Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation

This installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on September 9th, 2024, and is the final episode for Season 4. This Finale has hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing long time So-Cal karter Scott Gordinier: from a driver in his younger years, to a formidable presence on the business side, Scott perhaps found the most success as a top-level tuner. Add to that his experience as a race official, and you have a well rounded individual in the industry with a wealth of knowledge, who now helms the ePro Kart program at K1 Circuit!Join us for Episode 55 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Scott Gordiner!

This installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on September 9th, 2024, and is the final episode for Season 4. This Finale has hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing long time So-Cal karter Scott Gordinier: from a driver in his younger years, to a formidable presence on the business side, Scott perhaps found the most success as a top-level tuner. Add to that his experience as a race official, and you have a well rounded individual in the industry with a wealth of knowledge, who now helms the ePro Kart program at K1 Circuit!Join us for Episode 55 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Scott Gordiner!

Recorded on July 20th, episode 54 for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Jonathon Sugianto. "Sugi's" story starts as a young kid introduced to racing by flipping through the channels, finding NASCAR, and what would become his favorite driver and hero, Jeff Gordon. But before finding success on track, he would first win his greatest battle... Cancer. Listen to his story from a child overcoming Leukemia, getting into karts at Jim Hall's Racing School, moving on into formula cars, and now giving rides of a lifetime at Porsche Experience Center in Los Angeles.Join us for Episode 54 of the Full Caster Podcast with Jonathon Sugianto!

Recorded on June 24th, the 53rd edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Chris Giumarra. Chris has been in the sport of karting his entire life; from a "track kid" at their family owned track in Cuddebackville, New York, to a factory Trackmagic driver, to now a fitness and lifestyle coach for racing drivers, he's done it all. Listen in to over 30 years of experience in the sport, talking karting, fitness, and even pizza!Join us for Episode 53 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Chris Giumarra!

Recorded on June 24th, the 53rd edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Chris Giumarra. Chris has been in the sport of karting his entire life; from a "track kid" at their family owned track in Cuddebackville, New York, to a factory Trackmagic driver, to now a fitness and lifestyle coach for racing drivers, he's done it all. Listen in to over 30 years of experience in the sport, talking karting, fitness, and even pizza!Join us for Episode 53 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Chris Giumarra!

Episode 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 Boost Foundation not only raises awareness and money for CF, but also the spirits of those that battle the disease everyday. Join us for Episode 52 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with KC Cook!

Episode 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 Boost Foundation not only raises awareness and money for CF, but also the spirits of those that battle the disease everyday. Join us for Episode 52 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with KC Cook!

The 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 the helmet due to injury...Join us for Episode 51 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Chase Jones!

The 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 the helmet due to injury...Join us for Episode 51 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Chase Jones!

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!

Recorded 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!

Recorded 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!

Recorded 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.

Recorded 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...

The 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 the wheel of a competition kart as well.Join us for Episode 50 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Logan Calvin!

The 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 the wheel of a competition kart as well.Join us for Episode 50 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Logan Calvin!

This 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 team.Join us for Episode 49 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Greg Welch!

This 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 team.Join us for Episode 49 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Greg Welch!

Recorded 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 the Fontana, CA facility - including being the only one to win all three of the championships on offer there...Join us for Episode48 of the Full Caster Podcast with Sean Fite!

This 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 that Sean used to drive? With more stories than we could possibly fit into a regular episode, listen in for a very entertaining edition of the FCP.Join us for Episode 47 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Sean Buur!

This 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 that Sean used to drive? With more stories than we could possibly fit into a regular episode, listen in for a very entertaining edition of the FCP.Join us for Episode 47 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Sean Buur!

Recorded 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 the famed Moran Raceway, and more!Join us for Episode 46 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Nathan & Trisha Thibodeaux!

Recorded 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 the famed Moran Raceway, and more!Join us for Episode 46 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Nathan & Trisha Thibodeaux!

Episode 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 Racing and having his own karting team -McAleer Racing- he is involved in karts and cars as a driver, coach, and team owner.Join us for Episode 45 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Stevan McAleer!

Episode 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 Racing and having his own karting team -McAleer Racing- he is involved in karts and cars as a driver, coach, and team owner.Join us for Episode 45 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Stevan McAleer!

Episode 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!Join us for Episode 44 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Jake Drew!

Episode 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!Join us for Episode 44 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Jake Drew!

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 Podcast!00:00 - Intro00:15 - Going from one season to another09:10 -  Choosing what to do for the year37:40 - Driver etiquette and penalties47:58 - Knowing who you're racing1:18:10 - Who should be allowed to run what and where1:35:24 - Class structure on the national scene 1:58:00 - Figuring out your own program2:12:56 - Fighting, how to handle the scenario

Recorded 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 'King Taco' events at Auto Club Speedway, and even the SuperNats, Ty Matta has seen it all in the past 20+ years in karting...Join us for Episode 43 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Ty Matta!

Recorded 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 'King Taco' events at Auto Club Speedway, and even the SuperNats, Ty Matta has seen it all in the past 20+ years in karting...Join us for Episode 43 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Ty Matta!

Episode 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 everything from being a tuner, a driver coach, as well as a team and business owner.Join us for Episode 42 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Josh Huff!

Episode 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 everything from being a tuner, a driver coach, as well as a team and business owner.Join us for Episode 42 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Josh Huff!

Welcome 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 pickup, to one of the top karting teams in the United States.Join us for Episode 41 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Seth Nash!

Welcome 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 pickup, to one of the top karting teams in the United States.Join us for Episode 41 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Seth Nash!

Mike and Derek bring back Matt Johnson as a guest host during the recap show LIVE on Facebook on Tuesday, December 28th 2021. They look back on a few of the guests and memories from episodes 21-40 in season 2, as well as chat with Matt about what has been going on a bit in karting since the last recording back in September.Join us for the Season 2 Recap of the Full Caster Podcast,  with guest host Matt Johnson!

Episode 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 for this season's finale...Join us for Episode 40 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Christian Brooks!

Episode 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 for this season's finale...Join us for Episode 40 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Christian Brooks!

This 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 as his time playing ball sports as a kid help influence how he conducts business today.Join us for Episode 39 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Tony Siragusa!

This 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 as his time playing ball sports as a kid help influence how he conducts business today.Join us for Episode 39 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Tony Siragusa!

Recorded 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 knowledge, this episode of the FCP features someone with knowledge beyond his years and stories to match...Join us for Episode 38 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with David Dodson!

Recorded 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 knowledge, this episode of the FCP features someone with knowledge beyond his years and stories to match...Join us for Episode 38 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with David Dodson!

Hosts 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 one of the biggest wins of them all, the SKUSA SuperNats. Listen in as we talk about how he learned in the 100cc days of Yamaha and KPV, Paul's rise through the ranks in the Rotax category, plus is stellar runs in packages like the PRD and the LO206.Join us for Episode 37 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Paul Bonilla!

Hosts 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 one of the biggest wins of them all, the SKUSA SuperNats. Listen in as we talk about how he learned in the 100cc days of Yamaha and KPV, Paul's rise through the ranks in the Rotax category, plus is stellar runs in packages like the PRD and the LO206.Join us for Episode 37 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Paul Bonilla!

Episode 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 every year: the SKUSA Supernationals. We chat about his path from roundy round to bangin gears, his reason for moving to the 'Nats only, and how he prepares to race at the highest level, in one of the toughest events every year...Join us for Episode 36 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with John Baldasare!

Episode 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 every year: the SKUSA Supernationals. We chat about his path from roundy round to bangin gears, his reason for moving to the 'Nats only, and how he prepares to race at the highest level, in one of the toughest events every year...Join us for Episode 36 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with John Baldasare!

Recorded 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 kart shop; the road to becoming the face of SKUSA is an interesting one! Share in some laughs, and learn a little more of the behind the scenes as we talk through Tom's 27 years in the sport...Join us for Episode 35 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Tom Kutscher!

Recorded 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 kart shop; the road to becoming the face of SKUSA is an interesting one! Share in some laughs, and learn a little more of the behind the scenes as we talk through Tom's 27 years in the sport...Join us for Episode 35 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Tom Kutscher!

Episode 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.Join us for Episode 34 of the Full Caster Podcast with Ryan Perry!

Episode 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 entire US. From karts, to cars, to track ownership and finally bring his own son into karting, this episode is one not to miss!Join us for Episode 33 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Rocky Moran Jr!

Episode 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 entire US. From karts, to cars, to track ownership and finally bring his own son into karting, this episode is one not to miss!Join us for Episode 33 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Rocky Moran Jr!

This 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 back yard as a kid!Join us for Episode 32 of Full Caster Podcast with Dave Allen!