Is Reddick The Next Sr?
About this episode
Kansas-to-Long Beach weekend gets dissected through short-track culture, ARCA chaos, IndyCar strategy, and a deep dive on NASCAR’s current Toyota advantage. The hosts trade stories from Ace Speedway and discuss Tyler Reddick’s five-for-nine heater, plus Alex Palou’s first Long Beach crew win. A major debate centers on whether Kyle Busch’s RCR struggles are about car development, culture, or radio/adjustment dynamics. They also break down pit-road “pit bosses,” Trackhouse’s next-gen drop-off, and why tire/option strategies matter at road courses like Long Beach.
Denny had Kansas won, then didn’t finish it.
Tyler Reddick did and now he’s stacking wins at a pace we haven’t seen in years.
Corey LaJoie and Ryan Flores break down what actually happened on the final restart, why execution keeps deciding these races, and where Denny let it slip.
Also in this episode:
Kyle Busch frustration and what’s really going on at RCR
Trackhouse falling off and why the early advantage is gone
Toyota speed and how big the gap actually is
Blaney’s pit crew struggles and the 12 team shuffle
Cleetus’ engine blowout and the reality of learning the hard way
Plus Long Beach:
IndyCar delivers the vibe but not the action
Will Power pit road incident
Stadium trucks steal the show
IMSA steady as ever
And a look ahead to NHRA and what’s next across motorsports
Big moments. What they meant. What’s next.
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ace be was great track
"But it was good. I was just like going Saturday night short track racing up at ace ... It was ace be was great track. It was easy to get to there was nobody there"
The speaker mentions “ace be” as a track they raced at, describing it as easy to get to and having a good setup for racing. While the exact track name isn’t fully clear in the transcript, it’s clearly being discussed as a positive short-track experience.
car count
"So hung out leaf for a little bit. There's five late models five limited late models. They're there's nine modifies ... that was the most car count they had"
“Car count” just means how many cars show up to race. More cars usually means more races and more action during the event.
“Car count” refers to how many cars are entered in each class and the total number of competitors. Higher car counts typically mean more heats, more on-track action, and a fuller event schedule, which can change the racing experience even if the track itself is the same.
late models
"So hung out leaf for a little bit. There's five late models five limited late models. They're there's nine modifies"
Late models are a type of race car class you’ll see at local short tracks. The speaker is listing how many cars were in that class for the weekend.
Late models are a common class in grassroots short-track racing, typically featuring purpose-built stock-style race cars. In the transcript, they’re used to describe the event’s lineup and how many entries were present.
modifies
"There's five late models five limited late models. They're there's nine modifies"
Modifieds are another class of race cars at short tracks. The speaker is basically saying how many cars were in that class for the event.
“Modifies” appears to refer to modified race cars, another common short-track class with its own ruleset and typical car characteristics. In the transcript, it’s part of the speaker’s breakdown of how many entries were in each class.
Bowman Gray
"Just tough especially racing against Bowman Gray started this weekend ... Well Bowman Gray is great because it's ingrained in the community ... it's like it's just its own thing and it's like in the middle of the city of Winston-Salem"
Bowman Gray is a famous short race track in Winston-Salem. The hosts are saying it’s great partly because it’s part of the local community, not just a place people visit.
Bowman Gray Stadium is a historic short-track venue in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, known for its tight racing and strong local culture. The hosts connect its popularity to community roots and the “in the middle of the city” vibe, which helps explain why it remains a fan favorite.
short track racing
"But short track racing and it works if you work it. It seems like your local short tracks. Amen"
Short track racing is racing on smaller tracks where the cars are usually packed closer together. That makes the race more unpredictable, and small setup or tire decisions can make a big difference.
Short track racing refers to NASCAR-style events run on smaller oval tracks, where cars are often closer together and races can turn on strategy and restarts. Because the racing is tight, drivers and teams typically need consistent setup and good tire management to keep the car competitive.
Long Beach
"Kansas to Long Beach this weekend. We're gonna cover it all guys a lot exciting ass car Racing a lot of great finishes Tyler Reddick... We'll touch on Alex Palos Route of Long Beach for his first crew win there"
Long Beach is a famous race event held on a street-style track. Instead of a traditional oval, it uses city streets, so the racing can be tight and barrier-heavy.
Long Beach is a major motorsport venue known for street-course racing, where the track layout uses city streets and barriers. The hosts mention “Kansas to Long Beach this weekend” and then discuss “Route of Long Beach,” indicating they’re covering an event at that circuit.
IMSA races
"...Route of Long Beach for his first crew win there and those streets along beach and then there's my Imsa races amongst some other things Where do we want to start?"
IMSA is a big North American sports car racing series. It includes different types of race cars competing in the same event, so the hosts are saying they’ll cover more than just one kind of racing.
IMSA is the International Motor Sports Association, which runs sports car racing in North America across multiple classes. When the hosts say they’ll cover “IMSA races amongst some other things,” they’re broadening the recap beyond NASCAR-style stock cars.
ARCA race
"Where do we want to start? Let's start with the Arca race I didn't get to watch much of it because we were flying there"
ARCA is a racing series for stock cars. It’s a place where drivers can get experience and show what they can do before moving to bigger NASCAR races.
ARCA is a stock-car racing series that often serves as a proving ground for drivers and teams before they move up to higher-profile NASCAR events. When the hosts say “start with the Arca race,” they’re setting up a recap of that specific series event.
three-wide
"They're excited. He just I watched him pull out of line three wide and rip the top and get by a couple cars and he Said about that."
Three-wide means three cars are driving next to each other at the same time. It’s exciting, but it’s also riskier because there’s less space if anything goes wrong.
“Three-wide” is when three race cars run side-by-side in the same corner or on a straight, usually during restarts or dense traffic. It’s a high-risk, high-skill situation because drivers have less room to react if someone makes contact or misjudges grip.
blowing a motor
"The more you race The more you get the full experience of like, oh now I blew a motor now I blew right front auger in the fence now."
“Blowing a motor” means the engine fails during the race. When it happens, the car usually loses power immediately and can’t keep going.
“Blowing a motor” refers to an engine failure—often catastrophic—where the engine can’t continue producing power. In racing, it can be caused by overheating, oiling issues, detonation, or parts failure under extreme load.
right front auger in the fence
"I blew a motor now I blew right front auger in the fence now. I did this like yeah"
It sounds like the car hit the wall with the front-right corner. That kind of hit can bend parts and make the car unsafe or undrivable.
This describes a crash where the front-right corner of the car hits the outside barrier (“the fence”). In stock car racing, impacts like this can damage suspension, steering geometry, and the radiator/oil cooling system, and they often end the run.
internet trolls
"He's also getting the experience of internet haters internet trolls I'm sure that's nothing new to him though"
Internet trolls are people who try to get a reaction by posting mean or annoying comments. Drivers deal with it while still trying to perform week to week.
“Internet trolls” are people who post intentionally negative or provocative comments online. For drivers, this can affect public perception and mental focus, especially when combined with the pressure of weekly performance.
Freedom 500
"when we started when we down to the the freedom 500 was last year two years Last year and like we started to try to spin up this YouTube"
“Freedom 500” is the name of a race they’re talking about. It helps place the story in time—when they started building content and saw the reactions online.
The “Freedom 500” is referenced as a specific racing event in the driver’s timeline. For listeners, it’s a useful anchor for understanding when the discussion about building a YouTube presence and dealing with comments started.
money shift
"Yeah, I saw a lot of money shifting. What the hell's a money shift? Oh, yeah, you must money shifted a money shift ... Is a shift that costs you money, you know H patterns first second third fourth"
A money shift is when you grab the wrong gear and end up in the wrong one. It can be costly because it can upset the car’s balance and even hurt the engine.
A “money shift” is when you accidentally shift into the wrong gear—typically skipping past the intended gear—so the engine speed jumps and you risk damage. It’s called that because it can cost you time, results, and sometimes expensive repairs.
H-pattern shifting
"Is a shift that costs you money, you know H patterns first second third fourth a lot of times guys"
H-pattern shifting is the way many manual cars choose gears. You move the shifter into different positions for first, second, third, etc., and in racing it’s easy to accidentally grab the wrong one.
H-pattern shifting refers to the common manual-transmission layout where gears are selected by moving the shifter through an “H” gate. In racing, it matters because grabbing the shifter incorrectly can lead to missed shifts or money shifts.
box full of neutrals
"No, there's a money shift money shift bad and then it leaves you have you heard you've heard the box full of neutrals ... you instantly go from high gear to a box full of neutrals"
“Box full of neutrals” is a slang way to describe a gearbox situation where the transmission ends up effectively in neutral (or multiple gears disengage) due to a missed/incorrect shift. The result is a sudden loss of drive, which is especially damaging mid-corner or on acceleration.
miss a shift
"You miss a shift in like a late-mile stock because all the gears are lighting up and everything you miss a shift in late-mile Stock you instantly go from high gear to a box full of neutrals"
Missing a shift means the driver doesn’t select the intended gear, often causing the car to go to an unintended state (like neutral). In racing, that can instantly kill acceleration and momentum, making it hard to recover.
sequential shifting (no clutch)
"So the nice part about the modified is it's just two gears. Hello. Hello, and you don't need a clutch You just pull it."
The speaker says the “modified” is better because it’s “just two gears” and you “don’t need a clutch,” describing sequential-style operation where you select gears in order with a simpler driver input. In many racing setups, that reduces the chance of selecting the wrong gear and causing a money shift.
YouTube your way into winning
"there comes a point where you're not gonna make like a funny joke or YouTube your way into winning a race you got to put the work in"
This is a mindset discussion: the hosts argue that racing success can’t be achieved just by watching or learning online—you still have to do the work on track and with the team. It’s not a technical automotive concept, but it’s a key theme of the segment.
car going this way pushes down hard / picks up hard
"That's it man. He got clip turned the right time car going this way pushes down hard car going this way Picks up hard, especially he got hit right in the right recorder at the wrong time"
As a race car rotates, the airflow over it changes. That can make the car feel like it’s being pressed harder to the track—or suddenly losing grip—making spins and flips more likely.
The hosts are describing aerodynamic load changes during a spin or impact. When the car’s orientation changes, downforce can increase (“pushes down hard”) or decrease (“picks up hard”), which affects stability and whether the car can stay planted or becomes airborne/roll-prone.
right in the right recorder at the wrong time
"Picks up hard, especially he got hit right in the right recorder at the wrong time And it was a super speedway."
The hosts are basically saying the crash happened at the worst possible moment and in the worst possible spot. That’s what makes the car spin more and get more damaged.
This phrase appears to describe the timing and impact location of a collision (“right in the right… at the wrong time”), which can determine how much the car rotates and whether it ends up airborne. The “recorder” wording is likely a transcription error for a track/impact-related term.
super speedway
"And it was a super speedway. Ask Rick It is always bizarre to me and I've been sitting in"
A super speedway is a huge oval track where NASCAR cars go extremely fast. At those speeds, the car can get pushed around by airflow and banking, which is why crashes can look especially wild.
A super speedway is a very large NASCAR oval (typically 2+ miles) where cars run high speeds and aerodynamic forces dominate. The hosts connect the “bizarre” feeling of going sideways and flipping to how these tracks behave at speed.
turn sideways and flip upside down
"Where you just turn sideways and you're like, oh Damn, it's quiet and I'm flipping upside down that thing went for a little tumble"
Sometimes in NASCAR crashes, a car can spin so it’s sideways, then roll over. The hosts are describing what that looks and feels like when it happens at speed.
This describes a common high-speed crash outcome in oval racing: the car rotates (goes sideways), then can roll and end up upside down. The hosts emphasize the sensation and the sequence of events, which is influenced by impact location and track dynamics.
set it down lightly
"It took a little bit a little bit of time to get that thing turned over because they want to set it down lightly"
After a car flips, the goal is for it to land and settle without taking extra damage. The hosts are talking about how long it took for the car to roll over and come to rest safely.
“Set it down lightly” refers to how crews and safety teams aim to manage a car’s roll-over recovery and how the car settles after tumbling. In NASCAR, minimizing further damage and controlling the car’s final resting position is important after a high-energy crash.
Xfinity vs Cup suspension setup (bump stop placement)
"So Packersham guys real quick is so there's shocks in the front of the car Xfinity cars and trucks Cup cars have what they call just coil over springs with no bump stops or anything. They have bump stops in the shock"
Different NASCAR series can use slightly different suspension rules and parts. Even where the “bottoming out” protection is placed can change how the car feels over bumps.
The speaker contrasts Xfinity cars/trucks and Cup cars in how the suspension is configured—specifically where bump stops are located. That kind of difference can change how the car responds to impacts and how teams tune ride height and compliance.
coil over springs
"Cup cars have what they call just coil over springs with no bump stops or anything. They have bump stops in the shock"
A coil-over is a shock plus a spring working together. It helps the car sit at the right height and handle predictably when you’re turning and braking hard.
In NASCAR Cup cars, the suspension uses coil-over springs (a spring paired with a shock) to control ride height and handling. The setup is tuned so the car stays stable under braking, cornering, and impacts, while still allowing adjustments for track conditions.
bump stops
"Cup cars have what they call just coil over springs with no bump stops or anything. They have bump stops in the shock"
Bump stops are like safety limits for the suspension. They keep the suspension from bottoming out when the car hits big bumps or compresses hard in a corner.
Bump stops are designed to prevent the suspension from compressing too far. In the transcript, the speaker notes that Cup cars have bump stops in the shock rather than as separate components, which affects how the car behaves over bumps and during heavy load.
shims
"You run these springs that you can set the you know the the rate on these and then you adjust the height by Shims right 60 thou 30 thou eighth inch and that they go on the shaft"
Shims are small spacers that let the team adjust how the suspension sits. Even tiny thickness changes can raise or lower the car’s front end.
Shims are thin spacers used to fine-tune suspension spring preload and ride height. The transcript describes adjusting the car’s front height by adding shims (measured in small thicknesses) on the shock shaft under the spring.
ride height adjustment for splitter
"So if you're a little bit too low You can stick these shims in there and the lifts the front of the car up and that gets your splitter where you want to"
The splitter is the front aero piece that helps the car stick to the track. Teams adjust ride height so the splitter is at the right distance from the ground.
The splitter is the front aerodynamic device, and its height relative to the track is critical for downforce and airflow. The transcript links shim changes to lifting the front of the car so the splitter sits where the team wants it, balancing aero performance and safety.
pit stop suspension setup time
"Yeah, takes a lot of time on a pit stop though. How much time does it take you last time in the lab?"
Adjusting suspension parts in the pits takes time, because it has to be done carefully. Teams have to balance making the car better with not losing too much time.
Changing spring/shim setups during a pit stop is time-consuming because it requires careful, repeatable measurements to get the car back to the correct ride height and handling balance. The transcript frames this as a tradeoff: performance gains versus the clock.
Kansas race: late yellows after many laps
"We've seen some barn burners at Kansas. No natural yellows until coming to the white Literally go 265 laps and then 266 yellow comes out. Yeah, that's how it works"
They’re talking about what happened at Kansas—how long the race ran without cautions, then a yellow came out late.
The transcript mentions Kansas and describes how the race stayed green for a long stretch before a yellow came out late. This is a race-strategy/story topic rather than a technical automotive concept.
Flat tire
"[671.9s] Flat tire. I've heard the one of NASCAR has snipers around the tracks to shoot out the tire [676.2s] I ever heard that one."
A flat tire means the tire gets punctured or loses air, so the car can’t grip or safely keep going. In racing, it usually leads to slowing down and often a pit stop to fix or replace the tire.
A flat tire in racing is a sudden loss of tire pressure or damage that forces the car to slow down or pit. In NASCAR, the idea of “snipers” is a joke about sabotage or track security fears, but the real risk is debris, punctures, and tire failures.
drift
"[701.5s] Like it's such a cool event because it started with drift last week [704.7s] They got imps of there..."
Drift is when a driver steers so the car slides sideways but still keeps it under control. It’s a crowd-pleasing style of driving.
Drift is a motorsport style where drivers intentionally oversteer so the car slides while maintaining control and speed. The hosts mention drift as part of what makes the event feel fresh and exciting.
stadium trucks
"[704.7s] ...did you know that stadium trucks are still thing? [710.9s] That's a shame because those things are bananas to watch..."
Stadium trucks are off-road trucks designed to race and jump in big arenas. They’re fun to watch because they’re built for chaos—big hits and fast driving.
Stadium trucks are off-road racing trucks built for high-speed jumps and rough surfaces, typically competing in stadium-style arenas. The hosts are surprised they’re still running, and they describe them as especially entertaining to watch.
trophy trucks
"[720.2s] ...He's got his energy drink. He builds these trophy trucks himself [725.5s] Like he's got these UTVs."
Trophy trucks are purpose-built off-road race trucks made to survive big jumps and rough desert roads. They’re usually heavily modified and built for extreme conditions.
Trophy trucks are high-performance off-road trucks designed for desert racing, with long-travel suspension and strong powertrains to handle jumps and rough terrain. The hosts mention Robbie Gordon building them himself, highlighting the custom, engineering-heavy side of off-road racing.
UTVs
"[725.5s] Like he's got these UTVs. He's building now. [731.2s] He's just always been he's been a great guy"
UTVs are off-road vehicles you sit in side-by-side, usually built for trails and rough ground. They’re popular for racing and recreation because they handle bumps well.
UTVs (utility task vehicles) are side-by-side off-road machines that are smaller than trucks but designed for rugged terrain. The hosts mention them as part of Robbie Gordon’s ongoing off-road projects.
Indy car race
"[742.7s] There's an incident from him. So just kind of what I was I was confused when I just turned on [748.7s] The Indy car race. Why is it an Acura Long Beach Grand Prix?"
IndyCar is a top-level open-wheel racing series in the U.S. The hosts are talking about why a race name includes Acura branding and how that fits with IndyCar.
The IndyCar Series is a major open-wheel racing championship in the U.S., and the hosts are discussing a specific IndyCar-related event. They also point out the confusion of seeing an Acura-branded event name tied to IndyCar.
Acura
"[748.7s] The Indy car race. Why is it an Acura Long Beach Grand Prix? [753.0s] Acura has MC team..."
Acura is a car brand (Honda’s luxury division). They’re sponsoring the Long Beach race, and the hosts are wondering why a sponsor would be involved even without a dedicated racing team.
Acura is Honda’s luxury brand, and it’s mentioned as the sponsor behind the “Acura Long Beach Grand Prix” name. The hosts question why Acura sponsors IndyCar if it doesn’t have an IndyCar team, which gets into how motorsport sponsorship works.
Pontiac 400
"[773.9s] It'd be the Pontiac 400 Pontiac [779.0s] Pontiac or Saturn or be like the Honda 400 right right at Kansas"
The Pontiac 400 is brought up as a comparison for how race names can include a brand. The point is that sponsorship branding can feel disconnected from whether that brand is actively racing with a team.
The “Pontiac 400” is referenced as an analogy for how race naming can include brands that may not have a current presence in the series. It’s used to compare sponsor branding versus actual manufacturer team involvement.
narrow pit road
"[783.1s] But that seems like a cool event man watching that that is a narrow pit road [786.74s] "
Pit road is where cars come in to get serviced during a race. If it’s narrow, it’s harder to maneuver and teams have to be extra careful about timing.
A narrow pit road affects how teams enter, exit, and service cars, often increasing the risk of traffic conflicts and requiring precise timing. The hosts call it out as a notable feature while watching the event.
IndyCar strategy talk (undercut/overcut, tire & fuel windows)
"So there's a lot to talk about from Indy car. Hello though, man. Them guys gonna ask you that he's just a goat right now ... undercuts or overcuts right he gets like within striking distance"
They’re talking about how IndyCar teams plan the race. It’s mostly about when to pit and how to manage tires and fuel to get track position.
This segment focuses on IndyCar race strategy—how drivers manage tires and fuel and use pit timing to gain or defend position. The undercut/overcut and pit-window discussion is the core of the tactical explanation.
tire conservation
"He's just locked in man. Like everything's moving slow for him You know, he's able to zoom out and play the tire conservation fuel conservation"
Tire conservation means you drive in a way that keeps the tires from wearing out too fast. That helps you stay quick later instead of slowing down as the race goes on.
Tire conservation is managing tire wear so the car stays fast later in a stint or race. In series like IndyCar, drivers often balance pace against how quickly the tires degrade, especially when fuel and pit timing are also factors.
fuel conservation
"You know, he's able to zoom out and play the tire conservation fuel conservation undercuts or overcuts right he gets like within striking distance"
Fuel conservation means using less gas than you normally would. It can change when you have to stop for fuel and can also affect tire wear.
Fuel conservation is adjusting driving and strategy to use less fuel, which can affect when you pit and how much speed you can run in each stint. It’s closely tied to tire wear because the fastest driving often burns more fuel and stresses tires.
undercuts or overcuts
"under cuts or overcuts right he gets like within striking distance the first run of the day of Rosenquist let's them go save in tires and fuel when they gets to the window"
These are pit-timing tricks. Undercut = pit earlier to use newer tires to gain time; overcut = stay out longer and try to keep the advantage until the other car pits.
An undercut is pitting earlier than a rival to get fresher tires and build a time advantage before they pit. An overcut is staying out longer to run on older tires but gain track position, hoping the tires last long enough to beat the rival’s fresh-tire pace.
pit window
"Rosenquist let's them go save in tires and fuel when they gets to the window Front side of the pit window. He closes the gap whenever they both both peel off"
The pit window is the “best time” during the race to make your pit stop. If you pit outside that window, you can lose time or end up with tires/fuel that don’t work well for the rest of the race.
The pit window is the range of laps during which teams can pit and still be competitive, based on tire/fuel needs and race timing. Drivers and teams watch it because pitting too early or too late can cost track position or create an unfavorable tire/fuel matchup.
tire sets (softs, options, hards)
"Now Indy car had they had to run two sets of soft tires this week ... I think you need to run two sets of options and three sets of hards at some point before the during the race"
Different tire types grip differently and wear out at different speeds. The race rules usually limit how many of each type you can use, so teams have to plan their stops and driving.
“Soft,” “hard,” and “option” tires are different compounds with different grip and wear characteristics. Racing rules often limit how many sets of each compound you can use, which forces teams to plan stints around both performance and durability.
NASCAR tire-compound rules debate (options vs hards/softs)
"I wish NASCAR would do that ... We need to do it that needs to be a thing ... you have to run two sets of options and three sets of hards at some point before the during the race"
The hosts discuss how NASCAR could adopt IndyCar-like tire strategy rules, including using multiple tire compounds and mandating certain sets. The goal is to make races more strategic and less predictable when cautions and pit timing come into play.
caution comes out with like 30 to go
"But it made it interesting to me because k caution comes out there with like 30 to go and they're like hey the guy That's in position here"
A caution (yellow flag) changes the race pace and can dramatically alter strategy, especially near the end. When a caution comes out late, teams may reshuffle pit timing, tire choices, and track-position plans because the field bunches up.
hard to pass (track characteristics)
"It's set him behind the thing about there is it's really hard to pass at Long Beach. It's really tight really hard to pass"
Passing difficulty depends heavily on track layout and speed differentials. Tight, low-speed corners and limited overtaking zones make it harder to complete clean passes, so strategy and pit timing become even more valuable.
road courses and short tracks
"then that's short tracks Martin's bill So why at road courses and short tracks? Do we not have you two sets of yeah"
Road courses and short tracks often have different overtaking dynamics than superspeedways, with more braking zones and tighter racing lines. That affects how tire-compound rules and pit strategy translate into real on-track passing.
mandating a hard set and a soft set
"So I think you need a hard set and a soft set to mandate I think you need a big disparity in speed. I agree"
This is about requiring teams to use different tire types instead of just one. It makes strategy more interesting because teams can’t rely on the same tire the whole time.
Mandating specific tire compounds (like requiring both a hard set and a soft set) prevents teams from running only one compound for the entire race. That forces more varied strategy and can create more meaningful performance swings over the course of the event.
single file
"Telling you if not the engineers figure out a way to make these things run single file and so fast"
“Single file” means the cars mostly can’t pass each other, so they just follow in a line. When passing is hard, the race becomes more about staying in position and managing speed.
In NASCAR, “single file” describes races where cars can’t find clean opportunities to pass and the field stays in order. Engineers and race conditions can influence this by affecting how similar the cars are in speed and how much grip/drag each car has.
a two tenths of a second
"Now all the cars run within a two tenths of a second"
Two tenths of a second is a very small time difference in racing. When cars are that close, it’s harder to pass, so being in the right spot on track becomes important.
“Two tenths of a second” is a lap-time gap that indicates how tightly packed the field is. In NASCAR, when cars are within fractions of a second, passing becomes harder and strategy/track position can matter more than raw speed.
track position advantage
"So if I'm only one hundredth faster than you and you're in front of me I'm not gonna get it like I'm not gonna pass you you have the track position advantage"
If you’re already ahead, it’s easier to stay ahead. When cars are very close in speed, the person in front often wins just by being in the better spot on the track.
A “track position advantage” means the car that’s ahead benefits because it has cleaner air and doesn’t need to pass. In close racing, even small speed gaps can be enough that the trailing car can’t make a pass stick.
throwing curveballs
"So the only way to really bridge the gap is to keep throwing curveballs at them"
“Throwing curveballs” here means changing conditions or strategies to disrupt a team’s ability to settle into a predictable setup. In racing, teams constantly adjust, but unexpected changes can create performance gaps between teams.
Trackhouse teams
"and it creates disparity look at the track house teams when they started To now look at RCR"
Trackhouse Racing is a NASCAR team known for bringing fresh talent and aggressive development. The segment uses Trackhouse’s growth from early days to now as an example of how performance can change as teams learn and improve.
RCR
"look at the track house teams when they started To now look at RCR, which was in the news this week"
RCR is a major NASCAR team. The conversation is using RCR as an example of how teams change and improve (or struggle) over time.
RCR is Richard Childress Racing, a prominent NASCAR organization. The hosts compare how teams like RCR have evolved over time, referencing “in the news” context to highlight performance and development.
Toyota
"Relative to the field. Yeah, right and when it comes to Toyota's those guys clearly have an advantage"
Toyota is one of the companies that builds the race cars’ power and development. The discussion is basically saying Toyota teams have been performing better because their cars are set up well.
Toyota is a major NASCAR manufacturer, supplying engines and participating in team development. The hosts suggest Toyota teams have an advantage, likely from a combination of aero efficiency and engine performance.
2311 cars
"It looks like the JGR cars and 2311 cars have it set on easy mode in your NASCAR game"
The speaker is talking about certain teams whose cars seem to be performing better. The exact team name is a bit unclear in the transcript, but it’s part of the comparison to JGR.
“2311 cars” appears to refer to a specific NASCAR team or organization, but the transcript text is unclear. The context suggests it’s being grouped with JGR as a team that has a performance advantage, so it’s likely a shorthand or mis-transcription for another team name.
horsepower
"whether it's combination of aerodynamics and horsepower because"
Horsepower is how much “pull” the engine can make. More horsepower can help you accelerate harder, but you still need the car to grip the track.
Horsepower is the engine’s power output, which affects acceleration and top speed. In NASCAR, horsepower matters, but it works together with aerodynamics and traction—so a small power advantage can translate into better lap times.
aerodynamics
"when it comes to Toyota's those guys clearly have an advantage whether it's combination of aerodynamics and horsepower"
Aerodynamics is basically how the car “cuts through” air. In racing, it can help the car stick to the track and go faster with less resistance.
Aerodynamics is how air flows around the race car, affecting drag and downforce. In NASCAR, aero packages can strongly influence cornering grip and straight-line speed, which is why teams often chase aerodynamic efficiency.
JGR cars
"It looks like the JGR cars and 2311 cars have it set on easy mode in your NASCAR game"
JGR is a well-known NASCAR team. The point here is that their cars seem to be faster and easier to drive than the competition.
JGR refers to Joe Gibbs Racing, a top NASCAR team known for strong engineering and driver development. The segment implies JGR cars have an advantage in speed and race pace, potentially due to setup and package effectiveness.
clear by 45
"This weekend. I thought Kyle arson on that race He was clear by 45 drove right by he was clear by five or six in the one"
“Clear by” means how far ahead someone is. If the lead is big, the driver can focus on driving clean laps instead of defending from cars right behind.
“Clear by” describes how much a driver leads by on track, often measured in seconds. Large gaps like “clear by 45” (likely 4.5 seconds or similar) indicate strong pace and reduced pressure from traffic, which changes how the race is managed.
go pro motorplex
"And it looked like when we go to go pro motorplex and you get a faster cart than the next guy… That's what Denny and Tyler Reddick are sitting in right there sitting in the fast rental"
They’re talking about a go-kart track where you can rent karts. The point is that if one kart is faster or has more grip, it can make the driver look better even if there’s no “conspiracy.”
GoPro Motorplex is an indoor go-kart facility where drivers can compare lap times and feel differences in kart setup and track conditions. In this segment, it’s used as an analogy for why some drivers seem to get “better” results—because the equipment and grip level can vary.
new body
"Yeah, it's always a bunch of little things and Chevrolet is nine races into a new body… We're just losing with this new body… You move these pivots in the rear there's no more track bar"
They mean NASCAR introduced a new car shape/body package. When that changes, the car can handle differently, so teams have to adjust the setup to get the grip back where they need it.
In NASCAR, a “new body” usually refers to updated exterior aero/bodywork that changes airflow and how the car generates downforce. That can shift balance and grip, so teams often need to rethink setup (suspension, track bar/links, and ride heights) to get the car working on entry and through the corner.
track bar
"You move these pivots in the rear there's no more track bar if you're losing on try just lower the track bar… You can do some stuff now you"
A track bar helps keep the rear of the car positioned correctly as the suspension moves. If the rules or suspension layout change, you may lose that adjustment and have to tune the rear using other link/pivot changes instead.
The track bar (also called a panhard bar in some setups) locates the rear axle laterally and helps control rear-end geometry. The segment suggests that with the newer rear suspension approach, the track bar’s role changes or is removed, so teams adjust other rear pivots to restore handling balance.
independent rear suspension
"This and that you move a pivot with this independent rear suspension like it is massive… Between the right we're having grip on entry versus it not all right"
Independent rear suspension means the two back wheels can react more separately. That can help the car stay planted and predictable when you turn in, especially if the track surface is uneven.
Independent rear suspension (IRS) allows each rear wheel to move more independently, which can improve traction and stability over bumps and during cornering. The hosts connect IRS to how rear geometry changes can be “massive” for grip on entry, affecting whether the car turns in and holds the line.
grip on entry
"Between the right we're having grip on entry versus it not all right"
Entry grip is how well the car sticks to the road right when you start turning. If you don’t have it, the car can feel loose or push wide right at the start of the corner.
“Grip on entry” refers to how well the car can slow down, turn in, and maintain traction as it transitions from braking to cornering. The segment contrasts having grip on entry versus not having it, tying the difference to suspension/aero setup changes.
simulator
"But what Denny has to overcome in that is his work ethic and building culture and making his cars better on Monday post race and throughout the week on a simulator to get his car sun load better"
A simulator lets drivers practice and test ideas without going to the track. In this conversation, it’s part of how Hamlin improves the car week to week.
A simulator is used to evaluate car behavior and driver inputs without needing to be on track, helping teams refine setup and strategy. The segment credits Denny Hamlin’s process—work ethic and simulator work during the week—for improving how the car performs after the race and over time.
Xfinity series championship
"Won 100 races last year in the Xfinity series championship. He's over at nine races, and he's tired of hearing it."
NASCAR has different levels of racing. The Xfinity Series is the level just below the main Cup Series, and winning the championship there is a big deal because it often leads to bigger opportunities.
The Xfinity Series is NASCAR’s top “second-tier” national series, sitting below the Cup Series. Winning the Xfinity championship is a major stepping-stone achievement because it signals a driver’s ability to win races and manage a full season of points.
next-gen car
"You know he has won three did win three races in the next-gen car with the second year when he got the RCR"
NASCAR periodically changes the race car rules and design. The “next-gen car” is the newer version, and teams have to learn how it drives and how to set it up for races.
“Next-gen car” refers to NASCAR’s newer generation of race car introduced to standardize performance and reduce development advantages. It changes how teams set up cars and how drivers adapt, so early success or struggles can be tied to how well a team learns the new platform.
channel two
"And most of that stuff happens on channel two channel two is notorious for spotter crew chief I'm telling you when a when a crew chief and a spotter talk"
During NASCAR races, teams talk to each other over radio. “Channel two” is one of those radio channels, and what’s said there can influence how the driver and crew handle the race.
In NASCAR radio communications, teams can use different channels for different roles (commonly including spotter and crew chief). The discussion implies that what’s said on “channel two” can affect driver focus and team dynamics, and that fans may not hear the full context depending on the broadcast/app audio routing.
relay messages during the corner
"Where the drive the crew chief could say hey? He's driving too deep into one you tell them relay it because the crew chief if they're trying to talk to the driver on the track… relay those messages Down the straightaway so the driver is not hearing that in the middle of the corner"
Sometimes the crew chief can’t give the driver the right message at the exact moment, so they pass it along when the driver is in a better spot to hear it. Mid-corner is a high-workload time, so teams try to time important instructions for when the driver can actually use them.
The speaker describes a common racing-communications workflow: when the crew chief needs to talk to the driver but can’t see exactly where they are in the corner, messages are relayed so they’re timed correctly. This matters because the driver’s attention is split between car control and track position, especially mid-corner. Relaying instructions down the straightaway helps ensure the driver receives them when it’s safe to process them.
cut the head off the snake (backdoor meetings / team politics)
"Will talk a lot of shit on channel to cover their ass about their drivers… you got to cut the head off the snake… that's when backdoor meetings this guy can't do it anymore"
This is about team communication getting messy. If people start using private channels to complain or blame instead of helping, it can hurt performance. The idea is to shut that down early so the driver gets better, more consistent guidance.
The speaker uses a metaphor for stopping a negative communication pattern within a racing team. “Backdoor meetings” and “talk a lot of shit on channel two” suggest that some teams use restricted channels to shift blame or undermine the driver/crew chief. In practice, teams try to keep feedback structured and consistent so the driver gets clear, actionable information rather than mixed messages.
rear wants to pass the front (handling balance / oversteer tendency)
"I don't have anything to lean on I feel like when I get off in the corner and I pick up banking. The rear just wants to pass the front"
That phrase means the back of the car feels like it’s trying to swing around more than the front. When that happens, the car can be harder to control because it wants to rotate too much. Teams usually change the setup to make the car “track” straighter and turn more predictably.
“The rear just wants to pass the front” is a driver description of handling balance leaning toward oversteer (rear end rotates more than the front). In setup terms, it often points to insufficient front grip or too much rear looseness, which can make the car rotate aggressively on entry/mid-corner. Teams typically respond by adjusting setup elements like tire pressures, anti-roll bars, shocks, or alignment settings to restore balance.
cup cars
"...that's cup racing compared to over either racing... There's not very much Adjustability in these cup cars because all your bar settings..."
“Cup cars” are NASCAR’s main race cars. The big idea here is that once the car is set up for the track, you can’t change everything—so the team has to get the baseline right.
“Cup cars” refers to NASCAR’s top-level stock-car platform (the Cup Series). The key point in this segment is that Cup cars have limited setup adjustability compared with more flexible race cars, so teams are “married” to the baseline setup once it’s rolled out and the race begins.
rear toe
"...it could be a rear toe thing could be so many little things rear Bars, I mean there's rear bar..."
Rear toe is how the rear wheels are aimed relative to the car. If it’s off, the car can feel twitchy or loose, and the tires can wear differently.
“Rear toe” is the alignment angle of the rear wheels relative to each other. In race cars, rear toe affects stability, rotation, and how quickly the car responds as tires load up—so it’s a common “small thing” that can have big consequences.
rear bar
"...so many little things rear Bars, I mean there's rear bar and it's like little things and ultimately too"
The rear sway bar helps control how much the car leans and how it turns. Adjusting it changes whether the car feels more stable or more eager to rotate.
“Rear bar” here means the rear anti-roll (sway) bar. Changing it alters roll stiffness distribution, which changes how the car rotates and how it behaves mid-corner versus on entry/exit.
adjustability limits in NASCAR setup
"...There's not very much Adjustability in these cup cars because all your bar settings... So they roll that thing out there on the grid..."
In NASCAR, you can’t tweak the car endlessly like in some other forms of racing. A lot of setup changes are connected, so once you pick a setup direction, you’re stuck with it for the race.
This segment highlights how NASCAR Cup cars restrict what teams can meaningfully adjust during the weekend. Because many changes (like sway bar settings and wedge) affect the car’s overall “platform,” teams must choose a direction early and then live with it.
front sway bar and rear sway bars
"...because all your bar settings you have a front sway bar and a rear sway bars anytime you Adjust your wedge..."
Sway bars help keep the car from leaning too much in turns. Changing the front and rear bars changes how the car feels when you turn.
Sway bars (anti-roll bars) control how the car transfers load during cornering by resisting body roll. The transcript emphasizes that Cup cars’ bar settings are tied together—front and rear sway bar choices work as a system to shape handling.
wedge
"...anytime you Adjust your wedge Changing your rear bar timing. It's changing your platform"
“Wedge” is a setup adjustment that changes how the car sits and how it grips when you turn. Even though it sounds small, it can make the car feel easier or harder to drive in the corners.
In NASCAR setup talk, “wedge” refers to the car’s crossweight/ride attitude balance—how much the car is biased left/right to help it turn and manage tire wear. Small wedge changes can noticeably affect handling and how the car loads the tires through the corner.
platform
"...Changing your rear bar timing. It's changing your platform"
“Platform” is basically the car’s overall setup feel—how it’s balanced to turn and grip. If you change one part of the setup, it can change the whole behavior.
In race setup language, “platform” means the car’s overall handling balance and geometry/attitude as a whole. The speaker’s point is that adjusting one element (like rear bar timing) can shift the entire platform, not just one cornering trait.
grid
"...So they roll that thing out there on the grid the best that they think it can be"
The “grid” is the starting lineup area where cars are staged before the race. The transcript uses it to emphasize that teams roll out the car on the grid with the best setup they have, and then the race begins with that baseline.
air pressure
"...married to that with some air pressure here and there"
Tire air pressure changes how the tire contacts the track. That affects grip and how the tires wear during the race.
“Air pressure” refers to tire pressures, which strongly influence grip, wear, and how the car responds as tires heat up. In NASCAR, teams often make pressure changes to fine-tune balance, but the segment suggests it’s one of the few remaining levers once the car is set.
quarterback (metaphor for driver/team leadership)
"Keeping that thing in contention each and every week is being the quarterback, right? ... But if he's not in it during the week in prep, that's not gonna make the team any better"
They’re comparing the driver to a quarterback. The point is that the driver has to stay involved and prepared during the week, not just show up on race day.
The host uses “quarterback” as a metaphor for the driver’s role in NASCAR. The idea is that even with talent, the driver must stay engaged during the week—communicating and preparing—to translate that talent into results.
crew chief
"Or these days is pretty much the crew chief because he's the one that's delegating responsibilities"
The crew chief is basically the team’s main decision-maker. They coordinate the engineers and mechanics and help decide how the car should be set up for the race.
In NASCAR, the crew chief is the team’s lead strategist for the race week. They delegate responsibilities to the engineers and mechanics and make key calls about setup and adjustments.
GM tech center
"...when the next gen car came in the GM tech center wasn't built yet"
They’re talking about a General Motors engineering facility. The point is that having access to the right technical space and support can make it easier for teams to get up to speed.
The “GM tech center” is referenced as a key engineering location during the Next Gen transition. The hosts imply that access to technical resources there influenced how teams could develop and support their cars.
Ganassi shop
"Track houses shop, which was ganassi shop had was been built previously for three or four cup teams"
They’re referencing Chip Ganassi Racing’s workshop. The idea is that the shop had extra space because it was set up for other teams, so it could support engineering work during the transition.
“Ganassi shop” refers to Chip Ganassi Racing’s facilities. The segment says those facilities were previously built for multiple Cup teams, which created temporary capacity for GM engineers during the early Next Gen period.
Hendrick
"since then GM has left the building quite literally down the street to Hendrick ... They can't walk down the hallway and ask"
Hendrick Motorsports is a big NASCAR team. The hosts are saying the engineering support shifted to Hendrick’s side, which made it harder to quickly ask for setup help or parts.
Hendrick refers to Hendrick Motorsports, another major NASCAR team. The hosts describe how GM engineering support moved from Trackhouse’s earlier setup to Hendrick’s property, changing how easily teams could access information and parts.
downforce
"They obviously have got lost on their tire simulation clearly down on downforce [1628.2s] Clearly down on horsepower because they're not qualifying well, so it's like the snowball starts rolling"
Downforce is the aerodynamic effect that helps the car stick to the road. If you don’t have enough of it, the car can feel like it’s sliding around more, and that hurts speed.
Downforce is the aerodynamic “push” that presses the car toward the track, improving tire grip and stability. In NASCAR-style aero packages, losing downforce can make the car feel loose or unstable, which then affects lap times and qualifying results.
tire simulation
"They obviously have got lost on their tire simulation clearly down on downforce [1628.2s] Clearly down on horsepower because they're not qualifying well, so it's like the snowball starts rolling"
Teams use computer models to guess how the tires will act on a specific track. If the simulation isn’t accurate, the car setup can be wrong and the tires won’t work as well, so qualifying suffers.
“Tire simulation” is the modeling and testing process teams use to predict how the tires will behave under different loads, temperatures, and track conditions. If a team’s simulation is off, the car can be set up with the wrong balance, hurting grip and lap times—especially in qualifying.
learning curve
"You hate it for a guy like Conor Zillich gets in rookie season learning curve now is just straight up and down [1638.9s] I think he's second to last or third to last in points, so it's like we know Ross chassis can get it done"
A learning curve means it takes time to get used to a new car and figure out how to drive it well. For rookies, that usually includes learning how the tires and handling change during races.
A “learning curve” in racing is the time it takes for a driver and team to understand how the car behaves and how to translate that into consistent setups and driving technique. Rookie seasons often involve adapting to tire wear, aero balance, and race strategy under real conditions.
gateway
"Tyler Redick was testing at Darlington testing a gateway. What happened? [1681.8s] He come out of the gate one three or four races with the first year in the eight car"
“Gateway” here sounds like a specific test step or development stage for the race car. The host is saying the results didn’t keep improving the way they expected.
In NASCAR conversation, “gateway” likely refers to a track-specific test or a development step tied to the next-gen platform and how the car performs at a particular venue. The key point in the transcript is that a test/development change didn’t translate into sustained early dominance.
Penske
"Yeah, highest finishing track house car twenty fifth [1706.4s] 26th highest finishing penske car was [1709.2s] 12 like even Joey run 30th to all day right"
Penske is a well-known NASCAR team. The host is comparing finishing positions to show how different teams are doing during the same period.
Penske Racing is a major NASCAR organization, and the transcript uses its finishing results as a benchmark for how teams are struggling or succeeding during a tough stretch. Mentioning Penske highlights that the performance issues aren’t limited to one small team.
damage in the pits
"He's around 28th or worse. I think it's been a tough stretch and Blaney Blaney was 24th [1721.5s] But he got damage in the pits, which will break down in boats. I'm speaking of Joey, right?"
“Damage in the pits” means the car gets hurt while it’s stopped for service. That can make the car handle poorly and drop you back in the race.
“Damage in the pits” means the car gets hit or is otherwise harmed during pit stops, which can lead to handling problems, slower lap times, or even forced repairs. In NASCAR, pit lane incidents can be especially damaging because they disrupt the car’s setup and can cost track position.
next gen Joe looks dialed in
"He is leaned into [1727.6s] The look right next gen Joe looks dialed in looks dialed in through that bald head those pit bull [1733.4s] That's his he does kind of look like he looks like a taller"
“Dialed in” means the car is set up well and feels right to drive. When a driver says it looks dialed in, it usually means the car is handling and performing the way they want.
“Dialed in” is racing slang for having the car set up correctly—good balance, tire behavior, and predictable handling. The transcript suggests that the next-gen package and/or current setup is working well for “Joe,” leading to better performance.
four tires
"Sure each to each their own but yeah, they about won that thing yesterday took four tires [1775.6s] Four tires feel a lot better than two tires. They almost got there one more lap"
A pit stop can be for two tires or all four. Changing all four tires usually helps the car grip better and run faster, especially as tires wear out.
“Four tires” refers to a pit stop where the team changes all four tires rather than only two. In NASCAR, full tire changes can improve grip and handling, which often matters late in a run when tire wear affects lap times.
DNS
"But that 19 team started the year way behind multiple DNS now. They are starting to creep back in it"
DNS means the car didn’t start the race. If a team has several DNS races, they lose out on points and have to catch up later.
DNS stands for “Did Not Start,” meaning a car/driver was entered but didn’t start the race. Multiple DNS results can quickly put a team behind in points, even if they later improve performance.
NASCAR cut line
"They are above the cut line. I [1788.7s] Think they're 14th or 15th, so I look at every week. I look at the NASCAR insights."
NASCAR uses points to decide who keeps moving forward. The “cut line” is the score/position where you’re either safe or in danger of not making the next round.
In NASCAR, the “cut line” refers to the cutoff threshold used to determine which drivers/teams advance to the next stage of the season (like the playoffs). Being “above the cut line” means you’re currently safe based on points, while “below” means you’re at risk of elimination.
NASCAR points vs speed rankings
"I’d after the first seven races of the year you are within three or four spots and points of where you're gonna live [1807.5s] Yeah, you can still see like standouts like guys who don't have speed that are [1813.2s] Punching above their weight."
In NASCAR, you can be doing well in points even if your car isn’t the fastest, or vice versa. Points depend on results across races, not just one-lap speed.
The hosts discuss how a team’s points position doesn’t always match its raw speed. They reference “speed relative to points position,” meaning a driver can be higher/lower in points than expected based on performance metrics, often due to consistency, strategy, or bad luck.
pit stop safety / "super sketchy" pit road
"Will power ran over a tire changer for who was a ray hall letterman ... It's super sketchy on indy car pit road is the sketchy at least mass car pit road. You just get up on the hood and"
They’re talking about how pit stops can be risky. Because the car has to move in close to the crew in a very tight space, a small mistake can cause someone to get hurt.
The segment highlights how pit stops can become dangerous when cars and crew members share a tight, fast-moving environment. In open-wheel series like IndyCar, the car’s bodywork and driver movement can create awkward clearances, so even small timing or positioning errors can lead to contact.
Rahal Letterman
"Will power ran over a tire changer for who was a ray hall letterman ... It just ran his feet over."
Rahal Letterman is part of the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing organization (often shortened in conversation), a prominent IndyCar team. The transcript ties the pit-road incident to the team’s tire changer, showing how team operations and pit crew roles are central to race outcomes.
Xfinity championships
"There was a lot of talk on tv about them changing jackman to patrick gray pat gray is One of my best friends. I pitted with him when xfinity championships"
“Xfinity championships” refers to the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship context, where teams and drivers build reputations over a season. The host’s mention is used to establish credibility and experience with a specific pit crew member/driver.
Fiat 600
"...h him when xfinity championships One couple coke 600s with him when they toned a 500 with him. He's one..."
The Fiat 600 is a small car made by Fiat. It was designed to be an affordable way to get around, and it became well known over time. People may mention it when talking about older racing or car events that used compact cars.
The Fiat 600 is a small, classic passenger car made by Fiat, best known for bringing affordable, practical transportation to a wide range of drivers. It’s often discussed in motorsport and car-history conversations because it represents an era of compact cars that were popular for racing and local competition. In a podcast, it may come up as a reference point for how different “small car” platforms were used in events like the ones mentioned in the episode.
"culture guy" / "glue guy" on a race team
"Then he was on the 21 this year awesome guy exactly what the 12 car needs a glue guy culture guy supremely talented jackman"
They’re talking about a team member who helps everyone work together better. In racing, that kind of teamwork can make a big difference when things get stressful, like during pit stops.
The transcript describes a “glue guy” as someone who improves team cohesion and day-to-day communication, not just on-track performance. In motorsports, strong team culture can translate into better execution under pressure—like pit stops—because everyone coordinates more smoothly.
depth chart
"So they just look at the depth chart. Okay. We gotta move it move this jackman from a front row team Over so they re retained gram stoddard"
A “depth chart” is a team’s ranked plan for who is available to drive or fill roles, especially when injuries force changes. In NASCAR, it can determine which driver steps into which car number when someone is sidelined.
jackman
"So they just look at the depth chart. Okay. We gotta move it move this jackman from a front row team Over so they re retained gram stoddard"
A jackman is the crew member who uses the pit jack to lift the car during a stop. If they’re off, the pit stop can be slower or less safe.
A jackman is the crew member responsible for operating the car’s jack during pit stops. Their job directly affects how quickly and safely the car can be raised for tire changes and repairs.
Phoenix 2024
"if you remember phoenix 2024 Graham Actually had to come out of the race pat gray went into the race from the two car to the 22 won the championship"
Phoenix 2024 refers to a NASCAR event at Phoenix, used here as a reference point for how driver injuries and substitutions played out. It’s a way to explain current roster decisions by comparing them to a past season outcome.
pit box
"They did have a crash leaving the pit box. Who's who's fault is that? Hassler's fault you you'd put that on hassler."
A pit box is the team’s parking spot on pit road where they stop to work on the car. When the car leaves, it has to do so carefully to avoid hitting someone.
A pit box is the specific stall on pit road assigned to a team for servicing the car. Leaving the pit box involves strict timing and safety procedures because other cars may be entering/exiting nearby.
spotter
"As a driver, you don't know where guys behind you were coming to pit You were like solely on either the spotter the crew chief to clear you out clear one clear one clear"
A spotter is a person on the team who watches from a better angle and tells the driver what’s around them. It helps the driver avoid collisions, especially when visibility is limited.
In NASCAR, the spotter is a crew member positioned to help the driver with visibility and traffic awareness, especially during pit entry/exit. The spotter communicates where other cars are so the driver can safely merge and avoid contact.
helmet camera
"We've got 54. Oh riley's car front change your helmet camera here. Oh, oh You couldn't see it on the helmet camera, but you can feel it"
A helmet camera is a small camera on the driver’s head that records what they see. It’s useful for understanding what happened during a race from the driver’s point of view.
A helmet camera is an onboard video system mounted to a driver’s helmet, used to capture the driver’s perspective. In racing analysis, it helps teams and fans see what the driver could or couldn’t observe during incidents.
lug nut
"Like you hit the fifth one on the ground if you especially if you're pushing it Middle of the race if you leave that lug nut off at the end of the race, you'll lose your pit stall selection for the next week ... The worst is on single lug nut cup stuff when it's loose"
A lug nut secures each wheel to the hub, and NASCAR teams rely on fast, precise wheel changes. If a lug nut is left loose or missing, it can cause a wheel to come off and also trigger penalties or procedural consequences.
wheel change / pit road wheel service
"Like you hit the fifth one on the ground ... if you leave that lug nut off at the end of the race, you'll lose your pit stall selection for the next week ... You'll see guys get drug out of the pit box"
Pit stops include changing the tires and wheels quickly. If anything is done wrong—like not tightening the wheel properly—it can be dangerous and can cost the team.
The segment discusses the high-stakes process of wheel service during pit stops, where teams must install wheels correctly and quickly. Mistakes like leaving a lug nut loose can lead to safety issues and affect future race privileges.
pit stall selection
"Like you hit the fifth one on the ground if you especially if you're pushing it Middle of the race if you leave that lug nut off at the end of the race, you'll lose your pit stall selection for the next week"
During a race, teams pull into a specific pit box. How well you do (and whether you follow the pit rules) can affect what pit spot you get next week.
In NASCAR, pit stall selection determines which pit box you get for the next race. Your pit performance and compliance with pit procedures can affect whether you keep a favorable stall position.
in the trenches
"Right and then finding that and applying that at the racetrack when I'm in raja's stage of the journey Being in the trenches the most satisfying part of the journey."
It means doing the hard, behind-the-scenes work every day. The exciting results usually come from that steady effort.
“In the trenches” refers to the grind of day-to-day work—practice, setup changes, and relentless attention to detail—rather than the flashy moments of race day. It’s a common racing mindset: the best results come from doing the unglamorous tasks consistently.
headwind
"It's when you get it to where the snowball is up against and you have a headwind When the harder you work, you don't see it."
A “headwind” is wind blowing against the car, which can affect speed, stability, and how the car feels in turns and on straights. In racing, wind can also change the effectiveness of setups and the size of the performance gap between cars.
stacking pennies
"But then when you get that breakthrough and a couple wins And some pennies stacked that's where the satisfying the satisfaction satisfaction comes from"
It’s a way of saying you build success step-by-step. Instead of one big change, you keep making small improvements until they add up.
“Stacking pennies” is a metaphor for accumulating small gains over time—like incremental improvements in preparation, teamwork, and race execution. In racing, those tiny advantages can add up to better qualifying, better pit stops, and ultimately more wins.
looking for his fifth win in nine races
"because when Tyler retic Goes and looking for his fifth win in nine races the second since 1987 and Dale Earnhardt to do it"
They’re talking about a driver who’s been winning a lot lately. When someone keeps finding ways to win, it usually means they’re working really well as a team.
The hosts discuss a hot streak—“fifth win in nine races”—as a key storyline in the season. This kind of run is often what separates championship contenders from the rest because it reflects consistent speed and execution.
TRD engineer
"I'll tell you what if you're an engineer watching if you're a TRD engineer you're just hoping denny doesn't do what he did"
TRD is Toyota’s racing division. If someone says “TRD engineer,” they mean a Toyota racing specialist who helps the team with car setup and race strategy. They’d be hoping their driver doesn’t cause a wreck.
TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development, Toyota’s motorsports and performance arm. A “TRD engineer” is someone working on Toyota’s racing program—setup, strategy, and technical development—so they’re likely worried about on-track incidents involving their driver or team.
tire mounted at a speedway
"I don't get any his name, but the guy that mounts tires and takes care of the tires at a speedway, man He was awesome. Super helpful. So did you listen to that?"
They’re thanking the person who handles race tires at the track. Getting tires mounted and maintained correctly matters because it helps the car grip well and stay safe.
The hosts give a shout-out to the tire technician who mounts and maintains tires at a track. Tire prep and correct mounting are critical in racing because tire fitment, balance, and condition directly affect grip and safety.
NHRA four whites coming to town
"NHRA four whites coming to town this week Let's go super excited to bring the kiddos out to that we might catch up to our friends"
NHRA is drag racing. The hosts are saying an NHRA event is happening nearby, and they’re planning to go and bring the kids.
NHRA is the National Hot Rod Association, which runs drag racing events. The phrase “four whites” appears to refer to a specific NHRA event or class/group, and the hosts are excited to attend with their kids—highlighting how they cover multiple motorsports disciplines beyond NASCAR.
fuel saving
"But I do like NASCAR shaking up a stage link. So there's not going to be any of that fuel saving"
Fuel saving means the drivers try to use less gas during the race. That can change how fast they go and when they pit.
“Fuel saving” refers to driving and strategy choices aimed at using less fuel to avoid running out or to extend stints. In NASCAR, fuel management can affect pace, pit timing, and how aggressively drivers can push—especially during stage racing.
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