From Horse Race To Horsepower On Pennsylvania Avenue

The title "From Horse Race To Horsepower On Pennsylvania Avenue" evokes a grand sweep of American progress, one that leaps from the dusty tracks of the early republic to the thunderous roar of modern machinery tearing through the heart of the nation's capital. Image Graphic Credit: Edmund Jenks via GROK (2026)

From Horse Race To Horsepower On Pennsylvania Avenue

In the sweltering summer of 1801, as the Federal City was still finding its footing amid marshes and half-built monuments, President Thomas Jefferson - ever the Enlightenment figure with a farmer's appreciation for fine horseflesh - allegedly presided over or at least lent his prestige to a horse race in the fledgling Washington. The anecdote, dusted off and polished for contemporary telling, paints a scene of gentlemen in waistcoats and tricorn hats gathered near the President's House, wagering on blooded steeds pounding turf that would one day become Pennsylvania Avenue. Whether the event was a formal meet of the nascent Washington Jockey Club (founded just a few years prior) or a more informal contest among the elite, the record is hazy. Primary sources from the era mention racing enthusiasm in the district, with Jefferson himself a known horseman who bred and rode mounts with care, but no definitive ledger pins a singular "Jefferson-held" spectacle precisely to that year. Still, the image endures: equine power symbolizing the raw, organic energy of a young republic.

Fast-forward 225 years to January 30, 2026. President Donald Trump, flanked by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and racing impresario Roger Penske, signed an executive order launching the Freedom 250 Grand Prix ... an IndyCar street race set for August 23, 2026, as the centerpiece of America250 celebrations marking a quarter-millennium of independence. 

Duffy, with characteristic flair, quipped that the last race in the capital dated to 1801 under Jefferson - "a horse race" - before declaring, "Now we're going to do a real race." The vision: open-wheel machines pushing toward 190 mph along routes embracing Pennsylvania Avenue and circling the National Mall, engines howling past the Capitol, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the White House itself.

This pivot from horsepower in the literal sense - living, breathing animals bred for speed and stamina - to horsepower in the mechanical idiom - turbocharged V6 hybrids unleashing 700+ ponies - encapsulates the arc of American ingenuity. Jefferson's era prized the horse as transportation, agriculture, status, and sport; the internal combustion engine, refined over the 19th and 20th centuries, democratized mobility, fueled industrial might, and birthed motor racing as a global spectacle. IndyCar, with its American roots tracing to the Indianapolis 500, now carries that torch into the symbolic core of the republic.

The proposed circuit promises drama: tight, high-speed sections demanding precision braking and throttle control, all while federal landmarks stand sentinel. Logistical hurdles loom—security perimeters, road closures, congressional nods, coordination with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser—but the administration frames it as pure patriotic theater: free admission for spectators, a showcase of engineering prowess, and a nod to freedom's revving spirit. "Freedom doesn’t ring, it revs," Duffy proclaimed in one enthusiastic release.

Critics may see spectacle over substance, or question the wisdom of closing the capital's arteries for a weekend of speed. Yet the contrast remains irresistible. Where once a president watched Thoroughbreds thunder across open ground in pursuit of glory and purse, now another envisions carbon-fiber projectiles slicing the same vistas, their synthetic fury echoing through marble corridors.

From horse race to horsepower on Pennsylvania Avenue: a reminder that America's story is one of relentless acceleration - biological to mechanical, agrarian to industrial, past to future - always chasing the next horizon at ever-greater velocity. Whether the Freedom 250 ultimately thunders down the avenue or settles into committee purgatory, the metaphor holds: progress doesn't trot; it races.

With this title and information, our author, Edmund Jenks, decided to create an SUNO AI generated song with the chorus and title of :

Click-Image - Launch Song - From Horse Race To Horsepower On Pennsylvania Avenue

From Horse Race To Horsepower On Pennsylvania Avenue

LYRICS

Back in the dust, 1801 glow  

Gentlemen wager, watch the stallions go  

Jefferson smilin', reins in his hand  

Hooves hittin' hard on this new promised land  

Feel the thunder, feel the fire  

From the old dirt track to the neon wire  

From Horse Race to Horsepower on Pennsylvania Avenue  

Engines screamin', revvin' through  

From Horse Race to Horsepower on Pennsylvania Avenue  

Drop it low, let the freedom ride, yeah we breakin' through!  

Two centuries flip, now the asphalt burns  

IndyCar lights flash, tires take their turn  

White House watchin', monuments in the blur  

700 horses roar, history's got the urge  

  

Build it up, feel the chase  

Old blood to chrome in this capital space  

From Horse Race to Horsepower on Pennsylvania Avenue  

Engines screamin', revvin' through  

From Horse Race to Horsepower on Pennsylvania Avenue  

Drop it low, let the freedom ride, yeah we breakin' through!  

 

(Spoken/chanted over rising tension)  

Hold up... feel that shift...  

From the track to the strip...  

One more time...  

 

From Horse Race to Horsepower on Pennsylvania Avenue  

(Yeah!) Engines screamin', revvin' through  

From Horse Race to Horsepower on Pennsylvania Avenue  

Drop it low, let the freedom ride - freedom ride - freedom ride!

FADE OUT

Load up the K-Rail and lock up "Code Pink"/"Antifa" 'cause we goin' racin' folks. 

We, at Notes From The EDJE hope that there is a longer points paying run of the DCGP Freedom 250 than we witnessed at Nashville Streets, Baltimore, San Jose, and Thermal.

... notes from The EDJE

TAGS: #FromHorseRaceToHorsepower, #PennsylvaniaAvenue, #IndyCar, #Freedom250, #WashingtonDC, #ThomasJefferson, #HorseRacing, #Horsepower, #America250, #GrandPrix, #StreetRace, #DCGrandPrix, #IndyCarDC, #CapitalSpeed, #AmericanInnovation, #RacingHistory, #JeffersonHorseRace, #TrumpRacing, #SeanDuffy, #NationalMall, #WhiteHouse, #CapitolBuilding, #TechHouse, #ChrisLakeStyle, #EDMVibes, #FestivalAnthem, #RacingAnthem, #PatrioticSpeed, #EvolutionOfPower, #FromHoovesToEngines, #TheEDJE

Rahal Fires Back: DC Grand Prix A 'Massive Opportunity' For IndyCar Amid Fan Backlash

Not a pretty or soy-boy around the track, INDYCAR beginning of Content Days are filled fancy prep work for photoshoots and interviews to be used on FOX Sports broadcasts, website background information, and general breadth of "content" to be used for any imagined purpose. Image Credit: Rahal NICS via Letterman Lanigan FB/META (2026)

Rahal Fires Back: DC Grand Prix A 'Massive Opportunity' For IndyCar Amid Fan Backlash

In the crisp air of IndyCar's preseason media content day at Indiana Convention Center on January 27, 2026, veteran driver Graham Rahal stepped to the microphone and delivered a no-holds-barred defense of the proposed Washington, D.C. street race, brushing aside online critics with the kind of blunt candor that has defined his long career in open-wheel racing.

Rahal, piloting for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, described the potential "DC Grand Prix" as nothing short of a game-changer for the NTT IndyCar Series - a rare spotlight moment handed directly to IndyCar, not NASCAR or Formula 1. The idea originated from high-level discussions involving the White House and the Department of Transportation, pitched to Penske Entertainment as part of the nation's buildup to the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy laid out the formal concept, which quickly gained traction when President Donald Trump offered public support through social media. IndyCar officials have confirmed that talks with the White House remain active as feasibility studies continue.

When pressed by reporters about the wave of negative commentary flooding social platforms - fans vowing to skip broadcasts or tune out entirely ... Graham Rahal didn't pull punches.

"It's a massive opportunity for INDYCAR," he declared. "It's honestly a bit shameful sometimes when I read comments on social media. You see people saying, 'Oh, that's the one race I'm not going to watch this year.' I mean, get a life. Get a life."

Speculation about IndyCar racing in Washington, D.C. in 2026 began soon after FOX acquired a 33% stake in Penske Entertainment, giving the broadcaster a share of both IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Prominent pictured from left to right Roger Penske, 2019 INDY500 Winner Simon Pagenaud, and President Donald J. Trump. Image Credit: IndyCar Reports via FB/META September 26, 2025

The driver's frustration stemmed from what he sees as a missed perspective among some in the fanbase. For Rahal, this isn't just another street circuit on the calendar; it's a singular chance to showcase IndyCar in the heart of the nation's capital, potentially on or near the iconic National Mall.

"If you really are an INDYCAR fan, this is a huge opportunity that's been given to us," he continued. "It hasn't been given to NASCAR, not to Formula 1 - it's been given to INDYCAR."

Ever the self-described patriotic type, Rahal made clear that the appeal transcends any political lens.

"I'm a patriotic guy," he said. "I don't care who's in the White House. If we get to go race in Washington, that would be awesome, especially in a place like the National Mall."

The comments arrive at a pivotal moment for IndyCar, which continues to seek ways to elevate its profile amid a crowded American motorsports landscape. A race in D.C. - if it clears logistical, security, and permitting hurdles (a very big if) - could deliver unprecedented exposure, drawing eyes from beyond the traditional racing audience during a year of nationwide bicentennial celebrations.

Rahal's straightforward take cuts through the noise: embrace the shot or step aside. For a series hungry for growth, the veteran driver's words serve as both a rallying cry and a reality check. Whether a DC Grand Prix ultimately materializes remains an open question, but Graham Rahal has already made his position unmistakable.

Got to love the confusion of the arrows GROK placed on this AI mock up. "FREEDOM 250 DCGP" Proposed Track Layout via AI Tool - GROK (2026)

UPDATE - January 30, 2026 

President Trump put pen to paper on Friday with an executive order green-lighting the ambitious **Freedom 250** street race right in the heart of Washington, D.C.

The plan, tied to the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations, calls for the event to roar through the capital over the August 21-23 weekend - slotting neatly (or perhaps precariously) into the open date between the Markham, Ontario round and the Milwaukee Mile classic in Wisconsin. 

Trump directed D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to team up with his administration on logistics, while tasking the Departments of Interior and Transportation with mapping out a track layout in collaboration with IndyCar - and, crucially, sourcing the funding to make it all happen.

Rahal highlighted the sheer scale of the challenge ahead: pulling off a major street circuit in the nation's capital on such a compressed timeline would test every aspect of organization and coordination. Add to that the longstanding ban on advertisements across Capitol grounds, and the usual sponsor-laden livery of IndyCar machines presents an immediate regulatory hurdle that could require creative solutions or legislative tweaks.

Adding star power to the Oval Office signing ceremony were Roger Penske - who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump back in 2019 - and FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks. Trump, ever the promoter, predicted the race could shatter attendance records since it would throw open the gates to the public, turning the National Mall and iconic monuments into a massive, free-admission grandstand for what promises to be a spectacle of speed and patriotism.

For Rahal and the rest of the paddock, this remains a bold, headline-grabbing proposal with plenty of real-world obstacles still to navigate ... but one that could deliver an unforgettable chapter in American motorsport history if the pieces fall into place. Stay tuned; the revs are just starting.

... notes from The EDJE

From Horse Race To Horsepower On Pennsylvania Avenue - Theme Song

TAGS: #IndyCar, #IndyCarOnFOX, #Indy500, #DCGrandPrix, #GrahamRahal, #TheEDJE

Will Power Embraces Daytona Sportscar GT3 Debut With Enthusiasm, High Hopes

For the second day in the row, the No.75 75 Express AMG of Kenny Habul/Maro Engel/Will Power/Chaz Mostert (1:47.612) set the best time of the day.. Image Credit: Chaz Mostert via FB/META (2026)

Will Power Embraces Daytona Sportscar GT3 Debut With Enthusiasm, High Hopes

For Will Power, the iconic banking of Daytona International Speedway has long represented unfinished business. The veteran IndyCar star, about to start in his first full campaign with Andretti Global, finally checked a major item off his personal bucket list this week, making his debut appearance at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 in the No. 75 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3.

Power, sharing driving duties with team owner Kenny Habul and a strong lineup, described the experience as everything he had anticipated - and more.

"I'm really enjoying it," Power said following a busy day of on-track running and fan engagement. "It's a very big event that I've wanted to do for a long time. So, really happy to be here, and doing it with Kenny Habul. We raced against each other years ago in Australia in Formula Ford and Formula Three, so we've talked about it actually for a while."

The Australian Indy500 Champion driver admitted that previous commitments and scheduling conflicts had repeatedly delayed his sports car debut at the "World Center of Racing." But after gaining valuable experience in an eight-hour race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway late last year, the timing finally aligned perfectly with Habul's program.

"I've always been a bit too late to the game of talking to teams," Power explained. "But I had that experience in Indy, so it was a lot easier to ask Kenny, 'Hey, can I run with you?' And he [Kenny Habul] immediately said, 'Yeah, absolutely'."

Will Power also praised the sprawling facility, noting its sheer scale and rich heritage in both NASCAR and sports car racing, "It's just an amazing facility. The first time I drove in here, it was just crazy how big it is. I feel Indy was big - this has got to be bigger. It's an iconic track with a lot of history."

The Mercedes-AMG GT3 machines carve through traffic on the legendary 3.56-mile road course during practice sessions at the Roar.

Competing in the Rolex 24 at Daytona will mark Will Power’s second GT3 appearance after taking part in last year’s Indianapolis 8 Hour presented by AWS. Prior to that, his only other sports car experience came in the 2003 Bathurst 24 Hours at the wheel of a Porsche 996 GT3-RS. The Australian, who also won the Indianapolis 500 in 2018, has set his sights on a debut victory, which would also mark Mercedes-AMG’s first GTD Pro class win at Daytona since 2023. Image Credit: 75 Express (2025)

Adapting from the open-wheel precision of IndyCar to the closed-cockpit world of GT3 racing has come with its challenges, though Power downplayed the difficulty.

"The first couple laps in Indianapolis felt very strange ... the amount of roll and everything," Power recalled. "But they're not that hard to drive. They're probably very difficult to extract the time out of. You've got ABS and traction control, so it requires a specific driving style."

Will Power was quick to credit the seasoned GT3 competitors around him, calling them "top-level drivers" and valuable teammates from whom to learn.

Power topped at least one GTD Pro practice session during the Roar, a result he greeted with the same satisfaction that has defined his career, even while acknowledging the gamesmanship often at play with Balance of Performance.

"Always," Power said when asked if leading a session felt good. "When you're quick, it's a nice feeling."

The 24-hour endurance format itself has brought a refreshing change of pace.

"It's really nice to get practice without pressure," Power noted. "You've only got 30 minutes, and then you're gonna qualify something. So plenty of time to get comfortable and find the limits at a slow rate. The racing will be a little bit that way as well - it's obviously 24 hours, so it takes a lot of desperation out of it."

The No. 75 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3 in action, highlighting the car's aggressive stance as Power and his co-drivers prepare for the Rolex 24.

Away from the track, conversation inevitably turned to Power's high-profile switch to Andretti Global for the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season. He fielded numerous questions from fellow drivers about the team, the car, and the engine, responding with measured optimism.

"Everyone wants to know, 'What's it like, man? How's Andretti? What was the car like? What's the engine like?'" Power said with a grin. "I tell them it's a good team. These guys are gonna be tough. They've got all the ingredients to win a championship. No question. And they're very proactive ... they really want to win."

Looking ahead, Power expressed strong confidence in the program's potential. "I really believe this team will be the top team in the next three years."

For now, though, the focus remains squarely on Daytona. With the Rolex 24 At Daytona fast approaching, Will Power is savoring every lap in the Mercedes-AMG GT3, thrilled to finally compete on one of motorsport's most storied stages.

[Quotes Resource: IMSA Transcript]

... notes from The EDJE

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Amid EV Market Caution Agentic AI In Vehicles Are The Next Frontier

The relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and automobiles has been evolving for decades, transitioning from basic automation to today’s advanced self-driving technologies. This evolution has entered a new phase with the advent of AI agents that not only assist with driving but also transform how drivers and passengers interact with their vehicles. Image Credit: Google AI Alliance | Mercedes-Benz via AI Quantum (2025)

Amid EV Market Caution Agentic AI In Vehicles Are The Next Frontier

By Edmund Jenks - EVHNews - January 04, 2026

As CES 2026 kicks off in Las Vegas, the automotive spotlight shifts decisively toward "agentic AI" - systems that don't merely respond to commands but proactively make decisions, plan actions, and execute tasks on behalf of drivers. Electric Vehicle & Hybrid News (EVHNews) observes this trend with measured interest: while pure EV hardware hype has cooled amid retreating demand and uneven sales growth, AI's explosive advancement offers a compelling software layer that could breathe new life into vehicles, whether electric, hybrid, or otherwise.

What Is Agentic AI in Vehicles?

Agentic AI represents an evolution beyond traditional assistive or generative AI. These systems possess "agency" defined through the ability to autonomously perceive environments, reason about goals, adapt to changes, and act independently with minimal human oversight. In vehicles, this means shifting from rule-based automation (e.g., fixed cruise control) to intelligent agents that anticipate needs, optimize outcomes, and interact with the world in real time.

Examples include:

- Proactively rerouting to avoid traffic or low-clearance bridges while prioritizing EV charging stops.

- Managing energy efficiency by adjusting speed, climate, and route based on battery levels, weather, and driver habits.

- Enhancing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) by predicting risks from sensors, LiDAR, and V2X communications, then adapting behavior dynamically—far beyond predefined rules.

- Acting as in-car concierges: scheduling maintenance, booking service appointments, or even negotiating vehicle purchases via interconnected agents.

Companies like Cerence are showcasing hybrid agentic platforms at CES 2026, integrating large language models (LLMs) for natural conversations, edge AI for offline reliability, and domain-specific agents for ownership and dealership experiences. Similarly, frameworks from HERE Technologies emphasize location-aware agentic systems turning raw data into proactive decisions.

Predictive maintenance utilizes historical and real-time data from vehicle systems to predict when components are
likely to fail. Key techniques include vibration analysis, oil condition monitoring, thermography, and ultrasonic testing, often integrated with telematics and IoT devices. Machine learning algorithms process this data to identify patterns indicative of impending issues, such as abnormal engine vibrations or irregular temperature fluctuations.
Image Credit: analyticsvidhya.com via Wilmar, Inc. (2024)

Real-World Applications and Examples

Agentic AI is already manifesting in prototypes and production features:

- **Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD)** → Continuously learns from fleet data to make second-by-second decisions in unpredictable urban environments.

- **BMW's predictive maintenance** → Monitors systems to forecast issues and schedule service autonomously.

- **Cerence xUI and mobile work agents** → Enable voice-first access to productivity tools while driving safely.

- Broader uses span manufacturing (optimizing assembly lines) to sales (virtual agents curating options and scheduling test drives).

LG Electronics (LG) will unveil an immersive experiential space at CES 2026 that brings the company's future mobility vision to life through Affectionate Intelligence. The exhibit invites visitors to experience firsthand how AI can reshape the driver, front-passenger and rear seating areas, reimagining the whole cabin as a more intuitive and human-centered space designed to enhance every ride. Image Credit: LG Electronics (2025)

At CES 2026, expect demonstrations from Synopsys, LG, and others highlighting agentic AI in software-defined vehicles (SDVs), where over-the-air updates evolve cars post-purchase.

AMD next-gen automotive cockpit demonstration at CES 2026, showcasing AI integration.

LG's AI-powered in-vehicle solutions displayed at CES 2026.

Sony-Honda Afeela prototype interior with advanced AI interface.

Skeptical Outlook: Promise vs. EV Market Realities

EVHNews remains cautiously optimistic. Agentic AI's growth trajectory contrasts sharply with the EV sector's 2025 retreat - U.S. sales peaked before incentive expirations, leading manufacturers like GM and Ford to pivot toward hybrids and profitable ICE vehicles. 

While agentic systems promise enhanced safety, efficiency, and recurring revenue through subscriptions, questions persist: How much control will drivers relinquish? Privacy concerns loom large with constant data flows, and real-world autonomy must navigate regulatory hurdles and ethical dilemmas.

Yet, in an era of "EV realism," agentic AI could prove salvific - making vehicles smarter and more appealing without relying solely on electrification hype. It bridges hybrids and EVs alike, potentially sustaining mobility innovation where battery demand falters.

As CES unfolds, agentic AI underscores a pivotal shift: the future of driving isn't just electric - it's decisively intelligent. Monitor EVHNews.com for updates from the show floor.

... notes from The EDJE

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CES 2026: Automotive Trends Lean Toward AI Amid EV Market Realities

Cerence made its pitch for the future of in-car AI at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich this last September: ditch reactive assistants, embrace agentic co-pilots. The company’s latest updates to Cerence xUI™ promise to transform chatty infotainment systems into proactive AI partners that understand context, anticipate needs, and make driving (and even working) smarter and safer. Image Credit: Cerence via TechEdge ai (2025)

CES 2026: Automotive Trends Lean Toward AI Amid EV Market Realities

By Edmund Jenks - EVHNews - January 02, 2026

As the calendar flips to 2026, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas is once again upon us, promising a spectacle of innovation. However, for those tracking the electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid sectors, the event's pivot toward robots and "living with AI" might feel like a detour from the hardware-heavy showcases of yesteryears. Electric Vehicle & Hybrid News (EVHNews), ever the observer of market ebbs and flows, notes that while futuristic EVs will still make appearances, the real buzz this year centers on the software ecosystems powering them ... a timely shift given the evident retreat in EV demand, contrasted by the surging growth in AI applications.

Here's a grounded look at what to anticipate in the automotive space at CES 2026, where hype meets hard economic truths.

Will SONY-Honda reveal onboard electronics seen in the Afeela 1 to the Honda 0 SUV introduces in 2025 as well? Lookin' forward for the CES 2026 experience. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - EVHNews (2025)

SONY-Honda Returns with Incremental Updates

Last year's CES introduced the Afeela 1, the inaugural EV from the Sony-Honda Mobility (SHM) partnership, complete with a static demo of its infotainment setup. For 2026, SHM is set to unveil a "pre-production" iteration of the Afeela 1, accompanied by a fresh concept vehicle. EVHNews questions the tangible differences here; the 2025 model already appeared polished and production-adjacent, suggesting this label might be more marketing flair than meaningful progress.

Production is slated to commence sometime in 2026, with initial availability limited to California - a cautious rollout that aligns with the broader EV market's cooling enthusiasm. As consumer interest wanes amid economic pressures and uneven infrastructure, such measured steps reflect a sector recalibrating after overpromising.

Software-Defined Vehicles: The Very Quiet Revolution

If there's a unifying thread at CES 2026, it's the maturation of software-defined vehicles (SDVs), a concept that's evolved from buzzword to necessity. Automakers are increasingly prioritizing post-purchase evolution over static hardware, emphasizing operating systems, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and adaptable software architectures.

Firms like P3 will spotlight Android Automotive-based platforms, enabling ongoing feature rollouts, app integrations, and services. For drivers, this promises enhanced infotainment and longevity; for manufacturers, it's a pathway to recurring revenue. EVHNews appreciates the pragmatism here, especially as EV sales stutter - U.S. figures peaked in late 2025 before plummeting post-incentive expiration, prompting giants like GM and Ford to slash EV investments in favor of hybrids and traditional powertrains that sustain profitability.

Yet, the spotlight intensifies on "agentic AI," where systems proactively decide for users - handling route optimization, energy efficiency, and adaptive driver aids. This isn't mere voice assistance; it's AI anticipating needs in real-time. While EVHNews harbors skepticism about EVs' faltering demand, we sees undeniable momentum in AI's expansion, potentially revitalizing vehicles as smart companions. Still, concerns linger: How much autonomy will drivers cede, and at what cost to privacy in an era of data-driven decisions?

Tempered Expectations: From Flash to Functionality

CES 2025 brimmed with ambitious EV declarations, but 2026 appears poised for a sobering dose of reality. Analysts describe the auto industry as entering "EV realism," where electrification remains aspirational but timelines stretch amid fragmented demand and ideological fatigue. EVHNews concurs, pointing to the retreat in market fervor - sales dips have forced a refocus on hybrids, trucks, and SUVs that actually drive volume, rather than chasing unattainable all-EV utopias.

Consequently, the automotive narrative at CES may underwhelm in spectacle, favoring supplier innovations in chips, sensors, robotics, and manufacturing tech. This subdued tone isn't a setback, per EVHNews; it's a maturation. As AI surges forward, integrating seamlessly into hybrid and EV platforms alike, it could bridge the gap left by retreating EV hype, fostering sustainable growth in a more balanced mobility landscape.

For EV and hybrid enthusiasts, CES 2026 underscores a pivotal truth: The future isn't just electric ...it's intelligent, adaptable, and attuned to market realities. Stay tuned to EVHNews.com for on-the-ground insights as the show unfolds.

... notes from The EDJE

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Czinger 21C Dominates Laguna Seca Once More In Epic Hypercar Rivalry

Professional driver Joel Miller is once again behind the wheel of a lap of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca record setting effort in a Czinger manufactured hypercar. Image Credit: Czinger Vehicles via Road & Track (2025)

Czinger 21C Dominates Laguna Seca Once More In Epic Hypercar Rivalry

The hypercar world witnesses an ongoing saga of speed and innovation as California's own Czinger Vehicles reclaims the production car lap record at the legendary WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. On December 9, 2025, the groundbreaking 21C hypercar, powered by its revolutionary 3D-printed architecture and hybrid V8 drivetrain, posted an astonishing lap time of 1:22.30, putting nearly two full seconds between itself and the previous mark set by its Swedish rival.

This latest triumph marks the continuation of a fierce yet respectful battle that has captivated performance enthusiasts since 2024. While the Nürburgring remains a distant arena for many, Laguna Seca's challenging 2.238-mile layout—with its iconic Corkscrew and demanding elevation changes—has emerged as the premier proving ground for boutique hypercar manufacturers like Czinger and Koenigsegg. The Czinger team returned to the Monterey Peninsula for their fourth record attempt, determined to showcase the full potential of their American-engineered masterpiece under ideal conditions.

The record's history reflects relentless pursuit of excellence. Czinger first seized the crown in July 2021 with a prototype 21C timing 1:25.44, holding it for over three years. Koenigsegg struck back in August 2024 with the Jesko's 1:24.86, only for Czinger to respond with improved times in August 2024 and July 2025, dipping to 1:24.39. The Swedes reclaimed it briefly in November 2025 via the Sadair's Spear at 1:24.16. Now, with this decisive 1:22.30, the California-based innovator has raised the bar significantly.

Behind the wheel, again, was accomplished racer Joel Miller, a native Hesperia Californian who has piloted the 21C to previous records. His latest effort overcame earlier setbacks, including an off-track incident in July 2025, demonstrating remarkable precision in the 1250-horsepower machine. Both competitors adhered to Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires for fairness, and the new time was independently verified by Racelogic, ensuring undisputed legitimacy.

Lukas Czinger, co-founder and CEO, attributed the breakthrough to optimal sunny weather and refined engineering insights. Simulations highlighted gains on the front straight and ascent to the Corkscrew, where maximized electric motor assistance delivered higher exit speeds. He emphasized how the 21C's advanced design and manufacturing technologies translate directly to superior on-track performance, praising his team's unyielding drive for perfection while expressing admiration for the competitive spirit that propels the industry forward.

This substantial margin may deter immediate challenges, yet the mutual respect between these pioneers promises continued evolution in hypercar capabilities.

... notes from The EDJE

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Deep Dive On The The Start Of Joel Miller RaceCar Driver

Driven To Race Trailer >>>

Driven To Race documentary movie poster outside of premiere screening which kicked off the 2010 MAZDASPEED Motorsports Star Mazda Race Series season. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)

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Rahal Letterman Lanigan Land Mick Schumacher – A New Chapter Written In Quiet Confidence

Mick Schumacher officially unveiled in RLL black: No. 47 Honda, full-time 2026, ready to take on ovals, streets, and everything INDYCAR throws at him. A new chapter begins. Image Credit: NICS ZOOM Call Video (2025)

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Land Mick Schumacher – A New Chapter Written In Quiet Confidence

In the often theatrical world of modern motorsport announcements, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing chose understatement. 

A simple press release on Monday, followed by a Tuesday morning ZOOM Call, confirmed what had been whispered for weeks: Mick Schumacher, 43-race Formula 1 veteran and three-time World Endurance Championship podium finisher, will drive the No. 47 Honda full-time in the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The move is seismic, yet the tone from team owner Bobby Rahal, president Jay Frye, and Schumacher himself was characteristically Midwestern: measured, pragmatic, and already focused on the work ahead.

Bobby Rahal, the 1986 Indianapolis 500 champion turned team principal, opened with credit where it was unequivocally due. “I give tremendous credit to Jay for really making this all happen,” he said of Frye, the former INDYCAR competition czar who has injected new life into RLL since taking the reins earlier this year. Rahal also singled out sportscar veteran Dirk Müller for facilitating the initial introduction. In an era of manufactured drama, Rahal’s willingness to share the spotlight felt refreshingly joyful and authentic.

Jay Frye, a man who has closed more difficult deals than most team presidents ever attempt, described the courtship with the calm of someone who knew the outcome weeks ago. A four-day evaluation in October – simulator runs, seat fits, and finally a full-day private test on the Indianapolis road course – convinced everyone involved. “It was pretty quick,” Frye said with a grin. “After those four days, Mick had 150 new followers inside the team.” The mechanics, engineers, and fabricators had voted with their enthusiasm long before any contract was signed.

Mick Schumacher appeared on the press conference call from Europe, polite and composed, carrying the quiet gravitas that comes from growing up as Michael Schumacher’s son. When asked about reclaiming his familiar No. 47 – the number he created in Formula 1 by merging the unavailable 4 and 7 – he allowed himself a small, private smile. “There were so many little funny twists with that number,” he said. That INDYCAR had it available felt almost predestined, another subtle thread connecting past and future.

Rahal was characteristically blunt about what sealed the deal. “Everybody was impressed with Mick – not just his pace, but his persona, his humility, the way he went about his work.” Coming from a team owner who once employed drivers of the caliber of Kenny Bräck, Buddy Lazier, and Ryan Hunter-Reay, the praise carried weight. Rahal declared the 2026 trio of Schumacher, Graham Rahal, and reigning Rookie of the Year Louis Foster the strongest three-car lineup in the team’s history – a bold statement from a man not prone to hyperbole.

Frye laid out the aggressive integration plan with military precision: four dedicated oval tests, two additional road-course days, and a single street-course session at Sebring. The schedule is deliberately front-loaded to compress Schumacher’s learning curve before the season opener in St. Petersburg. For a driver who has never competed on an oval at speed, the program is ambitious, but no one on the ZOOM Call betrayed even a flicker of doubt.

Schumacher addressed the inevitable European question about oval danger with a maturity that silenced skeptics. “Motorsports on the whole is dangerous,” he said, echoing a truth American open-wheel fans have lived with for generations. He specifically credited Frye and INDYCAR’s safety advancements for giving him confidence. It was the answer of someone who had done far more than skim headlines – he had studied the data, spoken to the right people, and made peace with the risk.

The contrast with his Formula 1 experience could not have been clearer. In F1, Schumacher noted, “you have a pretty good idea where you’re going to finish before the lights go out.” INDYCAR, by contrast, is glorious uncertainty. “Almost anybody can win a race,” he said, and the hunger in his voice was unmistakable. After two seasons largely spent on the sidelines at Haas, he is returning to a formula where driver skill can still overturn the odds.

Bobby Rahal: 1986 Indy 500 champion, team owner, and the man who just built RLL’s strongest ever lineup. Quietly
reloading for 2026. Image Credit: NICS ZOOM Call Video (2025)

Louis Foster, the soft-spoken Englishman who claimed the 2025 Rookie of the Year title in a dramatic late-race pass at Portland combined with a dramatic late race swing at the season finale at Nashville now finds himself measuring against the ultimate yardstick. Foster’s meteoric rise – Indy NXT champion in 2024, consistent top-six runner in his debut INDYCAR season – suddenly shares garage space with a global name. The internal competition has been elevated to a level RLL has rarely enjoyed.

Graham Rahal, long the standard-bearer for the family legacy, sounded genuinely energized by the new dynamic. With his oval expertise, Foster’s road-course brilliance, and Schumacher’s elite single-seater pedigree, the trio forms a complementary whole greater than the sum of its parts. For the first time in years, RLL enters an offseason believing it can fight for podiums on every weekend, not just the ones that suit the car - as it seemed to be the case at some event venues in 2025.

Behind the scenes, Frye has orchestrated a quiet revolution. Gavin Ward, fresh from engineering Josef Newgarden to the 2023 championship, is already embedded in the Schumacher program. New personnel – some already announced, many more still under wraps – are flowing into the Indianapolis shops. The team that limped to inconsistent results for much of the past decade is being rebuilt from the ground up.

When pressed for specific goals, Schumacher refused the trap of premature promises. “Everything will be new – tracks, ovals, teammates,” he said. Success, for now, is measured in adaptation and integration rather than trophies. It was the answer of a driver who has learned the hard way that motorsport punishes hubris.

Bobby Rahal, ever the realist, defined victory in terms any longtime INDYCAR observer would recognize: consistent competitiveness on every type of circuit, week in and week out. “This is a tough series,” he reminded everyone. “Everything has to go your way to win.” Yet for the first time in a long time, Rahal Letterman Lanigan believes the pieces are finally aligned for everything to go their way more often than not.

As the ZOOM Call ended and the screen went to check-out mode ... one truth lingered. Mick Schumacher is not coming to INDYCAR as a refugee from Formula 1 or a marketing exercise. He is coming because he believes this is the purest, most demanding single-seater racing on earth – and because Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, under Jay Frye’s relentless direction, is finally positioned to prove him right.

The sun, as Bobby Rahal likes to say, has indeed risen on the horizon. Come March in St. Petersburg, the No. 47 Honda will roll to the grid carrying more than a famous name. It will carry the quiet, steely expectation that a sleeping giant in American open-wheel racing has finally awakened.

... notes from The EDJE

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