I would like to see someone comment "I found a crew chief and I will cover his salary" or "I rented a track for you all year and will pay for your tires and fuel to test"
Nah. Everyone loves to criticize and be arm chair quarterbacks after they watch the video. These people aren’t actually here to try to help. They all just want to comment there input and feel like what they have to say is important
No people comment because it's a RU-vid channel and they open up the comment section . As such they will recive positive and negative comments regardless of the topic at hand like any channel . They could just turn off the comments with a single push of a button but they don't because it drives viewership ie traffic which drives up revenue for them .I am glad they respond to criticism like they do here and explain why they have decided to do or not to do things like they have here.. The real issue is snowflakes like the above posters who can't stand even the slightest critical comment with out launching into adhomen attacks or portraying themselves or HTF as victims like so many snowflakes in our society today . Suck it up butter cup HTF are big boys they can handle it without your whinging and whineing .
It's hard to compete with the big series because they race so much more. If you had a constant 3 or 4 races a week your going to be better then 1 a week but that's racing I guess.
There's a bunch of experts on the internet 😂 you guys are doing great with what you have. Keep digging and learning HTF you guys are a solid team regardless of what people say.
You guys are the most transparent team I have ever watched on RU-vid!!! Your not just a race team!!! How many other racing teams start their own series for others like themselves and in the second year draw the attention and support that HTF receives. There is no team out there running their own series plus racing plus vlogging plus podcasting plus merchandising plus racing support classes plus owning a full time stable plus, plus, plus. Whether you realize this or not you are doing something that no one else is doing. Lucas World of Outlaws HTF Thats what you have created and you have a lot to hang your hat on. Keep up the great work. People love to be entertained and more than being entertained others love to criticize!!!!! When your product quits growing then your no longer relative but..........when your product is liked and hated and views are up you have something of value!!!!!! Keep doing what you love!!!!!
I've been watching for like 5 years and at the beginning was curious when the "wheels were going to fall off" meaning this channel fall apart. It just keeps getting deeper. That region should be excited for racing imo. The kids that watch these videos are the Next generation of racing.
I agree they have came a long way. Now time will make the faster and consistent there at the top of the fastest and there rather new at this level time and experience is the only way they're doing great.
$2000 is ALOT to rent a track. Granted being from South Carolina our facilities aren't near as nice but if I'm not mistaken 4 hours of testing at our local track is 450 bucks and most people bring 4 people to help level the costs. The main use for test sessions for us was to always test stuff we would never try during a race night because we don't want to mess up any chance at a good finish by trying random off the wall stuff. Testing is a good or bad thing. You will burn up equipment and spend money, but in the chance you find something that puts you in a new speed bracket is worth while.
Joseph is very correct. You don't go testing unless you have a reason for testing Never harm your equipment for no reason And never test at a track that's not going to be paying a big money race in the future And this is just my opinion. Y'all do a great job. Keep up the good work
I agree partially with you but fully with Joseph, that you have a game plan to test and things that you want to try, accomplish or whatever. Maybe they would arrange to have someone available that he trusts or believes in to help with that testing or at least give guidance on what things to try and all that.
Yeah just go wind those precious 50k motors up to 9500 and let em rip!! Go thru 3 or 4 sets of Hoosiers while you're at it!! It's just money, people never cease to amaze with their "expertise" let's spend 20k to MAYBE win 15
How much does one lap cost for test? Fuel, tires, motor laps, shock wear, oil, brakes, tear offs, tow money, track rent, etc.. I don't know and I won't waste your time listening to me tell you what to do. . Well, you answered My question when I ended this comment, but I'll post it anyways for the algorithm! Keep doing what you're doing!
@jonkluver7912 I couldn't tell you but I would guess for them to haul to a track (which all tracks a different and so are the gears used ,camber, tires and pressure) as you said rent the track, pay EMS to standby as there are no laps without an ambulance present , wear on the motor, tires, fluids etc etc I cannot believe it's a lick under 10k so really hotlaps are where they test "free" but again iam not a crew chief just a hack stocker driver back in the day
Here's just a common man's take on this. Can't capital rent a track for a couple days and several teams come test with some capital engineers to assist ? You are running their brand on a national level with social and TV exposure. It would behoove them to help, no? Any engineer that has any experience knows how to test many things (unrelated) per test session. You get results faster and better results you can use. Data acquisition is a must. Think outside the box or run mid pack.
Look, I’m behind you guys 100% regardless the entertainment value is awesome. But I see the hesitation in Jonathan‘s voice. I hear the hesitation in Jonathan‘s voice if you want to get good at something you practice why do football teams do it they practice if you’re only driving a weekend every other weekend that ain’t good enough. If you guys are happy with the value that you put out then don’t worry about what people say but if you want to get better you need to test it’s common sense. But regardless, I think you guys are great keep up the good work. Glory to GOD!
@dirtracer9193 shop for sponsors, they've had the same for the past few years. They're known all over the country, and they should easily be able to pick up some extra funds. Who is in charge of their marketing is falling down on their job. I feel like they're just not doing enough to better their program.
A good start is having someone as a "data clerk" to track every little piece of the operation for every track. Past and future there are so many things that go into making a good car (team)a great car (team)
@ToddRobinson13 They have data acquisition systems for on the car. I am talking about notes taking on car setup, tires, weather, track conditions, driver feedback, and so on.
I'm sure HTF has something. Temp, Barometric pressure, weather forecast, moisture content in track. So many variables and all it takes is a water truck to wreck someone's set up.
Try to find a trustworthy consultant to go through all shocks and springs and go to a few races with you or maybe a test ..the right guy can help a lot without the expense of a full time crew chief
I think you guys should save the testing to "A" the big money races and "B" to the newer tracks that you have been to only once. That will save lap count on motors, but im sure it will help the setup book for that track. Race days and open practice is tough for setup work because the track changes so much in that short time. Kinda always chasing tail when it's like that and not making good notes. I love the way you guys just do you. Mad respect. Been watching since your second you tube episode and its crazy how far you all have come. Dont change! The HTF crew is amazing and thanks for doing what you guys do.
I made this comment once before a week ago il say it again. You boys are doing great. You all are still newish to the top level in super. Like people don't realize that you boys are going up against established race teams with decades behind them. This is what your second or third year as a full on competitive super team. So what I see I'm impressed. I'm almost 40 and I've grown up in racing. Never made it racing to late models but I worked on a super team in the Lucas series when I was younger. Again what people are expecting out of y'all takes time hell years. Most don't make I'm one. But you boys keep doing what you know stay focused and for heaven sake enjoy the ride I love it. God bless.
Podcast shows well what IT COSTS to do great! Keep pushing and win what you can when you can like the HTF SDS. You won't lose my support from here in Iowa.
Hey guys, Thank You for all your family does for dirt racing. Listened to your podcast. Seems like you have some really good equipment. Sometimes one might have to sit down and evaluate if what you have and can afford is good enough to beat the competition. Now I have no idea what the other teams run, Joseph and Jessie know how to get around the track. You definitely showed you can run with everyone at Eldora. Don’t think you’re very far off.
I totally agree that’s exactly what I said. I don’t watch hunt the front because they win all the time I watch Hunt the front because it’s awesome entertainment, and their Christians. That’s the only reason they need to do whatever they feel happy doing that’s all that matters to me I can care less one way or the other. I’m still gonna keep watching. To be honest, I don’t watch anybody else and I don’t watch dirt track racing because I’m a big huge fan. I’m a fan of hunt the front. Glory to GOD!
Interestingly, being ex-Christian myself, I watch HTF _in spite_ of the fact that they are Christians. But HTF doesn't constantly non-consensually proselytize in front of the camera the way a majority of religious folks do, so I don't mind giving them my patronage. If you keep your personal religion and politics in private, and you like racing, we'll get along just fine.
I've been watching your channel for 3 or 4 years and one of the reasons if not the biggest reasons is you guys make it fun and most important for me family Johnathan ,Joseph,Joshua,and jesse and wives,and kids and Jordans even loosening up this an year and the rest of the team you may fool around t bit but I see your seriousness at the track and the shop when it's time for business so keep being you when it's time to grow and you have the backing then take extra step good luck this season
The top guys are also testing with engineers, data acquisition, crew chiefs, shock specialists, etc. Testing for you guys would be helpful but not at the cost for your level team.
If you look back at when you did test on your northern trip you guys did better. I loved seeing you guys up at Gondik Law Speedway. Never would have imagined seeing you guys up here. Keep up the great work!!!
I know when either Supers touring series is in the East Tn area, someone is always testing before or after at another track within an hour drive. 411, Smoky Mtn., I-75, Bulls Gap, Tazwell.
I’ve watched you guys since you started your channel and in the short time you’ve been doing this you have came along way just keep being you that’s what has got you this far and when your racing with the best you have to have deep pockets but your racing with them keep up the good job time will give you the rest. Now go hunt the front and have fun
They have been racing for a long time but only a short time in the class of drivers and cars there racing with now big difference between local races and top level races. Don’t need a driver Joseph is a good driver just need to learn more about the car they just went to a longhorn it takes time and money to get there and there getting there
The overwhelming majority of the people telling you how to run your “show” , couldn’t drive a duck to water .. for anyone to do what you guys have done , is an incredible achievement . Just be you , that’s why people watch .
I like watching you guys because you have fun! My dad raced motorcycles back in the day. He raced BSA. They wanted him to go pro for them and he turned them down. He said it would be his job and it wouldn't be fun anymore. Keep having fun!
For what it's worth, I think you do a great job, racing with the best equipment you can have. sadly money is always the determing factor, Joseph and your team do a great job with what you have, you guys have proved you can be competitive, keep up great work, I'm big fan and follower!!
Guy's Winfield, TN here and I'll just say this keep on doing what you're doing. Y'all will get there becoming a veteran SLM driver it takes year's and year's there's a reason why they're called veterans. I've been with you Jonathan since the beginning don't let the opinions of others detour you're mindset y'all are the one's putting in the work and doing it. There's so many people out there that watch SLM racing religiously but for the life of them they can't comprehend the level of racing y'all are doing they think cause it's happening at a dirt track it shouldn't be so complicated but it's very very complicated and it's not always set up it's line's and engine setups to match and then using that the way it needs to it's not all setup or equipment.
A racer cant ever test too much. You guys surprise us all at how damn good you run and its just you guys. Not sure you need a "crew chief", but track time breeds knowledge and thats what a crew chief brings. So if you have the time and money to test, get after it and get that knowledge. 4 or 5 guys on a team with combined knowledge will make a great combination.
The only thing i can think of and you maybe already doing it is,when you make a big show but are way in the back that is a good time to try things you have been thinking about ,you already made money making the show and maybe off the pace ,use it as a test sesion and take notes on what worked and what didn't, i think you guys do a great job with what you have keep up the good work .
Hello gents! The only thing I have is, race more than you do. I don’t know if testing is the answer but I do know that seat time always helps! Starting sooner in the season and running more consistently. Not taking all this time off.
Some of our tracks up north have test nights. Might not get but 5-6 runs but it will help build that note book. Some tracks are similar so some of that information can help you get your setup close. At least you'd have a starting point and adjust from there.
testing is for notes. With all of the variables, dirt type, temp, moisture, rubbering, banking, track shape, etc. your setup is only as good as the current conditions of the track you're at, and just that track. You can test all week and really dial in your car, but rain the day before the event and you're back to square one.
It's hard living where you guys do because surface plays a big part in it. You can be dialed in down there and come up north where I'm from and be out to lunch!!!!! I'm a full believer in the more money you have the easier it is to get faster. You guys have come leaps and bounds in the last 2 yrs. Also I think u guys r doing it right. Ya won't get any better beating up on the local guys. Keep chasing big races and keep taking notes. If ya can't out money them..... OUT WORK THEM!!!!
The most important thing about figuring out how a car is working is to write everything down. You evidently have a base setup and you make adjustments from there. I see Joseph making shock changes I see gear changes being made, possible spring changes also. It's important also to debrief driver and all observers for the team at the end of practice and or a race. Contact your chassis manufacturer, I believe they're more than willing to help you with setup suggestions. Good luck in your future racing endeavors.😊
Let me start off by saying that I love the whole HTF Team/Family!!! I offer up one possible alternative to what was discussed in this video. I believe that Donnie Moran offers his time and facilites (for a price) up in southern Ohio to help educate racers on how to step up their respective racing program. I saw it in an interview with his son, Devin, a year or two ago with "The History Mystery Man". Please do not take my word for it, but give Donnie Moran a call and find out what he can offer you and what it will cost. It seemed like it lasted for a couple 2-3 days and he explains why teams do the things that they do to improve speed and performance. Possibly a lot of your viewers would be willing to chip in $20 a piece to help with the cost. I would be willing to do that for sure. Best Wishes!!!
I don't know if this would work... Maybe along with splitting the cost with another team, you could take the merch trailer with you and have a combined test session and meet and greet. Helping to offset some of the cost.
I doubt this will be seen by HTF, but I watched this vid about what you guys need to do to be better. Hiring a Crew Chief is not realistic and Testing can get expensive. I agree. But you can do more in your shop. I recommend getting set up plates from Hammond Motorsports and start doing more chassis setup in your shop. Both Front and Rear. I don't represent the business. But those are very useful to preparing your cars before ever heading to a Track. Just a suggestion.
Joshua could you reduce the winners purse to pay for a practice night? $10k to 9k Friday , 20k to 19k Saturday, maybe run something like that at a drivers meeting to gauge interest?
Plus they all these notes alof of notes from different dates and times or weather situations in the south we have alot of humidity which effects the tracks surface
Testing is where you can throw the kitchen sink at the car and see how it reacts. Want to try something totally off the wall and see how the car reacts? Testing is the time to do it. Bar angle, ride height, bird cage angle, pinion angles, spring / shock combinations, weight percentages, anything. You can learn a lot in testing you can't learn racing. If you spend a full day you can test various combinations across changing track conditions and then have that information available when you're actually racing. Pages and pages of notes and numbers. Write everything down. All that information travels with you and when you're actually racing and track is going slick, taking rubber, etc and the car feels a certain way you'll have good information what combination worked and what didn't work. It's not a cheap day or two but making a couple big shows because you knew what to do with the car instead of just guessing can pay for that day.
May be something to check out but I’m pretty sure rocket used to test after the races the next day after everyone left they would stay back. Kinda makes sense when you’re already there you know the surface you’re on from the night before and you have recent lap times to go off of to know if you’re going in the right direction or not. I could be wrong about that though
I have a racing background not just talking to be talking, u guys have a good program, growing costs a lot of money. DECIDE HOW FAR U WANT TO GO, STAY LOCAL,BIGGER CLASSES, MORE TRAVEL, MORE TIME AWAY FROM HOME AND FAMILY..WHEN YOU WORK THAT OUT THEN AND ONLY THEN CAN YOU MOVE FORWARD WITH A GOOD PLAN...HANG IN THERE GUYS U GOT SOMETHING SPECIAL ..THANKS.
I love racing where teams show up in million dollar haulers crying that a set of shocks cost $6K and want them banned. I'll say it again, 1 ton dually 32ft max trailer, 2 crew members, that's it. I remember an article many years ago where we were supposed to feel sorry for Chub Frank because he only had one hauler and only had about 100 tires and wheels.
Its all about time and money management to be successful in any race program. It's pretty crazy even in the lower classes now. Hopefully still having fun.
Testing on dirt. How can that be consistent? When dirt changes with the weather conditions. What’s the cost? (Track rental, engine wear, crew pay, fuel cost) is it worth the purse your racing for? It all cost money. Me as a spectator going to watch a 4 hour’s of entertainment. I don’t see the benefit of the price of admission. Cause, the admission is getting out of my income range. I’ll just get my fix at watching ya’ll on RU-vid. Keep up the great work. And Jessie. Where’s that baby?
I will just say this. HTF didn’t do testing last year nor did they have a crew chief and they finished 2 nd in points and looked really good. With one of the best drivers and great group of people I don’t see a problem.
Testing a few times a year to try things out of your comfort zone. The more you try, the more you learn. Does Longhorn have a chassis setup school? Does anyone? I’m just an armchair fan, part-time racer via iRacing. I know very little about setups, but the fact y’all bring testing up, and talk about it is a good step forward. One other thing. Aero, you guys had a podcast on this subject. I notice little thing certain drivers do to the bodies. Like that big curve on the right side on Overton’s sheet metal. Like a giant air scoop, that’s shaped like a dozer blade.
Yes there are setup schools or at least 1 that I've seen, if not many more. Don't know what the manufactures do/have, but if you follow Tim Nash on Ole No 7 Garage he and his brother in-law Gary Gross went to one couple or so months ago (Gary's 2nd time going), but I can't remember the name of it. They filmed the trip there and the non-classroom stuff during it, but not the actual class part itself. Felt people should do like they did and pay to go to the school like everyone else. Not sure how good they are but they are there.
With all of the variables in dirt tracks -- length, banking, radius of curves, length of straights, composition of dirt, etc., I don't see the value of doing much testing unless you're looking for something specific with a new part, steering setup, etc. Of course, who's to say the track will be prepared anything like it would be for a race day?
Darren Klein just posted a video about a practice day somewhere. B Shepp was there also. When you have virtually unlimited budgets, a few thousand dollars is nothing.
I’ve always wondered why you don’t get more practice time at the track on race nights? Even weekly asphalt racer get 2-3 10 min. sessions, I realize there’s more track prep involved. Around here it’s $75-$100 an hour for track rental.( asphalt) For the Oxford 250, you can practice all day , Friday & Saturday til 6pm or so before that evening show begins. I hope this info might help. PS the 250 also practices Sunday morning before qualifying heat @ 2pm Joshua would it be possible to get a sponsorship for practice night to cover expenses and ad to stream inventory?
The biggest thing is you have to WIN alot at the local- regional races before you go tackle the national touring series Very few teams have the budget/ know how to compete with them , watch who is up front in a lucas race the same 5-6 cars those have the budget / know how that's why they are always in front. If you are lucky enough to start a touring race ---- 15-24 use it as a test because the chances of you blowing by those guys in front of you probably ain't gonna happen , then document ever single thing you do to noting weather is a wet track dry slick or took rubber and if it did take rubber what lap did it start taking rubber , air temp and the date you were there. Tracks change from month to month during the year
One of the things I can say about testing (coming from the asphalt late model world ) is it does give you the chance to try some wild stuff you can’t afford to to try on a race weekend
Laps to get it right are limited at some events. You do so good some nights and struggle so much other nights. I know its not always your night, but what could help you do better at the tracks you struggle at. Most people say more laps. Keep racing full seasons and you will get the laps without specifically testing. Then call that experience nod and say yup
The people making those comments don’t realize there’s about 4 different types of budget classes in Super racing. You have local guys that just afford the stuff that race at a couple tracks against other locals with older equipment. Regional, where you stay in your area, race at more tracks, have a couple volunteers on the crew, somewhat new equipment. Traveling lite, where you try and travel with the top series but don’t have a crew chief but some crew members and the equipment to complete. Then the top that has it all plus more. Idk if it’s yall being on RU-vid or what it is with these fans but they think yall are in that top portion and it’s just not possible to do if you run with a certain budget, even if the talent is there. 12 years ago I could run with Billy Moyer Jr at certain tracks with his full crew and it just me, my dad, and one helper, but other places I couldn’t as the budget started to shine.
Good point. People are also forgetting that beyond Jordan, everyone else on that team has video/series management responsibilities for internet content (twitch gaming, patreon vids and a podcast) as well as a small crew race team - since HTF's other enterprises are key to funding the team in general, there's only so much they can do. You're dead on, people make assumptions, but all of this is work and I'm sure their families, as involved as they are have needs as well. :) Good discussion. I remember the first time I saw Billy Moyer, back in the transition to wedge cars from stock late models, competing on a budget has always been a huge issue in dirt track late model racing. That struggle could fill a book.
We see that with the USMTS stuff up here. A couple local favorites put on a clinic when they come to town. But it's good for the series and good for the local fans that full the seats.
Atleast some of the big teams are running data acquisition systems collecting data and telemetry, running lots of sensors when they test, and is atleast partially why those big teams test as much as they do, because they are not allowed to run any of the data acquisition stuff during a race night. If you watch the Floracing Road to Eldora "the device" episode with Kevin Rumley he talks a little about collecting data going all the way back to 2010
What to do when you test? How about adjusting , tweaking , and fine tuning so that your car will be near ready . Then adjust as necessary with race day track condition.
I really think more testing would improve yalls program, maybe you could start scheduling practice sessions otw back from HTF series races were you already be on the rd. I don't know just been a fan since the beginning, good luck love the show!!!
So many crew chiefs available in the comments, just pick one lol. Testing is a great idea but like Joseph says, what are you testing, it would have to be something setup wise, new shocks / suspension setup / equipment. You know this though. What about setup help from Longhorn?
I would rather go do what I have done, which is go to more actual races, since testing is good if you have things planned out as you guys were saying, yet that cost you money, when going to races actually pays you money. So I would go to more races to do my testing in order to get better, since it works for everyone I have seen make the move to Iowa, because you can race five to seven nights a week in Iowa.
The very top teams have two identical cars in the truck not one with their good engine and one with a not-so-good engine. Plus they likely have couple top-tier spare motors in the cabinet. Probably a shock dyno and half-dozen sets of shocks. Most of the commenters have ZERO idea how much work/cost this stuff is.
Not against testing, but racing is mostly predicting track conditions in the feature, you either hit the set up or not, most tracks either dry slick or rubber up ans setting shocks rating , but testing could get closer if you quifying for race in that case you start up front and dont burn your tires to get to the front
Honestly what about attend a test day Longhorn teams are attending? The other thing you need to be prepared is different shock and spring packages, Parts, Tires and a plan and sticking to it.
Well, a debate on what you should and shouldn’t do. All it comes down to is car handling on the night of when it matters the most. Consider starting with shock and spring technician at the track’s where you haven’t finished top5 and start a baseline from that. And I’m sure bo slay and tray mills be interested in testing with you guys.
Rocket has a tech program. They will share information and Rocket only test sessions. It was 15 k a year fee but that was about 3 years ago. I know Vinny G offers tech services. He was engineer/ crew chief for JD.
I don't know how close you can get a track race ready on a dirt track. Only having a few car's or a car there. The only thing you could do is change things and make a note book on what it does.
I heard you guys say your coming to florence speed way. If you never been here you might want to come and practice if you can it can be a really tricky surface.
