DCJ Podcast: Behind the rock screen with the driver of the #7C Midget, Chase Hodge

Summary

In this episode of the Dirt Court Jesters Podcast, Josh interviews Chase Hodge, a rising star in dirt racing. Chase shares his journey from wrenching on cars to driving them, his experiences at the Chili Bowl, and the lessons learned during his 2025 racing season. He discusses his aspirations for the 2026 season, including racing full-time with the USAC Midwest Thunder Midgets and the challenges he faces on different tracks. The conversation also touches on the camaraderie within the racing community and Chase's future goals in the sport.

Takeaways

Chase Hodge started racing due to his father's influence.

His earliest memory at the track involves a humorous mishap with popcorn.

The Chili Bowl is a significant event for racers, filled with challenges and opportunities.

Chase learned valuable lessons about patience and respect in racing during his 2025 season.

He plans to focus on improving his performance in slick track conditions.

Chase is excited about racing at Eldora, a dream for many drivers.

The USAC Midwest Thunder Midgets series offers a supportive community for racers.

Chase aims to prove himself before moving up to a national midget or sprint car.

He emphasizes the importance of setup and driver skill in racing.

Chase enjoys the balance of driving and wrenching, preferring to focus on driving during races.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chase Hodge

02:57 Experiences at the Chili Bowl

06:31 Lessons from 2025 Racing Season

10:34 Preparing for Full-Time Racing in 2026

12:51 Track Experiences and Preferences

14:03 Looking Ahead to 2026 Racing Schedule

18:23 Choosing the USAC Midwest Thunder Midgets

20:04 Community and Camaraderie in Racing

21:04 Future Aspirations in Racing

24:14 Plans for 2026 Racing Season

25:37 Balancing Driving and Wrenching

27:04 Lightning Round Questions

36:01 Funny Stories from the Track

40:36 Social Media and Sponsorships

Dirt Court Jesters Podcast-Episode 73: NASCAR and WRG, Knoxville for free, and GATORS everywhere

Summary

How much though goes into deciding on a series to follow full time? High Limit rules, Outlaws and NASCAR, USAC Sprint full time drivers, trouble at DGRD, free event at Knoxville, and Donny goes +40! All that and more in this episode of the Dirt Court Jesters Podcast!

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Dirt Track Racing

01:07 Dirt Racing History and Notable Events

02:24 Changes in Racing Rules and Regulations

03:23 Safety Innovations in Dirt Racing

04:25 Upcoming Races and Season Highlights

06:14 Race Results and Highlights

10:42 Future Races and Closing Remarks

DCJ Podcast: Behind the rock screen with Jim Jones, Driver of the #97 Midget

Summary

In this episode of the Dirt Court Jester's podcast, host Josh interviews Jim Jones, a passionate racer who began his journey in his 60s. Jim shares his lifelong dream of racing, his transition from California to Indiana, and the unique challenges of racing solo. He discusses his beloved 'Screaming Yellow Zonker car, the camaraderie within the racing community, and his memorable experiences on various tracks. Jim emphasizes the importance of pursuing dreams at any age and reflects on his racing achievements and aspirations for the future. Jim shares his experiences and challenges in racing, including a significant injury and his journey to improve his skills. He discusses his aspirations for the future, the competitive landscape of midget racing, and the importance of fair play through tech innovations. The conversation also includes light-hearted moments in a lightning round, where Jim shares personal insights and fun anecdotes, culminating in a reflection on the blessings of racing and the importance of perseverance.

Chapters

00:00

The Journey Begins: Jim Jones' Racing Aspirations

12:04

From California to Indiana: A New Racing Landscape

21:40

Racing Alone: The Challenges of Solo Racing

36:20

The Screaming Yellow Zonker: A Unique Racing Identity

41:49

Memorable Tracks and Future Aspirations

52:12

Overcoming Challenges in Racing

55:31

The Journey of Improvement

01:00:48

Future Aspirations in Racing

01:06:25

The Competitive Landscape of Midget Racing

01:09:54

Tech Innovations and Fair Play

01:10:04

Lightning Round: Fun Insights

01:24:11

Wrapping Up and Future Plans