Dirt Court Jesters Podcast

Josh with the Dirt Court Jesters

All roads take us to the Kings Royal! Talking dirt racing nationally, and just as importantly right here in the Ohio Valley! I hope you're ready to get dirty! Josh with the Dirt Court Jesters is your tour guide. Follow the Dirt Court Jesters on X and Youtube @dirtcourtjester

  1. Oct 27

    Episode 97: Fall Classic, lawsuits, & World Finals

    Episode 97: Fall Classic, lawsuits, & World Finals Josh and EJ cover a busy stretch in dirt track racing, from driver and team news to a lawsuit over an unpaid race purse. They also look ahead to the World Finals, recap standout results from across the country, and share what’s still on the racing calendar. In this episode Josh and EJ discuss three first-time USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car feature winners: Trey Osborne, Cale Coons, and Gavin Miller. They highlight Ohio Thunder champions Dylan Troyer and Roman Gephart, plus the American Sprint Car Tour joining Powri in 2027. The Jacque Beaber Fall Classic returns to Big B Speedway on November 1, with free admission, food, and parking. GLS.tv subscribers can watch, while non-subscribers can buy a $20 pay-per-view. Keith Kunz is stepping back from his team and will assist Four Kings Racing. The hosts consider what that could mean for Toyota’s presence in midget racing and for Chili Bowl rides. Driver moves include Sam Hafertepe Jr. joining Jess Jordan Motorsports and Brady Bacon taking Vermeer Motorsports’ No. 55 full time on the High Limit Tour. Rees Moran is planning a full World of Outlaws Sprint Car season and is seeking crew members. Kyle Strickler has filed a lawsuit against Barry Braun and XR Events over an alleged unpaid $125,000 purse from the XR Big Deal at Ogilvie Raceway. The hosts preview the World Finals at the Dirt Track at Charlotte and recap major results, including Carson Macedo’s Jason Johnson Classic win, Kyle Cummins’ USAC Sprint Car championship, and Buddy Kofoid’s 17th World of Outlaws win of the season. Timestamps 00:00 - Episode 97 and dirt racing history 00:51 - First-time USAC Sprint Car winners 02:33 - Ohio Thunder champions and Powri news 04:51 - The Jacque Beaber Fall Classic at Big B Speedway 09:12 - Keith Kunz, Four Kings Racing, and Chili Bowl rides 12:01 - Fremont Speedway’s Motorsports Education classes 16:13 - Rees Moran’s World of Outlaws plans and crew openings 17:54 - Sam Hafertepe Jr. returns to a 410 sprint car 19:35 - Kyle Strickler’s lawsuit over the XR Big Deal purse 21:31 - Brady Bacon joins Vermeer Motorsports 23:36 - World Racing Group acquires SLS Promotions 25:40 - World Finals preview and championship standings 28:13 - Race recaps: Western World, Modoc, and the Jason Johnson Classic 34:22 - Kyle Cummins clinches the USAC Sprint Car title 38:46 - Buddy Kofoid sets a Roth 83 single-season win record 42:08 - Upcoming races and the close of Season 3 You can check out all episodes on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, and iHeartRadio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@dirtcourtjester Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7t5GAutGpqaglvFPdAf56V?si=563c40fb97f94c3f Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-court-jesters-podcast/id1746620904 iHeartRadio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-dirt-court-jesters-podcast-159583714 Like, follow, share, and subscribe on Facebook, X, YouTube, and Spotify for more Dirt Court Jesters coverage!

    Episode 97: Fall Classic, lawsuits, & World Finals
  2. Oct 20 ·  Bonus

    USAC Midwest Thunder Midgets Monthly #5 w/ Driver, Kole Kirkman

    USAC Midwest Thunder Midgets Monthly #5 w/ Driver, Kole Kirkman Driver Background: Kole Kirkman is a racer from Kokomo, Indiana, currently competing in the USAC Midwest Thunder Midgets series and leading the Rookie of the Year standings. Career Progression: He began racing micro sprints at age nine, influenced by his father and grandfather's racing history. He moved to the Outlaws class at 13, transitioned to a 410 sprint car last year, and started racing midgets this season. Major Accomplishments: Prior to this season, his biggest career win was the 2024 Terry Sprague Memorial at Southern Illinois Raceway, capping off a year where he won roughly 30 races. He recently secured his first midget series victory at Atomic Speedway. Mike Magic Partnership: Kirkman developed a close bond with Mike Magic after initially connecting for framework repairs. Following an engine failure, Magic's team, including his son, worked relentlessly to get the car back on track. After Magic's passing, Parker Perry's team allowed Kirkman to run one of their cars at Montpelier even though they were competing against each other for RoY. Bloomington Double Duty (July 10th): Kirkman raced both a midget and a 410 sprint car in one night. He led early in the midget race before finishing 3rd. In the sprint car feature, he ran as high as 2nd before finishing 5th. Future Aspirations: While his exact plans for next year depend on opportunities and support, he intends to continue in the USAC Midwest Thunder Midgets championship and run 410 sprint car events. His bucket-list tracks include Huset's Speedway and Knoxville Raceway. Sponsors & Social Media: Kirkman's social media handles include Kole Kirkman, K10, and Kole Kirkman Racing. He is sponsored by Misfit Towing, Full Circle Fabrication, Hog Heaven of Kokomo, Cynthia Harman Attorney at Law, Dan Harman Optometrist, and Watkins Repair.

    USAC Midwest Thunder Midgets Monthly #5 w/ Driver, Kole Kirkman
  3. Oct 20

    Episode 96: Midget racings future, Great Lakes rising, & Rico goes back to back

    Episode 96: Midget racings future, Great Lakes rising, & Rico goes back to back Josh and EJ discuss what’s ahead for national midget racing, major changes coming to Ohio sprint car racing, and the season-ending championship battles. They also recap key race results and look ahead to a busy late-October schedule. In this episode: In this episode, Josh and EJ examine the uncertain future of midget racing, including the Xtreme Outlaw Midgets’ canceled Millbridge event and Keith Kunz Motorsports’ planned shutdown. Josh questions what Kunz’s departure could mean for national midget racing; EJ highlights drivers who came through the team, including Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson. They discuss Aaron Reutzel’s injury and High Limit Racing’s medical provisional, which allowed his team to earn points while he missed championship weekend. EJ previews the USAC Sprint Car season opener at Ocala Speedway, February 15-20, with a $24,000 Winter Dirt Games point fund. Josh and EJ break down the new Great Lakes Sprint Management Group, which will oversee six divisions in 2027, and consider how Ohio’s sprint car series can coordinate. They debate whether Ford sprint car engines are gaining ground, weighing recent appearances against past parts and performance concerns. The hosts recognize the 2027 National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame class and Josh Rice’s Lucas Oil Late Model Rookie of the Year season: three wins, 15 top fives, and 24 top tens. Race highlights include Rico Abreu’s second consecutive High Limit championship, Giovanni Scelzi’s three straight wins to close the season, and Brandon Sheppard’s Lucas Oil Late Model title. Josh and EJ discuss High Limit and World of Outlaws competition, then preview upcoming events including the Short Track Nationals, Western World Championship, and Modak 100. Timestamps 00:00 - Episode 96 and the future of midget racing 03:10 - Reutzel’s injury and High Limit’s medical provisional 07:00 - USAC’s Florida opener and the 2027 schedule outlook 08:10 - Six sprint car divisions unite under Great Lakes management 11:57 - Ford engines: renewed interest and lingering doubts 14:32 - Keith Kunz Motorsports’ shutdown and the impact on midgets 19:34 - Hall of Fame class announced; Josh Rice’s breakout season 22:19 - WoO Lincoln Park qualifying and the High Limit championship weekend 23:44 - Dirt Track World Championship and Belle-Clair results 27:11 - Sam Hafertepe Jr. earns his seventh ASCS title 31:54 - Rico Abreu goes back-to-back; Gio Scelzi closes with three wins 34:31 - High Limit and World of Outlaws look ahead to next season 37:44 - Brandon Sheppard wins the Lucas Oil Late Model championship 39:23 - Late-October race previews and season wrap-up You can check out all episodes on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, and iHeartRadio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@dirtcourtjester Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7t5GAutGpqaglvFPdAf56V?si=563c40fb97f94c3f Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-court-jesters-podcast/id1746620904 iHeartRadio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-dirt-court-jesters-podcast-159583714 Like, follow, share, and subscribe on Facebook, X, YouTube, and Spotify for more Dirt Court Jesters coverage!

    Episode 96: Midget racings future, Great Lakes rising, & Rico goes back to back
  4. Oct 13

    Episode 95: All In, Tire Tests, & Everybody’s Got a Price

    Episode 95: All In, Tire Tests, & Everybody’s Got a Price In this episode: Josh and EJ cover a busy stretch of dirt racing, from tracks facing uncertain futures to a new Hoosier sprint-car tire test and High Limit’s growing charter system. They also break down a dramatic championship turn at Lakeside and recap the racing that set up two major season finales. Josh and EJ discuss Gas City Speedway’s $2 million asking price and the hope that it remains a racetrack, alongside other tracks facing sales or uncertain futures. Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, Vermont, is removing its asphalt and returning to a true dirt surface. Tyler Nelson earned his second straight USAC Midwest Thunder Midget championship, while Matt Williamson was disqualified from the Outlaw 200 after tech inspection found an unapproved intake manifold. A Hoosier test at Eldora brought 10 teams together to try an 18-inch right-rear sprint-car tire. Josh and EJ weigh its potential against tire durability, costs, and sponsorship concerns. They consider what Joe Gibbs Racing’s interest in High Limit could mean for charters, team economics, and competition with the World of Outlaws. A crash involving Joel Myers Jr. and Aaron Reutzel at Lakeside was followed by Rico Abreu’s disqualification for fueling. With the ruling tightening the title race, the hosts preview the All-In Championship. EJ shares highlights from the Buckeye Brawl, including Sheldon Haudenschild’s two wins in three nights and a strong showing at Millstream and Mansfield. The hosts review notable results from Eldora, Williams Grove, Portsmouth, and other tracks, then make picks for the High Limit finale and the $100,000-to-win Dirt Track World Championship. Timestamps 00:00 - Episode 95 begins and the 2016 Dirt Track World Championship is remembered 00:59 - Gas City Speedway is for sale as other tracks face uncertain futures 05:02 - Devil’s Bowl Speedway removes asphalt 06:53 - Tyler Nelson repeats as USAC Midwest Thunder Midget champion 07:29 - Matt Williamson loses the Outlaw 200 win after tech inspection 08:46 - Hoosier tests a new 18-inch sprint-car tire at Eldora 12:46 - Joe Gibbs Racing’s potential move into High Limit raises charter questions 19:20 - Lakeside crash and Rico Abreu’s disqualification reshape the title fight 26:46 - Race results: highlights from the weekly dirt-racing roundup 32:01 - Millstream recap and EJ’s take on the Buckeye Brawl 34:06 - Lawrenceburg results and Josh’s final track visit of the season 36:56 - Sheldon Haudenschild and Jacob Boxell deliver at Mansfield 40:10 - Eldora, Lakeside, and other Saturday results 42:11 - Haudenschild takes two Buckeye Brawl wins in three nights 43:02 - Upcoming events include the Dirt Track World Championship and High Limit finale 45:32 - Championship predictions for High Limit and Lucas Oil 48:14 - The hosts look back on the season and share their remaining race plans You can check out all episodes on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, and iHeartRadio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@dirtcourtjester Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7t5GAutGpqaglvFPdAf56V?si=563c40fb97f94c3f Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-court-jesters-podcast/id1746620904 iHeartRadio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-dirt-court-jesters-podcast-159583714 Like, follow, share, and subscribe on Facebook, X, YouTube, and Spotify for more Dirt Court Jesters coverage!

    Episode 95: All In, Tire Tests, & Everybody’s Got a Price
  5. Sep 29

    Episode 94: A Four Crown for Four Kings and the National Open

    Episode 94: A Four Crown for Four Kings and the National Open Josh and EJ recap a packed Four Crown Nationals weekend at Eldora Speedway, review championship battles across several dirt racing divisions, and preview the $75,000-to-win National Open at Williams Grove Speedway. The episode also includes a full rundown of recent race winners and the weekend schedule across the country. In this episode: Josh and EJ break down the Four Crown Nationals at Eldora, including Ryan Timms' first Eldora win, KTJ's Thursday USAC National Midget victory, Jacob Boxell's first USAC National Midget win, and Daison Pursley's Silver Crown triumph. Four Kings Racing enjoyed a major weekend, with Matt Westfall reaching the Silver Crown podium and multiple first-time Eldora winners emerging across the event. Jamie Myers earned his third OVSCA championship, tying Hall of Famer Danny Smith, while Trinity Ramseyer captured rookie of the year honors. Travis Ahrens won the 2026 IRA championship, with Paul Nienheiser named IRA rookie of the year. Brent Marks and Chase Briscoe Racing secured the $25,000 Roto-Rooter Midweek Series title, setting up a potential High Limit championship run in 2027. Championship battles are coming down to the final races in the All-Star Circuit of Champions and USAC Midwest Thunder Midgets. Kaleb Henry leads Cale Thomas by 32 points, while Tyler Nelson leads Matt Lux and Bryce Massingill in the midget standings. The National Open returns to Williams Grove Speedway on October 2-3, featuring a $75,000 winner's purse and a showdown between World of Outlaws drivers, High Limit regulars, and the Pennsylvania Posse. Josh and EJ both pick the same driver to win the National Open. EJ's local pick is the No. 39, while Josh selects Chase Dietz. The hosts recap winners from Eldora, Williams Grove, Brownstown, Deer Creek, I-55, Skyline, Wayne County, Ventura, and numerous other tracks. The weekend schedule includes the National Open, the All-Star finale at Michael's Mercer Raceway, the USAC Midwest Thunder Midget finale at Montpelier, Toledo Speedway's USAC Silver Crown finale, and the Pittsburgher 100. Timestamps 00:00 - Episode 94 introduction and Dirt Racing History 00:50 - Four Crown Nationals highlights from Eldora Speedway 02:48 - Track conditions, car counts, and why the Four Crown is underrated 04:22 - OVSCA, IRA, and rookie-of-the-year championship results 04:57 - Brent Marks and Chase Briscoe Racing win the High Limit midweek title 06:22 - 2026 USRA Nationals schedule at Lucas Oil Speedway 07:52 - All-Star championship battle between Kaleb Henry and Cale Thomas 10:17 - USAC Midwest Thunder Midget championship comes down to the finale 13:54 - National Open history, purse, contenders, and Pennsylvania Posse competition 15:37 - Josh and EJ reveal their National Open picks 19:23 - Race recap 20:48 - Eldora Four Crown preliminary-night winners 21:15 - Friday night results from Bakersfield, Brownstown, Circle City, and Deer Creek 22:38 - Four Crown finale results and Ryan Timms' Eldora breakthrough 23:24 - IRA championship weekend and Skyline Speedway results 25:06 - Wayne County, Williams Grove, and Jackson 100 results 26:30 - Deer Creek finale and Jacob Boxell's first USAC National midget win 27:33 - Silver Crown, King of the Arch, Montpelier, and Plymouth results 29:56 - Ventura, Wayne County, and Kokomo race results 30:50 - Upcoming Wednesday and Friday racing schedule 32:09 - Saturday schedule featuring the National Open and multiple season finales 33:52 - Sunday enduro at Goods Raceway and the final weekend preview 34:45 - EJ's track plans, including Goods, Hilltop, and Toledo 35:58 - Eldora weekend reflections and behind-the-scenes content 37:03 - Closing thoughts You can check out all episodes on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, and iHeartRadio Like, follow, share, and subscribe on Facebook, X, YouTube, and Spotify for more Dirt Court Jesters coverage!

    Episode 94: A Four Crown for Four Kings and the National Open
  6. Sep 28

    Episode 93: Championships, records crowds, & 4 Crown Nationals

    Episode 93: Championships, records crowds, & 4 Crown Nationals Josh and EJ cover recent dirt racing championships, a record-setting World 100 crowd, driver and safety developments, and the upcoming Four Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway. They also recap major results from across the country and make their picks for the Four Crown divisions. In this episode: Josh and EJ discuss the latest dirt racing news and look ahead to the Four Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway. The conversation covers championship results, a record-setting World 100 crowd, driver safety, major driver changes and a wide-ranging recap of recent races. A major theme is the importance of safety and driver input. Josh and EJ discuss the Belleville cancellation and the growing role of the National Track Safety Association, while also considering a new sprint car design intended to reduce spinal compression. The hosts celebrate Eldora’s recognition in the American Late Model Iron Man Series Hall of Fame and reflect on the World 100’s continued popularity, with the event drawing another record crowd. The Four Crown Nationals preview looks back at the event’s history, including Steve Kinser’s early success and Jack Hewitt’s unique sweep of all four divisions in 1998. Josh and EJ share their picks for this year’s races, which feature four championship divisions and $15,000-to-win features on Saturday. The episode also covers Nick Hoffman’s move to Spire Motorsports for 2027, Brady Bacon and Kerry Madsen’s late-season driver changes, and race results from across the country. Timestamps 00:02 Welcome and episode preview 00:26 This week in dirt racing history 00:48 Eldora Speedway enters the ALMS Hall of Fame 01:56 Max Stambaugh championship 02:56 Driver input and track safety 05:32 Nick Hoffman’s move to Spire Motorsports 07:28 Favorite World 100 paint schemes 09:06 Attica track champions and tire testing 10:46 Record World 100 crowd 12:48 Horsepower Hydration and Victory Fuel 13:52 Jett Barnes’ early success 14:37 Cap Henry’s championships and season stats 16:25 Cap Henry vs. Cale Thomas 18:00 Brady Bacon and Kerry Madsen driver changes 20:25 Four Crown Nationals history and weekend preview 24:10 Four Crown predictions 29:15 Race recap begins 30:55 New sprint car design and driver safety 32:43 Friday race results 35:25 Saturday race results 39:09 Dennis Roth Classic and Sheldon Haudenschild discussion 43:04 Sunday results and upcoming races 48:47 Wrap-up and Four Crown Nationals plans You can check out all episodes on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, and iHeartRadio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@dirtcourtjester Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7t5GAutGpqaglvFPdAf56V?si=563c40fb97f94c3f Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-court-jesters-podcast/id1746620904 iHeartRadio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-dirt-court-jesters-podcast-159583714 Like, follow, share, and subscribe on Facebook, X, YouTube, and Spotify for more Dirt Court Jesters coverage!

    Episode 93: Championships, records crowds, & 4 Crown Nationals
  7. Sep 8

    Episode 92: No Moore, The World 100, and Never Forget

    Episode 92: No More, The World 100, and Never Forget Josh and EJ cover the end of Johnny Gibson's 31-year, 2,465-race announcing streak, major driver and track news, and a packed weekend of dirt racing led by Eldora's World 100. They also recap results from across the country and reflect on the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Timestamps 00:00 - Episode 92 opens with the World 100 and a September 11 remembrance 00:28 - John Ivey wins the 2004 All-Star race at Fremont Speedway 00:48 - Johnny Gibson's 31-year, 2,465-race streak comes to an end 02:25 - Ryan Timms' championship season and national-series possibilities 04:49 - Would Timms choose World of Outlaws or High Limit? 06:44 - Kyle Moore suspended by Wayne County Speedway 10:03 - Owen Larson's wild restricted micro battle 11:58 - Portsmouth announces a $50,000 super late model show 13:16 - Belleville High Banks 30 canceled over safety concerns 16:56 - High Limit's proposed open tire rule for 2027 19:54 - World 100 format, schedule, and $100,000-to-win finale 21:00 - Josh picks Devin Moran; EJ picks Bobby Pierce 22:54 - A packed weekend of major races across the region 24:08 - Trey Jacobs wins the Pete Jacobs Memorial 25:12 - Hayden Reinbold breaks a 27-year midget track record 26:31 - Remembering September 11, 2001 27:20 - Race recap begins with High Limit, World of Outlaws, and regional results 29:08 - Tyler Erb wins at Portsmouth; EJ shares his track experience 32:52 - Sam Hafertepe Jr. leads Matt Covington by 22 ASCS points 35:19 - Mansfield controversy and reckless post-race driving 37:41 - Tyler Erb wins again ahead of the World 100 38:53 - Rico Abreu wins the Skagit Nationals finale 41:30 - Eldora's BaltesClassic sets up World 100 week 43:39 - Emerson Axsom earns his first World of Outlaws win 45:36 - Tight IRA points battle heading into the season finale 46:29 - Trey Jacobs completes the emotional Pete Jacobs Memorial victory 47:28 - Racing to come: World 100 week and major regional events 49:24 - World 100 finale and AFCS championship outlook 52:05 - Final thoughts on September 11 and the coming weekend 52:49 - EJ discusses possible track plans 53:45 - Closing remarks and a final Sheldon Haudenschild shoutout Featured picks Josh: Devin Moran to win the World 100 EJ: Bobby Pierce to win the World 100 You can check out all episodes on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, and iHeartRadio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@dirtcourtjester Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7t5GAutGpqaglvFPdAf56V?si=563c40fb97f94c3f Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-court-jesters-podcast/id1746620904 iHeartRadio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-dirt-court-jesters-podcast-159583714 Like, follow, share, and subscribe on Facebook, X, YouTube, and Spotify for more Dirt Court Jesters coverage!

    Episode 92: No Moore, The World 100, and Never Forget

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

All roads take us to the Kings Royal! Talking dirt racing nationally, and just as importantly right here in the Ohio Valley! I hope you're ready to get dirty! Josh with the Dirt Court Jesters is your tour guide. Follow the Dirt Court Jesters on X and Youtube @dirtcourtjester

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