DCJ Podcast: Behind the rock screen with the driver of the #7C Midget, Chase Hodge

Summary

In this episode of the Dirt Court Jesters Podcast, Josh interviews Chase Hodge, a rising star in dirt racing. Chase shares his journey from wrenching on cars to driving them, his experiences at the Chili Bowl, and the lessons learned during his 2025 racing season. He discusses his aspirations for the 2026 season, including racing full-time with the USAC Midwest Thunder Midgets and the challenges he faces on different tracks. The conversation also touches on the camaraderie within the racing community and Chase's future goals in the sport.

Takeaways

Chase Hodge started racing due to his father's influence.

His earliest memory at the track involves a humorous mishap with popcorn.

The Chili Bowl is a significant event for racers, filled with challenges and opportunities.

Chase learned valuable lessons about patience and respect in racing during his 2025 season.

He plans to focus on improving his performance in slick track conditions.

Chase is excited about racing at Eldora, a dream for many drivers.

The USAC Midwest Thunder Midgets series offers a supportive community for racers.

Chase aims to prove himself before moving up to a national midget or sprint car.

He emphasizes the importance of setup and driver skill in racing.

Chase enjoys the balance of driving and wrenching, preferring to focus on driving during races.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chase Hodge

02:57 Experiences at the Chili Bowl

06:31 Lessons from 2025 Racing Season

10:34 Preparing for Full-Time Racing in 2026

12:51 Track Experiences and Preferences

14:03 Looking Ahead to 2026 Racing Schedule

18:23 Choosing the USAC Midwest Thunder Midgets

20:04 Community and Camaraderie in Racing

21:04 Future Aspirations in Racing

24:14 Plans for 2026 Racing Season

25:37 Balancing Driving and Wrenching

27:04 Lightning Round Questions

36:01 Funny Stories from the Track

40:36 Social Media and Sponsorships