Jordan Vandergriff, Dallas Glenn and Matt Smith join WFO after NHRA Southern Nationals

A diesel particulate filter (DPF) traps soot particles from a diesel engine’s exhaust. Over time it can clog and may need cleaning or replacement to restore proper exhaust flow and emissions control.

A diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) is an exhaust emissions component that helps convert certain pollutants in diesel exhaust into less harmful gases. It’s often paired with a DPF as part of a diesel emissions system.

DPFXfit is an aftermarket supplier marketing complete diesel particulate filter and diesel oxidation catalyst replacements. The segment frames it as a direct-fit alternative to OEM emissions components.

An OEM replacement is a part intended to match the original equipment manufacturer’s fitment and function. In practice, it means the aftermarket part is designed to install like the factory component rather than requiring major modifications.

FTI is referenced as a company focused on aftermarket performance and drivetrain-related products, including transmissions and torque-converter components. The hosts describe it as expanding its distribution and resources through a partnership.

Top Fuel Funny Car is a drag racing class where purpose-built cars run extremely high power levels and short, straight-line sprints. The mention signals the segment’s racing context and the kind of drivetrain components used at that level.

McLeod driveline components is mentioned as a partner in a business “joined forces” scenario with FTI. In the performance world, McLeod is known for drivetrain hardware used in racing applications.

This is a segment framing the show around NHRA drag racing. It sets up the episode’s focus on winners from the recent NHRA event.

These are NHRA drag racing categories. Funny Car and Pro Stock are different classes of cars, while Pro Stock Motorcycle is the motorcycle counterpart with its own rules and performance targets.

South Georgia Motorsports Park is the drag strip venue where the Southern Nationals took place. The hosts use it to anchor which event’s winners they’re discussing.

John Force Racing is a well-known NHRA team associated with John Force and his family’s drag racing program. The segment says they’ll speak to Jordan from John Force Racing, tying the guest to that racing brand.

In drag racing, top speed is the highest velocity the vehicle reaches during a run, typically measured near the end of the quarter-mile. It’s a key performance indicator alongside elapsed time (ET) and trap speed-related metrics.

NHRA drag racing refers to events run under the National Hot Rod Association, which organizes standardized drag racing classes and rules. The episode references the NHRA’s season and new venues, highlighting how the series schedule shapes what tracks racers compete on.

The “75th season” is a milestone season count for NHRA drag racing, indicating the series has been running for decades. In this segment, it’s used to frame the excitement around new venues joining the schedule.

A torque converter is a fluid coupling used in automatic transmissions that transfers engine power to the transmission. In drag racing, it’s often chosen/tuned to improve launch by multiplying torque at low speeds and matching stall speed to the engine.

Total Seal piston rings are aftermarket rings designed to improve “ring seal,” which is how well the rings seal combustion gases in the cylinder. Better sealing can reduce blow-by, help compression stay up, and improve consistency—especially important in high-stress drag racing engines.

“Ring seal technology” refers to designs/features of piston rings that improve how tightly they seal the cylinder. In performance engines, improved ring seal can mean less blow-by (combustion gases leaking past the rings) and more stable cylinder pressure.

Red Line is a brand of synthetic engine oil being used as a performance lubricant reference. Synthetic oils are formulated to better resist breakdown under heat and stress, which matters for drag racing where engines see high loads.

Bernie’s Speed Shop is mentioned as the place associated with Redline synthetic oil. In this segment, it’s a sponsor/partner reference rather than a technical deep dive.

Frank Hawley’s drag racing school is referenced as a training resource connected to the episode’s drag-racing community. The mention is about education/experience rather than a specific technical component.

Summit Racing Equipment is referenced as a parts retailer the host prefers for ordering. The context is sponsorship/distribution, not a technical discussion of any specific component.

Motor State is mentioned as a retailer carrying a product line (“Course Fogget”) in addition to Summit Racing. This is a distribution/sponsorship note rather than a technical explanation.

Cornwall Quality Tools is referenced as a sponsor/partner in the racing context. The mention is about support around the speaker’s opportunity rather than a technical automotive detail.

“Professional motor sports” refers to racing at the highest competitive level, where teams run full-time operations, specialized cars, and structured qualifying and elimination formats. The speaker contrasts it with their earlier experience, emphasizing the jump in competition and learning curve.

A “rookie year” is a driver’s first season competing at a higher level, often with fewer established results and more learning about car setup, race strategy, and track conditions. Here, it’s tied to the speaker’s first year in 2019 and their early success before later setbacks.

In drag racing, the “final round” is the last elimination race of an event, where the winner is decided. The speaker mentions reaching their first final round as a milestone during their early career.

In drag racing, the starting line is the marked area where cars stage and begin their run. It’s where drivers line up, build pre-launch momentum, and prepare for the timed start.

A pit is the area off the track where a racing team parks the car and handles day-to-day work during an event. Teams use it for repairs, adjustments, and strategy between runs.

“On rails” is racing slang meaning the car tracks straight and predictably with minimal wandering or instability. In drag racing, that usually points to good traction, correct tire prep/pressure, and a setup that keeps the car stable under acceleration.

“Lane choice” refers to deciding which side of the drag strip (left vs right lane) to run in, based on track conditions and how the car responds. Track grip can vary between lanes, so choosing the better lane can improve straightness and consistency, which the speaker says “paid off.”

“Wally” refers to the NHRA Wally trophies awarded to event winners, and “Wally four races” likely means a specific set of NHRA events where those trophies are at stake. In this context, it’s about the schedule and the pressure of competing for those wins.

A “Top Fuel” car is the NHRA drag-racing class built around a purpose-made dragster/drag car that uses a supercharged, alcohol-fueled engine. The goal is to accelerate as hard as possible over a short distance, with the car tuned for traction and stability at extreme speeds.

An “alcohol funny car” is a funny car that runs on an alcohol-based fuel (commonly methanol) instead of gasoline. Alcohol-fueled drag cars often have different tuning priorities—especially around fuel delivery and engine calibration—to produce strong power and consistent runs.

Chris Cunningham is referenced as a key person in the conversation, including his willingness to talk and his role in the racing community. In this context, he’s treated like a notable driver/competitor whose perspective matters.

“ETS” is a racing class/series abbreviation used in drag racing contexts. It typically identifies the specific category of cars and rules the event is running.

“Round by round” describes how drag racing events are broken into successive elimination rounds. Each round is typically a head-to-head race, and advancing depends on winning that specific matchup.

“First round” is the opening elimination matchup in a drag race bracket. Your performance in that race determines whether you advance to the next round.

“95 zero” is shorthand for a drag-racing elapsed time (ET) reading, where “zero” refers to the decimal portion of the time. It’s a way of quoting how quickly a car completes the timed distance.

“Super Comp” is a class in drag racing (NHRA-style) for cars that meet specific rules for engine and vehicle setup. Drivers train in the class because tuning, traction, and shifting strategy are tightly linked to the rules and typical performance targets.

“Second round” is the next elimination matchup after first round. By this point, teams often refine adjustments based on what the car did in round one, aiming for repeatable performance.

“Rinse and repeat” is a racing shorthand for achieving consistent runs—doing the same procedure and getting similar results again. In drag racing, that usually means the car is stable on launch and the tune works across multiple passes.

A “bracket car” is a drag-racing setup built around bracket racing rules, where the goal is to run a consistent elapsed time (ET) and beat the opponent by staying closer to a predicted target. Instead of chasing the absolute fastest pass, the car and driver focus on repeatability and reaction-time/ET accuracy.

“Car to beat” is drag-racing slang for the competitor (or setup) that’s currently performing best and is considered the one others must beat. It usually implies the car is running strong ETs and has momentum in the round.

A “97” in NHRA-style drag racing is almost certainly a 9.7-second elapsed time (ET) for the run. ET is the primary timing metric used to compare how quickly a car completes the quarter-mile (or the track’s race distance).

An elimination bracket is the tournament structure where racers advance by winning each head-to-head matchup. Losing a round typically knocks you out, which is why setups for later rounds can get very strategic.

In drag racing, qualifying determines the starting order for eliminations. Drivers post times/scores in qualifying runs, and those results affect who they face in later rounds like semis and finals.

“Pedaled it” is drag-racing slang for briefly easing off the throttle and reapplying it in pulses to regain traction or control. It’s commonly used when the car starts to slip or lose grip under acceleration.

In drag racing, the track is split into lanes (typically a left and right lane) for side-by-side competition. Lane choice and conditions can matter because traction and surface grip may differ between lanes.

“Funny car” is a specific class of NHRA drag racing with purpose-built, highly modified cars designed for very high acceleration and short runs. Drivers in this class are specialized for managing traction, power delivery, and stability at extreme speeds.

“NHRA on Fox” refers to the broadcast coverage of NHRA drag racing on the Fox TV network. The discussion focuses on how broadcast work trains someone to understand the sport’s teams, drivers, and race-day variables.

In drag racing, “how drivers drove” includes launch technique and throttle control that directly affect traction and elapsed time. Small differences in driving inputs can change how the car transfers power to the track.

A crew chief is the lead strategist for a racing team, responsible for car setup decisions and race strategy. They coordinate with the crew and interpret data to decide what changes to make between runs.

Track temperature is a key drag-racing variable because it affects tire grip and how the car hooks up at launch. Teams often adjust strategy and setup based on conditions like how hot (or cool) the surface is.

Track conditions describe the real-world state of the racing surface (for example, grip level, moisture, and rubber buildup). In drag racing, these conditions influence traction and can change how teams plan launches and tune the car for each run.

In drag racing, “clutches” are the friction devices that connect and disconnect the engine’s power to the drivetrain during launches. The timing and feel of clutch engagement strongly affect how smoothly the car accelerates and how much traction you get off the line.

“Funny cars” are a specific NHRA drag racing class with purpose-built, highly modified cars. They use a lightweight body over a purpose-built drag racing chassis and typically run very large engines for short, explosive acceleration.

“Drafters” here refers to drivers who use drafting—positioning close behind another car to reduce aerodynamic drag. In drag racing, drafting can help the trailing car maintain speed and improve elapsed time depending on track and conditions.

“Burnouts” are deliberate tire-spinning maneuvers used to heat and clean the tires before a drag run. Hotter, more pliable tires can improve traction and help the car launch harder and more consistently.

“Packing up” in drag racing typically refers to preparing the car and tires for the run after burnouts—often involving bringing the tires up to the right condition and setting up the car for the next step. The exact procedure can vary by team and class, but it’s part of the pre-launch routine.

“Staging” is the process of positioning the car at the start line so it can be released at the correct moment. In drag racing, drivers stage to synchronize with the tree’s lights and to ensure a consistent launch.

In NHRA drag racing, “race control” is the officials team that monitors the event and enforces the rules. They manage things like timing, staging/starting procedures, and decisions when there’s a dispute or safety concern.

The launch is the car’s initial acceleration off the starting line, where traction and drivetrain behavior matter most. Small changes in tire grip, throttle application, and vehicle setup can cause the car to hook up straight or start drifting.

What the speaker describes is a traction/handling issue during the run: the car is being forced sideways toward the wall. In drag racing, this often happens when the tires lose grip unevenly or when the car’s torque transfer and suspension geometry cause a pull or drift.

Crossing the finish line in drag racing is the point where the run is officially complete and timing/termination systems trigger. The speaker’s mention of finish-line cues (shoots, breaks on) suggests the car’s post-run sequence and safety/track signals.

“Breaks on” appears to refer to the brakes being applied after the run. In drag racing, drivers often lift or apply braking immediately after the finish to slow safely, especially if the car is still unstable or drifting.

“Pro Mod” refers to a specific NHRA drag racing class for highly modified, purpose-built cars. These cars are designed for very fast acceleration and typically run on the drag strip under strict class rules.

“Tractors” in this context likely refers to track equipment used to prepare or manage the drag strip between runs. The speaker notices them while they’re on track, which signals the event isn’t finished and other cars are still staged.

“Space Wagon” isn’t a standard, widely recognized car model name in mainstream production lineups, so in a podcast it’s likely being used as a nickname or playful reference to a vehicle with a distinctive, space-age style or theme. It may come up in a story or segment where the host is describing a particular car’s look, vibe, or role in an event. Without more context, the key significance is the themed or standout nature of the vehicle being discussed.

Larisse Motorsports Insurance is a motorsports-focused insurance provider. The hosts describe it as offering coverage tailored to racers, including policies that can cover race cars, equipment, and pit-vehicle needs.

“Limited exclusions” means the insurance policy has fewer situations it refuses to cover. In other words, the policy is designed to exclude less of what racers might need coverage for.

In an engine, friction is the resistance to motion between moving parts (like piston components and cylinder walls). Higher friction typically increases heat and wear, which can reduce efficiency and power output.

Piston rings are the thin metal rings on a piston that seal the combustion gases and help control oil use. “Piston ring design” refers to how those rings are shaped and engineered to reduce friction and wear while maintaining sealing performance.

Drag Race Bracket Bonanza is a bracket-style fantasy game tied to drag racing events. Listeners are encouraged to make picks after qualifying and compete across pro classes.

The WFL Radio League is a community/competition layer for the fantasy bracket game mentioned earlier. The hosts invite listeners to join and participate.

“Factory hot rods” is a fan-style way of describing race cars that are based on production models and built to compete in classes like Pro Stock. The key idea is that the cars start from a recognizable factory platform, then get heavily developed for racing.

“Lucas Oil Racers” refers to a racing group/class associated with Lucas Oil as a sponsor. In NHRA-style events, sponsorship-backed classes or series often have their own rules and competition structure.

“Transmission sliders” are the internal shift components that move to engage different gears. In racing transmissions, these parts are stressed by aggressive shifting and can be damaged if the driver forces the gearbox out of sync with vehicle motion and engine speed.

In drag racing, the “60-foot” time measures how long it takes the car to cover the first 60 feet from the start line. It’s a key indicator of launch quality—traction, clutch/torque management, and how well the car stays in the right gear early on.

In drag racing, “ET” (elapsed time) is the total time it takes the car to run the measured distance, typically a quarter-mile. When the hosts compare ETs, they’re comparing overall run performance, not just the launch.

A “forward back gear shifter” refers to a shifter mechanism where gear selection is made by moving the lever forward and backward rather than through an H-shaped gate. In drag racing, this can be paired with sequential-style shifting to speed up gear changes and reduce missed shifts during hard launches.

An “H pattern shifter” is a manual-transmission gear layout where gears are selected by moving the shifter in an H-shaped gate (typically with a separate reverse position). The hosts contrast it with a forward/back shifter used in some drag racing setups, which changes how drivers think about gear selection.

A “Liberty style” shifter refers to a specific NHRA-style manual-shift linkage used on drag cars. It’s paired with a transmission that uses a gated shifter and dog-ring engagement, so the driver’s hand position directly controls which gear the transmission can lock into.

Dog-ring engagement is how many drag racing transmissions lock gears: a sliding “dog” clutch engages with matching notches on the gear. Because engagement depends on load and shifter position, lifting off throttle can remove the force that keeps the gear locked, making the transmission want to return toward neutral.

In this context, “ratchet” describes the transmission’s tendency to move the shifter/selector back toward neutral when you lift off the throttle. The internal gear engagement is designed to resist movement under load, but when load is removed it can “walk” the lever due to the way the engagement ramps are cut.

“Ramps backwards” refers to the ramp angles inside a dog-ring drag transmission that control how the gears engage and disengage. When the car is under acceleration load, the ramps help keep the gear locked; when you lift, the ramp geometry encourages disengagement and can pull the selector toward neutral.

The hosts are describing a gear mismatch: selecting a gear that doesn’t match the car’s current speed/engine speed. In a manual or sequential drag setup, that mismatch can force the clutch to absorb a large amount of driveline shock, leading to overheating or mechanical failure. That’s why they say it can destroy the clutch and require replacement.

“Subaru Uncharted” doesn’t match a widely established Subaru model name, so it’s likely being used as a segment title, event name, or a themed description rather than a specific production vehicle. In the podcast context, it appears tied to the idea of “uncharted territory,” meaning they were doing something new or unfamiliar. The car reference is probably part of a broader activity or challenge rather than a technical discussion of a particular model.

“Clutch comes in” describes the moment the clutch engages and starts transferring torque to the drivetrain. In drag racing, that engagement timing is critical: if it happens while the car is upset (wrong gear/load), the sudden torque transfer can pitch the car and stress the driveline. The transcript ties this to the front end lifting and then slamming down.

“Groove” refers to the repeatable, correct operating window for the car during acceleration—especially around shift points and traction. When they say they “try to get it back to the groove,” they mean returning to the RPM/gear/load combination that lets the car launch and shift consistently without upsetting the drivetrain or chassis.

The Ford Bronco is a rugged SUV built for off-road driving, known for its body-on-frame design and ability to handle rough terrain. In a podcast, it may come up when discussing how it feels to drive—especially if someone describes unusual sensations like the vehicle “bucking” or moving in a way that stands out. That kind of comment usually points to suspension/traction behavior over uneven surfaces or during spirited driving.

“Dump the clutch” describes a drag-racing launch technique where the driver releases the clutch very quickly to transfer engine torque to the drivetrain. How abruptly it’s done affects traction, wheelspin, and whether the car hooks up cleanly at the start line.

“Pop the chutes” refers to deploying parachutes during a drag race to add aerodynamic braking and slow the car safely at the end of the run. Parachute timing is critical: deploy too early and you can destabilize the car; too late and you may not slow enough.

“Radial prep” refers to track and tire preparation practices used to condition radial tires for better traction and consistency. In drag racing, the goal is to manage how the tire grips at launch so the car can put power down without excessive wheelspin or instability.

“Braumeters” is track-racing slang for a device or readout used to estimate air conditions at the track. In drag racing, small changes in air density can noticeably affect how much power the engine can make and how consistently the car runs.

Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. In drag racing, higher humidity usually means less dense intake air (and often less power), while lower humidity can help the engine make more horsepower and run faster.

Air density describes how much mass of air is in a given volume. Cooler, drier conditions typically increase air density, which can let an engine ingest more oxygen and produce more power—one reason drag racers watch weather closely.

Vapor pressure is a measure of how easily a liquid (here, water in the air) evaporates into vapor. Lower vapor pressure and humidity generally mean drier air, which can improve engine performance by reducing intake charge moisture.

Horsepower is the engine’s power output, which determines how quickly a car can accelerate. In drag racing, better air conditions (cooler, drier, denser air) can increase horsepower, which is why the hosts connect weather to faster runs.

In drag racing, track conditions can change as the day goes on due to rubber buildup, moisture, and how the surface “thins out” after rain. That means the grip level and effective traction can shift between rounds, affecting consistency and performance.