatest value comes from having our buyers build vendor relationships, while our sales team walks the show floor to identify new products and manufacturers we should consider adding," said Braun. "One recent example is Zamp Racing Products. That relationship began at the PRI Show and has grown into a very popular and trusted product line for Performance Bodies. Zach at Zamp and our purchaser, Joel, have developed a great relationship that continues to benefit both companies."

Of course, it's not just manufacturers or distributors cashing in on connections. The PRI Show is also one of the best opportunities for sanctioning bodies, tracks, and race teams to connect face-to-face with potential new partners and begin building valuable relationships.

"PRI has also given us the opportunity to connect directly with vendors who have gone on to become contingency sponsors for our racers or provide products for our end-of-year awards ceremony," said the Kreibichs. "Those face-to-face conversations have helped us build relationships that provide real value back to our teams and drivers. It's a great example of how the connections we make at PRI can continue to pay off long after we leave the show."

"Attending the PRI Show is an absolute must for anyone involved in any aspect of our [industry]," added Bob Ashton of Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN). "The networking opportunities are unsurpassed, and the accessibility to the real 'movers and shakers' of our industry is endless."

Whether you're looking to learn, connect, or seek new opportunities for the season ahead, the PRI Show offers the most comprehensive industry access of the entire year.

To read the full article, plus hundreds of other articles like it for free, sign up for a digital subscription to PRI Magazine on Zinio here.   

Once you download the Zinio mobile app or are logged into Zinio on a desktop browser, you will gain immediate access to more than a year's worth of content, including "Seal the Deal at the 2026 PRI Show" here and additional coverage in the November 2026 issue here.

Are suspension systems magic? Apparently, some racers think so.

Aaron Lambert of Penske Racing Shocks in Reading, Pennsylvania, said for many of his customers, how shocks and dampers work "is the black magic of racecars."

Frank Simonetti of Swift Springs USA in Chino Hills, California, said, "For some guys, a spring is black magic. There's a lot to a spring, and it's something a lot of people don't know about."

Both companies are focused on educating their customers as to how their products work to remove some of the "magic" stigma and enable racers to optimize their suspension setups.

"You can build a great product, but if you don't educate your customer on how to use it, you're just selling them a product," Simonetti said. "We want to educate our customers. We want our customers to understand why it's different, why it's better."

"Ultimately, if you have the right tools to test the components, you can pretty quickly see how they work," Lambert said. "Our focus is on tools to help them run the shocks, but run them smart, understand what they're doing and why."

Pulling back the curtain on the "magic" of suspension systems is just one trend we noticed as we spoke to manufacturers across racing segments about the latest in racing suspension technology.

What Drives Suspension Development?

At Penske, "we continue to see a lot of development in series such as Formula 1, NASCAR and sportscar," said Lambert. "A lot of the development is driven by the rulebook and what you can and can't do. If there were an open rulebook, we'd be developing a lot of different things, but you have to stay within the rule set for legality reasons."

"We go to the races," Simonetti said. "I probably attend 160, 170 nights in racing. Bubba [Gale, inventor of the spring smasher and a Swift employee] attends about 150. We sponsor quite a few teams, and we work with them to find out what they're looking for."

Simonetti also works with chassis manufacturers, including Longhorn Chassis, Rocket Chassis, MB Customs, Razor Chassis, GMS Race Cars and more. "They're always changing chassis design to build a better chassis, because the chassis is actually the biggest spring in the car. So we work very closely with the racers who buy those cars, as well as the manufacturers, to decide when we need to build something new."

Circle track racing drives development of "new product, new techniques, new designs and then that can then spread out into other race disciplines," Simonetti said.

Road racing is the major focus of AST/Moton Suspension, which is headquartered in the Netherlands. "We supply something like 20, 22 different single-make series championships in Europe, where they are allowed to use only our dampers," said Coen de Korte. "They expect from us that we do the best we can to make the suspension as light as possible, to really make sure there's not a lot of friction in the damper. We have four engineers. We're constantly reviewing our suspension to see if we can make it better."

The Ongoing Quest for More Data

Not all new suspension tech is in the suspension itself. Lambert's comments on "tools to test the components" referred to software and other tools Penske is developing "to help test the shocks themselves, to give the end user a better understanding and education on what the shocks are doing, how to apply that when you're racing, and what that means from a feel standpoint and a handling standpoint."

Penske manufactures its own shock dynos, and a new version of the dyno software is in the works, Lambert said.

To read the full article, plus hundreds of other articles like it for free, sign up for a digital subscription to PRI Magazine on Zinio here.   

Once you download the Zinio mobile app or are logged into Zinio on a desktop browser, you will gain immediate access to more than a year's worth of content, including "Cutting-Edge Suspension Tech" here and additional coverage in the November 2026 issue here.

The Dakar Rally is temporarily relocating from Saudi Arabia to Portugal and Morocco for 2027 due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The annual rally raid will begin in Portugal in Loulé-Faro, at the 30,000-seat Algarve Stadium. This arena will provide the setting for the launch of the 49th edition, which will head towards Morocco, a historic ally of the event.

Experienced in hosting international events, Morocco will be able to support the Dakar in meeting a new organizational challenge within the limited time frame available, Dakar Rally organizers said.

Following the opening of the service park on January 5 in Loulé-Faro, administrative and technical scrutineering will take place there from January 6-8. The sporting action will begin in Portugal on January 9 with the prologue, before the first special stage the following day. The stage will continue with a transfer to the port of embarkation for Nador, Morocco. The Mediterranean crossing will take place overnight.

Upon their arrival in Africa on January 11, competitors will make their way by transfer to the first Moroccan bivouac in Bouarfa. From the Oriental region, in north-eastern Morocco, the race will initially head south along the Atlas Mountains via Zagora, then Agadir, where the caravan will take a 24-hour break.

Smara, then almost to Dakhla, will mark the furthest points on the map of the second week. From there, the caravan will begin its journey back north, once again via Smara, before following the Atlantic Ocean and reaching Marrakech, its final destination.

The route, designed over recent weeks based on the knowledge accumulated by the organizing teams and a series of reconnaissance missions, meets the usual standards of the season's biggest rally-raid event, with 2,697 miles (4,341 km) of special stages, a figure close to the format of recent editions. On a daily basis, most special stages will range between 180 and 310 miles (350 and 500 km).

For more information, visit dakar.com.

Images courtesy of Dakar Rally