The Rags to Races Podcast: Motorsports and Racing for Everyone

In this episode, Jake talks to friend of the show, Rich Walke. We talk about the car, the race weekend at the CAT Majors SCCA race at Road America. Jake also talks to long-time racer and friend of the show, Mike Hart. Mike has a very unique race car and shares with us some stories, laughs and history behind his many years in the SCCA. Make sure to rate, review and subscribe on iTunes. Follow the show on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ragstoraces The show can also be found on Instagram...

In this episode, Jake recaps his first race night in his LO206 Kart. The night was full of ups and downs, but in the end he learned more than you can imagine about racecraft, kart repairs and just how good a club race can be. Jake also fills you in on recent events along with his plans for the near future. Make sure to rate, review and subscribe on iTunes, Like and follow at www.facebook.com/ragstoraces Follow us on Twitter @ragstoraces. Follow us on Instagram @rags2races. Feel free to...

In this episode, Jake talks to Ike from The Untitled Car Show. Jake and Ike talk all things Formula One, Le Mans, kart racing, and open road rally. Ike was able to compete in the 24 Hours of Lemons Road Rally on the east coast this past January, and he tells his story. He experienced pride, joy, pain, frustration, meth heads, and Freiburger and Finnegan of Roadkill fame. They also talk about Formula One, Le Mans and the current state of the top tier of motorsports. Both Ike and Jake are...

In this episode, Jake talks to friend of the show, James Chartres. James has been wheel-to-wheel racing with his local SCCA region for a couple of years. James drives a Spec Racer Ford (SRF), which is a completely spec series run by the SCCA. They also talk about track days, getting involved at a local level, what its like to drive some of the most iconic tracks in America, and some of the ins and outs of the SRF package. You can find James and Kanga Motorsports on the web and social media...

In this episode, Jake talks to Tim and Molly, owners and founders of a top of the line auto repair shop. The best part? It's a DIY auto repair shop! Living in a city like Chicago and being an automotive enthusiast, it's hard to find the space needed to make even the simplest of repairs. Gearhead Workspace is there to help you out. They've got everything from lifts and tools on hand to a mechanic on site to help you through the more difficult procedures. Tim and Molly tell us about the...

In this episode, Jake talks to some new friends he met at #Gridlife; Austin, Nick and Jenna who have all participated in the Detroit Gambler 500. The Gambler 500 is a low-budget, open-road rally that also encompasses off-road and land navigation skills. This trio participated in the Detroit Gambler, using their $500.00 Crown Victoria. Austin, Nick and Jenna share their stories from the rally, along with some highlights from their weekend at this year's #Gridlife event. If you want to find...

In this episode, Jake gives a recap of his time at #GRIDLIFE as it happens. There's also been a big change to the Rags to Races garage. Jake talks about the change made and why it was made. Jake also talks to his friend, Torry Skurski about HPDE and why he chose to track a Nissan Juke! Make sure to rate, review and subscribe to the show. Follow Rags to Races on social media: www.facebook.com/ragstoraces, on Twitter @ragstoraces, on Instagram @rags2races and you can always email us at...

In this episode, Jake talks to long time gearhead, Adam Jabaay. Adam has been messing with cars as long as he can remember and is now one of the organizers for one of the largest racing and automotive festivals in the country, #Gridlife. When it comes to racing and cars, especially Hondas, Adam's done it all. From car meets, to track days, to building cars using everything he could find including the kitchen sink (Seriously!), and now he's even organizing events to help others get behind...

In this episode, Jake talks about karting with two experts, Davin Sturdivant and James McMahon of KartPulse.com. Davin and James have both been karting for years now. They found a missing segment online for people wanting to get their start and those who have a true passion for kart racing. KartPulse came soon after, and they want to help you fall in love with the sport. Whether you're a hardcore F1 fan, into circle track racing, a sports car enthusiast or an experienced racer already,...

This is the episode Jake built this podcast around! Do you want to get deeper into motorsports than the average spectator and couch potato? How would you like to have an Indy Car come within inches from you at speed? Do you want to race, but don't have the budget for a car? This is the episode for you! This week, Jake talks to Chris Buccola, a local SCCA Corner Marshall. Chris has been volunteering at events from the local club race all the way up to the 24 hours of Le Mans! To Jake's...

In this episode, Jake goes over the good and bad from the past weekend's SCCA Majors race at Blackhawk Farms Raceway in Illinois. It wasn't the best weekend at the track, but it was a good time overall. Jake also welcomes the newest member of the crew, Zack to the show. Jake and Zack have a candid conversation about getting started in motorsports, working on a race car, and first impressions of spending time both in the shop and at the race track. Make sure to follow us on Facebook at...

He's BAAAAACCK!! Jake has returned from his hiatus. In this mini-episode, he catches you up on what he's been doing since he stepped away from the mic. From data logging devices and transmission changes to preparing for the upcoming race at Blackhawk Farms here in Illinois, he's been keeping plenty busy. If you're in the area of South Beloit Illinois from May fifth through May seventh, you should come join us and spend some time at the track! Please rate and review on iTunes, Follow me...

This time around, Jake steps out of his comfort zone and watches the Daytona 500. He goes over the highlights of the race and talks about the big changes made to NASCAR Racing for the coming season. You can always reach out to us at our email, ragstoraces@gmail.com We're on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ragstoraces You can find us on Twitter: @ragstoraces We're on Instagram @rags2races As always, keep the shiny side up and remember: There are no strangers in motorsport, only friends you...

Jake wanted to catch all of you up on what's been going on. There was a small family emergency and he had to take care of some personal things. Unfortunately, that means that the podcast, racing and the like had to be put on hold. Hopefully, some interviews that were postponed can be rescheduled soon and we'll be back to bench racing and the like quickly! Make sure to rate, review and subscribe on iTunes. Like us at www.facebook.com/ragstoraces. Make sure to follow us on Instagram...

In this episode, Jake talks to stage rally co-driver Ryan Dunham. For years, Jake has loved watching stage rally highlights wherever they can be found here in the states. He's never really met anyone who is deeply involved in the sport. Fast forward to a listener message on Facebook, and he got to talking with Ryan Dunham, and stage rally co-driver. Ryan graciously agreed to come on the show and talk about his experience in stage rally. Co-driving is a lot more than just saying, "Left 3...

Are you an instant reflex driver or a feel sensitive driver? This week, Jake talks to Derek Daly. Derek has a storied history in professional motorsports to include Formula 1, Indycar and the 24 Hours of LeMans. Since his retirement from driving, Derek has built a life teaching those who have the desire and drive to compete at the highest levels of motorsports. Jake primarily asks about Derek's book, "Race to Win: The 7 Essential Skills of the Complete Champion". The book is a how-to guide...

In this episode, Jake goes over the basics of sim racing. Some people may call them video games, I don't. While video games are where online and sim racing started, they've come light years from the days of Pole Position and Hard Drivin'. Nowadays, even the pros use sim racing to learn an unfamiliar track or car. Anyone with a good internet connection and a membership to iRacing can run wheel-to-wheel with the likes of Reubens Barrichello or Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jake's start in the...

In this episode, Jake chats with Lefty, Train, Hollywood and Woodchuck of the B Squad Hotrod Podcast. We talk autocross, podcasting, and more importantly, setting up your shop. We talk about what you need in your toolbox and the knowledge needed to get your start working on your own car. If you are going to start working on your own car, there's a lot you need to get the ball rolling. Don't fret though, with a little know how and some hand tools, you can learn to turn wrenches with the...

In this episode, Jake goes over his trip to the big PRI Show in Indianapolis. Jake talks about some of the people he met, new products and cars displayed.

In this episode, Jake goes over the importance of getting your hands on the rule book and not only reading it, but learning all you can from its pages. Jake has seen it many times before, and even been guilty of it himself. Not reading the rules enough to fully understand them. Almost every question you may have about your car or the class you're racing in can be answered just by opening the rule book and reading. Jake also talks about the advantages of knowing the rules and how they apply...