#USA #Wendover #Doug Herbert #Bonneville #THE BEAST NextGEN

Doug Herbert to Unveil 'THE BEAST NextGEN'

On July 31, renowned NHRA Top Fuel drag racing champion Doug Herbert is gearing up to reveal his ambitious new project, the 'THE BEAST NextGEN', at the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah. This highly anticipated event is not just a showcase; it represents a deeply personal journey for Herbert and his family.

The 'THE BEAST NextGEN' is a state-of-the-art streamliner still in its final stages of construction. Herbert plans to present the vehicle to the Southern California Timing Association's (SCTA) technical staff before its official completion. Although it won't run during the 2026 Bonneville Speedweek, this presentation marks a pivotal moment in a project aimed at achieving a staggering 500 MPH. This innovative streamliner is built to meet the specifications for AA/BFS, the SCTA's most prestigious class for piston-driven, supercharged fuel vehicles.

A Tribute to a Legacy

The inspiration behind 'THE BEAST NextGEN' traces back to Herbert's father, Chet Herbert, a groundbreaking figure in hot-rodding who left a monumental imprint on drag racing history. Doug reflects, "I envisioned this project as a final bonding endeavor with my father. Sadly, he passed away in 2009 before we could complete it together." Chet’s death followed the heartbreaking loss of Doug’s teenage sons, Jon and James, who tragically died in a car accident. This series of personal tragedies ignited Doug's commitment to establishing B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe), a vital program aimed at educating teen drivers. Since its inception, it has trained over 175,000 teenagers, dramatically enhancing road safety.

As Doug continues to honor the memory of his father and sons through 'THE BEAST NextGEN', he has been met with overwhelming support from the racing community. Legendary figures and friends within the industry rallied around him during this challenging time, contributing their expertise and resources to bring the vehicle to life.

Building a Dream Team

The collaborative effort to construct 'THE BEAST NextGEN' showcases the spirit of racing camaraderie. NASCAR icon Ray Evernham lent his engineering prowess, while Dr. Eric Warren, now a VP at General Motors Racing, conducted aerodynamic analyses of the streamliner. Additional support came from racing industry leaders including Greg Fornelli, Jeff 'Pancho' Weaver, and Sprint Car Champion Brad Noffsinger, all working hand in hand to realize Doug's vision.

This incredible engineering feat spans 35 feet in length and a mere 36 inches in width, powered by two Dodge Viper V10 engines, each expected to generate around 2,500 horsepower. The vehicle boasts advanced features like custom-built BJ differentials, Goodyear racing tires, and a steel roll cage that ensures the driver's safety. Doug is proactively seeking input from SCTA officials to ensure all safety measures are diligently observed before the streamliner hits the salt for its speed trials.

Looking Beyond Speed

More than just a record-seeking machine, Herbert envisions 'THE BEAST NextGEN' as a means to inspire young people towards STEM education and the wonders of automotive engineering. He plans to potentially incorporate the streamliner into educational programs and display it at B.R.A.K.E.S. training sessions nationwide. Doug states, "I want to find opportunities that will engage young minds in racing and craftsmanship, just as my father, Chet, inspired me many years ago."

Herbert’s goal transcends merely breaking speed records; he aims to create an impact that resonates with future generations, merging the thrill of racing with the importance of safety and education in engineering. The excitement builds as we await the unveiling of 'THE BEAST NextGEN', setting the stage for new possibilities in land speed racing and beyond.