Shows
Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 52: KC Cook "REVISITED" - Part 1Episode 52 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel circle back with long-time friend KC Cook in their first ever 'REVISITED' show. KC's first time sitting down with the FCP was all the way back in March of 2020 for episode #1, and he's back to tell us what he's been up to since. But this is more than just catching up; They of course talk a lot about karting -and even cars- but also about Cook's newest venture: The Boost Foundation. Listen as he explains his fight against Cystic Fibrosis, and how The...2024-06-181h 19Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 51: Chase Jones - Part 2The debut of Season 4 of the The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Episode 51 get a late start, first being recorded in March of 2023, as hosts Derek Esquibel and Mike Smith have seen many changes in their personal lives - including a change in their recording location. Almost a throwback; this episode is "On Location" at the Challenge of the Americas in Phoenix, Arizona last year, where guest Chase Jones explains where it all began. A young karting talent and eventual karting team owner, Chase shares how he has persevered in racing after almost having to hang up...2024-05-211h 04Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 51: Chase Jones - Part 1The debut of Season 4 of the The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Episode 51 get a late start, first being recorded in March of 2023, as hosts Derek Esquibel and Mike Smith have seen many changes in their personal lives - including a change in their recording location. Almost a throwback; this episode is "On Location" at the Challenge of the Americas in Phoenix, Arizona last year, where guest Chase Jones explains where it all began. A young karting talent and eventual karting team owner, Chase shares how he has persevered in racing after almost having to hang up...2024-05-211h 02Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationFCP Season 4: Welcome Back!The Full Caster Podcast Returns! Recorded on March 18th 2024, lots has changed for hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel since the last time the FCP was live, with new homes and new jobs - and now a new place to record! We are so excited for what is in store for Season 4 of the Full Caster Podcast - a Karting Conversation, and we can't wait to get things started!Join us for a special "Intro Episode", and the Preview for Season 4 of the Full Caster Podcast!2024-04-1643 minFull Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationFCP Special Edition: CalSpeed Last Laps - Part 4Recorded during CalSpeed's send-off event on December 18th, 2022; Mike Smith, Derek Esquibel and several guests share their stories about CalSpeed from the past near-20 years it has been in business...Join us for Part 4 of the 'CalSpeed Last Laps' on the Full Caster Podcast!00:00 - Intro00:20 - Mike Smith & Joe Ponce13:28 - Mike Smith & Dave Allen26:11 - Mike Smith, Derek Esquibel, and T.A. La1:01:31 - Mike Smith with the Niles ladies: Sylvia, Cali, and Lily...2023-01-171h 33Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationFCP Special Edition: CalSpeed Last Laps - Part 3Recorded during CalSpeed's send-off event on December 18th, 2022; Mike Smith, Derek Esquibel and several guests share their stories about CalSpeed from the past near-20 years it has been in business...Join us for Part 3 of the 'CalSpeed Last Laps' on the Full Caster Podcast!00:00 - Intro00:21 - Mike Smith & Sean Buur11:02 - Mike Smith & Steve Donald27:28 - Mike Smith, with Steve Donald, and the "Senior Moments" team: Gerry Florez, Hugh Robertson, and David Carlisle52:39 - Rob Niles, with Steve Donald, and the "Senior Moments" team.2023-01-171h 06Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationFCP Special Edition: CalSpeed Last Laps - Part 2Recorded on December 29th, 2022 as part of the "CalSpeed Last Laps" podcast, Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with CalSpeed Karting's founder Rob Niles to have a look back on near-20 years it has been in business. Beginning with its origins starting in 2003, and chronicling its rise to be the home of the largest arrive and drive program in the world, and the hub of competition karting in Southern California, this is CalSpeed Karting's story...Join us for Part 2 of the 'CalSpeed Last Laps' on the Full Caster Podcast!2023-01-171h 01Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationFCP Special Edition: CalSpeed Last Laps - Part 1Recorded on December 29th, 2022 as part of the "CalSpeed Last Laps" podcast, Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with CalSpeed Karting's founder Rob Niles to have a look back on near-20 years it has been in business. Beginning with its origins starting in 2003, and chronicling its rise to be the home of the largest arrive and drive program in the world, and the hub of competition karting in Southern California, this is CalSpeed Karting's story...Join us for Part 1 of the 'CalSpeed Last Laps' on the Full Caster Podcast!2023-01-171h 35Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 50: Logan Calvin - Part 2The 50th installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, this is actually the Season Finale for Season 3 of the FCP, getting done on October 4th, 2022. Logan Calvin joins hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel for this episode, and they not only talk about Logan's tenure as the dominant force in sport karting at CalSpeed, but also his rise from indoor karting and into competition karting. Flat out the name that all other drivers measure against in sport karting, Logan Calvin has proved to not only be a talent in arrive and drive, but a shoe behind t...2022-10-181h 10Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 50: Logan Calvin - Part 1The 50th installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, this is actually the Season Finale for Season 3 of the FCP, getting done on October 4th, 2022. Logan Calvin joins hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel for this episode, and they not only talk about Logan's tenure as the dominant force in sport karting at CalSpeed, but also his rise from indoor karting and into competition karting. Flat out the name that all other drivers measure against in sport karting, Logan Calvin has proved to not only be a talent in arrive and drive, but a shoe behind t...2022-10-181h 16Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 49: Greg Welch - Part 2This installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on August 22nd 2022, with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing the owner and principal of Forward Direction Motorsports, Greg Welch! many these days know Greg from his FDM team and race shop based out of Colorado, but he has been a part of karting ever since he was a little kid. We chat about his driving career rising through the ranks of Shifter karts, his time working for the family biz at Shockwave karting, and then his transition to owning his own kart shop and...2022-09-2049 minFull Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 49: Greg Welch - Part 1This installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on August 22nd 2022, with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing the owner and principal of Forward Direction Motorsports, Greg Welch! many these days know Greg from his FDM team and race shop based out of Colorado, but he has been a part of karting ever since he was a little kid. We chat about his driving career rising through the ranks of Shifter karts, his time working for the family biz at Shockwave karting, and then his transition to owning his own kart shop and...2022-09-201h 40Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 48: Sean FiteRecorded on August 1st, episode 48 for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview long time sport karter, Sean Fite. With roots in Sprint Cars watching his dad race as a kid in the late 80's to 90's, Sean actually didn't get his first chance behind a racing car until he did Sprint Car racing schools in his early 20's. Eventually finding indoor karting, and finally outdoor karting with CalSpeed Karting, Fite went from a late start at about 30 years of age, to one of the most successful sport karters at t...2022-08-161h 22Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 47: Sean Buur - Part 2This installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on July 16th 2022, with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing someone who is perhaps mostly seen these days behind a camera, Sean Buur. For episode 47 of the FCP we chat with Sean not only about his current duties as photographer and media lead for the Challenge of the Americas and all the sport karting events at CalSpeed, but also his origins in karting and the founding of one of the most popular karting magazines over the past 30 years, Go Racing magazine. But did you know t...2022-07-191h 26Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 47: Sean Buur - Part 1This installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on July 16th 2022, with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing someone who is perhaps mostly seen these days behind a camera, Sean Buur. For episode 47 of the FCP we chat with Sean not only about his current duties as photographer and media lead for the Challenge of the Americas and all the sport karting events at CalSpeed, but also his origins in karting and the founding of one of the most popular karting magazines over the past 30 years, Go Racing magazine. But did you know t...2022-07-191h 44Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 46: Nathan & Trisha Thibodeaux - Part 1Recorded on May 27th, the 46th edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview The Thibodeaux's of Tri-C Karters, Nathan and Trisha. As two of the three principals of the Tri-C Karters club, this dynamic duo -along with Eric Nelson- are responsible for putting on the events of the Tri-C club at CalSpeed Karting, but also have a local winter series, as well as summer night series that run at Adams Motorsports Park. Get to know both of them in the latest installment of the FCP, with roots back to...2022-06-211h 19Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 46: Nathan & Trisha Thibodeaux - Part 2Recorded on May 27th, the 46th edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview The Thibodeaux's of Tri-C Karters, Nathan and Trisha. As two of the three principals of the Tri-C Karters club, this dynamic duo -along with Eric Nelson- are responsible for putting on the events of the Tri-C club at CalSpeed Karting, but also have a local winter series, as well as summer night series that run at Adams Motorsports Park. Get to know both of them in the latest installment of the FCP, with roots back to...2022-06-211h 04Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 45: Stevan McAleer - Part 2Episode 45 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel catch up with their buddy and longtime Sports Car racer, Stevan McAleer. Hailing from Scotland, Stevan takes us through his journey as young karter, where his start came from bouncing back from an incident to find an even bigger fire and passion for driving. Making the move to the States after earning a drive at Skip Barber, he progressed through the MX5 Cup and now races in the GT4 class in IMSA. Also a Team owner in the MX5 category with McCumbee/McAleer...2022-05-1746 minFull Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 45: Stevan McAleer - Part 1Episode 45 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel catch up with their buddy and longtime Sports Car racer, Stevan McAleer. Hailing from Scotland, Stevan takes us through his journey as young karter, where his start came from bouncing back from an incident to find an even bigger fire and passion for driving. Making the move to the States after earning a drive at Skip Barber, he progressed through the MX5 Cup and now races in the GT4 class in IMSA. Also a Team owner in the MX5 category with McCumbee/McAleer...2022-05-171h 11Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 44: Jake Drew - Part 1Episode 44 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel catch up current ARCA West Series driver and top-flight senior karter, Jake Drew. Starting in kid karts in the the early 2000's, Jake worked his way up from there to not only become one of the best Senior-level karters in the USA, but also has made the move into cars via the ARCA West series and Sunrise Racing. Join us as we chat with him about everything from winning IKF Duffys, to the the challenges of swapping a kart for a stock car!2022-04-191h 26Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 44: Jake Drew - Part 2Episode 44 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel catch up current ARCA West Series driver and top-flight senior karter, Jake Drew. Starting in kid karts in the the early 2000's, Jake worked his way up from there to not only become one of the best Senior-level karters in the USA, but also has made the move into cars via the ARCA West series and Sunrise Racing. Join us as we chat with him about everything from winning IKF Duffys, to the the challenges of swapping a kart for a stock car!2022-04-191h 29Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationFCP: 'Roundtable One'Recorded on January 12th, 2022, Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel host their first ever "Roundtable" discussion, bringing on former Full Caster Podcast guests Matt Johnson, Jesus Vasquez, and Race Liberante. Covering all sorts of karting topics and from multiple different views in the industry, we chat off season prep, views on rules and officiating, driver etiquette, the pitfalls of getting into karting, and even brainstormed possible solutions like how licensing could work. Whether new to the sport, or a passionate long-time racer, this episode has a little of everything...Join us for 'Roundtable One' of the Full Caster...2022-03-292h 36Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 43: Ty Matta - Part 1Recorded on March 7th, the 43rd edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Ty Matta. Growing up in the Philippines, Ty was introduced to karting at an early age via his uncle who raced F2, but actually didn't start racing himself until his late teens after moving to America - and on two wheels! When he did finally make the transition to karts, he would run side by side and learn much from Jesus Vasquez, and shares many stories along the way; from championships in Yamaha, to the...2022-03-151h 09Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 43: Ty Matta - Part 2Recorded on March 7th, the 43rd edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Ty Matta. Growing up in the Philippines, Ty was introduced to karting at an early age via his uncle who raced F2, but actually didn't start racing himself until his late teens after moving to America - and on two wheels! When he did finally make the transition to karts, he would run side by side and learn much from Jesus Vasquez, and shares many stories along the way; from championships in Yamaha, to the...2022-03-1553 minFull Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 42: Josh Huff - Part 1Episode 42 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Josh Huff as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Josh is the eponymous owner and manager of the Josh Huff Motorsport karting team and the JH Motorsports kart shop based out of El Cajon California, not only competing on asphalt, but also in the dirt with his JHM Dirt Kart Experience. Actually starting out as an up and coming and award winning mechanic in formula cars in his late teens, Huff made the move to karting in his 20's and has had success in e...2022-02-151h 18Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 42: Josh Huff - Part 2Episode 42 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Josh Huff as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Josh is the eponymous owner and manager of the Josh Huff Motorsport karting team and the JH Motorsports kart shop based out of El Cajon California, not only competing on asphalt, but also in the dirt with his JHM Dirt Kart Experience. Actually starting out as an up and coming and award winning mechanic in formula cars in his late teens, Huff made the move to karting in his 20's and has had success in e...2022-02-1555 minFull Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 41: Seth Nash - Part 1Welcome to Season 3 of the FCP! This installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on December 20th 2021, with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing the eponymous owner of Nash Motorsportz, Seth Nash! Episode 41 kicks off the new season with Seth, going back to how he started racing in the mid 90's -first in 4-strokes and then into 2-cycle racing- before getting his shot in cars in the SCCA. From there we hear about the formation of his own race team and shop, and hear how he has gone from the back of a...2022-01-181h 12Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 41: Seth Nash - Part 2Welcome to Season 3 of the FCP! This installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on December 20th 2021, with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing the eponymous owner of Nash Motorsportz, Seth Nash! Episode 41 kicks off the new season with Seth, going back to how he started racing in the mid 90's -first in 4-strokes and then into 2-cycle racing- before getting his shot in cars in the SCCA. From there we hear about the formation of his own race team and shop, and hear how he has gone from the back of a...2022-01-181h 25Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 40: Christian Brooks - Part 1Episode 40 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Christian Brooks as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel, and caps off season two of the FCP. Christian has risen up the ranks of karting from kid karts, all the way through to seniors, winning many races and championships along the way, including multiple trips to Europe at the Rotax World Finals. These days, he is working his way up the 'Road to Indy' ladder, but splits his time between cars and karts as a top tier driver coach, and is a perfect guest f...2021-10-121h 36Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 40: Christian Brooks - Part 2Episode 40 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Christian Brooks as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel, and caps off season two of the FCP. Christian has risen up the ranks of karting from kid karts, all the way through to seniors, winning many races and championships along the way, including multiple trips to Europe at the Rotax World Finals. These days, he is working his way up the 'Road to Indy' ladder, but splits his time between cars and karts as a top tier driver coach, and is a perfect guest f...2021-10-121h 29Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 39: Tony Siragusa - Part 1This installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on September 13th 2021, with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing the owner and Team Principal of the Formula Works Karting Team, Tony Siragusa! For episode 39 of the FCP we chat with Tony about how his introduction into karting happened through his father getting his son a kart, and how that eventually turned into running a full-on karting team and business. Not your conventional story of getting into racing, Tony shares stories of his time outside of karting, and how lessons from other industries, as well...2021-09-281h 13Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 39: Tony Siragusa - Part 2This installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on September 13th 2021, with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing the owner and Team Principal of the Formula Works Karting Team, Tony Siragusa! For episode 39 of the FCP we chat with Tony about how his introduction into karting happened through his father getting his son a kart, and how that eventually turned into running a full-on karting team and business. Not your conventional story of getting into racing, Tony shares stories of his time outside of karting, and how lessons from other industries, as well...2021-09-281h 10Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 38: David Dodson - Part 1Recorded on August 23rd, the 38th edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview David Dodson. David made a name in karting at a young age as one of the best Junior drivers to come out of So-Cal and the United States as a whole in the 90's, making the move to compete in Europe. Carrying into his adult years, and David became one of the best karting tuners in the business with a meticulous process and an intense attention to detail. Soft spoken but a vat of karting...2021-09-141h 09Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 38: David Dodson - Part 2Recorded on August 23rd, the 38th edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview David Dodson. David made a name in karting at a young age as one of the best Junior drivers to come out of So-Cal and the United States as a whole in the 90's, making the move to compete in Europe. Carrying into his adult years, and David became one of the best karting tuners in the business with a meticulous process and an intense attention to detail. Soft spoken but a vat of karting...2021-09-1448 minFull Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 37: Paul Bonilla - Part 1Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with with one of the "household names" in Masters karting here in the states for Episode 37 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Paul Bonilla. Getting a late start in karting terms, Paul got into his first kart in the early 90's at the 'mature age' of 23, and started cutting his teeth at places like Adams Kart Track and regional series like the Gatorz Karting Cup. Eventually going on to represent the USA at the Rotax World Finals, Paul Bonilla's resume also includes regional and nation championships, as well as...2021-08-311h 23Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 37: Paul Bonilla - Part 2Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with with one of the "household names" in Masters karting here in the states for Episode 37 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Paul Bonilla. Getting a late start in karting terms, Paul got into his first kart in the early 90's at the 'mature age' of 23, and started cutting his teeth at places like Adams Kart Track and regional series like the Gatorz Karting Cup. Eventually going on to represent the USA at the Rotax World Finals, Paul Bonilla's resume also includes regional and nation championships, as well as...2021-08-311h 41Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 36: John Baldasare - Part 2Episode 36 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on John Baldasare as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Starting in quarter midgets as a kid -where he established himself as one of the best- John's next foray in motorsports was straight into shifters, briefly in 80cc, and then 125cc. While he rubbed elbows with some of the best in the early shifter days and was one of the fastest of the time, he took time off to focus on his career before coming back in 2010 to race one race and one race only...2021-08-1750 minFull Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 36: John Baldasare - Part 1Episode 36 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on John Baldasare as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Starting in quarter midgets as a kid -where he established himself as one of the best- John's next foray in motorsports was straight into shifters, briefly in 80cc, and then 125cc. While he rubbed elbows with some of the best in the early shifter days and was one of the fastest of the time, he took time off to focus on his career before coming back in 2010 to race one race and one race only...2021-08-171h 10Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 35: Tom Kutscher - Part 1Recorded on June 16th, the 37th edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Tom Kutscher of SuperKarts! USA. As the owner of SKUSA, Tom and his crew put on regional programs like the California ProKart Challenge, the Winter Series out of Florida, their new program in Mexico, and of course the biggest race of them all, the SKUSA Supernationals in Las Vegas. From his origins as a kid from Sweden, to finding karting and falling in love with shifter karts here in the states, to owning a successful...2021-08-031h 05Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 35: Tom Kutscher - Part 2Recorded on June 16th, the 37th edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Tom Kutscher of SuperKarts! USA. As the owner of SKUSA, Tom and his crew put on regional programs like the California ProKart Challenge, the Winter Series out of Florida, their new program in Mexico, and of course the biggest race of them all, the SKUSA Supernationals in Las Vegas. From his origins as a kid from Sweden, to finding karting and falling in love with shifter karts here in the states, to owning a successful...2021-08-031h 09Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 34: Ryan PerryEpisode 34 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Ryan Perry as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Ryan is the eponymous owner and manager of the Ryan Perry Motorsport karting team, with the team finding success on the National scene since its debut in 2012. A bit of a wheelman when he was younger as well, Ryan shares stories from his early days racing at the Bakersfield karting club, moving on to regonal and National competition, challenges of transitioning into being a tuner, and finally his rise as a premier karting team nationally.2021-07-201h 24Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 33: Rocky Moran Jr - Part 1Episode 33 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel catch up with former Junior Formula Ace, Sports Car racer, and one time Indy Car Driver, Rocky Moran Jr. Coming from a racing family where his dad Rocky Sr was a paid race car driver that competed in GTP and the Indy 500 among many other things, the Moran name is perhaps better known in karting for another reason: the fabled Moran Raceway. While short lived, Moran Raceway still is talked about as one of the premier facilities ever in So-Cal, if not the e...2021-07-061h 14Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 33: Rocky Moran Jr - Part 2Episode 33 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel catch up with former Junior Formula Ace, Sports Car racer, and one time Indy Car Driver, Rocky Moran Jr. Coming from a racing family where his dad Rocky Sr was a paid race car driver that competed in GTP and the Indy 500 among many other things, the Moran name is perhaps better known in karting for another reason: the fabled Moran Raceway. While short lived, Moran Raceway still is talked about as one of the premier facilities ever in So-Cal, if not the e...2021-07-061h 12Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 32: Dave AllenThis installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on May 24th 2021, with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing the President of the Auto Club Speedway, Dave Allen! For episode 32 of the FCP we chat with Dave about how he got started working in the racing industry, working up from a paid internship at Laguna Seca right out of college, to eventually the top tier position at the Speedway where CalSpeed Karting calls home outside of turn 4. And the love of racing? It all started with a custom built dirt kart track in his...2021-06-221h 18Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 31: Howie IdelsonThe 11th edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation for season 2 was recorded on May 3rd, 2021, as hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with another long time karter, Howie Idelson. Howie is known in the karting ranks as a standout out talent in his own right, but these days, perhaps the name Idelson is better known from his kid Dane, who is carving his own reputation in the Junior ranks. We chat with Howie not only about his time through the 80's and 90's in karting, but also his experiences in cars, plus his t...2021-06-081h 21Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 30: Miles Calvin - Part 1Episode 30 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation; this is actually the halfway point for Season 2 of the FCP, getting done on May 10th, 2021. Miles Calvin joins hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel for this installment, chatting first about his origins on two wheels with BMX and then Speedway motorcycles, before moving on to his days indoor karting at Dromo 1, and then finally outdoors with CalSpeed and the Super Series. Arguably one of the best in the business in the arrive and drive game, the 2016 Super Series champ also moved up to dabble in 2-stroke racing in...2021-05-251h 12Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 30: Miles Calvin - Part 2Episode 30 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation; this is actually the halfway point for Season 2 of the FCP, getting done on May 10th, 2021. Miles Calvin joins hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel for this installment, chatting first about his origins on two wheels with BMX and then Speedway motorcycles, before moving on to his days indoor karting at Dromo 1, and then finally outdoors with CalSpeed and the Super Series. Arguably one of the best in the business in the arrive and drive game, the 2016 Super Series champ also moved up to dabble in 2-stroke racing in...2021-05-251h 14Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 29: Derek Zimmermann - Part 1Recorded on April 29th, the 30th edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Derek Zimmermann. Derek is a staple in the paddock and the sport of karting, lending his extensive knowledge as a driver and a tuner to multiple drivers, but typically founder under the Nash Motorsportz tent. In this episode we take a look back at his career, chatting about his early days competing at famed So-Call tracks such as Adams, Apex, Grange, and CalSpeed, competing in marquee events like the California State Championships and the IKF...2021-05-111h 03Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 29: Derek Zimmermann - Part 2Recorded on April 29th, the 30th edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Derek Zimmermann. Derek is a staple in the paddock and the sport of karting, lending his extensive knowledge as a driver and a tuner to multiple drivers, but typically founder under the Nash Motorsportz tent. In this episode we take a look back at his career, chatting about his early days competing at famed So-Call tracks such as Adams, Apex, Grange, and CalSpeed, competing in marquee events like the California State Championships and the IKF...2021-05-111h 06Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 28: Dante Yu - Part 1Episode 28 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Dante Yu as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Dante is known as one of the top talents currently in the Senior category of North American Karting, formally a SKUSA California ProKart champion in the junior ranks, and now a regular front runner in the top flight senior categories nationally. Follow along through his rise in karting starting in kid karts and through to seniors, as well as his experiences racing in Europe, and a stint in the US F4 Championship in cars. He e...2021-04-271h 19Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 28: Dante Yu - Part 2Episode 28 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Dante Yu as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Dante is known as one of the top talents currently in the Senior category of North American Karting, formally a SKUSA California ProKart champion in the junior ranks, and now a regular front runner in the top flight senior categories nationally. Follow along through his rise in karting starting in kid karts and through to seniors, as well as his experiences racing in Europe, and a stint in the US F4 Championship in cars. He e...2021-04-271h 21Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 27: Mark Connell - Part 1Recorded on March 21st, episode 27 for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview their good buddy Mark Connell. Mark actually didn't get started on anything with a motor until he was an adult, but has fond memories of growing up doing BMX, and becoming a super fan of NASCAR and the Long Beach Grand Prix. After 20 or so years of racing motorcycles, he finally got into karting in his 40's, starting in sport karts, while carrying success there into 206 and finally 100cc racing, while also becoming the most successful driver i...2021-04-131h 20Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 27: Mark Connell - Part 2Recorded on March 21st, episode 27 for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview their good buddy Mark Connell. Mark actually didn't get started on anything with a motor until he was an adult, but has fond memories of growing up doing BMX, and becoming a super fan of NASCAR and the Long Beach Grand Prix. After 20 or so years of racing motorcycles, he finally got into karting in his 40's, starting in sport karts, while carrying success there into 206 and finally 100cc racing, while also becoming the most successful driver i...2021-04-1358 minFull Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 26: Troy Adams - Part 1Finishing up the first full year for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, is our third 'On Location' show; this one taped on March 15th at Adams Motorsports Park. As the location suggests, Episode 26 sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel joined by the owner of Adams, long time karter and driver coach, Troy Adams. We chat a good amount about not only the origins of how Adams Kart Track came into being, but plenty about Troy's transition from growing up at the track and working as part of the 'family business', to becoming a solid driver...2021-03-301h 37Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 26: Troy Adams - Part 2Finishing up the first full year for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, is our third 'On Location' show; this one taped on March 15th at Adams Motorsports Park. As the location suggests, Episode 26 sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel joined by the owner of Adams, long time karter and driver coach, Troy Adams. We chat a good amount about not only the origins of how Adams Kart Track came into being, but plenty about Troy's transition from growing up at the track and working as part of the 'family business', to becoming a solid driver...2021-03-301h 13Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 25: Race Liberante - Part 2Episode 25 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Race Liberante as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Race is perhaps best known now as the founder and developer of the Race Factory Chassis line, but he actually has over 20 years of experience in kart racing, winning championships in Cadets, Juniors, and even as recently as 2019 in Shifters. Beyond that, he has also spent extensive time in cars, and was even on the verge of running in the NASCAR top-tier truck series. We chat about his rise through karts, working through the oval...2021-03-161h 17Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 25: Race Liberante - Part 1Episode 25 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Race Liberante as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Race is perhaps best known now as the founder and developer of the Race Factory Chassis line, but he actually has over 20 years of experience in kart racing, winning championships in Cadets, Juniors, and even as recently as 2019 in Shifters. Beyond that, he has also spent extensive time in cars, and was even on the verge of running in the NASCAR top-tier truck series. We chat about his rise through karts, working through the oval...2021-03-161h 35Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 24: Rob Niles - Part 1For episode 24 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel have their first sit down with a track owner, CalSpeed Kartings own, Rob Niles. Recorded on December 22nd 2020, this episode is a special one for the hosts, learning even more about their boss and co-worker for the last several years. Join them as they hear stories from the early days of Rob getting started actually racing a yard kart, his move to cars via Skip Barber in his late twenties, the start of his business Karting Ventures -which blossomed into CalSpeed- and even...2021-02-161h 09Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 24: Rob Niles - Part 2For episode 24 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel have their first sit down with a track owner, CalSpeed Kartings own, Rob Niles. Recorded on December 22nd 2020, this episode is a special one for the hosts, learning even more about their boss and co-worker for the last several years. Join them as they hear stories from the early days of Rob getting started actually racing a yard kart, his move to cars via Skip Barber in his late twenties, the start of his business Karting Ventures -which blossomed into CalSpeed- and even...2021-02-161h 31Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 23: Rob HowdenThis installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on November 16th 2020, with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing none other than the 'voice of karting', Rob Howden! For episode 23 of the FCP we chat with Rob about how he got into karting, and how that turned into not only his own magazine, but eventually running the 'Hub' of karting on the internet, ekartingnews.com. We also talk about some of his own time behind the wheel, his battles with friend and co-worker David Cole in karts, as well as his work as part...2021-02-021h 52Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 22: Andy Seesemann - Part 1Recorded on November 30th 2020, the 23rd edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Andy Seesemann 'on location' at his place of business, Full Throttle Karting in Orange, CA. Andy is probably best known as the owner and proprietor of FTK, but also as the promoter of the Challenge of the Americas winter series on the west coast. That said, he also has an extensive career behind the wheel, and he shares multiple laughs, stories and memories from the 25+ years he has enjoyed so far in the industry. 2021-01-191h 28Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 22: Andy Seesemann - Part 2Recorded on November 30th 2020, the 23rd edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Andy Seesemann 'on location' at his place of business, Full Throttle Karting in Orange, CA. Andy is probably best known as the owner and proprietor of FTK, but also as the promoter of the Challenge of the Americas Winter Series on the west coast. That said, he also has an extensive career behind the wheel, and he shares multiple laughs, stories and memories from the 25+ years he has enjoyed in the industry. Join u...2021-01-191h 11Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 21: Stu Hayner - Part 1Episode 21 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation is the first episode for Season 2 of the FCP, as well as the first 'On Location' show, as it sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel head over to MDG Karting to sit down with owner Stu Hayner. Stu not only has been in karting for the past 40+ years, but also had a successful career in sports cars and endurance racing as well. He shares stories from his early days karting, how he got his big break in cars, and how it all came back full circle to owning a k...2021-01-051h 15Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 21: Stu Hayner - Part 2Episode 21 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation is the first episode for Season 2 of the FCP, as well as the first 'On Location' show, as it sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel head over to MDG Karting to sit down with owner Stu Hayner. Stu not only has been in karting for the past 40+ years, but also had a successful career in sports cars and endurance racing as well. He shares stories from his early days karting, how he got his big break in cars, and how it all came back full circle to owning a...2021-01-051h 23Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 20: Diego Morales - Part 1The 21st installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, this is actually the Season Finale for the first go round of the new karting endeavor, getting done on October 26th, 2020. Diego Morales joins hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel for this episode, and they not only talk about the championship he just won in the CalSpeed Super Series, but roll back to the early days of a kid growing up in Brazil, and how go karting built a foundation in his life at an early age. Taking part in club racing with SCCA's Solo2, as well...2020-11-031h 15Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 20: Diego Morales - Part 2The 21st installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, this is actually the Season Finale for the first go round of the new karting endeavor, getting done on October 26th, 2020. Diego Morales joins hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel for this episode, and they not only talk about the championship he just won in the CalSpeed Super Series, but roll back to the early days of a kid growing up in Brazil, and how go karting built a foundation in his life at an early age. Taking part in club racing with SCCA's Solo2, as well...2020-11-031h 31Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 19: Billy Cleavelin - Part 1Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with with one of the most experienced and successful karters here in the States for Episode 19 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Billy Cleavelin. Billy's involvement in karting started back in the 70's as a kid turning wrenches, but ever since the 80's, he has been a force behind the wheel. Finding success through every step of the evolution in karting, Billy has seen it all, and damn near won everything there is to win as well. An IKF Expert with multiple Duffy's to his name, Rotax Grand Nationals...2020-10-201h 04Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 19: Billy Cleavelin - Part 2Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with with one of the most experienced and successful karters here in the States for Episode 19 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Billy Cleavelin. Billy's involvement in karting started back in the 70's as a kid turning wrenches, but ever since the 80's, he has been a force behind the wheel. Finding success through every step of the evolution in karting, Billy has seen it all, and damn near won everything there is to win as well. An IKF Expert with multiple Duffy's to his name, Rotax Grand Nationals...2020-10-201h 10Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 18: Terry NashEpisode 18 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Terry Nash as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Renowned in the 4-stroke karting world as a master engine builder, Terry talks about how he got into the engine building game, tells a few stories about a pair of his kart racing kids, and even shares a few specifics of just what has gone into his craft over the years. An accomplished driver in his own right, we get to hear a few cool memories of him behind the wheel as well......2020-10-061h 44Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 17: Jesus Vasquez - Part 1For episode 17 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel welcome their first engine builder to the show, with Jesus Vasquez of P1 Engines coming on board. Jesus shares his story of coming up from humble beginnings to become one of the best driving talents of the late 90's and eventually early 2000's as a driver coach and team manager, and how all of that worked into the start of one of the most popular engine brands in the sport. We even talk about his current racing with his son -a talented driver...2020-09-221h 15Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 17: Jesus Vasquez - Part 2For episode 17 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel welcome their first engine builder to the show, with Jesus Vasquez of P1 Engines coming on board. Jesus shares his story of coming up from humble beginnings to become one of the best driving talents of the late 90's and eventually early 2000's as a driver coach and team manager, and how all of that worked into the start of one of the most popular engine brands in the sport. We even talk about his current racing with his son -a talented driver...2020-09-2253 minFull Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 16: Sarah BantayEpisode 16 of The Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation has hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with another of CalSpeed Karting's own, Sarah Bantay. Programs Manager at CalSpeed, Sarah not only is a instrumental part of the crew, but also has a big part of this podcast with her photoshop skills. In this episode, we talk to her about how she got into karting as a driver via K1 and Jim Hall, the transition to the CalSpeed Super Series, as well as her time in autocross, and how her love of Mazda grew over the years...2020-09-081h 13Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 15: Craig Stanton - Part 2Episode 15 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel catch up with their buddy and longtime Sports Car racer, Craig Stanton. With years of experience under his belt in IMSA, off road, and even motorcycles, he has also been an avid karter in the arrive and drive genre as well. Craig shares several fun stories about how he got into car racing, his rise through the motorsports ranks, and even a deeper dive into his role as a pro driving coach, and test driver.Join us for Episode 15 of the F...2020-08-251h 15Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 15: Craig Stanton - Part 1Episode 15 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel catch up with their buddy and longtime Sports Car racer, Craig Stanton. With years of experience under his belt in IMSA, off road, and even motorcycles, he has also been an avid karter in the arrive and drive genre as well. Craig shares several fun stories about how he got into car racing, his rise through the motorsports ranks, and even a deeper dive into his role as a pro driving coach, and test driver.Join us for Episode 15 of the F...2020-08-251h 06Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 14: Taylor Jocelyn - Part 2For episode 14 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel have their first sit down with someone from the other side of the fence, Taylor Jocelyn. Taylor has over a decade of experience as a race official, but has also spent time as a club president, putting on street races, never mind he was also a driver in his own right in SCCA, motorcycles, and of course karts. We chat with him extensively about his time in officiating, racing formula fords and other open wheel cars, and a little bit about his time...2020-08-111h 07Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 14: Taylor Jocelyn - Part 1For episode 14 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel have their first sit down with someone from the other side of the fence, Taylor Jocelyn. Taylor has over a decade of experience as a Race official, but has also spent time as a club president, putting on street races, never mind he was also a driver in his own right in SCCA, motorcycles, and of course karts. We chat with him extensively about his time in officiating, racing formula fords and other open wheel cars, and a little bit about his time...2020-08-111h 01Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 13: Billy Musgrave - Part 2Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with one of the most successful shifter kart pilots in in North America for episode 13 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Billy Musgrave. A four time winner of the SKUSA SuperNationals, plus multiple local and regional karting championships, the lead driver for the Musgrave Racing Company (MRC) is hailed as one of the best in the business in the Pro Shifter category. In this episode, he not only talks about his karting career to date, but how he got his start in racing via motocross, and now his transition...2020-07-281h 09Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 13: Billy Musgrave - Part 1Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with one of the most successful shifter kart pilots in in North America for episode 13 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Billy Musgrave. A four time winner of the SKUSA SuperNationals, plus multiple local and regional karting championships, the lead driver for the Musgrave Racing Company (MRC) is hailed as one of the best in the business in the Pro Shifter category. In this episode, he not only talks about his karting career to date, but how he got his start in racing via motocross, and now his transition...2020-07-281h 23Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 12: Bob NilesEpisode 12 of The Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation has hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with CalSpeed Kartings own, Bob Niles. The current engine builder and "do'er of all things" at the Fontana, CA karting track, he has been working on engines since he was a teenager, never mind a long list of other skills he employs. With a slew of knowledge in karting as well as a few other surprising occupations, Mr. Niles' recollection of the early days of karting, growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, plus several other topics is truly entertaining...2020-07-141h 19Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 11: Kyle Hayner - Part 1The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation - Episode 11 has hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with the Team Principal and founder of HRT Driver Development, Kyle Hayner. A fairly new team to the industry, the name however is not new; born into and brought up in the racing world, Kyle's experience dates back to when he was just a kid in cadet karts, carry on into cars doing precision driving and coaching, and now as one of the more popular karting organizations seen in Southern California and beyond. Join us for Episode 11 of the F...2020-06-301h 07Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 11: Kyle Hayner - Part 2The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation - Episode 11 has hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with the Team Principal and founder of HRT Driver Development, Kyle Hayner. A fairly new team to the industry, the name however is not new; born into and brought up in the racing world, Kyle's experience dates back to when he was just a kid in cadet karts, carry on into cars doing precision driving and coaching, and now as one of the more popular karting organizations seen in Southern California and beyond. Join us for Episode 11 of the F...2020-06-301h 13Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 10: Ryon Beachner - Part 1Episode 10 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Ryon Beachner as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Ryon is known as the owner and manager of the 2Wild Karting team, with the team finding many successes over the years, and Ryon himself earning a name as quite the wheelman himself. Listen in as he takes our hosts through the trying early days for 2Wild, through his racing career, and on to the current state of affairs as the company grows to meet today's new challenges.Join us for Episode 10 of...2020-06-161h 17Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 10: Ryon Beachner - Part 2Episode 10 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Ryon Beachner as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Ryon is known as the owner and manager of the 2Wild Karting team, with the team finding many successes over the years, and Ryon himself earning a name as quite the wheelman himself. Listen in as he takes our hosts through the trying early days for 2Wild, through his racing career, and on to the current state of affairs as the company grows to meet today's new challenges.Join us for Episode 10 of...2020-06-161h 23Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 9: Alyssa YauneyThe Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation hits its 10th episode with this installment, as hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel catch up with Alyssa Yauney back on May 29th. Alyssa has experience on both sides of the fence, working as a scorer for the Tri-C club, but also finding success behind the wheel, scoring championships in both sport karts and competition karts. The 2018 Super Series champ chats how she first got into karting, her experience vying for the championship in her competition karting days, and shares some other fun stories along the way.Join us...2020-06-091h 37Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 8: Travis Irving - Part 1The ninth edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation was recorded on May 27th, as hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with another long time karter, Travis Irving. Travis is known as a skilled tuner via his 'TI Tuned' moniker, but also is one of the front runners in the Masters category in both TAG and Shifter competition whenever he hits the track. Currently seen under the Formula Works tent and astride both a CompKart and more recently a GFC kart, we chat about his time karting as a kid, his car experience in...2020-06-021h 11Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 8: Travis Irving - Part 2The ninth edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation was recorded on May 27th, as hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with another long time karter, Travis Irving. Travis is known as a skilled tuner via his 'TI Tuned' moniker, but also is one of the front runners in the Masters category in both TAG and Shifter competition whenever he hits the track. Currently seen under the Formula Works tent and astride both a CompKart and more recently a GFC kart, we chat about his time karting as a kid, his car experience in...2020-06-021h 23Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 7: Patrick Britain - Part 1Recorded in the first week of May, episode 7 for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview longtime Sport karter Patrick Britain. Having started in the oval ranks, he didn't start karting until he was in his twenty's! Winner of the Machismo 12-hour, as well as former champion in both the CalSpeed IronMan and Super Series, Britain's career in arrive and drive karting has seen a good amount of success at the Fontana, CA facility. We chat about all this, plus his new foray as a business owner with his racing...2020-05-261h 09Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 7: Patrick Britain - Part 2Recorded in the first week of May, episode 7 for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview longtime Sport karter Patrick Britain. Having started in the oval ranks, he didn't start karting until he was in his twenty's! Winner of the Machismo 12-hour, as well as former champion in both the CalSpeed IronMan and Super Series, Britain's career in arrive and drive karting has seen a good amount of success at the Fontana, CA facility. We chat about all this, plus his new foray as a business owner with his racing...2020-05-261h 13Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 6: Matt Johnson - Part 1Recorded on May 7th, the seventh edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Matt Johnson. Matt is the reigning National Champion in the X30 Masters class from the SKUSA Pro Tour, and has been at the sharp end of the sport for many years. In this episode we take a look back at his career, chat about his car experience from a Late Model at Irwindale Speedway, as well as share stories that have many other big names from karting in them.Join us for Episode 6...2020-05-191h 11Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 6: Matt Johnson - Part 2Recorded on May 7th, the seventh edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Matt Johnson. Matt is the reigning National Champion in the X30 Masters class from the SKUSA Pro Tour, and has been at the sharp end of the sport for many years. In this episode we take a look back at his career, chat about his car experience from a Late Model at Irwindale Speedway, as well as share stories that have many other big names from karting in them.Join us for Episode 6...2020-05-191h 16Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 5: Alexander BermudezThis installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on April 22nd, and is with our first current car racer. Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Alexander Bermudez for Episode 5, who actually didn't get into racing until his mid-30's! Over the hour and a half show we chat about his introduction into racing via his talent for photography, talk a good amount about his car racing in both Porsche BSR and SRF competition, and of course about his karting exploits - most notably as a CalSpeed Sprint Series Champ.Join us...2020-05-121h 38Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 4: Stephen Clark - Part 1Kicking off the month of May for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, is our first of the 'more recently' recorded episodes; this one taped on April 22nd. Episode 4 sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel joined by veteran karter Stephen Clark, who got his start at the famed Adam Motorsports Park, and now runs the successful Phil Giebler Racing team. We chat a good amount about the early days of karting here in Southern California, as well as dive deep into the tuning and coaching aspects in the sport, with Stephen being a master in both...2020-05-0558 minFull Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 4: Stephen Clark - Part 2Kicking off the month of May for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, is our first of the 'more recently' recorded episodes; this one taped on April 22nd. Episode 4 sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel joined by veteran karter Stephen Clark, who got his start at the famed Adam Motorsports Park, and now runs the equally famous Phil Giebler Racing team. We chat a good amount about the early days of karting here in Southern California, as well as dive deep into the tuning and coaching aspects in the sport, with Stephen being a master in...2020-05-0550 minFull Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 3: Cameron Jocelyn - Part 1Wrapping up the first month for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, is another two part episode and the last of the pre-recorded shows from the end of March. For Episode 3, long time karter Cameron Jocelyn joins hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel, covering his career from kid karts to ASA trucks. Add in a few stories from Cameron's time working at CalSpeed, as well as his current role as a prominent tuner and coach in the sport, and there is a lot to talk about. Join us for Episode 3 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 w...2020-04-281h 28Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 3: Cameron Jocelyn - Part 2Wrapping up the first month for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, is another two part episode and the last of the pre-recorded shows from the end of March. For Episode 3, long time karter Cameron Jocelyn joins hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel, covering his career from kid karts to ASA trucks. Add in a few stories from Cameron's time working at CalSpeed, as well as his current role as a prominent tuner and coach in the sport, and there is a lot to talk about. Join us for Episode 3 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 w...2020-04-2853 minFull Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 2: Diego AlvaradoThe third show for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, like the first two, was recorded earlier, specifically on March 28th. For Episode 2, hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel are joined by local karter Diego Alvarado, talking about karting in both indoor and outdoor venues, motorsports photography, and even his budding eSports career with Richard Petty Motorsports. We even chat about a little rain racing in karts!Join us for Episode 2 of Full Caster Podcast with Diego Alvarado!2020-04-211h 18Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 1: KC Cook - Part 2The second installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, this is actually the very first one recorded, getting done on March 27th. KC Cook joins hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel for this episode, and they talk about how he worked up from indoor to outdoor karting, found success in competition karts before becoming a driver coach, as well as how he landed a job at the Porsche Driving Experience.Join us for Episode 1 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with KC Cook!2020-04-141h 14Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 1: KC Cook - Part 1The second installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, this is actually the very first one recorded, getting done on March 27th. KC Cook joins hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel for this episode, and they talk about how he worked up from indoor to outdoor karting, found success in competition karts before becoming a driver coach, as well as how he landed a job at the Porsche Driving Experience.Join us for Episode 1 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with KC Cook!2020-04-141h 01
Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 0: Darren Mercer - Part 1Broadcast as the debut episode of Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, live via Facebook on March 31 2020, here is the podcast version and kickoff for the brand. Joining hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel is top tier sport karter Darren Mercer, chatting about karting of course, but also how he got into racing, off road racing, indoor karting, and even a little acting...Join us for the first episode of Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Darren Mercer!2020-04-0454 min
Full Caster Podcast - A Karting ConversationEpisode 0: Darren Mercer - Part 2Broadcast as the debut episode of Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, live via Facebook on March 31 2020, here is the podcast version and kickoff for the brand. Joining hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel is top tier sport karter Darren Mercer, chatting about karting of course, but also how he got into racing, off road racing, indoor karting, and even a little acting...Join us for the first episode of Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Darren Mercer!2020-04-031h 14