Life's a Drag: Pomona Recap
About this episode
Pomona Winter Nationals recap turns into a food-and-funny-car party, with the hosts trading stories about race-weekend snacks, roller-challenge chaos, and mixed dining experiences (great food, rough service at Cocoa Palm; solid prime rib at Pomona Mining Company). Sunday’s racing gets dramatic—rain delays, Tony Schumacher’s oil-down/points penalties, and a wild gauntlet for winners—followed by the team’s celebratory flight back to Charlotte. The highlight is a long, candid interview with four-time Funny Car champ Matt Hagan, celebrating his 1,000th Funny Car win and his fun, fashion-forward “drip,” plus his beef-stick business and working with Tony Stewart.
drag
"but he did some fun stuff this past weekend in Pomona, which was exciting. Let's talk."
“Drag” means drag racing—cars race side-by-side in a straight line. The goal is to get off the line fast and reach the finish first.
“Drag” refers to drag racing, where cars accelerate in a straight line over a short distance to the finish. It emphasizes traction, launch technique, and power delivery rather than cornering.
rain delay
"And then Sunday when we had all the issues with the rain delay and then the Tony Schumacher, you know, pooping his rear end on the track for a second time."
Sometimes races get stopped because the track is too wet. When that happens, drivers can’t safely go as fast, so officials pause the event until it’s safer.
A rain delay is when a motorsport event is paused or postponed due to wet track conditions. Wet surfaces can reduce tire grip and increase the risk of accidents, so officials stop racing until conditions improve.
in and out people were packing up
"By the time we thought, hey, let's go get some dinner. We were so far behind that all the in and out people were packing up."
It sounds like the event was running long, but people thought it was ending soon. So they started leaving, which makes the whole experience feel rushed and stressful.
This describes the operational reality of event scheduling: once a crowd believes the event is effectively over (or is running late), attendees start leaving. In motorsport, that can affect the atmosphere and logistics even if the racing program continues.
regular end time
"And that's a soul crusher... which was the regular end time."
They were scheduled to finish at a certain time, but the rain delay likely pushed things later. That’s why it felt like the weekend ran past what everyone expected.
“Regular end time” refers to the planned schedule cutoff for the event. In racing, delays (like rain) can push everything later than the advertised program, which changes how fans and teams plan meals, travel, and downtime.
curfew
"By the skin of our teeth. Eight o'clock curfew. And the last cars went down the track at like 755."
A curfew is a strict deadline for when the track has to stop running. If the curfew is coming up, the event has to hurry to get the remaining cars through.
A curfew is a hard cutoff time set by the venue or local rules that limits when cars can run. In drag racing, it affects how many runs can be completed and can force the schedule to compress.
went down the track
"Eight o'clock curfew. And the last cars went down the track at like 755. Yes."
“Went down the track” is drag-racing shorthand for making a pass from the start line to the finish line. It’s a way to describe which cars actually completed their run before the schedule deadline.
KB Titan guy
"I was flying to Charlotte, which means every KB Titan guy was on this flight. Oh, yeah."
They’re talking about a group of racers tied to a sponsor (KB and Titan). It’s basically “the team guys” on that flight.
“KB Titan guy” refers to a specific racing team or sponsor group associated with KB and Titan. In NHRA-style drag racing, teams are often identified by their sponsor/brand, and those people travel together.
gauntlet
"because everything, everything else was going on. And I was like, Holy cow. That did sound like a freaking, you know, murder's"
“Gauntlet” here means a really tough stretch of racing where you have to get through a lot of difficult rounds. It’s not just one pass—it’s the whole grind to reach the finish.
In racing talk, “running through the gauntlet” means surviving a tough sequence of challenges—often multiple hard matchups, rounds, or difficult conditions—on the way to a win. It’s a metaphor for how much has to go right across several stages, not just one race moment.
driver switch in the middle of the race
"“The crazy driver switch in the middle of the race for Jim Dunn racing.”"
Sometimes drag-racing teams change who’s driving during the event. That can matter because the driver controls the launch and shifting/handling, so a different driver can make the car behave differently.
In drag racing, a “driver switch” means the car’s driving duties change during the event, usually due to rules, strategy, or team logistics. It can affect consistency because the new driver may have different reaction times, launch technique, and comfort with the car’s tune.
thrown out
"“I mean, I get why, I mean, I think I know why he got thrown out, but do you know the real reason?”"
In racing, “thrown out” usually means you’re disqualified and don’t advance. It happens when officials decide you broke a safety or rules requirement.
Being “thrown out” in drag racing typically refers to disqualification from a round due to a rules violation. Common causes include lane violations, contact, or unsafe driving—here it’s tied to crossing the centerline and nearly hitting another driver.
centerline
"“I think it's just the guy across the centerline twice and nearly hit Jack Beckman.”"
The centerline is the line that separates the left and right lanes. If a car crosses it, it can interfere with the other lane and officials may disqualify the run.
The “centerline” is the divider between the two lanes on a drag strip. Crossing it is a serious infraction because it can put the other car at risk and is often treated as a safety violation or lane-control issue.
helmet
"Jeff didn't, Jeff didn't even need to travel with a helmet. Can walk to the street."
A helmet is protective gear that helps keep your head safe. Racing events usually require helmets so drivers are protected if something goes wrong.
A helmet is required safety gear in motorsports to protect the head from impacts and debris. In drag racing, even short “show up and race” situations still require proper safety equipment depending on the event rules.
fire suit
"...he was wearing a buddy holes moon eyes fire suit. So. Oh, that's okay."
A fire suit is flame-resistant racing clothing designed to protect the driver during fires or high heat exposure. In drag racing, it’s part of a broader safety system that can include gloves, shoes, and a helmet to reduce burn risk.
Buddy Holley
"...he was wearing a buddy holes moon eyes fire suit."
This sounds like a sponsor name on the driver’s racing suit. The important part is that the suit has branding from companies that support racing.
Buddy Holley appears to be a mis-transcription of “Buddy Hole(s)”/a sponsor name associated with the fire suit branding. The key point is that the hosts are describing sponsor logos on the driver’s flame-resistant suit.
Moon Eyes
"...buddy holes moon eyes fire suit."
Moon Eyes is an automotive brand that shows up in car culture and racing sponsorships. Here it’s probably just the logo on the racing outfit.
Moon Eyes is an automotive brand known for Japanese car culture and motorsport sponsorships. When mentioned alongside a fire suit, it likely indicates the suit’s sponsor/branding rather than a specific car part.
funny car
"I'm tied with toddler Cinco and the funny car point standings right now."
Funny Car is a type of drag racing car. It’s built for quick, hard launches down the strip, and because it’s so specialized, problems like leaks can be dangerous and cause the race to stop.
Funny Car is a class of drag racing where the cars use a lightweight body mounted over a specialized chassis, typically with a powerful engine and short wheelbase. They’re known for dramatic acceleration and high speeds, but they also run with tight safety margins—so mechanical issues like leaks can be especially serious.
point standings
"I'm tied with toddler Cinco and the funny car point standings right now."
Point standings are the season-long ranking based on how drivers finish at events. In drag racing, a single DQ, penalty, or mechanical failure can swing points quickly, which is why hosts track who’s “tied” and how incidents affect the championship race.
instant replay
"Yes. So the second one, the instant replay that they got from Fox that you could see that oil just. Spewing."
Instant replay is used in motorsports to review critical moments—like mechanical failures or rule-violating events—immediately after they happen. It helps teams, officials, and fans understand what caused an issue and whether penalties or safety actions were warranted.
oil just spewing
"they got from Fox that you could see that oil just. Spewing. I mean, it was out of control."
“Oil spewing” describes a severe oil leak where oil is expelled rapidly, often from a failed seal, line, or engine component. In drag racing, that can quickly create fire risk, traction issues, and track cleanup delays, which is why officials may stop the event.
two hour stop
"And like the one on Saturday. Was like a two hour stop down. Yes. It was bad."
A “two hour stop” refers to a long delay in the event schedule, usually caused by safety cleanup, repairs, or track issues after an incident. In drag racing, oil spills or leaks can require extensive cleanup to protect crews, prevent fires, and restore safe traction.
analog vs digital
"We went totally, we went from digitaled all the way down to analog. So everything was great."
They’re talking about two different ways of handling information: analog is more “continuous,” while digital is more “computer-like” and broken into steps. Cars can use either approach depending on how modern the electronics are.
The hosts are contrasting analog and digital systems. In automotive terms, this often comes up when discussing older cars’ simpler, continuous signals versus newer cars’ computer-based, discrete data processing.
oiled downs
"Those two oiled. Downs. Oh my God. It's like, like back in the day... Oiled downs. It used to be 45 minutes every single time. Now it's 10 minutes and we clean everything up."
They mention “oiled downs,” which sounds like a quick maintenance step they do to keep things running smoothly. It likely involves applying lubricant or doing a cleanup so the car is ready for the next run.
“Oiled downs” sounds like a track-day or motorsport procedure where surfaces or components are treated with oil to reduce friction or manage heat. In racing contexts, similar ideas show up as lubrication/maintenance steps between runs, though the exact meaning here is unclear from the transcript.
staging
"...behind that car when it just when it's like staging and they're jumping up and down, getting all fired up and that car takes off."
In drag racing, staging is when the car lines up at the start and waits for the race to actually start. It’s important because you want to be ready to launch the instant the race begins.
In drag racing, “staging” is the moment the cars roll into position at the start line and wait for the race to begin. The goal is to be staged correctly so the car can launch as soon as the lights/sequence allow it.
E.T.
"It's got to be worth at least 2000. Of, you know, E.T. Because they're jumping up and down and they are just so fired up."
E.T. means “elapsed time,” basically how many seconds it takes to go from the start to the finish in a drag race. Faster E.T. usually means the car ran quicker.
E.T. (elapsed time) is the total time it takes a drag car to run from the start line to the finish line. It’s one of the main numbers used to compare performance across runs.
FNCAR
"Let's have a four-time FNCAR champion. ... by the way, winner of the 1,000 FNCAR race."
FNCAR is the name of a racing series or event. When they say someone is a champion and won a big race in FNCAR, they’re basically saying that driver is really accomplished.
FNCAR refers to a specific racing series/event the hosts are using to establish credibility for the driver they’re introducing. In motorsports coverage, mentioning a champion title and a notable race win helps listeners quickly understand the level of competition and the driver’s track record.
75th race
"The people of Montana, Cardi, think Alan needs to be invited to the 75th race. Who thinks his time at IHRA is a conflict for NHRA?"
They mention a “75th race,” which sounds like a special anniversary event. It’s the kind of big occasion where drivers and teams often get invited or recognized.
The hosts reference a “75th race,” which appears to be a specific anniversary event in the drag racing world. This is likely a notable Pomona-area or NHRA/IHRA-related milestone they’re trying to get someone invited to.
IHRA
"Who thinks his time at IHRA is a conflict for NHRA? The people want Alan."
IHRA is another organization that puts on drag races. The conversation is basically about which racing series someone is associated with.
IHRA stands for the International Hot Rod Association, another U.S. drag racing sanctioning body. The hosts are discussing whether someone’s involvement in IHRA conflicts with NHRA.
diesel particulate filter
"Looking for a place, your OEM diesel particulate filter or diesel oxidation catalyst? Look no further than DPFXfit, a complete line of aftermarket diesel particulate filters..."
A diesel particulate filter is like a trap for the smoky soot in a diesel exhaust. If it gets too full, the car can feel sluggish and start warning you, so it has to clean itself out periodically.
A diesel particulate filter (DPF) traps soot (particulate matter) from a diesel engine’s exhaust. Over time it needs to regenerate—burning off the soot—otherwise it can clog and reduce performance or trigger warning lights.
diesel oxidation catalyst
"Looking for a place, your OEM diesel particulate filter or diesel oxidation catalyst? Look no further than DPFXfit, a complete line of aftermarket diesel particulate filters and diesel oxidation catalyst..."
A diesel oxidation catalyst is an emissions device that helps clean up exhaust gases. It works with other parts like the DPF to reduce pollution and help the system stay functional.
A diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) helps convert harmful exhaust gases into less harmful compounds. It’s often used alongside a DPF to improve emissions control and support regeneration.
DPFXfit
"Look no further than DPFXfit, a complete line of aftermarket diesel particulate filters and diesel oxidation catalyst designed as an exact fit OEM replacement..."
DPFXfit is a company that sells replacement emissions parts for diesel trucks. They’re advertising that their parts are made to match factory fitment and that you can look up the right part for your vehicle.
DPFXfit is presented as a supplier of aftermarket diesel emissions components, specifically diesel particulate filters and diesel oxidation catalysts. The segment emphasizes fitment as an “exact fit OEM replacement” and highlights a reverse lookup tool for compatibility.
OEM replacement vs aftermarket emissions parts
"...designed as an exact fit OEM replacement with all makes coverage for light, medium, and heavy duty trucks..."
They’re talking about replacing factory emissions parts with aftermarket ones. For parts like DPFs and catalysts, you want the replacement to fit and work correctly with your truck’s exhaust system, not just “bolt on” loosely.
The ad contrasts OEM parts with aftermarket options, claiming the aftermarket components are designed to match factory fitment (“exact fit OEM replacement”). For emissions hardware like DPFs and DOCs, correct fit and compatibility matter because the exhaust system and regeneration strategy are tightly integrated.
friction in your engine
"The number one source of friction in your engine is not what you think. Piston rings rubbing against the cylinder walls generate more friction than any other part of the engine."
Engines lose some power to friction—basically parts rubbing against each other. More friction usually makes the engine run hotter, wear out faster, and can make less power over time.
The segment explains that engine friction isn’t just about “bad parts” or driving style—it’s largely internal contact between moving components. When friction increases, it also raises operating temperature, which accelerates wear and can reduce power output.
piston rings
"Piston rings rubbing against the cylinder walls generate more friction than any other part of the engine. More friction and temperature means more wear and less horsepower."
Piston rings are small metal bands on the piston that help seal the combustion area. They also scrape/control oil on the cylinder wall, and because they move against the wall, their design can affect how much friction and wear you get.
Piston rings seal the gap between the piston and the cylinder wall, helping control compression and oil usage. The transcript highlights them as a major friction source because they slide along the cylinder walls, so ring design directly affects wear and efficiency.
Total Seal
"Fortunately, the team at Total Seal knows how to reduce friction and wear through innovative piston ring design. If it takes a piston, Total Seal could build a better ring."
Total Seal makes piston rings for performance engines. The pitch here is that their ring design reduces rubbing and wear, which can help the engine last longer and make better power.
Total Seal is a piston-ring manufacturer known in performance and racing circles for ring designs aimed at reducing friction and wear. In this segment, they’re presented as having “innovative piston ring design” to improve durability and power.
Red line oil
"Red line oil, formulated to win, proven by me. Red line oil, formulated to win, formulated to win, proven by me."
Red Line is an engine-oil brand marketed for performance use. The transcript claims their oil is “formulated to win” and “proven,” tying oil choice to racing outcomes like reduced wear and consistent performance under heat.
Matt Hagan
"[1846.2s] Okay, there's the number one funny car driver of all time, Matt Hagan. [1857.2s] Hey, Matt, thanks for joining us."
Matt Hagan is a famous drag racer who competes in the funny car category. The hosts are talking about how successful he’s been.
Matt Hagan is a well-known funny car drag racer, and the segment is framing him as a top all-time driver. The discussion references his major achievements in the funny car world.
bench presses
"[1888.2s] and how many bench presses have you done with that trophy? [1891.2s] Well, I'm about ready to fill a full beer and drink American Rebel."
Bench pressing is a gym exercise where you push weight up from your chest. Here it’s mentioned as a joke about how strong the driver is.
Bench pressing is a strength-training exercise used to build upper-body muscle. In this context it’s a humorous way to connect physical training to the trophy milestone.
shoulder work
"[1906.2s] and I was like, we can't do it. [1907.2s] I need to do some more shoulder work, man. [1909.2s] Like, it was definitely like, he's got some weight to it."
They’re talking about doing workouts to get stronger in the shoulders. It’s basically training your body so you can handle heavy stuff without hurting yourself.
“Shoulder work” here is about building strength to handle heavy, overhead lifting. In motorsports contexts, that kind of training often comes up because drivers and crew do physically demanding tasks during events.
championship trophies
"[1914.2s] So it's definitely going to have to have beer. [1916.2s] I got some of my championship trophies over here, [1918.2s] and they're supported on like these little glass bases and stuff like that."
They’re talking about trophies from championships and how they’re set up for display. It’s the kind of thing people do to show off big accomplishments.
The hosts are describing championship trophies and how they’re displayed (supported on glass bases). For fans, this highlights the culture of motorsports awards and the physical “trophy wall” style of celebrating achievements.
beer
"[1912.2s] So it's definitely going to have to have beer. [1916.2s] I got some of my championship trophies over here, [1918.2s] and they're supported on like these little glass bases and stuff like that."
“Beer” is mentioned as part of the event vibe, but it’s not an automotive term or technical concept. It mainly signals a casual, celebratory moment rather than anything car-related.
Indy
"Like, you know, and then to have, to come over to, to NHRA and, and, you know, at Indy and out qualify for Selze and Tommy Johnson Jr."
“Indy” here refers to Indianapolis, which is commonly shorthand for racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In drag racing context, it signals a specific event location where qualifying and competition happen.
out qualify
"at Indy and out qualify for Selze and Tommy Johnson Jr. to make the show."
Drag races often have a qualifying session before the main bracket. “Out qualify” means you went faster or did better in qualifying than the other driver.
In drag racing, qualifying determines who makes the field and how drivers are seeded for eliminations. “Out qualify” means you posted a better qualifying performance (typically based on elapsed time and/or speed) than another competitor.
Paul Smith
"you had Paul Smith tuning a race car and, you know, it was one of those hot, greasy weekends and you just needed to go down"
They mention Paul Smith because he was helping tune the race car. In drag racing, tuning is how you adjust the car so it runs its best for that track and day.
Paul Smith is referenced as tuning a race car, which highlights the role of a race-prep/tuning specialist in drag racing. Tuning can involve calibrating fuel, ignition, and engine setup to match track conditions and maximize performance.
hot, greasy weekends
"it was one of those hot, greasy weekends and you just needed to go down and, and those guys didn't, which, you know, there's massive heavy hitters in the sport."
“Hot, greasy” means the track conditions were tough—either too hot and/or not very grippy. That makes it harder to get good launches, so teams may adjust the car to stay consistent.
“Hot, greasy” describes challenging track conditions: high temperatures and low/variable traction that can make launches and traction management difficult. Teams often respond with setup and tuning changes to keep the car from bogging, spinning, or running inconsistent passes.
pit
"and then, you know, Schumacher, Don comes rolling through my pit and he goes, who are you?"
The pit is where the racing team hangs out and works on the car between runs. If someone “rolls through my pit,” they’re stopping by the team area during the event.
A “pit” is the service area where teams work on the car between runs—making adjustments, checking equipment, and preparing for the next pass. When Schumacher “rolls through my pit,” it implies he’s interacting with the team during the event.
shell your junk
"and he's like, Selze's, you know, he's quitting and, and he's going to go be back with his family and why don't you shell your junk and come drive my junk."
It’s slang for “bring your car/gear and drive it.” The point is that someone is offering the speaker a chance to drive because another driver is quitting.
“Shell your junk” is slang in this context, meaning to bring/drive your car (“your junk”) for the speaker’s opportunity. It reflects how teams and drivers can swap rides or get offered seats when a competitor is stepping away.
double stepped the car
"Like truly, I mean, I know I could talk about this cause I'm not trying to prove myself as a driver. And most drivers would never even mention it, but I damn near double stepped the car."
It sounds like the driver briefly “tapped” the car’s pedals twice instead of just one smooth move. In drag racing, that can help the car launch at the right moment and avoid spinning tires.
“Double stepping” describes a driver making two quick, deliberate pedal actions during a launch—often to manage traction or timing. In drag racing, it’s usually about controlling how the car leaves the line and preventing wheelspin or bogging.
break
"I'm holding the break. And I leave and the, the pedal goes and the break goes together. And then I snatched it all back up in the break and the pedal together."
They’re talking about the brake pedal. If you’re still on the brake when you try to launch, the car won’t accelerate the way it should.
The transcript uses “break” in the context of pedal control, which indicates the driver was modulating the brake pedal during the launch. In racing, accidentally riding the brake (even briefly) can drastically slow the car and ruin reaction time.
150 light
"And then I was like, oh man, I had a 150 light. You know what I mean? I just, I just knew I was dead late."
In drag racing, the timing lights show how fast you react when the start happens. A “150” usually means your reaction was around 0.150 seconds, which is often too slow.
A “150 light” refers to the drag-racing timing light that indicates the car’s reaction time is about 0.150 seconds. That’s typically considered a very late reaction, meaning the driver likely staged/left later than ideal.
reaction time
"And then I was like, oh man, I had a 150 light... I just, I just knew I was dead late. And I kept, I didn't even look running down the racetrack."
Reaction time is how quickly you get moving after the start signal. In drag racing, being even a little late can make you lose even if your car is strong.
Reaction time is how quickly the driver responds to the start signal, measured in fractions of a second. It’s critical in drag racing because even a small delay can cost the race even if the car is fast once it’s moving.
smoke the tires
"And I was like, I don't know, maybe smoke the tires, you know, but like the whole run, it wasn't even about the run."
It means the tires spin and make smoke. That usually happens when the car tries to launch with more power than the tires can grip.
“Smoke the tires” is drag-racing slang for spinning the tires so they generate visible tire smoke. It usually happens when the car applies too much torque before it has traction, especially during launch.
whole shot
"It was just like, I just, I just lost on a whole shot. You know what I mean?"
A “whole shot” is a great start in a drag race. If you lose it, you fall behind right away and have to catch up later.
In drag racing, the “whole shot” refers to getting the jump at the start—being first to accelerate and establish position. Losing the whole shot means you didn’t get off the line as quickly as your opponent, which can be hard to recover from.
fumbled it up
"we ran fast enough to where even though I fumbled it up there a little bit on the starting line, you know, we got it done, you know?"
“Fumbled it up” describes a mistake during launch—often meaning poor timing, imperfect throttle control, or a traction/gear-selection issue. In drag racing, launch errors can cause wheelspin or a slower start even if the car is capable of running fast.
starting line
"there a little bit on the starting line, you know, we got it done, you know?"
The starting line is where the race begins and the car has to launch hard. If you mess up the launch, you can lose time before the rest of the run even starts.
The “starting line” is the launch area in drag racing where reaction time and traction determine how well the car gets moving. Small mistakes here—like fumble or wheelspin—can cost the race even if the car is fast later.
How's it working with Tony Stewart?
"So sorry, it's such a long answer, but I missed 20 minutes of your, of your show. So I figured to give you a really long answer to start with. No, you're good. How's it, how's it working with Tony Stewart?"
They’re asking about Tony Stewart—basically what it’s like to work with him. It’s more about the people and racing life than car mechanics.
This is a transition into a discussion about Tony Stewart and the experience of working with him. Tony Stewart is a well-known motorsports figure, so this likely sets up a behind-the-scenes conversation rather than a technical car topic.
NHRA
"Like, you know, God bless John Force and what he's done for our sport, but I truly, I think that Tony is the new John Force of our sport that NHRA needs to attach to that guy and just ride that wave as long as Tony wants to do it or can do it."
NHRA is the big organization that runs professional drag races in the U.S. They set up the events and rules, and the racers compete for points and championships.
NHRA stands for the National Hot Rod Association, which is the main sanctioning body for drag racing in the U.S. It organizes events and championships for classes like Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock.
hot rod
"Tony's like me. He's like, let's get this hot rod and let's do this and that car and everything."
A hot rod is a car that’s been modified to be faster and more fun to drive. People often start with an older car and upgrade the parts so it can accelerate harder and handle better.
A hot rod is a modified car built for performance and style, often based on an older platform. In drag and street-racing culture, the term usually implies engine and drivetrain upgrades plus suspension/brake improvements to make the car faster and more controllable.
Dodge
"You know, we have great sponsors, obviously, with Dodge and American Rebel and GHG with Jason Johnson and all those guys, and they really do help put the bill, but it's still..."
Dodge is a car brand that’s especially known for performance cars. If they’re sponsoring something, it usually means they’re helping fund or support the racing/car community.
Dodge is a major American automaker known for performance models and a strong presence in motorsports. When a podcast segment mentions Dodge as a sponsor, it typically signals support for the event’s cars, parts, or promotional activities.
American Rebel
"You know, we have great sponsors, obviously, with Dodge and American Rebel and GHG with Jason Johnson and all those guys, and they really do help put the bill..."
American Rebel is being talked about like a sponsor for the event. That usually means they help pay for things or provide products for the cars and racers.
American Rebel is mentioned as a sponsor, implying it’s a brand/company supporting the event financially or through products. In car culture, sponsor names like this often correspond to aftermarket parts, apparel, or performance-related services.
GHG
"...with Dodge and American Rebel and GHG with Jason Johnson and all those guys, and they really do help put the bill..."
GHG is mentioned as a sponsor, but the episode segment doesn’t explain what the name means. It likely refers to a company that helps fund or support the racing event.
GHG is referenced as part of the sponsor lineup, but the transcript doesn’t define what it stands for. In motorsports contexts, sponsor acronyms are often companies tied to performance parts, fabrication, or event support.
time zones
"He made him through Facebook messaging and I was like, hey man, I don't understand how time zones work. But, you know, it was another day right now. It's three o'clock in the morning tomorrow in New Zealand."
Time zones matter for coordinating events, live streams, and communications across countries. In motorsports communities, fans and teams often interact internationally, so “what day/time is it there?” can affect planning.
Winter Nationals
"Could you feel it this past weekend at the Winter Nationals? Yeah, man."
“Winter Nationals” is the name of a drag-racing weekend/event. The hosts are talking about how big the crowd energy felt there.
“Winter Nationals” is a drag-racing event name. In the context of this recap, it’s where the hosts say they could “feel” the fan excitement and the atmosphere of the weekend.
Legends
"I feel like the Legends and the Thousand Funding Car Race, even with all the mayhem,"
“Legends” is likely the name of a race class that ran during the event. It’s mentioned as part of what made the weekend exciting.
“Legends” refers to a specific racing class or series within the broader event schedule. The hosts mention it alongside other races, implying it’s part of the same weekend’s drag program.
Thousand Funding Car Race
"I feel like the Legends and the Thousand Funding Car Race, even with all the mayhem,"
This sounds like another race that happened during the same weekend. The hosts are grouping it with “Legends” as part of the action.
“Thousand Funding Car Race” sounds like an event or race title tied to the weekend’s schedule. The phrase is likely a sponsorship- or promotion-related name, but the exact official wording/class isn’t fully clear from the transcript.
Pomona Recap
"that race just felt special. Can you get that vibe as a driver that's in that race? That race, that place is so magical, right?"
They’re talking about how special the Pomona race feels. It’s not just the track—it’s the history and the fact that big winners get celebrated there.
This segment is reflecting on the vibe and significance of a specific racing venue/event—Pomona—rather than discussing a particular car or technical detail. The hosts connect the feeling of competing there with the venue’s history and the fact that champions are crowned at that location.
crowned champions
"I mean, there's champions crowned there. There's so much history. We used to start there. We finished there. And it all comes down to that deal, man."
“Crowned champions” refers to the moment winners are officially recognized at the end of a season or event. In motorsports, this framing emphasizes that the competition isn’t just about individual races—it’s about earning a title through consistent performance.
Fairplex
"...part of, you know, Pomona and that whole Fairplex and everything there."
Fairplex is the place name they’re using for the venue area around Pomona. It’s basically the “where the event happens” reference that drag-racing fans associate with.
Fairplex is mentioned as part of the Pomona venue area. In drag-racing discussions, this kind of reference helps listeners understand where events are held and why the location matters to the community.
shift gears
"Aaron Stanfield's wife has a question that Jason, I also want to get into. Yeah, I hear she says we're going to shift gears. Yeah, so how much fun are you having right now?"
In cars, “shift gears” means moving the gear lever to change how the car pulls. Here they’re not talking about the car—they’re saying they’re switching to a new part of the conversation.
“Shift gears” is a driving term that means changing gears in a manual transmission. In the conversation it’s used figuratively, meaning they’re switching to a new topic or segment.
Promod
"I mentioned it in a top-end interview is like, you know, before we had the final round with Caps, I was just like, hey, you know, Mike Ashley, not Mike Ashley, but Justin because I raced with Mike, his dad a long time ago in Promod, so I got a lot of love for that family over there."
Pro Mod is a drag racing category for cars that are built and modified for maximum speed. The cars are usually very different from normal street cars because the rules let teams change a lot of the powertrain.
“Pro Mod” (short for Pro Modified) is a drag racing class where cars are heavily modified for straight-line performance. Rules typically allow major changes to the engine and drivetrain, and the cars often run very fast quarter-mile times.
Top-end interview
"I mentioned it in a top-end interview is like, you know, before we had the final round with Caps, I was just like, hey, you know, Mike Ashley, not Mike Ashley, but Justin..."
A “top-end interview” is basically an interview that happens around the most important part of the event. It’s often when the biggest names or the final-round competitors are getting spotlighted.
A “top-end interview” usually refers to a media segment focused on the highest-profile or most competitive part of an event—often the final rounds or the most notable competitors. In drag racing coverage, it can mean interviews timed around the most important runs.
final round
"I mentioned it in a top-end interview is like, you know, before we had the final round with Caps, I was just like, hey, you know, Mike Ashley..."
The “final round” is the last race in the bracket. Whoever wins that matchup takes the event.
In drag racing, the “final round” is the last elimination matchup that decides the winner of a bracket or event. It’s typically when the best-performing cars and drivers from earlier rounds face off.
burn out
"...put beef sticks in your headers and you do a burn out and you shoot beef sticks."
A burnout is when a drag racer spins the tires to heat them up and improve traction for the launch. Hotter tires can grip the track better, helping the car accelerate more effectively at the start.
T-shirt cannon
"We label that whole thing up. Let's do it, man. We'll send them and wrap them in rubber band and shoot them out of the T-shirt cannon."
A T-shirt cannon is a device that shoots shirts into the crowd. At racing events, it’s usually for fun during celebrations.
A T-shirt cannon is a crowd-throwing device used at events to launch merchandise into the stands. In a motorsports context, it’s often used during celebratory moments or between runs.
four wide
"look forward to seeing you and Charlotte at the [3684.2s] four wide. So, that's basically [3686.2s] your home race now, isn't it?"
“Four wide” means four cars are driving next to each other at the same time. It’s exciting, but it’s also risky because there’s very little room for mistakes.
“Four wide” refers to a racing formation where four cars run side-by-side in the same turn or stretch. It’s a high-visibility move that requires precise spacing and communication because the cars are operating very close to each other.
home race
"[3686.2s] your home race now, isn't it? Yeah, well, they're [3688.2s] doing like the champions thing there,"
A “home race” is basically the race that feels closest to the driver’s world—near their home or where they’re most connected. It can make the weekend easier and more exciting.
A “home race” is an event that feels local to a driver or team—often because it’s near where they live, where they’re based, or where they have strong support. In motorsports, that can affect logistics, fan turnout, and even how comfortable the team feels on race day.
four-time champion
"[3700.2s] you're a four-time champion, [3702.2s] you know, start stacking up. [3704.2s] I'm excited to see all of the stuff"
A “four-time champion” means the driver has won the overall season title four times. It’s usually earned by doing well across many races, not just one.
A “four-time champion” means the driver has won a championship title four separate times. In racing, championships are typically based on points accumulated over a season, not just winning a single race.
Charlotte
"[3706.2s] they're doing and that they're showcasing [3708.2s] all that for Charlotte. So, yeah, [3710.2s] kind of a home race."
Charlotte refers to a race location in the Charlotte area. The speaker is basically saying it’s closer to them than some other tracks.
Charlotte is used as a shorthand for racing in the Charlotte area, which is strongly associated with NASCAR and Charlotte Motor Speedway. The speaker lists it as closer than Richmond and Bristol, reinforcing the “home race” idea.
Richmond
"[3710.2s] kind of a home race. Everybody thinks Richmond is, but [3712.2s] that's four hours away. Charlotte's two, Bristol's two."
Richmond here is a race track location. The host is saying some people think it’s the “home” one, but it’s farther away than the others.
Richmond is referenced as a track location in the NASCAR world (commonly Richmond Raceway). The speaker contrasts it with other nearby venues to explain what counts as a “home race” distance-wise.
Bristol
"[3712.2s] that's four hours away. Charlotte's two, Bristol's two. [3714.2s] So, yeah,"
Bristol is another place where races happen. The speaker is comparing travel distance to explain which track feels most local.
Bristol is referenced as another nearby NASCAR track location (commonly Bristol Motor Speedway). Mentioning it alongside Charlotte and Richmond helps frame the speaker’s “home race” geography.
75th year
"...in the 75th year with all the legends coming back and all the autograph sessions and everything like that."
The “75th year” signals a milestone anniversary for the racing series or event being discussed. Milestone years often bring special guest drivers, legends, and extra fan activities like autograph sessions, which changes the vibe compared with a normal weekend.
race track
"We did go to the race track and we had a meal there one time."
They’re talking about going to a place built for racing. Racing at a track is different from normal driving because the cars and drivers have to follow track rules.
They mention going to a race track, which signals the conversation is centered on motorsports rather than street driving. Track events typically involve different rules, prep, and driving demands than normal driving.
Speedway Club
"Yeah, that was not with you guys, the Speedway Club, but we may hit those guys there."
“Speedway Club” sounds like a group connected to a race venue. These kinds of clubs often help people go to races together and get access to special areas.
“Speedway Club” appears to be a group or venue associated with a specific speedway. In motorsports, clubs like this often organize attendance, hospitality, or track-day/race-day experiences.
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