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 www.facebook.com/ragstoraces

We're also on Twitter @ragstoraces

You can find us on Instagram @rags2races

Feel free to email me at [email protected] with any questions, comments, or just to bench race.

Keep the shiny side up!

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 on Twitter @ragstoraces. I'm on Instagram @rags2races. You can also find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ragstoraces. As always, don't hesitate to email me at [email protected]

Keep the shiny side up!

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, [email protected]

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 haven't met.

In this episode, Jake chats with Tom O'Gorman, the Pirelli World Challenge B-Spec Champion. We go over his beginnings in autocross, time in karting and the SCCA all the way up to his championship run in the Pirelli World Challenge and crash at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill.

Tom gives a great insight into his journey through the ranks from local autocrosser to pro racer. His story proves that with enough effort, anybody can reach their goals with enough time and willpower.

You can find Tom O'Gorman at www.tomoracing.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tomoracing, on Twitter @tomoracing or Instagram @tomoracing.

You can find me at www.facebook.com/ragstoraces, on Instagram @rags2races, on Twitter @ragstoraces and you can always email me at [email protected]

Until next time, keep the shiny side up!

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 @rags2races or on Twitter @ragstoraces.

Keep the shiny side up, the greasy side down and remember: there are no strangers in motorsports, only friends you haven't met!

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 into crest, caution keep right over crest. 150 into jump into right 6." In most forms of motorsport, the driver or crew chief can be looked at kind of like a quarterback on a football field. In rally, the co-driver is the one calling the shots and making sure the entire team works like a well-oiled machine.

You can find more info on stage rally at the following links:

Rally Map:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1nMwg0YZMLAjwpoYhFKd_lL7tkTQ&hl=en_US&ll=41.14896552330403%2C-87.90676904999998&z=4 Rally University:  http://nasarallysport.com/main/Rally-University Rally Co-Driving Book:  http://rallycodriver.com/ Sanctioning Bodies: http://rally-america.com/ https://www.americanrallyassociation.org/ https://carsrally.ca/ Also NASA Rallysport Forum: http://www.specialstage.com/

You can find Ryan Dunham at the following links:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rdunhamrally

Instagram: @rallysideways

Twitter: @rallyformel1

You can find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ragstoraces

Instagram: @rags2races

Twitter: @ragstoraces

Feel free to email me at [email protected]

Keep the shiny side up!

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 to get into professional motorsports. Jake covers all aspects of "The Champion's Pyramid" and the skills needed to not only become a professional driver, but to perform at the top in all aspects of driving a race car as a business.

You can find out more about Derek Daly and order his book on his website, http://www.derekdalyacademy.com

As always, you can find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ragstoraces

I'm on Instagram @rags2races and Twitter @ragstoraces

Feel free to email me any time at [email protected]

I'm blogging on Opposite Lock, and watch for more videos on the YouTube Channel, Just search for Rags to Races at either site.

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

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 performance racing world was the original Gran Tourismo back in high school and it's grown from there.

He talks about getting started with sim racing, the needed hardware and software, and just how far you can go with your "Sim Rig."

As always, follow the show on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ragstoraces

Twitter at @ragstoraces

Instagram @rags2races

Check out the blog at opposite lock and don't hesitate to email at [email protected].

Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review! Keep the shiny side up!

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 best. All you need are some basic tools, safety knowledge, and a mentor. I think I can speak for all of us who wrench on our own cars when I say most of us would be more than happy to come out and give you a hand.

Make sure to check out the guys at B Squad Hotrod. www.facebook.com/bsquadhotrod They're on Twitter at @bsquadhotrod too. You can also find them at their RSS page- www.bsquadhotrod.libsyn.com

You can find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ragstoraces

I'm on Twitter at @ragstoraces Instagram @rags2races and I blog on Opposite Lock- Search for Rags to Races.

Keep the shiny side up and the greasy side down!

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.