Shows
NHRA Insider Podcast8.4 Josh Hart and Mike Knudsen Talk 2026 Preparation, Expectations, MoreOn this episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster, Josh Hart and Mike Knudsen join host Brian Lohnes to talk about the off-season, preparing for 2026, what they are looking forward to, and how this next season will show off the evolution of their respective careers. Josh Hart goes into depth about his experience so far at John Force Racing, his new sponsorship with Speedmaster, and how the team is working to craft the most precisely tailored Top Fuel dragster he has ever piloted. He talks about the shift in pressure from being an owner/driver to a dedicated driver, wh...
2026-02-0354 min
NHRA Insider Podcast8.2 Headline Makers and Writers: Will Smith, Buddy Hill, and Kevin McKennaOn this super-sized, three-guest episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast Powered by Speedmaster, National Dragster's Kevin McKenna, Bluebird Turf Top Fuel driver Will Smith, and Funny Car stalwart Buddy Hull join the show to talk 2026 in all forms and fashions. McKenna and host Brian Lohnes dive into a range of 2026 season topics, break down some of the recent news, speculate on some of the happenings still in the wings, and explore the radical door slammer fun to come in both Congruity HR Pro Mod and the new Right Trailers Outlaw Street series presented by Xpel. A...
2026-01-131h 32
NHRA Insider Podcast8.1 Burgess and Pedregon Kick Off 2026, New Mystery Dragster, 75th and More!On this 2026 kick off episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster, Phil Burgess, Editorial Director for the NHRA and NHRAonFox's Tony Pedregon come on to talk about the off-season craziness, rumors, a new mystery dragster on the way to Top Fuel, 75th Anniversary content and celebrations, and more with Brian Lohnes. In the first half of the show Pedregon and Lohnes dive into the wildness of the off-season, the personnel changes, who won, who lost, and who is in a better position than they were last year. They talk about the off season work, the importance of adapting to ne...
2026-01-0756 min
NHRA Insider Podcast7.44 Gadson and Glenn Talk Titles - Crew Chief Breaking News RevealedOn this in-depth episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Richard Gadson and Dallas Glenn join host Brian Lohnes to talk about their first championships in the world of NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing. The two hardcore racers take you deep into their championship seasons, talk about behind the scenes moments you've never heard them talk about, analyze their approaches, their successes, failures, and the moments that brought them the sport's ultimate glory. For Richard Gadson, it was a season of intense conversations, learning, and ultimately self-realization that he was not only capable of winning a title but de...
2025-12-021h 09
NHRA Insider Podcast7.43 The Insiders Dive Into The Procks, JFR, Rumors, Speculation and MoreThis is the show you wanted and so it's the show you're going to get. On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Kevin McKenna joins Brian Lohnes for a comprehensive dive into one of the biggest NHRA stories in years; the departure of the Prock family from John Force Racing. They look at it from all sides, squash some rumors, examine others, consider the future for all involved and a whole lot more. A story of this size will have ripple effects for months and maybe longer so that keeps the conversation interesting and engaging. Where ar...
2025-11-2559 min
NHRA Insider Podcast7.42 Rain, Heartbreak, and Bad Takes: An Insider Recounts the In-N-Out Burger FinalsOn this monologue episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Brian Lohnes takes you through his manic experience at the In-N-Out Burger Finals in Pomona. From a breakdown of the weekend as only an Insider can to the logistics and thought process behind how the race was ended and why, this is a must listen for any fan looking for the real story from a guy who was there. Lohnes also systematically breaks down why the race was cancelled and not moved or rescheduled with insight that goes far deeper than what has been reported. There's some breaking cre...
2025-11-2137 min
NHRA Insider Podcast7.41 A Vegas Recap, SEMA News, and The Insiders Talk In-N-Out FinalsOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Tony Pedregon joins host Brian Lohnes to talk all about the events of the last couple of weeks in the world of NHRA drag racing, big news, and the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals. Lohnes kicks off the show with a monologue getting you up to speed on all the different sportsman and professional championship scenarios, recaps some of the big news from the SEMA show, and more. Tony Pedregon joins to talk about the implications of Las Vegas, who was a mover and who was not as well as ho...
2025-11-1149 min
NHRA Insider Podcast7.38 Brittany Force and Eddie Krawiec Talk Titles, The Future, and Legacies of SpeedOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Brittany Force and Eddie Krawiec join host Brian Lohnes for a pair of interesting and insightful conversations. Both longtime veterans of the sport, they have unique perspective on the final two races of the 2025 season. For Brittany Force those races will represent her final runs in a Top Fuel dragster for the foreseeable future as she leaves the seat to concentrate on starting a family. She tells some great stories about her career, her legacy, and what the first experience she ever had in a Top Fuel dragster was li...
2025-10-141h 04
NHRA Insider Podcast7.37 Talkin' Texas, Stampedes, and Speed With Tony Pedregon and Christie Meyer Johnson On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Tony Pedregon and Christie Meyer Johnson join host Brian Lohnes to talk about the Stampede of Speed, the Texas NHRA FallNationals Tony Pedregon is up first and the conversation surrounds the true title contenders in each category. How the championships can, and likely will be won or lost, who still has an outside chance and which teams are likely too far back to challenge. Going class by class presents each scenario differently. Will it be head to head conflict or will it be decided by others? Lo...
2025-10-081h 02
NHRA Insider Podcast7.33 The Finalists: Justin Ashley and Tony Stewart Talk Epic Indy Top Fuel WeekendsOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Indy Top Fuel winner Justin Ashley and Indy Top Fuel runner up and regular season champion Tony Stewart join host Brian Lohnes to talk about their respective races. Their Top Fuel final on Monday afternoon was an absolute instant classic and one that will be talked about for the ages. Justin Ashley reveals some interesting things in this interview. Whether it's the fact that the team rolled a new car out and didn't tell anyone, his process and how he adjusts it through the day, his approach, and what he...
2025-09-031h 05
NHRA Insider Podcast7.27 A Smashing Seattle Leads to a Potentially Speedy SonomaOn this episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes takes you though an incredible weekend in Seattle that not only challenged teams and drivers but also challenged the record books. Conditions that were ideal for traction and horsepower delivered the fastest speed in Top Fuel history, multiple track records, and more. There were scary moments as well in terms of Shawn Reed's crash and Buddy Hull's foray into the gravel trap at the end of the strip. Lohnes goes over all of it here, winners, big moments, and takeaways that can be carried to Sonoma. If you...
2025-07-2249 min
NHRA Insider Podcast7.25 Winning Wrench Benders Tell All - Gladstone and Thomas Prock Talk NorwalkOn this revealing episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster, Thomas Prock and Joey Gladstone join host Brian Lohnes to talk about the victories they scored with their teams at the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals. Both guys have interesting stories and behind the scenes info that will keep you locked in. Joey Gladstone is up first and he talks about the incredibly special relationship he shares with Cory Reed, their trials, tribulations, and his transition from championship level Pro Stock Motorcycle racer to critical wrench on Cory's car. The win was emotionally charged and you will know why w...
2025-07-0154 min
NHRA Insider Podcast7.24 A Blazing Hot Richmond Recap, A Funny Car Fire Fighter, and Norwalk LoomsOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Chris King, the Chicago firefighter who has battled his way into the NHRA Funny Car ranks and will attempt to qualify with 20 other drivers in Norwalk. The conversation with King starts off with the wild story of him having to act to save his neighbor's life just before the interview and ranges through the growth, challenges, ups, downs, and memorable moments of funny car racing. King is the second half of the show. A monologue style recap of the Virginia Nationals starts the s...
2025-06-2454 min
NHRA Insider Podcast7.20 The NHRA Heads To New England And The Insiders Give You The ScoopOn this episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster, Kevin McKenna of National Dragster and Tony Pedregon of the NHRAonFOX join Brian Lohnes to talk about the excitement of Chicago and how that will translate into the action at New England Dragway in Epping, New Hampshire this weekend. The New England Nationals are always a unique event each season. The classic track, the fast air and surface, and increasing pressure on teams at this time of the year, always lead to memorable moments. On this show the three talk about the news of the week, the drivers who are ma...
2025-05-281h 02
NHRA Insider Podcast7.19 Breaking Down The Great Chicago Dust Up of 2025On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Jack Beckman the Funny Car winner from the Gerber Collision and Glass Rt 66 Nationals presented by Peak as well as Chicagoland's favorite Top Fuel son, T.J. Zizzo. The two guys take us deep inside a race weekend that will long live in the lore of NHRA history. Incredible weather conditions from high winds to the first actual dust storm in Illinois for 91 years had racers on their toes. The teams that best navigated the conditions won the race and Beckman takes us al...
2025-05-201h 03
NHRA Insider Podcast7.18 Blowin' Hot Air About The Windy City: The Insiders Talk Rt 66 Nationals!On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join Brian Lohnes to talk all things about the Gerber Collision and Glass Rt 66 Nationals presented by Peak Performance. The guys go over each class of competition, talk about the teams that are struggling and those that are on the rise. The weekend is also unique in that there are loads of independent nitro teams in both Funny Car and Top Fuel which have the potential to upend the apple cart for the established full-time touring operations. The facility is one of the best on...
2025-05-1455 min
NHRA Insider Podcast7.14 Neal Strausbaugh Breaks Down Tony Stewart's Incredible WinOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Crew Chief Neal Strausbaugh joins host Brian Lohnes to give an in-depth breakdown of how he and his team were able to provide Tony Stewart a race car capable enough to win one in Las Vegas. A race rife with challenges, plot twists, and downright curveballs, Neal's take on how the team did it is fascinating. Strausbaugh talks about the change in approach for the entire team in 2025, the addition of experienced people like Phil Shuler, and a whole lot more. He takes us inside the workings of the operation, the pressures, the de...
2025-04-1553 min
NHRA Insider Podcast7.10 Hight Retires, Tasca Makes Waves, and The Insiders Talk About It AllOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes for a rip-roaring conversation that covers a lot of ground in the world of NHRA drag racing. The group talks a lot about Gainesville, what was learned and maybe what is yet to be learned from premier teams in 2025, they talk about the reverberations of Bob Tasca's Gainesville interview, how it has prompted discussions across media and motorsports, reactions to the Gatornationals, Robert Hight's retirement from John Force Racing, the PlayNHRA odds coming into Phoenix, and a whole lot more. Th...
2025-03-181h 01
NHRA Insider Podcast7.9 A Chief and A Champ - Antron Brown and Dean Marinis Talk Gainesville VictoryIt was a weekend that challenged drag racers in every way possible and on this episdoe of the NHRA Insider podcast, host Brian Lohnes has winning Funny Car co-crew chief Dean Marinis and Top Fuel winner Antron Brown on to talk about it all. From the weather, to the power outages, the broken parts, and a race track that was as challenging as any Sunday has ever presented itself, winning this Gatornationals was an accomplishment few will ever forget. On the heels of a championship Antron Brown and his team put on a masterclass in both driving and tuning at Ga...
2025-03-1156 min
NHRA Insider Podcast7.8 The Insiders Talk All Things Amalie Oil GatornationalsOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Kevin McKenna of National Dragster and Tony Pedregon of the NHRAonFOX join Brian Lohnes to give a comprehensive look at the upcoming Amalie Oil Gatornationals this weekend. The race has loads of storylines in all categories and these guys break into loads of them systematically. Who's showing up with new equipment, new people, new challenges, or a new outlook? Which racers are most due for a come up in 2025 and which may be facing turbulent times. The discussion is lively, interesting, and contains a few nuggets that even hardcore fans...
2025-03-031h 02
NHRA Insider Podcast7.3 Interesting Insider Rumors, Crew Chief Brian Husen Talks 2024 and 2025, MoreOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Top Fuel crew chief Brian Husen. The Brians chat about the 2024 season that was, lessons learned, things accomplished and how it sets the Kalitta Air team up for success in 2025. Husen shares some really great personal insights into what he learned and how he will grow along with his entire crew for the upcoming season. Along with that chat, Lohnes has some semi-spicy rumors regarding some equipment bought, a familiar name that's also going to be a bit of a shocker in Pro Sto...
2025-01-2833 min
NHRA Insider Podcast7.1 Pulling Into The Pre-Stage Beam for the 2025 NHRA SeasonOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes takes a deep dive into a myriad of news, headlines, topics, rumors, and speculation for the 2025 season. After a holiday break, this show is designed to get you back into the right frame of mind to stay on top of all the stuff that is happening and is yet to come for the 2025 NHRA season. A breakdown of many news announcements that flooded the airwaves at the end of 2024 is followed by updates to the side of insider team news you won't hear anywhere else. Teams mo...
2025-01-0758 min
NHRA Insider Podcast6.42 The Insiders Dive IN to the In-N-Out Burger NHRA FinalsOn this final pre-race episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast Powered by Speedmaster season, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Tony Pedregon of the NHRAonFOX and Kevin McKenna of NHRA's National Dragster to talk about the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals coming up this weekend. The three compare notes on the championship leaders, their path to potential glory, the pitfalls they need to avoid, and any of the concerns they have about the way this final race of the season will be shaping up for them. Lohnes talks about a raft of news broken at the SEMA show, excitement for 2025, and th...
2024-11-121h 00
NHRA Insider Podcast6.36 Jack Beckman and Julie Nataas Talk St Louis, Experience, and a Top Fuel Debut On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Funny Car veteran Jack Beckman and Julie Nataas, the 2023 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Top Alcohol Dragster Champion who will be making a Top Fuel debut at the NHRA Midwest Nationals this weekend. The two have very different stories but awesome insights to what motivates them and what they hope to achieve at Worldwide Technology Raceway. For Jack Beckman, earning points weekly for John Force is still a dream come true. His longstanding relationships with not only the Force family but pe...
2024-09-2454 min
NHRA Insider Podcast6.33 The Most Wonderful Week of The Year - An Insider's Take on IndyOn this monologue episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes takes you though the myriad of reasons this 70th running of the US Nationals means so much to the racers, the fans, and the sport as a whole. There insight into the history of the event, the reasons why people attend, why the race is like a nitro powered piece of orchestral music, and what separates the US Nationals out from other drag races in the NHRA and around the globe. This is a week to truly immerse in drag racing. From the raw performance of...
2024-08-2637 min
NHRA Insider Podcast6.30 Antron Brown Talks Success in Sonoma, Capps Talks Top Fuel In 2026 and More!On this revealing episode of the NHRA Insider podcast, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Antron Brown and Ron Capps. Brown, a Top Fuel winner three times already this season talks about his success in Sonoma, their building of a successful program in 2024, and why his team always seems to be in fighting form at this time of the year. Brown talks about many aspects of his team, his approach, the future expansion he has his eyes on, and even some fun he is planning on having this winter in the Pro Mod ranks. It's a high energy conversation with a...
2024-08-061h 00
NHRA Insider Podcast6.28 The Insiders Prep You For A Trip To The Northwest NationalsOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Tony Pedregon to talk all things NHRA Northwest Nationals. The race this weekend will be unique, featuring Friday night late evening qualifying to really kick things off and great weather is forecasted throughout. There are awesome storylines, and the race also represents the start of the back half of the NHRA season. 10 races down and 10 races to go! The favorites, the high performers, the teams that are struggling, and more, all chatted about here. Plus insight into some breaking news and more stuff go...
2024-07-1756 min
NHRA Insider Podcast6.25 An Insider's Insight Into The Virginia Nationals and A Big One On Tap At NorwalkOn this monologue style episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, host Brian Lohnes will take you through the Virginia Nationals, provide the available information on the condition of John Force after his crash, and get ready you ready for the huge upcoming weekend at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio. The NHRA Virginia Nationals will be a race forever remembered by fans for one singular moment and the way it has drawn the drag racing community closer together. John Force's first round crash was a stunning reminder of how dangerous this sport can be. The performances of his da...
2024-06-2537 min
NHRA Insider Podcast6.24 Jianna Evaristo Talks Pro Stock Motorcyle and The Insiders Talk Boiling Hot VirginiaOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Jianna Evaristo joins host Brian Lohnes to talk about her final round appearance at the recent Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals and Tony Pedregon joins to talk about what will be a sweltering weekend at the PlayNHRA Virginia Nationals. Evaristo rode one of the best races of her career in Bristol and it was the culmination of a lot of work, training, and adaptation to the V-Twin Buell motorcycle she is riding this season. The conversation has plenty of depth about the competition in Pro Stock Motorcycle, the internal nature of drag ra...
2024-06-2056 min
NHRA Insider Podcast6.22 The Insiders Recap Epping and Talk A Smooth New Bristol SurfaceOn this episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster host Brian Lohnes is joined by Tony Pedregon and National Dragster's Kevin McKenna to talk about the amazing 2024 New England Nationals and look forward to this weekend's Super Grip Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway. The Epping race was an action packed contest with sold out crowds two out of the three days and great qualifying. The guys talk about the track, its unique fanbase, the action over the course of the three days and more. They key in on John Force and what it means to see him as a...
2024-06-041h 03NHRA Insider Podcast6.12 A Hail-acious Pomona Recap and Phoenix Primer With Travis Shumake and Lyle Barnett Powered By SpeedmasterOn this episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes recaps an insane Lucas Oil Winternationals and is then joined by Travis Shumake who will make his Top Fuel career debut in Phoenix and Lyle Barnett who will make his Arizona drag racing debut at the same event as the pro mods will be competing in the desert for the first time. Shumake has been working for three years to achieve this moment. He has a one car operation, has raised the funding himself, and has been relentlessly working to secure sponsors and supporters all along the way...
2024-03-2659 minNHRA Insider Podcast6.11 Two Drivers, 11 Championships - Steve Torrence and Jeg Coughlin Jr Dive Deep! Powered By SpeedmasterOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Steve Torrence and Jeg Coughlin Jr to talk about not only the start of the 2024 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series but their careers, their approach to drag racing, and how the mental aspect of this sport is its most towering challenge. For Steve Torrence, a strong running car in Gainesville has buoyed his spirits and placed him back in a competitive mindset that he will carry into the Lucas Oil Winternationals. In a wide ranging conversation Torrence talks about himself, his family, th...
2024-03-201h 07NHRA Insider Podcast6.9 Go Time - The Insiders Talk Gainesville And The 2024 Season AheadIt's Gainesville week! On this show host Brian Lohnes is joined by NHRAonFox Analyst Tony Pedregon and the two go in-depth looking at the upcoming Amalie Oil Gatornationals as well as the full 2024 Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season to come. The conversation is wide ranging and travels from class to class with a heavy concentration on top fuel, which presents itself on paper as perhaps the most challenging of all the professional categories to name favorites in. From the new teams, the new drivers and riders, the mental and mechanical challenges, those that need to step up, those that ap...
2024-03-051h 10NHRA Insider Podcast6.8 The Florida Men Cometh - Josh Hart and Dave Richards Talk 2024This episode of the NHRA Insider concentrates on two fascinating story lines developing in the home state of the Amalie Oil Gatornationals. Josh Hart and Dave Richards are at their center and both men join host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the show. For Josh Hart 2023 was a string of disappoints following a shining moment at the Gators when he won the Pep Boys All-Star Call Out. After that things were a pretty rough uphill slog all year. Hart talks about that, working through the frustration, commitment to his team, and the outlook for 2024 following Florida testing. It's an in...
2024-02-2744 minNHRA Insider Podcast6.8 The Florida Men Cometh - Josh Hart and Dave Richards Talk 2024This episode of the NHRA Insider concentrates on two fascinating story lines developing in the home state of the Amalie Oil Gatornationals. Josh Hart and Dave Richards are at their center and both men join host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the show. For Josh Hart 2023 was a string of disappoints following a shining moment at the Gators when he won the Pep Boys All-Star Call Out. After that, things were a pretty rough uphill slog all year. Hart talks about that, working through the frustration, commitment to his team, and the outlook for 2024 following Florida testing. It's an in...
2024-02-2644 minNHRA Insider Podcast6.7 Jonnie Lindberg Talks Funny Car Tuning and Leah Pruett Talks All-Star Callout Craziness!On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast, Jonnie Lindberg and Leah Pruett join host Brian Lohnes to talk about their pre-season testing successes and what's coming for Gainesville, which could be a watershed weekend for both of them. For Jonnie Lindberg, he has the shot of a lifetime as a young crew chief. Working along side John Medlen in tuning Paul Lee's funny car, he gets to call from his own experience and that of a man who has been tuning longer than he has been alive. Lindberg talks about the process of tuning the car, the string of 3.80s...
2024-02-1537 minNHRA Insider Podcast6.5 Lyle Barnett Talks Full Time Pro Mod in '24 - Justin Ashley Talks SCAG, Strategy, and Success On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast re-minted full-time Pro Mod racer Lyle Barnett and top fuel Ace Justin Ashley join host Brian Lohnes to talk off-season moves, big expectations for 2024, and how, as individuals, they plan on making a measurable impact on the upcoming season. Lyle Barnett had a whirlwind of an off-season. Initially tagged as the replacement driver for Leah Pruett, the situation changed and he was left without a ride. A single conversation with Pro Mod team owner Scott Tidwell placed him in the seat of a highly competitive car and one he will pilot all se...
2024-02-0646 minNHRA Insider Podcast6.4 Eddie Krawiec Talks About Getting Off The MotorcycleOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast host Brian Lohnes dives into the big news of the Pro Stock Motorcycle category of the last week with four time champion and 49 time race winner Eddie Krawiec. National Dragster Senior Editor Kevin McKenna also joins the show to talk about motorcycles along with other brewing NHRA stories. In this candid conversation, Eddie Krawiec talks about his career, his decision to abdicate the seat of the second Vance and Hines Suzuki, who Richard Gadson is and the process of bringing another rising star in motorcycle drag racing to the sport's largest stage. I...
2024-01-2555 minNHRA Insider Podcast6.3 Funny Car: The Next Generaton - Daniel Wilkerson and Austin Prock Talk 2024, MoreIf the Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series off-season comes in waves, consider this the second one, and it's the central focus of this episode of the NHRA Insider. Host Brian Lohnes has Daniel Wilkerson, the newly minted driver of the SCAG Power Equipment Ford Mustang, and Austin Prock, the even newer named driver of the Cornwell Tools, AAA, John Force Racing Chevrolet Camaro on as guests. Both guys will be fresh to the funny car category as full-time competitors, both will be tuned by their fathers and both are high energy, entertaining, dynamic personalities. This show radiates the energy yo...
2024-01-1756 minNHRA Insider Podcast6.1 2024 Is ON - The Insiders Talk Ownership Controversies, Passing of Legends and MoreOn this first 2024 episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast host Brian Lohnes is joined by Tony Pedregon to talk about the news of the last couple of weeks, the passing of legends like Don Schumacher and Roland Leong, the wild news about JCM Racing, the new SCAG factory drag racing team, and a whole lot more. What is normally a quiet stretch of time between Christmas and New Year's Day was far busier than normal this year. Lohnes and Pedregon take time to reflect on the lives and careers of both the late owner and tuner Roland Leong as well as...
2024-01-0245 minNHRA Insider Podcast5.52 An NHRA PRI News Avalanche and New Funny Car Driver Buddy Hull!On this episode of the NHRA Insider host Brian Lohnes takes you through the absolutely astonishing torrent of news that came from the 2023 PRI show in Indianapolis and is later joined by a guy who helped to make some headlines in the form of Buddy Hull, who is moving into the Jim Dunn Racing nitro funny car for the 2024 season. The first 20 minutes of this show is nothing but headlines, analysis, and breakdown of a relentless 2023 PRI show. The news was all positive from drivers changing classes, to drivers moving into ownership roles, the emergence of an FIA champion into N...
2023-12-1246 minNHRA Insider Podcast5.51 The Insiders Talk More Crew Chief Moves and a Monster Week Ahead At PRIThis week on the NHRA Insider Podcast host Brian Lohnes is joined by Tony Pedregon. The pair talk about the continuing news around crew chief moves in the NHRA and they preview what will be the largest and most exciting week of drag racing news in years at PRI. From the announcements of new teams, new drivers, the NHRA National Dragster All-Star Team, new sponsors, and more, this will be a week long remembered by NHRA fans and a week that will supercharge an already busy off-season. The pair talk about Leah Pruett testing her car in 40-degree weather at IRP...
2023-12-0534 minNHRA Insider Podcast5.50 Crew Chief News and Rumors, Matt Smith, Chad Green, and More!On this episode of the NHRA Insider, host Brian Lohnes drops the puck on the silly season with a load of news from behind the scenes of NHRA drag racing. Crew chiefs moving around, brewing controversy with one announcement, perhaps, longtime unions busted up, and new ones formed. This is wild stuff! The guests on the show are funny car racer and Pomona winner Chad Green who talks about his weekend, his season, his ability to help decide a title, and how he feels going into the 2024 campaign and the off-season. Matt Smith is the second guest and he talks a...
2023-11-2850 minNHRA Insider Podcast5.48 NHRA Insider LIVE: Soothsayer and the SpoilersOn this live edition of the NHRA Insider Podcast, hosts Brian Lohnes and Tony Pedregon are joined by National Dragster Editorial Director Phil Burgess, top fuel driver Josh Hart, and funny car pilot Chad Green. The guy will get inside the head of drag racing's most knowledgeable journalist and get his take on early qualifying and how the weekend is laying out in the performance realm and championship storylines. Josh Hart sawed his way through tough competition to go rounds in Las Vegas and cause heartburn for many top fuel contenders. The guys will talk t...
2023-11-1244 minNHRA Insider Podcast5.46 NHRA Insider LIVE at Vegas: Pro Mod Championship EditionJoin hosts Brian Lohnes and Tony Pedregon in the pits at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as they talk to the three leading contenders for the 2023 NHRA FuelTech Pro Mod championship. Mike Castellana, Justin Bond, and Kris Thorne are racing to the wire. Thorne is the defending series champion, and both Bond and Castellana are seeking their first world title. The conversation will be lively and both Lohnes and Pedregon will get deep into the realm of NHRA drag racing and this championship chase that ends at The Strip on Sunday!
2023-10-2836 minNHRA Insider Podcast5.45 Controversy, Rules Changes, and The NHRA Nevada Nationals Preview On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, Brian Lohnes and Tony Pedregon dive into the hot topics of the week in the world of NHRA drag racing. There's controversy coming from the Pro Stock Motorcycle ranks with a weight adjustment, there's some behind the scenes anger in the Funny Car category, Clay Millican's team was disqualified and fined from the Dallas race, and a whole lot more. The end-of-season tensions are at a high! After working through all that, the guys take a deep dive into this weekend's NHRA Nevada Nationals, which will have a ground s...
2023-10-2459 minNHRA Insider Podcast5.44 Insider Crew Chief Edition: Neal Strausbaugh and Mark Ingersoll Talk Winning In DallasOn this crew chief edition of the NHRA Insider Podcast, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Dallas-winning Top Fuel crew chief Neal Strausbaugh and Dallas pro stock-winning crew chief Mark Ingersoll for two revealing discussions. Both of these crew chiefs talk about pressure, leadership, the team dynamic in drag racing, and how they stuck to their respective programs even when things were not always going according to plan in the 2023 season. For Strausbaugh, the proof is in the results. A final round appearance in St Louis was followed in quick order by a win in Dallas among one of the fa...
2023-10-1755 minNHRA Insider Podcast5.43 Special Episode: Live from the NHRA Fall Texas NationalsWe're going LIVE from the pits at the NHRA Fall Texas Nationals with three big guests at the Texas Motorplex in Ennis. Brian Lohnes and Tony Pedregon will play host and co-host on a beautiful Saturday with guests Phil Burgess, the Editorial Director of NHRA's National Dragster Magazine, three-time and defending NHRA funny car champion Ron Capps and fellow three-time funny car champion Matt Hagan, who is coming off a big win in St Louis. The weekend has been historically fast already, and we're not even done with qualifying yet! The group will talk all things Countdown to the Championship, th...
2023-10-1449 minNHRA Insider Podcast5.42 An Insider's Stampede of Hot Takes and News For The Stampede Of SpeedThe NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series heads to the Texas Motorplex for the Fall Texas Nationals, and on this week's episode of the NHRA Insider Brian Lohnes is joined by Tony Pedregon to break down what fans should expect to see, what racers need to do, and how championship hopes will be bolstered or crushed in Ennis, Texas. The pair have a class-by-class breakdown of not only the leaders and their positions post St Louis but also of the cars and drivers on the bubble of still being in contention to feasibly win a world title. It is fascinating th...
2023-10-111h 05NHRA Insider Podcast5.40 NHRA Insider LIVE: Steamin' In St Louis with Rob Flynn and Andrew HinesBrian Lohnes and Tony Pedregon welcome a pair of crew chiefs on this episode of the NHRA Insider LIVE from Worldwide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. Rob Flynn will talk about the factors that led him to tune a 300mph eighth mile run at zMax Dragway just one week ago. He'll also answer questions about the Scrappers top fuel season and 2024. Andrew Hines has tuned Gaige Herrera to a historic first season. The number one qualifiers and victories have come in hot and heavy. Can they win a title? The conversation will be interesting and r...
2023-09-3032 minNHRA Insider Podcast5.39 Three In A Row Makes 'Em Go - Lohnes and Pedregon Review The Coutdown And Look At St LouisOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, host Brian Lohnes is joined by NHRAonFOX analyst Tony Pedregon to talk about the first two races of the 2023 NHRA Coundown To The Championship and preview the upcoming third race at Worldwide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, this weekend. The NHRA Midwest Nationals will mark the halfway point in the playoffs and will present the clearest picture yet about who can actually hoist a championship trophy at the end of the year. The guys get into everything from the lanes at Charlotte to the chances that some teams have to employ strategy to...
2023-09-261h 16NHRA Insider Podcast5.38 NHRA Insider LIVE at zMax Dragway!The NHRA is at zMax Dragway for the second race of the Countdown To The Championship and that means hosts Brian Lohnes and Tony Pedregon are sitting down with some of the drivers who made big headlines at Maple Grove where the playoff series of drag racing began. Matt Hartford and Doug Kalitta will be the featured guests along with plenty of news and analysis to go along with the interviews. Matt Hartford took the win and the pro stock points lead in Pennsylvania after a challenging couple day of qualifying. Defying the odds and driving one of the best ra...
2023-09-2343 minNHRA Insider Podcast5.37 Lohnes and Pedregon Preview The 2023 CountdownOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, host Brian Lohnes is joined by his right hand man in the broadcast booth, Tony Pedregon and the two look critically at the upcoming NHRA Countdown to the Championship. Starting with this weekend's race at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania, they systematically go through the cars and drivers who are leading the conversation, who are potentially falling behind, and lastly, those that can spoil the party for the front runners. There's plenty of depth and insight here as the pair looks back over the season to observe trends, find out what lesso...
2023-09-1356 minNHRA Insider Podcast5.35 SPECIAL EDITION: Live from the U.S. NationalsThe NHRA Insider LIVE! is back! Hosts Brian Lohnes and Tony Pedregon will lay out the 2023 Dodge Power Brokers US Nationals as they have unfolded so far and welcome guests Antron Brown, Angelle Sampey, and the legendary Don "The Snake" Prudhomme. The show will be live from Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park and feature an audience inside the track's Top Eliminator Club. From early qualifying, the Pep Boys All-Star Funny Car Call Out, and more, these guys will cover a lot of ground and get you inside the world's greatest drag race! Watch on Facebook, Yo...
2023-09-0335 minNHRA Insider Podcast5.33 Brainerd's Best: Top Fuel's Brian Corradi, Pro Mod's Jason Lee and Eric Gustafson Talk Work and Victory at BIROn this episode, Antron Brown's Crew Chief Brian Corradi, pro mod's Jason Lee and Eric Gustafson all join host Brian Lohnes for a conversation about how they set about winning their respective categories at Brainerd, Minnesota. The weekend was a challenge for everyone and there were some interesting bumps in the road for each team to endure and overcome. They talk about 'em all here. Corradi joins the conversation at the helm of a very hot top fuel team. Maturing through the season, the AB Motorsports group has peaked at the seeming right time. Like last year, a late regular se...
2023-08-2258 minNHRA Insider Podcast5.32 SPECIAL Episode! Live from the pits in BrainerdFor the first time ever, the NHRA Insider podcast hits the road! The pits of Brainerd International Raceway will serve as the backdrop for host Brian Lohnes, co-host Tony Pedregon and guests Erica Enders and Justin Ashley. Dealing the same deep cuts, hot takes, and snappy opinions NHRA Insider fans have gotten for the last three years, Lohnes and Pedregon will chat with the racers, get you up to speed on this second to last race of the regular season, and bring you deep inside the NHRA world like only they can. There's breaking news in Pro Stock, exciting moves be...
2023-08-1838 min
NHRA Insider Podcast5.30 NHRA Insider BONUS Edition - Let's Talk About SRX With Ron CappsIn this bonus edition of the NHRA Insider, host Brian Lohnes talks with Ron Capps on the day before he is set to compete in the SRX stock car series on the dirt of Eldora Speedway in Ohio. This is a huge moment not only for Capps but for the NHRA community as he will become the first representative to appear in a series where NASCAR, IndyCar, WorldofOutlaws, and other racers mix it up. Capps talks about the nerves, his dirt racing experience, his goals for the event, and how he plans on approaching a field of racers who have s...
2023-08-0927 minNHRA Insider Podcast5.29 Talking Topeka With Tony Pedregon and Jim EplerOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast Tony Pedregon and Jim Epler join host Brian Lohnes to talk about the upcoming Menard's NHRA Nationals presented by Pet Armor. Lohnes and Pedregon put a fine point on the western swing and break down, by class, where people are coming into this home stretch of the regular season, culminating at the Dodge Power Brokers US Nationals. The discussion on the western swing centers not just on the races and teams themselves but on the true look we got at their individual performances over the three week stretch. Did some teams show th...
2023-08-081h 05NHRA Insider Podcast5.26 From The Mountain Tops to the Tree Tops - Denver Wrapped, Seattle Previewed On this monologue-style episode of the NHRA Insider podcast, host Brian Lohnes takes you through all the news and storylines from Denver and looks forward to this weekend's Northwest Nationals at historic Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington. The last Mile High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway will be marked by three things. A weekend sellout, seemingly impossible track records, and dramatic victories across the Camping World Drag Racing Series classes. There were moments of sheer frustration, of amazing success, and of shocking upsets. The inside story? Lohnes is here to bring you that. T...
2023-07-1841 minNHRA Insider Podcast5.21 A Soggy Bottomed Epping Monologue and Bristol ExplainerOn this short and sweet episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, host Brian Lohnes delivers a monologue on the race that never was, the New England Nationals in Epping, New Hampshire. The event was a testament to the heartiness of the New England region fans who battle searing temperatures on Friday and then rainy, frigid temperatures for the rest of the weekend, all the way until nothing more could be done on Monday afternoon. Lohnes talks about the event, the people, and the implications of what's coming in Bristol this weekend. An insanely short turn for the teams, the people of...
2023-06-0720 minNHRA Insider Podcast5.13 An NHRA Insider's Guide To The Good, Bad, and Ugly of 2023On this episode of the NHRA Insider Brian Lohnes brings back the regular race week guest panel of Tony Pedregon, NHRAonFox analyst, and Kevin McKenna National Dragster Senior Editor to talk about the Las Vegas 4-Wide Nationals, a wild weekend in Pomona, and some of the deeper stories brewing behind the scenes in the world of NHRA drag racing. The rollicking conversation kicks off with a look at Pro Stock and how the class has taken on a "Countdown" feel already in this early part of the season. The points standings are tight, some racers who we all place high ex...
2023-04-111h 16NHRA Insider Podcast5.11 Analyzing Phoenix - The Southwestern Swing Begins!On this episode of the NHRA Insider, host Brian Lohnes breaks down the NHRA Lucas Oil Arizona Nationals from Phoenix. Taking listeners inside some of the major happenings of the race, you'll learn the root cause of some of the more intriguing moments of the weekend and get a full breakdown regarding the key points of the event. History was made when Camrie Caruso got her first Wally and became the second female Pro Stock winner ever; deep dives into the head-to-head battles between Antron Brown and Shawn Langdon, among others, and a full explainer on the Pro Stock controversy...
2023-03-2956 minNHRA Insider Podcast5.10 Insiders In The Desert - Gainesville, Top Fuel Weight Controversy - and Phoenix!On this episode of the NHRA Insider, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes to talk about the controversy of "weightgate" following the 2023 Amalie Oil Gatornationals, recapping the high and low performers of that event, and they look forward to the 2023 NHRA Arizona Nationals as well. The three talk extensively about their impressions of what happened following the Gators with Mike Salinas and his team, their penalty for coming arcoss the scales light after the final round, and what the implications may be going forward. It is an interesting chat with some perspective you will not find anywhere el...
2023-03-211h 06NHRA Insider Podcast5.5 Gaige Herrera and Dickie Venables On Testing 2023, and How To SucceedOn this episode of the NHRA Insider, new Vance and Hines team rider Gaige Herrera and multi-time champion funny car crew chief Dickie Venables join host Brian Lohnes to talk about testing, preparing, and what it will take to win in 2023. Third-generation drag racer Gaige Herrera was practically made for this moment in his life. He's the newest name on the Vance and Hines roster, and after a highly successful first test session at Gainesville, he'd ready for what the season will bring. Herrera talks about his evolution in drag racing, his family's roots in the sport, and the expectations he...
2023-02-0745 minNHRA Insider Podcast5.4 Wilkerson, Ashley, and Caruso Are Racing Into 2023A rare three-guest show this week on the NHRA Insider. Tim Wilkerson, Justin Ashley, and Camrie Caruso are all guests talking about their plans, news, and prep for 2023. The show begins with host Brian Lohnes getting everyone up to speed on the latest NHRA news and info and rolls into a great conversation with Tim Wilkerson on his new partnership with Maynard Family Racing and SCAG teammate Tony Schumacher. This is truly a new chapter in his career, and he tells all. Justin Ashley talks about preparing for the season with testing, what Top Fuel will look like in 2023, and wh...
2023-02-011h 11NHRA Insider Podcast5.3 The Late Bloomers - Cruz Pedregon and Leah Pruett Talk 2023On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, Cruz Pedregon and Leah Pruett join host Brian Lohnes to talk about strong late-season 2022 performances and the hopeful prospects for 2023 with renewed vigor and established teams. Cruz Pedregon took a leap at the end of 2022, swapping to a six-disc clutch program and bringing on Lee Beard to assist John Collins, his crew chief. This resulted in the most dominating win of his long career at the NHRA Finals in Pomona. Pedregon talks about being at the Chili Bowl with his midget race cars, his outlook for 2023, what the prospects a...
2023-01-1859 minNHRA Insider Podcast5.1 The Things We Need To See In 2023For this first episode of 2023, NHRA Insider host Brian Lohnes is joined by Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna to talk about the things all three of them need to see in 2023. This is a wide-ranging discussion about what drivers and riders need to stand on it, what teams need to make a recovery fast, what they want to hear in interviews, and who they think will be breaking through for their first career wins in the season ahead. There are plenty of rumors to address, potential testing schedules to look at, and a myriad of different topics covered here. We're ge...
2023-01-031h 02NHRA Insider Podcast4.43 Antron Brown Goes Outlaw Racing and Tells All!Just when you thought Antron Brown could not get any cooler, he just did. Last weekend Antron attended the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals at the NHRA-sanctioned Bradenton Motorsports Park in Florida and drove Manny Buginga's 3,000hp Pro275 car known as Fred. This is basically a stock wheelbase car with full suspension and as much power as a pro mod on tiny 275mm wide rear tires. He didn't just drive it, he won the race! Brown joins host Brian Lohnes on this episode to tell the epic tale of how he found himself in the car and what it was like to...
2022-12-0646 minNHRA Insider Podcast4.42 Rapping Paper - A Look Back Over The 2022 SeasonTony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider for one last look over the 2022 NHRA season before turning their sights to rumors, 2023 plans, and the overall state of the sport as we move into the depths of the winter months. There's a lot to take in here. From the upcoming changes in the alcohol funny car ranks, Factory X, the big news of Angelle and the Vance and Hines team going their separate ways, massive Top Fuel rumors, and more, the guys touch on the stuff that happened, the stuff that might ha...
2022-11-291h 13NHRA Insider Podcast4.40 The Insiders Talk NHRA Finals!The last race of the season is upon us, and with it comes some incredible storylines. National Dragster Senior Editor Kevin McKenna and NHRAonFOX analyst Tony Pedregon join host Brian Lohnes to talk about news, rumors, championship scenarios, and what we should all be looking for during a race that promises to be incredible. While the pro stock championship is locked up, three other championships are wide open, and they each carry their own unique stories. Can Matt Smith lock up his 6th title and join Andrew Hines and Dave Schultz? Can Robert Hight thump his three closest rivals? Which of...
2022-11-081h 04NHRA Insider Podcast4.39 Rolling The Dice On The NHRA Nevada NationalsOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, National Dragster's Kevin McKenna and the NHRAonFox's Tony Pedregon join host Brian Lohnes o preview the coming action at the second to last race of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series 2022 Tour in Las Vegas. The huge storylines include the first competition start for Tony Stewart, who will be running in the Top Alcohol Dragster class, the potential coronation of Erica Enders as the Pro Stock World Champion, the raging battles in Pro Stock Motorcycle, nitro funny car, and top fuel, as well as plenty of other interpersonal storylines. This second to l...
2022-10-251h 11NHRA Insider Podcast4.38 Men On The Move: Clay Millican and Ron Capps!Ron Capps and Clay Millican join host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast. Both racers are in a strong position with regard to their seasons. Capps sits just 10 points behind leader Robert Hight and Millican, with fresh ownership and parts is in the fastest race car he has had in years. While Millican may be a bit too far out to be considered a favorite, Capps has been slugging with Hight and Hagan on a weekly basis to maintain his championship position. Clay Millican brings great insights into the operation of his top fuel team under th...
2022-10-191h 05NHRA Insider Podcast4.36 Antron Brown and Matt Smith Talk Midwest Nationals, Championships, and WorkOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, Antron Brown and Matt Smith join host Brian Lohnes to talk about their successes this season, the hard work behind them, and what they both think it will take to add to their championship career resumes. For Matt Smith, the 2022 Midwest Nationals were a showcase of his abilities as a tuner and a rider. Setting low ET on Friday and then carrying a strong motorcycle through an evolving track surface on Saturday and Sunday set him up for a win that gave him the points lead. We talk about that win, what he...
2022-10-041h 04NHRA Insider Podcast4.35 Countdown Craziness, Hot Takes, and A Potential Record Breaker in St LouisOn this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast, NHRAonFox's Tony Pedregon and National Dragster Sr. Editor Kevin McKenna weigh in with all that has been happening through two races of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship. The hot takes fly, especially when the conversation turns to the action in Charlotte, North Carolina, last weekend and which teams have exerted themselves hard enough to be true championship contenders. The threesome chat about all manner of things in every professional class and really bear down on the top fuel class, which is seemingly set to produce one of the most incredible single se...
2022-09-2759 minNHRA Insider Podcast4.34 Counting Down to the CountdownOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes to talk about Indy, set up this weekend's Pep Boys Nationals, and work to figure out who will be coming out of the gate swinging in this first round of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship. There are loads of great points discussed, some controversy addressed, and opinions a-plenty. Can Brittany do it? Will Steve Torrence come from the fourth spot? So many questions. The second half of the show is a conversation with Virginia Pro Mod winner Tylor Miller. Miller's history in dr...
2022-09-151h 02NHRA Insider Podcast4.31 Talkin' Topeka 2022NHRAonFOX analyst Tony Pedregon and National Dragster Senior Editor Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider. The talk is all about the upcoming Menard's NHRA Nationals presented by Pet Armor in Topeka, Kansas, and how teams will either sink or swim in the projected searing heat of the weekend. The trio talks about the massive weekend that was in drag racing with major events all over the country, the tail end of the western swing, and then they evaluate the storylines class by class for this weekend's throwdown in America's heartland. There are some in...
2022-08-1148 minNHRA Insider Podcast4.29 Joey Gladstone and Robert Hight Are Riding A Summer Success WaveSonoma winner Joey Gladstone and NHRA funny car points leader Robert Hight join host Brian Lohnes for this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast. After an incredible race in Sonoma, Lohnes recaps the event, its highlights, and provides some insight into not only Sonoma but this week's Seattle race before settling down with the show's guests. Joey Gladstone captured his first national event win in his third straight final round by nailing a holeshot against Eddie Krawiec in the Sonoma final. Lohnes talks to him about that event, the weeks leading up to it, and how his c...
2022-07-2845 minNHRA Insider Podcast4.26 A Whole Lot of Winning Going OnOn this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast, Brian Lohnes is joined by Rob Flynn and Erica Enders to talk about the incredible seasons both of them are having. For Rob Flynn, tuning the dragster of Mike Salinas has been an experience in measured aggression. The Scrappers team has four wins already this year and there's no sign that they'll be slowing down to let someone take them off the perch they are on now, leading the top fuel points. Flynn talks about the team, the approach, another successful weekend in Norwalk, and what the upcoming Western Swing means for hi...
2022-06-2952 minNHRA Insider Podcast4.25 One Down and One To GoAfter an exciting race weekend in Bristol, Tennessee, Tony Pedregon and National Dragster's Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes to review the event and look forward to this weekend's Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Ohio. The three go class by class and talk about not only the winners but also those drivers and riders who made headlines for reasons both good and bad in Bristol. The conversation ranges from how teams can succeed in the summer heat, the massive top fuel field assembling at Norwalk, and its implications, along with a host of other topics that NHRA fans are interested in...
2022-06-2133 minNHRA Insider Podcast4.23 Two Racers Hungry For Success - Kyle Koretsky and JR ToddOn This episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, pro stock racer Kyle Koretsky and funny car racer JR Todd join host Brian Lohnes. The two racers are still chasing their first win of the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season, but their drive to compete is unabated. For Kyle Koretsky, the 2022 season sees him sitting 3rd in the points and with one final round appearance on the year. He has been consistently going rounds week after week and his KB powered Lucas Oil Camaro has flirted with number one qualifying positions as well. Kyle talks about his driving, the wo...
2022-06-0853 minNHRA Insider Podcast4.20 Lyle Barnett and Austin Prock Talk Competition and The Will To WinPro Mod star Lyle Barnett and top fuel ace Austin Prock join host Brian Lohnes for this episode of the NHRA Insider. The two drivers are among the elite in their respective categories for performance both on the starting line and beyond. They approach their jobs with the kind of intensity rarely found in the sport and both guys have great insight to share on how they do what they do and what the rest of the 2022 season has in store. For Lyle Barnett, the Charlotte 4-Wide race final is a sticking point and one that he will not soon fo...
2022-05-1853 minNHRA Insider Podcast4.17 The Inside Scoop From Houston And A Look Forward To Charlotte NHRA on FOX analyst Tony Pedregon and National Dragster Senior Editor Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes for this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast. The three talk about all the wild storylines from Houston and how race day was among the most amazing thy had all seen. The storylines from each class, the upsets, the driving performances, and the mounting pressure to be good have all ratcheted up. Telling some of the behind-the-scenes stories you have not heard, these guys will have you laughing and thinking with their analysis. After a breakdown of Houston, the chat turns for Charlotte an...
2022-04-2746 minNHRA Insider Podcast4.14 A Top Fuel Tuner and A Stock/Super Stock CrusherNHRA Top Fuel crew chief David Grubnic and five-time sportsman world champion Justin Lamb join host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast. Grubnic is coming off a huge win with Brittany Force and team at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas. Lamb won his 29th NHRA national event at Las Vegas and he's the second guest on this show. In the conversation, Grubnic and Lohnes dive into everything from tuning philosophy to leadership practices, communication among the team, and more. It is a chat that goes far beyond the nuts and...
2022-04-0651 minNHRA Insider Podcast4.10 Talking The Gators, Callouts, and the Grind of Top Fuel with Brittany ForceOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, 2017 NHRA Top Fuel World Champion Brittany Force joins host Brian Lohnes to talk about the often hidden hard work of racing at a championship level in the class. Lohnes leads off the show with a Gatornationals preview monologue running through the latest news in the sport leading up to the race, looking at the pro stock motorcycle category, and talking about what's in store for racers and fans as part of the Pep Boys All-Star Top Fuel Callout. All of the professional categories have full fields and th...
2022-03-0839 minNHRA Insider Podcast4.8 A Quick Starter and A Come BackerJustin Ashley and Bo Butner join Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast. Ashley talks about his highly impressive start at the Lucas Oil Winternationals where he took home a national event victory over Austin Prock in the final round. The race may be a harbinger of things to come in top fuel where the competition is off the charts and will only get more difficult as the season goes on. Ashley talks about the race, the competition, his internal drive, and the need to stay up on the wheel for the whole season. Bo Butner is back...
2022-02-2353 minNHRA Insider Podcast4.7 The Insiders End to the Off-SeasonNational Dragster's Phil Burgess and NHRA on Fox analyst Tony Pedregon join host Brian Lohnes on this final episode of the off-season before the 2022 NHRA Winternationals. The triumvirate talk about the major stories of the winter, one of which is how many major stories there have been this winter! From the wild performance of John Force at the pre-season test to the emergence of new team owners, the emergence of new teams, the notable drivers coming back, and a whole lot more, there's so much to talk about it's hard to keep all the storylines straight. Pedregon d...
2022-02-1757 minNHRA Insider Podcast4.6 In With The OldTony Schumacher and Austin Prock join host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast. The two returning top fuel standouts have a lot to say about the 2022 season to be, the way that their teams will attack pre-season testing in Phoenix, and what it means to be back as sponsored drivers who know they have a full season in front of them. The winningest driver in top fuel history is candid in his remarks about his expectations for 2022 and he is definitely motivated to show the world that his top fuel return is...
2022-02-0842 minNHRA Insider Podcast4.5 The Most Wonderful Time of the YearIt's a funny car extravaganza on this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast. Championship driver JR Todd and championship crew chief Dean Antonelli join host Brian Lohnes and talk about all the things going on to prepare for the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing season. There's also a rather in-depth look into the 2022 top fuel season to get the show started. JR talks about the early GR Supra testing which happened in Florida, his impressions of the new body, and what he's most enthusiastic about for 2022. It's an interesting conversation that gives the professional driver's outlook on what the up...
2022-02-0242 minNHRA Insider Podcast4.4 The Sophomore and The InsiderMulti-time Top Fuel winner Josh Hart and NHRAonFOX analyst Tony Pedregon join host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast. For Josh Hart, 2022 represents his sophomore year as a driver/owner in the top fuel category of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. He comes in as a confirmed race winner, fully sponsored, and prepared to run every race of this upcoming year with his sights set on a world championship. He talks the business of drag racing, the learning curve of his first season, and why team stability will play a big ro...
2022-01-2543 minNHRA Insider Podcast3.35 Going from Good to GreatAlexis DeJoria and Clay Millican join Brian Lohnes on the NHRA Insider podcast this week to talk about their strong seasons and what it will take to move from being good cars to great cars. Both teams and drivers have made finals in 2021 but neither has closed the deal on the 4th win light of a Sunday afternoon. Alexis and Clay share great insights into their teams and how the pieces all come together a certain way on those weekends when the round wins stack up. Lohnes talks about Charlotte, what to look for in St Louis and some...
2021-09-2359 minNHRA Insider Podcast3.31 Young and Hungry RacersBlake Alexander and Aaron Stanfield join host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast. Alexander, who races with Jim Head in the nitro funny car category has seen positive successes over the last several races with increasing numbers of round wins and even a semi-final appearance under his belt. He talks about the road to getting their race car back, the work they have put in, and how the team will approach the rest of the season, especially as they appear a virtual lock to make the NHRA Countdown in the 10th position. An enlightening conversation...
2021-08-2551 minNHRA Insider Podcast3.25 Hey New Guy!Alex Laughlin joins host Brian Lohnes to talk about the stunning news that he will be racing top fuel at Denver this weekend as part of the Dodge SRT Mile High Nationals. The move came in a pinch when sponsor requirements needed to be met and Laughlin was without his traditional pro modified car. Hooking up with Scott Palmer at the last minute and achieving his top fuel license at a small Kansas Drag Strip, it has been a whirlwind and one that he's happy to be on. With Palmer concentrating on tuning and Laughlin concentrating on driving, the...
2021-07-1543 minNHRA Insider Podcast3.7 An Outgoing Legend and the Inside ScoopOn this episode of the NHRA Insider Mike Janis and Kevin McKenna join Brian Lohnes. Janis was recently told by doctors that his hall of fame pro-modified driving career was at an end but Mike is not letting that end his career in the sport. Janis has put JR Gray in the family pro mod and will continue as the leader of the family race team that has garnered championships and race wins by the dozens over the years in pro mod. Mike talks about his career and the future of the team. National Dragster Senior Editor Kevin McKenna...
2021-02-161h 00NHRA Insider Podcast3.5 Rumors, Scoops, and Top Fuel's Newest Team OwnerOn this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast, Tony Pedregon and Josh Hart join host Brian Lohnes for two entertaining chats. Firstly, Pedregon talks about news, rumors, and innuendo he has been hearing around the NHRA hotbed of Brownsburg, Indiana. There's some inside stuff here you are not going to get anywhere else. Following the talk with Tony, Lohnes and Josh Hart describe his rise to become a top fuel team owner, what his goals are, and how he plans on executing his season as a freshly minted top fuel racer. A standout in the alcohol ranks, Hart is...
2021-02-0354 minNHRA Insider Podcast3.4 The Grudge Man ComethJoey Gladstone and JR Gray join Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast. Both men have backgrounds in drag racing's grudge scene and have worked their way to the worlds of NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle and e3 Spark Plugs Pro Modified respectively. Gladstone talks about the upcoming season and the new Vance and Hines Suzuki motorcycles he will be racing with Cory Reed. The four-valve, fuel-injected bikes will be the most technologically advanced machines in the sport when they debut at Gainesville. JR Gray is one of the most recognized names in the grudge racing world...
2021-01-2557 minNHRA Insider Podcast2.18 The Experience vs the ExperiencedCruz Pedregon and Tyler Crossnoe join host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider. Pedregon talks about his approach to what will be a very unique 2020 NHRA Mello Yello drag racing season and how his experience will play a role in it. Tyler Crossnoe, a 27-year old drag racing wunderkind is the Vice President of Virginia Motorsports Park and the Series Director for the PDRA. He talks about the current challenges facing tracks and series as the sport of drag racing slowly rumbles back to life after this pandemic subsides. Interesting conversations from two different perspectives!
2020-05-2759 minNHRA Insider Podcast2.15 Pro Stock, Piston Rings, Mullets, and Blow OversMatt Hartford and Will Smith join the NHRA Insider this week, host Brian Lohnes talks about the newly revamped start date for NHRA in 2020 and there's an audio look back at the "blow over era" in top fuel as well using vintage audio from the late 1980s and early 1990s. The conversation with Matt Hartford centers around the business he owns, Total Seal Piston rings, and how they have been dealing with the undulations of the current economic and social trends. Will talks about his rise and climbs to drive on one of the best A/fuel dragsters in...
2020-05-051h 13
The Dork-O-Motive Podcast1.16: The Forgotten Disaster - How America's Worst Maritime Nightmare Happened In 1865 And Who It Happened ToThe sinking of the SS Sultana in 1865 to this day stands as the greatest maritime disaster in the history of the United States. More people died in the middle of the Mississippi river on an April night than would die some 50 years later on the Titanic in the depths of the North Atlantic. This is a story of steam, a story of greed, a story of sadness, and a story of the astonishing lengths some people will go to make a dollar.
Incredibly this nightmare is known by very few people in America. At the time that i...
2020-05-0458 minNHRA Insider Podcast2.3 Comings and Goings Jason Line and Antron Brown join Brian Lohnes to talk about their 2020 seasons. Line will be retiring from driving at the close of the year and Brown recently announced his intention to become a team owner, working with DSR to attain that goal. Also, Lohnes rants on the Countdown changes and more!
2020-01-2951 minNHRA Insider Podcast1.12 The Will to WinOn this episode, host Brian Lohnes talks with multiple time NHRA Top Fuel champion Antron Brown and multiple time NHRA nitro funny car champion Robert Hight about their will to win and achievements. Brown is having a hot start to the 2019 season after a disappointing 2018 and Hight is dominating the nitro funny car category through the first five races of the year.
2019-04-2358 min