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Honda HRC Wins 46th Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race

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Takumi Takahashi (center) and Johann Zarco (right) on the podium

Fourth Consecutive Win for Honda HRC, 31st Win for Honda

MIE, Japan, August 4, 2025 – (JCN Newswire) – Honda factory team1 “Honda HRC” (CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP: Takumi Takahashi / Johann Zarco) has won the 2025 FIM2 Endurance World Championship “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 Hours Road Race 46th Annual Event (Suzuka 8 Hours) held at the Suzuka Circuit in Mie, on Sunday, August 3.

This win marks Honda HRC’s fourth consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours victory. Team rider Takumi Takahashi has extended his outright record of the most Suzuka 8 Hours wins to seven (four consecutive), while Johann Zarco achieves his second consecutive victory. This victory also marks Honda’s 31st win at the event.

*1 Factory team: Racing team managed by the bike manufacturer
*2 FIM: Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme

Honda HRC, which won the Suzuka 8 Hours once again, recorded the fastest lap time in the qualifying session held on Friday, August 1, securing its spot in the Top 10 Trial, in which the top 10 qualifying teams compete for final grid spots. In the Top 10 Trial held on Saturday, August 2 at 3:30 pm, Takahashi and Zarco took to the track, with Zarco recording a lap time of 2 minutes 4.290 seconds, a new Suzuka 8 Hours lap record, to secure pole position.

The Suzuka 8 Hours race started at 11:30 am on Sunday, August 3, with Takahashi as lead rider for the fourth consecutive year. Takahashi took the hole shot, and after relinquishing the lead and maintaining second place for several laps, regained the lead on Lap 14, after which he gradually expanded his advantage. In the subsequent stints with Zarco and Takahashi taking turns on the bike, the team demonstrated consistent performance, leveraging fuel efficiency and quick pit work to extend the time gap, opening a one-lap advantage over second place by the midpoint of the race. In the closing stages, two safety car deployments closed the gap, but Honda HRC capitalized on the competing team’s final pit stop to create a 40-second lead which was maintained to the checkered flag. Zarco crossed the line at 7:30 pm completing Lap 217, securing Honda HRC’s fourth consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours victory.

Takumi Takahashi | Honda HRC

“I’m glad it went smoothly. It was a last-minute decision to compete with only two riders, and I knew it would be tough. I’m so exhausted. Toward the end, Johann’s condition looked tough, so I focused on doing my best to hand him the bike in good shape. In my final stint, I aimed to pull away by getting into the [2 minute] 6-second range, but due to the intense pressure from behind, I switched to maintaining the gap and handing over the bike safely. Johann really gave it everything. I’m so grateful to him. The team and everyone else worked hard, and I’d like to thank all the fans who supported us.”

Johann Zarco | Honda HRC

“I’m tired, just like Takumi. Race control was good, but it was difficult to recover between stints, and I couldn’t recover as much as I had hoped. When the safety car came out in Takumi’s final stint, he was able to extend his laps on track to give me more time to recover. The safety car came out for the second time during my stint, which allowed me to gradually regain my rhythm. After dusk, I was able to control the gap and finish the race enjoying the beautiful scenery. Takumi is a strong rider who can handle the heat well and didn’t show any signs of fatigue, which I think contributes to the team’s strength. I don’t want to race with only two-riders next year though. Honda has a fuel-efficient bike, which gives us a big advantage, and we were able to finish the race with seven pit stops. I would like to thank everyone on the team.”

Teruaki Matsubara | Honda HRC team manager

“This was an outstanding result, and I am very satisfied. First, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to both riders who worked so hard and did a great job in such harsh conditions. I would also like to thank everyone on the team who supported the riders with everything they had. They truly showed what teamwork is about. Once again, our pit stops were the fastest, which made a big difference. All of our preparations paid off today. It wasn’t an easy race, but in the end, everything came together perfectly. It was a really fun and rewarding experience.”

Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Honda HRC riders Takumi Takahashi and Johann Zarco, the team staff, and everyone else involved for their outstanding teamwork in securing victory despite the extreme heat and the pressure of aiming for a fourth consecutive title. Takahashi has set an incredible record by achieving his seventh victory at the Suzuka 8 Hours, breaking his previous record for the most wins at the event. I would also like to extend my respect to Johann Zarco for his contribution in continuing to compete this year. I would like to once again express my gratitude to all the sponsors who supported our participation and to all the fans who cheered us on during the race. Going forward, HRC will continue to take on the challenge to meet the expectations of motorsports fans and Honda fans alike. We look forward to your continued support and encouragement.”

Team Penske NASCAR Cup Series Race Report – Iowa

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Official Release
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Iowa Corn 350 – Iowa Speedway
Newton, Iowa – August 3, 2025

AUSTIN CINDRIC No. 2 MENARDS/IDEAL DOOR FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE
START: 4TH STAGE 1: 2ND STAGE 2: 3RD FINISH: 12TH POINTS: 17TH
RACE RUNDOWN: Austin Cindric and the No. 2 Menards/Ideal Door Ford Mustang Dark Horse showed strength all day in Sunday’s Iowa Corn 350, leading laps, scoring stage points and ultimately finishing 12th after a chaotic final stretch filled with cautions and strategy shifts. Cindric started fourth after a strong qualifying effort and quickly settled into the top three, running second in the early going and finishing Stage 1 in the runner-up position to earn nine stage points. He reported the car was trending freer as the track tightened up, prompting a four-tire stop and air pressure adjustment before restarting fifth for Stage 2. The team navigated a long green-flag run in the middle of the race, contending in the third position before a timely caution on Lap 170 came out during the pit cycle. Cindric then headed to pit road for four tires, fuel and adjustments and lined up third for the dash to the Stage-end. He finished third and accumulated eight more valuable points. With track position at a premium, the team opted to stay out multiple times during the final Stage, putting Cindric in position to restart as the race leader on Lap 250. After leading briefly, a series of cautions followed and the team ultimately chose to pit for four fresh tires and fuel under caution on Lap 263, restarting deep in the field in 28th. He methodically worked his way back through the pack during a turbulent final stretch that featured several more cautions. Cindric recovered to 12th at the finish and heads to Watkins Glen with momentum on his side as the regular season winds down.

CINDRIC’S THOUGHTS: “Proud of the fast race car and, honestly, good execution. There’s no predicting all those cautions that happened. I thought Brian and the team called a great strategy to really get ourselves ahead for the final stage and a run to the checkered—a shot to win—but also a car fast enough to drive back through the field on unequal tires, too. Not the result we deserved, but a great showing and a very playoff-esque run—what we need here in a couple months.”

RYAN BLANEY No. 12 WABASH FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE
START: 6TH STAGE 1: 4TH STAGE 2: 2ND FINISH: 4TH POINTS: 7TH
RACE RUNDOWN: Ryan Blaney and the No. 12 Wabash Ford Mustang Dark Horse team posted a pair of top-five stage finishes en route to a fourth-place finish Sunday at Iowa Speedway, marking their eighth top-five finish of the season. Blaney, the defending winner of the Iowa Corn 350, had strong pace from the drop of the green flag Sunday as he maintained his track position for the entirety of the opening, 70-lap stage before crossing the line fourth in the segment. After gaining a spot on pit road during the stage break, Blaney battled the No. 19 for the lead before settling into second during the run. A caution in the middle of the green flag pit cycle on lap 170 prompted another four tire stop as the 12 crew won the race off pit road, allowing Blaney to start from the outside of row one for a two-lap shootout to the end of the stage. Despite settling for a second-place result in Stage 2, Blaney continued to battle for the top spot before a caution on lap 228 saw a mix of the leaders pit while he stayed out, allowing the Wabash Ford to assume the lead with 115 laps remaining. A string of cautions that followed saw varying strategies unfold throughout the field as crew chief Jonathan Hassler made the call to bring Blaney down pit road on lap 245 from the lead, ensuring he could make it to the end on fuel. After restarting 24th, Blaney began his charge towards the front and made his way back into the top-10 with 64 laps to go. As the laps clicked off, Blaney continued to pick off car after car in the closing laps as he chipped away at the deficit to the leaders before ultimately taking the checkered flag fourth.

BLANEY’S THOUGHTS: “I just restarted a little further back than those guys and it took me longer to get in a decent spot. Honestly, it sort of surprised me just how hard those guys tanked at the end and my car kept chugging along. I ran Brad [Keselowski] down but everyone is so free it is hard to pass anybody. You are scared of spinning out and you are creeping around the bottom but it was a fun race. I am really proud of our group for sticking with it. I appreciate Wabash and Ford and Menards for doing what they do. Really good showing and just kept going. It has been a good last few weeks for us. I think the speed is there, just have to keep putting these races together. We had a good shot to win today but it just didn’t work out. The strategies just got really weird with all those cautions. We were on the back end of it and it just kind of cycled me behind. We recovered really nicely. Really proud of the 12 group.”

JOEY LOGANO No. 22 SHELL-PENNZOIL FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE
START: 14TH STAGE 1: 18TH STAGE 2: 21ST FINISH: 9TH POINTS: 12TH
RACE RUNDOWN: Joey Logano and the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse team rallied for a ninth-place finish in Sunday’s Iowa Corn 350. Logano took the green flag from 14th and dealt with handling issues early on as he came away with finishes of 18th and 21st in the first two stages, respectively, as the No. 22 team continued to make adjustments throughout the first 200-plus laps. Following a caution in the opening laps of the final segment while running 25th, crew chief Paul Wolfe called Logano to pit road – who was one of nine cars to pit at the time – with the thought of making it to the end on fuel with the help of another caution or two while a majority of the field still had to make one more stop. However, six cautions over the next 53 laps easily got the 22 team to their fuel number, allowing Logano to make his charge through field without the need to save fuel the rest of the way. After the final caution flag flew on lap 281, Logano lined up to restart 12th with 64 laps remaining and worked his way into the top-10 by lap 304 and continued to press forward, making his way up to eighth in the running order with 25 to go before taking the checkered flag ninth to cap off the day.

LOGANO’S THOUGHTS: “Really proud of the effort from this 22 team to come out of here with a top-10 finish. We really struggled early on but maintained in the top-20 range while we kept working on it. Paul [Wolfe’s] call to pit early in the final stage really paid off in the end and allowed us to get towards the top-10 as the cautions kept coming. Gives us something to build on heading into Watkins Glen.”

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to road course racing at Watkins Glen on Sunday, August 10. Coverage of the Go Bowling at The Glen begins at 2:00 p.m. ET Sunday on USA, MRN, and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

RFK Racing Captures Two Top Five for Second Consecutive Week

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Official Release
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Keselowski 3rd, Preece 5th, Buescher 22nd

NEWTON, IA (August 3, 2025) – Brad Keselowski delivered a statement performance Sunday at Iowa Speedway, leading 68 laps and capturing wins in the first two stages before finishing third in a strategy-heavy showdown. RFK Racing showed strength across the board as Ryan Preece rallied from early trouble to score a top five, and Chris Buescher battled from the back to finish 22nd.

6 Brad Keselowski

Brad Keselowski led 3 times for 68 laps Sunday, enroute to an impressive 3rd place finish. After rolling off 5th, the 2012 Cup Series Champion proved to be an immediate threat to win. Within only a handful of laps the Solomon Plumbing Ford was up to second. Stage one would become a battle between Keselowski and William Byron. For several laps the two were door to door for the lead before Keselowski, took advantage and closed out the segment with a stage win.

After pitting, Keselowski restarted 5th to begin Stage Two. Again, the 6-car was fast. Turning some of his quickest laps of the day, the Rochester Hills, Michigan driver climbed back to second. It was mid-stage when strategy began to take place, while others pitted during green flag racing, Keselowski stretched his fuel. He was ultimately rewarded when a caution allowed him to pit under yellow, limiting the amount of track position he’d need to yield. By lap 188 he had leader Ryan Blaney in his sights, passing him and cruising to another stage win.

Entering Stage Three the 6-team elected to be aggressive and did not pit. “let’s play to win,” said Keselowski, as he maintained the lead. Fuel, though, would become a critical factor. At lap 231, under caution, Keselowski pitted as the team packed the car full of fuel. Despite restarting deep in the field, there was confidence. The car now had more fuel than most others. He could go the distance while many others could not. Cautions though were prevalent, allowing several to close the fuel gap. Still, with speed and determination, Keselowski pushed forward to score a third-place finish.

60 Ryan Preece

With his Xfinity win at Iowa in 2017, Ryan Preece proved his ability to navigate the progressive banking of the .875-mile track. That talent was on display Sunday as he was able to overcome several obstacles in the Mohawk Northeast Ford to score a top 5 finish. Those hinderances were prevalent in stage one. After finishing the segment 30th he was then hit with a speeding penalty on pit road. But that would only set up the impressive comeback.

Restarting 33rd Crew Chief Derrick Finley knew strategy would be necessary to get track position. The plan was to stretch their fuel as long as possible. As others pitted under green the 60-car stayed out – climbing toward the front as others stopped. A mid-stage caution was the break the team needed, proving to be a turning point, as Preece was able to restart 14th. Aggressively, he picked up several spots on the restart and continued surging to a 9th place stage finish.

Stage Three is when it all came together for Preece. Fuel strategy combined with restart dominance propelled the 60-car toward the front. Like his teammate Brad Keselowski, Preece had enough fuel to outlast most. But it was restarts where he capitalized, consistently grabbing spots with each green flag. A flurry of cautions provided that opportunity as Preece maneuvered to the front, scoring his second top 5 in as many weeks.

17 Chris Buescher

Chris Buescher began his day at Iowa Speedway with work to do in the Body Guard Ford after rolling off from the 27th position. He slipped back to 30th early but steadily clawed his way forward, regaining his starting spot by lap 25. He spent much of the opening stage battling mid-pack, notably dicing with Riley Herbst for 26th. Buescher ended Stage One in 27th,

Stage Two saw a mix of strategy and perseverance from Buescher and the No. 17 team. After restarting 26th with fresh tires and fuel, he set his sights on moving forward. He clawed his way to 12th. Rather than relinquish the hard-earned track position, the team did not pit during a lap 170 caution and instead waited until lap 206 for service. He shuffled him back to 27th but managed to climb to a 24th place stage finish.

In the final stage, Buescher restarted 23rd and made an early pit stop for right-side tires and fuel, but a penalty forced a return trip down pit road where he topped off with fuel. Despite the setback, he steadily made gains as the race unfolded – climbing as high as 14th. During a late race caution, Buescher pitted again and in the intensity of the closing laps could not regain track position, finishing 22nd.

Up Next:

Watkins Glen International (Watkins Glen, NY) Sunday August 10, 2025, on USA Network @ 2:00pm ET

About RFK Racing
RFK Racing, in its 38th season in 2025, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion Brad Keselowski and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988, and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass 300 wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content, and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

Rick Ware Racing: Iowa Corn 350 from Iowa Speedway

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Official Release
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RICK WARE RACING
Iowa Corn 350

Date: Aug. 3, 2025
Event: Iowa Corn 350 (Round 23 of 36)
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Iowa Speedway in Newton (.875-mile oval)
Format: 350 laps, broken into three stages (70 laps/140 laps/140 laps)
Race Winner: William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports (Chevrolet)
Stage 1 Winner: Brad Keselowski of RFK Racing (Ford)
Stage 2 Winner: Brad Keselowski of RFK Racing (Ford)

RWR Finish:

● Cody Ware (Started 35th, Finished 32nd / Running, completed 349 of 350 laps)

RWR Points:

● Cody Ware (36th with 154 points)

Race Notes:

● William Byron won the Iowa Corn 350 to score his 15th career NASCAR Cup Series victory, his second of the season and his first at Iowa. His margin over second-place Chase Briscoe was 1.192 seconds.
● There were 12 caution periods for a total of 72 laps.
● Thirty of the 37 drivers in the race finished on the lead lap.
● Byron leaves Iowa as the new championship leader with an 18-point advantage over second-place Chase Elliott.

Sound Bites:

“It was definitely a long one today. Just glad to get a finish after a lot of issues that have plagued us the last couple of weekends. It’s a building block for Watkins Glen and Richmond and Daytona before the playoffs start. Just thankful to have Costa Oil on board, and I appreciate all the hard work my guys did to try to get the car tuned in throughout the race. Just didn’t quite have what we needed there at the end. The track changed a lot, but all in all, we made progress throughout the day.” – Cody Ware, driver of the No. 51 Costa Oil 10-Minute Oil Change Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Next Up:

The next event on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the Go Bowling at The Glen on Sunday, Aug. 10 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International. The race begins at 2 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by USA and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

How Fans Stay Entertained Between Events

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SM
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The calendar is everything for people who love motorsports. Race weekends are the best because they give you an adrenaline rush like no other, whether it’s Formula 1, NASCAR, MotoGP, WRC, or endurance series like Le Mans and WEC. But the weeks between major events can seem interminable, so fans look for methods to stay in touch with the sport and keep their excitement flowing.

Sim Racing and Esports Keep the Competition Alive

Sim racing is one of the most popular methods for fans to connect with real-life events. Modern racing simulations like iRacing, rFactor 2, and Gran Turismo have made realistic worlds where fans can improve their abilities, race against other people online, and even join organized leagues. Major series now have official virtual championships, and fans often pay as much attention to them as they do to real racing.
When the real track lights go out, this artificial world lets racing fans feel like they’re part of the action.

Documentaries, Podcasts, and Motorsports Media

In the past few years, motorsport media has developed a lot. Documentaries like Netflix’s Drive to Survive or MotoGP’s Unlimited give fans a look behind the scenes that makes them appreciate drivers and teams even more. Podcasts and YouTube channels explain racing strategies, driver development, and technological details, so the weeks off are just as interesting.

SpeedwayMedia and other sites include photo galleries and video highlights from recent races that keep the excitement going long after the race is over.

Community Events and Digital Platforms

Fans of racing also like to stay in touch with other fans. People can share their love of racing through local karting sessions, car events, and fan meets. There are even more alternatives online. Some people watch sim racing or motorsports documentaries, while others play games on websites like BC Game that are light and digital and have the same excitement as competition. While you wait for the next race, these platforms can be a great way to play fast-paced games.

Getting Ready for the Next Big Race

For a lot of fans, the time between events is a good opportunity to plan. It’s important to carefully plan things like tickets, transport, and things to do at the track. Promoters for big events like the British Grand Prix or the U.S. Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas have turned racing weekends into huge festivals featuring live music, fan zones, and things to do.

Fans make sure that their next racing weekend is more than just a race by planning beforehand.

Staying Engaged Year-Round

There is no longer a set schedule for motorsports. Fans may enjoy racing culture all year long thanks to digital media, esports, and interactive platforms. True fans never really leave the racing scene. They just wait for the next green flag. They do this by researching team plans, remembering epic memories, or seeking enjoyment through online competitions.

Engine Conversion Kits: 7 Performance Upgrades You Need

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SM
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Swapping an engine is a bold move. It gives your ride new life, more power, or better fuel economy. But here’s the catch: dropping in a new engine is only the start. To get the most out of that swap, you’ll need the right performance upgrades. Otherwise, you’re just holding back all that potential.

Upgrading your engine’s airflow with a cold air intake is a great way to enhance performance. S&B Filters offer high-quality cold air intakes that allow for cooler, denser air, improving engine combustion and horsepower.

Let’s go over the key upgrades that help your engine conversion run smoother, faster, and cooler.

1. ECU Tuning That Actually Works

An engine swap means new sensors, new wiring, and a different way of doing things under the hood. But your vehicle’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) doesn’t know that. Without ecu tuning sunshine coast, your freshly swapped engine might misfire, idle rough, or not start at all. It’s like putting a new heart in the body but forgetting to connect the brain.

To solve that, you can turn to specialist parts and kit suppliers like ASL Mods. They offer ECU tuning solutions built specifically for common diesel conversions like BMW M57s going into Patrols or Land Cruisers. Their kits help you skip the wiring guesswork and make sure everything works together the way it should. It’s one of the first steps you should take after a conversion.

Alongside tuning support, you’ll also find stand-alone harnesses and other plug-and-play wiring solutions that simplify what’s often the most frustrating part of the job: getting everything to communicate properly.

2. High-Flow Intake Systems

Air in, power out. That’s how combustion works. However, stock intake systems often choke out performance, especially after a swap. If your new engine needs to breathe more, you’ve got to let it.

A high-flow intake system improves airflow into the engine. Cold air intakes, in particular, draw cooler air from outside the engine bay. Cooler air is denser, which helps combustion and increases horsepower. Short ram intakes are another option if space is tight. Either way, a better intake setup helps your swapped engine perform like it should.

This upgrade pairs well with other conversion parts to round out your engine bay setup.

3. Performance Exhaust Setup

You’ve opened up the front end of the engine. Now it’s time to do the same on the back end. Upgrading to a performance exhaust system clears gases faster and reduces backpressure. That means the engine doesn’t have to fight itself to breathe.

Look into headers, larger downpipes, and cat-back systems made to fit your conversion. You’ll not only hear a difference. You’ll feel it too. Just check local emission laws before committing to a setup. Some areas have strict rules on noise and the use of catalytic converters.

Just a heads-up: make sure your engine mounts and brackets can handle the shift in torque and vibration once airflow is fully optimized.

4. Upgraded Fuel Injectors

New engine, new fuel needs. Your stock injectors may not keep up with the new demands, especially if you’ve added boost or plan to in the future. Upgraded fuel injectors give your engine what it needs, when it needs it, without leaning out or bogging down.

Make sure the injectors match your engine’s fuel rail and ECU specs. Some swaps also require an aftermarket fuel pressure regulator. And don’t forget, you’ll likely need to retune the ECU again once new injectors go in.

A lot of auto enthusiasts forget this step, but it’s key to getting your build tuned right.

5. Turbo or Supercharger Add-On

Already done the swap? Want more power? Forced induction is where things get exciting. Turbochargers are widely known to increase engine power by 30% to 40%, depending on boost pressure, tuning, and supporting modifications. Turbos use exhaust gases to spin a turbine and cram more air into the engine. Superchargers work similarly but are driven by a belt.

Each has pros and cons. Turbos give more top-end power but may lag. Superchargers offer instant response but can be harder on the engine over time. Either way, you’ll need upgrades like intercoolers, stronger head bolts, and proper tuning to keep things reliable.

This is where using high-quality components really matters. Cheap parts lead to expensive failures.

6. Lightweight Flywheel or Clutch Kit

A heavy flywheel keeps momentum but slows response. If you’re chasing quick revs and snappy shifts, a lightweight flywheel is worth considering. Pair it with a performance clutch, and you’ll get better grip and faster engagement, which is especially helpful in off-road builds or track setups.

Just know this: lighter flywheels can make low-speed driving a bit touchier. It’s a trade-off between performance and comfort, but many say it’s worth it.

These are especially helpful in project cars, where you want to maximize driver feel.

7. Better Cooling System

Swapping in a more powerful engine usually means more heat. If you’re still using the factory radiator and fan, you’re playing with fire. Overheating is one of the fastest ways to ruin a swap.

Upgraded radiators with aluminum cores, high-flow fans, and even oil coolers are smart additions. They keep things in check whether you’re crawling up rocks or cruising in traffic. And they add engine support you’ll appreciate in the long run.

To make sure your setup stays reliable, it’s worth seeking advice from specialists who build engine-swap kits. They can help you choose cooling components that match your power goals and vehicle layout without the trial and error.

Wrapping It Up

An engine swap means more than dropping in a new block. To get the most from your build, you need the right upgrades to support power, airflow, fuel, and cooling. Think of them as reinforcements, not extras.

Wiring, tuning, cooling, and fuel delivery upgrades all work together to turn a simple swap into something that runs the way it should. Plan carefully, pick parts that suit your setup, and when in doubt, ask someone who knows the process. You’ll set yourself up for a smoother build and results you can be proud of.

From Salvage to Certified Pre-Owned: How Carfax Impacts Vehicle Resale Value

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

Shopping for a used car can feel like detective work. You want a great deal without inheriting hidden headaches like flood damage, frame repairs, or a rolled-back odometer. Pulling a Carfax report before you buy turns guesswork into solid data, helping you negotiate from a position of strength.

In this post, we’ll walk through why vehicle history matters, what “salvage” and “certified pre-owned” really mean, how to read key report entries, and where to get affordable reports so you keep confidence without breaking the bank.

1. Why Vehicle History Matters

Picture this: you find a five-year-old SUV listed for under ten thousand dollars. The interior looks great, and the mileage seems low. You skip the history check, drive it home, and notice water stains on the floorboards. An insurer’s flood-damage repair can reduce resale value by as much as 40 percent and create long-term rust issues that you can’t see right away.

Industry surveys tell us that about 85 percent of buyers who pull a history report uncover at least one red flag—anything from minor fender-benders to serious frame work. Here’s how these entries typically affect value:

  • A salvage title usually cuts the resale price by around 30 percent compared with a clean title, even if the work was done well.
  • A single reported accident, even a light rear-end collision, can lower market value by 5 to 10 percent.
  • Odometer discrepancies often scare off buyers entirely and make financing difficult.

If you want to check any vehicle’s background without paying a premium, try Cheap carfax Report. It gives you clear facts up front so you can shop with confidence.

2. Salvage vs. Certified Pre-Owned: What You Need to Know

Salvage Titles Explained

A salvage title is assigned when repair costs exceed a set percentage of the car’s insured value. Common causes include:

  • Major collisions that bent the frame.
  • Flood damage from storms or standing water.
  • Theft recoveries where parts went missing.

Even after professional repairs, these cars carry a stigma. Potential buyers worry about hidden damage and lingering mechanical issues. That wariness alone often means you’ll get 30 percent less if you try to resell.

Certified Pre-Owned Defined

Certified pre-owned, or CPO, is the opposite end of the spectrum. CPO cars must meet strict age, mileage, and condition criteria set by the manufacturer. They then undergo a multipoint inspection—sometimes over 150 checks—and come with an extended warranty.

Benefits include:

  • Up to a 10 percent resale premium compared with non-certified peers.
  • Additional perks like free roadside assistance and complimentary maintenance plans.
  • Peace of mind that every major system—from engine to electronics—passed a detailed review.

Deciding between a salvage-repaired bargain or a higher-cost CPO model comes down to your budget, risk tolerance, and how long you plan to keep the car.

3. Reading a Carfax Report Like a Pro

Carfax aggregates data from more than 100 million records across DMVs, insurance companies, and service shops. Key sections to focus on:

  1. Title Brands: Look for “salvage,” “rebuilt,” “flood,” or “junk.” Any of these should trigger a pause.
  2. Accident History: Carfax notes severity levels. A minor dent is not the same as frame damage.
  3. Service Records: Regular oil changes and scheduled maintenance entries reassure you that the car was cared for.
  4. Odometer Readings: Consistency matters. A sudden drop in recorded miles usually means rollback.

For example, imagine you’re comparing two sedans. Car A has a clean title but only two service entries in five years. Car B has one accident note but 20 consistent oil changes and brake checks. Depending on repair costs and mileage, Car B could represent a better long-term value, especially if the accident was minor.

If you’d like a deeper dive into mileage benchmarks and the most common warning signs, take a look at What to Look for When Buying a Cheap Used Car. That guide walks you through a step-by-step inspection checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.

4. Getting Quality Reports Without Overspending

You do not have to pay top dollar for every VIN check. Here’s what you typically see:

  • Single-report plans cost $20 to $40 per VIN—great if you only have one car in your sights.
  • Unlimited monthly subscriptions run as low as $25 per month—ideal when you’re shopping at multiple dealers or across different models.

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Byron goes the distance for Cup Series win at Iowa

By
Angie Campbell
-
Photo by Ron Olds for SpeedwayMedia.com

William Byron utilized a fuel strategy to claim his second NASCAR Cup Series win of the season at Iowa Speedway Sunday evening. It also elevates him to the top of the Regular Season Championship competition.

After running out of fuel on the last lap in the previous race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Byron described what the victory meant to him and his Hendrick Motorsports team.

“Yeah, it was just a big relief. I feel like we have been on the bad side of some fuel races, and everybody has been working super hard, and that was every ounce it took there at the end. Man, just so damn proud of this team,” Byron said. “I feel like we have been through so much this year, and everybody has been working super hard and it showed there at the end.”

After the win at Iowa, Byron leads the NASCAR Cup Series standings over Chase Elliott by 18 points, Kyle Larson by 45, Denny Hamlin by 51, and Christopher Bell by 86 points.

Chase Briscoe, Brad Keselowski, Ryan Blaney, and Ryan Preece completed the top five in the finishing order at Iowa.

The race featured 12 caution flags for 72 laps, and 10 lead changes among six drivers. Byron led twice for 141 laps.

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Watkins Glen International for the Go Bowling at The Glen on Sunday, August 10th at 2:00 p.m. ET on USA.

NASCAR Cup Series Race Number 23

Race Results for the Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol – Sunday, August 3, 2025
Iowa Speedway – Newton, IA – 0.875 – Mile Paved
Total Race Length – 350 Laps – 306.25 Miles

FinStNoDriverStage 1Stage 2Stage 3PointsStatus
1224William Byron30048Running
2119Chase Briscoe50041Running
356Brad Keselowski11055Running
4612Ryan Blaney42049Running
53360Ryan Preece09034Running
61523Bubba Wallace00031Running
71648Alex Bowman07034Running
8777Carson Hocevar70033Running
91422Joey Logano00028Running
10183Austin Dillon010028Running
11281Ross Chastain00026Running
1242Austin Cindric23042Running
131221Josh Berry06029Running
1489Chase Elliott80026Running
152942John Hunter Nemechek00022Running
162543Erik Jones08024Running
171720Christopher Bell00020Running
18916AJ Allmendinger90021Running
192245Tyler Reddick00018Running
20378Kyle Busch05023Running
212054Ty Gibbs04023Running
222717Chris Buescher00015Running
23107Justin Haley100015Running
241111Denny Hamlin00013Running
252699Daniel Suarez00012Running
261941Cole Custer00011Running
271371Michael McDowell00010Running
2835Kyle Larson60014Running
29314Noah Gragson0008Running
302435Riley Herbst0007Running
312188Shane Van Gisbergen0006Running
323551Cody Ware0005Running
333047Ricky Stenhouse Jr.0004Running
343434Todd Gilliland0003Running
353210Ty Dillon0002Running
362338Zane Smith0001Running
373666Joey Gase(i)0000Running

Keselowski Tops Three Ford Finishers in Iowa Top Five

By
Official Release
-

Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
Iowa Corn 350 — Iowa Speedway
Sunday, August 3, 2025

Ford Unofficial Finishing Order

3rd – Brad Keselowski
4th – Ryan Blaney
5th – Ryan Preece
9th – Joey Logano
12th – Austin Cindric
13th – Josh Berry
22nd –Chris Buescher
26th – Cole Custer
29th – Noah Gragson
32nd – Cody Ware
34th – Todd Gilliland
36th – Zane Smith
37th – Joey Gase

BRAD KESELOWSKI, No. 6 Solomon Plumbing Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “We had so many yellows in stage three that it got the 24 and the 19 where they could make it on fuel pitting way outside the window. We just couldn’t get back by them. Got back by a lot of guys. Restarted 24th there I think after we pitted. Got all the way back up to third but that was as far as I could get. Great run for both of our RFK cars. Obviously, we want to win but we’re in contention, that’s for sure. We will keep putting solid runs on the board and I think this will come to us. We have some pretty strong Ford Mustangs right now. Blaney was really fast there at the end. He had a little bit newer tires and he was running us down. I feel like I was going to get the 19 but Blaney was going to pass me. It was a solid day, we just needed a few more things to go our way.”

RYAN BLANEY, No. 12 Wabash Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “I just restarted a little further back than those guys and it took me longer to get in a decent spot. Honestly, it sort of surprised me just how hard those guys tanked at the end and my car kept chugging along. I ran Brad down but everyone is so free it is hard to pass anybody. You are scared of spinning out and you are creeping around the bottom but it was a fun race. I am really proud of our group for sticking with it. I appreciate Wabash and Ford and Menards for doing what they do. Really good showing and just keep going. It has been a good last few weeks for us. I think the speed is there, just have to keep putting these races together. We had a good shot to win today but it just didn’t work out. The strategies just got really weird with all those cautions. We were on the back end of it and it just kind of cycled me behind. We were covered really nicely. Really proud of the 12 group.”

RYAN PREECE, No. 60 Mohawk Northeast Inc. Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “I am super proud of everyone at RFK for making solid adjustments. We had a little bit of luck there when that caution came out and allowed us to take another shot at it. So, thanks for RFK. Thanks to Mohawk Northeast and everybody with this Ford Mustang. I thought if we had a bunch of restarts we were going to be okay because we were so, so good in that third lane. But it just seemed that long run, that last run, wasn’t the best thing for us. On that restart when we were able to get to third, I thought we were going to have a shot at it. It seemed we could close in on the 19 and the 24 a little bit and then I just got loose. When Brad was catching me I thought ‘what is the best thing to do for a teammate and for the company?’ and wanted to give him the opportunity even if it was at a deficit for us. Ultimately, I look forward to Watkins Glen, Richmond and Daytona. All three of us [RFK Ford Mustangs] can still get in [to the Playoffs]. It is going to take a lot of perseverance and a lot of luck but we have fast race cars and we can get the job done.”

CORVETTE RACING AT ROAD AMERICA: Oh So Close…

By
Official Release
-

Rounds of contact, yellows knock all four Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs from podium finishes

ELKHART LAKE, Wisc. (August 3, 2025) – Antonio Garcia, Alexander Sims and Chevrolet emerged from Road America on Sunday with their GTD PRO Drivers and Manufacturers championship leads intact following a rough-and-tumble Motul SportsCar Grand Prix.

All four Corvette Z06 GT3.R entries in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship round had their podium hopes dashed late in the going with Garcia and Sims recording the highest finish of the quartet – fourth in GTD PRO with their No. 3 Corvette from Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports.

Both of the Pratt Miller Corvettes took turns out front in class in the opening 90 minutes. Sims was going for the lead following a restart after the race’s third full-course yellow when he was hit and knocked into the gravel trap at Turn One.

The resulting damage limited the Corvette’s performance for the rest of the way, but Sims and Garcia soldiered on to drive from 10th and back into podium position in the late going.

On the No. 4 side of the pitbox, Tommy Milner led 10 laps early in the No. 4 Corvette before handing over to Catsburg after 50 minutes with the Pratt Miller entry consistently toward the front. Unfortunately for Catsburg, he was caught up in an incident two corners after Sims’ off and spun in the middle of the track in traffic to fall down the order.

Catsburg found himself roughed up throughout his stint from a number of GTD PRO competitors, The final contact from the No. 9 Lamborghini resulted in heavy front damage and a water leak that caused Catsburg to pull the No. 4 off-track with 15 minutes to go.

In GTD, AWA’s No. 13 Corvette of Matt Bell and Orey Fidani placed seventh and won the Bob Akin round to move back into the lead of the season-long championship. Fidani drove the first 45 minutes – much of it under full-course yellow – and Bell ran as high as third late before another unfortunate yellow forced him to drive back from 11th following the race’s final restart with 40 minutes left.

DXDT Racing’s No. 36 Z06 GT3.R of Robert Wickens and Alec Udell, on the other hand, benefitted from that yellow after a pit stop just before the caution flew to take the class lead. Wickens qualified and started from fourth place, and the duo kept the DXDT Corvette toward the front until Udell assumed the lead going into the homestretch. Much like Catsburg in GTD PRO, Udell lost multiple positions due to contact and close-quarters racing and finished eighth in class.

The next IMSA event for the Corvette Z06 GT3.R teams is the Michelin GT Challenge at Virginia International Raceway on August 24.

CORVETTE RACING BY PRATT MILLER MOTORSPORTS POST-RACE DRIVER QUOTES

ANTONIO GARCIA, NO. 3 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “It’s a shame. It’s the second year in a row that we have to finish this race with a damaged car. Last year it was a crash on Lap One and now because another car crashed into us at Turn One. It was very difficult to drive because I had no performance. The alignment seemed to be OK but there was definitely something on the aero side. It was difficult to hang on. I have to say that I tried to be fair to people and they were fair to me. So there was no chaos or no big contact between us or people trying to make bad moves. So I’m happy with that. I was super slow because I couldn’t go any faster. I tried to defend and used my experience to place the car wherever I needed to do. In the end I think we have a points advantage that is way better than it could have been. The way the car drove, it wasn’t even fast. So I’m happy we managed to save some good points. Eventually it will come our way and we’ll have a good race toward the end of the championship. That’s the way it is this year but I’m happy with the finish we had.”

ALEXANDER SIMS, NO. 3 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “It’s IMSA racing. If nothing else, it’s exciting. There was a lot going on in the race. There were so many situations with so many yellows and pit stops… all the chess games going on. I haven’t seen a replay of the incident between the 48 BMW and us but I felt like I was giving enough racing room to them. It’s a shame that we got shoved off and sustained damage that frankly hindered the rest of our race. Our Corvette was really good before that. We seemed to lose rear downforce and it became a handful to drive. Without that I think we could have been in a situation to be at the front most of the time in a controlled state. Antonio did a great job to keep the field behind him for so long. It wasn’t easy to drive after the hit. It’s bizarre to say but fourth is actually reasonable considering what happened. But we came into this race with a fast Corvette and expected more than that.”

TOMMY MILNER, NO. 4 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Ultimately it was a day to forget for the team, for us on the No. 4 Corvette and for many other people, as well. The driving standards were questionable at times, and the product on the racetrack reflected that. It’s unfortunate for us and for the fans with all the yellows. Aside from that, the good takeaways from this event for us is that we had a very fast Corvette. We worked really hard to improve our race pace and balance of the car, and we were able to do that. Those are good positives we can take away from the weekend.”

NICKY CATSBURG, NO. 4 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I’m never shy with a little argy-bargy. But today especially the 65 Ford… he was over the limit with driving standards. The Porsche moved under braking everywhere and then the 9 Lambo, they just shove you off like you’re not there. I do feel like it needs to be addressed otherwise racing is not fair anymore. We also need to look at ourselves and improve. I feel like we really nailed the setup on the Corvette this weekend. The car in the race was really mega. It was nice to drive and nice to be on the attacking side and having some fun there. It is what it is. Unfortunately I feel like this was our race and we didn’t capitalize.”

AWA POST-RACE DRIVER QUOTES

MATT BELL, NO. 13 CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “It was a positive race, to be honest. I feel sorry for the No. 70 guys. We want to go toe-to-toe with them out there, but their trouble gave us the Akin win which is great for the team and our mission to get back to Le Mans. From that point, we could attack and for awhile it looked really good for our Corvette to the end of the race. But IMSA racing gives and it takes away; the last yellow came just at the wrong time for us and cycled us back to the rear through no fault of our own. Getting from 11th to seventh is about all I could do today. It’s still a very positive day for the AWA team with the Akin award. I’m really proud of Orey’s drive so we’ll move on to the next one at VIR.”

OREY FIDANI, NO. 13 CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I’m happy with where we ended up. The last little bit of the race was a little unfortunate because I think we had a shot at the podium but that’s sometimes how it goes. But onward and upward to VIR.”

DXDT RACING POST-RACE DRIVER QUOTES

ALEC UDELL, NO. 36 CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “The racing here in IMSA is a dogfight at the end. I was giving a little more courtesy than I should have, and that’s on me. I’m not going to point any fingers besides at myself and say that’s how it’s played here. It seems like it’s good on the Race Control side so there’s nothing else besides muscle up and do the same. I think everyone was just on the limit, which is why there were no calls. Ultimately that’s how it is. You just gotta put yourself in the right positions consistently, and that’s what we’ve been doing. I’m really proud of the strategy calls from the team. I think it was perfect from that side. Everyone on the pitbox did a fantastic job so I’m frustrated to not capitalize on that. We’ve been so hungry for that first win and podium. Frustrated that I let it slip away.”

ROBERT WICKENS, NO. 36 CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Not the end result we wanted but so much hard work went into this weekend. Everyone at DXDT Racing along with Alec and myself should be proud of what we’re doing. It’s not the first time this year that the team has been in a strong podium position in the dying laps. It’s only a matter of time before one comes our way.”

About General Motors

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