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"When it comes to racing top bulb and bottom bulb (same day or not), why do you think some racers elect to switch between box and no box even when they are clearly better with no box? I watch a few racers channels on YouTube and I will notice they are hitting the tree better with no box better than the box runs. Why not just run top bulb with no box at that point? Ego? I have the box why not use it? Maybe just a bad day on the box?"If you've got a topic you want us to tackle, submit it at thisisbracketracing.com/ask. With insights from the TIBR and ELITE brain trust, this episode starts a series of Q&A discussions built around the questions racers are asking right now.
This week's Question of the Week comes from Brian, who asks: I really enjoyed the episode about your first national event win, curious if we turn back the clock even more could you tell us the story of your first win in general?If you've got a topic you want us to tackle, submit it at thisisbracketracing.com/ask. With insights from the TIBR and ELITE brain trust, this episode starts a series of Q&A discussions built around the questions racers are asking right now.
After more than a decade of faithfully chasing his first win, longtime ELITE member Bryan Campbell finally broke through—and he did it on one of the biggest stages possible: a $50,000-to-win event at Mid-Michigan Motorplex.In this episode, Luke celebrates Bryan's incredible accomplishment and shares what happened when Bryan walked the ELITE community through the race, round by round.But the bigger story may be what happened next.Within minutes, the same room went from celebrating one member at his highest to helping another experienced racer regain perspective after a weekend that had completely unraveled.That's one of the hardest parts of ELITE to explain from the outside.It's a community that celebrates the wins, helps you learn from the mistakes and reminds you that none of us does this alone.ELITE isn't a shortcut—and joining won't guarantee your next win is worth $50,000. The work and commitment still have to come from you.But when serious racers surround themselves with the right people, information and support, it can help move the needle.ELITE enrollment closes tonight. Learn more here: thisisbracketracing.com/elite
Today on The Daily Driver, our ELITE Spotlight series continues with another look behind the scenes of an ELITE member's racing season. Throughout the year, we're following select members as they share race recaps, personal insights, lessons learned, and the ups and downs that come with competing.Our next featured member is Lee Newmeyer. Tune in to get to know Lee and follow his journey as he shares his experiences with the ELITE community throughout the season.
This week's Question of the Week comes from Dave, who asks: Do you find a difference in your reaction time if you stage first or you stage second?If you've got a topic you want us to tackle, submit it at thisisbracketracing.com/ask. With insights from the TIBR and ELITE brain trust, this episode starts a series of Q&A discussions built around the questions racers are asking right now.
This week's Question of the Week comes from David, who asks: On an old episode of the Sportsman Drag Racing Podcast, I heard you talk about how odd a role Billy Torrence has played in your racing career. As a CAPCO fan, as a Torrance fan, I'd love to hear the Billy Torrence of it all.If you've got a topic you want us to tackle, submit it at thisisbracketracing.com/ask. With insights from the TIBR and ELITE brain trust, this episode starts a series of Q&A discussions built around the questions racers are asking right now.
Today on The Daily Driver, our ELITE Spotlight series continues with another look behind the scenes of an ELITE member's racing season. Throughout the year, we're following select members as they share race recaps, personal insights, lessons learned, and the ups and downs that come with competing.Our next featured member is Megan Bemiller. Tune in to get to know Megan and follow her journey as she shares her experiences with the ELITE community throughout the season.
Today on The Daily Driver, we're excited to announce the next course in the Win Light Lab series at This Is Bracket Racing. This time, Matt Dadas takes the lead with Win Light Lab: Prepared for Anything. A course designed to help you become the kind of racer who's ready to step into any class, any car, or any opportunity with confidence. Listen to learn more about the course and hear why versatility is such a powerful advantage. Sign up at https://learn.thisisbracketracing.com/courses/matt-dadas-lab
Today on The Daily Driver, I'm sharing the audio version of my latest National Dragster column, "Sportsman Top 50, The Calculus". In this piece I'm peeling back the curtain and walking through the selection process of the Sportsman Top 50.
Episode 97 – "The Vampire" with De La Rocka, Dax Dragster & Bebop The DAM-U is back! In Episode 97, I'm joined by De La Rocka, Dax Dragster of Godless Wicked Creeps, and Bebop of The Sindicates to talk about their new single and music video, "The Vampire." We discuss the writing and inspiration behind the track, go behind the scenes of the DIY music video, dive into some of our favorite vampire movies and media, and hear how Dax ended up making friends with a funeral gravedigger—keeping it true psychobilly style. Podcast Links Beer With Bear Podcast https://linktr.ee/beerwithbearpodcast De La Rocka https://delarocka.bigcartel.com/ Dax Dragster (Instagram) https://www.instagram.com/thomas_mejer Bebop (Instagram) https://www.instagram.com/bebopbarber6660
This week's Question of the Week comes from Ryan, who asks: First and foremost congratulations to your son Gary on his recent Western Conference Finals Jr Dragster Championship but I got to ask the question, out of all of the cool things you have done in your racing career - whether it's winning the Spring Fling Million, the US Nationals, World Championship, I've got to ask were you more nervous watching your son in the final round or staging up for the final round of one big race of your own?If you've got a topic you want us to tackle, submit it at thisisbracketracing.com/ask. With insights from the TIBR and ELITE brain trust, this episode starts a series of Q&A discussions built around the questions racers are asking right now.
A few weeks back on The Daily Driver, we announced a new addition ELITE Spotlight program. Throughout the season, select ELITE members will be sharing their racing journey through blog posts, updates, and other behind-the-scenes interactions.From the highs and lows to lessons learned along the way, this is a chance to follow along with real racers navigating a real season. Tune in as we introduce the members who will be sharing their story with the community this year. Next up we have Henry Roberson!
This week's Question of the Week comes from Gabe, who asks: I am preparing for my first National Event, not really looking for advice so much as a story. Can you tell me a little bit about your first National Event or your first National Event win?If you've got a topic you want us to tackle, submit it at thisisbracketracing.com/ask. With insights from the TIBR and ELITE brain trust, this episode starts a series of Q&A discussions built around the questions racers are asking right now.
Today on The Daily Driver, I'm sharing the audio version of my latest National Dragster column, “The Great Debate.” This piece dives into one of the most talked-about discussions in sportsman drag racing history, the debate surrounding Scotty Richardson and Peter Biondo. Two of the most accomplished and influential racers the sport has ever seen.
Today on The Daily Driver, we're excited to announce a new addition ELITE Spotlight program. Throughout the season, select ELITE members will be sharing their racing journey through blog posts, updates, and other behind-the-scenes interactions.From the highs and lows to lessons learned along the way, this is a chance to follow along with real racers navigating a real season. Tune in as we introduce the program and the members who will be sharing their story with the community this year. Up first we have longstanding member Jordan Pratt.
This week's Question of the Week comes from Paul, who asks: My son is becoming a very good racer but he's not always the best sportsman. He doesn't handle losing well. Can you share any personal experience on how to learn to lose.If you've got a topic you want us to tackle, submit it at thisisbracketracing.com/ask. With insights from the TIBR and ELITE brain trust, this episode starts a series of Q&A discussions built around the questions racers are asking right now.
Today on The Daily Driver, I share one of my favorite memories involving my father and a lesson in belief, perseverance, and passion for racing that has stayed with me for nearly 25 years. From a rain-delayed national event in Topeka to a wounded race car and a matchup against my idol, this story is about more than competition, it's about the unwavering confidence a parent can instill and the impact that belief can have long after the moment has passed.
This week's Question of the Week comes from David, who asks: How do I strategize against my opponent at different types of race tracks when it comes to time slips. For example at Worldwide drag strip they use the time slip app I can look up an opponent's car number and gauge whether he's dialing honest or holding some numbers. How do I strategize against my opponent at racetracks like Benton that still use the paper time slips?"If you've got a topic you want us to tackle, submit it at thisisbracketracing.com/ask. With insights from the TIBR and ELITE brain trust, this episode starts a series of Q&A discussions built around the questions racers are asking right now.
On this episode of the Daily Driver we are discussing Geographic Superiority in drag racing and the ongoing debate regarding which regions of the country produce the best racers.
Back at the beginning of March, there was a question that was submitted here on the Question of the Week "What percentage in the final round (Winner and RU) in $25k and larger races that allow it are doubled?" and we wanted to take another episode to really peel back the layers of doubling. If you've got a topic you want us to tackle, submit it at thisisbracketracing.com/ask.
This week's Question of the Week comes from Ben, who asks: My question is, for an altered that weighs roughly 1650lbs (125" wheelbase) and makes 550 horsepower, what would be your suggestion for the rear wheel/tire combination?If you've got a topic you want us to tackle, submit it at thisisbracketracing.com/ask. With insights from the TIBR and ELITE brain trust, this episode starts a series of Q&A discussions built around the questions racers are asking right now.
Today on The Daily Driver, I'm excited to introduce another course in our Win Light Lab program at This Is Bracket Racing - Win Light Lab: Understanding Data Acquisition, hosted by Mike Mans.Mike, a multi-time NHRA winner and respected shock and suspension expert, joins us to talk about the value of small-group learning and why it's so effective for dialing in individual vehicle combinations. We also dive into how understanding and applying your data can turn a significant investment into a real competitive edge on the track.
This week's Question of the Week comes from Brad, who asks: How can I make my car react quicker?If you've got a topic you want us to tackle, submit it at thisisbracketracing.com/ask. With insights from the TIBR and ELITE brain trust, this episode starts a series of Q&A discussions built around the questions racers are asking right now.
This week's Question of the Week comes from Jamey, who asks: What do you find is the best breathing technique at the starting line?If you've got a topic you want us to tackle, submit it at thisisbracketracing.com/ask. With insights from the TIBR and ELITE brain trust, this episode starts a series of Q&A discussions built around the questions racers are asking right now.
This week's Question of the Week comes from Denny, who asks: What do racers want to hear during the race? Do you prefer just win loss stats(numbers)? Do you want history behind racers?If you've got a topic you want us to tackle, submit it at thisisbracketracing.com/ask. With insights from the TIBR and ELITE brain trust, this episode starts a series of Q&A discussions built around the questions racers are asking right now.
Ready to trade street chaos for time slips and trophies? We sit down with the Texas Muscle Car Club Challenge (TMCCC) to unpack how bracket racing turns every kind of car—and every kind of driver—into a contender. From bone-stock commuters and diesel workhorses to full-on dragsters, the series builds a fair fight around consistency, reaction times, and smart dialing. If you can pass tech, you can stage, and the family-friendly vibe means you'll head home by mid-afternoon with a few runs, a grin, and maybe a new obsession.TMCCC president Scott Stregel walks us through the series' footprint across Texas and into Oklahoma, explaining why most classes run the eighth mile while select street categories stretch to the quarter at tracks like Ennis and Thunder Valley. He also shares a big step forward: a dedicated EV class. We dig into what that means for safety, fire suppression, and the surprising advantage electric cars bring in bracket consistency. The message is clear—racing has room for the future, and structure makes it safer for everyone.Driver Yolanda Vasquez brings the heart of the show with her story: growing up at the strip with her dad's '68 GTO, learning the tree, and now running a Challenger Scat Pack to a 7.70 eighth. She proves you don't need a trailer queen to win; you need reps, focus, and a love for the craft. We round it out with practicals: how $40 gets you at least three passes, how to join a team or start one, where to find the schedule and rules at tmccc.org, and why women now account for a remarkable slice of the grid. Plus, we drop a fresh review of the 2026 Mazda 3 sedan—powerful, polished, but ready for a tech refresh—and touch on a shake-up in F1 broadcast coverage that U.S. fans will notice.If you're curious about getting off the street and onto the strip, this is your roadmap. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a legal outlet for speed, and leave a review telling us what you'd bring to the tree.Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time? In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at info@inwheeltime.com
This week's Question of the Week comes from Mark, who asks: What percentage in the final round (Winner and RU) in $25k and larger races that allow it are doubled? If you've got a topic you want us to tackle, submit it at thisisbracketracing.com/ask. With insights from the TIBR and ELITE brain trust, this episode starts a series of Q&A discussions built around the questions racers are asking right now.
This week's Question of the Week comes from Robert, who asks: How do you game plan when you don't know who you're racing? Joining us to break it down is Kris Whitfield, guest instructor from ThisIsBracketRacing ELITE, sharing insight on preparation, mindset, and strategy when the matchup is unknown. If you've got a topic you want us to tackle, submit it at thisisbracketracing.com/ask. With insights from the TIBR and ELITE brain trust, this episode starts a series of Q&A discussions built around the questions racers are asking right now.
This week's Question of the Week doesn't actually come in question form and full transparency, I borrowed the idea from the Be00Take00 Podcast. Instead, today's Daily Driver dives into a fun (and debatable) topic: Who are the top five sportsman racers of all time?If you've got a topic you want us to tackle, submit it at thisisbracketracing.com/ask. With insights from the TIBR and ELITE brain trust, this episode starts a series of Q&A discussions built around the questions racers are asking right now.
Today on The Daily Driver, we continue on with the Question of the Week, a segment many of you already recognize from the ThisIsBracketRacing Facebook page. Now, we're bringing those conversations to the podcast. This week's question: "Are Bottom Bulb Racers Really at a Disadvantage?"If you've got a topic you want us to tackle, submit it at thisisbracketracing.com/ask. With insights from the TIBR and ELITE brain trust, this episode starts a series of Q&A discussions built around the questions racers are asking right now.
Today on The Daily Driver, I am excited to announce a new program coming to This Is Bracket Racing: The Win Light Lab. Rolling out throughout 2026, each version of the Lab will be hosted by one of our ELITE instructors including Mike Mans, Justin Lamb, Kris Whitfield, Gage Burch, Mikey Sturgill, and Matt Dadas. Each Lab will be focused on a different element of competition.We kick things off with The Win Light Lab: The Mental Edge, hosted by Kris Whitfield, who joins us today to talk about why small-group learning matters and why the mental game is such a powerful separator in racing.
Today on The Daily Driver, we kick off Question of the Week, a segment many of you already recognize from the ThisIsBracketRacing Facebook page. Now, we're bringing those conversations to the podcast. This week's question: "Is footbrake still a thing?"If you've got a topic you want us to tackle, submit it at thisisbracketracing.com/ask. With insights from the TIBR and ELITE brain trust, this episode starts a series of Q&A discussions built around the questions racers are asking right now.
Today on The Daily Driver, we reflect on graduation. Young racers stepping into full-size competition. It's an emotional transition and a reminder of how fast it all goes. These drivers are capable, talented, and how we choose to support them will help shape the future of the sport.
On this episode of The Daily Driver, we talk about pressure. Why it shows up, how experience changes it, and why it never fully goes away. The key isn't eliminating pressure, but learning to embrace it as a sign you care and letting it prepare you to perform at your best.
In this episode of The Daily Driver, I'm exploring the power of community and why no one truly succeeds alone. Drawing from a powerful study, personal experience, and lessons from TIBR Jr. and ELITE, I break down how independence can get you started but growth accelerates when you surround yourself with people who share your ambition. The right community doesn't just support you… it makes you better.
On this 2026 kick off episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster, Phil Burgess, Editorial Director for the NHRA and NHRAonFox's Tony Pedregon come on to talk about the off-season craziness, rumors, a new mystery dragster on the way to Top Fuel, 75th Anniversary content and celebrations, and more with Brian Lohnes. In the first half of the show Pedregon and Lohnes dive into the wildness of the off-season, the personnel changes, who won, who lost, and who is in a better position than they were last year. They talk about the off season work, the importance of adapting to new tracks, and how some new crew chief pairings are perhaps a little strange but potentially great. International Drag Racing Hall of Fame member and NHRA Editorial Director Phil Burgess joins the show as the second guest. He and Lohnes visit some of the same off season content and then they dive into the incredible array of 75th Anniversary content Phil and his people have been working on and are releasing. This season is going to rock and this show will get you fired up for it!
In this episode of The Daily Driver, I share advice I gave a young racer heading to his first big-money, multi-day event. The one word he needed to hear? Grace.Big events are long, expectations are high, and mistakes are part of the process. The difference isn't whether you mess up, it's how you respond when you do. This episode is about trusting the racer you know you are, letting go of the occasional mistake, and moving forward with confidence.
From time to time on The Daily Driver, I like to share the audio version of my column, The Science of Winning, which appears in NHRA's National Dragster magazine. This week's piece is titled “The Stuff of Legends.”
In this episode of The Daily Driver, we're talking about how racers can make real gains during what we call separation season, the offseason. While many step away or hit pause, this is actually the best opportunity to improve, refine habits, and build an edge that shows up when it matters most.
In this episode of The Daily Driver, I'm talking about a familiar concern in racing, the rising cost of competition and what it means for the future of the sport. It's something I've wrestled with lately, until I realized my own dad was saying the same thing more than 30 years ago. And since then, the sport hasn't just survived, it's thrived in ways none of us could have predicted.
Today we're talking about what happens when you shift your focus to something new on the track. Maybe you're rock-solid on the tree, but decide to prioritize the finish line next round. You execute perfectly there but suddenly you're late on the tree. Sometimes the mental energy required to level up a new skill takes away from the things you normally do well. So what's the answer?
In this episode of the Daily Driver, I'm unpacking something I recently said during a webinar: I'd rather be wrong than indecisive. In everyday life, I'm intentional, I take my time before reaching conclusions because I value learning and adaptability. But when it comes to racing, I will stand behind what I said in that webinar.
As we do here from time to time on The Daily Driver, I like to share the audio version of my column The Science of Winning featured in NHRA's National Dragster magazine. This week I am sharing The Trophy Case.
This week's Daily Driver episode is dedicated to honoring the 2025 NHRA Lucas Oil Sportsman Champions.
Wednesday afternoon, NHRA made an announcement that changes the game! Due to an awful forecast, the sportsman classes will run to completion Thursday... without a time trial! How does this wrinkle alter the championship chase? And what questions are still unanswered?
There is no driver coming into Pomona with more potential variance in outcome than Darian Boesch. And he's not even racing in Pomona. He's coming into the season finale leading both Top Dragster and Top Sportsman. Will he end the weekend as the 4th driver in NHRA history to win 2 world championship in the same season? Or will he leave empty handed?
We're here, the final race on the NHRA Lucas Oil series schedule. What will happen in the Super Classes? Will Whitfield and Brock hold on?
Continuing our deep dive into last weekend's captivating race in Vegas, I mentioned in yesterday's episode that today would be dedicated to Jeff Taylor. He's a three-time NHRA World Champion and this past weekend he reminded everyone exactly why.
This is what I love about November every year. This past weekend was absolutely captivating. Today's episode of the Daily Driver is dedicated to Justin Lamb, who came into the event knowing he had to do one thing: win the race. Nothing less would do. And boy did he show out!
On today's episode of the Daily Driver, we're talking about lane discrepancies and how you can use them to your advantage.