Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation: Recent Episodes
Mike Smith & Derek Esquibel
The Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation is a new podcast started by Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel, hosting guests from all parts of the Karting Community. We chat about every thing Karting, as well as sharing banter and stories from their lives both at and away from the track...
Recorded on July 20th, episode 54 for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Jonathon Sugianto. "Sugi's" story starts as a young kid introduced to racing by flipping through the channels, finding NASCAR, and what would become his favorite driver and hero, Jeff Gordon. But before finding success on track, he would first win his greatest battle... Cancer. Listen to his story from a child overcoming Leukemia, getting into karts at Jim Hall's Racing School, moving on into formula cars, and now giving rides of a lifetime at Porsche Experience Center in Los Angeles.
Join us for Episode 54 of the Full Caster Podcast with Jonathon Sugianto!
Recorded on June 24th, the 53rd edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Chris Giumarra. Chris has been in the sport of karting his entire life; from a "track kid" at their family owned track in Cuddebackville, New York, to a factory Trackmagic driver, to now a fitness and lifestyle coach for racing drivers, he's done it all. Listen in to over 30 years of experience in the sport, talking karting, fitness, and even pizza!
Join us for Episode 53 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Chris Giumarra!
Recorded on June 24th, the 53rd edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Chris Giumarra. Chris has been in the sport of karting his entire life; from a "track kid" at their family owned track in Cuddebackville, New York, to a factory Trackmagic driver, to now a fitness and lifestyle coach for racing drivers, he's done it all. Listen in to over 30 years of experience in the sport, talking karting, fitness, and even pizza!
Join us for Episode 53 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Chris Giumarra!
Episode 52 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel circle back with long-time friend KC Cook in their first ever 'REVISITED' show. KC's first time sitting down with the FCP was all the way back in March of 2020 for episode #1, and he's back to tell us what he's been up to since. But this is more than just catching up; They of course talk a lot about karting -and even cars- but also about Cook's newest venture: The Boost Foundation. Listen as he explains his fight against Cystic Fibrosis, and how The Boost Foundation not only raises awareness and money for CF, but also the spirits of those that battle the disease everyday.
Join us for Episode 52 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with KC Cook!
Episode 52 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel circle back with long-time friend KC Cook in their first ever 'REVISITED' show. KC's first time sitting down with the FCP was all the way back in March of 2020 for episode #1, and he's back to tell us what he's been up to since. But this is more than just catching up; They of course talk a lot about karting -and even cars- but also about Cook's newest venture: The Boost Foundation. Listen as he explains his fight against Cystic Fibrosis, and how The Boost Foundation not only raises awareness and money for CF, but also the spirits of those that battle the disease everyday.
Join us for Episode 52 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with KC Cook!
The debut of Season 4 of the The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Episode 51 get a late start, first being recorded in March of 2023, as hosts Derek Esquibel and Mike Smith have seen many changes in their personal lives - including a change in their recording location. Almost a throwback; this episode is "On Location" at the Challenge of the Americas in Phoenix, Arizona last year, where guest Chase Jones explains where it all began. A young karting talent and eventual karting team owner, Chase shares how he has persevered in racing after almost having to hang up the helmet due to injury...
Join us for Episode 51 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Chase Jones!
The debut of Season 4 of the The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Episode 51 get a late start, first being recorded in March of 2023, as hosts Derek Esquibel and Mike Smith have seen many changes in their personal lives - including a change in their recording location. Almost a throwback; this episode is "On Location" at the Challenge of the Americas in Phoenix, Arizona last year, where guest Chase Jones explains where it all began. A young karting talent and eventual karting team owner, Chase shares how he has persevered in racing after almost having to hang up the helmet due to injury...
Join us for Episode 51 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Chase Jones!
The Full Caster Podcast Returns! Recorded on March 18th 2024, lots has changed for hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel since the last time the FCP was live, with new homes and new jobs - and now a new place to record! We are so excited for what is in store for Season 4 of the Full Caster Podcast - a Karting Conversation, and we can't wait to get things started!
Join us for a special "Intro Episode", and the Preview for Season 4 of the Full Caster Podcast!
Recorded on December 29th, 2022 as part of the "CalSpeed Last Laps" podcast, Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with CalSpeed Karting's founder Rob Niles to have a look back on near-20 years it has been in business. Beginning with its origins starting in 2003, and chronicling its rise to be the home of the largest arrive and drive program in the world, and the hub of competition karting in Southern California, this is CalSpeed Karting's story...
Join us for Part 1 of the 'CalSpeed Last Laps' on the Full Caster Podcast!
Recorded on December 29th, 2022 as part of the "CalSpeed Last Laps" podcast, Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with CalSpeed Karting's founder Rob Niles to have a look back on near-20 years it has been in business. Beginning with its origins starting in 2003, and chronicling its rise to be the home of the largest arrive and drive program in the world, and the hub of competition karting in Southern California, this is CalSpeed Karting's story...
Join us for Part 2 of the 'CalSpeed Last Laps' on the Full Caster Podcast!
Recorded during CalSpeed's send-off event on December 18th, 2022; Mike Smith, Derek Esquibel and several guests share their stories about CalSpeed from the past near-20 years it has been in business...
Join us for Part 4 of the 'CalSpeed Last Laps' on the Full Caster Podcast!
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Mike Smith & Joe Ponce
13:28 - Mike Smith & Dave Allen
26:11 - Mike Smith, Derek Esquibel, and T.A. La
1:01:31 - Mike Smith with the Niles ladies: Sylvia, Cali, and Lily...
Recorded during CalSpeed's send-off event on December 18th, 2022; Mike Smith, Derek Esquibel and several guests share their stories about CalSpeed from the past near-20 years it has been in business...
Join us for Part 3 of the 'CalSpeed Last Laps' on the Full Caster Podcast!
00:00 - Intro
00:21 - Mike Smith & Sean Buur
11:02 - Mike Smith & Steve Donald
27:28 - Mike Smith, with Steve Donald, and the "Senior Moments" team: Gerry Florez, Hugh Robertson, and David Carlisle
52:39 - Rob Niles, with Steve Donald, and the "Senior Moments" team.
The 50th installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, this is actually the Season Finale for Season 3 of the FCP, getting done on October 4th, 2022. Logan Calvin joins hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel for this episode, and they not only talk about Logan's tenure as the dominant force in sport karting at CalSpeed, but also his rise from indoor karting and into competition karting. Flat out the name that all other drivers measure against in sport karting, Logan Calvin has proved to not only be a talent in arrive and drive, but a shoe behind the wheel of a competition kart as well.
Join us for Episode 50 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Logan Calvin!
The 50th installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, this is actually the Season Finale for Season 3 of the FCP, getting done on October 4th, 2022. Logan Calvin joins hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel for this episode, and they not only talk about Logan's tenure as the dominant force in sport karting at CalSpeed, but also his rise from indoor karting and into competition karting. Flat out the name that all other drivers measure against in sport karting, Logan Calvin has proved to not only be a talent in arrive and drive, but a shoe behind the wheel of a competition kart as well.
Join us for Episode 50 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Logan Calvin!
This installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on August 22nd 2022, with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing the owner and principal of Forward Direction Motorsports, Greg Welch! many these days know Greg from his FDM team and race shop based out of Colorado, but he has been a part of karting ever since he was a little kid. We chat about his driving career rising through the ranks of Shifter karts, his time working for the family biz at Shockwave karting, and then his transition to owning his own kart shop and team.
Join us for Episode 49 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Greg Welch!
This installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on August 22nd 2022, with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing the owner and principal of Forward Direction Motorsports, Greg Welch! many these days know Greg from his FDM team and race shop based out of Colorado, but he has been a part of karting ever since he was a little kid. We chat about his driving career rising through the ranks of Shifter karts, his time working for the family biz at Shockwave karting, and then his transition to owning his own kart shop and team.
Join us for Episode 49 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Greg Welch!
Recorded on August 1st, episode 48 for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview long time sport karter, Sean Fite. With roots in Sprint Cars watching his dad race as a kid in the late 80's to 90's, Sean actually didn't get his first chance behind a racing car until he did Sprint Car racing schools in his early 20's. Eventually finding indoor karting, and finally outdoor karting with CalSpeed Karting, Fite went from a late start at about 30 years of age, to one of the most successful sport karters at the Fontana, CA facility - including being the only one to win all three of the championships on offer there...
Join us for Episode48 of the Full Caster Podcast with Sean Fite!
This installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on July 16th 2022, with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing someone who is perhaps mostly seen these days behind a camera, Sean Buur. For episode 47 of the FCP we chat with Sean not only about his current duties as photographer and media lead for the Challenge of the Americas and all the sport karting events at CalSpeed, but also his origins in karting and the founding of one of the most popular karting magazines over the past 30 years, Go Racing magazine. But did you know that Sean used to drive? With more stories than we could possibly fit into a regular episode, listen in for a very entertaining edition of the FCP.
Join us for Episode 47 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Sean Buur!
This installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on July 16th 2022, with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing someone who is perhaps mostly seen these days behind a camera, Sean Buur. For episode 47 of the FCP we chat with Sean not only about his current duties as photographer and media lead for the Challenge of the Americas and all the sport karting events at CalSpeed, but also his origins in karting and the founding of one of the most popular karting magazines over the past 30 years, Go Racing magazine. But did you know that Sean used to drive? With more stories than we could possibly fit into a regular episode, listen in for a very entertaining edition of the FCP.
Join us for Episode 47 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Sean Buur!
Recorded on May 27th, the 46th edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview The Thibodeaux's of Tri-C Karters, Nathan and Trisha. As two of the three principals of the Tri-C Karters club, this dynamic duo -along with Eric Nelson- are responsible for putting on the events of the Tri-C club at CalSpeed Karting, but also have a local winter series, as well as summer night series that run at Adams Motorsports Park. Get to know both of them in the latest installment of the FCP, with roots back to the famed Moran Raceway, and more!
Join us for Episode 46 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Nathan & Trisha Thibodeaux!
Recorded on May 27th, the 46th edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview The Thibodeaux's of Tri-C Karters, Nathan and Trisha. As two of the three principals of the Tri-C Karters club, this dynamic duo -along with Eric Nelson- are responsible for putting on the events of the Tri-C club at CalSpeed Karting, but also have a local winter series, as well as summer night series that run at Adams Motorsports Park. Get to know both of them in the latest installment of the FCP, with roots back to the famed Moran Raceway, and more!
Join us for Episode 46 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Nathan & Trisha Thibodeaux!
Episode 45 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel catch up with their buddy and longtime Sports Car racer, Stevan McAleer. Hailing from Scotland, Stevan takes us through his journey as young karter, where his start came from bouncing back from an incident to find an even bigger fire and passion for driving. Making the move to the States after earning a drive at Skip Barber, he progressed through the MX5 Cup and now races in the GT4 class in IMSA. Also a Team owner in the MX5 category with McCumbee/McAleer Racing and having his own karting team -McAleer Racing- he is involved in karts and cars as a driver, coach, and team owner.
Join us for Episode 45 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Stevan McAleer!
Episode 45 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel catch up with their buddy and longtime Sports Car racer, Stevan McAleer. Hailing from Scotland, Stevan takes us through his journey as young karter, where his start came from bouncing back from an incident to find an even bigger fire and passion for driving. Making the move to the States after earning a drive at Skip Barber, he progressed through the MX5 Cup and now races in the GT4 class in IMSA. Also a Team owner in the MX5 category with McCumbee/McAleer Racing and having his own karting team -McAleer Racing- he is involved in karts and cars as a driver, coach, and team owner.
Join us for Episode 45 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Stevan McAleer!
Episode 44 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel catch up current ARCA West Series driver and top-flight senior karter, Jake Drew. Starting in kid karts in the the early 2000's, Jake worked his way up from there to not only become one of the best Senior-level karters in the USA, but also has made the move into cars via the ARCA West series and Sunrise Racing. Join us as we chat with him about everything from winning IKF Duffys, to the the challenges of swapping a kart for a stock car!
Join us for Episode 44 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Jake Drew!
Episode 44 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel catch up current ARCA West Series driver and top-flight senior karter, Jake Drew. Starting in kid karts in the the early 2000's, Jake worked his way up from there to not only become one of the best Senior-level karters in the USA, but also has made the move into cars via the ARCA West series and Sunrise Racing. Join us as we chat with him about everything from winning IKF Duffys, to the the challenges of swapping a kart for a stock car!
Join us for Episode 44 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Jake Drew!
Recorded on January 12th, 2022, Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel host their first ever "Roundtable" discussion, bringing on former Full Caster Podcast guests Matt Johnson, Jesus Vasquez, and Race Liberante. Covering all sorts of karting topics and from multiple different views in the industry, we chat off season prep, views on rules and officiating, driver etiquette, the pitfalls of getting into karting, and even brainstormed possible solutions like how licensing could work. Whether new to the sport, or a passionate long-time racer, this episode has a little of everything...
Join us for 'Roundtable One' of the Full Caster Podcast!
00:00 - Intro
00:15 - Going from one season to another
09:10 - Choosing what to do for the year
37:40 - Driver etiquette and penalties
47:58 - Knowing who you’re racing
1:18:10 - Who should be allowed to run what and where
1:35:24 - Class structure on the national scene
1:58:00 - Figuring out your own program
2:12:56 - Fighting, how to handle the scenario
Recorded on March 7th, the 43rd edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Ty Matta. Growing up in the Philippines, Ty was introduced to karting at an early age via his uncle who raced F2, but actually didn't start racing himself until his late teens after moving to America - and on two wheels! When he did finally make the transition to karts, he would run side by side and learn much from Jesus Vasquez, and shares many stories along the way; from championships in Yamaha, to the 'King Taco' events at Auto Club Speedway, and even the SuperNats, Ty Matta has seen it all in the past 20+ years in karting...
Join us for Episode 43 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Ty Matta!
Recorded on March 7th, the 43rd edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Ty Matta. Growing up in the Philippines, Ty was introduced to karting at an early age via his uncle who raced F2, but actually didn't start racing himself until his late teens after moving to America - and on two wheels! When he did finally make the transition to karts, he would run side by side and learn much from Jesus Vasquez, and shares many stories along the way; from championships in Yamaha, to the 'King Taco' events at Auto Club Speedway, and even the SuperNats, Ty Matta has seen it all in the past 20+ years in karting...
Join us for Episode 43 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Ty Matta!
Episode 42 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Josh Huff as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Josh is the eponymous owner and manager of the Josh Huff Motorsport karting team and the JH Motorsports kart shop based out of El Cajon California, not only competing on asphalt, but also in the dirt with his JHM Dirt Kart Experience. Actually starting out as an up and coming and award winning mechanic in formula cars in his late teens, Huff made the move to karting in his 20's and has had success in everything from being a tuner, a driver coach, as well as a team and business owner.
Join us for Episode 42 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Josh Huff!
Episode 42 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Josh Huff as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Josh is the eponymous owner and manager of the Josh Huff Motorsport karting team and the JH Motorsports kart shop based out of El Cajon California, not only competing on asphalt, but also in the dirt with his JHM Dirt Kart Experience. Actually starting out as an up and coming and award winning mechanic in formula cars in his late teens, Huff made the move to karting in his 20's and has had success in everything from being a tuner, a driver coach, as well as a team and business owner.
Join us for Episode 42 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Josh Huff!
Welcome to Season 3 of the FCP! This installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on December 20th 2021, with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing the eponymous owner of Nash Motorsportz, Seth Nash! Episode 41 kicks off the new season with Seth, going back to how he started racing in the mid 90's -first in 4-strokes and then into 2-cycle racing- before getting his shot in cars in the SCCA. From there we hear about the formation of his own race team and shop, and hear how he has gone from the back of a pickup, to one of the top karting teams in the United States.
Join us for Episode 41 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Seth Nash!
Welcome to Season 3 of the FCP! This installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on December 20th 2021, with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing the eponymous owner of Nash Motorsportz, Seth Nash! Episode 41 kicks off the new season with Seth, going back to how he started racing in the mid 90's -first in 4-strokes and then into 2-cycle racing- before getting his shot in cars in the SCCA. From there we hear about the formation of his own race team and shop, and hear how he has gone from the back of a pickup, to one of the top karting teams in the United States.
Join us for Episode 41 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Seth Nash!
Mike and Derek bring back Matt Johnson as a guest host during the recap show LIVE on Facebook on Tuesday, December 28th 2021. They look back on a few of the guests and memories from episodes 21-40 in season 2, as well as chat with Matt about what has been going on a bit in karting since the last recording back in September.
Join us for the Season 2 Recap of the Full Caster Podcast, with guest host Matt Johnson!
Episode 40 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Christian Brooks as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel, and caps off season two of the FCP. Christian has risen up the ranks of karting from kid karts, all the way through to seniors, winning many races and championships along the way, including multiple trips to Europe at the Rotax World Finals. These days, he is working his way up the 'Road to Indy' ladder, but splits his time between cars and karts as a top tier driver coach, and is a perfect guest for this season's finale...
Join us for Episode 40 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Christian Brooks!
Episode 40 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Christian Brooks as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel, and caps off season two of the FCP. Christian has risen up the ranks of karting from kid karts, all the way through to seniors, winning many races and championships along the way, including multiple trips to Europe at the Rotax World Finals. These days, he is working his way up the 'Road to Indy' ladder, but splits his time between cars and karts as a top tier driver coach, and is a perfect guest for this season's finale...
Join us for Episode 40 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Christian Brooks!
This installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on September 13th 2021, with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing the owner and Team Principal of the Formula Works Karting Team, Tony Siragusa! For episode 39 of the FCP we chat with Tony about how his introduction into karting happened through his father getting his son a kart, and how that eventually turned into running a full-on karting team and business. Not your conventional story of getting into racing, Tony shares stories of his time outside of karting, and how lessons from other industries, as well as his time playing ball sports as a kid help influence how he conducts business today.
Join us for Episode 39 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Tony Siragusa!
This installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on September 13th 2021, with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing the owner and Team Principal of the Formula Works Karting Team, Tony Siragusa! For episode 39 of the FCP we chat with Tony about how his introduction into karting happened through his father getting his son a kart, and how that eventually turned into running a full-on karting team and business. Not your conventional story of getting into racing, Tony shares stories of his time outside of karting, and how lessons from other industries, as well as his time playing ball sports as a kid help influence how he conducts business today.
Join us for Episode 39 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Tony Siragusa!
Recorded on August 23rd, the 38th edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview David Dodson. David made a name in karting at a young age as one of the best Junior drivers to come out of So-Cal and the United States as a whole in the 90's, making the move to compete in Europe. Carrying into his adult years, and David became one of the best karting tuners in the business with a meticulous process and an intense attention to detail. Soft spoken but a vat of karting knowledge, this episode of the FCP features someone with knowledge beyond his years and stories to match...
Join us for Episode 38 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with David Dodson!
Recorded on August 23rd, the 38th edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview David Dodson. David made a name in karting at a young age as one of the best Junior drivers to come out of So-Cal and the United States as a whole in the 90's, making the move to compete in Europe. Carrying into his adult years, and David became one of the best karting tuners in the business with a meticulous process and an intense attention to detail. Soft spoken but a vat of karting knowledge, this episode of the FCP features someone with knowledge beyond his years and stories to match...
Join us for Episode 38 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with David Dodson!
Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with with one of the "household names" in Masters karting here in the states for Episode 37 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Paul Bonilla. Getting a late start in karting terms, Paul got into his first kart in the early 90's at the 'mature age' of 23, and started cutting his teeth at places like Adams Kart Track and regional series like the Gatorz Karting Cup. Eventually going on to represent the USA at the Rotax World Finals, Paul Bonilla's resume also includes regional and nation championships, as well as one of the biggest wins of them all, the SKUSA SuperNats. Listen in as we talk about how he learned in the 100cc days of Yamaha and KPV, Paul's rise through the ranks in the Rotax category, plus is stellar runs in packages like the PRD and the LO206.
Join us for Episode 37 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Paul Bonilla!
Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with with one of the "household names" in Masters karting here in the states for Episode 37 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Paul Bonilla. Getting a late start in karting terms, Paul got into his first kart in the early 90's at the 'mature age' of 23, and started cutting his teeth at places like Adams Kart Track and regional series like the Gatorz Karting Cup. Eventually going on to represent the USA at the Rotax World Finals, Paul Bonilla's resume also includes regional and nation championships, as well as one of the biggest wins of them all, the SKUSA SuperNats. Listen in as we talk about how he learned in the 100cc days of Yamaha and KPV, Paul's rise through the ranks in the Rotax category, plus is stellar runs in packages like the PRD and the LO206.
Join us for Episode 37 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Paul Bonilla!
Episode 36 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on John Baldasare as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Starting in quarter midgets as a kid -where he established himself as one of the best- John's next foray in motorsports was straight into shifters, briefly in 80cc, and then 125cc. While he rubbed elbows with some of the best in the early shifter days and was one of the fastest of the time, he took time off to focus on his career before coming back in 2010 to race one race and one race only every year: the SKUSA Supernationals. We chat about his path from roundy round to bangin gears, his reason for moving to the 'Nats only, and how he prepares to race at the highest level, in one of the toughest events every year...
Join us for Episode 36 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with John Baldasare!
Episode 36 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on John Baldasare as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Starting in quarter midgets as a kid -where he established himself as one of the best- John's next foray in motorsports was straight into shifters, briefly in 80cc, and then 125cc. While he rubbed elbows with some of the best in the early shifter days and was one of the fastest of the time, he took time off to focus on his career before coming back in 2010 to race one race and one race only every year: the SKUSA Supernationals. We chat about his path from roundy round to bangin gears, his reason for moving to the 'Nats only, and how he prepares to race at the highest level, in one of the toughest events every year...
Join us for Episode 36 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with John Baldasare!
Recorded on June 16th, the 37th edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Tom Kutscher of SuperKarts! USA. As the owner of SKUSA, Tom and his crew put on regional programs like the California ProKart Challenge, the Winter Series out of Florida, their new program in Mexico, and of course the biggest race of them all, the SKUSA Supernationals in Las Vegas. From his origins as a kid from Sweden, to finding karting and falling in love with shifter karts here in the states, to owning a successful kart shop; the road to becoming the face of SKUSA is an interesting one! Share in some laughs, and learn a little more of the behind the scenes as we talk through Tom's 27 years in the sport...
Join us for Episode 35 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Tom Kutscher!
Recorded on June 16th, the 37th edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Tom Kutscher of SuperKarts! USA. As the owner of SKUSA, Tom and his crew put on regional programs like the California ProKart Challenge, the Winter Series out of Florida, their new program in Mexico, and of course the biggest race of them all, the SKUSA Supernationals in Las Vegas. From his origins as a kid from Sweden, to finding karting and falling in love with shifter karts here in the states, to owning a successful kart shop; the road to becoming the face of SKUSA is an interesting one! Share in some laughs, and learn a little more of the behind the scenes as we talk through Tom's 27 years in the sport...
Join us for Episode 35 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Tom Kutscher!
Episode 34 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Ryan Perry as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Ryan is the eponymous owner and manager of the Ryan Perry Motorsport karting team, with the team finding success on the National scene since its debut in 2012. A bit of a wheelman when he was younger as well, Ryan shares stories from his early days racing at the Bakersfield karting club, moving on to regonal and National competition, challenges of transitioning into being a tuner, and finally his rise as a premier karting team nationally.
Join us for Episode 34 of the Full Caster Podcast with Ryan Perry!
Episode 33 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel catch up with former Junior Formula Ace, Sports Car racer, and one time Indy Car Driver, Rocky Moran Jr. Coming from a racing family where his dad Rocky Sr was a paid race car driver that competed in GTP and the Indy 500 among many other things, the Moran name is perhaps better known in karting for another reason: the fabled Moran Raceway. While short lived, Moran Raceway still is talked about as one of the premier facilities ever in So-Cal, if not the entire US. From karts, to cars, to track ownership and finally bring his own son into karting, this episode is one not to miss!
Join us for Episode 33 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Rocky Moran Jr!
Episode 33 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel catch up with former Junior Formula Ace, Sports Car racer, and one time Indy Car Driver, Rocky Moran Jr. Coming from a racing family where his dad Rocky Sr was a paid race car driver that competed in GTP and the Indy 500 among many other things, the Moran name is perhaps better known in karting for another reason: the fabled Moran Raceway. While short lived, Moran Raceway still is talked about as one of the premier facilities ever in So-Cal, if not the entire US. From karts, to cars, to track ownership and finally bring his own son into karting, this episode is one not to miss!
Join us for Episode 33 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Rocky Moran Jr!
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!
Finishing up the first full year for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, is our third 'On Location' show; this one taped on March 15th at Adams Motorsports Park. As the location suggests, Episode 26 sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel joined by the owner of Adams, long time karter and driver coach, Troy Adams. We chat a good amount about not only the origins of how Adams Kart Track came into being, but plenty about Troy's transition from growing up at the track and working as part of the 'family business', to becoming a solid driver in his own right, and perhaps arguably, an even better coach. From creating a driving school in the early 90's, to starting the kid kart movement, to progressing into off road racing with the likes of Hallie Deegan as a student, Troy Adams has been an integral part of many young drivers lives, many who have successful careers in the industry today.
Join us for Episode 26 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Troy Adams!
Finishing up the first full year for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, is our third 'On Location' show; this one taped on March 15th at Adams Motorsports Park. As the location suggests, Episode 26 sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel joined by the owner of Adams, long time karter and driver coach, Troy Adams. We chat a good amount about not only the origins of how Adams Kart Track came into being, but plenty about Troy's transition from growing up at the track and working as part of the 'family business', to becoming a solid driver in his own right, and perhaps arguably, an even better coach. From creating a driving school in the early 90's, to starting the kid kart movement, to progressing into off road racing with the likes of Hallie Deegan as a student, Troy Adams has been an integral part of many young drivers lives, many who have successful careers in the industry today.
Join us for Episode 26 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Troy Adams!
Episode 25 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Race Liberante as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Race is perhaps best known now as the founder and developer of the Race Factory Chassis line, but he actually has over 20 years of experience in kart racing, winning championships in Cadets, Juniors, and even as recently as 2019 in Shifters. Beyond that, he has also spent extensive time in cars, and was even on the verge of running in the NASCAR top-tier truck series. We chat about his rise through karts, working through the oval ladder system, and his more recent exploits as one of the nation's best karting pilots.
Join us for Episode 25 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Race Liberante!
Episode 25 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Race Liberante as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Race is perhaps best known now as the founder and developer of the Race Factory Chassis line, but he actually has over 20 years of experience in kart racing, winning championships in Cadets, Juniors, and even as recently as 2019 in Shifters. Beyond that, he has also spent extensive time in cars, and was even on the verge of running in the NASCAR top-tier truck series. We chat about his rise through karts, working through the oval ladder system, and his more recent exploits as one of the nations best karting pilots.
Join us for Episode 25 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Race Liberante!
In a special Full Caster Podcast, Mike and Derek sit live trackside on location at the Challenge Of The Americas winter series at CalSpeed Karting, for rounds 3 and 4 of the championship after Friday Official Practice. Join them as they chat with ekartingnews.com's David Cole, Challenge owner and promoter Andy Seeseman, as well as several other guests; including our first cadet and future kid kart drivers to be on the show. Fun was had by all in what was a special and absolute fun way to kick off the weekend.
Join us 'On Location' for the Full Caster Podcast, LIVE at the Challenge Of The Americas!
For episode 24 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel have their first sit down with a track owner, CalSpeed Kartings own, Rob Niles. Recorded on December 22nd 2020, this episode is a special one for the hosts, learning even more about their boss and co-worker for the last several years. Join them as they hear stories from the early days of Rob getting started actually racing a yard kart, his move to cars via Skip Barber in his late twenties, the start of his business Karting Ventures -which blossomed into CalSpeed- and even his stint running the show at Formula BMW and a pair of X Games for Rallycross.
Join us for Episode 24 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Rob Niles!
For episode 24 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel have their first sit down with a track owner, CalSpeed Kartings own, Rob Niles. Recorded on December 22nd 2020, this episode is a special one for the hosts, learning even more about their boss and co-worker for the last several years. Join them as they hear stories from the early days of Rob getting started actually racing a yard kart, his move to cars via Skip Barber in his late twenties, the start of his business Karting Ventures -which blossomed into CalSpeed- and even his stint running the show at Formula BMW and a pair of X Games for Rallycross.
Join us for Episode 24 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Rob Niles!
This installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on November 16th 2020, with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interviewing none other than the 'voice of karting', Rob Howden! For episode 23 of the FCP we chat with Rob about how he got into karting, and how that turned into not only his own magazine, but eventually running the 'Hub' of karting on the internet, ekartingnews.com. We also talk about some of his own time behind the wheel, his battles with friend and co-worker David Cole in karts, as well as his work as part of the Road to Indy and IndyCar Radio, plus so much more...
Join us for Episode 23 of Full Caster Podcast with Rob Howden!
Recorded on November 30th 2020, the 23rd edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Andy Seesemann 'on location' at his place of business, Full Throttle Karting in Orange, CA. Andy is probably best known as the owner and proprietor of FTK, but also as the promoter of the Challenge of the Americas winter series on the west coast. That said, he also has an extensive career behind the wheel, and he shares multiple laughs, stories and memories from the 25+ years he has enjoyed so far in the industry.
Join us for Episode 22 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Andy Seesemann!
All content © 2021 Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation.
Recorded on November 30th 2020, the 23rd edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Andy Seesemann 'on location' at his place of business, Full Throttle Karting in Orange, CA. Andy is probably best known as the owner and proprietor of FTK, but also as the promoter of the Challenge of the Americas Winter Series on the west coast. That said, he also has an extensive career behind the wheel, and he shares multiple laughs, stories and memories from the 25+ years he has enjoyed in the industry.
Join us for Episode 22 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Andy Seesemann!
All content © 2021 Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation.
Episode 21 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation is the first episode for Season 2 of the FCP, as well as the first 'On Location' show, as it sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel head over to MDG Karting to sit down with owner Stu Hayner. Stu not only has been in karting for the past 40+ years, but also had a successful career in sports cars and endurance racing as well. He shares stories from his early days karting, how he got his big break in cars, and how it all came back full circle to owning a kart shop in Orange, California.
Join us for Episode 21 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Stu Hayner!
All content © 2021 Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation.
Episode 21 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation is the first episode for Season 2 of the FCP, as well as the first 'On Location' show, as it sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel head over to MDG Karting to sit down with owner Stu Hayner. Stu not only has been in karting for the past 40+ years, but also had a successful career in sports cars and endurance racing as well. He shares stories from his early days karting, how he got his big break in cars, and how it all came back full circle to owning a kart shop in Orange, California.
Join us for Episode 21 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Stu Hayner!
All content © 2021 Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation.
The 21st installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, this is actually the Season Finale for the first go round of the new karting endeavor, getting done on October 26th, 2020. Diego Morales joins hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel for this episode, and they not only talk about the championship he just won in the CalSpeed Super Series, but roll back to the early days of a kid growing up in Brazil, and how go karting built a foundation in his life at an early age. Taking part in club racing with SCCA's Solo2, as well as some club racing in cars, Diego eventually circled back to kart racing via the indoor genre at Dromo 1, as well as competition karting in Rotax, finally finding a home in CalSpeed's top tier arrive and drive series in 2010...
Join us for Episode 20 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Diego Morales!
The 21st installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, this is actually the Season Finale for the first go round of the new karting endeavor, getting done on October 26th, 2020. Diego Morales joins hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel for this episode, and they not only talk about the championship he just won in the CalSpeed Super Series, but roll back to the early days of a kid growing up in Brazil, and how go karting built a foundation in his life at an early age. Taking part in club racing with SCCA's Solo2, as well as some club racing in cars, Diego eventually circled back to kart racing via the indoor genre at Dromo 1, as well as competition karting in Rotax, finally finding a home in CalSpeed's top tier arrive and drive series in 2010...
Join us for Episode 20 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Diego Morales!
Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with with one of the most experienced and successful karters here in the States for Episode 19 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Billy Cleavelin. Billy's involvement in karting started back in the 70's as a kid turning wrenches, but ever since the 80's, he has been a force behind the wheel. Finding success through every step of the evolution in karting, Billy has seen it all, and damn near won everything there is to win as well. An IKF Expert with multiple Duffy's to his name, Rotax Grand Nationals wins, a multi-time SuperNats winner, and multiple regional championships to his name; he really is one of the best in the business...
Join us for Episode 19 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Billy Cleavelin!
Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with with one of the most experienced and successful karters here in the States for Episode 19 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Billy Cleavelin. Billy's involvement in karting started back in the 70's as a kid turning wrenches, but ever since the 80's, he has been a force behind the wheel. Finding success through every step of the evolution in karting, Billy has seen it all, and damn near won everything there is to win as well. An IKF Expert with multiple Duffy's to his name, Rotax Grand Nationals wins, a multi-time SuperNats winner, and multiple regional championships to his name; he really is one of the best in the business...
Join us for Episode 19 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Billy Cleavelin!
Episode 18 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Terry Nash as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Renowned in the 4-stroke karting world as a master engine builder, Terry talks about how he got into the engine building game, tells a few stories about a pair of his kart racing kids, and even shares a few specifics of just what has gone into his craft over the years. An accomplished driver in his own right, we get to hear a few cool memories of him behind the wheel as well...
Join us for Episode 18 of the Full Caster Podcast with Terry Nash!
For episode 17 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel welcome their first engine builder to the show, with Jesus Vasquez of P1 Engines coming on board. Jesus shares his story of coming up from humble beginnings to become one of the best driving talents of the late 90's and eventually early 2000's as a driver coach and team manager, and how all of that worked into the start of one of the most popular engine brands in the sport. We even talk about his current racing with his son -a talented driver in his own right- Jesus Vasquez Jr.
Join us for Episode 17 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Jesus Vasquez!
For episode 17 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel welcome their first engine builder to the show, with Jesus Vasquez of P1 Engines coming on board. Jesus shares his story of coming up from humble beginnings to become one of the best driving talents of the late 90's and eventually early 2000's as a driver coach and team manager, and how all of that worked into the start of one of the most popular engine brands in the sport. We even talk about his current racing with his son -a talented driver in his own right- Jesus Vasquez Jr.
Join us for Episode 17 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Jesus Vasquez!
Episode 16 of The Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation has hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with another of CalSpeed Karting's own, Sarah Bantay. Programs Manager at CalSpeed, Sarah not only is a instrumental part of the crew, but also has a big part of this podcast with her photoshop skills. In this episode, we talk to her about how she got into karting as a driver via K1 and Jim Hall, the transition to the CalSpeed Super Series, as well as her time in autocross, and how her love of Mazda grew over the years via her FC RX7 and now ND Miata. Co-worker and friend to the hosts, this one was a lot of fun to record!
Join us for Episode 16 of the Full Caster Podcast with Sarah Bantay!
Episode 15 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel catch up with their buddy and longtime Sports Car racer, Craig Stanton. With years of experience under his belt in IMSA, off road, and even motorcycles, he has also been an avid karter in the arrive and drive genre as well. Craig shares several fun stories about how he got into car racing, his rise through the motorsports ranks, and even a deeper dive into his role as a pro driving coach, and test driver.
Join us for Episode 15 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Craig Stanton!
Episode 15 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation sees Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel catch up with their buddy and longtime Sports Car racer, Craig Stanton. With years of experience under his belt in IMSA, off road, and even motorcycles, he has also been an avid karter in the arrive and drive genre as well. Craig shares several fun stories about how he got into car racing, his rise through the motorsports ranks, and even a deeper dive into his role as a pro driving coach, and test driver.
Join us for Episode 15 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Craig Stanton!
For episode 14 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel have their first sit down with someone from the other side of the fence, Taylor Jocelyn. Taylor has over a decade of experience as a race official, but has also spent time as a club president, putting on street races, never mind he was also a driver in his own right in SCCA, motorcycles, and of course karts. We chat with him extensively about his time in officiating, racing formula fords and other open wheel cars, and a little bit about his time wrenching and coaching his boy Cameron Jocelyn.
Join us for Episode 14 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Taylor Jocelyn!
All content © 2020 Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation.
For episode 14 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel have their first sit down with someone from the other side of the fence, Taylor Jocelyn. Taylor has over a decade of experience as a Race official, but has also spent time as a club president, putting on street races, never mind he was also a driver in his own right in SCCA, motorcycles, and of course karts. We chat with him extensively about his time in officiating, racing formula fords and other open wheel cars, and a little bit about his time wrenching and coaching his boy Cameron Jocelyn.
Join us for Episode 14 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Taylor Jocelyn!
All content © 2020 Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation.
Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with one of the most successful shifter kart pilots in in North America for episode 13 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Billy Musgrave. A four time winner of the SKUSA SuperNationals, plus multiple local and regional karting championships, the lead driver for the Musgrave Racing Company (MRC) is hailed as one of the best in the business in the Pro Shifter category. In this episode, he not only talks about his karting career to date, but how he got his start in racing via motocross, and now his transition into kart manufacturing via their new 'Factory Kart' brand.
Join us for Episode 13 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Billy Musgrave!
Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with one of the most successful shifter kart pilots in in North America for episode 13 of The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation, Billy Musgrave. A four time winner of the SKUSA SuperNationals, plus multiple local and regional karting championships, the lead driver for the Musgrave Racing Company (MRC) is hailed as one of the best in the business in the Pro Shifter category. In this episode, he not only talks about his karting career to date, but how he got his start in racing via motocross, and now his transition into kart manufacturing via their new 'Factory Kart' brand.
Join us for Episode 13 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Billy Musgrave!
Episode 12 of The Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation has hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with CalSpeed Kartings own, Bob Niles. The current engine builder and "do'er of all things" at the Fontana, CA karting track, he has been working on engines since he was a teenager, never mind a long list of other skills he employs. With a slew of knowledge in karting as well as a few other surprising occupations, Mr. Niles' recollection of the early days of karting, growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, plus several other topics is truly entertaining! Father to CalSpeed's owner Rob Niles, this little chat was a special one for the hosts, and is one not to miss...
Join us for Episode 12 of the Full Caster Podcast with Bob Niles!
The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation - Episode 11 has hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with the Team Principal and founder of HRT Driver Development, Kyle Hayner. A fairly new team to the industry, the name however is not new; born into and brought up in the racing world, Kyle's experience dates back to when he was just a kid in cadet karts, carry on into cars doing precision driving and coaching, and now as one of the more popular karting organizations seen in Southern California and beyond.
Join us for Episode 11 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Kyle Hayner!
The Full Caster Podcast: A Karting Conversation - Episode 11 has hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with the Team Principal and founder of HRT Driver Development, Kyle Hayner. A fairly new team to the industry, the name however is not new; born into and brought up in the racing world, Kyle's experience dates back to when he was just a kid in cadet karts, carry on into cars doing precision driving and coaching, and now as one of the more popular karting organizations seen in Southern California and beyond.
Join us for Episode 11 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Kyle Hayner!
Episode 10 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Ryon Beachner as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Ryon is known as the owner and manager of the 2Wild Karting team, with the team finding many successes over the years, and Ryon himself earning a name as quite the wheelman himself. Listen in as he takes our hosts through the trying early days for 2Wild, through his racing career, and on to the current state of affairs as the company grows to meet today's new challenges.
Join us for Episode 10 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Ryon Beachner!
Episode 10 of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation brings on Ryon Beachner as a guest with hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel. Ryon is known as the owner and manager of the 2Wild Karting team, with the team finding many successes over the years, and Ryon himself earning a name as quite the wheelman himself. Listen in as he takes our hosts through the trying early days for 2Wild, through his racing career, and on to the current state of affairs as the company grows to meet today's new challenges.
Join us for Episode 10 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Ryon Beachner!
The Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation hits its 10th episode with this installment, as hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel catch up with Alyssa Yauney back on May 29th. Alyssa has experience on both sides of the fence, working as a scorer for the Tri-C club, but also finding success behind the wheel, scoring championships in both sport karts and competition karts. The 2018 Super Series champ chats how she first got into karting, her experience vying for the championship in her competition karting days, and shares some other fun stories along the way.
Join us for Episode 9 of the Full Caster Podcast with Alyssa Yauney!
The ninth edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation was recorded on May 27th, as hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with another long time karter, Travis Irving. Travis is known as a skilled tuner via his 'TI Tuned' moniker, but also is one of the front runners in the Masters category in both TAG and Shifter competition whenever he hits the track. Currently seen under the Formula Works tent and astride both a CompKart and more recently a GFC kart, we chat about his time karting as a kid, his car experience in both single-seaters and Late Models, as well as his overall outlook on the sport.
Join us for Episode 8 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Travis Irving!
The ninth edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation was recorded on May 27th, as hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel sit down with another long time karter, Travis Irving. Travis is known as a skilled tuner via his 'TI Tuned' moniker, but also is one of the front runners in the Masters category in both TAG and Shifter competition whenever he hits the track. Currently seen under the Formula Works tent and astride both a CompKart and more recently a GFC kart, we chat about his time karting as a kid, his car experience in both single-seaters and Late Models, as well as his overall outlook on the sport.
Join us for Episode 8 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Travis Irving!
Recorded in the first week of May, episode 7 for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview longtime Sport karter Patrick Britain. Having started in the oval ranks, he didn't start karting until he was in his twenty's! Winner of the Machismo 12-hour, as well as former champion in both the CalSpeed IronMan and Super Series, Britain's career in arrive and drive karting has seen a good amount of success at the Fontana, CA facility. We chat about all this, plus his new foray as a business owner with his racing apparel company, Red Six Racegear.
Join us for Episode 7 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Patrick Britain!
Recorded in the first week of May, episode 7 for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview longtime Sport karter Patrick Britain. Having started in the oval ranks, he didn't start karting until he was in his twenty's! Winner of the Machismo 12-hour, as well as former champion in both the CalSpeed IronMan and Super Series, Britain's career in arrive and drive karting has seen a good amount of success at the Fontana, CA facility. We chat about all this, plus his new foray as a business owner with his racing apparel company, Red Six Racegear.
Join us for Episode 7 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Patrick Britain!
Recorded on May 7th, the seventh edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Matt Johnson. Matt is the reigning National Champion in the X30 Masters class from the SKUSA Pro Tour, and has been at the sharp end of the sport for many years. In this episode we take a look back at his career, chat about his car experience from a Late Model at Irwindale Speedway, as well as share stories that have many other big names from karting in them.
Join us for Episode 6 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Matt Johnson!
Recorded on May 7th, the seventh edition of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Matt Johnson. Matt is the reigning National Champion in the X30 Masters class from the SKUSA Pro Tour, and has been at the sharp end of the sport for many years. In this episode we take a look back at his career, chat about his car experience from a Late Model at Irwindale Speedway, as well as share stories that have many other big names from karting in them.
Join us for Episode 6 of the Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Matt Johnson!
This installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, was recorded on April 22nd, and is with our first current car racer. Hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel interview Alexander Bermudez for Episode 5, who actually didn't get into racing until his mid-30's! Over the hour and a half show we chat about his introduction into racing via his talent for photography, talk a good amount about his car racing in both Porsche BSR and SRF competition, and of course about his karting exploits - most notably as a CalSpeed Sprint Series Champ.
Join us for Episode 5 of Full Caster Podcast with Alexander Bermudez!
Kicking off the month of May for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, is our first of the 'more recently' recorded episodes; this one taped on April 22nd. Episode 4 sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel joined by veteran karter Stephen Clark, who got his start at the famed Adam Motorsports Park, and now runs the successful Phil Giebler Racing team. We chat a good amount about the early days of karting here in Southern California, as well as dive deep into the tuning and coaching aspects in the sport, with Stephen being a master in both realms.
Join us for Episode 4 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Stephen Clark!
Kicking off the month of May for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, is our first of the 'more recently' recorded episodes; this one taped on April 22nd. Episode 4 sees hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel joined by veteran karter Stephen Clark, who got his start at the famed Adam Motorsports Park, and now runs the equally famous Phil Giebler Racing team. We chat a good amount about the early days of karting here in Southern California, as well as dive deep into the tuning and coaching aspects in the sport, with Stephen being a master in both realms.
Join us for Episode 4 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Stephen Clark!
Wrapping up the first month for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, is another two part episode and the last of the pre-recorded shows from the end of March. For Episode 3, long time karter Cameron Jocelyn joins hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel, covering his career from kid karts to ASA trucks. Add in a few stories from Cameron's time working at CalSpeed, as well as his current role as a prominent tuner and coach in the sport, and there is a lot to talk about.
Join us for Episode 3 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Cameron Jocelyn!
Wrapping up the first month for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, is another two part episode and the last of the pre-recorded shows from the end of March. For Episode 3, long time karter Cameron Jocelyn joins hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel, covering his career from kid karts to ASA trucks. Add in a few stories from Cameron's time working at CalSpeed, as well as his current role as a prominent tuner and coach in the sport, and there is a lot to talk about.
Join us for Episode 3 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Cameron Jocelyn!
The third show for the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, like the first two, was recorded earlier, specifically on March 28th. For Episode 2, hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel are joined by local karter Diego Alvarado, talking about karting in both indoor and outdoor venues, motorsports photography, and even his budding eSports career with Richard Petty Motorsports. We even chat about a little rain racing in karts!
Join us for Episode 2 of Full Caster Podcast with Diego Alvarado!
The second installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, this is actually the very first one recorded, getting done on March 27th. KC Cook joins hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel for this episode, and they talk about how he worked up from indoor to outdoor karting, found success in competition karts before becoming a driver coach, as well as how he landed a job at the Porsche Driving Experience.
Join us for Episode 1 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with KC Cook!
The second installment of the Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, this is actually the very first one recorded, getting done on March 27th. KC Cook joins hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel for this episode, and they talk about how he worked up from indoor to outdoor karting, found success in competition karts before becoming a driver coach, as well as how he landed a job at the Porsche Driving Experience.
Join us for Episode 1 of Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with KC Cook!
Broadcast as the debut episode of Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, live via Facebook on March 31 2020, here is the podcast version and kickoff for the brand. Joining hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel is top tier sport karter Darren Mercer, chatting about karting of course, but also how he got into racing, off road racing, indoor karting, and even a little acting...
Join us for the first episode of Full Caster Podcast, Part 1 with Darren Mercer!
Broadcast as the debut episode of Full Caster Podcast - A Karting Conversation, live via Facebook on March 31 2020, here is the podcast version and kickoff for the brand. Joining hosts Mike Smith and Derek Esquibel is top tier sport karter Darren Mercer, chatting about karting of course, but also how he got into racing, off road racing, indoor karting, and even a little acting...
Join us for the first episode of Full Caster Podcast, Part 2 with Darren Mercer!