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How to Check Used Car History in Dubai: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Photo by depositphotos at https://depositphotos.com/

Buying a used car in Dubai can be a smart financial decision, but only if you know exactly what you are purchasing. While many vehicles appear well-maintained on the surface, hidden issues such as accidents, outstanding loans, or odometer fraud can turn a good deal into an expensive mistake. That is why understanding how to check used car history in Dubai is essential before finalizing any purchase.

This beginner-friendly guide explains every step of the process clearly and professionally. By the end, you will know how to verify a vehicle’s background, avoid common risks, and buy with confidence with Malik Motors Cheap Used Cars UAe.


Section 1: Why Checking Used Car History in Dubai Is Important

Before discussing the process, it is important to understand why vehicle history checks matter. Dubai has one of the most active used car markets in the world, with thousands of vehicles changing ownership every month. However, not all cars come with a clean record.

A full vehicle history check helps you:

  • Identify previous accidents or major damage
  • Confirm genuine mileage and ownership details
  • Detect outstanding loans, fines, or police cases
  • Avoid cars that were previously written off or flooded

Moreover, knowing how to check used car history in Dubai protects you legally and financially. It ensures that you do not inherit unpaid fines or unresolved issues after ownership transfer.


Section 2: Documents and Information You Need Before Checking History

Before you begin checking a used car’s history, you must collect basic information. Fortunately, the process is straightforward and beginner-friendly.

Key Details Required

To check a car’s background in Dubai, you usually need:

  • Chassis Number (VIN) – the most important identifier
  • Plate Number – useful for RTA and police checks
  • Previous Registration Card (Mulkiya) – if available

Always ask the seller to provide these details. A genuine seller will never hesitate. If the seller avoids sharing information, consider it a warning sign and proceed with caution.


Section 3: How to Check Used Car History in Dubai Through RTA

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is the most reliable government source for vehicle history checks in Dubai. It provides verified and up-to-date records.

Step-by-Step RTA Vehicle History Check

First, visit the official RTA website or use the RTA Dubai mobile app. Then, enter the vehicle’s chassis number or plate number. After that, review the generated report carefully.

The RTA report typically includes:

  • Vehicle specifications
  • Registration history
  • Accident records reported in Dubai
  • Vehicle status (active, exported, or cancelled)

As a result, this method is one of the safest ways to learn how to check used car history in Dubai using official government data.


Section 4: Checking Accident History Through Dubai Police

While the RTA provides valuable data, Dubai Police records add another critical layer of safety. Accident history can reveal whether a vehicle has been involved in major collisions.

How Dubai Police Accident Checks Work

You can check accident history through the Dubai Police website or mobile application. Simply enter the chassis number to retrieve available accident reports.

This check helps you:

  • Confirm if the car was involved in minor or major accidents
  • Identify the severity of previous damages
  • Avoid vehicles with structural or safety compromises

Therefore, combining RTA and Dubai Police checks gives a more complete picture of the vehicle’s past.


Section 5: Checking Used Car History Through Insurance Databases

In addition to government platforms, insurance records offer valuable insights. Insurance companies document accidents, claims, and repairs that may not always appear elsewhere.

Why Insurance History Matters

Insurance records can reveal:

  • Major accident claims
  • Flood or fire damage
  • Total loss or write-off status

Some dealerships and third-party inspection companies in Dubai provide access to insurance history checks. Although this service may involve a small fee, it adds another layer of protection when learning how to check used car history in Dubai.


Section 6: Using Chassis Number (VIN) for International History Checks

Many used cars in Dubai are imported from other countries, including the USA, Japan, or Europe. In such cases, local checks alone may not be sufficient.

How VIN-Based Checks Help

Using the VIN, you can access international vehicle history databases. These reports may show:

  • Previous country of registration
  • Auction or salvage records
  • Mileage inconsistencies
  • Recall history

As a result, VIN checks are especially important when buying imported or non-GCC specification vehicles.


Section 7: Physical Inspection and RTA Testing Centers

Even after checking digital records, you should always inspect the car physically. Dubai offers authorized RTA testing centers that provide comprehensive vehicle inspections.

What RTA Inspection Covers

An RTA inspection evaluates:

  • Engine and transmission condition
  • Chassis and frame integrity
  • Brake and suspension systems
  • Emissions and safety compliance

If a car passes the RTA inspection, it is legally eligible for ownership transfer. Therefore, this step completes the process of understanding how to check used car history in Dubai from both digital and physical perspectives.


Section 8: Common Red Flags to Watch Out For

While checking a car’s history, you should remain alert for warning signs. These red flags often indicate deeper issues.

Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

  • Inconsistent mileage readings
  • Missing or altered chassis numbers
  • Refusal to provide any inspection reports
  • Extremely low prices compared to market value
  • Frequent ownership changes over a short period of time

If you notice any of these issues, it is better to walk away and explore other options.


Section 9: Benefits of Buying from Trusted Dealers in Dubai

Although private sellers may offer lower prices, authorized dealers often provide greater peace of mind. Many reputable used car dealers in Dubai perform history checks before listing vehicles.

Advantages of Dealer-Purchased Used Cars

  • Verified any accidents and the ownership history
  • RTA-tested and approved vehicles
  • Optional warranties and/or service packages
  • Professional documentation handling

For beginners, buying from a trusted dealer simplifies the process of learning how to check used car history in Dubai.


Section 10: Final Checklist Before Buying a Used Car in Dubai

Before you make your final decision, review this checklist:

  • RTA vehicle history report checked
  • Dubai Police accident history verified
  • Insurance and VIN history reviewed
  • RTA inspection completed
  • Outstanding fines and/or loans cleared

Following this checklist ensures that your purchase remains safe, transparent, and legally secure.

Safety Lessons From Motorsports That Apply To Everyday Roads

Photo by cottonbro studio

Motorsports look like pure speed and spectacle, but the real story is how carefully risk gets managed. Every lap is a controlled experiment in physics, attention, and teamwork, with safety systems built for the moments when control slips.

Every day driving is not a race, yet it has the same ingredients: humans making fast decisions inside heavy machines, surrounded by uncertainty. The useful takeaway is not to drive like a pro, but to borrow the habits and safeguards that pros treat as non-negotiable.

Build A Safety Margin, Not A Sense Of Control

Racing teams plan for mistakes as a normal part of the system, not a personal failure. That mindset creates room for imperfect reactions, changing weather, and traffic that does not behave as expected.

On public roads, a safety margin shows up as longer following distance, earlier braking, and fewer last-second lane changes. It means leaving time for the drive, so impatience does not steer decisions.

A margin is an active discipline. When space is protected, small surprises stay small, and the odds of a chain reaction drop fast.

Treat Visibility As A Performance Variable

Drivers in motorsports obsess over sightlines, glare, and what the windshield reveals at 1 second and 3 seconds ahead. Visibility is not only “can something be seen,” but “can it be understood quickly enough to act.”

On regular roads, clean glass, aligned headlights, and wipers that clear in one sweep are basic, but the bigger point is scanning. A steady pattern of checking far ahead, mirrors, and cross-traffic reduces the chances of being trapped by someone else’s move.

Night driving is where this lesson pays twice. If speed stays the same while visibility shrinks, the brain is forced to guess, and guessing is where collisions begin.

Standardize The First 60 Seconds After A Near Miss

Racing teams rely on checklists because adrenaline makes memory unreliable. The same logic applies after a hard brake, a close call, or a minor bump, when attention narrows, and people miss obvious details.

A simple routine helps: breathe, assess injuries, create space from moving traffic, and verify the car is safe to operate before trying to “get out of the way.” When people rush, they often step into traffic or move a vehicle that should stay put for documentation.

In those first moments, it helps to think like a pit crew: protect the scene first, then handle the details in order. If a crash happens, a prepared plan matters more than a perfect plan, and guidance after a car accident can fit into that routine as part of the next steps, not as a panicked search later. The goal is calm sequencing, so important actions do not get skipped.

Respect Impact Physics, Not Just Speed Limits

In racing, the danger is not only top speed, but the energy that must be dissipated when speed changes suddenly. Even outside racing, the physics do not negotiate, and heavy vehicles make the math harsher.

A NASCAR-focused engineering write-up notes that stock cars can reach about 190-200 mph, which is far beyond public-road speeds, yet the key lesson is the same: doubling speed multiplies crash energy dramatically. The body and the car’s structure pay that bill in milliseconds.

On everyday roads, the practical takeaway is to reduce the speed at which “surprise” is allowed to happen. Lowering speed in rain, in darkness, or near intersections is a direct response to the way impact forces scale.

Let The Car’s Safety Systems Work With Good Habits

Motorsports safety improved when design caught up to real crash patterns, and when teams treated tech as part of a system, not a magic shield. Modern road vehicles rely on systems that assume the driver is still doing their part.

Automatic emergency braking and similar tools can help, but effectiveness varies with vehicle type and scenario. A MITRE analysis of real-world ADAS performance reported that automatic emergency braking effectiveness increased by about 4% for every 1,000-pound decrease in gross vehicle weight rating, which highlights why expectations should stay realistic.

The best use of safety tech is to treat it as a backstop, not the plan. When following distance, attention, and speed management are already solid, driver-assist features become a meaningful extra layer.

Train Attention Like It Is A Skill

In racing, attention is trained through repetition, feedback, and a tight focus on what matters most right now. That means filtering noise while still noticing threats.

On public roads, attention training looks like removing distractions and resisting multitasking that feels harmless. It means noticing patterns, like the car that keeps drifting within its lane or the pedestrian near the curb who is watching traffic.

A useful mental checklist can keep attention from drifting:

  • Eyes up and far ahead, not fixed on the bumper in front
  • Mirrors checked on a rhythm, not only when changing lanes
  • Hands steady, with no device use while moving
  • Speed adjusted to visibility, not to habit

Communicate Early And Clearly

Motorsports reward drivers who are predictable to others, even while driving aggressively. Signals, positioning, and consistent lines reduce the chance of surprise, and surprise is what causes contact.

Everyday roads are full of ambiguous signals: half-committed lane changes, sudden stops, and turns made from the wrong lane. Early signaling, gradual braking, and staying centered in the lane are quiet forms of communication that reduce risk.

Communication includes knowing when not to “negotiate” with other drivers. If another car is pushing for space, letting it go is often the safer choice than trying to be technically correct.

Use Systems Thinking, Not Blame Thinking

Racing safety culture treats incidents as data, then asks what can be changed in the environment, the process, and the equipment. That approach does not erase responsibility, but it stops the analysis from ending at “someone messed up.”

A FIA activity report on safety and technological development described ongoing collaboration with broad industry representation, including participation from 28 automotive manufacturers, showing how safety progress is often coordinated and iterative. The point is that safer outcomes usually come from systems that are refined.

For everyday driving, systems thinking means spotting personal patterns and adjusting inputs before a crash forces the lesson. Small changes can compound:

  • Avoiding the same risky merge at rush hour
  • Choosing routes with fewer conflict points
  • Leaving earlier to reduce pressure
  • Maintaining tires and brakes before performance drops
motorcycle
Photo by Philipp Fahlbusch

Motorsports safety is a layered method that assumes humans are fallible. The everyday version is simpler, but the core is the same: create buffers, standardize key actions, and lower the chances of high-energy surprises.

When those habits become routine, driving feels less stressful because fewer moments demand emergency decision-making. The result is fewer crashes and fewer close calls that quietly drain attention and confidence.

Ken Roczen Wins in Glendale to Become Fourth Different Winner in Five Races to Open 2026 Monster Energy Supercross Season

Haiden Deegan Goes Wire-to-Wire for Fourth Straight 250SMX Class Victory

GLENDALE, Ariz. (February 7, 2026) – The fifth round of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship was headlined by the largest audience ever for a Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship race inside State Farm Stadium, which also included unprecedented attendance at FanFest. The record crowd was treated to a memorable night of racing that provided a shakeup of the early 450SMX Class title fight as Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Suzuki’s Ken Roczen became the fourth different winner in the first five races, while Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence took over the points lead. It all unfolded after misfortune hindered entering points leader and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Eli Tomac to a finish outside the top 10.

450SMX Class Main Event

The 450SMX Class Main Event began with ISRT MX4Christ Kawasaki’s Vince Friese briefly out front for the holeshot before Lawrence grabbed the early lead ahead of Roczen and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb, the defending series champion and winner of last weekend’s race in Houston. Behind them, Tomac was taken to the ground entering the first turn by Quad Lock Honda’s Christian Craig, who lost traction and collided with his KTM-mounted counterpart. Tomac took his time to re-enter the race and resumed well back of the field in 22nd place. Back up front, Lawrence paced the field for the opening stint of the 20 Minutes + 1 Lap Main Event until Roczen went on the attack and seized control of the lead with about 16 minutes left on the race clock. The German’s impressive pace allowed him to establish a lead of about 3.5 seconds, which he managed for the majority of the race. Lawrence asserted a firm hold of second, as Webb slowly lost touch with the lead duo and soon settled in all by himself in third. As the lead trio strengthened their respective positions, the attention shifted to Tomac and his recovery from the early misfortune. Once he caught the rear of the field, Tomac methodically worked his way up the running order, picking off riders one-by-one until he found himself on the cusp of the top 10 in the closing stages of the race.

Roczen went unchallenged en route to his fifth victory inside State Farm Stadium, where he took the checkered flag 3.3 seconds ahead of Lawrence, who captured a fourth straight runner-up finish. Webb followed up his win with a third-place effort, while Tomac climbed up to 12th and salvaged what could have been a devastating night in the championship.

Roczen’s triumph was the 24th of his decorated career and he has now emerged victorious across seven consecutive seasons. It served as an emotional win for the veteran, following a Friday announcement from Pipes Motorsports Group that revealed esteemed team manager Larry Brooks has been diagnosed with cancer and has taken a leave from the races as he undergoes treatment.

Lawrence, whose fifth career runner-up is tied for the second-most without a win in series history, moved atop the 450SMX Class standings and took possession of the red plate for the first time in the premier division. He currently holds a five-point lead over Roczen, while Tomac dropped to third, eight points behind Lawrence.

Ken Roczen
Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Suzuki’s Ken Roczen became the fourth different winner in five races with an impressive performance in Glendale.

Ken Roczen – 1st Place – 450SMX Class
“This feels unreal. I got a good start and then Friese cut me off going into the first turn, which I expected, which slowed my momentum a little bit. [Eventually] I was able to pass Hunter [Lawrence] and I knew it was going to be a long Main Event because trying to put a gap [on the field] was really hard and the track was tricky. It was just so fast, and everything was built super tall. I’m just really happy.

“I want to dedicate this win specifically to Larry [Brooks]. He hasn’t been able to be with us here the last few races. It really hurts all of our hearts. He loves this more than anybody. This one goes out to him.”

Hunter Lawrence – 2nd Place – 450SMX Class
“It’s bittersweet. I got a great start and was in a great position. Kenny [Roczen] was riding unreal tonight. He was riding a lot better than me in the first 10 minutes and opened that gap. I just didn’t quite have it. I didn’t feel amazing, just flat, but not bad. We’ll take it. [Getting] the red plate is cool, but we’ve got a long season ahead.”

Cooper Webb – 3rd Place – 450SMX Class
“It was a good night overall. I think we know this hasn’t always been my best place [results wise], so I was really happy with that result. Kenny [Roczen] was riding awesome and I was right there with Hunter [Lawrence] for a bit and then he started inching away. I fell into a bit of a no-man’s land and took it for a third. I’m happy with that. Happy to leave here with good points. A podium here is a win for me.”

Eli Tomac – 12th Place – 450SMX Class
“I put myself in a position where bad things can happen. I started off a little bit pinched [by other riders] and then got taken out by Craig. I don’t know what happened before that or why he crashed. All I know is Craig hit me and I was done. It took me a little while to get warmed up again, to get my body loosened up and going. That’s what I had to get back to 12th. The good thing is we’re not too far down [in the championship]. We’ll just have to do some digging now.”

250SMX Class

The fifth race of the Western Divisional 250SMX Class was arguably the most dominant yet for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan, the reigning West champion. He stormed out the gate to open the 15 Minutes + 1 Lap Main Event with a convincing holeshot that he turned into a multi-second lead just a couple laps into the race. From there, Deegan never looked back and continued to add to his advantage. Fellow Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider Michael Mosiman gave chase from second, while Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Ryder DiFrancesco battled for third. McAdoo held the position initially but gave way to DiFrancesco for several laps before the Kawasaki rider reclaimed the position and inched away from his rival. As the race wore on, all eyes centered on Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen, who was on an incredible charge through the field after he rounded the first turn in 19th place. The Washington native made an improbable climb into the top five and then passed his teammate McAdoo to move into podium position with less than three minutes remaining. Kitchen’s journey forward didn’t end there as he caught and passed Mosiman for second with 90 seconds to go and even had Deegan in his sights on the final lap.

Deegan’s command of the Main Event was never threatened, and he easily amassed a wire-to-wire performance for his fourth straight victory. He took the 11th win of his career by 4.1 seconds over Kitchen, who passed 17 riders to secure back-to-back runner-up finishes. McAdoo made a late charge to catch and pass Mosiman and finish third for the second consecutive race, which resulted in an identical podium from the previous race.

Deegan further solidified his command of the Western Divisional standings and has a lead of more than a single race, at 27 points over Mosiman, who finished fourth. DiFrancesco, who finished fifth, sits third, 29 points out of the lead. McAdoo and Kitchen sit fifth and sixth, respectively.

Haiden Deegan
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan went wire-to-wire for his fourth straight Western Divisional 250SMX Class victory.

Haiden Deegan – 1st Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class
“These races have been solid. Lots of hard work with the family and the team. Thank you to Yamaha and the whole Star Racing team, my bike is amazing. This feels good. The hard work I put in this offseason, it’s paid off. It shows who works hard and who doesn’t.”

Levi Kitchen – 2nd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class
“It’s a good night with a lot of positives, but there’s always a negative in my nights [as well]. I can’t be doing that when [Deegan] is doing everything right. Track position is really important, and I didn’t help myself there, but I feel good. I’ve just got to keep working and keep fighting.”

Cameron McAdoo – 3rd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class
“I fought hard for that one. I got myself into third on the first lap and then in the option lane I chose the inside, which let Ryder [DiFrancesco] slingshot around me. Then I got him [back for third], then Levi [Kitchen] came and got me [for third]. With three to go I was fourth and I was pretty far from Michael [Mosiman], but I had been digging the whole time. I saw him and saw where I had some more in the tank and just made it happen.”

The Monster Energy SMX World Championship and Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will continue next Saturday for the sixth race of the season from Seattle’s Lumen Field. Live broadcast coverage on Peacock will begin at 1 p.m. ET with Race Day Live, followed by the Gate Drop at 7 p.m. ET. Additionally, a domestic Spanish language broadcast is available on Pea cock while international viewers can choose from dedicated English, French, and Spanish broadcasts via SMX Video Pass (www.SMXVideoPass.com).

All 17 rounds of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and 11 rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship are on sale. Tickets for the SMX World Championship Playoff Rounds and Final will go on pre-sale Tuesday, Jan. 27, with general tickets on-sale to the public on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at SuperMotocross.com. Saturday FanFest will take place at all postseason races, Friday FanFest and camping will be available in Columbus and Ridgedale, additional details to follow.

For information about the Monster Energy SMX World Championship, please visit www.SuperMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the new SMX social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:
Instagram: @supermotocross
Facebook: @supermotocross
X: @supermotocross
YouTube: @supermotocross
TikTok: @supermotocross

About the Monster Energy SMX World Championship:
The Monster Energy SMX World Championship™ is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series in the world that combines the technical precision of stadium racing with the all-out speed and endurance of outdoor racing. Created in 2022, the Monster Energy SMX World Championship Series combines the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA Pro Motocross Championship into a 28-round regular season that culminates with the season-ending SMX World Championship Playoffs. Visit SuperMotocross.com for more information.

About Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship:
Monster Energy AMA Supercross is the most competitive and highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship on the planet. Founded in America and sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) since 1974. Over 17 weeks, Supercross attracts some of the largest and most impressive crowds inside the most recognizable and prestigious stadiums in North America to race in front of nearly one million live fans and broadcast to millions more worldwide. For more information, visit SupercrossLIVE.com.

About Pro Motocross Championship:
The Pro Motocross Championship features the world’s fastest outdoor motocross racers, competing aboard homologated bikes from one of seven competing manufacturers on a collection of the roughest, toughest tracks on the planet. Racing takes place each Saturday afternoon, with competition divided into two classes: one for 250cc machines, and one for 450cc machines. MX Sports Pro Racing, the industry leader in off-road powersports event production, manages the Pro Motocross Championship. For more information, visit ProMotocross.com.

About Feld Motor Sports, Inc.:
Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the Monster Energy SMX World Championship. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment, Inc. Visit monsterjam.com, SupercrossLIVE.com, and feldentertainment.com for more information.

About MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.:
MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc., manages and produces the world’s premier motocross racing series – the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. MX Sports Pro Racing is an industry leader in off-road powersport event production and management, its mission is to showcase the sport of professional motocross competition at events throughout the United States. Through its various racing properties, partnerships and affiliates, MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc., organizes events for thousands of action sports athletes each year and attracts millions of motorsports spectators. Visit MXSportsProRacing.com for more information.

Why Motorcycle Injuries Are Treated Differently Under Connecticut Law

Photo by depositphotos at https://depositphotos.com/

Connecticut law treats injuries from motorcycle accidents differently from other motor vehicle collisions because of how fault, insurance coverage, and safety regulations interact with the realities of motorcycle riding. These distinctions affect how responsibility is assessed and how compensation is determined after a crash.

Understanding these differences helps you see why motorcycle injury claims often raise different legal questions than car accident cases, even though they are governed by the same general civil liability rules.

Connecticut’s Fault Rules and Their Impact on Motorcyclists

Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence system that applies to all traffic accidents, including motorcycle crashes. You can recover damages only if you are less than 51 percent at fault, and any award is reduced by your percentage of responsibility, a point that a Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyer often addresses when explaining how fault allocation operates under state law.

In motorcycle cases, fault assessments often receive closer scrutiny because rider behavior, visibility, and road positioning are frequently disputed. These factors can significantly influence how fault percentages are assigned and whether recovery is allowed at all.

Insurance Obligations and Motorcycle-Specific Coverage Issues

Motorcycle riders in Connecticut must carry the same minimum liability insurance as other motorists, including coverage for bodily injury and property damage. As of 2026, these minimum limits are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 for property damage, and they define the minimum compensation available when another driver causes harm.

Even with identical requirements, motorcycle injury claims often surpass available coverage because riders face a higher risk of severe injury in collisions. When an at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance or has no coverage at all, underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage under the rider’s own policy may become central to resolving the claim.

Helmet and Safety Laws That Affect Injury Claims

Connecticut law imposes motorcycle-specific safety requirements that can influence how injury claims are evaluated after a crash. Helmets are required for riders under 18 and for motorcycle permit holders of any age, and all riders must use eye protection unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield. These rules are designed to reduce the risk of head and eye injuries, which are among the most common and severe harms in motorcycle accidents.

Beginning in late 2025, Connecticut will expand helmet requirements to include all riders aged 21 and under, reflecting a legislative focus on injury prevention for younger motorcyclists. Failure to comply with applicable helmet or equipment laws does not automatically prevent an injured rider from seeking compensation, but it may be considered when insurers or courts assess fault, causation, and the extent of damages linked to the injuries sustained.

Why Motorcycle Injuries Are Evaluated Differently in Practice

Motorcycle crashes frequently result in more severe injuries because riders are directly exposed to impact forces without the protection of a vehicle frame, airbags, or seat belts. Common injuries include traumatic brain injury, spinal damage, fractures, and extensive soft tissue harm, all of which tend to increase both immediate medical costs and long-term treatment needs. While the legal standards for negligence and proof of fault remain the same, the scope and complexity of damages in motorcycle cases often require closer examination.

Greater injury severity also affects how liability disputes play out in practice. Extended recovery periods, permanent limitations, and future medical needs raise the stakes of fault allocation under Connecticut’s comparative negligence rules. Small differences in fault percentages can substantially alter the amount of compensation available, making evidentiary disputes over speed, visibility, and rider conduct more central to the outcome of a claim.

How State Motor Vehicle Rules Intersect With Injury Law

Connecticut’s motorcycle regulations operate alongside its general civil liability framework rather than replacing it. Equipment requirements, licensing rules, and helmet laws become part of the factual record when courts or insurers assess responsibility.

This interaction explains why motorcycle injury claims can follow a different legal path than car accident cases, even though both arise under the same negligence statutes. An overview of related principles appears in this article discussing legal obligations after vehicle crashes.

What These Differences Mean for Injured Riders

Connecticut’s treatment of motorcycle injuries reflects how general motor vehicle liability rules interact with risks and regulations that are specific to motorcycles. Comparative negligence standards, minimum insurance limits, and safety equipment laws all apply in ways that can significantly affect how responsibility and damages are assessed after a crash. These factors often make motorcycle injury claims more fact-sensitive than other traffic injury cases.

Understanding this legal framework helps explain why motorcycle cases can unfold differently, even when the same statutes govern all vehicle collisions. Differences in injury severity, available insurance coverage, and disputed fault can lead to outcomes that diverge from typical car accident claims, underscoring the importance of recognizing how motorcycle-specific rules shape the legal analysis.

Corey Heim scheduled for 12 Cup starts with 23XI Racing in 2026

Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Corey Heim will be competing in select NASCAR Cup Series events for 23XI Racing throughout the 2026 season.

Heim, the reigning Craftsman Truck Series champion and a development competitor for 23XI Racing from Marietta, Georgia, is scheduled to compete in 12 events in NASCAR’s premier series. He will be behind the wheel of 23XI Racing’s No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE entry, and will be led by crew chief Bootie Barker.

Heim’s first-scheduled start of the 2026 season is the 68th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15. Because Heim is piloting an open entry, meaning that he is not automatically qualified for the event, he will have to be the highest-finishing open competitor at the conclusion of the Daytona 500’s pole qualifying session on February 11 or through one of two America 250 Florida Duel events on February 12.

Heim’s next Cup start is scheduled to occur at Kansas Speedway on April 19. From May to July, he will compete at Texas Motor Speedway (May 3), the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 24), Nashville Superspeedway (May 31), San Diego’s Coronado Street Course (June 21), Chicagoland Speedway (July 5) and the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (July 26).

Heim’s 2026 Cup schedule continues with the series’ second visit to Daytona for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on August 29, followed by the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on September 6, the Bank of America 400 at Charlotte on October 11 and the season-finale event at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 8.

In addition to his part-time Cup schedule, Heim will compete in select Truck Series events with TRICON Garage, beginning at Atlanta’s EcoPark Speedway on February 21. The remainder of his Truck schedule remains to be determined.

The news comes as Heim is coming off a historic 2025 season, where he captured his first Truck Series championship and set a record for the most victories garnered in a Truck season at 12. He also recorded seven poles, an average-finishing result of 5.0 and finished in the top 10 in all but four of the 25-scheduled events. Amid his success in the Truck Series, he also campaigned in three O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events with Sam Hunt Racing and in four Cup events with 23XI Racing.

“I’m excited and honored to continue my progression with 23XI,” Heim said. “Every driver wants to race as much as possible, but I’m fully committed to the approach that I am taking with the team. I look forward to more Cup races this year and the opportunity to grow and expand my race-craft on and off the track.”

Heim made his first three starts in the Cup Series division in 2024, where he drove Legacy Motor Club’s No. 43 Toyota entry as an interim competitor for Erik Jones in back-to-back races before he piloted the No. 50 Toyota entry for 23XI Racing at Nashville. During his three-race stint, Heim’s season-best result was 22nd at Kansas.

This past season, Heim recorded his first top-10 result in the Cup division by finishing sixth at Bristol Motor Speedway in September. Four months earlier, he finished 13th at Kansas.

While Heim is not scheduled to compete as a full-time competitor in any of NASCAR’s top three national touring series divisions in 2026, he will be actively involved across every aspect of 23XI Racing’s competition and preparations for race days. In addition, 23XI Racing remains committed to developing Heim’s competitiveness and skills in preparation for a future full-time competition with the organization and in NASCAR’s premier series.

“We know the future is really bright for Corey, and we’re working with him to ensure that he is as prepared as possible when his time comes to race full time,” Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, said. “We’re continuing to stick to our plan and taking a long-term approach, while also remaining focused on what is collectively best for our organization and our partners as we look to continue being a competitive, winning organization each weekend.”

“Corey’s development with the team has been impressive and we appreciate his patience and trust in us to prepare him as best as possible,” Dave Rogers, 23XI Senior Director, Competition, added. “He has not only been a great student but has also provided valuable feedback to our team that has helped us grow. We’re looking forward to more races with him this year as he continues to sharpen his skills.”

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season is scheduled to commence with the 68th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15 at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN, SiriusXM and HBO MAX.

JOSH BILICKI PARTNERS WITH FLEX POWER IN MULTI-RACE AGREEMENT THAT GOES BEYOND THE TRACK

MOORESVILLE, NC, February 6, 2026 – NASCAR driver Josh Bilicki today announced that he has partnered with Flex Power for two races during the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season. The #07 of SS-GreenLight Racing will sport the Flex Power livery for the Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 at EchoPark Speedway on February 21 and for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Fall Race at Darlington Raceway on September 5. Beyond the on-track partnership, Bilicki and Flex Power will collaborate on original storytelling that brings the sport closer to fans by highlighting life, work, and power beyond race day.

“Race weekends look a lot like our customers’ lives—travel, gear, long days, and no margin for failure,” said Cam Earl, Brand Lead at Flex Power. “Flex Power fits right into that world, and this partnership lets us tell the meaningful stories that lead up to race day and beyond, all the while showcasing what dependable power looks like.”

Flex Power is RVMP’s retail and eCommerce brand, delivering reliable, premium-yet-accessible portable power for people who live life on the move. Built on RVMP’s years of experience as a leading OEM supplier of onboard power systems for the RV industry, Flex Power brings professional-grade reliability to generators designed for homeowners, DIYers, tailgaters, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether it’s race day, a weekend project, or power at home, Flex Power is built for hustle and ready for fun, with power that shows up when it matters.

“Between being on the road so much for racing and living in snowy Wisconsin, I know firsthand how important it is to have reliable, portable power,” said Bilicki. “Flex Power generators mirror my approach to racing: performance, reliability and readiness. I’m excited to introduce the Flex Power brand to NASCAR fans!”

“This partnership isn’t just about putting a logo on a car,” said Flex Power Brand Lead Andy Stiebler. “Josh lives the same kind of life our customers do. Long days, family guy, constant travel, hands-on prep, and no room for equipment that doesn’t work. We’re excited to tell those stories, from how he prepares for race day to the work he puts in off the track, and show how reliable power fits into the moments that matter.”

Flex Power will offer on-site brand activations and race-weekend content featuring their products in real-world use, giveaways and slot car racing at the track. Follow @myflexpower on Instagram and Facebook for race-weekend content. And follow Bilicki on FacebookInstagram and X to see how he integrates Flex Power into his home life and race weekends.

The Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 (163 laps | 251.02 miles) is the 2nd of 33 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races on the 2026 schedule. There will be no practice. Qualifying starts on Friday, February 20 at 5:00 p.m. The field is set to take the green flag on Saturday, February 21 shortly after 5:00 p.m. with live coverage on The CW, the Performance Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are Eastern Standard Time.

The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Fall Race at Darlington is the 25th of 33 races on the 2026 schedule. Practice starts on Saturday, September 5 at 2:00 p.m. with qualifying immediately following. The race is scheduled to start shortly after 7:30 p.m. with live coverage on The CW, Motor Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are Eastern Standard Time.

For more information on Josh Bilicki, visit https://www.joshbilickiracing.com/ or follow him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/JoshBilickiRacing/), X (https://www.twitter.com/joshbilicki) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/joshbilicki/).

For more information on Flex Power, visit https://myflexpower.com/ or follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/myflexpower), X (https://x.com/MyFlexPower) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/myflexpower/).

Beard Motorsports: Anthony Alfredo Daytona 500 Advance

ANTHONY ALFREDO
Daytona Speedweek
Pole Qualifying | Duel | Daytona 500
No. 62 DUDE Wipes Chevrolet Camaro

Event Overview

Wednesday, Feb. 11:

● Daytona 500 qualifying (single-lap qualifying to determine pole for the Daytona 500)
● Time/TV/Radio: 8:15 p.m. ET on FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Thursday, Feb. 12:

● America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona (twin 150-mile qualifying races that set the field for the Daytona 500)
● Time/TV/Radio: 7 p.m. ET on FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Sunday, Feb. 15:

● 68th annual Daytona 500 (first of 36 points-paying NASCAR Cup Series races in 2026)
● Time/TV/Radio: 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● A New Season Brings a Fresh Start. Since it first hit the racetrack in 2017, the No. 62 Chevrolet of Beard Motorsports has been a fixture on the entry list for the NASCAR Cup Series season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. This year marks the 10th attempt by the small, family-owned team based in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, to qualify for the Great American Race. If successful, it would be Beard’s seventh Daytona 500 start. Retired veteran Brendan Gaughan delivered the team’s previous best finish of seventh in the 2020 event at the 2.5-mile superspeedway oval. Beard Motorsports has contested 34 Cup Series races at the hands of seven different drivers since its inception. Thirteen of those have come at Daytona and 15 at its sister track, the 2.66-mile Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway oval.

● Alfredo Back in the Driver’s Seat. Driver Anthony Alfredo continues his recent run of Cup Series outings with Beard Chevrolet this week at Daytona. The 26-year-old from Ridgefield, Connecticut, has been behind the wheel of the No. 62 Chevrolet in five of the team’s previous eight races. He debuted with the team in the 2024 Daytona 500 and promptly secured a spot for Sunday’s featured event by laying down the fastest lap among the six “open” (non-chartered) teams during Wednesday-night, single-car qualifying. From his 39th starting position, Alfredo drove to a 27th-place finish in the Daytona 500. A year ago this week, the NASCAR NEXT alumnus saw his bid to make the Daytona 500 field for the second time in a row dashed when he was caught up in a late-race, multicar accident during Thursday night’s Duel qualifying races.

● Excelling at the Superspeedways. Like the Beard team, Alfredo has shown his proficiency at the superspeedway events over his 43 career Cup Series starts dating back to his full-season run with Front Row Motorsports in 2021. His second race in the Beard Chevrolet netted a sixth-place finish in the April 2024 event at Talladega, the team’s best-ever finish at the track. Following last year’s Daytona disappointment, Alfredo returned to the No. 62 Chevrolet for April and October Talladega races, leading laps at both – including 19 in the April event – en route to finishes of 28th and 21st, respectively. Elsewhere in his career, Alfredo has made 151 starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly Xfinity), including full seasons each of the last four years, in 2022, 2023 and 2024, totaling five top-fives and 23 top-10s. His NASCAR career began with a 13-race Craftsman Truck Series campaign in 2019.

● Third Time’s a Charm. DUDE Wipes returns to partner with Beard Motorsports and Alfredo at Daytona for the third time, the first two coming in the April 2024 and October 2025 races at Talladega. The brand has partnered with Alfredo since he began racing in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2020. DUDE Wipes is the flagship product of DUDE Products, a men’s hygiene company that was founded in 2012 by lifelong friends in Chicago. The U.S.-based company introduced DUDE Wipes as the first flushable wipe for adults, marketed as a better hygiene solution to dry toilet paper. The brand is available online and in 20,000 stores nationwide, including Walmart, Target and Amazon.

● Previously at Daytona. When last seen on the Daytona oval for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in August 2024, the Beard Motorsports Chevrolet recorded its second consecutive top-10 finish when then 21-year-old Parker Retzlaff took the checkered flag seventh. It was the team’s fifth Daytona top-10, best of which was the fifth-place result by driver Noah Gragson in the 2022 Coke Zero Sugar 400. Gaughan’s seventh-place finish for the team in the 2020 Daytona 500 and eighth-place finish in that year’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 was preceded his seventh-place finish in the 2017 Coke Zero 400.

● Family Passion for Racing Lives On. Owned and operated by the Beard family and operating out of Mooresville, North Carolina, Beard Motorsports goes into 2026 under the leadership and guidance of Linda Beard, her daughter Amie Beard-Deja, son Mark Beard Jr., and crew chief Darren Shaw. What started out as a passion project for the late Mark Beard Sr., has remained a tribute to the family’s patriarch since making its Cup Series debut in the 2017 Daytona 500 with Gaughan behind the wheel of its No. 62 Chevrolet. The family has remained committed to the vision laid out by its patriarch and has done so with notable success. Today, the No. 62 NASCAR Cup Series team is just one of its family-owned entities. Beard Oil Distributing is the foundation of the Beard family-owned business portfolio and is recognized as a women-owned certified organization through the Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

● Dependable Power Under the Hood. Since making its debut in the 2017 Daytona 500, the No. 62 Beard Motorsports team has been powered by an ECR-built engine and the team has leveraged the power of those engines to post solid finishes, including Gragson’s top-five and seven top-10s in 34 Cup Series starts.

● New-Look Chevrolet. The No. 62 Beard entry joins its fellow Chevrolet competitors in debuting an all-new, updated car body at Daytona for 2026 season. The subtle updates take styling cues from a performance accessories kit that Chevrolet recently released for the car’s road-going counterpart. The updates feature a larger hood dome, revisions to the front grille, and redefined rocker panels.

Anthony Alfredo, Driver of the No. 62 DUDE Wipes Chevrolet Camaro

You’re back at Daytona for your third consecutive Speedweek with Beard Motorsports, and you’ll be looking to make your sixth Cup Series start with the team. What’s your mindset and that of the team as you head to track this week?

“We are as focused as ever on making the Daytona 500 this year. Honestly, I have a lot of confidence because, back in 2024, not only did we time our way into race in qualifying, we were the fastest open car overall. Everybody at Beard Motorsports has been putting in the effort they always do and, honestly, missing the Daytona 500 last year was obviously a huge disappointment, but I think it motivated us to excel at the two Talladega races we did, where we led a lot of laps, making our rocket ship a lot faster and giving us something to build on as we go back to Daytona this year.”

You and Beard Motorsports have shown strong speed at the superspeedways together. What is it about this team and these tracks that seem to suit you so well?

“Honestly, getting my career started in the national series with smaller organizations has led me to put an emphasis on these races because it’s the most level playing field you get. At this level of competition, there’s certainly a lot a driver can do to put himself in position to win or finish well. So I’ve studied some of the best at it and, through trial and error of my own doing, I feel like I’ve learned what it takes to execute in these kinds of races. It’s still difficult when you’re a single-car team, but having plenty other Chevrolets to work with, and then ECR engines under the hood and those cars, it certainly allows me to have some friends out there and put ourselves in position at the end of the race, most importantly. But in the past few races, we’ve had track position early, led a lot of laps and had good finishes, so I’m excited to build on that. This will be my third year with Beard Motorsports. We have a lot to build on and I feel like we’ve just gotten better every time. But even me as a speedway racer, these are some of my favorite types of races because I know what I need to do to execute and I look forward to going to them and having a shot to win.”

What would you consider a successful outcome for this week, beyond just the finishing position in the race?

“Well, first off, we’ve definitely got to execute well Wednesday night and make the show on speed. The Duel is your last chance if you’re not able to do that on Wednesday night. But when it comes to the 500 itself, it’s kind of one step at a time. I’d say making the race is priority number one, but once we do, 500 miles is a long race and a lot of guys make mistakes early and, if for whatever reason it’s calm in the front half of the race, there’s usually some chaos toward the end, so you’ve got to be there to have a shot at it. And there’s a lot of ways that you could screw it up, so you’re executing on pit road and restarts and maintaining track position since it’s kind of weird with this Gen 7 car. It’s really a track-position race now. It’s not as easy to just drive from the back to the front like it is in an O’Reilly Series car.”

You had the opportunity to lead laps in the two races last year at Talladega. How much does that reinforce the belief that this group can contend for a win on the biggest stage at Daytona?

“We certainly can contend for a win. I mean, we’ve proven that we could run inside the top-10 and finish there, so I would be thrilled with a top-10 finish in the Daytona 500. But to be quite honest, there’s no reason that we couldn’t win this race. I’m more focused on that than anything else. You don’t know when your next opportunity is going to be, certainly not in the NASCAR Cup Series or in the Daytona 500. I’m going to do everything in my power to find victory lane for Beard Motorsports, our sponsors, and my family – everybody who supports me. Honestly, I couldn’t even put into words what it would mean to win the Daytona 500, other than it being a dream come true. That’s where I first saw my first race as a 10-year-old. That first race I ever saw was the 2010 Daytona 500. Just having an opportunity to race in it is a blessing. To win it would be the ultimate accomplishment because you become a legend.”

DUDE Wipes has been a longtime supporter during your career. How meaningful is it to have that continuity with a partner as you take on a marquee event like the Daytona 500?

“I’m thrilled that they’re making the Daytona 500 possible for us because they’ve been with me since the start of my career in the national series and are my biggest partner. They’re the flagship sponsor of my O’Reilly Series car, and having that relationship with a partner is really special. We’ve just grown so much together over the years, so to tackle the Great American Race together is honestly a dream come true.”

There’s a new Chevrolet body introduced for this season. Knowing that Daytona and the other superspeedway races are all about aerodynamics, do you have an idea what it will be like, where it can be an improvement, based on your experience in the simulator?

“I think the Chevrolet body is going to be better everywhere. It seems like we’re still honing in the details and correlations since it obviously hasn’t been on the real track a whole bunch. We’ve have limited data to go off of from the few tests they’ve had to correlate and ultimately make it better. But I think as we progress through the year, it’ll just get more and more realistic. On paper, it should certainly be a lot better everywhere. I’m really looking forward to seeing that for myself.”

No. 62 Beard Motorsports Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Anthony Alfredo

Hometown: Ridgefield, Connecticut

Crew Chief: Darren Shaw

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Car Chief: Drew Mickey

Hometown: Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Spotter: Rick Carelli

Hometown: Arvada, Colorado

President: Linda Beard

Hometown: Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Caison Dillon

Hometown: Welcome, North Carolina

Rear Tire Changer: Matthew Ketchie

Hometown: Mt. Ulla, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Tanner Wells

Hometown: Goldsboro, North Carolina

Jack Man: Nick Covey

Hometown: Glendale, Arixona

Fuel Man: Douglas Warrick

Hometown: Hamilton, New Jersey

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Jack Gagnon

Hometown: Quebec, Canada

Mechanic: Mark Sanders

Hometown: Springfield, Ohio

Tire Technician: Mike Harrold

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Engine Tuner: Brian Trevino

Hometown: Statesville, North Carolina

Interior Specialist: Nic Hill

Hometown: Fort Myers, Florida

Engineer: Mack Kanupp

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Transporter Driver: Roger Lankford

Hometown: Lexington, North Carolina

NHRA SUMMIT RACING JR. DRAG RACING LEAGUE RELEASES 2026 SCHEDULE

INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 6, 2026) – NHRA announced the season schedule for the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, featuring a host of special events in 2026 as Summit Racing Equipment returns as the title sponsor of the popular racing league for youth ages 5-17.

Now in its 34th year entering the NHRA’s 75th anniversary season, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League provides an impressive platform for young racers to perform at a high level and will feature eight-car shootouts that take place at eight different NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series national events, as well as the popular Right Trailers NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Western Conference Finals at the Texas Motorplex on June 12-13 and the Right Trailers NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals on July 16-18 at Bristol Dragway. The Jr. Drag Racing League will also compete in the divisional finals across the seven NHRA divisions.

The eight-car shootouts debuted four years ago and the eight races will take place at NHRA national events across all seven divisions, including both stops at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. As part of NHRA’s 75th anniversary season, winners of the shootout will receive a diamond 75th anniversary Wally.

“NHRA is excited to incorporate the Summit Racing Equipment Jr. Drag Racing league into its 75th anniversary in 2026,” NHRA Sportsman Manager Jason Galvin said. “For as much as this season will be about celebrating where we’ve come from, it is equally important to set the tone for the next 75 years and beyond. The stars of the Jr. Drag Racing league will continue to push the sport to higher levels well into the future.

“We are also thrilled to bring these cars and drivers to multiple new events in 2026, giving new NHRA fans a glimpse into the future.”

The eight-car races begin with the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals on April 9-12 at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, serving as a make-up race for last year’s rain out in Pomona. The final round takes place on Sunday and will be included on the television broadcast during eliminations on FS1, with racers running alongside drivers in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. In addition to the television spotlight, the event winner will take part in the parade of champions.

The special eight-car shootouts will also take place in Division 1 at the NHRA Potomac Nationals on May 29-31 at Maryland International Raceway, in Division 2 at the NHRA Southern Nationals on May 1-3 at South Georgia Motorsports Park, in Division 3 at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals on June 25-28 at Summit Motorsports Park, in Division 4 during the Stampede of Speed at the Texas NHRA FallNationals on Oct. 14-18, in Division 5 at the NHRA Brainerd Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway on Aug. 20-23, in Division 6 at the Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals on July 24-26 at Pacific Raceways, and in Division 7 at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals on Nov. 12-15 in Pomona.

Other annual highlights in the series are the annual conference finals events. Texas Motorplex will host the Right Trailers NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Western Conference Finals for the third time on June 12-13. Bristol Dragway remains a staple for the Eastern Conference Finals with racing slated for July 16-18. Each event’s schedule includes a full slate of racing activities, culminating in the crowning of eight individual champions.

The division championship competition was impressive last year as well, with all seven divisions hosting a Summit Jr. Drag Racing League Division Finals. Division 2 and Division 6 finals in the category will take place in conjunction with the Summit E.T. Finals. All seven divisions will host a season championship points series throughout their season and complete schedules are available at jrdragster.nhra.com.

NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League race cars, called Jr. Dragsters, are half-scale versions of the iconic Top Fuel dragsters. They go as fast as 85 mph and as quick as 7.90 seconds in the eighth-mile using a five-horsepower, single-cylinder engine, though younger age groups are restricted to slower times and speeds.

Since its start in 1992, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League has provided a place for young racers to compete and been the start for many top NHRA professional drivers. The list includes world champions like Pro Stock’s Erica Enders and Top Fuel driver Shawn Langdon, who won a JDRL national championship in 1997, as well as standouts such as Top Fuel’s Leah Pruett, Jasmine Salinas and Justin Ashley; Funny Car driver J.R. Todd; Pro Stock competitors Deric Kramer and Chris McGaha; Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Gaige Herrera and many more.

For more information on the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, please visit http://jrdragster.nhra.com/. For more information on NHRA, including the 2026 schedule, please visit www.NHRA.com.


About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series and NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™ at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With more than 100 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Sunoco Race Fuels Signs Five-Year Renewal as Official Race Fuel of Racing America

Sunoco Extends Sponsorship of Trans Am’s CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series Young Gun Award Until 2030

CHARLOTTE (February 6, 2026) — Racing America is pleased to announce that Sunoco Race Fuels has renewed its partnership, extending its product category exclusivity as the Official Racing Fuel Sponsor of Racing America until 2030. The company will supply fuel for all of the racing series under the Racing America umbrella, including the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, Formula Regional Americas Championship, Formula 4 United States Championship, Ligier Junior Formula Championship, Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), and International GT. Additionally, Sunoco will extend its sponsorship of the Trans Am Series’ CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series Young Gun Award, rewarding the top-finishing driver under the age of 25 with a $20,000 cash prize for the next five years.

Sunoco has grown from its humble roots as a small oil company in Pittsburgh, Pa., to one of the largest independent fuel distribution companies in the United States. Sunoco’s rich, 130-plus-year heritage, legacy and reputation for innovation, and commitment to its local communities are foundational elements of this iconic American brand. Today, Sunoco distributes fuel to over 5,000 gas station locations in more than 30 states.

Sunoco began its relationship with motorsports in the 1960s, partnering with Trans Am Hall of Fame inductees Roger Penske and Mark Donohue. The company first joined as a sponsor of SVRA in 2015, then became the Official Race Fuel of SVRA and the Trans Am Series in 2018. Sunoco signed their most-recent agreement as the Official Race Fuel of Racing America in 2021.

The Young Gun Award, which Sunoco has also extended its sponsorship of, was introduced in 2022 as a way to foster competition between the series’ young, up-and-coming drivers, and it has since become one of the most highly-contested titles in the series, as the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series is a proving ground for young talent. Sunoco came on as sponsor of the award in 2025, when the Sunoco Race Fuels Young Gun Award was won by Tristan McKee, as he also became the youngest Trans Am Champion in history. Trans Am’s youngest champion before McKee, Brent Crews, took the honors in 2022 and 2023, and rising star Thomas Annunziata won the award in 2024.

“Sunoco has a long history tied to Trans Am racing, including its early involvement sponsoring the Penske Camaro dating back to 1967, so this agreement is a continuation of a legacy that has been part of its brand for decades,” said Sunoco in a statement. “Through this long-term renewal, Sunoco Race Fuels will continue supporting some of the best racers and competition in motorsports while building on its deep roots in the series.”

“We are beyond excited to extend this partnership with Sunoco Race Fuels, who have agreed to a five-year extension,” said Scott Duncan, Chief Partnerships Officer for Racing America. “We are excited about expanding our program in 2026 and the following years, including the Sunoco Race Fuels Young Gun Award for the TA2 Series at the end of the year.”

The 2026 season for Racing America kicks off at Sebring International Raceway, February 26-March 1, 2026.

About Sunoco: Sunoco Race Fuels has been a staple in the racing world since the 1960’s and has fueled championships across all facets of motorsports. For more information about Sunoco Race Fuels please visit SunocoRaceFuels.com.

About Racing America: Uniting a leading owner and operator of motorsports events with a premier digital-first motorsports media platform, Racing America is a fully-integrated motorsports media and events network. With The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas), Formula 4 United States Championship (F4 U.S.), Ligier Junior Formula Championship (Ligier JFC), International GT (IGT), and the leading motorsports event registration portal in MotorsportReg.com all a part of their portfolio, Racing America creates experiences for drivers, teams, sponsors, and spectators. Integrating a multi-platform production services arm, editorial division, and content distribution platform in RacingAmerica.TV and the 24/7 Racing America FAST Channel, that are both home to over 250 annual live grassroots and other racing events, Racing America brings motorsports to race tracks, homes and devices around the globe. Blending racing tradition with innovation, Racing America offers a unique platform, covering everything from professional to grassroots racing for a passionate motorsports fan base. For more information visit RacingAmerica.com.

7 Key Considerations Before Investing In A High-End Automobile

Photo by Artin Ghorbani on Unsplash

A high-end car purchase can feel simple at the start: pick the model, pick the color, sign the papers. 

The real decision sits behind the scenes, where storage, service access, insurance, and resale value shape the experience. A little structure up front reduces surprises and keeps the ownership story enjoyable.

Define The Real Job Of The Car

High-end cars serve very different roles. Some live as weekend machines, some commute, and some sit as collection pieces. The right pick changes when mileage, ride comfort, cabin noise, and fuel needs enter the picture.

Ownership timeline matters, too. A 12-month plan can lean toward models with strong demand and quick liquidity. A 5-year plan leans toward comfort, parts support, and a service shop that can keep pace.

Budget Beyond The Sticker Price

The purchase price is only one line item. Registration, sales tax, dealer fees, storage, detailing, and shipping can move the entry number by thousands. A written budget helps keep trade-offs clear when the options list starts growing.

Market knowledge plays a role in the budget math. When comparing local inventory, talking with exotic car dealership in Tampa, FL, Gap PA, or whatever is local to you can help anchor expectations on pricing and availability. That context makes it easier to separate a fair premium from a rushed purchase.

Payment method shapes the plan. Financing can free cash for other goals, but it adds interest, lender requirements, and timing risk if rates move. A reserve fund for the first 6-12 months of costs keeps the purchase from turning into a scramble.

Calculate Total Annual Operating Costs

Running costs can be higher than many buyers expect. AAA’s 2024 “Your Driving Costs” figures put the average cost to own and operate a new vehicle at $12,297 per year. High-end models can run higher once tires, insurance, and specialist service enter the mix.

Fuel and tires deserve their own line items. Performance tires can wear quickly, and some setups require matched sets. Seasonal storage, battery tenders, and periodic fluid service add steady expenses even when the car is rarely driven.

Big-ticket wear items can surprise first-time buyers. Carbon-ceramic brakes, active suspension parts, and specialty fluids can run into the 4 figures per service visit. An extended warranty can help in some situations, though the terms and exclusions need close reading.

Weigh Depreciation, Liquidity, And Exit Options

Depreciation is not one-size-fits-all in the high-end segment. Limited runs, rare colors, and clean history can soften declines. High miles, track use, or gaps in service history can widen them.

Liquidity matters as much as value. A car can “hold value” on paper and still take months to sell at that number. Before buying, it helps to map exit routes such as private sale, dealer consignment, auction, or trade.

Stress-Test The Maintenance Plan

A premium badge does not guarantee easy servicing. Some cars need factory-level tools, software access, or a specialist with model-specific knowledge. Travel time to a qualified shop becomes part of ownership.

Service records should match the car’s story. A clean folder of invoices, a consistent inspection cadence, and proof of major items reduce risk. A focused review often includes:

  • Evidence of routine fluids and filters
  • Tire age and tread depth
  • Brake condition and rotor wear
  • Cooling system health and leak checks
  • Electrical faults and battery history
  • Signs of past accident repair

Parts availability matters, not just price. Some components have long lead times, which can park the car for weeks. A plan for routine service and surprise repairs keeps the calendar realistic.

Match Insurance To The Car’s Real Value

Insurance structure can shape the outcome after a loss. Standard policies may default to actual cash value, which can fall short on rare vehicles or cars with pricey options. Many owners look at agreed value coverage, plus clear rules around mileage, storage, and who drives the car.

Risk profile shifts with usage. Track days, valet parking, and street parking change exposure. Garaging, security, and dash-cam habits can influence underwriting and peace of mind.

inside car

Check Recalls, Paperwork, And Tax Treatment

Safety and compliance checks belong early, not after delivery. A 2025 traffic safety marketing handout notes that 2024 saw 1,073 safety recalls affecting over 35 million vehicles, showing how wide the recall scope can get.

A VIN-based recall search and proof of completed recall work reduce avoidable headaches. Paperwork deserves equal attention. Title status, lien releases, import documents, emissions compliance, and state inspection rules can block registration.

For buyers using a car in a business context, IRS guidance for 2024 sets depreciation limitations for passenger automobiles, which can affect write-offs and planning.

A high-end car can be a thrilling object and a complex asset at once. The best outcomes come from aligning the purchase with daily reality: where the car sits, who services it, what it costs each year, and how it exits the garage when plans change.

When those pieces line up, the car becomes less of a surprise and more of a story worth keeping.