Racing Insiders Podcast

This week on the podcast, we had Benji Cole from Train Chassis. With over 30 years of experience in the racing industry, Benji's expertise shines through in every aspect of his work. What began as a family hobby has turned into a full-time career, with Benji now dedicated to providing his customers with the best quality racing equipment.

We recently got the chance to catch up with Benji Hicks, the mastermind behind BHR Fabrication and Double Nickel Race Cars, to the podcast! Benji Hicks, owner and operator of BHR Fabrication founded Double Nickel Race Cars in 2022, dedicated to delivering top-quality products and expert advice to racers everywhere. Questioned Asked on the Show: How did you get your number 55? What was your favorite race? When was the last time you got out of your car and said, I am done racing? What is your favorite track?

Check out our Monday show from the Racing Insider's Podcast with Kate Dillon, Jimmy Schiltz, and this week's guest Joseph Rush from the American Allstar Series.

​On this week's episode, Jimmy and Kate were joined by Jim Long from Steel Block Bandits. They discussed the Steel Block Bandits Racing Series, and how the series has changed over the years. 

Questions asked on the show: All wraps aren’t the same? In the wrap business, what changes in the industry has been the most difficult to adapt to in the last year or so...? Join Kate Dillon and Jimmy Schiltz as they recap the CARS Racing Show, answer viewer questions, and discuss modern racing.

This week we had Pat Fagen of Fast Shafts! Pat's insights into the evolution of Fast Shafts, their testing and innovations, and their commitment to delivering top-tier driveshafts for both street vehicles and the racing community will be an episode you won't want to miss! Questions asked on the show: Tell us tell us how it felt to be inducted into the Iowa Racing Hall of Fame I learned from this that you have a 40 year plus racing career. I didn't actually know you raced. I only knew you as a manufacturer. What did you race? From the technical side of things. Just tell us how you started fast shafts. I'm assuming you started with steel drive shafts? How did you how did you go from the steel, aluminum driveshaft to carbon, I mean, it's a totally different manufacturing process. And I would love to know how you were able to tackle that. Tell us a little bit about how you built your business and, and the travel portion of it? 

This week we had one of the industries finest, Jimmy Schiltz from Dirtwrap and the CARS Racing Show, join us for the Racing Insider's Podcast! Questions asked on the show: How about a 525 engine being cheaper than a 604?!? What's new in the wrap business?

This week we had Steve Maynard, from Earnhardt Technologies Group. Steve brought his expertise to the mic for an exciting conversation about the cutting-edge technology shaping the world of racing. Questions Asked on the Show: Steve what late model series in Colorado you going to? What are the best drive line angles for an IMCA Stock Car? Earnhardt Technology Group is known for producing high-precision components for a wide range of race teams, from grassroots racers to top-tier NASCAR. What sets your products apart, and how do they contribute to improved performance on the track? In addition to manufacturing, ETG offers engineering services to enhance race car performance. Can you share some insights into the technologies and equipment you use, such as the DynoJet Chassis Dyno and Mittler Pull Down Rig, to help race teams optimize their setups? What is your favorite racing success story with your products? The world of racing is highly competitive. How do you guys stay at the forefront of technological advances in racing to continue delivering cutting-edge solutions to racers? In your opinion, how has technology evolved and impacted the world of racing over the past 12 years, and what trends do you foresee in the future? The CARS Racing Show will be here before you know it, what products will you guys be bringing for the racers attending the show? Since you guys are returning exhibitors, what is your favorite CARS Racing Show moment so far?

Josh Holt from My Race Pass joined us for this week's podcast. Discover the power of MyRacePass, the ultimate tool for drivers, tracks, associations, and team owners. It's all about centralizing motor sports media and streamlining your racing experience. Questions Asked on the Show: My Race Pass is known for bringing all racing-related content together and distributing it through the network. Can you tell us more about the origins and mission of My Race Pass? My Race Pass has been around for over 15 years, and you offer a wide range of services, including the official My Race Pass App, Driver Website Development, and Race Promoter Website Development. Can you walk us through some of the key services you provide for the racing community? Your company, CAVAHO, LLC, was founded by three friends in 2008 with a goal to bring technology into the motorsports industry. How did the idea for My Race Pass come about, and what challenges did you aim to address in the industry? My Race Pass is often referred to as "The Ultimate Racing Resource." How does My Race Pass serve the needs of drivers, tracks, racing series/associations, and motorsports-related businesses within the racing community? With your headquarters now in Lincoln, Nebraska, known as the "Silicon Prairie" for its tech companies, how has this location influenced the growth and development of My Race Pass? My Race Pass is all about data-packed motorsports networks. Can you share some examples of how this data is used by drivers, track promoters, series directors, and business owners in the motorsports industry? What is the ultimate goal for My Race Pass in terms of its impact on the racing community, and what exciting developments can users and fans expect in the future? Can you provide insights into the unique challenges and opportunities you've encountered in your journey to make technology an integral part of the motorsports industry?

This week's guest is Luke Hubbell from Hubbco. Luke, an engineering wizard perfecting racing tools, is joining us to share insights and innovations that are changing the game in the racing world. From track to toolbox, this episode is a must-listen. Questions Asked On the Show Hubbco is known for creating innovative tools to make building race cars easier. What inspired you to focus on this niche within the racing industry? Could you share some examples of specific challenges that race car builders typically face and how your tools address these challenges? Innovation is at the heart of your business. Can you highlight some of the key products or inventions by Hubbco that have had a significant impact on race car construction? When it comes to designing tools for the racing community, what factors do you prioritize to ensure they meet the specific needs of racers and builders? Safety is a top concern in racing. How do your tools contribute to improving safety during the construction of race cars? What advice would you give to aspiring engineers or entrepreneurs looking to make a mark in the racing industry, particularly in the development of tools and equipment? Are there any exciting projects or developments on the horizon for Hubbco that you can give us a sneak peek into?

This week's guest is none other than Steve Brendle from ATC Bolts—an entrepreneurial wizard specializing in bolt and fastener packages for race cars! We explored the nuts and bolts (literally!) of racing performance and learn from Steve's expertise. From securing safety to optimizing speed, this episode has it all! Questions asked on the show: Can you tell us about your journey into the world of racing and how you became involved in providing bolt and fastener packages for race cars? When it comes to racing, how crucial are the right bolts and fasteners for both safety and performance? Can you share some examples of specific challenges or issues that racers may face due to subpar bolts and fasteners, and how ATC Bolts and Fasteners address these concerns? Racing conditions can be demanding. How does ATC Bolts and Fasteners ensure the durability and reliability of its products in extreme racing environments? For racers looking to optimize their bolt and fastener choices, what key factors should they consider when selecting the right components for their race cars?

Chris's journey in racing is nothing short of incredible. Starting in Go-Karts in 2003, he became a 2-Time National Champion by 2005. From there, he transitioned to Crate Late Models in 2006 and, in 2009, made his mark in Super Late Models. Throughout his career, Fergy has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments, with over 80 Career Late Model Feature Wins and victories in prestigious races across various series. His dedication to the sport and passion for racing are truly inspirational. Questions asked on the show: Let's start at the beginning of your racing journey. You began racing Go-Karts regionally in 2003 and became a 2-Time National Champion by 2005. What drew you to racing, and how did you achieve such success in the early days? Transitioning from Go-Karts to Crate Late Models in 2006 was a significant step. Can you tell us about the challenges and lessons you learned during that transition? In 2009, you made your move to Super Late Models. What inspired you to take this step, and how did it change your approach to racing? How important is the marketing side of the sport as a racer? With over 80 Career Late Model Feature Wins, what do you believe sets you apart as a successful racer? Are there any specific strategies or techniques that have contributed to your consistency? Throughout your career, you've raced in multiple series, including the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and the World of Outlaws Late Model Series. Can you tell us about the differences in racing in these elite competitions and what it takes to compete at that level? Maintaining your dedication to racing over the years is remarkable. How do you stay motivated and passionate about the sport season after season? You've set track records at various venues. Could you share some insights into what it takes to be a record-holder and excel on different tracks? Reflecting on your career, which race or victory stands out as the most memorable, and why? Aspiring racers often look up to experienced drivers like you. What advice would you give to young and upcoming racers looking to make their mark in the industry? Can you tell us about any exciting upcoming races or projects you're involved in that fans should be on the lookout for? Finally, what's the next chapter in your racing journey? Are there any goals or dreams you're still eager to achieve in your career?

This week's guest is Neal McPhillips, one of the master minds behind Hooker Harness, will be our special guest on the next episode! Neal brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on safety in the racing and aviation world, we can't wait to dive into his incredible journey and insights. Whether you're a racing enthusiast or simply love a good story, this episode is a must-listen. Questions asked on the show Belt inspection process, why it matters? Are the belts for each entity the same? Life expectancy of the belts? How many planes and race cars do you think you are in right now?

Get ready for an action-packed episode of the Racing Insider's Podcast! We're thrilled to announce that Jason Smoot, also known as "Mr. Smooth," and the driving force behind American Racer Modifieds presented by Velocita-USA and BLUE RIDGE Outlaw Latemodels will be our special guest! Questions asked on the show: Can you describe some of the equipment you use doing track prep? In your series can somebody build their own steel engine? What big events are left this year for both Blue Ridge and the Modifieds? What plans do you guys have going forward into next season? What, if any, changes have you seen being made to cars or engines lately? What challenges do you face as a track promoter? And do you face a lot of criticism?

This week we took a dive into the world of shocks, gauges, and SPEED. Questions Asked on the Show What are your thoughts on adding rebound to the right rear shock when the track goes dry slick? I liked the AFCO ultra lite 16+ rotor and the pillar vane 1.25 directional rotors. Are they discontinued? I've seen them on backorder for the past year but haven't checked lately? Wireless Longacre scales continuously lock up at our track. Batteries changed often. No improvement. Any suggestions? Grain scales is all we ever used, like Ben said you have to have a home base. Ben how is Mark Bush doing and what is he up to these days?