TMCP #652: Double Bonus Racing Show! | Brandon Setzer on Late Model Racing | Tyler West on RacingJunk & Grassroots Motorsports

“Late models” are a class of American stock-car racing cars built around purpose-built race chassis and bodies that resemble production cars. In this segment, the hosts break the category into “pro late models” and “super late models,” which differ in performance level and rules.

A “super late model” is the higher-performance tier of late model racing. In the segment, they describe a path where a pro late model can become a super late model with an engine change, highlighting how rules and parts define the class.

An “engine change” refers to swapping the powerplant to meet the rules and performance expectations of a different racing tier. Here, the hosts say that changing the engine can move a car from pro late model to super late model.

The “70 Chevelle” is a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle used here as a reference point for the late model’s chassis feel and proportions. The host is saying the late model chassis is “more like” that classic muscle car platform, even if the body is shared.

“Bush series” refers to NASCAR’s former name for what is now the Xfinity Series. In this context, the host is comparing a late-model stock car’s setup to the kind of car used in that series, so listeners can map the racing “stock” concept across series.

“A arms” refers to A-arm suspension geometry, where the control arms form an A-shape to locate the wheel. In late-model stock car setups, this front suspension design helps control steering response and tire contact under acceleration and braking.

“Truck arm” is a suspension link/arm style name used in stock-car racing setups, typically describing the rear suspension’s control-arm arrangement. It’s part of how the rear axle is located so the car can manage traction and stability as load transfers during cornering.

“O’Reilly series” is a NASCAR-related naming reference (O’Reilly is a sponsor name that has been used on NASCAR series branding). Here, it’s used as a comparison point for how a late-model stock car’s suspension layout is similar to the cars raced in that series.

The “Craftsman truck series” refers to NASCAR’s Truck Series branding (Craftsman was a title sponsor). The speaker is using it as a comparison for how similar the suspension/vehicle architecture is to late-model stock cars.

Kyle Busch is a top NASCAR driver, and the host mentions him because Brandon Setzer was reportedly hired after beating Busch with less equipment. That detail highlights how competitive late-model racing can be and why teams recruit talent.

3L Engineering is the company mentioned as building or promoting the “stealth beetle” conversion. The host also suggests the company has some relationship with another performance-focused builder making GT40-style cars.

“Mid mount” means the engine is placed closer to the car’s center rather than at the front or rear. An “LS3” is a specific Chevrolet small-block V8 engine family, and putting it mid-mounted is a common swap approach to improve weight distribution and handling balance.

Hickory Motor Speedway is a stock-car oval track in North Carolina used for late model and other grassroots racing. It’s the kind of venue where teams run short, intense race weekends and need good setup for consistent laps.

Charlotte Motor Speedway is a major NASCAR-style oval track in North Carolina, commonly used for high-level stock-car testing and racing. A test session there is valuable because teams can evaluate tire wear, braking behavior, and overall balance at race pace.

A test session is a dedicated on-track practice period where teams try changes and gather data without the pressure of qualifying or race strategy. In racing, it’s used to confirm setup choices and diagnose issues like braking vibration before the event.

Hard braking is aggressive deceleration where the car’s braking system and suspension are loaded heavily. It’s a common moment for diagnosing problems because vibrations or rotor issues often show up most clearly under maximum brake force.

Front brake rotors are the disc-shaped components that the brake pads clamp onto to create friction and slow the car. If one rotor is warped, damaged, or otherwise out of spec, it can cause vibration—especially during heavy braking—because the braking force becomes uneven.

“Fresh brake rotors” means the brake discs were recently replaced or resurfaced before the race. New rotors can provide more consistent braking feel and performance because the surface is clean and uniform.

“Qualifying night” refers to the session where drivers set their starting position for the race. Being “eighth” implies he qualified in the top group, which matters for track position and avoiding trouble.

A “restart” is when the race is paused (often due to a caution) and then the field is re-launched. Restarts are high-stakes because positioning and traction right after the restart can decide who gets track position.

The “inside lane” is the tighter line near the inside edge of the track, where cars can often carry less speed but gain position. In oval/short-track racing, it’s a common place to make passes because you can use the shorter path and set up the next corner.

In racing, “to clear” means to complete a pass so you’re fully ahead of another car. It’s not just being alongside—clearing is the moment you have track position and the other driver can’t easily block you back.

“Washed up the track” describes a car sliding toward the outside of the racing surface due to loss of grip. It often happens after a save from a spin and can create sudden hazards for nearby cars.

A “Legend’s car” is a specific type of short-track stock car racing platform (commonly associated with Legend Cars International). They’re built for close racing and are known for tight, door-to-door competition.

“Right rear” refers to the rear passenger-side corner of the car. Impacts there often affect the car’s ability to track straight (rear alignment/traction) and can quickly lead to a spin or wall contact.

“Big one” is racing slang for a major multi-car crash. It’s called out because it typically triggers a caution and can eliminate several cars at once.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 (W109) is a classic, high-performance luxury sedan from the late 1960s, known for its big V8 engine and strong straight-line performance. It’s often discussed because it combined a comfortable, upscale body with serious power, making it a standout “sleeper” type of muscle-era Mercedes. In a podcast about fast cars, it’s the kind of vehicle people bring up when talking about surprising performance from a heavy, refined platform.

Moroso Motorsports Park is a motorsports venue in Palm Beach, Florida that combines drag racing and road-course-style driving. It’s known for hosting frequent racing events, so it’s a good example of how tracks can serve multiple types of motorsport audiences.

A drag strip is a straight-line racing track designed for timed acceleration runs, typically with lanes and a finish line. Because it’s purpose-built for short, high-power runs, it shapes how cars are prepared and how events are scheduled.

A road course is a circuit with turns and varying corners meant for multi-turn driving rather than straight-line acceleration. It emphasizes handling, braking, and traction over sustained laps, so the racing format and car setup differ from drag racing.

Turning a racetrack into an entertainment venue means it’s run more like a general public attraction than a pure racing facility. That can include events like car shows and festivals during the week, aiming to keep revenue steady even when there aren’t races.

“Racing junk” in this context refers to used racing parts, cars, and related listings—often the kind of inventory found on enthusiast marketplaces. It’s being used as a marketing hook to connect track partners with a targeted audience of buyers.

“Geotargeting” means showing ads or content to people based on their geographic location. In racing marketing, it’s used to focus promotions on fans likely to attend events in a specific region.

“Nostalgia cars” are older vehicles run for heritage events, often featuring period-correct styling and sometimes original or closely replicated components. They’re commonly used to draw fans who want a throwback to earlier eras of racing.

“Vintage racing” is competition featuring older cars from past decades, typically grouped by era or eligibility rules. It often emphasizes authenticity and preserving the character of those cars rather than chasing modern-spec performance.

A “dirt track” is a racing surface made of dirt (often clay or packed soil), which changes grip and handling compared to pavement. It’s typical for certain forms of grassroots and stock-car-style racing.

“Drag racing” is straight-line racing where cars accelerate over a short distance to determine the winner. It’s typically run in head-to-head matchups and is strongly associated with horsepower and traction.

“Geo targeting” is the same idea as geotargeting: tailoring marketing to audiences by location. Here it’s discussed as a way for race partners to reach fans in defined regions (like west of the Mississippi or specific states).

A “late model car” refers to a class of stock-car racing vehicles used in regional short-track series. The rules typically allow significant setup and tuning changes, but the cars are still based on production-style platforms rather than purpose-built open-wheel race cars.

Go-karts are small, lightweight racing vehicles often used as an entry point for drivers. Many racers start in go-karts because they teach car control, racing lines, and throttle/brake discipline at a young age.

Bandoleros are youth racing cars used in junior stock-car-style series. They’re designed for younger drivers and are typically less powerful and simpler than full-size late model cars, serving as a stepping stone in a driver’s progression.

Short tracks often organize racing into divisions (sometimes called tiers) based on car rules, driver experience, or performance level. Moving up a division usually means stepping into a more competitive class with stricter or more demanding requirements.

Ryan Blaney is a NASCAR driver who later competed in the Cup Series. Mentioning him in the context of super late models highlights how top short-track drivers can progress into NASCAR’s national series.

Chase Elliott is a NASCAR driver known for competing at the highest level in the Cup Series. His mention alongside other drivers underscores the connection between super late model racing and later NASCAR careers.

William Byron is a NASCAR driver who competes in the Cup Series. Mentioning him alongside other super late model drivers emphasizes the talent pipeline from short-track racing to NASCAR’s national series.

Christopher Bell is a NASCAR driver who later became a prominent Cup Series competitor. His mention in a super late model context illustrates how grassroots and regional racing can feed into NASCAR’s top ranks.

The “Cup Series” is NASCAR’s top national touring series. When the speaker says the drivers they raced are now in the Cup Series, they’re describing a climb from local short-track racing to NASCAR’s highest level.

The “Xfinity Series” is NASCAR’s second-tier national series, sitting below the Cup Series. It’s a common destination for drivers progressing through the ranks after proving themselves in regional or short-track racing.

“Late model” refers to a class of stock-car racing where the cars are based on production models but heavily modified for oval-track competition. In this context, it’s the specific type of race car Brandon is coaching drivers to learn and be proficient in.

“Chevy” is a shorthand for Chevrolet, which is a major American brand in stock-car racing. In this context, the speaker says they have a “Chevy relationship,” implying the racing program is tied to Chevrolet-based cars or parts.

“GM” here is almost certainly shorthand for General Motors, used to describe the manufacturer affiliation behind the racing cars. In motorsports conversations, “GM” often signals a Chevrolet/GM-based build program rather than a specific single model.

“Horsepower” is the engine’s power output, and in racing it’s a shorthand for how much speed and acceleration the car can produce. Here, the host uses “630 horsepower” to illustrate how, about a decade earlier, teams could make big power with comparatively affordable engines in super late model racing.

In racing talk, an “engine hour” is a measure of how long an engine can run under race conditions before it needs major work or replacement. The host is pointing out that modern super late model engines are so expensive that teams often can’t afford the cost of a top-tier engine program, even though the engine may have a finite service life (described here as “40 plus thousand hour”).

In racing, “momentum” means carrying speed smoothly through corners rather than relying on raw acceleration. The host is saying pro late models are light and not extremely powerful, so drivers must manage entry/exit and traction to keep the car moving fast through the turns.

“Grip” is the tire’s ability to generate traction so the car can accelerate, brake, and corner without sliding. The host pairs it with “momentum,” implying these cars have enough traction that good driving technique (staying fast through corners) matters a lot.

An “Xfinity car” refers to cars used in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series, which is a major national stock-car racing series. The host is saying late model stock cars are similar in overall layout and racing feel to these Xfinity cars.

A “perimeter chassis” uses a frame that runs around the outside of the car, forming the main structural support. This is an older, traditional approach compared with modern unibody construction, and it affects how the car flexes and how it feels in handling.

A “steering box” is the gear-driven component that converts the steering wheel’s rotation into the movement needed at the front wheels. In older chassis designs, this often goes with heavier, more direct steering feel than modern rack-and-pinion setups.

The host mentions “Arca” as another rung in the ladder of racing series progression. It’s brought up as a path between late model stock and higher-profile series like NASCAR.

NASCAR is the major American stock-car racing organization/series the host references as the next destination after other series. Here it’s used to frame career progression from late model stock cars toward the biggest mainstream stock-car racing.

“Chevy 604” refers to a Chevrolet crate engine displacement package (a 604 cubic-inch class engine) sold as a complete, ready-to-install unit. In this segment, the host describes it as a Chevrolet crate engine that comes packaged for dealer pickup, emphasizing how standardized the engine is for their racing program.

A spec shock is a shock absorber that a racing series mandates for everyone, so suspension tuning is limited to the allowed parts. The host says it’s “nowhere near ideal,” implying the rules force a compromise versus what their team would choose for optimal grip and ride control.

Bump stops are suspension limiters that compress when the suspension travels too far, preventing metal-to-metal contact and controlling the car’s behavior at the end of its suspension stroke. Here, the rules prohibit them, which changes how the car can manage bottoming out and ride height under load.

Soft springs are suspension springs with lower spring rate, allowing more suspension travel and easier compression under load. The host describes using very soft springs so the car settles onto the bump stops and stays low, which is a setup strategy for maintaining a low ride height and consistent handling.

CG (center of gravity) is the point where the car’s weight effectively acts. Lower CG reduces body roll and helps the car stay more stable in corners, which the host links to keeping the car lower for better handling and faster lap performance.

IHRA is a motorsports sanctioning body that sets rules for drag racing events. In this segment, the host is saying certain setups aren’t allowed under IHRA rules, which affects how the car sits and how the suspension/shocks are configured.

In this context, “shocks” are the race-car dampers that control how the suspension moves under acceleration and on the straightaway. The host is linking shock choice to ride height and traction—specifically, how low the car can be “slammed on the ground.”

“ProLates” here refers to a specific shock/suspension setup used on these race cars. The host is contrasting it with a cheaper alternative, implying ProLates are tuned to help the car sit lower and work better on the track.

“Crate 604” is a specific crate-engine designation being used for these late model/racing rules. The host is treating it as a known, standardized engine choice, implying it’s part of a spec or cost-controlled racing setup.

“Small block Chevy” is the common name for Chevrolet’s compact V8 engine family, which became a dominant racing and hot-rod platform. Its popularity comes from strong aftermarket support and the fact that many parts and builds are standardized enough for organized racing classes.

“LS-based” refers to engines derived from General Motors’ LS V8 architecture. In racing contexts, it usually means the crate motor’s design and parts are based on the LS family rather than older small-block Chevy designs.

A weight penalty is ballast added to a car to offset a performance advantage, helping equalize competition. In racing series with multiple engine packages, rules may add weight to the faster option to keep lap times closer.

“Upgrade 604” is a specific racing-legal crate-motor package referenced by the series rules. The speaker indicates it allows certain internal/external changes (like the cam and valvetrain components) while still keeping the engine within a controlled spec.

Rocker arms are part of the valve train that transfer motion from the camshaft to the valves. In racing engines, changing rocker arms can alter valve lift and how the valvetrain behaves at higher RPM.

A harmonic balancer is a crankshaft-mounted damper that reduces torsional vibrations caused by the engine’s firing pulses. In performance and racing engines, it’s important for durability and can be part of a spec-legal upgrade package.

RPMs (revolutions per minute) measure how fast the engine’s crankshaft spins. Limiting RPMs is a common racing rule because higher RPM increases stress and can shorten engine life, so a rev limit can improve durability.

In racing, “longevity of the engine” refers to how long the engine can survive under repeated high-load use. Rev limits and controlled engine specs are often used to reduce wear so teams can run more races without major rebuilds.

“Super lap model races” appears to refer to a specific racing format or series name within late-model/short-track circles. The phrase is likely a localized or sponsor-branded event category rather than a universally standardized term.

“Truck starts” means how many races a driver has started in NASCAR’s Truck Series. A “start” is counted when the driver is in the starting lineup for that race.