BJ McLeod Was Once Labeled the Next Jeff Gordon
About this episode
BJ McLeod’s journey from Florida super late models to NASCAR Cup ownership is told through grit, business savvy, and staying authentically himself. He describes quitting school early to race, learning aggression and craft in go-karts and super late models, and the pivotal relationships that shaped his rise. The conversation then shifts to the humbling leap into trucks/Xfinity, why he built his own teams, and how charter ownership with Matt Tifft led to a profitable sale to Spire. Off-track, he explains Live Fast Motorsports, driver development, and launching an indoor RC track and a Pigeon Forge racing coaster business to fund racing.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with one of the hardest-working members of the NASCAR garage this week, longtime racer and car owner BJ McLeod. After finding his roots in the Florida super late model scene, BJ took lessons he learned early on in his family’s fertilizer and orange harvesting company to successfully assemble a fleet of NASCAR entries. BJ’s racing start came through years of go-kart barnstorming up and down the East Coast with his father, before acquiring special permission to enter the late model ranks at the tender age of 12. Through mentoring from legends Pete Orr and Gary Balough, BJ became a terror at Florida strongholds like New Smyrna and Orlando Speedworld. He’d win the coveted World Series of Asphalt in 2010, and it was time for the next challenge.
That next challenge came in the form of the world of NASCAR. BJ put together rides in the Trucks Series before taking on the O’Reilly Series with his own team. When the opportunity to purchase a charter and go Cup racing came about, BJ partnered with fellow racer and businessman Matt Tifft to roll the dice. He would make the financial decision to sell the charter to Spire Motorsports, but still aspired to embark on a Cup racing career, which he independently financed from his other businesses like the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster. Today, BJ remains one of the hardest-working owners and drivers in racing, akin to 1992 NASCAR Champion Alan Kulwicki. His conversation with Dale covers his humble beginnings, championship years in late models, and fulfilling his unique dream of being a driver/owner in NASCAR.
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NASCAR
"NASCAR is full of crazy stories these days and you can make your race day story even more epic with FanDuel."
NASCAR is a popular American race series. Drivers compete in stock-car style cars, usually on oval tracks, and the race is as much about strategy as speed.
NASCAR is a major American stock-car racing series where drivers race highly regulated production-based cars on oval tracks. It’s known for close racing, frequent cautions, and strategy around pit stops and tire management.
prop bets
"FanDuel has so many ways to bet on your favorite drivers and races from individual race winners to prop bets to which drivers are going to take home the championship."
Prop bets are bets on smaller race outcomes, not just the overall winner. Think of them like “what happens during the race?” bets.
Prop bets (proposition bets) are wagers on specific outcomes or events within a race, rather than just who wins. Examples include which driver finishes in a certain position or who will lead at a particular point.
Cup racing
"...buys a portion of a cup charter and goes cup racing, sells it years later, makes millions of dollars..."
Cup racing is NASCAR’s top division. It’s the most competitive and usually the most watched level of NASCAR.
“Cup racing” refers to the NASCAR Cup Series, the top level of NASCAR competition. It typically involves the biggest teams, most attention, and the highest level of competition.
spreader truck
"750 and he bought a spreader truck and started spreading fertilizer and orange groves in Central Florida."
A spreader truck is a truck that can “sprinkle” or distribute materials like fertilizer over land. It’s built to spread it evenly instead of dumping it in one spot.
A spreader truck is a vehicle equipped with a mechanism to distribute bulk materials—commonly fertilizer—over fields. In the segment, it’s tied to the family business that started with spreading fertilizer in Central Florida.
over-the-road trucks
"They got up to I think the most they ever had was about 10 but the bulk of their business was picking and hauling. Picking oranges off the tree, put them in the tubs, load them in the trailers and carry them to the plant."
Over-the-road trucks are the big trucks that travel longer distances. They’re different from local hauling because they’re set up for moving loads across regions.
“Over-the-road” trucks are long-haul trucks used for interstate or regional hauling rather than short local delivery. In this story, they contrast with the family’s main work of picking and hauling oranges to a plant.
street racing
"because he street raced so it was uh it was pretty cool to hear the stories of him they used to they used to grudge race and and do all that stuff he started that um he probably started in 60 or 61 somewhere in that area and you know and street raced all the way up into the early 70s."
Street racing is when people race cars on public roads instead of a track. It’s dangerous and illegal, and the story is about how racing motivated his dad.
Street racing is illegal competitive driving on public roads, often involving grudge matches and high-risk speeds. The speaker connects it to his father borrowing money for a truck so he could earn more to race, and describes racing into the early 1970s.
grudge race
"they used to they used to grudge race and and do all that stuff he started that um he probably started in 60 or 61 somewhere in that area and you know and street raced all the way up into the early 70s."
A grudge race is a head-to-head street race between drivers who have a personal rivalry or ongoing dispute. The term is used here to describe the father’s racing culture—more about competition and ego than organized events.
drafting
"there's a lot of drafting and a lot of pushing and bumping and you got to be pretty aggressive and take holes just like we see on Sunday now"
Drafting means you follow really close behind another car so the air resistance is lower. That helps you go faster and set up a pass.
Drafting is when a car/ kart follows closely behind another to reduce aerodynamic drag and gain speed. In oval racing, it’s a key part of building momentum for passes and maintaining position in packs.
dirt track
"they loaded me up and took me to a dirt track him and one of his best friends and they knew the dirt racing in Florida was a little bit rougher than asphalt racing"
A dirt track is made of loose surface, so the grip changes during the race. Drivers have to adjust their driving because the car can slide more.
A dirt track is a racing surface that changes grip as cars pass, due to dust, ruts, and evolving traction. Drivers often need different setup choices and driving technique than on asphalt to handle sliding and variable bite.
go-karts
"...what my parents you know had me in which you know was go-karts then and switch to super late models..."
Go-karts are small race cars kids start with. They help you learn how to drive fast and race safely before you move to bigger, faster cars.
Go-karts are a common entry point for NASCAR and other motorsports. They teach basic racecraft—lines, braking points, and how to handle traffic—before moving up to faster stock cars.
Detroit semi engines
"...right like I've done that [1360.5s] changed semi-tires I have rebuilt Detroit semi engines I have I've done everything you could do..."
Detroit is a brand of diesel engines used in big trucks. Rebuilding one means taking it apart and fixing major internal parts so it runs like new again.
“Detroit” typically refers to Detroit Diesel, a well-known manufacturer of heavy-duty diesel engines used in trucks and industrial equipment. Rebuilding a “semi engine” suggests the speaker had experience with major diesel powertrain work, not just basic maintenance.
seat time
"...get some seat time and then try to do that right..."
“Seat time” means actually driving the car. The more you drive it, the better you get at controlling it and understanding what it needs.
“Seat time” is time spent driving the race car in practice or competition. More seat time generally improves a driver’s comfort, consistency, and ability to communicate setup needs to the team.
driver coach
"...Zach Jermaine I actually driver coach Zach um back in I think he ran K&N from 10 to 12..."
A driver coach helps a racer get better by teaching driving techniques and reviewing how they performed. It’s like having a mentor who helps you improve faster.
A driver coach helps a driver improve technique—things like braking points, corner entry/exit, and racecraft—often using feedback from practice and prior races. In motorsports, coaching is a common way to accelerate development when moving up the ladder.
Pit Road
"So when I think I first saw you walking down Pit Road in your suit at an Xfinity race or a rally race or maybe you're a truck racer, you stand out."
Pit Road is the area at a race track where teams pull in to work on the car. Drivers come in there for things like tires and adjustments, and when you do it can change who’s leading.
Pit Road is the lane inside a racing circuit where teams service cars during stops. It’s where drivers enter and exit the pits, and it’s a key part of race strategy because timing and speed in the pits can affect track position.
CDL
"he was very, very active mobile. Like I was just about to say he'd love to drive a semi, right? [2162.6s] Like he sat a CDL as whole. Like never lost a CDL."
CDL means Commercial Driver’s License. It’s the special license you need to drive big commercial trucks, like semi-trucks.
CDL stands for Commercial Driver’s License. It’s the license required to drive commercial vehicles like semi-trucks and other heavy equipment in the U.S.
Xfinity series
"Yeah. You, um, made your Xfinity series debut in 2015 with Rick Royer."
The Xfinity Series is NASCAR’s “second level” of racing. Many drivers use it to prove themselves before moving up to the top Cup Series.
The NASCAR Xfinity Series is the sport’s second-tier national series, positioned below the Cup Series. Drivers often use it to develop skills, earn rides, and build momentum toward full-time Cup opportunities.
spot starts
"...a lot of guys come in and, and if they're fortunate get these little spot starts, but they're, they're always like thinking I'm gonna get, I'm gonna keep trying to get these opportunities..."
A spot start is when a driver only races in a few specific events. It’s often a chance to show what they can do and earn a bigger opportunity.
“Spot starts” are one-off or limited races where a driver fills in for another driver or gets a chance without a full-season ride. They’re common for developing drivers trying to earn a longer-term contract.
Pike's Peak
"I had to test for, um, uh, furniture row at Pike's Peak in 2000, it was 2010."
Pikes Peak is a well-known race up a mountain in Colorado. The air gets thinner and conditions change a lot, so it’s a tough test for both the car and the driver.
Pikes Peak is a famous hill climb in Colorado where competitors race up a mountain course. It’s known for extreme elevation changes that stress engines, cooling, and traction.
GM Genuine Parts
"When you want the right parts that are the right fit, there's only one choice. GM Genuine Parts and AC Delco original equipment, designed, engineered, tested, and backed by General Motors."
These are factory-style replacement parts made for GM cars. The idea is they fit correctly and work the way the original parts were intended to.
GM Genuine Parts are parts made or sourced by General Motors to meet GM’s specifications. They’re typically designed to fit and function like the original components on GM vehicles.
AC Delco
"When you want the right parts that are the right fit, there's only one choice. GM Genuine Parts and AC Delco original equipment, designed, engineered, tested, and backed by General Motors."
AC Delco is a GM-linked brand that makes replacement parts for GM cars. People mention it because it’s meant to be the “right fit” for repairs.
AC Delco is General Motors’ parts brand, known for replacement components that are intended to match original-equipment standards. It’s commonly referenced for maintenance and repair parts on GM vehicles.
RC cars
"that was helping me at the time we were standing in it. And I was like, we both love RC cars. [2917.0s] And, you know, he was kind of the caretaker for the property."
RC cars are small cars you drive with a remote control. They’re like real race cars in miniature, and people can build tracks and adjust how they handle.
RC cars are radio-controlled model cars that mimic real racing and driving. People often build tracks and tune setups for traction, speed, and handling the same way they would with full-size cars.
clay track
"I built an outdoor track and I actually built it next to my house, which did not make Jessica [2926.4s] happy because it was a clay track and the dirt, whatever things weren't quite right would go [2930.2s] on the house."
A clay track is made of dirt/clay, and it can get slick or messy depending on the weather. That means the cars may not grip the same way every time.
A clay track is a surface where traction changes with moisture and tire wear, which can make grip inconsistent. That’s why weather can strongly affect lap times and race plans on clay.
Live Fast Motorsports
"...it is not expensive... You rebranded your race team to Live Fast Motorsports in 2021."
Live Fast Motorsports is a NASCAR racing team. They’re mentioning when the team changed its name/branding in 2021.
Live Fast Motorsports is a NASCAR team. The speaker notes the team rebrand in 2021, tying it to the broader discussion of the team’s racing operations.
quarter panel
"...when you were running your um, Xfinity program... our cars... we'll, we'll crack a quarter panel or..."
A quarter panel is a metal body piece on the side of the car near the rear wheel. If it gets bent or cracked in racing, it can need repair or replacement so the car stays safe and fits right.
A quarter panel is the body panel on the rear side of a car, between the wheel opening and the trunk/roof area. In racing, damage to quarter panels can affect aerodynamics, fitment, and safety, so teams often manage repairs and replacements carefully.
Daytona 500
"...we saw that you qualified really well for the Daytona 500 this year and was running really well in the race till you had an issue."
The Daytona 500 is NASCAR’s biggest race. It’s a huge deal, so if something goes wrong during the race, it feels devastating.
The Daytona 500 is NASCAR’s premier race held at Daytona International Speedway. It’s a high-profile event where qualifying and race execution matter a lot, and mechanical issues can be especially painful because of the race’s importance.
Pigeon Forge
"And that's what I told Jessica was like, we can afford to own something in Pigeon Forge. Like let's, let's call Teddy and figure out something to own that makes people happy. Right?"
Pigeon Forge is a popular vacation town in Tennessee. It’s full of fun things to do, especially for families—so the idea here is to build an attraction people enjoy.
Pigeon Forge is a tourist-heavy area in Tennessee, best known for attractions like amusement rides and family entertainment. In the segment, the speakers are talking about building an attraction there that makes visitors happy after they “get off a ride.”
roller coaster
"And so we built the Pigeon Forge Racing Coasters, but open June 19th will be a year and it's a successful..."
A roller coaster is a ride with tracks that goes fast and makes big drops and turns. They’re describing building one and how it’s doing.
A roller coaster is an amusement ride that uses tracks and drops to create high-speed thrills. The episode segment centers on building and operating a specific coaster attraction as a business venture.
theme park
"And so we built the Pigeon Forge Racing Coasters, but open June 19th will be a year and it's a successful... And now I get to say, I can't own the theme park, but I own one ride."
A theme park is a place built for fun—usually with rides and attractions. Here, they’re talking about building a roller coaster as part of a bigger tourist area.
A theme park is an entertainment venue built around a specific concept or set of attractions. In this segment, the discussion is about developing a coaster as part of a larger tourist destination rather than just owning a standalone ride.
Cup series
"because, because the cup series, unfortunately has a billionaire sport now, not a millionaires, [4835.4s] right? And I'm not a billionaire. We just simply can't afford it, right?"
In NASCAR, the Cup Series is the top, most competitive level. It’s also the most expensive to run because teams have to race often and stay compliant with the rules.
The “Cup series” refers to NASCAR’s top-level national stock-car racing series. Teams race weekly and must meet strict rules for cars, drivers, and competition, which is why it’s expensive to run full-time.
waiver
"I would have signed any waiver, anything with NASCAR to not get sued, whatever I could have done to get in that car."
A “waiver” is paperwork that helps protect the people running the event legally. If you’re stepping in to drive, you may need to sign it before you’re allowed on track.
A “waiver” is legal paperwork that releases certain parties from liability when a driver takes part in an event. In motorsports, late substitutions often require additional signed documents before someone is cleared to drive.
first lap
"[5545.8s] Yes. And on the old Atlanta, man, I can tell you right now, first lap, I'd have been on [5550.1s] against the wall through one and two wide open, get as many spots as I could have."
The first lap is when the race is most chaotic and passing is easiest. The speaker is describing an aggressive plan to grab positions right away.
In stock-car racing, the first lap is often where drivers make early position gains because the field is bunched and passing opportunities are plentiful. The speaker’s “against the wall… wide open” comment highlights the aggressive approach some drivers take to maximize track position immediately.
green
"[5555.0s] Like you just, because you do that stuff back then, like, and I knew with that car, [5559.1s] just get me to the green. Like that's, that's where it would have been, been game on."
“Get me to the green” means “get me ready for when the race actually starts and speeds up.” The green flag is when drivers can race for real.
“Get me to the green” means the driver wants to be ready for the restart/green-flag conditions, when racing speed and competitive passing begin. Teams and drivers often focus on being prepared so they can immediately capitalize once the race goes green.
General Motors
"GM Genuine Parts and AC Delco Original Equipment, [5949.4s] designed, engineered, tested and backed by General Motors."
General Motors is the company that makes GM vehicles. In this segment, they’re saying the parts are supported and meet GM’s standards.
General Motors (GM) is the automaker behind many brands and the parent company referenced in the parts pitch. The segment emphasizes that the parts are “backed by” GM, implying manufacturer support and standards.
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