Autobacs Super GT 2026 Series Round 1

The 2026 edition of the Autobacs Super GT has officially commenced. This season not only marks the final farewell for the GR Supra racing machines, which were officially discontinued last month, but also the debut of the new Honda Prelude racing cars, based on the hybrid coupe launched last year. With new and returning drivers joining the grid, the 2026 season promises to be one for the books. As always, Okayama is the first destination of this new season.

Screengrab from Super GT

The season opener in Okayama concluded with a 1-2 finish for the GR Supra, with the No. 36 au TOM'S GR Supra taking first place, followed by the No. 38 KeePer CERUMO GR Supra in second. The No. 12 TRS IMPUL with SDG Z secured third place. 

In the GT300 class, the winner was the No. 777 D'station Vantage GT3. The No. 2 HYPER WATER INGING GR86 GT finished in second place, while the No. 31 apr LC500h GT came in third.

The next race is at Fuji Speedway at May 3-4, 2026.

WRC 2026: Croatia Rally

The 2026 World Rally Championship is currently ongoing with the Croatia Rally as the fourth event in the series.

Screengrab from WRC

Sami Pajari capitalized on the misfortunes of Elfyn Evans and Oliver Solberg during the Friday stages. However, his own troubles in SS14 allowed Thierry Neuville to take the lead. This could have been Neuville's moment to shine, but a dramatic turn of events ultimately led to Takamoto Katsuta securing his second-ever WRC win, narrowly defeating Pajari and newcomer Hayden Paddon.

The next event is the Rally Islas Canarias, based in Gran Canaria, from April 23 to 26, 2026.

2026 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship - Streets of Long Beach

Formula DRIFT is back for the 2026 season. The season opener took place on the streets of Long Beach, California.

Screengrab from Formula DRIFT

After a two-run drift-out, Conor Shanahan drew first blood by beating Fredric Aasbo by unanimous decision decision while Jack Shanahan settled for third place.

The next event is at Road Atlanta this May 9, 2026.

2026 Repco Supercars Championship - Taupo Super 440

The 2026 Repco Supercars Championship is underway with the Taupo Super 440. Originally scheduled as a three-race event, it was shortened to two races due to the impending threat of Cyclone Valanu. Despite the reduced number of races, this weekend became memorable for Supercars' newest competitor, the now-defunct Toyota GR Supra.

Screengrab from Supercars

The first race in Taupo featured a 1-2 finish for Mustang drivers, with Brodie Kostecki taking the victory and Will Brown finishing in second place. Ryan Wood from Walkinshaw secured third place, marking the GR Supra's first podium finish in Supercars. 

In the final race, history was made as Ryan Wood achieved the GR Supra's first-ever Supercars victory, finishing ahead of Broc Feeney, who drives for the Mustang team Red Bull Ampol. Chaz Mostert rounded out the podium in third place. This race marked the first occasion where two Supras finished on the Supercars podium.

The next event is the ITM Christchurch Super 440 from April 17 to 19, 2026.

Let's Do The News! (April 10, 2026)

           

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- New Zealand braces for Cyclone Valanu, which is expected to make landfall in the North Island by Sunday.

- The United Kingdom revealed a month-long Russian submarine operation over "critical" cables and pipelines.

- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding talks with Lebanon as Iran says attacks in Lebanon are a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

- US First Lady Melania Trump says she was never a friend or victim of the late Jeffrey Epstein in a video statement at the White House.

- Meralco will implement a 53-centavos per kilowatt hour (kWh) rate hike this April. The said rate hike is due to the increase in the generation charge, as well as the weakening of the peso against the dollar. As a result, households consuming 200 kWh will pay an additional ₱107, households consuming 300 kWh will pay ₱160, households consuming 400 kWh will pay ₱213, while households consuming 500 kWh will pay ₱267.

- The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has transferred to the custody of three suspects allegedly involved in the brutal hazing of more than 20 underclassmen at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) on Good Friday, April 3.

- The BOSS Ironman Motorcycle Challenge gets a Cease and Desist Order from the LTO. The controversial riding event is no more.

- Alex Lynn suffers from a neck injury and will miss the opening WEC rounds.

- Race engineer Gian Piero Lambiase is set to leave Red Bull to become chief racing officer at McLaren for the 2028 season.

- Toyota's Noah and Voxy minivans are updated for the 2027 model year.

- SM Entertainment provides an update as deepfake offenders receive prison sentences.

- FIFA adds new and more expensive World Cup ticket tiers.

- TV5 is launching its STAR WORX artist center this May 5, 2026.

TTFN.

Subaru Trailseeker

The Subaru Trailseeker is the all-electric successor to the now-defunct Legacy Outback, which saw the Solterra stretched to provide more boot space, giving it more ways to enjoy it.

2027 Subaru Trailseeker

2027 Subaru Trailseeker

Starting at 5,390,000 Japanese Yen, plus additional costs, the first-ever Subaru Trailseeker is an all-electric sport utility wagon. It delivers the same capabilities as its shorter counterpart, the Solterra, but with a larger boot for storage. It is comparable to its Toyota equivalent, the bZ4X Touring.

2027 Subaru Trailseeker interior

At first glance, the Trailseeker resembles the recently facelifted Solterra released last year. However, it features an extended wheelbase and a unique rear design to set it apart. The Trailseeker is 140 mm longer and 20 mm taller, with overall dimensions of 4,830 mm in length and 1,670 mm in height. These changes increase the load compartment capacity by more than a third, adding an extra 148 liters for a total capacity of 600 liters. Sadly, like the Solterra, no yoke. Boo...

2027 Subaru Trailseeker

The Trailseeker features an upgraded electric powertrain with a 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery (gross capacity). The front-wheel-drive version has a targeted maximum output of 224 PS, while the all-wheel-drive variant boasts an impressive 380 PS, making it the most powerful battery electric vehicle (BEV) offered by Subaru.

In terms of range, the front-wheel-drive model can achieve 734 km, while the all-wheel-drive version with Subaru's X-MODE is rated for 690 km.

Despite its increased cargo space, the Trailseeker drives like a typical crossover for everyday use. It benefits from features such as rack and pinion steering, front struts, rear double wishbone suspension, and ventilated disc brakes. While it may not deliver the exhilarating ride some might expect, it remains pleasant to drive and feels quite conventional.

Regarding safety, the Trailseeker is equipped with a variety of features, including Pre-Crash Safety, a Blind Spot Monitor, and Advanced Parking Assistance, among others.

The first-ever Subaru Trailseeker is the all-electric replacement to the now-defunct Legacy Outback, made for all walks of life, whether for business or leisure. Although more expensive than the MGS6, its high quality is what made it a standout. Yes, it's that familiar feeling since the Toyota bZ4X Touring equivalent a while back.

Available Colors: Crystal White Pearl, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Sapphire Blue Pearl, Deep Lake Blue Pearl, and Brilliant Bronze Metallic.

Photo: Subaru Corporation

Let's Do The News! (April 9, 2026)

          

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Iran warns ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz without permission will be "targeted and destroyed." The Iranian minister says Israel's attacks on Lebanon are a "grave violation" of the Iran-US ceasefire agreement.

- A New York architect pleads guilty in the deaths of eight women in the Gilgo Beach serial killings case.

- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recognized the heroism of veteran soldiers for the country to achieve the freedom it enjoys today, Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor).

- The PH DFA warns that passport processing may take up to 15 business days.

- The Cupra Raval was unveiled. This new EV hatchback runs on the MEB+ platform. The range-topping VZ variant has 223 bhp and features e-LSD, adaptive suspension, and launch control.

2027 Cupra Raval

- The 2026 Super GT's Malaysia leg was postponed due to the effects of the Middle Eastern conflict.

- To address fuel-saving concerns, NASCAR announces it will shorten the final two stages of the spring Talladega race. Next January will also bring back the Pre-season Thunder test session at Daytona.

- Will Power's father was unhurt after surviving a carjacking incident.

- Cover Corp. announces restructuring of Holostars operations.

- Fantagio released an apology over the company's recent tax controversies.

- Nam Tae Hyun was sentenced to a year in prison in the first trial for drunk driving.

- Screenwriter Arne Olsen dies at 64.

- The "Ketamine Queen," who sold drugs to actor Matthew Perry before his overdose death, was sentenced to 15 years.

TTFN.