As the world of sprint car racing gears up for one of its most anticipated events of the year, Tanner Thorson stands as a name to watch closely at Eldora Speedway’s Joker’s Jackpot, airing nationally on Fox Sports 1 this Thursday, July 17.
Fresh off a scorching month of June, Thorson turned heads in the Rod Gross Motorsports No. 88, notching a string of top-six finishes and putting himself in serious contention for his first Kubota High Limit Racing win. His consistency and speed propelled him from 10th to nearly 6th in the overall standings, with podium finishes in Wisconsin and strong showings at Lucas Oil Speedway. It’s a momentum swing that’s been impossible to ignore, and one that helped earn his father-in-law and National Sprint Car Hall of Famer Stevie Smith the Cometic Gasket Crew Chief of the Month award.
Photo: HighLimitRacing.com
Thorson recently joined the Dirty Right Rear Podcast to reflect on his evolution as a racer, sharing stories of grit, heartbreak, and hard-earned progress. In a candid conversation, he discussed his path from building his own midget car in the garage to going toe-to-toe with racing’s best. From early struggles with large-track setups to his recent breakout performances, Thorson’s journey is a testament to persistence and passion. He also offered insight into the technical side of racing, detailing how old-school knowledge from Smith blended with today’s cutting-edge shocks and motor work to push their performance over the top.
Now, all eyes turn to Eldora Speedway, where Thorson will take part in the two-day spectacle culminating in the $100,000-to-win Joker’s Jackpot on July 17. The event, co-broadcast on FloRacing and FS1, represents a landmark moment for sprint car racing – offering the sport its largest-ever television audience. Hosted by Chase Raudman, Blake Anderson, and Tony LaPorta, the live primetime broadcast brings dirt racing to the national stage like never before.
Photo: Team Green Productions
For Thorson, it’s more than just another race—it’s a chance to solidify his place among the elite, in front of millions.
Catch Tanner Thorson and the rest of the High Limit Racing field this Thursday, July 17, at 6 PM CST on FS1, as they chase history, glory, and a six-figure payday under the lights at Eldora Speedway. With one of the most anticipated events of the season: the $100,000-to-win Joker’s Jackpot at the legendary Eldora Speedway. Known for delivering some of the most unforgettable moments in dirt racing, Eldora is primed for another chapter of high-octane drama.
The action kicks off Wednesday with the Double Down Duels, a twin-feature event where every lap matters. Points earned will set the stage for Thursday night’s Joker’s Jackpot finale, making every position on the track critical. With more than 60 of the nation’s top sprint car teams already pre-entered – including elite names from Kubota High Limit Racing and the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series – fans are guaranteed wall-to-wall competition.
Wednesday’s Duels will stream live on FloRacing, while Thursday’s Joker’s Jackpot will be available on both FloRacing and FS1, airing live in primetime from 6–8 PM CST. Whether you’re trackside or tuning in, this is sprint car racing at its absolute best.
Listen now: Tanner Thorson’s full interview on the Dirty Right Rear Podcast is available wherever you stream podcasts. Brought to you by The Barn Media Group.
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