Episode 76: Have you driven a Ford lately, Young Guns, & Superman v Black Sunshine

Summary

In this episode of the Dirt Court Jesters Podcast, Josh and EJ discuss the latest in dirt track racing, including Ford engine issues, upcoming race schedules for Atomic and the Northern Allstar Late Models, young drivers making waves, and Superman v Black Sunshine.

Key Topics

Ford engine issues and part shortages

Upcoming race schedules at Atomic and Eldora

Young drivers Levi Hillier and Cohen McDaniel

Recent race results from ASCS, Lucas Oil, and USAC

Impact of engine and team challenges on performance

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Dirt Track Racing

01:01

The Ford Motor Program: Challenges and Insights

03:00

Racing Schedules and Events at Attica and Atomic

07:25

Personal Connections to Atomic Speedway

09:46

Young Talent in Dirt Racing

14:59

Eldora Kings Royal: Camping and Excitement

18:09

Comparing Legends: Davenport vs. Bloomquist

20:53

Northern All-Star Late Model Series Schedule

25:16

Race Recaps: Highlights and Performances

32:17

Upcoming Races and Events

Episode 75: Jakeb Boxell takes the next step, AllStar rules, and Eldora goes to the bank

Summary

In episode 75 of the Dirt Court Jesters Podcast, Josh talks about the latest updates in dirt track racing, including driver developments, rule changes, and upcoming races. Special focus on Jacob Boxell’s rise, the AllStar Rulebook updates, and major race purse increases at Eldora.

Takeaways

Jacob Boxell is set for a major step in his racing career in 2026 with USAC

The AllStar Rulebook now includes two dates to determine provisionals

Eldora's 2026 race purses have significantly increased, with over $3 million total driver payouts

Davie Franek is one fire

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:05 Jacob Boxell's 2026 USAC Midget Opportunity

02:02 Emerging Talents: Zane DeVault and Clay Harris

03:30 All-Star Sprint Car Rulebook Updates

04:56 Eldora Race Purses and Prize Increases

08:19 Recent Race Recaps: ASCS, Lucas Oil, USCS

09:47 Upcoming Races and Season Outlook

Summary

In Episode 74, Josh covers the latest updates in dirt track racing, including 2026 plans, broadcast schedules, team lineups, and upcoming events at Attica Raceway Park and Eldora Speedway. It provides insights into the racing season, camping tips, and key race results.

Chapters

00:00Welcome to Dirt Track Racing

01:02High Limit Racing and FS1 Broadcasts

03:22Full-Time Teams and Financial Sustainability

04:50Attica Raceway Park's 2026 Schedule

10:01Eldora Speedway Camping Updates

12:40Race Recap and Upcoming Events

Key Topics

2026 dirt racing season plans, broadcast schedule for High Limit Racing and FS1, team lineups including Brad Sweet and others, Attica Raceway Park 2026 schedule, Eldora Speedway camping updates and sold-out sites, race results from Volusia, Ocala, and other tracks

Keywords

dirt track racing, 2026 racing season, Eldora Speedway, Attica Raceway Park, racing schedules, team lineups, race results, camping at races

DCJ Podcast: Behind the rock screen with the driver of the #7C Midget, Chase Hodge

Summary

In this episode of the Dirt Court Jesters Podcast, Josh interviews Chase Hodge, a rising star in dirt racing. Chase shares his journey from wrenching on cars to driving them, his experiences at the Chili Bowl, and the lessons learned during his 2025 racing season. He discusses his aspirations for the 2026 season, including racing full-time with the USAC Midwest Thunder Midgets and the challenges he faces on different tracks. The conversation also touches on the camaraderie within the racing community and Chase's future goals in the sport.

Takeaways

Chase Hodge started racing due to his father's influence.

His earliest memory at the track involves a humorous mishap with popcorn.

The Chili Bowl is a significant event for racers, filled with challenges and opportunities.

Chase learned valuable lessons about patience and respect in racing during his 2025 season.

He plans to focus on improving his performance in slick track conditions.

Chase is excited about racing at Eldora, a dream for many drivers.

The USAC Midwest Thunder Midgets series offers a supportive community for racers.

Chase aims to prove himself before moving up to a national midget or sprint car.

He emphasizes the importance of setup and driver skill in racing.

Chase enjoys the balance of driving and wrenching, preferring to focus on driving during races.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chase Hodge

02:57 Experiences at the Chili Bowl

06:31 Lessons from 2025 Racing Season

10:34 Preparing for Full-Time Racing in 2026

12:51 Track Experiences and Preferences

14:03 Looking Ahead to 2026 Racing Schedule

18:23 Choosing the USAC Midwest Thunder Midgets

20:04 Community and Camaraderie in Racing

21:04 Future Aspirations in Racing

24:14 Plans for 2026 Racing Season

25:37 Balancing Driving and Wrenching

27:04 Lightning Round Questions

36:01 Funny Stories from the Track

40:36 Social Media and Sponsorships

Dirt Court Jesters Podcast-Episode 73: NASCAR and WRG, Knoxville for free, and GATORS everywhere

Summary

How much though goes into deciding on a series to follow full time? High Limit rules, Outlaws and NASCAR, USAC Sprint full time drivers, trouble at DGRD, free event at Knoxville, and Donny goes +40! All that and more in this episode of the Dirt Court Jesters Podcast!

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Dirt Track Racing

01:07 Dirt Racing History and Notable Events

02:24 Changes in Racing Rules and Regulations

03:23 Safety Innovations in Dirt Racing

04:25 Upcoming Races and Season Highlights

06:14 Race Results and Highlights

10:42 Future Races and Closing Remarks

DCJ Podcast: Behind the rock screen with Jim Jones, Driver of the #97 Midget

Summary

In this episode of the Dirt Court Jester's podcast, host Josh interviews Jim Jones, a passionate racer who began his journey in his 60s. Jim shares his lifelong dream of racing, his transition from California to Indiana, and the unique challenges of racing solo. He discusses his beloved 'Screaming Yellow Zonker car, the camaraderie within the racing community, and his memorable experiences on various tracks. Jim emphasizes the importance of pursuing dreams at any age and reflects on his racing achievements and aspirations for the future. Jim shares his experiences and challenges in racing, including a significant injury and his journey to improve his skills. He discusses his aspirations for the future, the competitive landscape of midget racing, and the importance of fair play through tech innovations. The conversation also includes light-hearted moments in a lightning round, where Jim shares personal insights and fun anecdotes, culminating in a reflection on the blessings of racing and the importance of perseverance.

Chapters

00:00

The Journey Begins: Jim Jones' Racing Aspirations

12:04

From California to Indiana: A New Racing Landscape

21:40

Racing Alone: The Challenges of Solo Racing

36:20

The Screaming Yellow Zonker: A Unique Racing Identity

41:49

Memorable Tracks and Future Aspirations

52:12

Overcoming Challenges in Racing

55:31

The Journey of Improvement

01:00:48

Future Aspirations in Racing

01:06:25

The Competitive Landscape of Midget Racing

01:09:54

Tech Innovations and Fair Play

01:10:04

Lightning Round: Fun Insights

01:24:11

Wrapping Up and Future Plans

Summary

In this episode of the Dirt Court Jesters podcast, Josh discusses the racing schedules for the World of Outlaw late models and Lucas Oil late models for the 2026 season. He highlights the significant increase in purses, the number of races, and key events for both series. The conversation also touches on the absence of playoffs for the Lucas Oil series and predictions for the upcoming championship season.

Takeaways

• Total feature purses for World of Outlaw late models increased to $4.9 million.
• The largest purse for World of Outlaw late models is $57,000 to win.
• Lucas Oil late models will have 58 races in 2026.
• No more playoffs for the Lucas Oil late models.
• Bobby Pierce and Devin Moran are the defending champions.
• The Dirt Track World Championships return to West Virginia Motor Speedway.
• Eight tracks will appear with World of Outlaw late models for the first time.
• The 16th annual Silver Dollar Nationals has a $230,000 purse.
• Both series have good schedules for the upcoming season.

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  Chapters

  00:00Introduction to Late Model Racing Schedules

  02:20World of Outlaw Late Models Overview

  04:44Lucas Oil Late Models Overview

  07:28Championship Predictions and Closing Thoughts

Dirt Court Jesters Podcast-Episode 72: 2026 is here, tires, & the sun is shining In this episode, Josh dives into the latest developments in dirt racing, covering everything from race results and series expansions to industry trends and cost considerations. Whether you're a fan or a participant, stay informed with detailed insights and key takeaways from the racing world.Key TopicsFebruary 2008 All-Star Circus Champions recap at North Florida SpeedwayThe rising costs of sprint car racing and series affordability initiativesNew series launches: PA Posse 410 Sprint Series and Western PA Speed WeekMajor event highlights: Chili Bowl records and Lucas Oil Late Model Series updatesIndustry trends: Tire rule changes, sponsorships, and series collaborationsNotable driver performances in Australia, USAC, and World of OutlawsFuture race schedules and potential series growth in 2026 and beyondTrack sales and track series collaborations indicating industry teamworkImpact of tire options and rule changes on racing strategies and costsChapters00:20 - History flashback: 2008 North Florida Speedway All-Star race0:37 - Episode intro and season progress update1:07 - Observations on national midget racing aggression and behaviors1:37 - Discussion on cost increases and regulations in sprint car racing2:07 - Series expansion and affordability in grassroots racing2:35 - 2025 USAC Midwest Thunder Midgets and 410 wins stats3:47 - 2026 season announcements: Landon Crowley, Speed Week, PA Posse series4:16 - Race prize structures and financial incentives in series4:45 - Western PA Speed Week schedule and Lernerville's Commonwealth Clash5:14 - Dirt racing industry partnerships and track collaborations5:43 - Sponsorship updates including flow sports and high limit series6:14 - Geo’s competition outlook and top contenders for 20266:42 - Track sales and cooperation among series and tracks7:09 - Changes in weekly racing and broader industry teamwork8:36 - New trophies, sponsorships, and recent organizational changes9:05 - Tire rule updates: RaceSaver, American Racer, and open tire rules10:04 - Impact of tire options, costs, and transition strategies11:02 - BAPS race program overview with refund policy11:31 - Mini-series between Dirt Cup, Gold Cup, and Trophy Cup12:28 - Notable driver signings: Kevin Goldbrecht and Casey Jindrzak12:58 - International racing highlights: Australia and USAC in early 202613:24 - Late model incidents, rule updates, and regional racing trends13:52 - USAC rule change regarding provisional and lap down policies14:22 - Upcoming races at Attica and Fremont with added prize money14:51 - Race recaps: Tyler Courtney, Brady Bacon, and other winners16:26 - Australian sprint car championships and international racing highlights17:23 - Future schedules: Volusia, USCS, and World of Outlaws racing plans; community outreach