In this special episode, Kate Dillon of Crate Insider sits down with James Bloss, Product Manager for Chevrolet Performance’s performance parts division. They dive deep into the future of GM’s 602, 604, and CT 525 crate engines, addressing rumors about their discontinuation and discussing Chevrolet Performance’s commitment to the racing industry. James also provides insights into supply chain challenges, recent product changes—including the move to screw-in rocker studs on the 602—and the reason...
Feb 18, 2025•13 min•Ep. 182
In this episode, we spotlight an important opportunity for the dirt racing community—the upcoming Safety Summit in Hickory, NC, on January 9th at the Hickory Metro Convention Center. Born out of the racing world’s response to Dallon Murty’s crash this past summer, this summit aims to bring together industry leaders, racers, and safety experts to discuss track safety, car technology, and driver protection. We’ll explore the key topics on the agenda, hear from organizers about their mission to pri...
Dec 12, 2024•45 min•Ep. 182
So much has happened in a very short amount of time. Tune in to learn how a monumental crash has set the world of safety on fire leading to a planned Safety Summit. It's been a whirlwind and Brian Littleton from Racelogic is right in the center of the action. Safety Summit Sign Up Form...
Apr 04, 2024•59 min•Ep. 181
Taylor Griffith from TGR - Lazer Racing & Development and Lavonia Speedway joined us on the latest episode of the Racing Insider's Podcast. Don't miss our conversation with Taylor Griffith as he shares insights from his journey in motorsports, services they offer, and the secrets behind TGR Lazer's success.
Mar 05, 2024•1 hr 8 min
This week we had a great show with Bill Lupinos from Fastrak Racing Series! Fastrak made history with its first-ever touring event on April 3, 2004, at Winder Barrow Speedway, marking the first touring event for Crate Late Models worldwide! Tune in as Bill shares behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the Fastrak Racing Series' journey.
Feb 27, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 179
This week on the podcast, we had Benji Cole from Train Chassis. With over 30 years of experience in the racing industry, Benji's expertise shines through in every aspect of his work. What began as a family hobby has turned into a full-time career, with Benji now dedicated to providing his customers with the best quality racing equipment.
Feb 20, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 178
We recently got the chance to catch up with Benji Hicks, the mastermind behind BHR Fabrication and Double Nickel Race Cars, to the podcast! Benji Hicks, owner and operator of BHR Fabrication founded Double Nickel Race Cars in 2022, dedicated to delivering top-quality products and expert advice to racers everywhere. Questioned Asked on the Show: How did you get your number 55? What was your favorite race? When was the last time you got out of your car and said, I am done racing? What is your favo...
Feb 06, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 177
Check out our Monday show from the Racing Insider's Podcast with Kate Dillon, Jimmy Schiltz, and this week's guest Joseph Rush from the American Allstar Series.
Jan 30, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 176
On this week's episode, Jimmy and Kate were joined by Jim Long from Steel Block Bandits. They discussed the Steel Block Bandits Racing Series, and how the series has changed over the years.
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 175
Questions asked on the show: All wraps aren’t the same? In the wrap business, what changes in the industry has been the most difficult to adapt to in the last year or so...? Join Kate Dillon and Jimmy Schiltz as they recap the CARS Racing Show, answer viewer questions, and discuss modern racing.
Jan 09, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 174
This week we had Pat Fagen of Fast Shafts! Pat's insights into the evolution of Fast Shafts, their testing and innovations, and their commitment to delivering top-tier driveshafts for both street vehicles and the racing community will be an episode you won't want to miss! Questions asked on the show: Tell us tell us how it felt to be inducted into the Iowa Racing Hall of Fame I learned from this that you have a 40 year plus racing career. I didn't actually know you raced. I only knew you as a ma...
Nov 21, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 173
This week we had one of the industries finest, Jimmy Schiltz from Dirtwrap and the CARS Racing Show, join us for the Racing Insider's Podcast! Questions asked on the show: How about a 525 engine being cheaper than a 604?!? What's new in the wrap business?
Nov 14, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 172
This week we had Steve Maynard, from Earnhardt Technologies Group. Steve brought his expertise to the mic for an exciting conversation about the cutting-edge technology shaping the world of racing. Questions Asked on the Show: Steve what late model series in Colorado you going to? What are the best drive line angles for an IMCA Stock Car? Earnhardt Technology Group is known for producing high-precision components for a wide range of race teams, from grassroots racers to top-tier NASCAR. What set...
Nov 07, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 171
Josh Holt from My Race Pass joined us for this week's podcast. Discover the power of MyRacePass, the ultimate tool for drivers, tracks, associations, and team owners. It's all about centralizing motor sports media and streamlining your racing experience. Questions Asked on the Show: My Race Pass is known for bringing all racing-related content together and distributing it through the network. Can you tell us more about the origins and mission of My Race Pass? My Race Pass has been around for ove...
Oct 31, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 170
This week's guest is Luke Hubbell from Hubbco. Luke, an engineering wizard perfecting racing tools, is joining us to share insights and innovations that are changing the game in the racing world. From track to toolbox, this episode is a must-listen. Questions Asked On the Show Hubbco is known for creating innovative tools to make building race cars easier. What inspired you to focus on this niche within the racing industry? Could you share some examples of specific challenges that race car build...
Oct 24, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 169
This week's guest is none other than Steve Brendle from ATC Bolts—an entrepreneurial wizard specializing in bolt and fastener packages for race cars! We explored the nuts and bolts (literally!) of racing performance and learn from Steve's expertise. From securing safety to optimizing speed, this episode has it all! Questions asked on the show: Can you tell us about your journey into the world of racing and how you became involved in providing bolt and fastener packages for race cars? When it com...
Oct 10, 2023•46 min•Ep. 168
Chris's journey in racing is nothing short of incredible. Starting in Go-Karts in 2003, he became a 2-Time National Champion by 2005. From there, he transitioned to Crate Late Models in 2006 and, in 2009, made his mark in Super Late Models. Throughout his career, Fergy has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments, with over 80 Career Late Model Feature Wins and victories in prestigious races across various series. His dedication to the sport and passion for racing are truly inspirational....
Oct 03, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 167
This week's guest is Neal McPhillips, one of the master minds behind Hooker Harness, will be our special guest on the next episode! Neal brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on safety in the racing and aviation world, we can't wait to dive into his incredible journey and insights. Whether you're a racing enthusiast or simply love a good story, this episode is a must-listen. Questions asked on the show Belt inspection process, why it matters? Are the belts for each entity the same? Life ex...
Sep 26, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 166
Get ready for an action-packed episode of the Racing Insider's Podcast! We're thrilled to announce that Jason Smoot, also known as "Mr. Smooth," and the driving force behind American Racer Modifieds presented by Velocita-USA and BLUE RIDGE Outlaw Latemodels will be our special guest! Questions asked on the show: Can you describe some of the equipment you use doing track prep? In your series can somebody build their own steel engine? What big events are left this year for both Blue Ridge and the ...
Sep 19, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 165
This week we took a dive into the world of shocks, gauges, and SPEED. Questions Asked on the Show What are your thoughts on adding rebound to the right rear shock when the track goes dry slick? I liked the AFCO ultra lite 16+ rotor and the pillar vane 1.25 directional rotors. Are they discontinued? I've seen them on backorder for the past year but haven't checked lately? Wireless Longacre scales continuously lock up at our track. Batteries changed often. No improvement. Any suggestions? Grain sc...
Sep 12, 2023•47 min•Ep. 164
In this episode we took a deep dive into the world of high-performance steering systems and gained insight from one of the best in the business, Cody Haskins from KRC Power Steering! With his extensive background in racing and a dedication to innovation, Cody is an amazing source of information for racers and race teams. Questions Asked on the show: How have things changed for you going from an asphalt racer to racing a dirt late model? And how has that affected your product experience? Do you f...
Aug 29, 2023•56 min•Ep. 163
This episode is a special one, we had on Ken Anderson from Race-Fan to talk about their innovative products as well as his impressive career. Ken got his start working as Chief Designer and General Manager for Fox Factory, he then went on to be Chief Engineer for Penske Racing and designed Penske Shocks. His work with Formula One, Indy Cars, and the Busch Series are only the tip of the iceberg with his outstanding career in racing. Tune in for some great information and awesome racing history....
Aug 15, 2023•56 min•Ep. 162
Grab your questions and join Kate and NASA Hall of FameMember, Buck Parker, as they discuss current events and answer viewer tech questions LIVE. Topics covered on the show include: - Parasitic Drag - Gear Oil - Oil Viscosity - Synthetic Oils and Engine Temps - Tire Treatments
Aug 08, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 161
This week we had Dave Hammond of Hammond Motorsports and DIRTCAR USA on the show. As a Racelogic instructor specializing in suspension and beyond, Dave will bring a wealth of expertise to our show. 🏆 QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW Running a 602 in my modified it was 100 degrees last race the motor ran 240 is that too hot?What do you use for rockers? And push rods???Seems like the ratios are all over the place When using the setup plates how do you compensate for the tire sizes when setting angles?...
Aug 01, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 160
QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW My buddy (a mechanic) says. changing valve springs on his 602 is unnecessary. What can I tell him (or what names can I call him) to convince him he's wrong? Do you have a set of vortec heads and/or vortec intake that’s I could purchase for a built motor I’m putting together? 602's on E85, do you have a favorite fuel. Is the E85 available at the gas stations bad news? Do (or can) you reseal engines with genuine GM seals? Is it just me or has racing fell off in the last...
Jul 25, 2023•47 min•Ep. 159
QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW What rpm range does the 602 start to really make power? How much oil do you add to the 525? 4:11 ring and pinion vs the 4:86. Steve said the 4:11 is better to run than the other and if Steve could explain exactly what he has found in testing and how this really works? The Race fan vs GM steel 4 blade. On the Race fan website, it shows on a chart that the 3 blade moves more air than the GM 4 blade. If the 3 blade moves more air that means it takes more energy to move m...
Jul 18, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 158
QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW Have u seen any increase in cheating in the 602 divisions recently? 602 crate with Holley 650 4 barrell. What is your first choice for a carburetor spacer? What is the best carb for a 602? What do u guys think best stock rocker arm is? Is it hard on motors going back n forth from e85 for one series. Then gas series rules for other races? Any advantage with a 4.11 rear end vs a 4.86 in a 604 dirt late model and what lubricant do you recommend for heim ends? Do you thin...
Jul 11, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 157
QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW Purchased a set of your 602 valve springs and there was a bag of intakes and a bag of exhaust’s. What is the difference? Matched at different rates? What carb would you recommend running on a 604 going in a street truck? How close are the chips in a MSDS to actual rpm on Tach? After how many races either from brand new or rebuild do when u do think is right to change valve springs? Steve would a lower heat range plug help with a car that would maybe be running rich or...
Jun 27, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 156
QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW Steve what is the magic durometer number for Hoosier tires or any example of good tire reading of a racing tire? Steve’s recommended valve spring Change on a 602 in a imca hobbystock that runs a Rochester 2 barrel stock exhaust manifolds with a 6200 chip? Which produces more HP e85 or chp, and which produces more torque? When using a holly 4412 on a 602 or 604 what rpm do you see the power drop and the vacuum ramp up, say a Willie's carb example? What amount of valve ...
May 23, 2023•39 min•Ep. 155
QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE SHOW What plug do you recommend for the 604? We run a 602 imca sportmod sealed crate. having issues with distributor moving on us after we run a few laps. also fuel pump keeps coming loose? Thinking of installing the crate muffler on our asphalt prolate. would I install one per side before y pipe or one 4" after y pipe? How often should you change spark plugs? I race crate 602 in the northeast at a very dusty surface, I run Walker 4x14 with a outerwear pre filter. My conce...
May 16, 2023•46 min•Ep. 154
