From Riverside Karting Legacy To French F4 Podium: A Young Driver’s Rise
About this episode
Fifteen-year-old racing talent Truly Adams shares his journey from karting to competing in French F4, highlighting his recent podium finish. The discussion covers his experiences at the Riverside karting track, the challenges of balancing racing with school, and the dynamics of competitive karting. Truly also reflects on his aspirations in motorsport, the support from his family, and the unique aspects of racing in different series. The episode is filled with insights into the life of a young driver on the rise.
A 15-year-old American podiums in France, trains on a historic family kart track, and preps a KZ shifter for SuperNats—this conversation with Truly Adams puts you trackside with a teen who’s chasing F1 the hard way: one tenth at a time. We dive into how karting sharpens the instincts that matter—trail braking, rotation, race starts, and battling through 60-kart grids where the top 30 can be separated by a single tenth. He shares how he balances homeschooling, constant travel, and year-round testing while keeping the physical and mental edge to jump between karts and formula cars.
We unpack the ladder from French F4 to F3, F2, and ultimately F1, highlighting why an academy series with spec cars levels the field and spotlights driver skill. Truly explains differences between spec and open setup environments, how tire management and car feedback decide outcomes, and why selection to the Feed Racing finals was a crucial step. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to hit 93 mph an inch off the ground, or how temporary SuperNats circuits change strategy, this is the inside line.
Beyond the interview, we hit key motorsport beats: Formula One’s late-season stops, NASCAR championship weekend, and NHRA in Las Vegas. We add perspective with quick auto history snapshots—from friction-drive transmissions that paved the way for CVTs to the first Honda cars built in the U.S.—and check current industry headlines, including shifts in EV production. It’s a fast, informative ride for fans who love the craft, the calendar, and the deeper stories behind the stopwatch.
Follow Truly @ truly_thetruth on Instagram to track his next steps. If you enjoy our show, subscribe, share it with a fellow race fan, and leave a review to help others find us. What part of the ladder would you climb first—karting mastery or a jump straight into cars? Let us know.
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NASCAR
"...before you start going into NASCAR and all that stuff..."
NASCAR is a type of car racing that happens mostly on circular tracks. It's famous in America and has many fans who watch the races and follow the drivers.
NASCAR stands for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, and it's a popular motorsport organization in the United States known for its stock car racing events. The races often take place on oval tracks and feature a unique set of rules and vehicle specifications.
go-karting track
"...it's more of a go-karting track. So where we all..."
A go-karting track is a place where people can race small, fast cars called go-karts. It's a fun activity for kids and adults, and the tracks can be simple or have lots of turns and features.
A go-karting track is a specialized racing circuit designed for go-karts, which are small, lightweight vehicles used for racing. These tracks can vary in size and complexity and are popular for recreational racing and competitive events.
Supernats
"Today's agenda we were we were testing for Supernats, which is the biggest race of the year so that's in two weeks, so I'll be driving a little bit today and just hanging out..."
Supernats is a big go-kart race where many skilled drivers compete. It's a well-known event in the karting community, and it's exciting to watch.
Supernats, or Supernationals, is a prestigious kart racing event that attracts top drivers from around the world. It typically features various classes of karts and is known for its competitive atmosphere and challenging racing conditions.
KZ kart
"...what will you be driving? I'll be driving a KZ cart, which is the fastest in a go-kart. So okay, is it a shift? Is it a shifter cart?"
A KZ kart is a fast go-kart that has a special engine and can change gears, making it quicker on the track. They're used in serious racing events.
A KZ kart is a type of high-performance go-kart that is powered by a two-stroke engine and features a gearbox, allowing for shifting. These karts are designed for competitive racing and are known for their speed and handling capabilities.
F4 series
"Wow, so you're doing the F4 series you're going to get in the F4 series. Yes, we're trying to get in the French F4 series."
The F4 series is a beginner racing league for young drivers. It helps them learn how to race in open-wheel cars, which are cars without bodywork around the wheels, like those seen in Formula 1.
The F4 series is a type of open-wheel racing that serves as an entry-level category for drivers aspiring to compete in higher levels of motorsport, such as Formula 1. It provides young drivers with the opportunity to develop their skills in a competitive environment.
open-wheel cars
"French F4 is just moving into the open open wheel right of cars. So it's like the entry level to the road a formula one."
Open-wheel cars are racing cars that have their wheels outside of the main body. This design helps them go faster and handle better on the track.
Open-wheel cars are a type of racing vehicle where the wheels are not enclosed by the body of the car. This design allows for greater aerodynamics and handling characteristics, making them suitable for high-speed racing.
Formula 1
"...you ever been to an F1 race? No, I have not and I've been trying to go for a long time..."
Formula 1 is a top-level car racing series where teams compete in fast, single-seat cars. They race on different tracks around the world, and it's known for its high speeds and advanced technology.
Formula 1 (F1) is the highest class of international auto racing for single-seater formula racing cars. It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world, including street circuits and purpose-built tracks.
Circuit of the Americas
"...you must go to circuit of the Americas..."
Circuit of the Americas is a famous racetrack in Texas where many big car races, including Formula 1, take place. It's designed to be exciting for both drivers and fans.
Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is a motor racing track located in Austin, Texas. It hosts various racing events, including Formula 1 races, and is known for its challenging layout and modern facilities.
Chevrolet Corvette
"I have just a regular plane Corvette and I went to a Corvette event one time where we got to ride Actually drive our car Corvettes on the road course."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a famous sports car that many people love for its speed and style. It's often seen in car shows and races.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car known for its distinctive design and powerful engines. It has a long history in American automotive culture and is often associated with racing and performance driving.
road course
"Actually drive our car Corvettes on the road course. It is truly phenomenal With elevation changes all of the turns you'll have to look it up and you'll go wow"
A road course is a kind of racetrack that has lots of turns and hills, making it different from a flat, oval track. It's where cars can race in a more exciting way.
A road course is a type of racetrack that features a series of turns and elevation changes, allowing for a more complex driving experience compared to an oval track. Road courses are often used for sports car racing and provide a challenging environment for drivers.
Las Vegas
"...my next event is gonna be in Nevada in Las Vegas..."
Las Vegas is a famous city in Nevada known for its fun activities and events, including car races. Many people go there to watch or participate in racing.
Las Vegas is a major city in Nevada known for its vibrant nightlife, entertainment, and various events, including motorsport competitions. It often hosts large-scale racing events due to its facilities and infrastructure.
Alfa Romeo
"...but that track was as flat as a board And you had to really perfect your driving skills with this car. It was a souped up alpha..."
Alfa Romeo is a car brand from Italy that makes stylish and sporty cars. They are popular among people who love driving and racing.
Alfa Romeo is an Italian luxury car manufacturer known for its sporty vehicles and rich motorsport heritage. The brand has a strong following among car enthusiasts for its stylish designs and performance-oriented models.
San Paolo Grand Prix
"We're going to go with starting out with formula 1 the san paolo grand prix. It is the 9th 11 a.m central standard time this one is going to be broadcast."
The San Paolo Grand Prix is a car race that is part of the Formula 1 series, taking place in São Paulo, Brazil. It's an exciting event where drivers compete for points in the championship.
The San Paolo Grand Prix is a Formula 1 race held at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in São Paulo, Brazil. It is known for its challenging layout and passionate fans, making it a significant event in the F1 calendar.
Autódromo José Carlos Pace
"It's going to be at the autodrome jose carlos pace in san paolo. It's a 71 lapper and there's only two more races."
The Autódromo José Carlos Pace is a racetrack in São Paulo, Brazil, where Formula 1 races are held. It's known for its hilly layout and exciting atmosphere.
Autódromo José Carlos Pace, commonly known as Interlagos, is a motor racing circuit located in São Paulo, Brazil. It is famous for hosting the Brazilian Grand Prix and is known for its unique topography and challenging corners.
General Motors
"this week in 1909 general motors acquired the carter car company"
General Motors is a big car company that makes many different brands of vehicles, like Chevrolet and Cadillac.
General Motors, often abbreviated as GM, is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for brands like Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac.
friction drive transmission
"they were experimenting with a friction drive transmission"
A friction drive transmission is a type of system that helps cars change speeds smoothly without using traditional gears.
A friction drive transmission uses friction discs instead of gears to transfer power, allowing for smoother and more variable speed control.
CVT
"which is basically a precursor to the cvt's"
CVT means Continuously Variable Transmission, which is a special kind of car transmission that allows for smooth acceleration without shifting gears.
CVT stands for Continuously Variable Transmission, a type of automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of effective gear ratios.
Hudson automobile
"Moving on into 1954 the last real Hudson automobile rolled off the assembly line"
Hudson was a car company that made vehicles until 1954. They were known for their unique designs and performance, but they stopped making cars after that year.
Hudson was an American automobile manufacturer known for its innovative designs and performance during the early to mid-20th century. The last real Hudson automobile rolled off the assembly line in 1954, marking the end of an era for the brand.
step down design
"it had it stepped down what they called their step down design in 1948 because it lowered the car"
The 'step down design' was a way Hudson made their cars sit lower to the ground, which helped people get in and out more easily and made the cars handle better on the road.
The 'step down design' was an innovative engineering approach used by Hudson in 1948 that lowered the car's body. This design improved accessibility and enhanced the vehicle's center of gravity, leading to better handling characteristics.
center of gravity
"but it also improved the center of gravity for improved handling"
The center of gravity is the point where a car's weight is balanced. If it's lower, the car is more stable and handles better, especially when turning.
The center of gravity refers to the point in a vehicle where its weight is evenly distributed. A lower center of gravity improves stability and handling, especially during turns, which is crucial for performance cars.
American Motors Corporation
"that's how they got to become the american motors corporation"
American Motors Corporation was a car company created when Hudson merged with another company in 1954. They made various cars, including some that were quite popular.
American Motors Corporation (AMC) was formed after the merger of Hudson and Nash-Kelvinator in 1954. AMC became known for producing a range of vehicles, including the popular Rambler brand.
Chevrolet Bel Air
"So 1957 the chevrolet impala was introduced as the top trim of the bel air... It had the optional 283 that you could get in it for the v8..."
The Chevrolet Impala is a car that was first made in 1957. It was a fancy version of another car called the Bel Air and is known for its stylish look with fins and shiny parts.
The Chevrolet Impala was introduced in 1957 as the top trim of the Chevrolet Bel Air. It became a popular full-size car known for its distinctive design features like tail fins and chrome accents.
Chevrolet Impala
"Okay So 1957 the chevrolet impala was introduced as the top trim of the bel air I ..."
Toyota Celica
"So then in 1970 the toyota silica made its debut at the 17th tokyo motor show..."
The Toyota Celica is a sporty car that was first shown to the public in 1970. It was designed to be fun to drive and looked cool.
The Toyota Celica was first introduced in 1970 at the Tokyo Motor Show. It became known for its sporty design and performance, appealing to a younger audience.
Toyota Corolla
"Corolla hot rod is what it amounted to because they had rear wheel drive... it gave toyota their performance reputation..."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people know. Some versions of it were designed to be more fun to drive, especially those with rear-wheel drive.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact car that has been popular for decades. It gained a performance reputation with certain variants, particularly those that were rear-wheel drive and sportier in nature.
Honda Cord
"they started building the honda accord inside the united states..."
The Honda Accord is a popular car that is known for being reliable and comfortable. Many people choose it because it is good for everyday driving.
The Honda Accord is a mid-size car that has been a staple in the Honda lineup for many years. It is known for its reliability, comfort, and efficiency, making it a popular choice among consumers.
electric vehicle
"At its electric vehicle plant in detroit affecting more than 3000 jobs there"
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline, which can be better for the environment.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity, offering an alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
Gmc Hummer
"Which makes the gmc hummer ev and electric versions of the chevy silverado"
The GMC Hummer EV is a new electric truck that is designed for off-road driving and has a lot of power.
The GMC Hummer EV is an all-electric version of the Hummer, known for its off-road capabilities and powerful performance.
Chevrolet Silverado
"and electric versions of the chevy silverado"
The Chevrolet Silverado is a big truck that people use for work and towing, and it's known for being tough and reliable.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular full-size pickup truck known for its durability and versatility, available in various configurations.
Gm Sierra
"...and electric versions of the chevy silverado gmc sierra Cadillac escalade according to a person familiar..."
Gmc Sierra
"gmc sierra"
The GMC Sierra is another big truck similar to the Silverado, but it often has more luxury features and a different style.
The GMC Sierra is a full-size pickup truck that shares many components with the Chevrolet Silverado, known for its premium features and performance.
Cadillac Escalade
"Cadillac escalade according to a person familiar with all the inner workings of gm"
The Cadillac Escalade is a big luxury SUV that is very comfortable and has a lot of fancy features.
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior, high-end features, and powerful performance.
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