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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