Matt Smith (near lane) against Scottie Pollacheck at Denver. Smith made it to the semifinal round. (Ron Lewis photo)

Matt Smith wrapped up his third career NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championship with a record-breaking performance on the final day of the 2018 season in Pomona. But the Pro Stock Motorcycle standout fully believes that championship run was set in motion thanks to his impressive performance at Sonoma Raceway.

Smith won the Mickey Thompson Tire Pro Bike Battle as part of the NHRA Sonoma Nationals, which takes places at Sonoma Raceway, July 26-28. The victory over Eddie Krawiec in the final of the bike battle on Smith's Denson/Stockseth/MSR EBR netted him $25,000 and provided a huge boost of momentum as he prepared for his title chase. Returning to the facility in the heart of Northern California's wine country fourth in points, Smith is after a similar spark in 2019.

"It assured us we could really go after that championship last year," Smith said. "To me, when we beat (Krawiec), it really showed us we could race for a championship and have a chance to win it. Last year was the first time anyone on my team won the bike battle, and it was just great to finally win it. We really appreciate Mickey Thompson doing this for the class. It's been a good journey and a good fit for the class. So, to get that win, it was pretty awesome. If you do well at Sonoma, you know you're in a good spot come Indy." [07/26/19]

The United Kingdom wants the cars on its roads to go electric, and it intends do so five years earlier than previously announced.

In the signing of legislation ordering the U.K. to reduce its emissions to net-zero come 2050, a proposal to make all new cars sold in region electric by 2035 is now on the table. Phys.org reported the all-electric new-car fleet is one of a few proposals the government will look at to achieve its net-zero emissions goal. The legislation to end carbon emissions by 2050 passed both houses of parliament earlier this month without a vote before Energy and Clean Growth Minister Chris Skidmore signed the legislation into law.

The goal is to reduce U.K. emissions by 80 percent. Although a previous regulation was put in place to end the sale of new cars powered by an internal-combustion engine in 2040, existing vehicles still on the road won't be driven away by the new rules.

Still won’t replace the smell and sound of nitro on a dragstrip, says the Agent.   [07/26/19]

Well, here’s a New Product that is also a little bit Off the Track. Renegade Bushwhacker premix fuel is a specialty fuel developed for lawn mowers. Use of this product will reduce maintenance cost and increase time in service of all the 2 stroke power equipment it is use in. Bushwhacker utilizes race fuel technology along with premium HP synthetic 2-stroke oil to give your power equipment a performance edge. No word on how much faster you can get your lawn mowed.  [07/26/19]