Thunder Today: Fast Friday — Larson on NASCAR 26, San Diego Weekend, and a Helmet for Heroes

Thursday Night Thunder Podcast with AJ and MMK, episode 47

Join your hosts as we discuss the latest news on the world of modern motorsports. This week, we celebrate the fourth of July with patriotic event previews from around the country.

Thunder Today - Auction Time previews Barrett-Jackson Columbus 2026: Charity Builds, Corvettes, Ford GTs, and the Full Experience

Catch the inaugural Barrett-Jackson Columbus Auction (June 25–27, 2026) at the Ohio Expo Center: a festival-style event packed with headline charity builds that donate 100% of the hammer price—the Palmer Luckey/RealTruck Silverado (Call of Duty Endowment) and the Joe Burrow Bronco (Joe Burrow Foundation)—and marquee collector cars from an 850‑hp ’67 Chevelle to a ZR1 convertible and a trio of Ford GTs. Beyond high-stakes bidding, the weekend includes exhibitor displays, automobilia, thrill rides, and an app for browsing lots—perfect for buyers and fans alike. Register if you want to bid, grab tickets, and don’t miss the charity lots around 3:30 p.m. each day.

Spooky Sunday: Summerween Kickoff and Florida’s Best Halloween Haunts

Kick off Summerween with a fast, fun rundown of South Florida’s haunt scene: Fright Nights leveling up, the uncertain return of Nightmare Village, and how Central Florida’s theme parks transform into massive scare fests. Get the big HHN scoop—Stranger Things returns tied to the final season—plus notes on Howl-O-Scream, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary, merch teasers, and tips for planning your spooky season early. Stick around for local updates, share your haunt tips, and try the Summerween challenge: watch a new horror, buy a ridiculous candle, or pencil in a scare night.

Thunder Today: Fast Friday — Larson on NASCAR 26, San Diego Weekend, and a Helmet for Heroes

On the USS Midway in downtown San Diego, NASCAR and iRacing Studios revealed Kyle Larson as the cover driver for NASCAR 26 — complete with flight-deck burnouts — and confirmed the new Qualcomm Circuit will be playable in the game. The event closed with a donation to Freedom Park and the USS Midway Museum, tying the spectacle to the local military community. Plus: Jimmie Johnson’s race-worn "Helmet of Heroes" goes to eBay auction June 21 to benefit firefighter safety through The NASCAR Foundation and the NFFF; Trackhouse’s PROJECT91 brings Kevin Magnussen to a Cup car at Naval Base Coronado with Qualcomm’s Dragonwing AI support; patriotic paint schemes, in-car cameras and special broadcast coverage round out a high-tech, human-focused San Diego race weekend.

Thursday Night Thunder Podcast with AJ and MMK, episode 46

Join your hosts as the most hardcore racing program on the interwebs brings you the latest news in the world of modern motorsports.   This week, we talk about the NHRA, NASCAR, FIA FORMULA E, and more. We also get ready for Father's Day!