Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation

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!

The 11th edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation  for season 2 was recorded on May 3rd, 2021, as hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with another long time karter, Howie Idelson. Howie is known in the karting ranks as a standout out talent in his own right, but these days, perhaps the name Idelson is better known from his kid Dane, who is carving his own reputation in the Junior ranks. We chat with Howie not only about his time through the 80's and 90's in karting, but also his experiences in cars, plus his time as a track designer for the SKUSA Supernats, and more...

Join us for Episode 31 of the Full Caster Podcast, with Howie Idelson!

Episode 30 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation; this is actually the halfway point for Season 2 of the FCP, getting done on May 10th, 2021. Miles Calvin joins hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel for this installment, chatting first about his origins on two wheels with BMX and then Speedway motorcycles, before moving on to his days indoor karting at Dromo 1, and then finally outdoors with CalSpeed and the Super Series. Arguably one of the best in the business in the arrive and drive game, the 2016 Super Series champ also moved up to dabble in 2-stroke racing in PRD, as well as the 4-stroke game in 206. The current 2-time CalSpeed All-Star Champ sits down to chat karting and more in this 2-part episode... 

Join us for Episode 30 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Miles Calvin!

Episode 30 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation; this is actually the halfway point for Season 2 of the FCP, getting done on May 10th, 2021. Miles Calvin joins hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel for this installment, chatting first about his origins on two wheels with BMX and then Speedway motorcycles, before moving on to his days indoor karting at Dromo 1, and then finally outdoors with CalSpeed and the Super Series. Arguably one of the best in the business in the arrive and drive game, the 2016 Super Series champ also moved up to dabble in 2-stroke racing in PRD, as well as the 4-stroke game in 206. The current 2-time CalSpeed All-Star Champ sits down to chat karting and more in this 2-part episode... 

Join us for Episode 30 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Miles Calvin!

Recorded on April 29th, the 30th edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Derek Zimmermann. Derek is a staple in the paddock and the sport of karting, lending his extensive knowledge as a driver and a tuner to multiple drivers, but typically founder under the Nash Motorsportz tent. In this episode we take a look back at his career, chatting about his early days competing at famed So-Call tracks such as Adams, Apex, Grange, and CalSpeed, competing in marquee events like the California State Championships and the IKF Grands, as well as several stories growing up and competing with several of todays best in the business.

Join us for Episode 29 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Derek Zimmermann!

Recorded on April 29th, the 30th edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Derek Zimmermann. Derek is a staple in the paddock and the sport of karting, lending his extensive knowledge as a driver and a tuner to multiple drivers, but typically founder under the Nash Motorsportz tent. In this episode we take a look back at his career, chatting about his early days competing at famed So-Call tracks such as Adams, Apex, Grange, and CalSpeed, competing in marquee events like the California State Championships and the IKF Grands, as well as several stories growing up and competing with several of todays best in the business.

Join us for Episode 29 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Derek Zimmermann!

Episode 28 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Dante Yu as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Dante is known as one of the top talents currently in the Senior category of North American Karting, formally a SKUSA California ProKart champion in the junior ranks, and now a regular front runner in the top flight senior categories nationally.  Follow along through his rise in karting starting in kid karts and through to seniors, as well as his experiences racing in Europe, and a stint in the US F4 Championship in cars. He even dabbled in the Machismo 12 Hour race in the Briggs 206 Pro Class, and is an avid gamer!

Join us for Episode 28 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Dante Yu!

Episode 28 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Dante Yu as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Dante is known as one of the top talents currently in the Senior category of North American Karting, formally a SKUSA California ProKart champion in the junior ranks, and now a regular front runner in the top flight senior categories nationally.  Follow along through his rise in karting starting in kid karts and through to seniors, as well as his experiences racing in Europe, and a stint in the US F4 Championship in cars. He even dabbled in the Machismo 12 Hour race in the Briggs 206 Pro Class, and is an avid gamer!

Join us for Episode 28 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Dante Yu!

Recorded on March 21st, episode 27 for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview their good buddy Mark Connell.  Mark actually didn't get started on anything with a motor until he was an adult, but has fond memories of growing up doing BMX, and becoming a super fan of NASCAR and the Long Beach Grand Prix. After 20 or so years of racing motorcycles, he finally got into karting in his 40's, starting in sport karts, while carrying success there into 206 and finally 100cc racing, while also becoming the most successful driver in the Machismo 12 Hour endurance race.

Join us for Episode 27 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Mark Connell!

Recorded on March 21st, episode 27 for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview their good buddy Mark Connell.  Mark actually didn't get started on anything with a motor until he was an adult, but has fond memories of growing up doing BMX, and becoming a super fan of NASCAR and the Long Beach Grand Prix. After 20 or so years of racing motorcycles, he finally got into karting in his 40's, starting in sport karts, while carrying success there into 206 and finally 100cc racing, while also becoming the most successful driver in the Machismo 12 Hour endurance race.

Join us for Episode 27 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Mark Connell!