Summit Racing Freedom 500 4/2 at the Freedom Factory (Cleetus content)

I was on the fence about paying 10 bucks to watch youtubers drive around a small track in stock crown vics, but its kinda starting to look like actual racing. To add to the legitamacy, Randy Pobst just signed on as a replacement driver. Between him, Pastrana, Foust,  and 4 other nascar drivers, It's getting a little more than just famous youtubers. 

Youtube sucks. Cleetus is just a character. All of these youtubers suck. I hear all of that, but he took a dead race track destined for a subdivision, is bringing actual stock car racing back, and revitalizing the failed industry. If that isnt GRM, I don't really know what is. 

Also, Randy Pobst is a legend. I don't think he turns down any sort of race. Every story he tells is great, and every interaction I see of him, he just seems like a down to earth guy that loves to drive fast. 

I really like Randy Pobst.


However, after seeing Cleetus respond after a participant received third degree burns at one of his "events", I have already made up my mind about sending him any money, or watching any of his content.   That's not GRM at all.

The participant he made a video about the accident on his second channel, went to the hospital numerous times, drove the guy around in his galaxy as soon as he got out,  and continues to be friends with the guy? Parker was on his video a couple weeks ago, machining a block for him overnight to try and get it running for an event. If Parker isn't mad about it, I don't think anyone else should be. There's alot more after that story that is important too. 

lnlogauge said:

The participant he made a video about the accident on his second channel, went to the hospital numerous times, drove the guy around in his galaxy as soon as he got out,  and continues to be friends with the guy? Parker was on his video a couple weeks ago, machining a block for him overnight to try and get it running for an event. If Parker isn't mad about it, I don't think anyone else should be. There's a lot more after that story that is important too. 

This. He really stepped up to the plate afterwards. They also drastically overhauled the safety requirements for their burnout contests.

NickD said:

lnlogauge said:

The participant he made a video about the accident on his second channel, went to the hospital numerous times, drove the guy around in his galaxy as soon as he got out,  and continues to be friends with the guy? Parker was on his video a couple weeks ago, machining a block for him overnight to try and get it running for an event. If Parker isn't mad about it, I don't think anyone else should be. There's a lot more after that story that is important too. 

This. He really stepped up to the plate afterwards. They also drastically overhauled the safety requirements for their burnout contests.

I guess they aren't going to do the radiator behind the seat thing anymore. That would be a good thing. 

Snowdoggie (Forum Supporter) said:

NickD said:

lnlogauge said:

The participant he made a video about the accident on his second channel, went to the hospital numerous times, drove the guy around in his galaxy as soon as he got out,  and continues to be friends with the guy? Parker was on his video a couple weeks ago, machining a block for him overnight to try and get it running for an event. If Parker isn't mad about it, I don't think anyone else should be. There's a lot more after that story that is important too. 

This. He really stepped up to the plate afterwards. They also drastically overhauled the safety requirements for their burnout contests.

I guess they aren't going to do the radiator behind the seat thing anymore. That would be a good thing. 

If you have a rear-mounted cooling system, there has to be a firewall between you and it. Like, Cleetus has a little Cushman van that they put a gnarly turbo rotary in, and they had the radiator in the cargo area with no firewall. For this years event, they sent it out and had a full firewall built to seal it from the passenger compartment. I also didn't see any Exocet/Vette-Kart style machines in the footage, so I think those might not be allowed either. They also had EMTs and fire staff right there in the entrance chute, ready to roll. As soon as a car entered the box, the safety crews pulled right up.

It's definitely a phenomenon of the modern age.  It allows so many more millions of people to feel destined for the fame and success they truly deserve, even from their back yards in Podunk, Whereversville.  I am guilty of watching (but never, ever paying).  I am also getting dumber with age.

I live 10 miles from the Freedom Factory (Desoto Speedway). I've been watching races there since I was 12.  Randy Pobst is a super cool guy. I'll be there rooting for him!  I'm happy to see less of the Danny Duncan goofball you tubers and more real drivers for this one  

Plus he's got Larry mac as the announcer again!  Should be great

Also note that Ryan Tuerck is driving a v6 Camry instead of a crown vic. cause of his Toyota contract requiring him to drive a Toyota.

MrChaos said:

Also note that Ryan Tuerck is driving a v6 Camry instead of a crown vic. cause of his Toyota contract requiring him to drive a Toyota.

And informal testing showed that a V6 Camry of the mid-2000s vintage performs on par with a Crown Vic. They were worried it might be too fast, but then also realized that if Tuerck got out there lapping people, someone would just clip him as he went by and put him in his place.

Cooter said:

I really like Randy Pobst.


However, after seeing Cleetus respond after a participant received third degree burns at one of his "events", I have already made up my mind about sending him any money, or watching any of his content.   That's not GRM at all.

I don't like him either, and if you Google James' full name there is some interesting stuff that comes up about him too.

In reply to Tk8398 :

I got to page 10 of googling James Taal, and found nothing. keep looking for reasons to dislike people I guess. Also make sure to let everyone know you dislike them too. 

In reply to lnlogauge :

I wasn't going to say anything, but curiosity got the better of me too, I found 2 arrest records and mug shots in <10 seconds.

if you search arrest you find it. googling his name alone comes up with nothing. Everyone who is arrested isn't guilty. He may have been guilty, but a mugshot and arrest doesn't really change my opinion of him. Doesn't look like he ever served time, and even if he did people change. 

It's entertaining for sure. I'm amazed at the income that apparently comes with big YouTube channels (or merch sales and sponsors more likely).

Since NASCAR is off this week and I've almost finished watching the 12 Hours of Sebring I decided to spring for the PPV.  However, it's $15 and apparently jumps to $20 after 4/1.  With Randy Pobst and Larry Mac on board I figure it should be entertaining.

I watched the last one and really enjoyed it.  Brought me back to Saturday night at the local 1/4 mile oval.

NickD said:

MrChaos said:

Also note that Ryan Tuerck is driving a v6 Camry instead of a crown vic. cause of his Toyota contract requiring him to drive a Toyota.

And informal testing showed that a V6 Camry of the mid-2000s vintage performs on par with a Crown Vic. They were worried it might be too fast, but then also realized that if Tuerck got out there lapping people, someone would just clip him as he went by and put him in his place.

I kind of wonder if the newer Camry is going to have same flaw the older GRM Camry had regarding oiling under high G's.  If so, he may not last many laps anyway.

NickD said:

MrChaos said:

Also note that Ryan Tuerck is driving a v6 Camry instead of a crown vic. cause of his Toyota contract requiring him to drive a Toyota.

And informal testing showed that a V6 Camry of the mid-2000s vintage performs on par with a Crown Vic. They were worried it might be too fast, but then also realized that if Tuerck got out there lapping people, someone would just clip him as he went by and put him in his place.

I saw a post on Cleetus's Instagram of him doing handbrake turns and lighting up the tires with the Camry and a caption about maybe having made a mistake getting it lol. Should be a good showing!

eastsideTim said:

NickD said:

MrChaos said:

Also note that Ryan Tuerck is driving a v6 Camry instead of a crown vic. cause of his Toyota contract requiring him to drive a Toyota.

And informal testing showed that a V6 Camry of the mid-2000s vintage performs on par with a Crown Vic. They were worried it might be too fast, but then also realized that if Tuerck got out there lapping people, someone would just clip him as he went by and put him in his place.

I kind of wonder if the newer Camry is going to have same flaw the older GRM Camry had regarding oiling under high G's.  If so, he may not last many laps anyway.

im pretty sure that vintage camry still has the oiling issues with the v6's. 

So, even odds on if he gets punted off track or the engine blows?  

eastsideTim said:

NickD said:

MrChaos said:

Also note that Ryan Tuerck is driving a v6 Camry instead of a crown vic. cause of his Toyota contract requiring him to drive a Toyota.

And informal testing showed that a V6 Camry of the mid-2000s vintage performs on par with a Crown Vic. They were worried it might be too fast, but then also realized that if Tuerck got out there lapping people, someone would just clip him as he went by and put him in his place.

I kind of wonder if the newer Camry is going to have same flaw the older GRM Camry had regarding oiling under high G's.  If so, he may not last many laps anyway.

Ooooh, good point. Also really ironic and hilarious that the pro drifter gets stuck with the only FWD car in the field

He put out a video today of Travis Pastrana coming over and hanging out and was saying before the Freedom 500, they are going to have an opening act of 4 limos doing a ten lap race. 

Seems like the “replacement” drivers were ringers!  But seeing as I’ve driven with them in Champ and WRL, I’m not surprised at the result.