{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Sting Ray Robb","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/sting-ray-robb","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/sxm.simplecastaudio.com/c4975f47-4d85-4129-b692-8d3784e110bd/episodes/12d68aa4-e706-4cb1-8ffa-6b9e57844fa3/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=c4975f47-4d85-4129-b692-8d3784e110bd&awEpisodeId=12d68aa4-e706-4cb1-8ffa-6b9e57844fa3&feed=qaiDidW0","description":"The driver of the no. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing car, Sting Ray Robb joins Hinch and Rossi.\n+++\nOff Track is part of the SiriusXM Sports Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, please give a 5-star rating and leave a review. Subscribe today wherever you stream your podcasts.\nWant some Off Track swag? Check out our store!\nCheck out our website, www.askofftrack.com\nSubscribe to our YouTube Channel.\nWant some advice? Send your questions in for Ask Alex to AskOffTrack@gmail.com\nFollow us on Twitter at @askofftrack. Or individually at @Hinchtown, @AlexanderRossi, and @TheTimDurham. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising."},"annotations":[{"startTime":168.6,"endTime":173.9,"type":"car","title":"1966 Stingray Corvette","url":"/cars/chevrolet/corvette","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/1978_Chevrolet_Corvette_C3_Silver_Anniversary_Edition_LCCS20.jpg","quote":"He owns the OG 1966 Stingray Corvette. Like that's nice.","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:corvette","priority":0.85,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The 1966 Corvette Stingray is a classic American sports car from Chevrolet, known for its iconic C2-era styling and its place in Corvette history. In 1966, the Stingray name became strongly associated with the Corvette’s performance image, and the car is especially prized by enthusiasts today.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, a famous classic sports car. People love it because it’s an early “Stingray” Corvette and it looks and feels very iconic.","imageAttribution":"MrWalkr (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":186.8,"endTime":191.3,"type":"term","title":"pace car","url":"/glossary/pace-car","quote":"My goal is to own the pace car that the Stingray Corvette.","canonicalId":"term:pace-car","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A pace car is the car used to lead the field at the start of a race or during caution periods. Its job is to control the speed and spacing of the cars so the race can restart safely.","simplifiedExplanation":"A pace car is the car that leads the race cars at controlled speed, like at the start or when there’s a caution. It helps keep everyone spaced out and safe."}},{"startTime":223.6,"endTime":225.9,"type":"term","title":"low rider","url":"/glossary/low-rider","quote":"They've stepped it up with the Chevy SS truck, like that low rider, two door pickup truck.","canonicalId":"term:low-rider","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “low rider” is a car or truck setup designed to sit very low to the ground, often with suspension modifications. The goal is a distinctive look and stance, sometimes paired with special suspension behavior.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “low rider” is a car that’s lowered so it sits close to the ground. People do it for the style and the unique stance."}},{"startTime":245.9,"endTime":249.7,"type":"term","title":"autocross","url":"/glossary/auto-cross","quote":"I thought it was normal for kids to go to like Corvette Club meetings all the time and drag races and autocross events.","canonicalId":"term:autocross","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Autocross is a timed driving event on a closed course marked with cones, where drivers navigate tight turns at relatively low speeds. It’s a test of car control—steering response, braking, and tire grip—rather than top speed.","simplifiedExplanation":"Autocross is a timed driving course set up with cones. You drive through the course quickly, focusing on handling and control."}},{"startTime":245.9,"endTime":249.7,"type":"term","title":"drag races","url":"/glossary/drag-race","quote":"I thought it was normal for kids to go to like Corvette Club meetings all the time and drag races and autocross events.","canonicalId":"term:drag-races","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Drag racing is a motorsport where two vehicles compete over a straight-line sprint, typically measured by elapsed time and speed. It emphasizes acceleration and traction more than cornering.","simplifiedExplanation":"Drag racing is racing in a straight line from start to finish. The focus is how fast the car can accelerate."}},{"startTime":258.5,"endTime":265.8,"type":"term","title":"IndyCar","url":"/glossary/indycar","quote":"And was the was the goal always to get to IndyCar or was it anything with wheels","canonicalId":"term:indycar","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"IndyCar is the top-level open-wheel racing series in the United States, known for oval tracks, road courses, and street circuits. It’s a common career target for drivers coming up through karting and junior formulas.","simplifiedExplanation":"IndyCar is a major kind of professional race series in the U.S. It’s the big open-wheel racing ladder many drivers aim for."}},{"startTime":272.3,"endTime":277.4,"type":"term","title":"go-karting","url":"/glossary/go-karting","quote":"To be fully honest, the reason I got into go-karting was because I watched a YouTube video at four years old of Travis Pastrana jumping a go-kart into a foam pit.","canonicalId":"term:go-karting","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Go-karting is a youth motorsport using small, lightweight karts, and it’s one of the most common entry points into racing. It teaches basic racing skills like steering, braking, and racecraft at an early age.","simplifiedExplanation":"Go-karting is racing small carts, usually for kids and beginners. It’s a common first step for people who want to become race drivers."}},{"startTime":272.3,"endTime":281.2,"type":"person","title":"Travis Pastrana","url":"/glossary/travis-pastrana","quote":"To be fully honest, the reason I got into go-karting was because I watched a YouTube video at four years old of Travis Pastrana jumping a go-kart into a foam pit.","canonicalId":"person:travis-pastrana","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Travis Pastrana is a well-known American extreme sports athlete who has also competed in motorsports. The segment references his stunt of jumping a go-kart into a foam pit, which is a memorable example of freestyle motorsport culture.","simplifiedExplanation":"Travis Pastrana is a famous action-sports and motorsports star. In this story, he’s the person doing the crazy go-kart jump that inspired the speaker."}},{"startTime":329.9,"endTime":332.32,"type":"car","title":"Dodge Journey","url":"/cars/dodge/journey","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3c/%2709_Dodge_Journey_%28Montreal%29.jpg","quote":"...cross the country. So they were all along for the journey with me. And at any point, if it just stopped bei...","canonicalId":"car:dodge:journey","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Dodge Journey is a mid-size crossover SUV designed for family use, with seating for multiple passengers and practical cargo space. The podcast context suggests it was part of a long trip (“cross the country”), and the mention of it “just stopped” points to a potential reliability or breakdown concern during travel. That makes it a relevant vehicle to discuss in terms of real-world dependability on long drives.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Dodge Journey is a larger family SUV made by Dodge. It’s meant for carrying people and luggage on everyday trips and longer drives. If someone says it “stopped,” they’re usually talking about the car not running properly while traveling.","imageAttribution":"Bull-Doser (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":399.2,"endTime":403.3,"type":"term","title":"shifters","url":"/glossary/shifters","quote":"All through karting, my dad was my mechanic until kind of a certain point till I got into shifters. Then he was like, I don't know what I'm doing here.","canonicalId":"term:shifters","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In karting, “shifters” refers to kart classes that use a manual gearbox with a clutch and gear changes, rather than a simpler automatic or direct-drive setup. The added shifting changes how you accelerate and how you manage engine speed through corners and on straights.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Shifters” are race karts where you change gears yourself. That means you have to pay attention to engine speed and timing, not just throttle."}},{"startTime":438.9,"endTime":442.3,"type":"place","title":"Barber","url":"/glossary/barber","quote":"I mean, to be fair, you did lose a steering wheel at Barber one year.","canonicalId":"place:barber","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Barber” is a shorthand reference to Barber Motorsports Park, a well-known road course in Alabama used for racing events and driver development. It’s notable among racers for its technical layout and frequent use in motorsport series.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Barber” refers to a famous race track in Alabama where lots of racing happens. Drivers often talk about it because it’s challenging and technical."}},{"startTime":451.6,"endTime":458.0,"type":"term","title":"qualifying","url":"/glossary/qualifying","quote":"and I go down and qualifying to turn one and the whole engine just rolled into the field next to me.","canonicalId":"term:qualifying","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In racing, qualifying is the session where drivers set their fastest laps to determine the starting order for the race. A driver’s qualifying position can strongly affect race outcome because track position matters.","simplifiedExplanation":"Qualifying is the timed part of a race weekend where drivers try to set their best lap. Your result decides where you start the race—front is usually better."}},{"startTime":493.7,"endTime":501.4,"type":"term","title":"KZ2","url":"/glossary/kz2","quote":"And I was driving for the CRG factory team at the time and I think it was KZ2. And like, I had no shifter experience at all.","canonicalId":"term:kz2","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"KZ2 is a karting class (often associated with shifter karts) that uses a gearbox with a clutch and requires more driver skill than direct-drive classes. It’s considered a higher-level step in karting, so drivers typically need shifter experience to be competitive."}},{"startTime":498.8,"endTime":501.4,"type":"term","title":"shifter experience","url":"/glossary/shifter-experience","quote":"And I was driving for the CRG factory team at the time and I think it was KZ2. And like, I had no shifter experience at all.","canonicalId":"term:shifter-experience","priority":0.65,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Shifter experience refers to familiarity with a kart’s shifter gearbox, where the driver uses a clutch and gear changes to keep the engine in its power band. In shifter karts, correct shifting timing affects acceleration, lap time, and traction exiting corners."}},{"startTime":511.9,"endTime":516.8,"type":"term","title":"engine builder","url":"/glossary/engine-builder","quote":"And I remember we went to a race. I think it was Adria, maybe. And my engine builder didn't show up, like just didn't come to the race.","canonicalId":"term:engine-builder","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An engine builder is a specialist who assembles, prepares, and calibrates a race engine to meet the team’s rules and performance goals. In motorsport, the engine builder’s work can directly affect reliability and power delivery."}},{"startTime":518.1,"endTime":526.0,"type":"term","title":"backup motor","url":"/glossary/backup-motor","quote":"So I got the former world champion, Paulo Contos, backup motor, put that on for a practice session, went P1 in the practice session and then never saw that motor again.","canonicalId":"term:backup-motor","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A backup motor is a spare race engine kept ready in case the primary engine fails or can’t be used. Teams often bring backup engines because engine issues can cost an entire weekend in motorsport."}},{"startTime":526.0,"endTime":532.8,"type":"term","title":"12K pH down","quote":"went P1 in the practice session and then never saw that motor again and was 12K pH down on the straightaway the rest of the weekend.","canonicalId":"term:12k-ph-down","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.35,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This describes a large speed deficit on the straightaway, implying the car/kart had significantly less top-end performance than the field. In context, it’s likely shorthand for being thousands of RPM (or a similar measurement) down, which would point to power/engine output issues."}},{"startTime":1234.0,"endTime":1268.3,"type":"concept","title":"rushed the process","url":"/glossary/rushed-the-process","quote":"I mean, hindsight being what it is, I think that we rushed my sort of early stages development...\nAnd it simply does not translate.","canonicalId":"concept:rushed-the-process","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Rushed the process” refers to advancing a driver through the development ladder faster than their skills can adapt to the next car’s demands. The transcript argues that karting experience didn’t translate well enough when the jump to more complex cars happened too quickly.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Rushed the process” means moving up to harder racing sooner than the driver was fully ready. The guest feels the early steps were too fast, so the learning didn’t stick as well."}},{"startTime":1251.2,"endTime":1262.9,"type":"term","title":"simulator","url":"/glossary/simulator","quote":"almost don't get your kids in karting.\nGet them into a race car as soon as possible and also like get them a simulator.","canonicalId":"term:simulator","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A racing simulator is a computer-based driving setup that recreates track conditions and car behavior to help drivers practice. In the transcript, it’s mentioned as a tool to accelerate learning alongside real-world seat time.","simplifiedExplanation":"A simulator is a racing video-game-style setup that tries to mimic real driving. Drivers use it to practice lines and braking points without being on track all the time."}},{"startTime":1268.3,"endTime":1304.6,"type":"term","title":"Pro Mazda","url":"/glossary/pro-mazda","quote":"going from Skip Barber to Pro Mazda was a bit aggressive probably for me at the time...\nLike out of Skip Barber, you would maybe do like F4, then F2000, then Pro 2000, which is essentially Star Mazda.","canonicalId":"term:pro-mazda","priority":0.65,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Pro Mazda was a U.S. open-wheel development series positioned above entry-level formulas. The key point here is that it’s a significant performance and complexity jump from earlier karting/entry series—more downforce, more power, and real multi-gear car driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"Pro Mazda was a higher-level racing series on the path to bigger open-wheel categories. It’s tougher than the earlier steps because the cars are faster and more complex to drive."}},{"startTime":1268.3,"endTime":1288.6,"type":"term","title":"single speed go kart","url":"/glossary/single-speed-go-kart","quote":"because I went from I am much more familiar with a single speed go kart, let alone a car that has wings and shifting gears...\n...and actually weighs like a certain amount of poundage","canonicalId":"term:single-speed-go-kart","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A single-speed go-kart uses one gear ratio, so the driver focuses more on throttle control and momentum rather than shifting. The transcript contrasts that with cars that have wings and require shifting gears, emphasizing why skills don’t always transfer directly from karting.","simplifiedExplanation":"A single-speed go-kart doesn’t have gears to shift between. The driver mainly controls speed with the gas pedal, so it’s a different learning experience than a multi-gear race car."}},{"startTime":1276.9,"endTime":1288.6,"type":"term","title":"wings","url":"/glossary/wings","quote":"let alone a car that has wings and shifting gears and actually weighs like a certain amount of poundage because\nJust to put that in perspective for the listener, that's like skipping two full championships on the current ladder, right?","canonicalId":"term:wings","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In racing, “wings” are aerodynamic devices that generate downforce. More downforce increases tire grip and stability, which changes how a driver brakes, turns, and accelerates compared to cars without significant aero."}},{"startTime":1296.9,"endTime":1304.6,"type":"term","title":"Pro 2000","url":"/glossary/pro-2000","quote":"Like out of Skip Barber, you would maybe do like F4, then F2000, then Pro 2000, which is essentially Star Mazda.\nSo you went from karting, kind of skip the first or Skip Barbers, all right?","canonicalId":"term:pro-2000","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Pro 2000 is a step on the American open-wheel development ladder, positioned between entry-level and higher series. The guest uses it to illustrate how the typical progression would have been slower than the path they took.","simplifiedExplanation":"Pro 2000 is one of the racing levels drivers move through on the way up. It’s used here to show that the guest skipped some earlier stages."}},{"startTime":1296.9,"endTime":1304.6,"type":"term","title":"Star Mazda","quote":"Like out of Skip Barber, you would maybe do like F4, then F2000, then Pro 2000, which is essentially Star Mazda.\nSo you went from karting, kind of skip the first or Skip Barbers, all right?","canonicalId":"term:star-mazda","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.65,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Star Mazda was an open-wheel development series in the U.S. The transcript treats it as essentially the same level as Pro 2000, reinforcing the idea of a structured ladder of increasingly capable cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"Star Mazda was a racing series used to develop drivers. In this conversation, it’s mentioned as part of the same “step” in the ladder as Pro 2000."}},{"startTime":1296.9,"endTime":1304.6,"type":"term","title":"F4","quote":"Like out of Skip Barber, you would maybe do like F4, then F2000, then Pro 2000, which is essentially Star Mazda.\nSo you went from karting, kind of skip the first or Skip Barbers, all right?","canonicalId":"term:f4","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"F4 refers to an entry-level open-wheel formula category (often used as the first step in modern single-seater ladders). The transcript lists it as an intermediate stage between Skip Barber and higher series.","simplifiedExplanation":"F4 is a lower-level open-wheel racing step where drivers learn in simpler, less powerful cars. It’s mentioned as part of the normal progression before moving up."}},{"startTime":1296.9,"endTime":1304.6,"type":"term","title":"F2000","url":"/glossary/f2000","quote":"Like out of Skip Barber, you would maybe do like F4, then F2000, then Pro 2000, which is essentially Star Mazda.\nSo you went from karting, kind of skip the first or Skip Barbers, all right?","canonicalId":"term:f2000","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"F2000 is an intermediate open-wheel development category in the U.S. ladder. In the transcript, it’s used to show that the guest’s path skipped multiple stages before reaching IndyCar-level competition.","simplifiedExplanation":"F2000 is a mid-level racing step for developing open-wheel drivers. It’s mentioned to illustrate the “ladder” of series you’d normally progress through."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"SiriusXM","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/sting-ray-robb/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}