NHRA Insider Podcast

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4.28 The Mile A Minute Mile High Nationals Recap and Sonoma Preview Jul 19, 2022

Show notes

The 2022 Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile High Nationals were a showcase of the best elements of NHRA drag racing. There were speed records set. There were upsets. There were holeshots, destroyed engines, and four champions across the Camping World Series spectrum. In this unique format episode of the NHRA Insider, host Brian Lohnes takes you through the inside stories of the race, gives context to some of the things you saw on the broadcast, and looks at the Denso Sonoma Nationals through the prism of Denver. As it is a short turnaround between races, the normal cast of characters and guests were all tied up so, in this monologue-style show, you get some juicy behind-the-scenes morsels from the weekend along with the hows and whys of victory and defeat. Relive Denver one last time with Lohnes and then set your sights on wine country with him as he does the same. From the thin air struggles of the mountain in Colorado to the abundance of sea level horsepower-making air in Sonoma, it's the most manic two races of the whole season.

4.27 Solving The Denver Enigma - Western Swing Kickoff Show Jul 13, 2022

Show notes

As the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series heads into the most intense three-race series of its 2022 season, Kevin Mckenna and Tony Pedregon join Brian Lohnes to talk all things Dodge Power Brokers Mile High Nationals. This challenging race kicks off the Western Swing and forces teams and drivers into the most uncomfortable physical and mental atmosphere of the entire year. For many teams, the Western Swing provides an opportunity to right the ship and make a mad grab at valuable points as the regular season grinds ever closer to its end at the US Nationals. For other teams, this mountain provides a power equalizer that can align their potential performance better with the pack than other locations can. The end result? A race historically known for its stunning upsets through eliminations. There's chatter about the revised 2023 NHRA schedule, some insider information on new potential deals and drivers returning, as well as the insight that these two veterans of the sport bring to the table. Get your breathing right and get your knowledge bucket filled with this Mile High Nationals episode of the NHRA Insider!

4.26 A Whole Lot of Winning Going On Jun 29, 2022

Show notes

On 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 him and all of his guys. Erica Enders has five wins in eight races and is on pace to smash her personal best record for a season which was 9 wins in 2015. Erica talks candidly about a number of subjects from attitude to staging, to the sometimes prickly nature of head-to-head competition. Lots of insight into the cars, the career-building moments, and the state of the class in 2022. The Insider will be on a one-week hiatus next week but we'll be back right before Denver!

4.25 One Down and One To Go Jun 21, 2022

Show notes

After 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. The Summit Racing Equipment Nationals could be a make-or-break weekend for some of drag racing's top teams, it will be interesting to see how the event shakes out!

4.24 Thunder Valley Nationals Preview Show - The Hard Truth! Jun 14, 2022

Show notes

Tony Pedregon joins Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, and the two delve deep into the upcoming 2022 NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. This conversation touches on everything from the updated racing surface to the successes and failures of teams so far this year, the possibility for team shakeups in this back half of the regular season, why some teams can't seem to get it together, and more. The two review each class and the performances of those who have defined them thus far in 2022, both good and bad. There's plenty of talk on Mike Salinas, how his team has succeeded, Matt Hagan and Robert Hight, Erica Enders, and more. Lastly, the two talk about NHRA drag racing and how the need for tension and even conflict is important for the sport's growth and popularity. The level of competition, especially in classes like Top Fuel and Pro Stock Motorcycle, seem poised to drive competitors into the type of tension that fans love to see and which makes for great competition. It's Bristol, Baby! Give it a listen.

4.23 Two Racers Hungry For Success - Kyle Koretsky and JR Todd Jun 08, 2022

Show notes

On 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 work his team is putting in and why they will succeed this year. Koretsky also talks about his family's purchase of Maple Grove Raceway in Pennsylvania and the amount of investment and work they are putting in to revamp and upgrade the iconic facility. This is an awesome story for drag racing. JR Todd talks about some frustrations in his team's work to success ratio but knows that the work will pay off through the second half of the regular season. The DHL GR Supra has made two semi-finals this year and showed good promise in Epping. Todd talks about his love for all types of racing, his race routines, and the upcoming races at Bristol and Norwalk. A fun show and two great conversations!

4.22 The NHRA New England Nationals Preview Show May 31, 2022

Show notes

Tony Pedregon and National Dragster's Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast. The trio look forward to this weekend's running of the NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway in Epping, New Hampshire. The event marks the start of a busy two months in NHRA drag racing and the conversation centers around who can most take advantage of what will be a six-race stretch through the months of June and July. Lots of great insight here from two of the sport's most knowledgeable voices!

4.21 Stevie Fast Jackson and Chad Green Talk Pro Mod and Funny Car May 27, 2022

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On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, two-time NHRA pro mod champion Stevie Jackson and current top 10 funny car racer Chad Green join host Brian Lohnes to talk about the work they have put in this season and how they plan on carrying their recent performances forward through a long 2022 drag racing season. Chad Green is having his best funny car season ever and it's one that shows no signs of slowing. After committing to hiring full-time crew members in the off-season and hiring Dan Wilkerson to be the crew chief on the car full time, Green's driving has improved race to race and the former pro mod racer is sitting inside the top ten of points for the first time in his career. Green talks about his advancement as a car owner and driver, how his crew is working together, and what the rest of 2022 has in store. Steve Jackson a two-time pro mod champ always ahs something to say about the class he has come to define in NHRA drag racing. The wide-ranging conversation talks about his early-season struggles, progress made in Virginia, and how the pro-modified class has banded together to grow car counts and continue with steep competition. New rules adjustments are discussed, the $25,000 shootout in Brainerd that's coming up, and a whole lot more. Two drivers with plenty of say and lots of excitement surrounding them.

4.20 Lyle Barnett and Austin Prock Talk Competition and The Will To Win May 18, 2022

Show notes

Pro 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 forget. Nearly pulling off a win after a calamity brough on by other competitors he talks about the memorable and jumbled up run. Barnett talks about the intensity of NHRA pro mod, the need for the class to stay quarter mile, the recent infusion of sponsors and excitement, and what it all means for 250mph door slammer drag racing going forward. Truly a fun conversation with a racer's racer. Austin Prock's last two races have been far stronger than the races that preceded them. Prock talks about the team, the maturation process, an incredibly successful Virginia for John Force Racing and how his program will evolve as the season grinds toward the countdown. Currently sitting 5th in the points and seeking a first win of the season, he recaps Virginia and looks toward a busy June in NHRA drag racing. Two great drivers who are striving to make it to the top.

4.19 The High Performers - Justin Ashley and Matt Smith May 10, 2022

Show notes

This episode of the NHRA Insider brings two of the NHRA high performers together for a discussion about pro stock motorcycle and top fuel, not just in 2022 but over the last few seasons. The stories of Matt Smith and Justin Ashley are decidedly different in 2022 but their end goal remains the same, a world championship. Matt Smith talks about the recent NHRA rules changes in pro stock motorcycle, performance in the class, parity, riders on the rise, and how his own program is evolving with Angie, Matt, and the Scrappers Racing motorcycles as well. He talks about the recent war of words and performance with Steve Johnson and what he sees as good for the class and not so good for the class when it comes to rivalries. Justin Ashley is all about winning, growth, and forward advancement in top fuel. The discussion ranges from his strong start in 2022 and the subtle changes in his team and program over the last few seasons. Why is this all working? Who's bringing the most to the table? How's his team playing the long game of parts, performance, and sustained success in 2022? He talks about all of it here. Two very different racers, both chasing top-level success in NHRA Camping World Drag Racing!

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