PODCAST · sports
The Lap Zero Podcast
by Antonio Bianchi, David Kassai, Levi Opitz, Norman King
Lap Zero is a motorsports podcast featuring the latest news, interviews, and analysis from the world of racing. Hosted by Antonio Bianchi, David Kassai, Norman King, and Levi Opitz, the show covers a variety of motorsports disciplines and offers insights from drivers, team owners, and industry insiders. Tune in for technical discussions on car design and fuel strategy, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced world of racing.
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Lap 96 - Trouble at Talladega + Monsoon in Miami
Join Antonio & Norman for Lap 96 as they break down all the chaos and strategy from NASCAR’s wild race at Talladega. From big moves to even bigger wrecks, they cover the moments that defined the weekend. Then, they shift gears to preview the upcoming Formula 1 showdown in Miami, highlighting key storylines and drivers to watch. It’s a packed episode you won’t want to miss.
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Lap 95 - Long Beach and Short Beach, Kansas Late Race Chaos
Antonio and Norman recap a packed weekend of motorsport headlined by Long Beach, where Acura and Meyer Shank Racing finally broke through for their first Long Beach victory in the modern IMSA era, before Alex Palou added to the drama on Sunday, claiming his first-ever IndyCar win on the streets of Long Beach ahead of Felix Rosenqvist and Scott Dixon. Over at Kansas Speedway, Tyler Reddick survived late-race chaos to beat Kyle Larson in overtime, becoming just the fourth driver in history to win five of the first nine Cup races in a season. The guys also take a moment to reflect on the tragic events at the Nürburgring, where driver Juha Miettinen lost his life following a seven-car crash during the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers — a sobering reminder of the risks that come with the sport we love.
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Lap 94: Fastest but Parked, Bristol’s New Reality, and a First-Time Winner
Lap 94 is a rollercoaster this week—Antonio dominates the Legend race weekend at the road course, going fastest in practice and qualifying… only to never take the green flag thanks to rain and no rain tires. From heartbreak to hard truths, we shift to NASCAR at Bristol and why the “old Bristol” might be gone for good thanks to modern car tech. Plus, Ty breaks through for his first win, and Blaney once again fights through pit crew struggles to stay strong in the points.
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Lap 93: Rejected at Dega, Legends Made, and F1 Debates Heating Up
This week on Lap 93, we dive into the surprising rejection of Cletus McFarland from the upcoming O’Reilly’s race at Talladega—and what it says about the sport right now. We also break down Antonio’s run in the Legend race… where he didn’t just show up, he was the legend. Plus, we circle back to Formula One with more thoughts on what’s working, what’s not, and what’s starting to raise some eyebrows as the season unfolds.
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Lap 92: Augusta Lines, No Yellows, and Calling BS in Martinsville
This week on Lap 92, we kick things off at Barber Motorsports Park where Alex Palou absolutely put on a clinic… in a race so clean it almost felt suspicious—no cautions, no DNFs, just drivers vs. the track. We break down why Barber might just be the Augusta of motorsports and why that’s not a bad thing. Then we jump into NASCAR, where things got… less polite. We dive into the final 80 laps at Martinsville Speedway, including the heated moment between Bubba Wallace and Carson Hocevar—and yeah, we’re not exactly buying Bubba’s post-race explanation. We also cover Denny Hamlin’s loose wheel drama (and the mystery of the missing penalty), plus Ryan Blaney’s day, before tipping the hat to Chase Elliott for grabbing the win. Finally, we head to Suzuka Circuit for Formula 1, where the racing itself takes a backseat to bigger concerns. We get into the ongoing frustrations with the cars, the battery deployment issues, and how incidents like Oliver Bearman’s crash are starting to raise eyebrows. Oh—and when Max Verstappen is openly talking about walking away, you know something’s off. Clean racing, messy drama, and a little bit of calling it like we see it—this one’s got everything.
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Lap 91: Reddick time to buy? Porsche Says No to Everyone Else
This week on the podcast, we’re asking the big question after NASCAR this weekend… Is it Reddick time to buy? Because Tyler Reddick showed up ready to go shopping while the rest of the field was still looking for the receipt. We break down the NASCAR race, the chaos, the strategy calls, and the moments that made us question if anyone actually had a plan. Then we head over to endurance racing where the 12 Hours of Sebring turned into another episode of Porsche Says No to Everyone Else. Porsche came to Sebring like they owned the place, and honestly… they kinda did. We talk about the domination, the teams that survived, the teams that didn’t, and why Sebring is still one of the toughest races on the planet. Expect laughs, hot takes, questionable opinions, and the usual race weekend chaos as we go full throttle through NASCAR and IMSA. If you like stock cars, sports cars, and a little bit of nonsense in between… this episode is for you.
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Lap 90 - Italy is back, Hamlin's Redeption, Kirkwood's Full Send, and a Sebring Sunrise
This week, Antonio and Norman recap a packed weekend of motorsport, including Kyle Kirkwood's impressive IndyCar victory at Arlington and Denny Hamlin's dominant Pennzoil 400 win at Las Vegas despite a mid-race penalty. Over in Formula 1, the duo break down Kimi Antonelli's emotional maiden F1 win at the Chinese Grand Prix, where the 19-year-old Mercedes driver became one of the youngest race winners in the sport's history. The guys also look ahead to the iconic Sebring 12 Hours, one of endurance racing's most storied events, coming up on the calendar soon. Don't miss it!
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Lap 89 - Phoenix Double Header & Opening Down Under
Antonio and Norman kick things off with a packed weekend of open-wheel and oval action, breaking down the NASCAR and IndyCar double header at Phoenix and what it means for both championships heading into the season. They then shift gears across the globe to Melbourne, where the Formula One season roars to life at the Australian Grand Prix. From the heat of the Arizona desert to Albert Park, the guys cover every angle of a thrilling weekend for motorsport fans worldwide.
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Lap 88 - Reddick 3-Peat, Australia Preview, Indy Shenanigans
Antonio and Norman kick things off by previewing the Australian Grand Prix, diving into the biggest storylines and the latest buzz around the Formula One paddock. From there, they break down the newest IndyCar Series race and what it means for the early championship fight. They close out the episode with a look back at the NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas, unpacking the key moments and standout performances from COTA.
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Lap 87 - Atlanta & F1 Testing
Join Antonio and Norman this week as they briefly discuss F1 testing, then roll through the NASCAR race at EchoPark Speedway!
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Lap 86 - The Daytona 500, F1 Testing, and Bathurst
Antonio and Norman recap the biggest moments from the Daytona 500 and what they mean for the season ahead. They also break down the latest storylines from Formula One testing before diving into the controversial incident at the Bathurst 12 Hour, debating what happened and whether officials got it right.
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Lap 85 - The Clash, New Manufacturer Rumors in IMSA/WEC, F1 Engine Loophole, and the Coldest Lemons Race in History
Antonio and Norman kick things off with breaking news shaking up IMSA and WEC before diving into the chaos and spectacle of the NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. The conversation shifts overseas to Formula 1, where engine loopholes and gray areas are once again stirring controversy in the paddock. To wrap it up, Norman recaps his real-life weekend racing in the 24 Hours of LeMons at Barber Motorsports Park, complete with the highs, lows, and lessons only endurance racing can deliver.
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Lap 84 - Chase Format, the Rolex 24, and F1 "Secret" Test
Antonio and Norman dive into the return of NASCAR’s Chase-style playoff format and what it could mean for the sport moving forward. They also break down the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona, discussing the key moments, standout performances, and what the results could signal going forward. The episode wraps up with Formula 1 intrigue as a secret test sparks questions across the paddock.
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Lap 83 - Cadillac Qualifying DQ, Rolex 24 Preview, Ford's LMDh Program
In this episode, Antonio and Norman gear up for one of the biggest endurance races of the year, the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona. The guys break down what makes Daytona such a unique challenge, key storylines heading into race weekend, and which teams and drivers could set the tone for the 2026 sports car season. They also dive deep into Ford’s highly anticipated LMDh program, discussing what Ford’s return to top-level prototype racing means for WEC and the global endurance scene. From manufacturer rivalries to long-term championship implications, Antonio and Norman explore whether Ford can shake up the Hypercar/GTP battlefield and how this program fits into Ford’s motorsport legacy. If you’re a fan of endurance racing, IMSA, or manufacturer battles at the highest level, this episode is your perfect pre-Daytona listen.
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Lap 82 - Remembering Greg Biffle & NASCourt Settlement
Antonio and Norman open this episode by reflecting on the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, his wife, and their children, discussing his career achievements and the impact his loss has had on the racing community. They then shift to breaking down the recent settlement in the high-profile antitrust lawsuit between NASCAR and the teams 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, explaining how the agreement affects charters and team business terms going forward.
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Lap 81 - A New Champion & NASCourt
Antonio and Norman break down the "thrilling-ish" Formula 1 Championship finale in Abu Dhabi, covering the key moments that decided the title and the drama surrounding the final race weekend. They also touch on the ongoing NASCAR court case, exploring how it could impact the sport moving forward.
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Lap 80 - Another McLaren Mishap & NASCAR Trials Begin
Antonio and Norman break down all the major moments from the most recent Formula 1 race in Qatar, including the strategy calls, standout performances, and how the results shake up the championship fight. They share their reactions to the race’s surprises and what fans should watch for heading into the next round. The episode also briefly covers the NASCAR trial that began on Monday, touching on why it’s significant and what it could mean for the sport going forward.
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Lap 79 - Double Trouble in Vegas + IMSA Upgrades
Antonio and Norman break down the wild world of motorsport every week, and this episode is stacked. The guys unpack the most recent Formula 1 showdown in Las Vegas including the on-track drama to the fallout of the double McLaren disqualification before shifting gears into IMSA, where new car updates and class changes are shaking up the grid.
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Lap 78 - Breaking down Brazil, and NASCAR Hot Takes
This week, Antonio and Norman dive into all the action from Formula 1’s Brazilian Grand Prix. From the standout performances to the drama that defined the weekend. They then break down last week’s NASCAR Championship race, revisiting key moments, strategy calls, and how the end of the season shakes up. Tune in as they debate, analyze, and ultimately solidify their viewpoints on where NASCAR stands heading into the off-season, and Formula 1 heads as it nears the end of their season.
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Lap 77 - Phoneix, Brazilian GP Preview
The NASCAR season comes to a close at Phoenix, where Denny Hamlin dominates, Ryan Blaney takes the win (somehow we didn’t even realize that at first), and Kyle Larson walks away with the championship. But despite all that action, it just… doesn’t feel right. We talk about the sour taste this finale left in our mouths and break down who’s to blame for it. Then we shift gears to Formula 1, previewing the Brazilian Grand Prix and what to expect from one of the most iconic races on the calendar.
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Lap 76 - Byron’s Breakthrough & Mexico’s Mowing Contest
This week on The Lap Zero Podcast, we head to Martinsville for the final round of eight, where William Byron punches his ticket to Phoenix with a clutch win. Blaney falls just one spot short in a must-win scenario, and we break down the Championship 4 — who we want to win versus who we think actually will. Then, it’s off to Formula One in Mexico, where the opening laps turn into a lawn mowing contest. Norris puts on a masterclass drive, and Ollie Bearman delivers a stunning P4 for Haas after a very questionable late VSC.
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Lap 75 - United States Grand Prix, Talladega
This week on The Lap Zero Podcast, we head to Austin for the United States Grand Prix! The sprint race kicks off with double trouble for McLaren as both cars get taken out in Turn One, while Lance Stroll sends it from Dallas and wipes out Ocon. Max Verstappen cruises to a sprint win and carries that momentum into Sunday, where Ferrari nails the strategy for once and turns it into a one-stop race—with no hard tires in sight. Lando can’t quite get past Leclerc for second, and Max seals the Grand Prix win to claw back into the championship fight. Then we shift gears to NASCAR at Talladega for the second race of the Round of 8. Chase Elliott gets caught in the big one and now faces a must-win at Martinsville, while Chase Briscoe punches his ticket to the Championship 4. We break down all the chaos, strategy, and what to expect heading into Martinsville next week.
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Lap 74 - Denny's Vegas Victory, NASCARs Future is Safe, F1 to America
In this week’s episode, Antonio breaks down Denny Hamlin’s hard-fought win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, diving into what it means for his playoff hopes and how Joe Gibbs Racing continues to stay sharp when it counts. Then, we shift gears to a brief discussion on the future of NASCAR and what Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Steve O’Donnell’s recent conversation might reveal about where the sport is headed next. Finally, Antonio gives a quick preview of Formula 1’s U.S. takeover as the world’s fastest show heads stateside once again.
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Lap 73 - Singapore Gives McLaren Drama, NASCAR at the Roval with Chastain Desperation Move Again.
In Lap 73, we hit the streets of Singapore where McLaren drama takes center stage and Piastri’s whining over the radio turns heads. Then it’s over to the NASCAR Roval for a wild Round of 12 finale — Chastain’s last-lap gamble on Hamlin ends in heartbreak, and somehow Joey Logano advances despite a rough race. Was it great racing or just elimination chaos? We break it all down.
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Lap 72- NASCAR at Kansas, Ford's LMDH Program, Singapore Grand Prix
On Lap 72 of the Lap Zero Podcast, we break down NASCAR at Kansas and how the results set the stage for a high-stakes showdown at the Roval. We also dive into Ford’s decision to keep its LMDh program in-house and what that means for their future in sports car racing. To wrap it up, we head over to Formula 1 and discuss Oscar Piastri escaping a grid penalty ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix.
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Lap 71- Battle on the Bricks, NASCAR at Loudon, Formula 1 goes to Baku
It’s a packed lap this week! We kick things off with the Battle on the Bricks, where penalties are flying faster than Antonio’s Ford takes. Over in New Hampshire, Ryan Blaney locks himself into the next round of the NASCAR playoffs. And in Formula 1, Baku brings chaos in qualifying with more red flags than Norman racks up incidents in iRacing—only for the race itself to fall flat.
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Lap 70 - Bristol, Indycar 26 Schedule, Baku Talk
On Lap 70 of the Lap Zero Podcast, we break down the tire struggles at Bristol and what they meant for the race, plus Josh Berry’s run of tough luck. We dive into the newly released 2026 IndyCar schedule—what’s fresh, what’s missing, and what it means for the series. Finally, we preview Formula 1’s return to the streets of Baku this weekend.
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Lap 69 - Daniel Ricciardo News, NASCAR at Gateway, McLaren Decisions at Monza, Formula 1 Scheduling
Lap Zero Podcast – Lap 69 This week, we kick things off with Daniel Ricciardo’s new role as a Global Ambassador for Ford before shifting gears to NASCAR at Gateway. We break down the drama between Chase Elliott and Josh Berry, the Larson–Blaney spin, and what it all means for playoff hopes heading into Bristol. On the Formula 1 side, we dive into McLaren’s strategy decisions at Monza and look ahead to how the future F1 calendar could shake out. Want to apologize for our mics on Lap 69!!!
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Lap 68 - NASCAR Playoffs, Norris might be in Trouble, Indycar Driver Changes
The playoffs are here, and NASCAR’s first race has already shaken up the field—who’s in trouble, and who’s looking strong? Over in Formula 1, Lando Norris suffers an engine failure—does he still have a path back into the championship fight? And in IndyCar, with Will Power and Colton Herta stepping away from their seats, where could they be headed next, and who will fill the void? We break down the biggest stories across racing this week.
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Lap 67- NASCAR Dodges Bullet and Cadillac has Drivers
NASCAR dodged a bullet with Ryan Blaney’s big win — but who really caused “the big one,” and did it actually make the race better? We break it all down. Plus, Cadillac reveals its driver lineup — is it the right call? And with Formula 1 finally back this weekend, we dive into how the championship fight could unfold from here.
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Lap 66 - Playoff Picture after Richmond, 23IX Lawsuit, Formula 1 Back Soon, Lamborghini Out
Antonio and Norman discuss the NASCAR playoff picture, highlighting how Austin Dillion shacks up the standings after the Richmond race. The lawsuit by 23IX racing lawsuit against NASCAR, and discussing who is in the wrong. Formula 1 is returning in less then two weeks, and what will unfold in the upcoming 10 rounds. Finally, Lamborghini has decided to discontinue their GTP program.
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Lap 65 - We are Back, Going over news from the last few Months
What is wrong with NASCAR and what we think can fix it. Red Bull makes changes and will it help before Ford comes in next season. GM making headlines and are they true. Tight points battle for the drivers championship between Piastri and Norris, who will win it all with 10 races left.
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Lap 64 - Le Mans, Montreal & Mexico City
In this episode, Antonio and Norman dive into an action-packed weekend of motorsport, starting with a look at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. They break down the drama and strategy of the F1 Grand Prix in Montreal before wrapping up with an in-depth look at NASCAR's thrilling debut in Mexico City. From high-speed battles to standout performances, it’s a global tour of racing you won’t want to miss.
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Lap 63 - Michigan, Canada, & Le Mans Preview
In this high-speed episode, Antonio and Norman break down the latest in motorsport action. They discuss Denny Hamlin's thrilling victory at the FireKeepers Casino 400 in Michigan, the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal where Max Verstappen aims for a record fourth consecutive win, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where for Antonio's sake, hopefully Ferrari can 4-peat. Tune in for insights and predictions on these exciting races.
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Lap 62 - Spain and Nashville
Join Antonio and Norman as they discuss this past weekend's Formula 1 race in Spain, and the NASCAR race at Nashville Superspeedway!
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Lap 60 - All Star Race, Indy 500 Qualifying, Imola
Join Antonio and Norman as they discuss the NASCAR All Star Race, the Indy 500 qualifying, and this past weekend's F1 race at Imola.
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Lap 59 - Kansas, Texas, Miami and Imola Preview (Double Episode)
Join Antonio and Norman as they touch on NASCAR at Kansas, then Texas, as well as F1 in Miami and a preview to the upcoming Imola race.
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Lap 58 - Talladega, F1 Miami Preview
Join Antonio and Norman as they discuss the NASCAR events that took place at Talladega, as well as a preview of the upcoming Miami Formula One race.
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Lap 57 - Saudi Arabia GP and Rockingham
Join Antonio and Norman as they discuss this week's Formula 1 race in Saudi Arabia and the return of Rockingham Speedway.
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Lap 56 - Bristol Baby, Bahrain, and Long Beach
Join Antonio and Norman as they discuss NASCAR at Bristol, the Bahrain Grand Prix, and the double Long Beach race featuring Indycar and IMSA!
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Lap 55 - Darlington, Japenese GP
Join Antonio & Norman this week as they discuss the Goodyear 400 at Darlington, and the Japanese Grand Prix!
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Lap 54 - Martinsville, Japenese GP Preview
Join Antonio and Norman separately as they talk about the Martinsville race this past weekend, and the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix!
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Lap 53 - Chinese Grand Prix & Homestead Miami Speedway
Join Antonio and Norman as they discuss the most recent Formula 1 race in China, and the NASCAR race at Homestead Miami Speedway! **NOTE:** Lap 52 will be uploaded delay due to some difficulties.
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Lap 51 - Phoenix, Tire Compounds & F1 is here!
Join Antonio and Norman as they discuss last weekend's NASCAR race, the multiple tire compounds that NASCAR trialed in their latest race, and F1 IS BACK BABY!!
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Lap 50 - NASCAR at Cota, Indycar Season Opener, F1 Testing
Join Antonio and Norman as they discuss the most recent NASCAR race at Circuit of the Americas, the INDYCAR season opener, and briefly touching on the Formula 1 testing.
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Lap 49 - Atlanta, F1 Liveries and Monaco
Join Antonio and Norman as they discuss the most recent NASCAR race at Atlanta, the reveal of the 2025 Formula 1 liveries, and the potential forced 2-stop race at the Monaco race later in the year.
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Lap 48 - Daytona 500
**Reupload** Join Norman and Antonio as they discuss the Daytona 500, the open provisional, William Byron's second consecutive win, and more!
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Lap 47 - Rolex 24 & The Clash
Join Antonio and Norman to discuss the beginning of the NASCAR season and their recent experience at the Rolex 24!
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Lap 46 - WE ARE SO BACK
Antonio and Norman are back with another Lap Zero Podcast episode announcing the return of the podcast!
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Lap 45 - Christmas Special
Merry Christmas from the Lap Zero Podcast! In this crazy episode, the guys sit down and catch up before the new year. Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/4ctknEMb Check out Team Goon Squad on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TeamGoonSquad Join us on the track! Check out www.leaguezero.net for more info! Music Credit: Right on Target by LemonMusicStudio Produced by Blackbuck Audio: www.blackbuckaudio.com
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Lap Zero is a motorsports podcast featuring the latest news, interviews, and analysis from the world of racing. Hosted by Antonio Bianchi, David Kassai, Norman King, and Levi Opitz, the show covers a variety of motorsports disciplines and offers insights from drivers, team owners, and industry insiders. Tune in for technical discussions on car design and fuel strategy, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced world of racing.
HOSTED BY
Antonio Bianchi, David Kassai, Levi Opitz, Norman King
CATEGORIES
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