Historic Hot Laps

Alex Daniels

Welcome to Historic Hot Laps — the racing podcast where motorsports history meets the stories shaping today’s headlines. Each week, we dive into the biggest moments across the racing world — from NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1, sprint cars, endurance racing, and grassroots motorsports — while also spotlighting the legendary drivers, iconic teams, forgotten rivalries, and pivotal moments that built the sport. Whether you’re a lifelong gearhead or a newer fan looking to learn the roots of racing culture, Historic Hot Laps has something for you. Subscribe for weekly episodes.

  1. 1h ago

    From the IndyCar Paddock to Overtaken: Kate Shoup Joins Historic Hot Laps

    Historic Hot Laps is back with a packed episode covering motorsports, racing history, IndyCar, NASCAR and a special guest from the world of racing fiction! We kick things off with Kate Shoup, the author writing under the pen name Elisabeth Oliver, to talk about her motorsports novel Overtaken. Kate joins us to discuss her love of racing, her connection to the IndyCar world, the Indianapolis 500, life around the paddock, women in motorsports, and the inspiration behind bringing a racing story to life on the page. Then we shift gears and recap our firsthand experience at the IndyCar Freedom 250 in Washington, D.C. We break down the action from the inaugural event, discuss the rumors surrounding a possible return, and give you our honest pros and cons from attending the race in person. We also head to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for a quick rundown of the NASCAR weekend, including the Craftsman Truck Series and NASCAR Cup Series action. With the Chase playoffs approaching, we break down the latest playoff picture and who's locked in heading into Daytona. 🏁 In this episode: Kate Shoup / Elisabeth Oliver interview Behind the motorsports novel Overtaken IndyCar paddock stories and racing culture The Indianapolis 500 and May in Indy Women working in motorsports IndyCar Freedom 250 recap Will IndyCar return to Washington, D.C.? Our firsthand pros and cons from the Freedom 250 NASCAR Truck Series recap from New Hampshire NASCAR Cup Series recap from New Hampshire NASCAR Chase playoff standings heading into Daytona If you enjoy motorsports, IndyCar, NASCAR, racing history and the stories behind the people who make racing special, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications so you don't miss future episodes of Historic Hot Laps! Sponsored by Dubby EnergyUse promo code HOTLAPS to save 10%! #IndyCar #NASCAR #Freedom250 #Indy500 #HistoricHotLaps #NASCARPlayoffs #Overtaken #Motorsports

  2. 6d ago

    Road to Washington: Richmond, Knoxville & the Freedom 250

    Washington, D.C. is about to become the center of the motorsports world. On Episode 102 of Historic Hot Laps, we get ready for the historic Freedom 250 Grand Prix, as IndyCar prepares to race around the National Mall—and we’ll be there to cover it. But first, we recap a massive week in motorsports. We break down the NASCAR action from Richmond, including the Craftsman Truck Series and Joey Logano’s Cup Series victory. Then we follow one of the wildest stories of the weekend as Kyle Larson pulls off his own incredible version of “the double”—racing at Richmond before flying to Iowa and winning the prestigious Knoxville Nationals. IndyCar also delivered plenty of drama in the inaugural race at Markham. From a track that wasn't ready on time to Marcus Ericsson returning to Victory Lane, Will Power charging from 25th to the podium, and Alex Palou continuing his championship march, we cover all the major storylines. We also discuss the big NASCAR news surrounding Connor Zilisch's future move to the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in 2028—and give our opinion on what that means for Corey Day and his future in the Hendrick development pipeline. Then it's time for this week's Historic Hot Laps history segment: When Racing Came to Washington. Before IndyCar makes history at the Freedom 250, we look back at the last major attempt to bring big-time motorsports to Washington, D.C.—the 2002 Grand Prix at RFK Stadium—and why it lasted only one year. Plus, Historic Hot Laps is heading to Washington, D.C. to attend the Freedom 250, and we're bringing you along for the ride. In this episode: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Richmond NASCAR Cup Series at Richmond Joey Logano's Richmond victory Kyle Larson's Richmond-to-Knoxville double Larson wins the Knoxville Nationals IndyCar at Markham Marcus Ericsson returns to Victory Lane The Markham track delay and chaotic inaugural weekend Connor Zilisch announced for the No. 48 in 2028 What happens next for Corey Day? Motorsports history in Washington, D.C. The 2002 Grand Prix of Washington Freedom 250 Grand Prix preview Historic Hot Laps heads to Washington Subscribe to Historic Hot Laps for motorsports history, race recaps, interviews, and stories from across the racing world. And don't forget to support the show and save 10% with promo code HOTLAPS from our friends at Dubby Energy.

  3. Aug 14

    Palou Dominates Portland, Ty Gibbs Wins Iowa & The History of Iowa Speedway

    Welcome back to Historic Hot Laps! 🏁 This week we're covering a packed weekend of racing that had something for just about every motorsports fan. We kick things off in Portland with the IndyCar Grand Prix of Portland, where Alex Palou continued his incredible 2026 season with another dominant victory. We break down Palou's performance, Felix Rosenqvist's strong weekend, the championship implications, and some of the other major stories coming out of Portland. Then we're heading to Iowa Speedway for a full weekend of racing. The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series delivered an overtime thriller as Carson Kvapil went back-to-back with another victory, while Rajah Caruth and Ross Chastain battled for the podium. Then we go back to Saturday night for something a little different — USAC Silver Crown. After an 11-year absence, Silver Crown returned to Iowa Speedway, and C.J. Leary put together an impressive performance to win the Iowa 100. We talk about the race, the championship implications, and why the return of Silver Crown is such a cool piece of American racing history. And then it's time for the big one — the NASCAR Cup Series Iowa Corn 350. Ty Gibbs came through with a huge victory after a fascinating late-race strategy call, holding off teammate Christopher Bell in an intense battle to the finish. We break down Gibbs' win, Bell's frustrating second-place finish, Ryan Blaney's strong run, Denny Hamlin's charge through the field, and the championship implications coming out of Iowa. 🏁 HISTORIC HOT LAPS HISTORY This week's history segment takes us back to Iowa Speedway for: "When Iowa Was More Than NASCAR" We go all the way back to the track's beginnings and explore how Iowa became home to IndyCar, NASCAR, USAC and some of the biggest names in American racing. From Dario Franchitti and Dan Wheldon to Josef Newgarden's incredible Iowa record, Ryan Blaney's NASCAR history, and the return of USAC Silver Crown — there's a lot more to Iowa Speedway than just NASCAR. We'll take you through the timeline and look at how one 7/8-mile oval became an important part of American motorsports history. And, as always, we'll have plenty of racing discussion, opinions and Historic Hot Laps along the way. Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE the show! And let us know in the comments: What was your favorite race from the weekend — Portland, O'Reilly, Silver Crown, or Cup? ⚡ Sponsored by Dubby Energy Looking for a way to stay fueled through the race weekend? Check out Dubby Energy — zero sugar, gluten free, and made without maltodextrin fillers, artificial colors or dyes, secret formulas, or hidden ingredients. Use promo code HOTLAPS at checkout for 10% OFF your order and support Historic Hot Laps at the same time! Historic Hot Laps — Motorsports history, current racing, legendary drivers, and the stories behind the sport we love. #HistoricHotLaps #IndyCar #NASCAR #USAC #IowaSpeedway #PortlandGP #TyGibbs #AlexPalou #Motorsports #Racing #RacingHistory #SilverCrown

  4. Aug 7

    Episode 100 🎉 | Our First Video Podcast! Formula 1 Mid-Season Review with Joe Z + Weekend Racing Recap

    Historic Hot Laps reaches a major milestone with Episode 100—and we're celebrating by bringing you our first-ever video podcast! Thank you to everyone who has listened, watched, shared, and supported us over the past 100 episodes. This milestone wouldn't be possible without an incredible community of motorsports fans. Joining us once again is friend of the show Joe Z as we take a deep dive into the Formula 1 season at the summer break. We go team-by-team through the grid, hand out our mid-season report cards, discuss championship contenders, surprise performers, disappointments, and make some bold predictions for the second half of the season. We also recap another exciting weekend in racing, including: IMSA's thrilling six-hour endurance battle at Road America. The World of Outlaws taking on the Pennsylvania Posse at Williams Grove Speedway. A look at the debut testing of IndyCar's next-generation IR-28 race car. Whether you've been with us since Episode 1 or you're joining us for the first time, thank you for being part of the Historic Hot Laps community. 🏁 Here's to the next 100 episodes! Topics Covered Formula 1 Mid-Season Review Team-by-Team Report Cards Drivers & Constructors Championship Discussion IMSA Road America Recap World of Outlaws at Williams Grove IndyCar IR-28 Debut Bold Predictions for the Rest of the F1 Season Follow Historic Hot Laps for weekly motorsports news, race recaps, interviews, and discussions covering Formula 1, IndyCar, NASCAR, IMSA, World of Outlaws, and the history that makes racing great.

  5. Jul 30

    Brickyard Glory, Group B Rally Madness & Alex Bowman's Retirement Announcement

    The racing world delivered another incredible weekend, and we're breaking down all the biggest stories on Episode 99 of the Historic Hot Laps Podcast. This week we recap NASCAR's return to Indianapolis, including the Truck Series at IRP, the O'Reilly Series at IMS, and Corey Heim's career-defining victory in the Brickyard 400. We also discuss what Heim's impressive Cup performances could mean for his future with 23XI Racing. Overseas, we recap the Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix, where Lando Norris earned a much-needed victory for McLaren, while David Gravel continued his dominance at Weedsport Speedway in the World of Outlaws. In this week's news segment, we discuss Alex Bowman's announcement that he will retire from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition following the 2027 season and what it could mean for the future of Hendrick Motorsports. Then, in this week's Historic Hot Laps History Segment, we travel back to one of the most outrageous eras in motorsports history—Group B Rally. Discover the incredible machines, fearless drivers, unbelievable fan atmosphere, and the tragic events that led to one of the fastest racing categories ever created being banned forever. 🏁 In this episode: • NASCAR Weekend Recap (IRP & Indianapolis Motor Speedway) • Corey Heim's Brickyard breakthrough and 23XI Racing discussion • Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix recap • World of Outlaws at Weedsport Speedway • Alex Bowman announces his 2027 retirement • Motorsports History: The Rise and Fall of Group B Rally Thank you for listening to Historic Hot Laps! Fuel your race weekends with Dubby Energy and save 10% using promo code HOTLAPS at checkout. Follow Historic Hot Laps for weekly race recaps, motorsports history, interviews with drivers and industry personalities, and coverage from across the racing world.

  6. Jul 24

    The Birth of the Brickyard 400 & DRR Returns to IndyCar, Kings Royal Drama & Weekend Race Recaps

    History takes center stage on this week's episode of the Historic Hot Laps Podcast. We begin with breaking IndyCar news as Dreyer & Reinbold Racing announces its return to full-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES competition in 2027 after acquiring a charter from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. We break down what this move means for both organizations and why it's an exciting step forward for the future of the series. Then it's time to recap an action-packed weekend in motorsports: 🏁 NTT INDYCAR SERIES – Alex Palou strengthens his championship campaign with another impressive victory at Nashville Superspeedway. 🏎️ Formula One – Kimi Antonelli continues his remarkable rookie title charge with a statement win at the Belgian Grand Prix while Ferrari and Red Bull keep the pressure on. 🛻 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Chandler Smith puts on a dominant performance at the legendary North Wilkesboro Speedway. 🏆 NASCAR Cup Series – Joey Logano reminds everyone why he's one of NASCAR's elite with a commanding victory at one of the sport's most historic venues. 🌙 World of Outlaws Sprint Cars – Anthony Macri captures his second consecutive Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway in one of the most dramatic dirt races of the season. To close the show, we travel back to 1994 for this week's Historic Hot Laps History Segment, telling the incredible story of the inaugural Brickyard 400—how NASCAR's arrival at Indianapolis Motor Speedway forever changed stock car racing and created one of the sport's crown jewel events. If you love racing history, race analysis, and the biggest stories from across the motorsports world, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🎧 New episodes every week. Presented by Dubby Energy – Use promo code HOTLAPS to save 10% on your order and support the show.

  7. Jul 15

    Tim Flock's Legacy | Atlanta Thriller, NASCAR Silly Season & World of Outlaws Showdown

    The racing world delivered another unforgettable weekend, and we're breaking it all down on Episode 97 of the Historic Hot Laps Podcast. This week, we recap an action-packed NASCAR weekend as Grant Enfinger earns his first career road course victory at Lime Rock, Justin Allgaier survives a caution-filled Atlanta classic to clinch the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Regular Season Championship, and Ryan Blaney dominates the Quaker State 400, leading 171 laps before sealing the win in a dramatic overtime finish after a lengthy weather delay. We also dive into the latest NASCAR Silly Season rumors, discussing Noah Gragson's uncertain future, the evolving picture at Richard Childress Racing, potential driver movement across the Cup Series, and which organizations could be poised for major changes heading into 2027. Over on the dirt, the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series delivered one of the best races of the season at Wilmot Raceway as Sheldon Haudenschild and Garet Williamson traded slide jobs and crossovers in an unforgettable battle for the Larry Hillerud Memorial victory. For our Historic Hot Laps History Segment, we're honoring Episode 97 by looking back at the incredible career of three-time NASCAR champion Tim Flock. From helping build NASCAR during its earliest days to the unforgettable story of racing with Jocko Flocko, the monkey who once rode shotgun, we explore the life and legacy of one of stock car racing's true pioneers. Whether you're a fan of NASCAR, IndyCar, sprint cars, or motorsports history, there's something for every racing fan in this week's episode. 🏁 Follow Historic Hot Laps for weekly race recaps, motorsports history, interviews, and the biggest stories from across the racing world. ⚡ This episode is proudly sponsored by Dubby Energy! Get 10% OFF your order with promo code HOTLAPS at checkout. Thanks for supporting the partners that help make Historic Hot Laps possible!

  8. Jul 9

    Scott Dixon Leaves Ganassi, NASCAR Returns to Chicagoland & The Story of John Fitch

    One of the biggest weeks of the motorsports season is here, and we're breaking down everything you need to know. This week on Historic Hot Laps, we recap an incredible weekend across Formula 1, IndyCar, and NASCAR before diving into one of the biggest IndyCar Silly Season stories in years. We discuss Charles Leclerc's return to Victory Lane at the British Grand Prix, Arrow McLaren's historic 1-2 finish at Mid-Ohio with Pato O'Ward and Christian Lundgaard, and NASCAR's long-awaited return to Chicagoland Speedway, where Brandon Jones claimed the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series victory before Chase Briscoe led a dominant Joe Gibbs Racing sweep in the NASCAR Cup Series. We also break down the latest IndyCar driver market news, including Scott Dixon's move away from Chip Ganassi Racing, Arrow McLaren's officially announced 2027 lineup, and the speculation surrounding the remaining seats as the future of the series begins to take shape. Then, we shift gears for one of our favorite History Segments yet. John Fitch was far more than a successful racing driver. A World War II fighter pilot, Le Mans winner, endurance racing pioneer, and automotive safety innovator, his work transformed both motorsports and everyday driving. From the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR to the creation of the Fitch Barrier, his legacy continues to save lives around the world. In Episode 96:• Formula 1 British Grand Prix recap• Charles Leclerc returns to Victory Lane• IndyCar Mid-Ohio recap• Arrow McLaren's first-ever 1-2 finish• Scott Dixon's blockbuster team change• IndyCar 2027 Silly Season analysis• NASCAR returns to Chicagoland Speedway• O'Reilly Auto Parts Series & Cup Series recaps• Chase Briscoe earns his first win of 2026• Motorsport History: The remarkable life of John Fitch If you love Formula 1, IndyCar, NASCAR, endurance racing, and the incredible stories that shaped motorsport history, Historic Hot Laps delivers race analysis, historical deep dives, and weekly motorsports discussion every episode. Be sure to follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with your fellow racing fans. Every download helps us continue bringing the stories of motorsport's past and present to life. #HistoricHotLaps #Formula1 #IndyCar #NASCAR #MotorsportHistory

About

Welcome to Historic Hot Laps — the racing podcast where motorsports history meets the stories shaping today’s headlines. Each week, we dive into the biggest moments across the racing world — from NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1, sprint cars, endurance racing, and grassroots motorsports — while also spotlighting the legendary drivers, iconic teams, forgotten rivalries, and pivotal moments that built the sport. Whether you’re a lifelong gearhead or a newer fan looking to learn the roots of racing culture, Historic Hot Laps has something for you. Subscribe for weekly episodes.