Time to Bring Back “Boys Have At It”?
About this episode
Texas racing took center stage, with the crew praising the wider grooves, fewer speeding penalties, and stronger long-run action while arguing the tire may need to be less durable. From there, the conversation moved into stage-points strategy, wrecks that swung the standings, and a broader debate about how the current points system makes every incident matter. The back half leaned into superspeedway criticism, Watkins Glen betting, and a lively discussion about drivers showing up in pop culture to help NASCAR reach new audiences.
Dale, TJ, and Travis are back in studio after a chaotic weekend at Texas Motor Speedway to react and respond to all of the drama from a tripleheader weekend of NASCAR racing.
Chase Elliott joins the show after scoring his second win of the year, Ryan Preece isn’t cutting Ty Gibbs a break, and Kyle Busch took a decent day and turned it into retaliation against John Hunter Nemechek. Plus, Christopher Bell speaks out against the current superspeedway package, TJ explains Brad Keselowski’s decision to stay out at the end of stage two, and Dale is fired up once again about why this points system has him excited to tune in each and every week.
Dirty Mo Dough and Ask Jr presented by XFINITY wrap up a packed show on The Dale Jr Download.
Safe to say that this episode of Dirty Air has PLENTY of storylines to cover.
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Penn's Oil Platinum
"Just swing by your local take five for an oil change and ask for Penn's Oil Platinum full synthetic motor oil. [34.0s] As for Penn's Oil Platinum by name at your local take five, Penn's Oil, long may we drive."
Penn’s Oil Platinum is a particular brand of engine oil. They’re saying it’s a good choice for an oil change to help protect your engine.
Penn’s Oil Platinum is a specific brand/line of motor oil being recommended in the segment. The hosts mention it as a “full synthetic motor oil” option for protecting the engine during an oil change.
Take 5
"Just swing by your local take five for an oil change and ask for Penn's Oil Platinum full synthetic motor oil. [31.7s] to overthink."
Take 5 is mentioned as the shop you can go to for an oil change. The point is that you can ask for the specific oil they recommend.
Take 5 is referenced as the place to get an oil change. In the segment, it’s used as the practical “where to go” for buying the recommended oil.
full synthetic motor oil
"Just swing by your local take five for an oil change and ask for Penn's Oil Platinum full synthetic motor oil. [26.7s] It helps protect against wear."
Full synthetic motor oil is a higher-tech type of engine oil. It’s made to handle heat and stress better, so it can help protect the engine and keep it cleaner.
“Full synthetic motor oil” is an engine oil made from synthetically engineered base stocks rather than conventional crude-derived oil. It’s designed to resist breakdown better under heat and stress, which helps reduce wear and keep the engine cleaner.
Marathon Rewards
"At Marathon gas stations, every stop is the start of fun. [43.4s] Like the awesome fuel savings you can get with Marathon Rewards."
Marathon Rewards is a gas-station program where you earn discounts. They’re saying you can save money on fuel by using it.
Marathon Rewards is a fuel rewards program tied to Marathon gas stations. The segment focuses on earning and redeeming discounts per gallon through the program.
slick racetrack
"A lot going on this weekend in the O'Reilly series, we learned that Texas is a slick racetrack. This was a repave or reconfiguration years ago. We've not had great racing on this racetrack."
A slick racetrack means there’s not much grip. Race cars can lose traction and slide around more, so drivers have to brake and turn more carefully.
A slick racetrack means the surface has low tire grip, so cars can slide more easily than expected. That usually comes from factors like rubbering-in issues, weather, or resurfacing effects, and it changes braking, cornering, and traction.
reconfiguration
"we learned that Texas is a slick racetrack. This was a repave or reconfiguration years ago. We've not had great racing on this racetrack."
Reconfiguration means the track layout was changed. That can make the course faster, slower, or harder/easier to pass depending on how the turns are set up.
A track reconfiguration is a layout change—turns, chicanes, or straights are altered to create a new course configuration. Even if the facility is the same, the new layout can significantly affect racing lines, speeds, and overtaking opportunities.
repave
"This is post Texas heading into Watkins Glen this weekend. Got a great guest segment for you tomorrow as well. This episode is presented by Arby's. ... A lot going on this weekend in the O'Reilly series, we learned that Texas is a slick racetrack. This was a repave or reconfiguration years ago."
Repave means the race track gets resurfaced with fresh asphalt. That can make the track feel grippier or different, which changes how race cars handle.
A repave is when a track’s asphalt is resurfaced—old pavement is removed and replaced with new material. On racing circuits, it can change grip levels, tire wear, and how the car behaves through corners.
PJ1
"We've not had great racing on this racetrack. Crowds have suffered. We put PJ1 all over it. We did all kinds of things to try to help this racetrack survive"
PJ1 is a chemical treatment put on the race track to help tires stick better. It’s used to make the track less slippery for racing.
PJ1 is a track-surface treatment product used to improve tire grip on asphalt. Promoters apply it to help the racing surface “come in” and reduce how slick the track feels.
three wide for the lead
"where they got three wide there for the lead between the 19 of crews. We had the one of Zillich and then Larson."
“Three wide” means three cars are trying to race side-by-side at the same time. Doing it for the lead is especially risky because there’s less room for everyone.
“Three wide for the lead” describes three cars running side-by-side while battling for first place, which is a high-risk, high-aggression maneuver. It increases the chance of contact and chaos, especially on restarts or when the track is still developing grip.
outside groove
"So the track is super edgy, especially the outside groove when the race starts. That groove would improve over time."
The outside groove is the part of the track closer to the outer wall. Drivers may use it to go faster, especially as the track gets more grip.
The outside groove is the racing line near the outer edge of the track. On many oval tracks, it can become faster as rubber is laid down, but it may also be more sensitive to tire grip and traffic.
rubber got laid down
"And as the rubber got laid down, more and more cars went up there to find speed."
As cars drive around, they leave rubber on the track. More rubber usually means more traction, so the racing line can get faster as the day goes on.
“Rubber got laid down” refers to tire rubber transferring to the racing surface over time, increasing grip. As more cars run a particular line, that area typically becomes faster and more predictable for later laps.
speeding penalties
"Early on in the day, we heard from Mike Joy, 11 speeding penalties at the racetrack last year. Not as many this race."
A speeding penalty means someone went faster than the allowed limit in a specific racing zone, usually the pit area. It can drop you back in the running order because you have to serve the penalty or lose time.
In NASCAR-style racing, a speeding penalty is a penalty for exceeding the posted speed limit in a controlled area (most commonly Pit Road). It can cost track position immediately and may lead to additional penalties depending on severity and timing.
Pit Road
"But a lot of chaos on Pit Road. Yeah, there was a lot of chaos on Pit Road."
Pit Road is the pit lane area where teams work on the car during the race. Cars have to follow strict rules there, so it’s also where mistakes and slowdowns can happen.
Pit Road is the dedicated lane where teams service the car during a race, including refueling (where applicable), tire changes, and adjustments. Because cars are moving in and out of pit boxes under strict speed limits, Pit Road is a common source of chaos and penalties.
speed penalties
"TJ, was there an emphasis for you guys on making sure you had speed? I was expecting lots of speed penalties. Didn't get any."
Sometimes race rules say you can’t go too fast in certain areas. If you do, officials can add a penalty—usually time or positions—so everyone follows the same safety rules.
In racing, a speed penalty is a time or position penalty applied when a car exceeds a rule limit (often in a specific zone like Pit Road). The penalty is meant to enforce safety and fairness, especially around areas with pedestrians, crew, and traffic.
green flag stops
"And maybe it prevented a lot of, you know, a lot less green flag stops or whatever."
A green flag means the race is “normal” and cars are racing at full speed. If you pit during that time, you usually lose more time than if you pit when the race is slowed down.
A green flag stop is a pit stop made while the race is running under green-flag conditions (full racing speed, no caution). Teams often time these stops to minimize lost track position, since pitting under green usually costs more time than pitting during a caution.
0.05 over
"You're just taking their word for it. Yeah, you're just taking like, oh, they were 0.05 over. And you're like, yeah."
“0.05 over” means the car was only slightly faster than the allowed limit. In racing, the timing equipment is so accurate that even a very small amount can still count as breaking the rules.
“0.05 over” refers to how much a car exceeded a measured speed limit, typically in units like miles per hour or meters per second depending on the series’ timing system. Even tiny overages can trigger a penalty because the speed is monitored precisely.
the bump in turn three and four
"The bump in turn three and four was a big deal in the second groove, especially. So a lot of guys busting their ass through that corner."
A “bump” in the track is a rough spot or rise in the pavement. When the car hits it, the handling can change suddenly, which makes the corner harder to drive.
A “bump” at a specific corner is a track surface irregularity that can upset the car’s balance as the tires load and unload over it. In NASCAR-style racing, that can change traction and steering feel—especially for drivers running different “grooves” (lines) through the corner.
second groove
"The bump in turn three and four was a big deal in the second groove, especially. So a lot of guys busting their ass through that corner."
The “groove” is the path drivers choose through a turn. The “second groove” is the next line over from the main one, and it can feel different because the tires and track surface aren’t the same there.
The “groove” is the preferred racing line through a corner—often multiple lanes are available with different grip levels. The “second groove” means the line just off the main groove, which can behave differently when the track has bumps, rubber buildup, or changing tire grip.
stage win
"We had a moment in the race where, for example, Eric Jones wins the stage, his first stage win ever, on 20 lap tires."
Some races are split into sections called stages. Winning a stage means you were fastest in that section, even if you don’t win the whole race.
A “stage win” refers to winning one of the race’s segmented portions. Many NASCAR-style formats split races into stages, and stage results can award points and momentum even if you don’t win the overall race.
20 lap tires
"Eric Jones wins the stage, his first stage win ever, on 20 lap tires. You know, that, look, I'm happy for Eric, but that shouldn't happen."
“20 lap tires” means the tires were planned to last roughly 20 laps. If they wear out sooner, the car gets less grippy and slower.
“20 lap tires” implies the tires were expected to last about 20 laps before needing a change. Tire life strongly affects strategy and pace—if tires fall off early, drivers can lose grip and speed.
tire wear
"[385.6s] it's time to start working that tire back the other way. [387.5s] There was tire wear though. [389.3s] There was. [390.0s] It's definitely tire wear,"
Tire wear just means the tire is getting used up. As it wears, it usually loses grip, which can slow you down.
Tire wear is how quickly a race tire degrades as it’s used. In racing, it affects grip and lap times—so a driver’s strategy often depends on how much wear they’ll accumulate over a stint.
lap runner
"[398.2s] So that kind of helped him in that. [399.8s] But I think if it goes five lap runner, [401.9s] three lap runner, [402.9s] something like that any further,"
A “lap runner” is a car that’s behind the leaders by a lap. When you’re near those cars, it can affect your driving because you may have to adjust your line and timing.
“Lap runner” refers to a car that is being lapped (or is running a lap behind) relative to the leaders. In race strategy, lapped traffic can change a driver’s pace and tire management because it affects clean air, passing opportunities, and how consistently they can run their ideal lines.
pit strategy
"he got the lead by some strategy ... to be able to stay out on some older tires ... You know, then you throw him back in the pack on tires"
“Pit strategy” is the race plan for when to come in to change tires. Timing those stops can help a driver keep better track position or avoid getting stuck behind slower cars.
“Pit strategy” is the plan for when to pit for tires and other service during a race. Decisions like staying out longer on older tires versus pitting earlier can determine track position and how well a driver can manage traffic.
tire stints
"to be able to stay out on some older tires and just drove away. ... then you throw him back in the pack on tires and he kind of struggled"
A “tire stint” just means how long a driver stays on one set of tires before changing them. Older tires usually grip less, so teams time pit stops to balance speed and tire wear.
A “tire stint” is a continuous period where a driver runs a specific set of tires before switching to a new set. Strategy around stint length matters because tire grip typically drops as tires age, affecting lap times and how easily a driver can pass.
fastest laps
"He ended up running 26 of the races fastest laps during the spirit of time."
A “fastest lap” is the quickest one lap a driver can do in the race. If someone keeps setting fastest laps, it usually means they have strong speed and good tire grip at that moment.
“Fastest laps” are the single quickest completed laps a driver records during a race. They’re often used as a proxy for raw pace and tire performance, especially when comparing stints on different tire ages.
qualifying
"For whatever reason, their cars had great speed and qualifying. They went out there, and I mean, Suarez finished in the top 10, as did Josefar."
Qualifying is when drivers try to set the fastest lap to decide where they start the race. Being fast in qualifying is a good sign, but it doesn’t guarantee you’ll be fastest during the race.
Qualifying is the session where drivers set their best lap times to determine the starting order for the race. Strong qualifying usually indicates good one-lap speed, but it doesn’t always translate directly to race pace.
top 10
"Suarez finished in the top 10, as did Josefar. Josefar, to me, was a back side of the top 10 car."
A top 10 finish means the car ended the race in the top ten positions. It’s generally considered a solid, points-worthy result.
Finishing in the top 10 means placing among the ten fastest cars in the race results. It’s a common shorthand for a strong result, especially in series where points and momentum can depend on finishing position.
track position
"and he pits, keeps his track position. Yeah, you guys did not."
“Track position” just means where your car is compared to other cars on the track. If you keep your position, you often don’t have to fight as hard to pass later.
“Track position” is where a car sits relative to others on the circuit at any moment. In many series, keeping track position can matter as much as outright speed because it reduces the need to pass in traffic.
crew chief
"Even veteran drivers, you got to let the crew chief, crew chief. You know, kind of walked me through, I suppose, not so much what led up to that, but what the conversation has been like since."
The “crew chief” is the team member who makes the big calls during the race, like when to pit. The driver usually follows that plan, but sometimes they override it.
A “crew chief” is the team’s top race strategist who calls key decisions like pit timing and adjustments during a race. Drivers often rely on the crew chief’s guidance, especially when managing tire wear and stage goals.
pit stop
"...the decision to come down pit road and, or not come down pit road, and come back out on the racetrack in 27th, what was the conversation over the radio at that point?"
A pit stop is when the car pulls into the pits to get serviced, like tires and fuel. Because you’re not racing on the track during that time, it can change where you rejoin the race.
A pit stop is the service event when a car enters the pits to change tires, refuel, and/or make adjustments. The timing of a pit stop—especially around cautions—strongly affects track position, which is why coming out in 27th after pitting is a big deal.
caution
"Before all that jumbled up mess at the end of the race, I think you're running 20th before the last caution. Let's see."
A caution is when the race slows down because something happened on the track. Drivers and teams change strategy during cautions, including when to pit, because the field isn’t going as fast.
A caution is when race officials slow the field due to an on-track incident, usually deploying a yellow flag. During a caution, teams often adjust strategy—especially pit timing—because the cars are moving slower and gaps can shrink.
stage points
"Try to run well in the stage. Get some stage points, make your day a little bit better, and then battle out the rest of the race."
Stage points are extra points you can earn during different parts of the race. Even if you don’t win the whole race, doing well in a stage helps your season points.
Stage points are points awarded in segments (“stages”) of a race, rather than only at the finish. In NASCAR-style formats, earning stage points can improve a team’s overall points standing even if the final race result isn’t a win.
take points
"[843.5s] I mean, you just never know. [844.6s] So I do think there's a play for take points [848.3s] when you can get them as well. [849.8s] Especially if it's a top, you know, top three to five position,"
“Take points” means aim to earn whatever race points you can. If there’s a chance you could score without taking a big risk, teams may choose that.
“Take points” refers to prioritizing finishing positions or scoring opportunities to maximize championship points. Teams often adjust risk based on whether they can score safely, especially when a pit stop could expose the car to incidents.
points bank
"you got to take as many points as you can. Get the points bank and see what happens. I mean, if you look at the points, we're right around,"
Racing series like NASCAR keep a running total of points for each driver. A “points bank” just means how many points you’ve already built up, which affects how aggressive you can be.
In NASCAR, the “points bank” is the accumulated points a driver has earned up to that point in the season. Teams use it as a buffer so they can choose strategies—like when to pit—based on how much risk they can afford.
stage break
"Christopher Bell pits at lap 33. The break in the stage in half will be running to lap 40-41. You see guys coming down pit road earlier."
NASCAR races are divided into parts called stages. A “stage break” is the moment one part ends and the next begins, and it often changes when teams decide to pit.
A “stage break” is when NASCAR splits a race into segments (stages) and resets strategy for the next portion. Drivers often pit around these breaks to gain track position and take advantage of stage timing.
run long
"We know that Denny Hamlin and his guys like to run long. Sometimes you'll see that pay off at the end of the stage, but if you're not Denny Hamlin, now that's easy for Denny to do."
“Run long” means not pitting when others do, and instead going farther on the same tires/fuel. It can work out, but you might lose time if it doesn’t.
“Run long” means staying on the track for a longer stint before pitting again, rather than making the earlier stop most cars are making. In NASCAR, this can pay off if tire wear, fuel strategy, and cautions line up, but it risks falling behind in track position.
pitting later in the race
"...that and some other strategies about pitting later in the race were the things that allowed him to get this 10th place finish"
“Pitting later” means you wait longer before making your stop. The idea is that you might be faster for the rest of the race or benefit from how other cars’ tires wear out.
“Pitting later” means delaying your pit stop to run more laps on the initial tires/fuel setup. This can be a deliberate strategy to gain an advantage in the second half of the race, especially when competitors who pit earlier fall off pace around the same lap range.
Cree Chiefs
"Sometimes I just kind of wonder, look, I'm, I'm gonna catch hell from some of the Cree Chiefs that are, that are in these positions."
“Cree Chiefs” likely means the crew chief, the person on the team who guides race strategy. They can tell the driver things like when to pit and what plan to follow.
“Cree Chiefs” appears to refer to race crew chiefs—team members who call the strategy and make decisions like when to pit. The speaker is joking about getting criticized by them for a strategy or comment.
fade
"Like they are like, and they fade really fast and get the pit road, make an adjustment, get yourself a chance."
“Fade” here means the car starts getting worse fast—like it loses grip or braking power. When that happens, drivers may have to pit to fix it.
In racing, “fade” usually means the car’s performance drops quickly—often from overheating brakes/tires or losing grip—so it becomes harder to control. The speaker notes that some drivers’ cars fall off fast, then they need to pit to make adjustments.
passing
"So one, one thing too is you can actually, it's easier to pass a car 30 laps into a run with that. If you have, if you have, you know, if you're five, four tenths better a lap, it's easier to pass that car than it is when you're a 10th difference a lap."
Passing means getting ahead of another car. Whether you can do it depends on how much faster you are and how much time you have to set up the move.
Passing is overtaking another car on track, and it depends heavily on speed differences and where you can make the move. The speaker compares how much easier it is to pass when you’re closer in pace (e.g., “five, four tenths better a lap”) versus when the gap is larger.
yellow
"You know, are you banking on a yellow? What's going on? There's less yellows this year, less likely to get that yellow you're looking for."
A “yellow” refers to a caution period (slower racing under yellow flags) that bunches the field and changes pit strategy. Drivers and teams often “bank on” a yellow because it can reduce the time cost of pitting and help regain positions.
stage ends
"You're trying to get it to pay off on lap time at the end of the race, but what you give up, you don't make it up the stage ends too quickly."
“Stage ends” refers to the end of a NASCAR race stage, when points are awarded and the race breaks into segments. If a team stays out trying to gain track position, but the stage ends quickly, they may lose the opportunity to convert that strategy into lap-time gains or points.
2026 NASCAR season
"Hey everybody, the 2026 NASCAR season is underway and it's already shaping up to be another year of hard racing, great storylines, winning moments that remind us why we love this amazing sport."
They’re talking about the 2026 NASCAR season and how it’s getting off to a strong start.
This segment is framed around the start of the 2026 NASCAR season and the on-track racing storylines it’s already producing. It’s a topical setup for the collectible die-cast promotion that follows.
Lionel Racing
"And when it comes to capturing all of that on track action in collectible form, nobody does it better than Lionel Racing, the official die cast of NASCAR. Their race win die casts are some of my favorite cars in my own collection."
Lionel Racing makes detailed model cars (die-cast) based on NASCAR races. They’re talking about buying the official, licensed versions of the cars you see on TV.
Lionel Racing is a brand/company that makes NASCAR die-cast models. In this segment, they’re positioned as the “official die cast of NASCAR,” meaning their products are licensed to match real race cars and liveries.
die cast
"And when it comes to capturing all of that on track action in collectible form, nobody does it better than Lionel Racing, the official die cast of NASCAR. Their race win die casts are some of my favorite cars in my own collection."
“Die cast” is the type of model car made from metal. It’s usually very detailed and meant to look like the real race car.
Die cast refers to model cars made by pouring molten metal into a mold, producing a solid, detailed replica. In NASCAR collecting, die-cast models are often made to match specific cars from races, including paint, decals, and sometimes visible track wear.
clipped
"[1301.9s] Denny slowed down. [1303.7s] Christopher Bell thought he could shoot the gap and get through, but he gets clipped. [1307.4s] Wrecked out of the lead."
“Clipped” means the cars touch, even lightly. That contact can be enough to damage the car and make it spin or wreck.
In racing, “clipped” means making contact with another car—often a glancing hit. Even minor contact can damage aerodynamics or suspension, leading to loss of control and a crash.
shoot the gap
"[1301.9s] Denny slowed down. [1303.7s] Christopher Bell thought he could shoot the gap and get through, but he gets clipped. [1307.4s] Wrecked out of the lead."
It means trying to drive through a small opening between other cars. If it’s not timed perfectly, you can hit another car and cause a wreck.
“Shoot the gap” is racing slang for accelerating through a small opening between cars. It’s a high-risk maneuver because if the timing or spacing is off, the driver can get clipped and lose control.
wrecked out of the lead
"[1303.7s] Christopher Bell thought he could shoot the gap and get through, but he gets clipped. [1307.4s] Wrecked out of the lead. [1309.0s] I believe he's leading the race. [1310.2s] He was. [1311.0s] Wrecked out of the lead before the end of the stage."
It means the driver was leading, but then they crashed and couldn’t keep going. That usually ruins their finish and hurts their points.
“Wrecked out of the lead” means a driver was in front but then crashed and could not continue, so they lose the advantage immediately. In NASCAR, that kind of incident can also trigger a large points swing because the driver finishes far lower than expected.
point system
"[1320.3s] He's going to go from, I guess, ninth to 13th. [1324.5s] That's crazy. [1326.5s] So, and it's, and so this is one of the, I mean, I'm sure there's been other examples earlier [1331.9s] in the season, but this was like a great example of the new point system at work."
This is about how NASCAR awards points based on where you finish. If something goes wrong—like a crash—you can drop many spots in the overall standings.
They’re referring to NASCAR’s scoring rules, where finishing position and stage results translate into points. A crash can cause a driver to lose multiple positions in the points standings, which is why the hosts call it a “great example” of the system at work.
points swing
"[1355.2s] He's getting ready to, literally, it was a 30, right in that moment. [1360.0s] It's a 30 to 45 point swing. [1362.4s] Yeah. [1363.2s] In the moment, right there."
A “points swing” means how many points (or ranking spots) you gain or lose because of what happened in the race. A crash can cause a big swing very fast.
A “points swing” is the difference in points (or standings) caused by an event like a crash. Here, the hosts quantify it as a large swing over a short moment, reflecting how quickly stage/finish outcomes can change the championship picture.
pit lane
"He could be looking at the mirror trying to clear himself high. I mean, the 41's has stopped right there, too. That's tough, too."
Pit lane is the area next to the track where the car comes in for service during a race. Drivers have to be careful where they stop so they don’t interfere with other cars.
Pit lane is the road alongside the track where cars enter to receive service during races. Drivers must follow strict rules about positioning and stopping so they don’t block other cars or crew access.
positioning a car in traffic
"But where should he have been somewhere else? Should he have positioned himself a little more left? The 41, look how high he is."
Here they’re talking about where the car should sit in the lane so it doesn’t block other cars. In tight pit-lane situations, being slightly more left or right can make a big difference.
In racing, “positioning” refers to where a car sits relative to lane lines, pit boxes, and other cars while entering or waiting in constrained spaces. Small changes in lateral placement can prevent blocking exits and reduce the risk of contact.
pit boxes
"He's pretty close. I mean, he's within a foot, two feet of the white line of the pit boxes. But I mean, This was the problem when you have people taking two, people taking four."
In racing, pit boxes are the specific spots in the pit lane where a team pulls in to get service. Crew members use that space to work on the car during a pit stop.
Pit boxes are the marked parking spaces in a race pit lane where a car stops for service. Each team’s box is positioned so crew members can work on the car safely and quickly during a pit stop.
lead lap
"[1520.2s] Or real early. [1521.1s] So is Cole on the lead lap here? [1522.6s] I think so. [1523.3s] Yeah."
“On the lead lap” means the car is still in the same lap as the leaders. If you’re not on the lead lap, you’ve fallen behind and the leaders have already passed you.
Being on the lead lap means the car is still running with the main group of cars and hasn’t been lapped by the leaders. In NASCAR-style racing, it affects strategy because lapped cars are treated differently for timing and restarts.
jack
"I think the thing is, if the guy's going to drop the jack and go, the crew chief saying stop."
During a pit stop, the crew uses a jack to lift the car so they can change tires. Dropping it at the wrong time can mess up the stop.
In pit stops, a jack is the tool the crew uses to lift the car so tires can be changed quickly. If the jack is dropped at the wrong time—before the crew chief’s “go” call—it can create unsafe conditions or disrupt the stop.
stage three
"...he doesn't get a chance to get any in stage two or three or good result."
Stage three is the last points-earning segment before the race’s final result. If you don’t score here, you lose a chance to improve your points.
Stage three is the final stage segment where drivers can earn additional stage points before the race’s final outcome. Missing stage points across multiple stages can significantly hurt a driver’s points position.
stage two
"...he had no stage points from stage one and he doesn't get a chance to get any in stage two or three or good result."
Stage two is the second part of the race where drivers can earn points. If you have a bad moment here, it can be hard to make up the points later.
Stage two is the second segment of a staged NASCAR race, again offering points based on where drivers run when the stage ends. If a driver is taken out or struggles in stage two, they may be unable to recover enough points later.
qualifier run
"[1704.9s] Like they had a bad qualifier run. [1706.3s] You have a bad pick of pits. [1707.7s] I'm just saying, you know, everything we've just compiled leads up to it."
A qualifier run is the timed session where drivers try to earn a good starting position. If you do poorly, you usually start behind faster cars and have to work your way forward.
A qualifier run is the attempt to set a qualifying position (starting spot) based on lap time during the qualifying session. A poor qualifier run can force a driver to start farther back, which often increases the difficulty of gaining positions during the race.
pick of pits
"[1706.3s] You have a bad pick of pits. [1707.7s] I'm just saying, you know, everything we've just compiled leads up to it. [1713.4s] Well, yeah, that puts Joey 17th in points right now."
“Pick of pits” is about choosing where you’ll be in the pit area and planning the pit stop so the team can work efficiently. The goal is to avoid delays and get back on track faster.
“Pick of pits” refers to choosing which pit stall/side and, more broadly, the pit strategy that determines how smoothly and quickly a team can execute stops. In practice, teams try to optimize pit selection to reduce traffic conflicts and improve service timing.
points system
"But like in these previous years, though, we haven't had this point system, though. Now, how does, and they've always made ground up by getting that win, throwing that Hail Mary, you know, and getting that win..."
In many racing series, you don’t just get credit for winning. You earn points based on where you finish, and the championship is decided by total points over the season.
They’re talking about a racing points system, where teams earn championship points based on finishing position rather than only wins. The hosts are debating how that format changes strategy—whether teams can “catch up” with a few big wins or must consistently finish well.
Hail Mary
"...they've always made ground up by getting that win, throwing that Hail Mary, you know, and getting that win and then using that to just, I mean, leapfrog up there..."
They’re using “Hail Mary” to mean a desperate, high-risk play that might work out big. The point they’re making is that relying on miracles doesn’t work as well when the championship rewards steady results.
“Hail Mary” is used here as a metaphor for a long-shot gamble—like taking a high-risk approach to swing a race result. In the context of points, they’re saying teams used to be able to make up ground with occasional miracle wins, but that’s harder under the current system.
average running position
"To your point, like, Cedric has average running position this past weekend, 13.9. That sounds exactly like a Cedric kind of 2026 day."
Average running position is a way to summarize how often a car is near the front during a race. If that number is good, it usually means the car is running strong more of the time, not just getting lucky at the end.
Average running position is a stat that measures how well a car performs over time, not just where it finishes. A lower average running position number generally indicates the car spends more time near the front, which supports consistent points finishes.
Wood Brothers
"And the other car, though, the Josh Berry Connection with the Wood Brothers, they've regressed from last year. They had a really solid year last year."
The Wood Brothers refers to the NASCAR team/organization the driver is associated with. The hosts are using the team context to explain performance trends—how the car has regressed compared to last year.
stage one
"[2029.0s] I need to make that argument any given weekend. [2035.4s] Well, in the first stage, Brisco was able to get some points, finishing in the top five, [2042.2s] I believe, finishing fifth in stage one. [2045.1s] He would have some contact on Pit Road."
Stage one is the first part of a race where drivers can earn points. Teams may change their strategy because the race is broken into segments.
Stage racing splits a NASCAR race into multiple segments (stages), with points awarded based on finishing position in each stage. Because stage points matter, teams often adjust strategy—like when to pit or how aggressively to race—around stage breaks.
rankings
"He's been trying to claw himself up the rankings since the season started. He ended last year, I think, one of the top four teams."
Rankings are where a driver sits in the season standings. If you’re trying to climb them, you’re trying to finish better races to earn more points.
“Rankings” here means the driver’s position in the season standings, which is driven by points earned race to race. A driver “clawing” up rankings implies improving finishes to close the points gap.
Toyota Car
"...ght, okay, second year, he finally knows how this Toyota car drives. He's going to take off this year."
The Toyota Camry is a regular passenger car (a sedan) meant for everyday driving. The podcast is basically talking about how someone is getting used to how it drives after some time. That’s why it’s mentioned—learning the car and feeling comfortable behind the wheel.
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for being a practical, everyday car rather than a performance-focused one. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned as a vehicle someone has been learning to drive over time, which is why it comes up—driving feel and familiarity matter for daily use. It’s a common topic because the Camry is often discussed as a dependable “normal car” that people can get comfortable with quickly.
road courses
"He's been doing pretty solid numbers on the road courses. This guy has to be sitting here in 16th, right?"
A road course is a track with lots of corners and braking. Cars and drivers often need a different setup and technique than on oval tracks.
Road courses are tracks with frequent braking, turning, and acceleration changes, unlike NASCAR’s typical oval circuits. The car setup and driving technique often differ significantly, so a driver’s “solid numbers” on road courses can predict better performance at venues like Watkins Glen.
chase
"Man, I'd love to be in the top six for the chase, right? That is Carson Hosevar, who's 193 points back."
The “Chase” is NASCAR’s playoff-style push at the end of the season. Finishing high in the standings helps you qualify and contend for the championship.
The “Chase” refers to NASCAR’s season-ending playoff format where drivers qualify based on points/standings and then compete for the championship. The hosts are discussing how being in the top positions (like top six) improves a driver’s chances.
championship
"He has got a lot of work to do to give himself an opportunity to try to race for this championship... Joe gives racing and they've got to have a really, really good stretch in the summer to give themselves a chance at this championship."
The championship is the season title. It’s based on how you do across many races, so one good day helps, but you usually need a run of strong results.
The “championship” refers to the season-long title that’s decided by accumulated results, not a single race. The hosts are discussing what a driver needs to do—like a strong summer stretch—to stay in contention.
Gibbs
"You look at them points, man, from like, from like ninth, you look at seventh, Gibbs, Larson, Byron, Bubba, priest, Bell."
“Gibbs” here means Joe Gibbs Racing, which is a well-known NASCAR team. The point is that drivers connected to strong teams are showing up near the top of the standings.
“Gibbs” is a reference to Joe Gibbs Racing, a top NASCAR team. When the hosts list drivers like “Gibbs” alongside others, they’re pointing out how strong certain teams’ drivers are in the standings.
SMT data
"Look, the eight car of Kyle Busch, Kyle Busch put out some SMT data. Could the 42 have been higher?"
“SMT data” sounds like performance information collected or analyzed to understand what happened on track. The hosts are using it to talk about why one car’s qualifying result might have been different.
SMT data refers to telemetry or simulation-style performance information used to analyze racing behavior and outcomes. In NASCAR discussion, it’s often used to evaluate how changes in position, speed, or aerodynamics affect lap times and results.
side draft
"Yes, he was. If I am trying to side draft a car, I'm going to, I might shade down a little bit to get to him."
Side draft is when one race car runs next to another to “pull” it along with shared airflow. It’s a way to go faster, but it also makes the cars run very close.
Side draft is a NASCAR drafting tactic where one car positions alongside another to reduce aerodynamic drag and gain speed. Because the cars’ airflow interacts, drivers often try to control where they sit relative to the other car’s bodywork and spoiler.
shade down
"If I am trying to side draft a car, I'm going to, I might shade down a little bit to get to him. I'm not saying that's what he was trying to do."
“Shade down” means adjusting your line slightly lower on the track. Here, it’s about getting into the right spot so the other car’s airflow helps (or doesn’t hurt) you.
“Shade down” means moving slightly lower on the track (toward the inside) to get the aerodynamic advantage of drafting or to set up a pass. In this context, it’s about positioning relative to another car to influence airflow around the rear spoiler.
aerodynamic "air dump" on a trailing car
"then he's like, if we were to switch cars, I would have been down the racetrack trying to get away from the 42 so that he couldn't dump all that air on my rear spoiler."
This is about how one car’s airflow can mess with another car behind it. If you’re too close in the wrong way, it can hurt the trailing car’s stability and speed.
The “air dump” idea describes how a car in front can disrupt the airflow reaching the trailing car’s rear, changing downforce and drag. NASCAR drivers manage spacing to avoid giving the other car an aerodynamic advantage (or to deny it).
rear spoiler
"then he's like, if we were to switch cars, I would have been down the racetrack trying to get away from the 42 so that he couldn't dump all that air on my rear spoiler."
The rear spoiler is the wing on the back of the race car. It helps the car stay planted, and the airflow from nearby cars can change how effective it is.
A rear spoiler is an aerodynamic wing on the back of a NASCAR car that helps generate downforce for stability and grip. The segment implies that one car can affect another car’s rear airflow, which can change how well the trailing car handles and accelerates.
momentum
"Than it is to get away because he's got momentum. Like it's almost better to stall guys out when you're in equal cars."
In a race, momentum just means how much speed and motion the car already has. If one car has more momentum, it can carry that speed through the corner and it’s harder for the other car to get alongside or slow it down.
In racing, momentum is the car’s motion energy—how fast it’s moving and how hard it’s carrying that speed out of a corner. If one car has more momentum on the straight or through corner entry, it’s harder for the other car to “stall” or force a slowdown without losing speed too.
stall both of you out
"...it's easier to pin that guy against the wall and just stall both of you out and try to beat him into the corner."
They’re talking about a move where you and the other car get stuck together so neither one can pull away. The goal is to slow the situation down so the other driver can’t use their speed to escape.
“Stalling” here is racing slang for forcing both cars to lose speed/position by getting them stuck side-by-side at the same time. The idea is to prevent the other car from using its momentum to pull away, especially when the cars are closely matched.
sideraft
"Well, I don't know. I feel like if you let him sideraft, you certainly give him the chance to go by you."
They’re describing an aerodynamic effect when two cars run close together. The air between them can change how hard it is to keep speed, so one car might get pulled along or slowed down.
“Sideraft” is likely “side draft,” a NASCAR-style aerodynamic effect where a car running alongside another gets influenced by the airflow between them. When cars are side-by-side, the trailing car can gain or lose speed depending on how the airflow and pressure fields interact.
lift off
"...The lab before he did the same thing with us and Brad had to lift off of two."
“Lift off” means taking your foot off the gas. Drivers do it to slow down and help the car turn better into the corner, but it can also make you lose speed.
“Lift off” means the driver releases the throttle—reducing engine torque—typically to manage speed and traction into a corner. In stock-car racing, lifting off can help the car rotate or avoid pushing wide, but it also costs speed if done too early.
intentional crash
"Uh, but down in turn three, Kyle Bush intentionally crashes to 42. He turns right, bounces off of him, sends him up into the wall."
They’re talking about a driver possibly choosing to crash or hit another car on purpose, not just by accident. In NASCAR, that can lead to big consequences for both drivers and the championship standings.
The hosts are describing a driver intentionally causing contact to wreck another car. In NASCAR, these moments can be debated as “racing incidents” versus deliberate retaliation, and they can dramatically change the race outcome and points.
racing incident
"Um, I honestly don't feel like NASCAR is going to do anything about this. I hope they don't."
A “racing incident” means the crash might be seen as an accident that can happen during racing. They’re discussing whether NASCAR will view it that way or as something intentional.
A “racing incident” is the term used when contact or a wreck is considered part of normal racing—rather than intentional. The hosts are debating whether NASCAR will treat these events as accidental or as deliberate actions.
boys have at it
"And so we, I've been in the sport long enough to see the ebb and flow of boys have at it and how it comes and goes. And it's fair. It's a, and it's never going to be, it's never going to be this flat, perfectly managed situation."
“Boys have at it” is a way of saying racing gets more aggressive and less restrained. The hosts are saying NASCAR sometimes lets it happen, then later reins it in.
“Boys have at it” is a phrase used to describe a more aggressive, less-controlled era of racing behavior. Here, the hosts say NASCAR has seen this ebb and flow—periods where it’s allowed to get rowdier, followed by times when rules are tightened.
throttle
"Yeah, of course. And they will be, and they are running. This is one of the places where you're running fast and you're in the throttle a lot. And if you're, this isn't a Martinsville where you ship a guy at the hill a little bit or spin him out."
The throttle is basically how much power the driver is asking the engine for. “In the throttle a lot” means the car is being kept at high power.
In racing, the throttle is the driver’s control of engine power by regulating how much air/fuel the engine receives. When the host says they’re “running fast and…in the throttle a lot,” they mean the car is being kept under high power output for much of the lap.
Texas
"This is Texas where it's arguably one of the fastest places and most treacherous places that we go to."
Texas is a NASCAR track where the cars can go very fast, but it can also be risky. The hosts are basically saying it’s easy to make a mistake there.
Texas refers to a NASCAR race at Texas Motor Speedway, which the hosts describe as both fast and treacherous. That combination typically means high speeds with limited margin for error, especially when traffic and tire wear come into play.
Watkins Glen
"And you might not see that rebuttal or response at Watkins Glen. You may have to wait a while."
Watkins Glen is a race track with lots of turns. The hosts are saying that at this track, consequences or reactions might not show up right away.
Watkins Glen is a road course in New York that’s known for complex corners and changing grip, which can make it especially unforgiving when drivers get it wrong. The hosts are referencing it as a place where you might not see a “rebuttal or response” immediately.
Bristol
"He got into it. Got into somebody at Bristol, Riley, and wrecks him there, you know, so like,..."
Bristol is a NASCAR track where cars run close together. The hosts mention it because that’s where the incident/wreck happened.
Bristol Motor Speedway is a NASCAR venue known for tight racing and frequent contact due to its short, high-banked layout. The segment uses it as the context for a wreck involving Kyle.
wreck running in the back of a guy at speed
"wreck running in the back of a guy at speed during the heat of competition is slightly different than you both destroying each other in the little back straightaway."
They’re talking about a crash where one car slams into the back of another car while both are going fast. That’s a big deal in racing because it’s hard to avoid once you’re committed at speed.
This describes a high-speed rear-end contact where one car hits another from behind during racing. In NASCAR-style racing, that kind of impact can be especially dangerous because both cars are loaded up for speed and stability, leaving little room to react.
back straightaway
"...slightly different than you both destroying each other in the little back straightaway. And then you're going down there and slowing down and reckoning."
A back straightaway is the long straight part of the track where cars are usually going very fast. What happens there can set up the next corner and make crashes more severe.
A back straightaway is the straight section of a race track on the far side of the circuit (often the “backstretch” in oval racing). It matters because cars are at high speed there, so decisions about passing and lane choice can lead to major momentum changes.
parked it
"And I would say you could look at Kyle's deal and go, that's a no, no, right? You slowed and intentionally waited and then parked it."
“Parked it” here means the car was brought to a stop instead of continuing. In a race, that can look intentional, like the driver is choosing to end the conflict.
In racing, “parked it” typically means the driver intentionally stops the car—often by pulling off or bringing it to rest—rather than continuing to race. That can be interpreted as a deliberate act to end the situation, which is why the hosts frame it as a “no, no.”
chrome horn
"priest was more like an old school traditional chrome horn. See you. Get out of the way."
“Chrome horn” is a slang way to describe a rough, old-school tactic to push someone out of your way. It’s basically intimidation or contact, not a polite racing move.
“Chrome horn” is racing slang for an aggressive, old-school move—using contact or intimidation to force another driver out of the way. The hosts contrast this with more “traditional” bumper-to-bumper behavior rather than a calculated, modern racing line.
crosses the nose of both cars
"...the one goes in the corner and crosses the nose of both cars and the 54 doesn't know the one's going to do that. So the 54 loses the nose, right?"
It means one car gets ahead so its front end lines up in front of the other cars during the maneuver. When that happens in tight racing, it can surprise the other driver and lead to a crash.
“Crosses the nose” means a car moves into the other car’s front position during a pass—so the front ends overlap in the corner entry/exit zone. In close racing, that can force the other driver to defend or react late, increasing the chance of contact.
drive into his lane
"He had no idea the ones going to drive into his lane, right? And take the air. So the one drives"
They’re saying the other driver went into the space/path the first driver was using. In racing, there’s very little room for that kind of surprise move.
This refers to a driver entering the other car’s intended path (“lane”) rather than respecting the space that driver is using to set up the corner. In racing, lane discipline is crucial because the cars are close enough that a sudden lateral move can cause a collision.
packs air
"...he misses the corner, comes up, packs air on Ryan, Ryan loses more spots. And then he slams the door on him..."
It means one car moves close enough to another that the second car gets “dirty air” and loses grip. That makes it harder for the trailing driver to hold the line or pass.
In racing, “packing air” means closing the gap so another car gets trapped in the disturbed airflow behind the leader. That reduces the trailing car’s downforce and grip, making it harder to stay alongside or complete the pass.
slams the door
"...And then he slams the door on him within like a, what are they, two feet apart? Maybe... when he actually runs him over."
It’s when a driver blocks the other car’s path so they can’t get past. Think of it like cutting off the lane the moment the other car tries to move over.
“Slams the door” describes a driver aggressively blocking the space next to them to prevent a pass. In NASCAR-style racing, it often happens when the trailing car is trying to stay on the inside line through a corner.
dirty air
"...The guy drives by you and he knows he's just kind of clearing your nose and he's going to cross. He's going to drive in front of him on purpose, right? And take the air, shut the air off."
When you follow another car closely, the air around your car gets messed up. That can make your car feel less planted, so it’s harder to hold the line and pass.
“Dirty air” is the disturbed airflow created by a car ahead, which can reduce aerodynamic downforce on the following car. With less downforce, the trailing car tends to feel loose or harder to turn, making passing more difficult.
spotter
"...I promise you, Ty cleared himself right there because the spotter is not going to clear you within that quick. The spotter did clear him..."
A spotter is like a second set of eyes for the driver. They watch the track and tell the driver when it’s safe to change lanes or make a pass.
A spotter is a trackside crew member who watches the race from a vantage point and relays information to the driver. They help with traffic awareness—like when it’s safe to clear someone or attempt a move.
Talladega deal
"Larson, Hosevar, look at Hosevar up there. That Talladega deal was huge for him was huge. Hosevar in six right now in points..."
They’re referencing Talladega, a famous NASCAR race where the racing can be very close and unpredictable. They’re saying something that happened there mattered a lot for Hosevar.
Talladega is a NASCAR race track where certain race dynamics (like pack racing and drafting) can create big swings in results. The hosts are pointing out that a specific Talladega moment was especially important for Hosevar’s points outlook.
simulations
"If there is a car that could be one of the 15% that would win the championship in the simulations, the thousands of simulations that were ran for this new point system."
They’re using computer “what-if” simulations to predict who has the best chance to win the championship. Instead of guessing, they run lots of simulated seasons.
They reference computer simulations used to estimate championship outcomes under the new points system. Thousands of simulated seasons are run to see which drivers/cars are most likely to win the title.
Playoff elimination (early elimination after rounds)
"...if you just barely get in, you know that you're probably getting eliminated early. Now, at least you have a chance... You’re alive for 10 weeks. Yeah. You’re not eliminated after three round."
They’re talking about how the playoffs can end for you quickly if you don’t qualify well enough. But if you make it in, you might survive several rounds instead of going out right away.
The transcript contrasts being “eliminated early” versus surviving longer in the playoff format. In practice, teams that barely qualify can still advance through multiple playoff rounds, rather than being knocked out after just a few races.
Points standings (25th place car in points)
"...my season was my, my, my career, our performance, how we ran every week was, we were a 25th place car in points and results."
NASCAR keeps a running score called “points” based on where you finish in races. Saying a team was 25th in points means they weren’t near the top of the season standings.
“Points” are the season-long scoring totals that rank cars/teams based on race results. A “25th place car in points” means the team was relatively low in the championship standings before the playoff push.
regular season points
"We were battling for the lead in the regular season points with, with Bifflin 14. So, you know, all through the winter or all through the summer, we're sitting there, one of the top three teams in the sport in terms of putting points together weekend and week out."
Racers earn points based on how they finish. Over the season, those points decide who’s doing well enough to move up in the championship standings.
In NASCAR-style racing, “regular season points” are the championship points drivers earn based on where they finish in each race. Those points determine who is close to the cutoff for the next stage of the championship, so finishing position can matter even if you’re not winning every week.
points together weekend and week out
"all through the winter or all through the summer, we're sitting there, one of the top three teams in the sport in terms of putting points together weekend and week out. We didn't just, you know, that's a host of ours idea of, Hey man, 12th."
It means they were finishing well almost every race, so they kept earning points consistently. That helps you stay near the top of the championship.
“Putting points together weekend and week out” describes consistently finishing well enough to score championship points in nearly every race. In series like NASCAR, that steady scoring often matters as much as occasional wins because it keeps you near the front of the standings.
media center soundbites
"We've been getting a lot more soundbites from drivers at the racetrack during the race weekend. We're getting a lot of Cabush stuff. We're getting a lot of Chris Reveille, Talladega stuff."
A “soundbite” is a short quote from an interview. Here, it means drivers are talking to reporters during race weekend and fans get to hear those quick quotes.
“Soundbites” are short, quotable statements pulled from longer interviews. In the context of a race weekend, drivers give these in the media center, which increases how often fans hear driver quotes during the event.
fuel saving strategy
"[3809.3s] So hopefully that is the last time we race that Speedway package. And I think a lot of us in the [3809.3s] industry will be excited about that. It's literally a lottery race. It's atrocious. Now the strategy [3815.8s] is so spelled out that it becomes all about fuel saving."
Fuel saving means the drivers have to drive in a way that uses less gas than usual. If everyone is trying to save fuel, it can be harder to pass and the race can feel less exciting.
In NASCAR-style racing, a fuel-saving strategy is about managing throttle and pace so the car can make it to the end with limited fuel. When the race is run under fuel constraints, it can reduce passing and make the final laps feel more predetermined.
two-car train
"[3882.5s] That [3889.7s] We basically get [3889.7s] a two car train and the two guys at the front of that train are in a perfect position [3897.3s] to win this race with 50 laps to go, 40 laps to go."
A “two-car train” is when two cars at the front sort of pull the rest of the field along. The cars behind get stuck following because it’s hard to pass when everyone is drafting.
A “two-car train” describes a drafting situation where two cars at the front effectively control the pace and aerodynamics for the cars behind them. In restrictor-plate-style racing, the front pair can be hard to challenge because the cars in line create strong aerodynamic effects that discourage passing.
drafting
"[3910.7s] win one of them because the cars that are in second and on back, they have so much drag on [3919.2s] these cars. When they pull out of line, they're going to the back of the field. Everyone knows that"
Drafting is when cars drive close together to reduce air resistance. The car behind can go faster or use less fuel because the air is “cleaner” behind the lead car.
Drafting is when cars run close together so the following car benefits from reduced aerodynamic drag created by the car ahead. In pack racing, drafting can make it difficult to pass because the cars in line are “helped” by the airflow, while the cars that fall out of line lose that advantage.
draggy
"a single car running wide open is going to the back of that pack because it's so draggy. It's so draggy. That right there is the core issue with the car."
“Draggy” means the car is fighting the air too much. That makes it harder to go fast and harder for cars to stay close in a race. The speaker thinks the car’s shape/airflow is the main issue.
“Draggy” describes a car that has high aerodynamic drag, meaning it pushes against the air more than competitors. In NASCAR terms, that can hurt speed and make it harder for cars to run close together because the fastest cars pull away. The hosts are saying the current car’s aerodynamics are the core problem.
aerodynamic drag
"a single car running wide open is going to the back of that pack because it's so draggy. It's so draggy. That right there is the core issue with the car."
Aerodynamic drag is how much the air “pushes back” against the car as it goes. More drag usually means less speed and less ability to run in tight packs. They’re saying the car’s airflow is causing trouble.
Aerodynamic drag is the resistance a vehicle experiences as it moves through air. Higher drag reduces top speed and can change how cars behave in traffic, especially in stock-car racing where drafting and airflow management matter. The hosts connect the car being “draggy” to NASCAR needing to test and adjust the aero package.
NASCAR testing and aero direction
"NASCAR has this information and they know it and they're going to go test and they're going to try to figure this out... Let's just try to figure out the direction we need to go, right?"
They’re talking about NASCAR doing tests to figure out what’s wrong with the current race car. The idea is to make the right adjustments step by step so racing gets more exciting again. Drivers and teams are encouraged to work together on the solution.
The segment focuses on NASCAR running tests to understand why the current car is “too draggy” and deciding what direction to take next. The hosts emphasize incremental progress—finding the right changes rather than trying to overhaul everything at once. This is framed as a collaborative effort with drivers rallying around the process.
restart
"I think I saw a stat that the only time there was a change in lanes at the front was on a restart. If somebody chose a different lane, other than that, nothing changed."
A restart is when the race resumes after a caution. Cars regroup and then start racing again, which can create chances to move to a different lane. The speaker is saying lane changes mostly only happen during those restarts.
A restart is the restart of the race after a caution period, when cars line up and accelerate back to racing speed. Restarts often create brief opportunities for lane changes and overtaking because the field is reorganized and gaps open up. The host uses a “change in lanes at the front” stat to argue that outside restarts, racing lanes stay mostly fixed.
defense stats
"...Second on restart, speed, third, defense, seven. Of course, when you're up front, you don't have to do a lot of defense passing."
Defense stats are about how well a driver keeps other cars from getting past. It’s basically holding your position when others are trying to pass.
Defense stats measure how well a driver prevents other cars from passing, often by holding position under pressure. In NASCAR, “defense” is usually about maintaining line and speed while managing tire wear and race strategy.
pace of the leaders
"when you start the race often, you know, you're in the mid teens, like we were, it can be kind of difficult to know what the pace of the leaders are. Like, I don't know how fast those guys are going, but I felt like at that point in time, my car was driving pretty well."
The “pace of the leaders” is how quickly the cars in front are driving. If you’re not right at the front, you can’t always tell their exact speed, so you have to estimate and adjust your own driving.
“Pace of the leaders” refers to how fast the front-running cars are going at a given moment. Mid-pack drivers often can’t see exact lap-by-lap speed, so they judge pace indirectly to manage strategy and tire/brake usage.
victory lane
"You guys were incredibly consistent last year. Just getting a victory lane was the next step. You're doing that now."
Victory lane is where the winner goes right after the race to celebrate. When someone says “getting to victory lane,” they mean they won the race.
Victory lane is the area where the winning driver and team celebrate immediately after finishing first. It’s a tradition in motorsports and often used as a shorthand for “getting the win” in the season.
pit crew
"Alan called a really good race. I feel like our pit crew did a great job. They've, they've been really good. I just haven't put them in a great spot a lot for their talents to be showcased."
A pit crew is the team that works on the race car during pit stops. They do things like tire changes and refueling quickly so the driver can get back on track with as little time lost as possible.
In NASCAR, the pit crew is the specialized team that services the car during scheduled pit stops—changing tires, refueling, and making adjustments. Their speed and coordination can directly affect track position and how competitive the car is for the next stint.
top groove
"But if the run would last, I'd say beyond 25 laps or so, you'd get up into that top groove or the higher side of the racetrack and start to drive back away."
The top groove is the higher line around the track. Drivers use it when it gives them better grip and speed for the next part of the race.
The top groove is the higher racing line on an oval track, where drivers run closer to the outside wall. It often offers different tire grip and aerodynamic behavior than the lower line, so it can help or hurt your ability to maintain speed over longer runs.
lane choice
"And I think a lot of it was lane choice dependent and, and, and getting up to the top lane a little, maybe a little earlier than me or,"
Lane choice means deciding where you drive on the track—closer to the bottom or higher up. That choice can affect how much grip you have and how fast you can go over the next stretch of laps.
Lane choice is how a driver positions the car on the track—such as staying low versus moving to the higher “top groove.” In NASCAR, lane choice can change tire wear, grip, and how quickly you can build or lose a gap to the leader over a run.
track dependent
"So I think a lot of it was probably just track dependent and how, how tricky it was to, you know, put together a full lap of momentum."
“Track dependent” means what works best depends on the exact track conditions. A rough or tricky section can force drivers to change how they enter corners and where they place the car.
“Track dependent” means the best driving approach changes based on that specific circuit’s surface, grip level, and layout. Even the same driver or car setup can behave differently lap-to-lap depending on bumps, lane rippiness, and how clean the racing line is.
bump in the road (racing surface)
"Whereas when you get to the middle and then into that lane, just above the hash mark, I feel like it's an actual bump in the road. And it, I couldn't get around it. And I tried to push it up higher and higher."
This is a literal rough spot on the track that makes the car bounce or lose grip. Drivers have to be careful about how they hit it—because the wrong line or too much input can make the car slide or crash.
A “bump in the road” refers to a physical irregularity in the track surface that can upset the car’s suspension and traction. Drivers must balance how hard to cross it—too much steering/throttle input or the wrong line can destabilize the car and lead to a crash.
racing line
"So it's a fine line, but no, I don't think the groove has widened out enough yet to, to get around it."
The “groove” is the part of the track that gets the most rubber and grip from other cars. If it hasn’t spread out yet, you can’t easily move to another lane to dodge a rough spot.
The “groove” (often used interchangeably with “racing line”) is the rubbered-in path where tires have laid down more grip. If the groove hasn’t widened enough, drivers have fewer safe options to avoid a bump or choose a different lane through the corner.
tire packs
"With the tire packs down in turn one and the carousel? Yeah, you know, I, I don't know what to think about that."
“Tire packs” are piles of tires placed along the track to help slow and cushion a car if it hits the wall or goes off course.
“Tire packs” are stacked tires placed around the track as a barrier system. They’re used to absorb impact energy and reduce the severity of crashes, especially in areas where cars may run wide.
running wide off these corners
"Do you think it's going to be challenging for some of the younger guys that haven't, that only know running wide off these corners? Like you've, you've been doing the Glen long enough where you've had to run the carousel..."
Running wide is when a driver doesn’t make the corner as tightly as planned and ends up going too far toward the outside of the track. It can happen if you’re a little too fast or turn in a bit late.
“Running wide” means a driver exits a corner with the car too far toward the outside, using more track than intended. It often happens when the driver carries too much speed or turns in too late, which can force the car toward the outer edge and beyond the ideal racing line.
carousel
"...Like you've, you've been doing the Glen long enough where you've had to run the carousel and one not, not wide like that."
A “carousel” is a section of track with a bunch of corners close together that you have to thread through smoothly. It’s easy to lose time or traction if you’re not careful.
A “carousel” is a specific sequence of corners on a road course that forces cars to change direction repeatedly in a tight, flowing pattern. Drivers often need to manage speed and traction carefully through the series because small mistakes can compound quickly.
The Glen
"...Like you've, you've been doing the Glen long enough where you've had to run the carousel..."
“The Glen” is shorthand for Watkins Glen International, a well-known race track. It’s a road course where cornering technique matters a lot, and getting it wrong can cost you quickly.
“The Glen” refers to Watkins Glen International, a famous road course known for its technical cornering and elevation changes. It’s also known for sections where drivers can use the track edges (like rumble strips) effectively, but where mistakes can still be punished.
rumble strips
"I think that the racetrack is really designed for you to, you know, stay around the rumble strips. And if you have to back it down a little bit to do that, I think that that's fine."
Rumble strips are bumpy strips near the edge of the track. If you roll onto them, the car shakes and you get an alert that you’re getting off the ideal driving line.
Rumble strips are textured strips along the edge of the track that create vibration and noise to warn drivers they’re drifting off the racing surface. They’re designed to help prevent drivers from going off-track while also affecting grip and stability if you hit them.
Rolling Stone request
"But I think he did a good job. So I was good. Yeah. What was your reaction when you got that Rolling Stone request? Well, it was, it was, it was, it was badass."
They’re talking about getting a request from Rolling Stone, which is a big mainstream magazine. The point is to get racing in front of people who may not watch it already.
The hosts discuss a mainstream media opportunity: a request from Rolling Stone. In this context, it’s about using celebrity-style coverage to bring motorsports to people who don’t already follow the sport.
ESPN
"Forever ESPN was the leader in sports, right? And so if you weren't getting coverage on ESPN, you know, what the hell, right? We would always complain that, man, this badass thing happened in our race Sunday and ESPN didn't even talk about it."
They mention ESPN as a major sports TV network. The host is saying that when ESPN doesn’t cover racing, it feels like the sport is being overlooked.
ESPN is discussed as the dominant sports media outlet that historically provided the most coverage for the sport. The host contrasts ESPN’s attention with times when other networks or newspapers ignore motorsports.
Jeff Gordon
"right? That's a big deal when Jeff Gordon got to do that, you know? And we need, you know, when motion pictures are made about our sport..."
Jeff Gordon is a famous NASCAR driver. The hosts are saying that when he gets big mainstream attention, it helps show how important the sport is.
Jeff Gordon is mentioned in the context of a major media moment involving NASCAR. The point is that when prominent figures from the sport get mainstream attention, it signals NASCAR’s cultural relevance.
Tall Dagonites
"...whether it's a comedy that's poking fun at us like Tall Dagonites or a more serious movie, it doesn't matter."
Tall Dagonites is mentioned as a movie that makes jokes about the sport. The hosts are using it to talk about how movies can bring attention to NASCAR.
Tall Dagonites is referenced as a comedy that pokes fun at the sport. The hosts use it as an example of how movies—whether comedic or serious—can reflect and influence NASCAR’s visibility.
1-2 finish
"John Barnett said, congratulations on the 1-2 finish in Texas."
A “1-2 finish” means two cars from the same group finished first and second in the same race.
A “1-2 finish” means the same team or organization takes first and second place in the same race. In NASCAR, that’s a big deal because it shows both cars had strong pace and strategy execution.
battle aggressively
"it's really nerve wracking when they're, when they're, when they're battling aggressively."
“Battling aggressively” means the cars are racing very close and fighting hard for position. It’s stressful because small mistakes can cause problems.
When the host says the cars are “battling aggressively,” he’s describing close, high-pressure racing where drivers fight for position with minimal gaps. That kind of racing increases the risk of contact and makes it harder to manage tires, brakes, and car control.
left rear tire
"...you're like, all right, man, let's not, let's not, you know, accidentally cut his left rear tire, or let's not, you know, damage our right front fender, or, you know, you don't, you don't want to see them do anything that's going to make their day long or hurt their chance to win the race."
The “left rear tire” is the back tire on the left side of the car. If it gets cut or damaged during a race, the car can lose traction and become hard to control.
The “left rear tire” is the rear tire on the driver’s left side, and it’s crucial for traction and stability when exiting corners or mid-corner. In close racing, cutting or damaging a tire can quickly lead to loss of grip and a wreck.
cutting a tire
"...let's not, let's not, you know, accidentally cut his left rear tire, or let's not, you know, damage our right front fender, or, you know, you don't, you don't want to see them do anything that's going to make their day long or hurt their chance to win the race."
“Cutting a tire” means the tire gets damaged during the race. Once it’s damaged, it can lose grip and the driver may have to back off or risk spinning.
“Cutting a tire” means damaging the tire’s sidewall or tread with contact—often from debris, curb contact, or another car’s influence. Even a brief tire damage can reduce grip dramatically and force a driver to slow or spin.
right front fender
"...let's not, let's not, you know, accidentally cut his left rear tire, or let's not, you know, damage our right front fender, or, you know, you don't, you don't want to see them do anything that's going to make their day long or hurt their chance to win the race."
The “right front fender” is the panel above the front wheel on the right side. If it gets bent or damaged, it can interfere with the tire or make the car handle differently.
The “right front fender” is the body panel over the front wheel on the passenger-side (right) of the car. Damage to a fender can affect aerodynamics, clearance to the tire, and sometimes steering/suspension alignment after a contact event.
sideways
"...there was a split second there where I thought all three of them were wrecking for the lead off of four sideways as Brent Cruz was. I was like, it's inevitable."
“Sideways” means the car isn’t pointing where it’s going and the tires have lost grip. Drivers may be able to catch it, but it can also lead to a crash.
“Sideways” describes a car that’s rotated relative to its direction of travel, usually from oversteer or loss of traction. In racing, a sideways moment can be recoverable with good throttle and steering inputs—or it can lead to a spin or collision.
car control
"...Kudos to Brent Cruz. Yeah, great run. Dude, that's a shoe. Badass little race car driver. Great car control to be able to race those guys, not put them in a bad spot, not to, you know, not door slam anybody. I don't know. They were in a bad spot. They all made it."
“Car control” means the driver can keep the car under control even when it’s sliding or getting close to other cars. It’s about staying smooth and accurate while going fast.
“Car control” is the driver’s ability to keep the car stable and pointed correctly while pushing hard—especially through braking, corner entry, and when the car starts to slide. In racing, it’s what separates fast driving from reckless driving when cars are close together.
door slam
"...Great car control to be able to race those guys, not put them in a bad spot, not to, you know, not door slam anybody. I don't know. They were in a bad spot. They all made it."
“Door slam” is racing slang for a hard, sudden contact between cars—typically when one car’s side hits another’s side in a way that can cause damage or force a crash. It’s used as a warning that even aggressive racing can cross the line into dangerous driving.
fifth wheel
"I have a fifth wheel now and I'll take it to probably, if I'm doing these 10 races and broadcasting in the summer, I'll take it to probably six of them, six or seven."
A fifth wheel is a special hitch that lets a truck tow a big trailer more securely. Here, it sounds like they use it like a home base during races.
A “fifth wheel” is a type of trailer hitch used on trucks to tow a large trailer. In this context, it sounds like the speaker uses a fifth-wheel RV/trailer as mobile lodging at race weekends.
NASCAR Hauler
"Dude, there used, there used to be a restroom. There still is a restroom in the NASCAR Hauler and I used to use it. If I need to use the bathroom during practicing or fries in the garage, I went to the NASCAR Hauler and used it."
A NASCAR hauler is the large truck/trailer that teams use to transport their cars, tools, and equipment to races. The speaker mentions using the hauler’s restroom facilities during practice and in the garage area.
dry urinals
"back in 2015, we got a new Hauler and I had them put one of them dry urinals in it. What is it? Yeah, I'd say it. Yeah. What's it called? There's a brand."
Dry urinals are urinals that don’t need constant water flushing. They’re designed to be cleaner and easier to manage in places like a mobile trailer.
Dry urinals are restroom fixtures that don’t use a continuous water flush like traditional urinals. Instead, they typically rely on a cartridge or absorbent system, which is useful in mobile or temporary facilities like a team hauler.
Volkswagen Bus
"...a small thing to ask. Would you always park your bus by the same drivers? I always parked my bus in th..."
The Volkswagen Bus is a van designed to carry people, usually with more space than a normal car. The podcast is talking about parking it and whether you’d park it the same way each time. That’s because vans like this are bigger and take a bit more care when you park.
The Volkswagen Bus is a classic, people-moving van that’s often associated with roomy seating and a distinctive, recognizable shape. In the podcast context, it’s brought up in a practical question about parking and how someone handles the vehicle in everyday situations. That makes it relevant because a Bus is larger and easier to notice than a typical car, so driving and parking habits matter.
Daytona
"Still today, I was parking the same spot at Daytona, you know, and we'll go to some other tracks and we'll still in the same location."
Daytona is a famous NASCAR race track. The speaker is talking about how they keep the same parking spot at that track.
Daytona refers to Daytona International Speedway, a major NASCAR venue where teams set up haulers and support areas. The speaker uses it as an example of where they park their bus in the same spot.
Bubba Wallace
"At Daytona, Bubba Wallace has been my, my neighbor for a while now since he"
Bubba Wallace is a NASCAR driver, and the speaker notes he has been their neighbor in the parking/hauler area. This is a person-focused mention tied to the race-weekend logistics being discussed.
Kansas
"Kansas was a root. Me and Kansas were side by side for almost every race track throughout the 2000s."
They’re talking about a particular race track in Kansas that NASCAR runs at. The conversation is about how close the racing was there.
Kansas refers to a specific NASCAR race venue used in the Cup Series schedule. In this context, it’s where the hosts discuss side-by-side racing over multiple years.
road course wins
"He was third two years before that. Three, three road course wins. He's, he's been really good on the road courses lately."
A “road course win” is when a driver wins at a track with lots of turns. These races usually reward good cornering and control.
“Road course wins” means victories on tracks with turns and elevation changes, not oval circuits. In NASCAR, road courses often emphasize braking stability and traction through corners.
next gen
"No, SVG is. Oh, well, you can't count SVG is the SVG of road courses. I mean, Reddick would be your other one."
“Next gen” is NASCAR’s newer generation of stock cars. They’re using it to talk about how drivers perform with the newer race-car rules and setup.
“Next gen” refers to NASCAR’s newer generation of race cars introduced to standardize performance and reduce development gaps. The hosts compare drivers’ road-course skill within that newer car era.
Weather
"Does weather make anything change on your end? That's not factored into any of my stuff that way... Do you think it changes SVG's chances? It improves it if it's the worst the weather is, I think."
Weather can change how the tires grip and how the car handles, especially on twisty tracks. They’re debating whether bad weather would help or hurt certain drivers.
Weather can affect tire grip, braking distances, and overall car balance, especially on road courses where traction through corners is critical. The hosts discuss whether weather is “factored into” their analysis and whether it could improve a driver’s chances.
Coda
"...What was his Coda like? McDowell was fifth at Coda. All right. Dude, he has been abysmal."
“Coda” is short for Circuit of the Americas, a well-known road course track. The hosts are using a past result there to judge how good a driver might be on road courses.
“Coda” refers to Circuit of the Americas (COTA), a road course in Austin, Texas used for NASCAR and other motorsports. Finishing position at COTA is often used as evidence of a driver’s road-course capability because the track’s layout demands strong braking and cornering.
parlays
"“You can do a couple of parlays. Two drivers here, two drivers there.”"
A parlay is one bet that combines multiple picks. If any pick is wrong, the whole bet usually loses.
A parlay is a single bet that combines multiple selections. In motorsports betting, you’re typically wagering that each driver (or outcome) hits for the bet to pay out.
manufacturer parlay
"“Are there, you want to do a manufacturer parlay? … This is a good week for one though.”"
This is a bet where you’re picking outcomes based on the car brand (like Chevrolet or Ford), not just one driver.
A manufacturer parlay is a betting structure where the selections are grouped by car manufacturer (e.g., Chevrolet vs. Ford) rather than individual drivers. The payout depends on how the manufacturer-branded entries perform relative to the bet’s conditions.
Ford
"“SVG for Chevrolet. Give me Buster for Ford.”"
Ford is a car brand. In this conversation, it’s part of a bet comparing Ford vs. Chevrolet.
Ford is a major U.S. automaker and a NASCAR manufacturer brand. The hosts mention it as part of a manufacturer-based betting matchup against Chevrolet.
Chevrolet
"“SVG for Chevrolet. Give me Buster for Ford.”"
Chevrolet is a car brand. Here it’s being used for a bet based on which manufacturer’s cars/drivers do best.
Chevrolet is a major U.S. automaker and a NASCAR manufacturer brand. In this segment, it’s used as part of a betting angle comparing manufacturer performance.
Kota
"“Where did Bell finish at Kota? … He was third.”"
“Kota” refers to a famous road course in Austin, Texas. It’s the kind of track where good cornering and braking really show.
“Kota” is shorthand for Circuit of the Americas (COTA), a well-known road course in Austin, Texas. It’s frequently referenced in motorsports because it’s a technical track that rewards braking and corner exit consistency.
Dirty Modo segment
"[6889.4s] The Dirty Modo segment is brought to you by FanDuel, the premier gaming destination in the United States. We'll see you."
They’re starting a recurring part of the show called “Dirty Modo.” It’s just a segment name, not a car tech topic.
The hosts introduce a recurring “Dirty Modo” segment. It’s a show format marker rather than a specific car or technical topic.
FanDuel
"[6889.4s] The Dirty Modo segment is brought to you by FanDuel, the premier gaming destination in the United States. We'll see you."
FanDuel is a sponsor for this part of the show. They’re not talking about a car here—just promoting their brand.
FanDuel is a gaming and sports-betting brand sponsoring the segment. It’s mentioned as a corporate sponsor, not an automotive product.
Fan Day
"[6902.7s] your money at Arby's. Arby's. We have the meets. We also have Fan Day, May 21st at Junior Motor Sports. There's a lot going on."
“Fan Day” is described as an event with autographs, vendors, free samples, and race cars to look at. It’s an episode segment/topic about the NASCAR fan experience rather than car tech.
Junior Motor Sports
"[6909.0s] Sports. There's a lot going on. A lot of autographs, a lot of vendors, a lot of free samples, a lot of fun things to check out, race cars to look at, tons of things to do at our Fan Day."
Junior Motor Sports is referenced as the location/host for the May 21 “Fan Day” event. In this context it’s a motorsports organization/company actor, not a car model.
Sirius XM on track
"[6967.9s] at 9 a.m. 9 to 11. They're going to do two hours with Sirius XM on track. All live shows from 9 till 2 p.m."
“Sirius XM on track” refers to live programming carried by Sirius XM during the event window. It’s a media/event topic, not a technical automotive concept.
NASCAR Hall of Fame
"[7025.4s] Welcome to the ultimate fan zone. At the NASCAR Hall of Fame, you'll get the inside stories from the racing legends who lived there."
The NASCAR Hall of Fame is referenced as the venue for a “ultimate fan zone” experience. It’s a motorsports institution/event location rather than a car or part.
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