{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Mike Helton Interview","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/mike-helton-interview","audioUrl":"https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/FOXM7780550100.mp3?updated=1775093232","description":"Mike Helton reflects on his rise to becoming NASCAR President, the lasting impact of Dale Earnhardt’s death on safety in NASCAR, and the ongoing evolution of the sport as leadership looks toward the future. On this episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, Kevin Harvick sits down with Helton to discuss how he got his start in racing and worked his way up through NASCAR, the critical changes made to cars and tracks in the wake of Earnhardt’s passing, how those safety improvements continue to evolve today, the biggest challenges facing the sport moving forward, and personal stories from Harvick’s driving career that highlight Helton’s leadership and the relationship between drivers and NASCAR.\n\n0:00 - Intro\n\n0:31 - Mike Helton Joins The Show!\n\n1:17 - Early Journey Into NASCAR\n\n3:30 - Biggest Moments Which Grew Sport\n\n8:15 - Increased Safety Measures In NASCAR\n\n18:16 - Future Of NASCAR\n\n24:30 - Social Media Changing NASCAR\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices"},"annotations":[{"startTime":9.5,"endTime":9.5,"type":"concept","title":"Richmond","url":"/glossary/richmond","quote":"I think the maddest I've ever seen you was at Richmond you drug me up in that trailer and that's the maddest [14.3s] I've ever seen I think today's leadership in NASCAR is as good as it's ever been","canonicalId":"concept:richmond","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Richmond refers to Richmond Raceway, a well-known NASCAR short track in Virginia. It’s often associated with intense, close racing where emotions and competition can run high.","simplifiedExplanation":"Richmond is a famous NASCAR track in Virginia. It’s known for tight, exciting racing, so it makes sense it would be a memorable moment."}},{"startTime":14.3,"endTime":14.3,"type":"concept","title":"NASCAR","url":"/glossary/nascar","quote":"I think the maddest I've ever seen you was at Richmond you drug me up in that trailer and that's the maddest [14.3s] I've ever seen I think today's leadership in NASCAR is as good as it's ever been","canonicalId":"concept:nascar","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"NASCAR is a major American stock-car racing series. In the context of this interview, it refers to the organization and the sport Mike Helton helped lead.","simplifiedExplanation":"NASCAR is a big American race series where stock cars race on oval tracks. The interview is about how the sport is run and led."}},{"startTime":75.6,"endTime":83.3,"type":"concept","title":"Atlanta Motor Speedway","url":"/glossary/atlanta-motor-speedway","quote":"Well, let's just start there you started in in [75.6s] 1980 and at Atlanta Motor Speedway [83.3s] How did you even before that? How did you even become interested in racing?","canonicalId":"concept:atlanta-motor-speedway","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Atlanta Motor Speedway was a prominent NASCAR venue in Hampton, Georgia. Mike Helton mentions starting his career at Atlanta in 1980, tying the interview to NASCAR’s track-based operations and culture.","simplifiedExplanation":"Atlanta Motor Speedway was a major NASCAR track in Georgia. The guest is talking about starting his career there and learning the sport from the ground up."}},{"startTime":88.2,"endTime":92.7,"type":"concept","title":"Bristol","url":"/glossary/bristol","quote":"So you got my grew up in Bristol, okay, and with the track in Bristol [92.7s] You you don't grow up there and not know about NASCAR. Yeah, so it was just a just a natural [100.2s] Fit","canonicalId":"concept:bristol","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Bristol refers to Bristol Motor Speedway, one of NASCAR’s most iconic short tracks. The speaker notes growing up around Bristol, emphasizing how local culture can shape interest in NASCAR.","simplifiedExplanation":"Bristol is a famous NASCAR track. Growing up near it usually means you’re surrounded by racing and NASCAR culture from a young age."}},{"startTime":100.2,"endTime":114.5,"type":"concept","title":"race weekend","url":"/glossary/race-weekend","quote":"in those days most particularly tracks like Bristol and even in Atlanta some the [108.3s] You would run two weekends you'd run a weekend and you would do nothing until the next race weekend [114.5s] So there was a lot more part-time than there were full-time","canonicalId":"concept:race-weekend","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A race weekend is the multi-day period leading up to and including the race, including practice and preparation. The speaker describes how, in earlier eras, teams and staff might do little between weekends.","simplifiedExplanation":"A race weekend is the days around the race where teams get ready and practice. The interview is saying that back then, there was more downtime between weekends."}},{"startTime":108.3,"endTime":119.7,"type":"concept","title":"part-time staff","url":"/glossary/part-time-staff","quote":"So there was a lot more part-time than there were full-time the full-time staff [119.7s] When I first got to Atlanta was like four or five people [123.6s] And then you would ramp up run the race clean up wait for the next one","canonicalId":"concept:part-time-staff","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The interview contrasts earlier NASCAR track operations with today by describing how staffing was smaller and more part-time. That affects how teams and officials prepared between race weekends.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re saying that back then, there were fewer people working full-time. Between races, things slowed down until the next weekend."}},{"startTime":133.3,"endTime":133.3,"type":"company","title":"Eddie Gossage","url":"/glossary/eddie-gossage","quote":"and so I was kind of doing that a little bit part-time mission Bristol and and [133.3s] Eddie Gossage and and Ed Clark were running the Bristol track and they also ran Nashville and","canonicalId":"company:eddie-gossage","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Eddie Gossage was a well-known motorsports promoter and track executive associated with NASCAR-era venues. Here, he’s mentioned as helping run Bristol and also being involved with Nashville.","simplifiedExplanation":"Eddie Gossage was a major figure in motorsports who helped manage big racing tracks. In this story, he’s connected to Bristol and Nashville racing."}},{"startTime":133.3,"endTime":133.3,"type":"company","title":"Ed Clark","url":"/glossary/ed-clark","quote":"and so I was kind of doing that a little bit part-time mission Bristol and and [133.3s] Eddie Gossage and and Ed Clark were running the Bristol track and they also ran Nashville and","canonicalId":"company:ed-clark","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Ed Clark is referenced as a track executive/promoter involved in running Bristol. The interview uses him to illustrate how track leadership shaped NASCAR operations across multiple venues.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ed Clark was another key person running major racing tracks. The interview is using him to show how track leadership worked across different cities."}},{"startTime":248.6,"endTime":253.6,"type":"concept","title":"signed up in the 70s","url":"/glossary/signed-up-in-the-70s","quote":"[241.8s] There were probably three when you when you look at the timelines that were really impactful [248.6s] the first one was when RJ Reynolds signed up in the 70s and [253.6s] Gave the sport","canonicalId":"concept:signed-up-in-the-70s","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.74,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This refers to a major sponsorship agreement timeframe—NASCAR securing a long-term sponsor in the 1970s. In motorsports, sponsorship deals often directly influence prize money, marketing, and the ability to attract top teams and drivers."}},{"startTime":248.6,"endTime":248.6,"type":"company","title":"RJ Reynolds","url":"/glossary/rj-reynolds","quote":"[241.8s] There were probably three when you when you look at the timelines that were really impactful [248.6s] the first one was when RJ Reynolds signed up in the 70s and [253.6s] Gave the sport","canonicalId":"company:rj-reynolds","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.93,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"RJ Reynolds is a major tobacco company that became a key sponsor for NASCAR starting in the 1970s. Their involvement brought substantial funding that helped increase prize money and promotional reach, which can accelerate a sport’s mainstream growth.","simplifiedExplanation":"RJ Reynolds was a big sponsor for NASCAR. When a sponsor like that puts money into a racing series, it can help the sport grow by offering bigger prizes and getting more promotion."}},{"startTime":253.6,"endTime":257.1,"type":"concept","title":"prize moneys and promotions","url":"/glossary/prize-moneys-and-promotions","quote":"[248.6s] the first one was when RJ Reynolds signed up in the 70s and [253.6s] Gave the sport [255.9s] resources [257.1s] for prize moneys and promotions and","canonicalId":"concept:prize-moneys-and-promotions","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.82,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Prize money and promotions are two major levers that sponsors and series organizers use to grow a racing sport. More prize money can attract stronger competition, while promotions increase fan awareness and media attention.","simplifiedExplanation":"They mention two things that help racing grow: bigger prizes and more advertising/promotion. Together, that draws more fans and better competitors."}},{"startTime":392.9,"endTime":400.0,"type":"term","title":"Victory Lane","url":"/glossary/victory-lane","quote":"Climb in and out of the car and do what you did climb out in Victory Lane and That evidence of what you could do.","canonicalId":"term:victory-lane","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Victory Lane is the ceremonial area at a NASCAR track where drivers celebrate after winning a race. It’s a key part of the sport’s media and fan experience, since drivers often climb out of the car there for interviews and photos.","simplifiedExplanation":"Victory Lane is where NASCAR winners go right after the race. It’s where they celebrate and usually talk to the media and fans."}},{"startTime":438.0,"endTime":451.5,"type":"concept","title":"Earnhardt press conference","url":"/glossary/earnhardt-press-conference","quote":"...Circumstance that was probably the hardest situation you ever had to handle from from the Earnhardt press conference without a doubt","canonicalId":"concept:earnhardt-press-conference","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The “Earnhardt press conference” refers to a major, emotionally difficult media moment tied to Dale Earnhardt’s accident. The speaker uses it to describe how the sport had to handle crisis communication while safety and procedures were changing.","simplifiedExplanation":"The “Earnhardt press conference” is a major public moment after Dale Earnhardt’s serious incident. The speaker is saying it was one of the hardest situations to deal with, not just for racing but for the people in the sport."}},{"startTime":507.0,"endTime":512.0,"type":"term","title":"seats were all mounted different","url":"/glossary/seats-were-all-mounted-different","quote":"...a new helmet and the seats were all mounted different and then I look at it today...","canonicalId":"term:seats-were-all-mounted-different","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Seats were all mounted different” points to changes in seat mounting and driver positioning inside the race car. Proper seat mounting helps manage driver movement in impacts and supports better restraint effectiveness during crashes.","simplifiedExplanation":"This means the driver seat was installed differently in the car. The goal is to keep the driver positioned more safely during a crash so restraints and protection work better."}},{"startTime":531.7,"endTime":571.0,"type":"concept","title":"soft walls","url":"/glossary/soft-walls","quote":"Okay, and because you guys redid it I mean it was three years and we started having soft walls that were put up and and what was that like because I feel like","canonicalId":"concept:soft-walls","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In NASCAR and other motorsports, “soft walls” are energy-absorbing barriers designed to reduce the severity of crashes. They help slow the car down over a longer distance, lowering the forces on the driver during impact.","simplifiedExplanation":"Soft walls are crash barriers made to absorb energy instead of stopping a car instantly. That can make impacts less violent for the driver."}},{"startTime":553.3,"endTime":563.0,"type":"concept","title":"fatal injuries","url":"/glossary/fatal-injuries","quote":"Okay, and because you guys redid it I mean it was three years and we started having soft walls that were put up and and what was that like because I feel like From from my time that was the biggest change from Dale's accident Was the overall safety of the whole sport for a long time before? 2001 we were kind of trying to figure things out because we've gone through a tough stretch in 2000 with Adam and Kenny and Tony Roper and and similar Injuries that were fatal","canonicalId":"concept:fatal-injuries","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Fatal injuries” refers to driver deaths resulting from crashes, which often trigger major safety reviews. Motorsport safety programs typically intensify after clusters of severe incidents, leading to new barrier designs, car safety updates, and track procedures.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fatal injuries are deaths from crashes. When that happens, racing organizations usually take a hard look at what caused it and make safety changes."}},{"startTime":599.4,"endTime":604.9,"type":"concept","title":"drivers were having those particular injuries when they hit","url":"/glossary/drivers-were-having-those-particular-injuries-when-they-hit","quote":"Yeah, but but that was going on we were we were trying to figure out Why our drivers were having those particular injuries when they hit","canonicalId":"concept:drivers-were-having-those-particular-injuries-when-they-hit","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This points to injury causation analysis—studying crash impacts to understand which forces and contact conditions lead to specific injuries. In motorsports safety, that drives targeted changes to barriers, car structures, and restraint systems.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re trying to understand why drivers get hurt in certain ways during crashes. Once you know what causes the injuries, you can change the safety design to reduce them."}},{"startTime":881.7,"endTime":883.8,"type":"concept","title":"neck stress","url":"/glossary/neck-stress","quote":"[877.6s] Yeah, and you're even in it and you don't know it until somebody maybe show you a video and said well\n[881.7s] I didn't know I did that you didn't know your neck stress that far\n[883.8s] It's it's it's it's incredible","canonicalId":"concept:neck-stress","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.78,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Neck stress” refers to how crash forces load the driver’s neck, which can contribute to serious injury. Safety programs often focus on reducing these loads through restraint design, vehicle structure, and head/neck protection strategies.","simplifiedExplanation":"Neck stress means the forces that act on your neck during a crash. Safety efforts try to reduce those forces so the neck isn’t overloaded."}},{"startTime":883.8,"endTime":994.38,"type":"concept","title":"safety","url":"/glossary/safety","quote":"[883.8s] It's it's it's it's incredible and so we learned all of that and from that learning we're able to advance safety yeah, and and\n[942.0s] Knowing that you can't make it perfectly safe that people are going to get hurt","canonicalId":"concept:safety","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The interview is centered on improving motorsport safety through research and development. The key idea is that you can’t make racing perfectly safe, but you can reduce the likelihood and severity of injuries with better engineering and procedures.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re talking about making racing safer. You can’t eliminate crashes, but you can design things and learn from accidents to reduce how badly people get hurt."}},{"startTime":894.1,"endTime":899.6,"type":"term","title":"R&D","url":"/glossary/r-d","quote":"[894.1s] It makes me very happy and proud that that it's I walked through the R&D Center this week\n[899.6s] And it's the same level of attention to things and now it's I mean it's just it's incredible","canonicalId":"term:r-d","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"R&D stands for research and development. In racing safety contexts, it’s the process of testing crash-related variables and improving equipment based on measured results.","simplifiedExplanation":"R&D means research and development. It’s how they test ideas and then improve safety based on real findings."}},{"startTime":912.2,"endTime":923.3,"type":"concept","title":"quarter of an inch","url":"/glossary/quarter-of-an-inch","quote":"[904.4s] One of the doctor dr. Melvin out of Texas that was working on all this with us. He took a yardstick and said\n[912.2s] You guys have got a pretty good program. So out of 12 inches. You're about 11 and three quarters\n[917.1s] you got a quarter of an inch and","canonicalId":"concept:quarter-of-an-inch","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The “quarter of an inch” comment highlights how racing safety tolerances can be extremely tight. Small dimensional changes can meaningfully affect how a driver’s body interacts with restraints and how forces are managed in a crash.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re talking about tiny measurements. In safety engineering, even small spacing differences can change how well protection works during a crash."}},{"startTime":923.3,"endTime":931.3,"type":"concept","title":"a millionth of an inch","url":"/glossary/a-millionth-of-an-inch","quote":"[919.9s] So we got to work on that quarter of an inch, but I want to tell you something\n[923.3s] You're never going to get all of it. Yeah, you can get you can get within a millionth of an inch of 12\n[931.3s] But you're never going to get there","canonicalId":"concept:a-millionth-of-an-inch","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This emphasizes the limits of precision in safety engineering. Even with advanced testing, there’s always some unavoidable variation, so the goal becomes getting as close as possible to ideal performance rather than achieving perfection.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re saying you can’t make everything perfect down to the tiniest measurement. Instead, engineers aim to get extremely close and consistently protect drivers."}},{"startTime":999.3,"endTime":1004.2,"type":"concept","title":"fire lane","url":"/glossary/fire-lane","quote":"...and I'm like pull right up to the back of the truck down the fire lane and [1004.2s] Standing on the back of the truck is Jim Hunter...","canonicalId":"concept:fire-lane","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A fire lane is a restricted roadway near a facility reserved for emergency access. The speaker describes pulling up in a fire lane to reach the back of a truck, implying a potentially improper or risky parking/traffic decision.","simplifiedExplanation":"A fire lane is an area you’re not supposed to block because it needs to stay clear for emergencies. The story is about pulling up there to get access quickly."}},{"startTime":1079.9,"endTime":1106.44,"type":"concept","title":"offseason","url":"/glossary/off-season","quote":"...we both love the same thing much like you and I did right we love the sport Where do you feel like from the NASCAR side? [1100.6s] I mean you sit back and watch all these changes and moves and everything that happened in the offseason...","canonicalId":"concept:off-season","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In NASCAR, the offseason is the period between the end of one season and the start of the next. Teams use this time for rule changes, car development, staffing adjustments, and major preparation before the next schedule begins.","simplifiedExplanation":"The offseason is the time when NASCAR teams aren’t racing every week. They use it to make changes to the cars and plan for the next season."}},{"startTime":1447.4,"endTime":1450.8,"type":"concept","title":"garage area","url":"/glossary/garage-area","quote":"that's where I think Between the characters that are in the garage area now Steve O'Donnell's unique experience","canonicalId":"concept:garage-area","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The garage area is where NASCAR teams work between sessions—making adjustments, handling repairs, and preparing cars for the next run. It’s also a key part of the sport’s day-to-day operations and team communication.","simplifiedExplanation":"The garage area is where the teams work on the cars during the race weekend. They fix things, make changes, and get ready for the next session."}},{"startTime":1471.2,"endTime":1488.7,"type":"concept","title":"tick-tock","url":"/glossary/tick-tock","quote":"Rick Hendrick has a tick-tock account Do you have a tick-tock account? I do not But I'm surprised Rick does I think somebody sign him up I got I got a text from Rick one day and it was a tick-tock video","canonicalId":"concept:tick-tock","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Tick-tock” refers to TikTok, a short-form video platform. In motorsports, it’s used for quick behind-the-scenes content, driver/team personality, and sponsor-friendly storytelling.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tick-tock is a social media app where people post short videos. For racing, it’s a way to share quick clips and connect with fans."}},{"startTime":1471.2,"endTime":1479.0,"type":"brand","title":"Rick Hendrick","url":"/glossary/rick-hendrick","quote":"One of the one of the funniest things that I've learned this year is Rick Hendrick has a tick-tock account Do you have a tick-tock account? I do not","canonicalId":"brand:rick-hendrick","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Rick Hendrick is closely associated with NASCAR team ownership and leadership through Hendrick Motorsports. His use of modern platforms like TikTok reflects how top motorsports figures increasingly engage fans beyond traditional media.","simplifiedExplanation":"Rick Hendrick is a major NASCAR team leader. He’s involved with one of the biggest racing organizations, and the conversation highlights how even team owners are using newer social platforms to reach fans."}},{"startTime":1536.6,"endTime":1541.2,"type":"concept","title":"Martinsville","url":"/glossary/martinsville","quote":"It's Martinsville. Yeah, I like that love being at the racetrack.","canonicalId":"concept:martinsville","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Martinsville Speedway is a historic NASCAR track in Virginia, known for tight turns and heavy braking zones. It’s a fan-favorite because racing there often features close, physical competition and frequent position changes.","simplifiedExplanation":"Martinsville is a NASCAR race track in Virginia. It’s famous for being tight and intense, so the racing is usually close and exciting."}},{"startTime":1601.4,"endTime":1617.8,"type":"concept","title":"hauler","url":"/glossary/hauler","quote":"You came in that trailer, and you had you had the 21 team lined up down one side of the hauler","canonicalId":"concept:hauler","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.82,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In motorsports, a “hauler” is the large truck/trailer that transports a team’s cars, equipment, and personnel to and from events. The transcript describes teams lining up on opposite sides of the hauler, which highlights how close and organized team spaces are at the track.","simplifiedExplanation":"A hauler is the big transport truck that moves the race team and their gear. It’s basically the team’s mobile base at the track."}},{"startTime":1618.0,"endTime":1626.6,"type":"concept","title":"bench clearing brawl","url":"/glossary/bench-clearing-brawl","quote":"And you slammed the back door open and and all he said was you caused it I won't use all language you caused a bench clearing brawl","canonicalId":"concept:bench-clearing-brawl","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “bench clearing brawl” is a fight that spills beyond the immediate participants and involves multiple people, often from teams or groups. In NASCAR context, it usually refers to an on-track incident that escalates into a larger confrontation at the track or in team areas.","simplifiedExplanation":"That phrase means a fight got so out of hand that people from more than just the original argument got involved. It’s basically an all-out scuffle that spreads beyond the initial moment."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"FOX Sports","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/mike-helton-interview/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}