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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Sep 1

    Episode 91: Florence, mile tracks, & Labor Day weekend racing

    Episode 91: Florence, mile tracks, & Labor Day weekend racing Josh and EJ discuss major developments in dirt track racing, including Knoxville Nationals passing concerns, the potential loss of Ponderosa Speedway and Atomic Speedway, standout Ohio drivers, and Labor Day weekend events. They also preview Boone Speedway’s weeklong Supernationals and the Hillbilly 100 at West Virginia Motor Speedway. In this episode: Dirt racing history: Jac Haudenschild won the 2008 World of Outlaws Gold Cup Race of Champions at Silver Dollar Speedway. Supporting Spark Simon: Former Limaland announcer and Josh’s family friend Spark Simon has been diagnosed with ALS. The hosts share their support for Spark and his family. Knoxville Nationals passing concerns: The championship A-Main has gone more than 200 laps without a lead change, dating back to 2022. Josh and EJ discuss how weather-affected track conditions and the race format may be contributing to limited passing. Tracks at risk: Ponderosa Speedway canceled its remaining racing and may not reopen this season. Atomic Speedway is also expected to close after its upcoming race while a potential sale is considered. The hosts emphasize supporting local dirt tracks. Kyle Larson’s Knoxville success: Larson reportedly became the first driver to win four features during Knoxville Nationals week. Dust and safety at Springfield: Kaylee Bryson described a severe dust storm during the USAC Silver Crown Springfield Mile. Josh and EJ discuss the visibility problems, daytime heat, and risks of racing a sprint car on a mile-long track. Kole Kirkman’s first sprint car win: The USAC Midwest Thunder Midget rookie points leader completed double duty at Lawrenceburg and captured his first 410 non-wing sprint car victory. Aaron Reutzel’s late model debut: Reutzel will drive one of Gordy Gundaker’s late models at the Gateway Dirt Nationals from December 3-5. Ohio talent gets opportunities: Bryce Lucius is set to replace Kasey Jenderzjek in Bill Rose Racing’s No. 6 World of Outlaws car after winning the 2026 Brad Doty Classic. A night of first-time winners: Garret Williamson, Dylan Bloomfield, and Cale Coons all earned their first wins with the World of Outlaws, High Limit, and USAC, respectively, on August 28. Labor Day weekend racing: Boone Speedway hosts the 2026 IMCA Speedway Motors Supernationals from September 5-12, while West Virginia Motor Speedway presents the Hillbilly 100 weekend, featuring a $25,000-to-win. Timestamps 00:00 - Episode 91 introduction and the week’s major topics 00:34 - Jac Haudenschild's 2008 Gold Cup victory 01:03 - Supporting Spark Simon during his ALS diagnosis 01:30 - Knoxville Nationals goes more than 200 laps without a lead change 02:23 - Why Knoxville’s format and track conditions may limit passing 03:51 - Ponderosa Speedway cancels racing and may not reopen 04:22 - Atomic Speedway’s expected final race and possible sale 05:34 - Why fans should support their local dirt tracks 05:39 - Kyle Larson’s four Knoxville Nationals week feature wins 07:14 - Dust storm and safety concerns at the Springfield Mile 09:43 - Kole Kirkman earns his first 410 sprint car victory 10:37 - Aaron Reutzel prepares for his late model debut 12:10 - Bryce Lucius joins Bill Rose Racing 13:31 - Three national sprint car tours produce first-time winners 14:13 - Rico Abreu earns his third Gold Cup title 16:32 - Previewing the weeklong IMCA Supernationals at Boone 17:12 - Hillbilly 100 weekend purse and division lineup Like, follow, share, and subscribe on Facebook, X, YouTube, and Spotify for more Dirt Court Jesters coverage! 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

    Episode 91: Florence, mile tracks, & Labor Day weekend racing
  5. Aug 16

    Episode 90: Waynesfield, Torn Up Rides, and National Champion

    Episode 90: Waynesfield, Torn Up Rides, and National Champion Josh and EJ cover a packed stretch of dirt racing news, from crown jewel weekend chaos to track business concerns and major team moves. The episode runs through the Knoxville 360 Nationals, Knoxville Nationals, North South 100, and Iron Man 55, while also digging into safety issues, format debates, and big sponsorship news across sprint cars and late models. In this episode, they break down what happened on track, what it means for the sport, and why these storylines matter beyond the results sheet. Key topics The Summer Fast for the Super Dirt Car Series Big Block Modifieds kicks off with four straight nights at four different tracks, with points deciding the champion. Waynesfield Speedway’s uncertain future takes center stage. Brent Marks Racing being acquired by Chase Briscoe Racing becomes a major dirt business story, with Brent Marks staying on as driver for five years. The Knoxville 360 Nationals format debate gets real, with both hosts discussing whether 20 laps is enough and whether 410 regulars should be in the field at all. The North South 100 delivers both chaos and a fairytale, with Josh Rice winning at Florence Speedway after a race full of torn-up cars and major wrecks. Kyle Larson’s late moves at the Front Row Challenge and Knoxville Nationals spark the usual split reactions. Anthony Macri’s injury at the Capitani Classic adds another rough chapter to a season already marked by crashes and setbacks. The Knoxville Nationals prelim fuel tank problem with Ryan Timms draws strong criticism from Josh, who argues the safety risks made the situation unacceptable. Weather and delays at Knoxville and the Kings Royal create a social media spectacle, including Larson flight tracking and nonstop speculation around race timing. Chili’s stepping in as title sponsor for the Sprint Car SmackDown at Kokomo is treated as a sign of growing corporate interest in dirt racing, with hopes that sponsorship money trickles down to smaller teams too. Timestamps 00:28 - This week in dirt racing history: Great American Dirt Track, Shane Stewart wins 00:55 - SummerFast preview across four tracks in Super Dirt Car Series action 01:56 - Waynesfield Speedway uncertainty and why the track needs backing 03:55 - Chase Briscoe acquires Brent Marks Racing 06:57 - Carson Macedo argues Knoxville 360 Nationals needs more laps 08:52 - Would Iron Man 55 move to help 360 Nationals field size 11:11 - 410 drivers in the 360 Nationals 11:40 - North South 100 chaos, crashes, and Josh Rice’s win 14:30 - Kyle Larson’s slide job on Ryan Timms at the Front Row Challenge 17:08 - Anthony Macri injured again at the Capitini Classic 18:26 - Knoxville Nationals pre-lim night fuel-tank issue with Ryan Timms 23:12 - Weather, Larson watch, and the Knoxville Nationals/Kings Royal delays 24:44 - Knoxville Nationals format change and driver frustration 28:40 - Gio Selzi and Brenham Crouch’s violent crash 31:22 - Chili’s sponsors Kokomo’s Sprint Car SmackDown 38:08 - Race recap begins: Thursday and Friday results 41:50 - Saturday results, including Knoxville, Florence, and local divisions 44:09 - Iron Man 55, Knoxville 360 Nationals finale, and more weekend winners 49:28 - Knoxville Nationals finale: Kyle Larson wins, Sheldon second, Casey Kane third 51:04 - Upcoming race schedule for the next week 55:03 - Wrap-up, closing thoughts, and Florence Speedway plans Like, follow, share, and subscribe on Facebook, X, YouTube, and Spotify for more Dirt Court Jesters coverage! 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

    Episode 90: Waynesfield, Torn Up Rides, and National Champion
  6. Aug 5

    Episode 89: Indiana Sprint Week, North/South 100, & Knoxville Nationals

    Episode 89: Indiana Sprint Week, North/South 100, & Knoxville Nationals Josh and EJ dive into this episode as we explore the latest in dirt track racing, revisiting historical moments, celebrating recent victories, and previewing upcoming major events like the Knoxville Nationals and North South 100. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the sport, this episode offers insights, race recaps, and predictions straight from the heart of dirt racing. Key Topics: Updates on racer Case Higgins' recovery from severe burns and the racing community's support Discussion of Kasey Kahne's return in a striking new #4 sprint car Justin Grant joins the century club with his 100th USAC win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Analysis of Indiana Sprint Week's strong car counts and Kyle Cummins' first Indiana Sprint Week title In-depth debate on fuel tank safety, size, and race length considerations for sprint and outlaw cars Preview of major upcoming races: North/South 100, Knoxville Nationals, and the 360 Knoxville Nationals Commentary on race strategies, driver predictions, and the significance of big-money events Recap of recent race results across multiple tracks and series, highlighting notable wins and emerging stars Personal plans and reflections from hosts about the upcoming racing schedule and fan experiences Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and Episode Overview 00:30 - Eldora Speedway 2004 USAC Sprint Race Recap 1:08 - Update on racer Case Higgins' recovery journey 1:51 - Kasey Kahne's return with a striking number four sprint car 2:21 - Justin Grant's historic 100th USAC win at IMS 3:17 - Indiana Sprint Week highlights and car counts 4:12 - Race funding and pay scale suggestions for sprint events 5:19 - Indiana Sprint Week winner predictions and championship updates 6:41 - Fuel tank safety concerns and race regulations debate 7:53 - Engineering considerations for fuel capacity and safety measures 9:55 - High Limit series points standings and contenders 13:22 - Upcoming North/South 100 race details and purse records 15:41 - Predictions for the Knoxville 360 Nationals and Knoxville Nationals 17:42 - Notable drivers and their chances at Knoxville 21:37 - Overviews of key favorites and race favorites for Knoxville 23:54 - Expectations for the Knoxville Nationals and predictions 35:24 - Recent race results including Indiana Sprint Week and regional events 44:48 - Upcoming race schedules and personal plans for fans and racers 45:11 - Closing remarks and encouragement to support local racing Like, follow, share, and subscribe on Facebook, X, YouTube, and Spotify for more Dirt Court Jesters coverage!

    Episode 89: Indiana Sprint Week, North/South 100, & Knoxville Nationals
  7. Jul 21

    Episode 88: Macri reigns supreme, PDC & Indiana Sprint Week are here!

    Episode 88: Macri reigns supreme, PDC & Indiana Sprint Week are here! Josh and EJ recap a massive week of sprint car racing, starting with the Kings Royal at Eldora and rolling into Indiana Sprint Week. They break down the track conditions, the impact of rain, the Joker’s Jackpot, Bryce Lucius’ emotional Brad Doty Classic win, and Anthony Macri’s back-to-back Kings Royal victories. In this episode: Kings Royal recap and Eldora track conditions Joker’s Jackpot, Kyle Larson’s win, and Cole Macedo’s crash Safety talk: open reds, fuel tanks, and sprint car starters Format debate for the Kings Royal Ryan Timms’ Knoxville momentum Indiana Sprint Week preview and championship picks Weekly race results and upcoming events Highlights: Anthony Macri repeats as Kings Royal Champion Bryce Lucius gets a huge crowd-pleasing win at Attica David Gravel’s week falls short of expectations Garret Williamson and Gio Scelzi impressed all week Bobby Pierce and Chase Dietz headline the weekend previews Upcoming races discussed: Indiana Sprint Week, Prairie Dirt Classic, Bob Weikert Memorial, and more across Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. Timestamps: 0:00 — Intro / episode setup 1:55 — Kings Royal recap starts 5:55 — Joker’s Jackpot / viewership talk 9:00 — Fuel tanks and starters discussion 13:51 — Kings Royal format debate 18:14 — Anthony Macri wins the King’s Royal 24:10 — Indiana Sprint Week preview 26:54 — Race recap and results 31:51 — Racing to come / upcoming schedule 34:28 — Prairie Dirt Classic picks 36:06 — Bob Weikert Memorial preview 39:13 — Social shoutouts / wrap-up Like, follow, share, and subscribe for more Dirt Court Jesters coverage!

    Episode 88: Macri reigns supreme, PDC & Indiana Sprint Week are here!

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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