Shift Works Magazine

Day one of Gridlife Midwest Festival has come to an end!

From competitive time attack sessions to nonstop drifting action, there’s always something happening. Looking forward to seeing what the rest of the weekend has in store.

Photo credit: Alex Ponke Media

Day one of racing in Detroit is officially in the books, and what a day it was. 🏁🔥

With the city skyline and Renaissance Center serving as the backdrop, Cadillac and Chevrolet delivered a statement performance on home turf. Cadillac powered to the overall victory in GTP while Corvette Racing added another win for Chevrolet in GTD PRO, giving General Motors a perfect day in the Motor City.

From green flag to checkered flag, Detroit showcased exactly why it’s one of the most unique stops on the IMSA calendar. Fast cars, passionate fans, and hometown manufacturers standing on the top step of the podium made for an unforgettable start to the weekend.


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Photo credits: Adam Allport

Huge congratulations to Matt Hansen and the entire team on an incredible win at TX2K! 🏆

Laying down a blistering 7.51 @ 189 MPH in the Dodge Viper to take the Street Car Pro class is no small feat, especially in a tight battle against Clint Baird in his Toyota Supra MK4.
From being on the fence about even making the trip to standing on top of the podium… that’s what TX2K is all about.

Well deserved win, can’t wait to see what’s next.

Photo credit: Alex Ponke Media

TX2K continues to prove why it stands as one of the most electrifying roll racing and drag racing events in the country, bringing together the fastest street cars, the biggest names in the scene, and an atmosphere that’s nothing short of chaos in the best way possible.

One of the most talked about storylines of the weekend came from Wasabi Garage, also known as “White Rice,” going head to head with Brett LaSala in a back and forth battle that had everyone glued to the boards. Pass after pass, both teams pushed the limits, trading record breaking times and raising the bar with each run. In the end, it was LaSala who edged ahead, laying down an incredible 5.879-second pass at 242 mph, setting a new TX2K record and taking home the $36,000 prize in dominant fashion.

In the Street Car division, fan favorite Cleetus McFarland once again proved why he’s more than just entertainment. Behind the wheel of his Corvette “Ruby,” Cleetus put down a blistering 7.639 second pass to secure the win, showcasing a perfect blend of consistency, power, and driving precision that kept fans on their feet.

Beyond the headline runs, TX2K was packed with standout moments, from wild roll racing matchups to half mile racing that saw some of the fastest builds in the country stretch their legs. The pits were just as alive as the track, filled with cutting edge builds, industry leading sponsors, and teams dialing in every last ounce of performance. It’s that combination of grassroots passion and elite level competition that continues to make TX2K a must attend event year after year.



Photo Credit: Alex Ponke Media

Huge congratulations to Brett LaSala for an absolutely record shattering performance at TX2K this weekend. Throwing down an insane 5.879 second pass at 242 mph, LaSala not only claimed the win but reset the TX2K record in dominant fashion.

In a weekend filled with tight competition and constant back and forth, especially against Wasabi Garage’s “White Rice”, this run stood above the rest. A well earned $36,000 payday and a new benchmark set for everyone chasing.

Photo Credit: Alex Ponke Media

Breaking News: Gridlife Under New Ownership

Gridlife has officially entered a new chapter, announcing a transition to new ownership under a newly formed group called F=ma. Following several years of internal restructuring, this move brings together key players from across the motorsports and creative industries, including The ID Agency, Racer, and Gridlife founders themselves x

The leadership group behind F=ma is stacked with deep motorsports experience. The team includes Chris Stewart and Michael Hurczyn (Gridlife), CJ Olivares (RACER), and Victor Carrillo (The ID Agency), along with industry veterans such as Chris Dyson ,a two time ALMS champion, and James Schiefer, co founder of Torque.TV. Collectively, the group brings decades of experience spanning racing, media, branding, and event operations.

For competitors and fans, the near-term outlook remains steady. Gridife has stated that participants should not expect noticeable changes to events this season. As founder Chris Stewart put it, “Gridlife doesn’t change. Gridlife just gets better.” With events continuing nationwide, from Watkins Glen International to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the focus remains on delivering the same high energy, community driven motorsports experience, now backed by an expanded leadership team and long term vision.

Photo Credit: Alex Ponke Media

Autorama 2026 once again brought the automotive world together inside Huntington Place, showcasing some of the finest hot rods, customs, muscle cars, and builds in the country.

Known as one of the most prestigious indoor car shows in the world, Autorama highlights not only flawless craftsmanship but also the history, engineering, and creativity that define automotive culture. From legendary restorations to modern interpretations pushing design boundaries, the show continues to set the standard for excellence in the custom car scene.

Detroit Autorama remains a true celebration of innovation, dedication, and the passion that drives the automotive community forward.

Photo credit: Alex Ponke Media