Historic Hot Laps

Alex Daniels

HISTORIC HOT LAPS is a deep dive into the rich history of motorsport. We explore legendary stories from the drivers, builders, and teams who lived it—starting with barn-built super modifieds and fearless local heroes, through to journeys that reached the Indianapolis 500. Alongside racing’s past, we cover current events shaping the sport today. Join us as true fans, racing through history while celebrating the legends of yesterday and today. Join us as true fans, racing through history while celebrating yesterday’s legends and today’s stars. Subscribe now and don’t miss a lap.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Chaos at the Clash, Penske’s Shocking Return & INDYCAR’s D.C. Debut – 2026 NASCAR Breakdown

    The 2026 NASCAR season is already delivering headlines — and we’re breaking it all down. In this episode of Historic Hot Laps, we dive into the biggest stories in motorsports: 🏁 Tim Cindric returns to Team Penske — Was it the right move to bring him back less than a year after his departure? We debate the leadership implications and what it means for Penske moving forward. 🏎 INDYCAR announces a street race in Washington, D.C. — The Freedom 250 is coming to the nation’s capital. We cover confirmed details, quotes, projected ticket information, and what this means for the future of street racing in IndyCar. 🔥 Ryan Preece wins the 2026 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray — Snow, sleet, 17 cautions, and pure chaos. We recap the wildest season opener in recent memory and what it tells us about the NASCAR Cup Series field heading into Daytona. 🚗 Corey Heim to run 12 Cup Series races with 23XI Racing — We break down his full 2026 schedule, including crown jewel events like the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, Brickyard 400, and Southern 500. 📈 NASCAR 2026 Season Predictions (Post-Clash Edition) — Team-by-team strengths and weaknesses after seeing the new season in action. Who looks strong? Who has questions to answer? And how are our championship picks holding up? 📚 Motorsports History Spotlight: Gary “Hot Shoe” Balough — An extended look at one of short track racing’s most talented and controversial legends, including his rise, legal troubles, and lasting legacy. If you love NASCAR, INDYCAR, racing history, and honest motorsports debate, this episode is for you. Subscribe to Historic Hot Laps for weekly NASCAR news, race recaps, IndyCar updates, and deep dives into racing’s most fascinating stories.

    30 min
  2. 30 JAN

    Daytona After Dark: Contract Chaos, F1 Testing Truths, and the Legend of Robert Kubica

    The racing season is officially underway, and Historic Hot Laps returns with a packed episode covering the biggest stories across motorsport. We break down everything from the Rolex 24 at Daytona, from the fight for overall victory to late-race strategy calls, endurance drama, and the growing crossover of IndyCar stars within the IMSA paddock. Once again, Daytona delivered a powerful reminder of why endurance racing sets the tone for the season. From there, we dive into the latest motorsports news, including early Formula One testing and what teams are really learning behind closed doors, PREMA Racing’s uncertain IndyCar debut timeline, new driver coaching additions at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, and the penalty facing Abel Motorsports at the start of the Indy NXT season. We also unpack one of the most consequential off-track stories in recent years: the McLaren versus Alex Palou lawsuit. We explore how it began, what unfolded in court, the final ruling, and why the verdict could permanently reshape how driver contracts are written across motorsport. To close the show, we go deep into racing history with the remarkable story of Robert Kubica. From Grand Prix victories and championship contention to a life-altering injury and an extraordinary comeback that included a Le Mans class win, Kubica’s career is defined by resilience, talent, and unfinished business. Whether you’re here for the racing, the news, or the history, this episode delivers on all fronts. Subscribe, settle in, and get ready for another lap through motorsport’s past and present.

    26 min
  3. 22 JAN

    From Nazareth to 2026: NASCAR’s Playoff Reset, Chili Bowl Recap & Season Predictions

    The 2026 motorsports season is already shaping up to be one of the most transformative years in recent memory — and this episode of Historic Hot Laps breaks it all down. We start by looking back at the history and legacy of Nazareth Speedway, one of America’s most challenging and underrated racetracks, and why its DNA still matters in modern racing. Then, we shift to the present with a deep dive into NASCAR’s newly announced 2026 playoff format, what’s changing, why it matters, and whether this system finally rewards consistency over chaos. From there, we head to the dirt for a full Chili Bowl Nationals recap from Tulsa, Oklahoma, covering preliminary night winners, standout performances, and Emerson Axsom’s breakthrough victory in one of the biggest short-track races in the world. We also discuss the significance of Steve Phelps stepping down from NASCAR leadership, what his tenure meant for the sport, and what the future could look like moving forward. Finally, we wrap things up with bold 2026 season predictions for NASCAR and IndyCar, including championship contenders, first-time winners, breakout drivers, and a few hot takes that could define the year. If you’re a fan of NASCAR, IndyCar, dirt racing, or motorsports history — this episode connects the past, present, and future of racing in one fast, fun ride. 🏁 Subscribe to Historic Hot Laps and keep the history alive.

    26 min
  4. 14/11/2025

    Brazilian Thunder & Texas Ghosts: F1 Fireworks, IndyCar Shakeups, and NASCAR’s Next Wave

    This week’s Historic Hot Laps is a full-throttle mix of drama, deals, and deep-cut history — the perfect episode to cap off a wild racing weekend. 🔥 Formula 1 in Brazil: We open with an action-packed recap of the São Paulo Grand Prix — Lando Norris takes control of the championship, Antonelli shines for Mercedes, Verstappen claws back from pit lane, and Ferrari faces another heartbreak. 🏁 IndyCar News: We’ve got lineup shakeups galore — AJ Foyt signs Brazilian up-and-comer Caio Collet for the No. 4 car, Brian Barnhart exits McLaren for RLL, and the McLaren vs. Alex Palou lawsuit takes another heated turn. 🚗 NASCAR & IMSA Notes: Hendrick Motorsports taps dirt sensation Corey Day for their Xfinity No. 17 car, while Meyer Shank Racing drops a Daytona 24 all-star lineup that’s got sports car fans buzzing. 💨 World of Outlaws Finale: The season wraps in Charlotte — we cover the winners, the championship shakeout, and who stole the spotlight on the dirt’s biggest stage. 🏁 History Segment: We close the show with a trip back in time to the Texas World Speedway — a track once called the “Texas Twin” to Daytona and Michigan. From NASCAR legends and Indy greats to the track’s rise, fall, and demolition, it’s a love letter to a lost racing cathedral. If you live for the roar of engines, the shake of silly season, and the stories behind the sport, this one’s your pit-lane pass. Hit follow, drop a review, and join us every week for more racing news, stories, and history that keep the motors running.

    29 min

About

HISTORIC HOT LAPS is a deep dive into the rich history of motorsport. We explore legendary stories from the drivers, builders, and teams who lived it—starting with barn-built super modifieds and fearless local heroes, through to journeys that reached the Indianapolis 500. Alongside racing’s past, we cover current events shaping the sport today. Join us as true fans, racing through history while celebrating the legends of yesterday and today. Join us as true fans, racing through history while celebrating yesterday’s legends and today’s stars. Subscribe now and don’t miss a lap.