Episode 91: Florence, mile tracks, & Labor Day weekend racing

Josh and EJ discuss major developments in dirt track racing, including Knoxville Nationals passing concerns, the potential loss of Ponderosa Speedway and Atomic Speedway, standout Ohio drivers, and Labor Day weekend events. They also preview Boone Speedway’s weeklong Supernationals and the Hillbilly 100 at West Virginia Motor Speedway.

In this episode:

Dirt racing history: Jac Haudenschild won the 2008 World of Outlaws Gold Cup Race of Champions at Silver Dollar Speedway.

Supporting Spark Simon: Former Limaland announcer and Josh’s family friend Spark Simon has been diagnosed with ALS. The hosts share their support for Spark and his family.

Knoxville Nationals passing concerns: The championship A-Main has gone more than 200 laps without a lead change, dating back to 2022. Josh and EJ discuss how weather-affected track conditions and the race format may be contributing to limited passing.

Tracks at risk: Ponderosa Speedway canceled its remaining racing and may not reopen this season. Atomic Speedway is also expected to close after its upcoming race while a potential sale is considered. The hosts emphasize supporting local dirt tracks.

Kyle Larson’s Knoxville success: Larson reportedly became the first driver to win four features during Knoxville Nationals week.

Dust and safety at Springfield: Kaylee Bryson described a severe dust storm during the USAC Silver Crown Springfield Mile. Josh and EJ discuss the visibility problems, daytime heat, and risks of racing a sprint car on a mile-long track.

Kole Kirkman’s first sprint car win: The USAC Midwest Thunder Midget rookie points leader completed double duty at Lawrenceburg and captured his first 410 non-wing sprint car victory.

Aaron Reutzel’s late model debut: Reutzel will drive one of Gordy Gundaker’s late models at the Gateway Dirt Nationals from December 3-5.

Ohio talent gets opportunities: Bryce Lucius is set to replace Kasey Jenderzjek in Bill Rose Racing’s No. 6 World of Outlaws car after winning the 2026 Brad Doty Classic.

A night of first-time winners: Garret Williamson, Dylan Bloomfield, and Cale Coons all earned their first wins with the World of Outlaws, High Limit, and USAC, respectively, on August 28.

Labor Day weekend racing: Boone Speedway hosts the 2026 IMCA Speedway Motors Supernationals from September 5-12, while West Virginia Motor Speedway presents the Hillbilly 100 weekend, featuring a $25,000-to-win.

Timestamps

00:00 - Episode 91 introduction and the week’s major topics

00:34 - Jac Haudenschild's 2008 Gold Cup victory

01:03 - Supporting Spark Simon during his ALS diagnosis

01:30 - Knoxville Nationals goes more than 200 laps without a lead change

02:23 - Why Knoxville’s format and track conditions may limit passing

03:51 - Ponderosa Speedway cancels racing and may not reopen

04:22 - Atomic Speedway’s expected final race and possible sale

05:34 - Why fans should support their local dirt tracks

05:39 - Kyle Larson’s four Knoxville Nationals week feature wins

07:14 - Dust storm and safety concerns at the Springfield Mile

09:43 - Kole Kirkman earns his first 410 sprint car victory

10:37 - Aaron Reutzel prepares for his late model debut

12:10 - Bryce Lucius joins Bill Rose Racing

13:31 - Three national sprint car tours produce first-time winners

14:13 - Rico Abreu earns his third Gold Cup title

16:32 - Previewing the weeklong IMCA Supernationals at Boone

17:12 - Hillbilly 100 weekend purse and division lineup

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Episode 90: Waynesfield, Torn Up Rides, and National Champion

Josh and EJ cover a packed stretch of dirt racing news, from crown jewel weekend chaos to track business concerns and major team moves. The episode runs through the Knoxville 360 Nationals, Knoxville Nationals, North South 100, and Iron Man 55, while also digging into safety issues, format debates, and big sponsorship news across sprint cars and late models.

In this episode, they break down what happened on track, what it means for the sport, and why these storylines matter beyond the results sheet.

Key topics

The Summer Fast for the Super Dirt Car Series Big Block Modifieds kicks off with four straight nights at four different tracks, with points deciding the champion.

Waynesfield Speedway’s uncertain future takes center stage.

Brent Marks Racing being acquired by Chase Briscoe Racing becomes a major dirt business story, with Brent Marks staying on as driver for five years.

The Knoxville 360 Nationals format debate gets real, with both hosts discussing whether 20 laps is enough and whether 410 regulars should be in the field at all.

The North South 100 delivers both chaos and a fairytale, with Josh Rice winning at Florence Speedway after a race full of torn-up cars and major wrecks.

Kyle Larson’s late moves at the Front Row Challenge and Knoxville Nationals spark the usual split reactions.

Anthony Macri’s injury at the Capitani Classic adds another rough chapter to a season already marked by crashes and setbacks.

The Knoxville Nationals prelim fuel tank problem with Ryan Timms draws strong criticism from Josh, who argues the safety risks made the situation unacceptable.

Weather and delays at Knoxville and the Kings Royal create a social media spectacle, including Larson flight tracking and nonstop speculation around race timing.

Chili’s stepping in as title sponsor for the Sprint Car SmackDown at Kokomo is treated as a sign of growing corporate interest in dirt racing, with hopes that sponsorship money trickles down to smaller teams too.

Timestamps

00:28 - This week in dirt racing history: Great American Dirt Track, Shane Stewart wins

00:55 - SummerFast preview across four tracks in Super Dirt Car Series action

01:56 - Waynesfield Speedway uncertainty and why the track needs backing

03:55 - Chase Briscoe acquires Brent Marks Racing

06:57 - Carson Macedo argues Knoxville 360 Nationals needs more laps

08:52 - Would Iron Man 55 move to help 360 Nationals field size

11:11 - 410 drivers in the 360 Nationals

11:40 - North South 100 chaos, crashes, and Josh Rice’s win

14:30 - Kyle Larson’s slide job on Ryan Timms at the Front Row Challenge

17:08 - Anthony Macri injured again at the Capitini Classic

18:26 - Knoxville Nationals pre-lim night fuel-tank issue with Ryan Timms

23:12 - Weather, Larson watch, and the Knoxville Nationals/Kings Royal delays

24:44 - Knoxville Nationals format change and driver frustration

28:40 - Gio Selzi and Brenham Crouch’s violent crash

31:22 - Chili’s sponsors Kokomo’s Sprint Car SmackDown

38:08 - Race recap begins: Thursday and Friday results

41:50 - Saturday results, including Knoxville, Florence, and local divisions

44:09 - Iron Man 55, Knoxville 360 Nationals finale, and more weekend winners

49:28 - Knoxville Nationals finale: Kyle Larson wins, Sheldon second, Casey Kane third

51:04 - Upcoming race schedule for the next week

55:03 - Wrap-up, closing thoughts, and Florence Speedway plans

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Episode 89: Indiana Sprint Week, North/South 100, & Knoxville Nationals

Josh and EJ dive into this episode as we explore the latest in dirt track racing, revisiting historical moments, celebrating recent victories, and previewing upcoming major events like the Knoxville Nationals and North South 100. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the sport, this episode offers insights, race recaps, and predictions straight from the heart of dirt racing.

Key Topics:

Updates on racer Case Higgins' recovery from severe burns and the racing community's support

Discussion of Kasey Kahne's return in a striking new #4 sprint car

Justin Grant joins the century club with his 100th USAC win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Analysis of Indiana Sprint Week's strong car counts and Kyle Cummins' first Indiana Sprint Week title

In-depth debate on fuel tank safety, size, and race length considerations for sprint and outlaw cars

Preview of major upcoming races: North/South 100, Knoxville Nationals, and the 360 Knoxville Nationals

Commentary on race strategies, driver predictions, and the significance of big-money events

Recap of recent race results across multiple tracks and series, highlighting notable wins and emerging stars

Personal plans and reflections from hosts about the upcoming racing schedule and fan experiences

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and Episode Overview

00:30 - Eldora Speedway 2004 USAC Sprint Race Recap

1:08 - Update on racer Case Higgins' recovery journey

1:51 - Kasey Kahne's return with a striking number four sprint car

2:21 - Justin Grant's historic 100th USAC win at IMS

3:17 - Indiana Sprint Week highlights and car counts

4:12 - Race funding and pay scale suggestions for sprint events

5:19 - Indiana Sprint Week winner predictions and championship updates

6:41 - Fuel tank safety concerns and race regulations debate

7:53 - Engineering considerations for fuel capacity and safety measures

9:55 - High Limit series points standings and contenders

13:22 - Upcoming North/South 100 race details and purse records

15:41 - Predictions for the Knoxville 360 Nationals and Knoxville Nationals

17:42 - Notable drivers and their chances at Knoxville

21:37 - Overviews of key favorites and race favorites for Knoxville

23:54 - Expectations for the Knoxville Nationals and predictions

35:24 - Recent race results including Indiana Sprint Week and regional events

44:48 - Upcoming race schedules and personal plans for fans and racers

45:11 - Closing remarks and encouragement to support local racing

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