Matt Covert of Racers HQ shares everything he knows about autocross, auto racing, stunt driving, vehicle dynamics, and race driving techniques and strategies so you can get your career started the right way. Driver skill, vehicle tuning, and the winning motorsport lifestyle are all crucial topics wh…
Matt Covert: Pro Driver | Autocross Racer | Motorsport Lifestyle Advocate
This episode Jake welcomes Ryan Odi on the show. Ryan and Jake chat about NASA HPDE and Time Trials. They chat about getting started, moving up the ranks, and NASA Time Trials classing. Make sure to follow Ryan as he moves up in the Spec Miata world, running NASA Time… Continue reading The post Podcast Episode 73: Ryan Odi talks NASA HPDE and Time Trials appeared first on Racers HQ.
This week, Jake talks with Adam Benaway, champion SSC autocross champion and TT Nationals champion in SSC. They chat about mental mistakes, tips for car setup and upcoming events with Racing for Heroes. If you’d like to donate to Racing for Heroes, their CFC number is 56255. You can also… Continue reading The post Podcast Episode 72: Adam Benaway from Racing for Heroes appeared first on Racers HQ.
This week Jake welcomes back Davin Sturdivant, the RacersHQ sponsored Kart driver. Jake and Davin chat about the 2019 season so far, using experience from his day job to streamline prep time at the track and how he focuses on key points while on track to go faster. Make sure… Continue reading The post Podcast Episode 71: Davin Sturdivant Returns to talk Karts appeared first on Racers HQ.
Welcome back to the RacersHQ Podcast! This week, Jake welcomes back James Chartres for another race review. Jake and James chat about the 4th of July weekend race at Sonoma Raceway. James had some triumphs and tribulations over the entire weekend. They chat about a personal best lap time, blowing… Continue reading The post Podcast Episode 70: Sonoma Race Review with James Chartres appeared first on Racers HQ.
This week, Jake talks to the RacersHQ iRacing driver, Matt Murphy. They chat about his iRacing for 2019, using data to get faster, and how iRacing has helped him behind the wheel of a real race car. Make sure to like and follow Matt’s Facebook Page. You can also follow him on… Continue reading The post Podcast Episode 69: Matt Murphy Returns appeared first on Racers HQ.
This week, Jake welcomes back his sponsored autocross driver, Karen Thomas. They chat about her season so far, and some of the highs and lows. They also talk about the rest of the season and Karen tells us about her plans for solo nationals! Keep track of Karen on her Instagram and Facebook pages!… Continue reading The post Podcast Episode 68: Karen Thomas gives us a mid-season recap appeared first on Racers HQ.
This week, Jake has James Chartres back on the show for a race review. James recently raced at Laguna Seca with his Spec Racer Ford. They talk about the weekend in general, how things went, and what was learned in each track session. Make sure to check out the giveaway… Continue reading The post Podcast Episode 67: Race Review with James Chartres appeared first on Racers HQ.
This week, Jake talks to friend of the show James Chartres of Kanga Motorsports. We talk about how to improve with limited track time, upcoming races and a new partnership! That’s right! With Jake working and traveling, he’s not able to get to the track as much as he’d like.… Continue reading The post Podcast Episode 66: James from Kanga Motorsports and a New Partnership! appeared first on Racers HQ.
After internet issues and delays, Jake was finally able to upload the latest episode! This week, Jake talks to Karen Thomas, the RacersHQ Autocross driver for 2019. Jake and Karen talk about getting started, helpful videos and plans for the upcoming year. If you want to follow Karen, you can… Continue reading The post Podcast Episode 64: Introducing the RacersHQ autocross driver, Karen Thomas! appeared first on Racers HQ.
This week, Jake talks to the 2019 iRacing Driver, Matt Murphy. Jake and Matt talk sim racing, iRacing and the differences between “real” racing and iRacing. Make sure to follow Matt on Facebook Instagram and Twitter. You can find his videos on YouTube. Follow Matt’s team Toxic Asset Racing Program or at Tarpracing.com. Find out more about Matt’s… Continue reading The post Podcast Episode 63: Introducing the RacersHQ iRacing Driver, Matt Murphy! appeared first on Racers HQ.
This week, Jake introduces the RacersHQ Sponsored kart driver for 2019, Davin Sturdivant! Jake and Davin talk about karting, Davin’s plans for the upcoming season, and owning too many Miatas! You can find Davin on social media here: Facebook and Twitter The Starting Grid Blog on Facebook The Kartpulse Forums and his former podcast on… Continue reading The post Podcast Episode 62: Introducing the newest addition to the RacersHQ Team! appeared first on Racers HQ.
This week, Jake goes over where Racers HQ is for the coming 2019 season. Jake talks about where the project car is, sponsorship, and his recent endeavors in the #Gridlife iRacers League on iRacing. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on the Camaro build in the single car garage,… Continue reading The post Podcast Episode 61: The State of Racers HQ appeared first on Racers HQ.
Are you wondering what car you should get to get started in motorsport? The first answer is usually THE CAR YOU HAVE! However, if you’re like Jake and many other people out there, the car you have isn’t cut out for autocross or even HPDE. This week’s episode is a… Continue reading The post Podcast Episode 60: Finding the Right Car for You appeared first on Racers HQ.
This week, Jake talks to John Wolf and Adam Benaway of Racing for Heroes. John took second place in the highly competitive A Street class at the 2018 SCCA Solo Nationals, and Adam won the national championship in SSC. Racing for Heroes is a charity that helps veterans in… Continue reading The post Podcast Episode 59: John Wolf and Adam Benaway of Racing for Heroes appeared first on Racers HQ.
This week, Jake finishes up with some potential sponsored driver questions. He goes over what got him into racing, what to do to keep an edge during the winter months, and how to stand out when looking for a sponsor. Make sure to subscribe to social media to keep up… Continue reading The post Podcast Episode 58: Jake Answers More Questions appeared first on Racers HQ.
Happy New Year! In this episode, Jake fills you in on what’s going on in the RacersHQ garage, and answers some questions he’s received from the sponsorship applications. Make sure to apply if you’re interested in sponsorship! Keep an eye on social media and YouTube for more content about the… Continue reading The post Podcast Episode 57: Jake Answers Listener Questions appeared first on Racers HQ.
In this episode, Jake talks about the recent loss of Sponsorship for Conor Daly in the Xfinity Series and how this can be a lesson for all drivers who wish to be sponsored. Jake also teases some more information on the upcoming sponsorship program through RacersHQ.com. Keep your eyes posted… Continue reading The post Podcast Episode 56: Sponsorships and Responsibility appeared first on Racers HQ.
After a small hiatus, Jake is back! In this episode, Jake talks to Andrew Rains from APEX Pro. Jake and Andrew talk about the trials and tribulations of budget endurance cars, running and driving on a Pirelli World Challenge Team, and most importantly, how data can help a hone the… Continue reading The post Podcast Episode 55: An interview with Andrew Rains of APEX Pro appeared first on Racers HQ.
This week, Jake responds to a listener email on the show. Devin, a fan of RacersHQ and aspiring racer asked Jake what he can do to get the most out of practicing at home, both with and without iRacing. Jake goes over how he uses iRacing and Forza along with… Continue reading The post Podcast Episode 54: Listener email and Practicing to Win appeared first on Racers HQ.
This week, Jake talks to James of Kanga Motorsports. We chat about Spec Racer Fords, prepping for events, and self-promotion. If you aren’t following Kanga Motorsports, you should be. James is amazing at promoting himself and his racing career. In this podcast, he shares some of his secrets to building… Continue reading The post Podcast Episode 53: James from Kanga Motorsports appeared first on Racers HQ.
This week, Jake concludes his series on Ayrton Senna and what it was that made him such a great driver. In the last three episodes, Jake went over everything from physical and mental abilities to driving technique. In this last episode, Jake covers the tragic end to Senna’s career and… Continue reading The post Episode 52: What made Senna so great? Part 4 appeared first on Racers HQ.
This week, Jake returns to his research on Senna and what it was about him that made him such a great driver. In parts 1 and 2, Jake covered the physical and mental abilities of Senna when it came to driving. This week, Jake gets to some of the specifics:… Continue reading The post Episode 51: What made Senna so great? Part 3 appeared first on Racers HQ.
This week, Jake was honored to speak with Freddie Hunt. Freddie is working towards driving at Le Mans. He’s also the son of F1 Champion, James Hunt. In this episode, Jake and Freddie chat about his father’s career, what the movie “Rush” got right and wrong, how Freddie got into… Continue reading The post Episode 50: Freddie Hunt and his journey to Le Mans appeared first on Racers HQ.
Welcome back to the RacersHQ Podcast! In this second part of his series on Senna, Jake covers the mental abilities that Senna had to set himself apart from the rest. Senna had innate abilities and mental toughness that rivals present-day F1 drivers. Is this something that can be learned or… Continue reading The post Episode 49: What made Senna so great? Part 2 appeared first on Racers HQ.
Welcome back to The RacersHQ Podcast! This week, we welcome the new host, Jake. Over the past several weeks, Jake has been researching Ayrton Senna. We’re not going to cover his career per se, but what it was that made Senna so good behind the wheel. Jake asks the question:… Continue reading The post Episode 48: What made Senna so great? Part 1 appeared first on Racers HQ.
The Live Q&A Sessions continue to be a fantastic resource for amateur racers around the world. As such I want to share the audio from Session 010. In this episode you’ll learn: About the short feedback form on RacersHQ.com That autocross is a completely legitimate career step The lost of… Continue reading The post Episode 047: FWD momentum, autocross, and tire shaving. appeared first on Racers HQ.
He’s back! Motorsport coach, speaker, and author of the Speed Secrets book series is back to talk about why your electronic stability controls might be your new BFF. In this episode you’ll learn: That flying a plane is really hard. All about the The Lost Art of High Performance Driving… Continue reading The post Episode 046: Ross Bentley and the lost art of performance driving. appeared first on Racers HQ.
Let’s wrap up this three part series with the subconscious psychology of fast racing drivers. Courtesy, Paul Gerrard. In this episode you’ll learn: The role that subconscious fear plays in the world of racing The mindset and psychological makeup of a successful racer Question from Lex, an Optimum Drive superfan… Continue reading The post Episode 045: 3 of 3 – Paul Gerrard and the truth about psychology in racing. appeared first on Racers HQ.
Pro racer, stunt driver, and author Paul Gerrard continue on a tangent about REAL car control – something most drivers think they have, but don’t. In this episode you’ll learn: Why a racer shouldn’t be reactionary. How pro drivers manipulate weight transfer to achieve any handling characteristic they want –… Continue reading The post Episode 044: 2 of 3 – Paul Gerrard and the truth about REAL car control. appeared first on Racers HQ.
Pro racer, stunt driver, and author Paul Gerrard and I go down the rabbit hole of true driver skill – the things that separates pro racers from everyone else. In this episode you’ll learn: Mechanical Rotation VS Skill Rotation (and which to avoid like the plague). Why cars aren’t perfect… Continue reading The post Episode 043: 1 of 3 – Paul Gerrard and the truth about driver skill. appeared first on Racers HQ.
Rotation has struck a chord in the Racers HQ community. In Episode 42 I take a few minutes to answer a couple in-depth questions from aspiring racers. In this episode you’ll learn: When to you should use rotation and when you shouldn’t. How to diagnose your problems with making the… Continue reading The post Episode 042: Your questions about rotation answered. appeared first on Racers HQ.
Stuck getting the same results over and over again? Here’s a quick and effective way to diagnose your stagnant racing program and kickstart your progress as a racer. In this episode you’ll learn: 3 quick, thought-provoking questions to stimulate your motorsport education. What two mindsets to avoid. How to reinvigorate… Continue reading The post Episode 041: How to quickly diagnose your stagnant racing program. appeared first on Racers HQ.
In this episode I reveal 5 important FAQs that will help any racer go faster. You’ll learn: The difference between a faster car and a faster driver. The single most important vehicle upgrade. How to move from amateur to professional. The most misunderstand racing concept. How to find the limit without exceeding… Continue reading The post Episode 040: 5 potent FAQs to make any racer go faster. appeared first on Racers HQ.
In this episode I dive deep into the technique of rotation – a gamechanger for those looking to reach the next level. You’ll learn: Three specific methods to get your car rotated. How weight manipulation allows you to carry higher speeds. Why dirt racing will help you master rotation. Show Notes: Free… Continue reading The post Episode 039 (2 of 2): Drive like a PRO: An in-depth look at rotation. appeared first on Racers HQ.
Weight transfer is one of the two concepts that separate regional racers and professionals. In this episode you’ll learn: That the Racers HQ Podcast has over 20,000 downloads!!! Why weight manipulation is a critical component to race like a pro driver Why you should stop thinking of the brake, throttle,… Continue reading The post Episode 038 (1 of 2): Drive like a PRO: An in-depth look at weight transfer. appeared first on Racers HQ.
Sim racing expert and factory Mazda pilot Glenn McGee shares his unique insight into virtual reality, sim gear, and possibility. In this episode you’ll learn: How Glenn was recruited from iRacing directly into a factory ride His minimal iRacing setup (no fancy gear required) Why slower cars make you a… Continue reading The post Episode 037: iRacing phenom and factory Mazda racer Glenn McGee. appeared first on Racers HQ.
Pro racing driver Patrick Wilmot shares his best strategies for going fast and avoid mistakes on the track. In this episode you’ll learn: More about why smooth is NOT fast Why the fundamentals are more valuable than any combination of car parts Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them… Continue reading The post Episode 036: MX-5 Cup’s Patrick Wilmot shares his best tactical speed tips. appeared first on Racers HQ.
My first LIVE Q&A session brought in 73 people to get clarity and ask their racing questions. In this episode you’ll learn: That you can ask any question at RacersHQ.com/ASK. Facebook LIVE Q&A sessions are Wednesdays at 7PM EST. How to push past your comfort zone on track If it’s… Continue reading The post Episode 035: Aspiring racers LIVE Q&A replay. appeared first on Racers HQ.
I coach Rick Staley into the first win of his autocross career – the switch has been flipped. In this episode you’ll learn: That a little perspective can shift your results from average to dominant Why you should be spending time around people who are playing the game at a higher… Continue reading The post Episode 034 – Part 2 of 2: Big-results coaching session with Rick Staley appeared first on Racers HQ.
I coach Rick Staley into the first win of his autocross career – the switch has been flipped. In this episode you’ll learn: How Paul Sexton has turned himself into an irreplaceable asset at Racers HQ Magazine That a little perspective can shift your results from average to dominant Why you… Continue reading The post Episode 033 – Part 1 of 2: Big-results coaching session with Rick Staley appeared first on Racers HQ.
Paul Gerrard, Top Gear/Grand Tour driver and 20 year racing vet shares his remarkable insight into why drivers are stagnating and not reaching their full potential. In this episode you’ll learn: Natural talent isn’t a factor in your success in racing Why breaking mental barriers is critical to progressing to… Continue reading The post Episode 032 – Part 2 of 2: Paul Gerrard, Top Gear/Grand Tour driver and author of Optimum Drive appeared first on Racers HQ.
Paul Gerrard, Top Gear/Grand Tour driver and 20 year racing vet shares his remarkable insight into why drivers are stagnating and not reaching their full potential. In this episode you’ll learn: Natural talent isn’t a factor in your success in racing Why breaking mental barriers is critical to progressing to… Continue reading The post Episode 031 – Part 1 of 2: Paul Gerrard, Top Gear/Grand Tour driver and author of Optimum Drive appeared first on Racers HQ.
A fascinating study has revealed that seat time alone is not the answer you’re looking for. It reveals how drivers with 2-4 years of experience are often faster than those with 10-15 years of experience. In this episode you’ll learn: That 60% of motorsport participants are autocross and HPDE drivers.… Continue reading The post Podcast 030: Seat time is a waste of time. appeared first on Racers HQ.
You don’t have to go to an expensive racing school to keep progressing in the racing world – there’s so much you can do on a budget. Here are three affordable strategies to boost your racing program so you can reach the next level. In this episode you’ll learn: About… Continue reading The post Episode 029: Three affordable strategies to reach the next level. appeared first on Racers HQ.
What actually separates amateur drivers from professional drivers? It’s this one skill: rotation. It’s the culmination of several concepts that blend together and give your car maximum grip at all four tires. In this episode you’ll learn: Why all the pro drivers say a slower car will make you a… Continue reading The post Episode 028: The one technique you need to master. appeared first on Racers HQ.
Winning 6 of the last 7 Formula Enterprise championships (the missing one due to a failed component) is no easy feat. Scott Rettich shares his best tactics for success on and off the track. In this episode you’ll learn: You don’t have to attend a racing school to be a… Continue reading The post Episode 027: 6 time SCCA Runoff champion Scott Rettich shares his best top level strategies. appeared first on Racers HQ.
Getting noticed in the racing world is a challenge. Let’s talk about how to capture people’s attention and keep it. In this episode you’ll learn: How to stand out in the packed sea of aspiring racers Why you need to have clear, easily accessed contact information and several high quality… Continue reading The post Episode 026: How to GET NOTICED in the busy racing world. appeared first on Racers HQ.
We all want the same thing: money for racing. But few people actually know how to find sponsors that can fund their racing endeavors. Well, let me show you. In this episode you’ll learn: How to create a proposal that a company will look at. Several key concepts that will reshape… Continue reading The post Episode 025: Four strategies that will get you sponsored. appeared first on Racers HQ.
Five-time North American rally champion Tim O’Neil delivers a massive amount of value in a strategy packed interview. In this episode you’ll learn: How to pick the right type of racing for you Where to find a racing crew Why business savvy is critical to your success Why slower cars… Continue reading The post Episode 024: Team O’Neil Rally School founder delivers top level tactics for entry level racers. appeared first on Racers HQ.
I will always be a proponent of autocross. It’s the most affordable place to learn the basics of performance driving. But… There are a lot of things you simply can’t learn in autocross. In this episode I talk with Tom Clark of DRT Racing about the benefits of karting and how… Continue reading The post Episode 023: Get out of autocross with Tom Clark of DRT Racing. appeared first on Racers HQ.
If you’re among the vast majority, this career ruining thing will likely happen to you. I discuss the most important thing in your racing career and give several in-depth examples about how to avoid it. You’ll learn: Why intense and long lasting focus is so important in your career Why… Continue reading The post Episode 022: How to ruin your racing career in one step. appeared first on Racers HQ.