🎧 Episode Summary:
Welcome to another high-octane episode of Track Talk Live, recorded at Midtown Tavern where the mac and cheese is hot, the Bush Lights are cold, and the racetrack stories are even wilder. Host Jason dives into thrilling recaps from Buffalo River Speedway, chats with rising IMCA Hobby Stock stars Caleb Gardner and Ashley Taves, and shares laughs, race drama, and transmission hacks (hint: bungee cords are involved).
But this episode isn't just about checkered flags—it's about community impact. Jason and guests highlight the Paint the Track Pink campaign, now in its fifth year, benefiting women in the region battling breast cancer. Lend A Hand Up joins the conversation, explaining how donations are boosted 20% to directly support local families.
From tire-dodging near misses to mod dreams and robot waiters, this episode is a full lap of racing life, community spirit, and heartfelt giving.
🏁 Key Moments & Timestamps:
⏰ 0:00 – Midtown Vibes & Mac and Cheese Talk
The crew sets the tone from a lively Midtown Tavern, with food specials and Monday night energy.
⏰ 2:30 – Buffalo River Speedway Replay Fumble (HDMI drama!)
Behind-the-scenes scramble to replay Sunday's races. Spoiler: They pulled it off!
⏰ 3:40 – Paint the Track Pink Preview
Fundraiser shirts, community support, and a history of 5 years helping local women in need.
⏰ 6:00 – Racing Highlights: Crashes, Spins & Tire Dodging
Jason shares his wild weekend on the track—he nearly got taken out by a flying tire!
⏰ 9:00 – Guest Spotlight: Caleb Gardner & Ashley Taves
How Ashley’s steering issues and Caleb’s bungee cord fix saved their Sunday night race.
⏰ 13:50 – Track Talk: Strategy, Setup & Sticky Tracks
From car performance to rain delay effects, the racers nerd out on grip and cornering.
⏰ 20:00 – Caleb in the Points Race
He's leading—but keeping cool. “Don’t worry about points, just have fun,” says Dad.
⏰ 26:00 – College Countdown: Ashley’s Future Plans
Leaving for school soon, but still squeezing in races—and maybe loaning her car again.
⏰ 33:00 – Community Spotlight: Lend a Hand Up
Nonprofit reps and breast cancer warriors share powerful, emotional stories about how race fans can help.
⏰ 45:30 – Feature Winner Interview: Jake Haugeberg
Jake talks tactics, sprint car setup, brotherly competition, and why farming still comes first.
⏰ 51:45 – Racing Aspirations & Late Model Dreams
Jake reveals he’d love to step up to late models—and explains how he got into racing through go-karts.
⏰ 59:00 – Wrap-Up & Trackside Thank Yous
Shoutouts to sponsors, family, and the racing community. Plus, a reminder to snag those pink shirts!