{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"The Long Beach One","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/the-long-beach-one","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/sxm.simplecastaudio.com/c4975f47-4d85-4129-b692-8d3784e110bd/episodes/111590a8-4870-4ef5-881f-ceab7b4e63e9/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=c4975f47-4d85-4129-b692-8d3784e110bd&awEpisodeId=111590a8-4870-4ef5-881f-ceab7b4e63e9&feed=qaiDidW0","description":"Rossi's busy traveling, but Hinch and Thim get ready for the race in Long Beach this weekend. Plus moving drama, qualifying updates, and saying goodbye to a friend.\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":283.3,"endTime":289.3,"type":"company","title":"MotoMaster","url":"/glossary/motomaster","quote":"...I was at an event up in Canada, like 24 hours up in Canada. I was at an event up there for MotoMaster, which is an owned brand of Canadian Tire, partner on the IMSA program...","canonicalId":"company:motomaster","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"MotoMaster is a Canadian automotive brand owned by Canadian Tire. In this context, it’s described as partnering on an IMSA racing program, which typically means sponsorship and product/technical involvement tied to motorsport.","simplifiedExplanation":"MotoMaster is a car-related brand in Canada. Here, they’re mentioned as working with a racing program (IMSA), which usually means they support the teams and the sport."}},{"startTime":289.3,"endTime":296.8,"type":"company","title":"Canadian Tire","url":"/glossary/canadian-tire","quote":"...MotoMaster, which is an owned brand of Canadian Tire, partner on the IMSA program, and a company I work a lot with...","canonicalId":"company:canadian-tire","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Canadian Tire is a major Canadian retailer that also owns automotive brands like MotoMaster. The mention here connects a mainstream retail brand to motorsport partnerships, which is common for tire, battery, and maintenance product companies."}},{"startTime":289.3,"endTime":296.8,"type":"concept","title":"IMSA program","url":"/glossary/imsa-program","quote":"...MotoMaster, which is an owned brand of Canadian Tire, partner on the IMSA program, and a company I work a lot with, and flew straight from Toronto to LA last night.","canonicalId":"concept:imsa-program","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"IMSA is a major North American sports-car racing organization. An “IMSA program” usually means a team or manufacturer’s official racing effort within IMSA’s series and rules, often involving engineering support and marketing tied to competition.","simplifiedExplanation":"IMSA is a big racing league in North America. When someone says “IMSA program,” they mean a serious racing effort that’s officially connected to that league."}},{"startTime":462.4,"endTime":468.0,"type":"term","title":"commute","url":"/glossary/commute","quote":"Like my commute for getting hazel to school is, is more than cut in half.","canonicalId":"term:commute","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A commute is the regular trip you make between home and where you need to be (like school or work). In car talk, commute length and traffic patterns strongly affect how often you drive, fuel costs, and wear on the vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"A commute just means your regular drive from home to somewhere else, like school. If it’s shorter, you usually drive less and the car gets less wear."}},{"startTime":774.7,"endTime":782.5,"type":"concept","title":"Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach","url":"/glossary/acura-grand-prix-of-long-beach","quote":"...we'll talk about racing because I don't think anybody really gives a **** about my new place. I feel like this is more relatable actually. I think moving is something that more people do than competing at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.","canonicalId":"concept:acura-grand-prix-of-long-beach","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is a major IndyCar-style street race held on the streets of Long Beach, California. It’s a high-profile event where teams and drivers deal with tight corners, concrete walls, and frequent setup changes.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is a big race event in Long Beach, California. Because it’s run on city streets, the track is tight and unforgiving, so the car setup matters a lot."}},{"startTime":774.7,"endTime":782.5,"type":"concept","title":"street race","url":"/glossary/street-race","quote":"...we'll talk about racing because I don't think anybody really gives a **** about my new place. I feel like this is more relatable actually. I think moving is something that more people do than competing at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.","canonicalId":"concept:street-race","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A street race uses public roads converted into a temporary circuit, usually with barriers close to the racing line. Compared to purpose-built tracks, street circuits tend to have less runoff and more surface variation, which affects tire wear and car setup."}},{"startTime":917.3,"endTime":924.6,"type":"concept","title":"race week","url":"/glossary/race-week","quote":"Yes, Tim, I am in town and I am in town because it is in fact race week. We're finally going racing again. I say finally, we had a week off.","canonicalId":"concept:race-week","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Race week” is the period leading up to and including a motorsport event, when teams run practice sessions, qualifying, and race-day preparations. It’s when schedules tighten and track time becomes the main focus for drivers and engineers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Race week is the busy time right before a race. Teams use it to practice, set up the car, and get ready for qualifying and the race itself."}},{"startTime":924.6,"endTime":952.1,"type":"concept","title":"two-week break","url":"/glossary/two-week-break","quote":"We're finally going racing again. I say finally, we had a week off. Two, we had two, calm down. Oh yeah. F1's in the middle of five.","canonicalId":"concept:two-week-break","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “two-week break” is a scheduled gap between race weekends that gives teams time for car maintenance, upgrades, and logistics. In series like IndyCar/F1-style calendars, breaks also affect how teams plan development and driver training.","simplifiedExplanation":"A two-week break is time off between races. Teams use it to fix and improve the car and to reset before the next set of weekends."}},{"startTime":965.9,"endTime":971.7,"type":"concept","title":"Indy qualifying","url":"/glossary/indy-qualifying","quote":"After that, there are no two week breaks left in the schedule. After that, we are pretty much rolling. Indy road course, Indy qualifying, Indy 500...","canonicalId":"concept:indy-qualifying","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.78,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Indy qualifying” is the qualifying session for the Indianapolis event, used to determine starting positions. Qualifying performance can heavily influence race strategy, especially on tracks where overtaking is difficult.","simplifiedExplanation":"Indy qualifying is when drivers race to set their best time before the main event. Your starting spot matters a lot because it can affect how easy it is to pass during the race."}},{"startTime":1004.2,"endTime":1010.0,"type":"concept","title":"street circuit","url":"/glossary/street-circuit","quote":"...you hit the main strip here, you see all the road closures start seeing the barriers up. And there's just something about this race...","canonicalId":"concept:street-circuit","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A street circuit uses public roads that are temporarily closed and converted into a racetrack for the event. That’s why you see road closures and barriers, and why the driving feel can be different than a purpose-built track.","simplifiedExplanation":"A street circuit is when a race uses regular city streets that get closed off for the weekend. Barriers and closures are put in place so the cars can race safely."}},{"startTime":1017.0,"endTime":1023.7,"type":"concept","title":"track walk","url":"/glossary/track-walk","quote":"...I love Thursday here, doing the track walk, just everything's coming together. And this is one of those places...","canonicalId":"concept:track-walk","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A track walk is when drivers, teams, or media walk the circuit to study the layout, sightlines, curbs, and surface details. On street circuits like Long Beach, small changes in curb height or surface can matter a lot for braking and turning.","simplifiedExplanation":"A track walk is when people go on foot to look over the track before racing. It helps them notice details like where the curbs are and how the turns feel."}},{"startTime":1037.4,"endTime":1043.4,"type":"concept","title":"Indy car community","url":"/glossary/indy-car-community","quote":"...Obviously the Indie car community. It's just, it's just great.","canonicalId":"concept:indy-car-community","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The IndyCar community refers to the fan and competitor ecosystem around IndyCar racing. Long Beach is historically associated with IndyCar events, so the speaker is highlighting the event’s crossover appeal between series and audiences.","simplifiedExplanation":"The IndyCar community is the group of drivers and fans who follow IndyCar racing. Long Beach is a place where that crowd really shows up."}},{"startTime":1043.4,"endTime":1081.8,"type":"concept","title":"Long Beach Grand Prix","url":"/glossary/long-beach-grand-prix","quote":"...I was talking about Long Beach with somebody else and it's just, I don't know why... basically now my home race... how long I've been going to the Long Beach Grand Prix...","canonicalId":"concept:long-beach-grand-prix","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Long Beach Grand Prix is a major motorsport event held on a street circuit in Long Beach, California. It’s known for its mix of racing series and for being a “track walk” and fan experience event as much as a race weekend.","simplifiedExplanation":"Long Beach Grand Prix is a big race weekend in Long Beach, California. The cars race on streets that are closed off for the event, and it’s famous for the atmosphere and history."}},{"startTime":1113.4,"endTime":1120.7,"type":"concept","title":"COVID","url":"/glossary/covid","quote":"...Who won in 2020? 2020. Somebody who drove for it. That was an Andretti year, right? ... There was no race in 2020 because of COVID.","canonicalId":"concept:covid","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The speaker mentions that there was no race in 2020 because of COVID. This is a key motorsport context point: many events were canceled or postponed during the pandemic, affecting championship schedules and driver stats.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re saying the race didn’t happen in 2020 because of the COVID pandemic. A lot of sporting events were canceled or delayed that year."}},{"startTime":1165.1,"endTime":1185.6,"type":"concept","title":"strategy","url":"/glossary/strategy","quote":"...I don't want to say I'm not proud of it, because like a wins a win, but like I'm proud of the absolute sham that we pulled off with the strategy in that race.","canonicalId":"concept:strategy","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In racing, “strategy” usually means decisions that affect track position and timing—especially pit stops, tire choices, and how you manage traffic. The speakers highlight that their win came from a clever strategic call rather than just raw speed.","simplifiedExplanation":"Racing strategy is the plan for when to pit, what tires to use, and how to manage the race so you end up in the best position at the right time."}},{"startTime":1223.3,"endTime":1232.6,"type":"concept","title":"Victory Lane","url":"/glossary/victory-lane","quote":"...because they put your face down in Victory Lane when you win here. And then they put, you know, a plaque down for you on the walk...","canonicalId":"concept:victory-lane","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Victory Lane is the traditional area where drivers go immediately after winning a race for celebrations and interviews. The transcript uses it to describe a Long Beach tradition where a winner’s face is placed in cement.","simplifiedExplanation":"Victory Lane is where the winner celebrates right after the race. It’s a famous tradition at many motorsports events."}},{"startTime":1232.6,"endTime":1243.5,"type":"concept","title":"Walk of Fame in Long Beach","url":"/glossary/walk-of-fame-in-long-beach","quote":"...on Thursday, which is today... Alex Rossi, is getting his little square on the Walk of Fame in Long Beach...","canonicalId":"concept:walk-of-fame-in-long-beach","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Walk of Fame in Long Beach is a local honor system where inductees receive a permanent marker, described here as a “little square” on the walk. The hosts connect it to IndyCar/Long Beach racing culture and recognition.","simplifiedExplanation":"Long Beach’s Walk of Fame is a public place where honored people get a permanent marker. In this episode, they’re talking about it as part of the racing honors."}},{"startTime":1563.9,"endTime":1568.4,"type":"company","title":"Lockheed Martin","url":"/glossary/lockheed-martin","quote":"Get to go to Lockheed Martin and check out the F 35, you know, assembly line, unbelievable.","canonicalId":"company:lockheed-martin","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Lockheed Martin is a major U.S. defense contractor that builds advanced military systems, including aircraft like the F-35. Mentioning their facility implies the hosts are touring real aerospace hardware and production processes.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lockheed Martin is a big company that makes military aircraft and other defense technology. They’re saying they get to tour where that kind of stuff is built."}},{"startTime":1568.4,"endTime":1574.3,"type":"company","title":"JPL","url":"/glossary/jpl","quote":"now we're going to get to go cruise around JPL with some cool stuff planned.","canonicalId":"company:jpl","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) is NASA’s center for robotic space missions and planetary exploration. A “cruise around JPL” visit suggests the hosts will see space-tech projects and hardware development rather than automotive content directly.","simplifiedExplanation":"JPL is NASA’s lab that works on robotic space missions. They’re saying they’ll get to visit and see cool space technology up close."}},{"startTime":1814.0,"endTime":1816.0,"type":"concept","title":"pole","url":"/glossary/pole","quote":"went out first in Arlington, ended up on pole, caveat to that being the Andretti cars were insanely fast and like that was a good lap regardless.","canonicalId":"concept:pole","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In racing, “pole” means starting first on the grid for the main race. It’s usually awarded based on qualifying results and is a major track-position advantage.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Pole” is when you qualify fastest and get to start the race from the very front. Starting first can help you avoid traffic and get clean air."}},{"startTime":1816.0,"endTime":1822.9,"type":"company","title":"Andretti cars","url":"/glossary/andretti-cars","quote":"went out first in Arlington, ended up on pole, caveat to that being the Andretti cars were insanely fast and like that was a good lap regardless.","canonicalId":"company:andretti-cars","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Andretti refers to Andretti Autosport, a prominent IndyCar team. The speaker attributes strong performance to the Andretti cars, implying team competitiveness and car setup quality."}},{"startTime":1885.5,"endTime":1895.0,"type":"concept","title":"wind changed dramatically between Q2 and Q3","url":"/glossary/wind-changed-dramatically-between-q2-and-q3","quote":"...you want your teammate to go out first because the wind changed dramatically between Q2 and Q3. And you don't want to go out first because you want to see if there's like an adjustment you need to make to the car...","canonicalId":"concept:wind-changed-dramatically-between-q2-and-q3","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.78,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This highlights how aerodynamic conditions like wind can shift between qualifying sessions, affecting downforce and car balance. A change in wind can make a setup that worked in Q2 less effective in Q3.","simplifiedExplanation":"Wind can change how the car “feels” at speed. If it changes between qualifying rounds, the same setup might not work as well, so teams may need to adjust."}},{"startTime":1950.8,"endTime":1965.44,"type":"concept","title":"new set","url":"/glossary/new-set","quote":"...if maybe you were trying to get through to Q3 on a U-set and you're going to put on a new set now because going fastest obviously","canonicalId":"concept:new-set","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.82,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “new set” refers to switching to fresh tires during qualifying. Teams time tire changes to maximize grip and lap-time potential under current track conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “new set” means putting on fresh tires. Fresh tires usually grip better, so timing the change can help you set a faster lap."}},{"startTime":1976.7,"endTime":1981.8,"type":"term","title":"sets of tires","url":"/glossary/sets-of-tires","quote":"six extra sets set aside by Firestone at the start of the weekend that go to those drivers,","canonicalId":"term:sets-of-tires","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “set of tires” typically means one complete tire package for a car (front and rear), used as a unit during a race weekend. The speaker discusses how many sets can realistically be reserved and redistributed across qualifying rounds."}},{"startTime":1999.4,"endTime":2005.1,"type":"concept","title":"fastest guy go last","url":"/glossary/fastest-guy-go-last","quote":"I want to see the fastest guy go last. That's from an entertainment standpoint. That's what kind of builds up the show a little bit better, right?","canonicalId":"concept:fastest-guy-go-last","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This is a strategy for entertainment: arranging qualifying so the fastest drivers are positioned to run later, building suspense as the session progresses. It’s essentially about sequencing attempts to maximize drama rather than purely optimizing competitive fairness."}},{"startTime":2236.0,"endTime":2239.1,"type":"concept","title":"ball to the wall","url":"/glossary/ball-to-the-wall","quote":"If we can get the right yellow at the right time and let these drivers all go push, you know, ball to the wall for the full distance, I think it'd be a lot more fun.","canonicalId":"concept:ball-to-the-wall","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Ball to the wall” is racing slang meaning maximum effort—drivers pushing at full capability. In the context of a fuel-managed race, it contrasts with conserving fuel and driving more cautiously.","simplifiedExplanation":"It means going as hard as possible. In racing, it’s the opposite of driving gently to save fuel."}},{"startTime":2378.8,"endTime":2384.3,"type":"concept","title":"first win","url":"/glossary/first-win","quote":"It would be awesome. Everybody's looking forward to that first win with Will and Andretti.","canonicalId":"concept:first-win","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “first win” in motorsports is a major career milestone—especially when it’s framed as the driver’s first victory with a particular team. The hosts treat it as a key storyline for the weekend’s race.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “first win” means the driver’s first time winning a race. It’s a big deal and a major storyline for fans and teams."}},{"startTime":2484.2,"endTime":2484.2,"type":"concept","title":"Formula One","url":"/glossary/formula-one","quote":"Basically the entire tenure that this race has been around going back to its start as a, as a Formula One race.","canonicalId":"concept:formula-one","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Formula One (F1) is the top tier of open-wheel racing, known for purpose-built race cars and strict technical regulations. The speaker is referencing Long Beach’s origins as an F1 event, which helps explain why the track and event carry major prestige."}},{"startTime":2484.2,"endTime":2492.4,"type":"concept","title":"president and CEO","url":"/glossary/president-and-ceo","quote":"He's been the president and CEO since 2001. And, and yeah, we, we lost him.","canonicalId":"concept:president-and-ceo","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“President and CEO” refers to the top executive leadership role responsible for overall strategy and day-to-day direction of an organization. The speaker uses it to emphasize Jim McAleon’s long-term influence on how the Long Beach event evolved."}},{"startTime":2618.6,"endTime":2622.8,"type":"concept","title":"first practice","url":"/glossary/first-practice","quote":"I always get that little pang of jealousy in first practice here because I, I do just love driving around this place.","canonicalId":"concept:first-practice","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“First practice” is the opening on-track session of a race weekend where teams run early setup checks and gather baseline data. Drivers use it to learn grip levels, brake behavior, and how the car responds to steering and throttle inputs at that specific circuit."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"SiriusXM","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/the-long-beach-one/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}