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. Episode 85: X Marks the spot, tracks need help, & a rain dance

    4d ago

    Episode 85: X Marks the spot, tracks need help, & a rain dance

    Episode 85: X Marks the spot, tracks need help, & a rain dance Key Topics: Recent purse boosts and the significance of paying through the field at races like Skagit's Super Dirt Cup The ongoing struggles and potential rescue efforts at Atomic Speedway Key results from Speedweeks, USAC, and World of Outlaws events across the country Insights into upcoming big races such as the Kings Royal and High Bank Nationals Track condition issues and the importance of track maintenance for racing quality Notable driver performances, including Sheldon Haudenschild and Brent Marks Impact of weather setbacks on schedules, especially Knoxville rainout Future race calendar highlights from Ohio, Indiana, and beyond Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: Dirt Track Racing news update 00:32 - Historic race recap: Ohio Sprint Speedweek 2016 at Waynesfield 00:59 - Announcing purse increases at Skagit Super Dirt Cup and high-paying promotions 01:27 - Impact of raising start money and paying through the field 02:03 - Track condition issues at Limaland 02:54 - Atomic Speedway financial struggles and potential solutions 03:52 - Track ownership, community support, and track preservation efforts 04:21 - Brent Marks' recent momentum and upcoming races 11:00 - East Coast races and the USAC and sprint car scene 14:20 - Upcoming major events: King’s Royal, High Bank Nationals, and the summer schedule 16:09 - Predictions for the Super Dirt Cup and notable contenders 19:36 - Knoxville's rainout and its impact on points standings 21:16 - Rain delays and race rescheduling updates 22:03 - Speedweek points battle, top contenders, and upcoming races 26:37 - Race results from recent USAC and Midget Week events 33:37 - Young driver's disqualification 36:07 - Saturday race results: Atomic, Fairbury, Montpelier, and more 39:22 - Weekend weather challenges and race postponements 44:42 - Exciting race incidents, track conditions, and upcoming events 47:21 - Highlight on the High Bank Nationals and potential big payouts 50:05 - Final upcoming race events, from PA Posse to USAC action 50:49 - Shout-outs to fans and moments from recent races 51:15 - Personal updates, race plans, and closing remarks

    46 min
  2. Episode 84: Here comes the money, is it a Speedweek, and the Eldora Dream

    Jun 3

    Episode 84: Here comes the money, is it a Speedweek, and the Eldora Dream

    Episode 84: Here comes the money, is it a Speedweek, and the Eldora Dream Key Topics: The 32nd Eldora Dream and statistics predicting the winner High-stakes races including the Ron Kahle Jr. Memorial and the High Bank Nationals bounty Inside looks at Western PA Speedweek, Appalachian Mountain Speedweek, and Ohio racing hotspots Industry updates: Danny Dietrich’s series issues and rule differences Race recaps from World of Outlaws, USAC, and regional series Race wins, standout drivers, and special event highlights Upcoming race schedules at Eldora, Fremont, Lincoln, and beyond Predictions and picks for Eldora’s main event Notable driver performances and track conditions insights Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro to Dirt Court Jesters Podcast and episode overview 00:31 - Eldora Speedway history from 2012 and Sammy Swindell win 01:00 - Ron Kahle Jr. Memorial and the increased payout 01:46 - Limaland 360 Sprint Car competition and prize payouts 02:10 - High Bank Nationals bounty on non-outlaw teams for June 20th 02:41 - Race schedule conflicts and driver considerations for high-stakes races 03:06 - Strategy behind traveling to races for big money and the upcoming schedule 03:25 - High Limit Sprint Car Series recent grueling stretch and break 04:09 - Details on Appalachian Mountain Speedweek and race venues 05:17 - Danny Dietrich’s controversy at Lincoln Speedway and rule differences 06:21 - Series governance, local vs. series officials, and potential impacts 07:21 - Long-term effects of series rules and driver decisions at local tracks 08:56 - The significance of drivers like Danny Dietrich in racing culture 09:19 - Wrap-up of talking points; Eldora’s big race preview and entries 10:25 - The importance of leading laps to win Eldora’s Dream and predictions 11:14 - Picks for the Eldora DREAM 12:45 - Race recaps from recent World of Outlaws and USAC events 14:05 - Race highlights from Memorial Day weekend across various series 16:01 - Excitement around upcoming events and the growing schedule complexity 17:29 - Recap of Western PA Speedweek’s feature winners and track conditions 23:25 - Results from recent local races, series, and regional series highlights 27:02 - Upcoming big outdoor races at Mansfield, Mount Pleasant, and others 32:18 - Leading into Dream Week: schedules at Eldora, Mississippi Thunder, and beyond 37:19 - Chase Dietz success and predictions for the next two months 38:13 - Upcoming plans for fans and drivers, and closing remarks

    39 min
  3. Episode 83: A man on fire, big car count & big crowd, & Western PA Speedweek is here

    May 26

    Episode 83: A man on fire, big car count & big crowd, & Western PA Speedweek is here

    Episode 83: A man on fire, big car count & big crowd, & Western PA Speedweek is here In this episode: Western PA Speedweek is here! Aaron Reitzel's Winning Streak: Dominating recent races Regional Speedweeks: Shaping championship stories and the future of dirt racing. Sponsorship Splits and Rule Controversies: Impacting team strategies and careers. Wing vs Non-Wing Racing: Exploring a WoO & HL combined event to revolutionize the sport. Upcoming High-Stakes Races: Including Port Royal, Lincoln Park, and Eldora. Timestamps: 00:01 - Introduction to Episode 83 and Western PA Speedweek 00:36 - Dirt racing history: Fremont Speedway 410 race (2006) 00:59 - Jacob Allen and Cameron Smith's ride updates 03:20 - Brent Marks’ sponsorship issues and recent struggles 04:56 - Penalties for Big Game Motorsports at Hershey event 07:20 - Aaron Reitzel’s recent dominance and upcoming major races 10:36 - Western PA Speed Week details and the Floyd Trevis Memorial 14:17 - USCS Speed Week updates and weather-related challenges 16:35 - Anthony Macri’s injury update and future race plans 17:11 - Macri’s recovery path and the King’s Royal hopes 18:23 - Drivers Project history episode and discussions on race formats 20:04 - The idea of co-sanctioned races with and without wings 21:05 - The potential for a dual event between High Limit and WoO 22:27 - The historical significance of rules requiring payout thresholds for outlaw races 23:18 - Recap of recent race results 38:27 - Upcoming race schedule for late May 39:03 - Predictions for the May 25 WoO race at Huset's and driver picks 46:30 - Weekend viewing plans and local track support suggestions 48:02 - Episode wrap-up and encouraging community engagement

    47 min
  4. Episode 82: 1a parked it, Kahne he do it, & safety first

    May 13

    Episode 82: 1a parked it, Kahne he do it, & safety first

    In Episode 82, 1a parked it, Kahne he do it, & safety first In this episode Josh and EJ discuss: A detailed look at the new driver-specific CASM foam safety pucks and sled testing results Discussion on the impact of recent rule clarifications and penalties in World of Outlaws Race results from Lincoln Speedway, Eldora, Florence, and more Highlights from the Morgan Cup and 75th birthday bash Future race plans, including Eldora's upcoming double-header weekend Personal stories from visits to local tracks and support for racing communities Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview 00:34 - Safety innovations with CASM Safety Products 01:21 - Recent crash analysis and driver safety improvements 02:42 - Upcoming Stevie Smith Tribute Race with $50,000 purse 03:32 - Jacob Allen’s decision to park the 1A and driver team updates 04:32 - The future outlook for the 1A in national and regional racing 06:29 - Tuning in on driver team alliances for the 2026 season 08:00 - Rule interpretations and safety regulations in the World of Outlaws 09:59 - Potential penalties and consistency issues with tire and frame rules 11:25 - Track initiatives like Atomic Speedway's fan giveaways 13:43 - Series safety policies and event cancellations 16:11 - Kasey Kahne’s first Outlaws win and wickerbill updates 18:36 - Predictions for a Kings Royal with Kasey Kahne 19:22 - New merchandise from Ryan Barr Racing 20:38 - Upcoming races during USAC WoO Eldora double-header 23:43 - Race recaps from Lincoln, Davenport, and local Ohio tracks 26:38 - Highlights from Williams Grove, Lake Cumberland, and Brownstown 28:29 - Results from regional tracks and special series 31:50 - Multiple race results from weekend events 33:43 - Focus on USAC, IRA, and other sprint series results 37:00 - Preview of Fremont’s 75th birthday bash and qualifying insights 40:38 - Race predictions, driver favorites, and track conditions 43:54 - Upcoming major events at Eldora, Attica, and beyond 49:28 - Personal race weekends, trip reports, and community shout-outs

    52 min
  5. Episode 81: Tires are what win a race and give the people what they want

    May 5

    Episode 81: Tires are what win a race and give the people what they want

    In Episode 81, tires are what win a race and give the people what they want Summary Get ready to dive into all things dirt track racing with insights on historic races, recent driver changes, tire controversies, and a preview of upcoming race weekends across the country. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the sport, there's plenty to keep you tuned in. Key Topics -Fremont results May 8, 2004 -The significance of tires in racing and recent tire rule debates -Notable driver movements and team changes in 2026 -Upcoming racing events, special race bonuses, and tracks to watch -Insights on the Outlaw vs High Limit series -Race results and race to come Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to episode and main themes 00:21 - History highlight: May 8, 2004, Fremont Speedway 00:50 - Driver changes: Connor Morrell, Scotty Thiel, Skylar Gee 1:41 - Tire sample penalties and rule debates 2:27 - The integrity of tire regulations and recent controversies 3:45 - Tire control and gray-area strategies 4:34 - Dirt Track Truck Series and interesting battle formats 6:30 - Upcoming races with bonuses: Fremont and Attica hyped 7:54 - Driver discussions and race predictions 8:58 - Outlaw vs High Limit series debates and track plans 11:39 - Crown jewel events and race calendar highlights 12:28 - Recent rainouts and race results at multiple tracks 13:39 - Results from Texas, Indiana, West Virginia, and more 14:43 - Upcoming races 15:49 - Weekly race breakdowns: Eldora, Fairbury, Knoxville, Midway 24:25 - Big race wins at Knoxville and racing trends 25:45 - Race strategies: Outlaw mentality and dominant performances 33:19 - California races and the mentality of aggressive racing 34:45 - Focus on upcoming events, co-sanctioned races, and series 43:21 - Weekend plans, weather considerations, and personal goals

    46 min
  6. Episode 80: Get the F outta here, Speedweeks, and Waynesfield Raceway Park

    Apr 28

    Episode 80: Get the F outta here, Speedweeks, and Waynesfield Raceway Park

    Episode 80: Get the F outta here, Speedweeks, and Waynesfield Raceway ParkIn this episode, Josh and EJ dive into the sport’s latest breaking news, including Kasey Kahne stepping into the 39M for multiple races. We talk about how drivers’ senses and skills become even more crucial when no spotters or mirrors are available—truly a testament to sprint car racing’s raw, skill-based adrenaline. Walk this way, talk this way. Plus, Mansfield Speedway's full-time race director, and why Waynesfield’s limited schedule might impact its future. We talk upcoming events like Illinois Late Model Speed Week and 2026 Indiana Sprint Week with nine tracks across 10 nights and a $50,000 point fund. If you're dreaming of dirt, speed, and the thrill of the race, this episode will get you fired up to get to your local track and catch the action firsthand! (01:19) - Kasey Kahne racing the 39M(03:15) - Sprint car drivers use of senses, no spotters(05:27) - Illinois Speedweek schedule and prize money(07:02) - Indiana Sprint Week 2026 schedule and details(09:37) - Mansfield Speedway upgrades and management(11:48) - Concerns over Waynesfield's limited races(13:43) - Penalties at Royal Speedway...get the F outta hee(17:41) - Race results from Eagle Raceway, Atomic Speedway and more(25:56) - Upcoming racing events across states(38:48) - Race plans for Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania(41:56) - Final thoughts

    42 min
  7. Episode 79: The Justin Owen Memorial, full time STARS, and driver's on their own

    Apr 22

    Episode 79: The Justin Owen Memorial, full time STARS, and driver's on their own

    Episode 79: The Justin Owen Memorial, full time STARS, and driver's on their ownIn this episode:We reflect on a historic non-wing sprint car race from 2018Discuss the current driver roster and championship contenders for the All-Star CircuitExplore the advantages of "drivers on their own" schedules, focusing on Jonathan Davenport's strategyRecap the Justin Owen Memorial’sRico Abreu’s strugglesAnalyze safety memos regarding wheel covers from World of Outlaws at Knoxville and EldoraCover recent race outcomes at I-55, Cedar County, and other tracksPreview upcoming events, from high-limit sprint racing to USAC midget series, across national and regional tracksShare insights on tire policies and safety concerns in elite dirt racingTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome and episode overview00:36 - Dirt racing history: Gas City Speedway 201801:31 - All-Star roster updates and predictions for 202603:05 - Who will be the 2026 All-Star champion?03:43 - Drivers on their own: Jonathan Davenport’s schedule & earnings05:09 - Track promoter discussions on race payments06:02 - The concept of "pick and choose" schedules in dirt racing09:21 - Justin Owen Memorial recap11:00 - Rico Abreu’s recent performance challenges12:14 - Donny Schatz and TSR struggles14:07 - Safety regulations: Wheel covers at Knoxville & Eldora16:13 - Recent race highlights: I-55, USCS, USAC, and more17:32 - Highlights from I-55 World of Outlaws race19:00 - The tire rule debate and costs in racing21:25 - Racing series schedule previews for upcoming weeks22:34 - USAC and late model race results from April27:37 - Notable races: Northern All-Stars, Paragon, Lincoln Speedway32:00 - Race highlights from Molar Raceway, Volunteer's late models, and USAC34:39 - Upcoming major dirt track events across the country37:34 - Closing thoughts & upcoming racing opportunities

    34 min
  8. Dirt Court Jesters Podcast: Behind the rock screen with AFCS Sprint Series Director, Duane Hancock

    Apr 14 ·  Bonus

    Dirt Court Jesters Podcast: Behind the rock screen with AFCS Sprint Series Director, Duane Hancock

    Dirt Court Jesters Podcast: Behind the rock screen with AFCS Sprint Series Director, Duane Hancock AFCS Series Director Duane Hancock recaps the 2025 AFCS season, shares his insights into the current state and future of dirt track racing, sponsorship, safety innovations, the challenges facing short track series, and talks about what 2026 looks like for AFCS. Timestamps: 00:01 - Introduction and guest background 00:23 - Highlights from the past racing season 03:16 - The importance of the Chili Bowl for AFCS and marketing 03:44 - Outdoor race attendance and sponsorship questions 04:44 - PRI's role in racing exposure and networking 05:23 - Meeting drivers and teams at events 05:53 - Safety innovations and seat technology 06:13 - The ongoing quest for improved safety measures 06:44 - The challenges of testing safety equipment 07:11 - The importance of safety councils and driver input 07:44 - Sponsorship strategies and community building 08:06 - The personal aspects of racing relationships 08:44 - Regional race series' impact on team finances 09:10 - The driver-fan relationship and investment 10:53 - The increasing awareness of back injuries 11:24 - Industry discussions on safety seat designs 11:52 - The concept of anchoring seat belts to seats 12:21 - The physics of crashes and safety considerations 12:51 - Danny Dietrich’s safety philosophy 16:12 - The need for widely adopted safety standards 16:41 - Industry testing, safety councils, and regulatory ideas 17:08 - The financial hurdles in safety equipment innovation 17:51 - The high costs of safety innovations and research 18:02 - The importance of industry collaboration 18:44 - Tire topic discussion: Hoosier vs. American Racer 19:24 - Tire costs and series support 19:52 - The impact of tire costs on team participation 20:20 - The relationship between tire prices and small team survival 20:47 - Industry profit margins and sports funding 21:17 - The rising cost of tires and fuels 23:25 - The importance of affordable tires for the sport 23:54 - The broader issue of rising costs across racing 24:10 - Strategies to support small teams and local racing 24:36 - Tire bonus programs and team support 25:04 - How tire costs influence team decisions 26:42 - The trend toward regional racing and team strategies 27:12 - The effect on team motivation and race choices 27:37 - The regionalization of dirt racing and its implications 28:07 - How local race pay helps sustain racing communities 28:35 - The balancing act of regional vs. national racing 29:04 - Impact on race car numbers and team participation 29:17 - How economic factors influence race selections 29:32 - Multiple series running simultaneously creates both challenges and opportunities 30:01 - Series race options and their effects on car counts 30:16 - Collaboration and scheduling conflicts 30:46 - Planning for a balanced racing season 31:15 - Industry trends and format saturation 31:49 - The importance of cooperation among tracks and series 32:21 - AFCS financial stability and support 32:46 - Series payout increases and incentives 33:12 - The sustainability of regional racing efforts 33:49 - The significance of fan base and community support 34:56 - The impact of racing season logistics on local communities 35:23 - The 2026 schedule preview and race locations 36:33 - Recap of the upcoming season’s key events 37:39 - The importance of sponsorship partnerships 38:43 - Lessons learned from the 4-race mini-series 39:43 - Financial and strategic planning for future seasons 40:48 - The total money paid out by AFCS over eight years 41:17 - The growth of bonus money and series support 42:42 - Plans for the 2026 season and special events 44:08 - The financial strength of AFCS and continued growth 44:53 - The role of sponsors and community support 45:36 - Challenges faced with sponsorship turnover 46:57 - The importance of community, family atmosphere, and driver relationships 49:00 - Final thoughts on the upcoming season and industry outlook

    1h 9m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 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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