Driver Spotlight: Phil Dodge

Buckle up, because we’re about to put the spotlight on some of our most interesting (and maybe slightly crazy) drivers! From tire-screeching legends to the rookies who still can’t figure out the brake pedal, we’re here to give you the inside scoop on who’s tearing up the track. Get ready for some laughs, some racing tips (maybe), and a peek into the personalities that make our league the place to be. Let’s see who’s behind the wheel and dive into the minds of the drivers and see what really fuels their need for speed.

Phil DodgeJohn Connor Racing
Instagram and Twitch: TCM5377

Where are you from, and what do you do for a living?
Born in San Diego, CA but raised in Rio Rancho, NM. Currently a part time dishwasher at a local restaurant.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of sim racing?
I really enjoy cooking, stop motion animations with action figures, and collecting Monster Jam/NASCAR/IndyCar diecasts

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I can squat 600lbs.

What got you into sim racing, and how long have you been racing?
My dad used to have a Logitech Momo wheel hooked up in our office, and we had a collection of racing games, from NASCAR Legends to IndyCar Series. I was around 4 on keyboard but 7 when I started on wheel and loved it since.

Do you have any real-life racing experience, or is sim racing your main focus?
We used to have a place in town that had sped up rental karts before COVID, but that’s about as close to real racing, everything else is sim.

Do you have a favorite car or track to race on?
I always loved Portland on any racing sim/game.

What inspired you to join this online racing league?
John Connor asked if I wanted to run since we’re in a different server and talked iRacing, so I said absolutely.

Do you have a particular racing style (aggressive, strategic, defensive)?
Somewhere between aggressive and strategic, really depends on the track and the speed in the setup that week.

What has been your most memorable race or moment in the league?
Finishing top 20 at Daytona in my first race despite a lot of mistakes on my end.

Have you won any championships or notable races in the league?
I haven’t been in long enough to get a win, but I’m sure there’s going to be a win at some point.

What do you think makes this league special compared to others?
Having the fully realistic rules, points, and broadcasting is really cool.

What kind of equipment do you use (wheel, pedals, rig, etc.)?
AMD Ryzen 5 2600, Nvidia 1050ti, 32GB RAM, 3TB storage. Fanatec CSL Load Cell pedals, Logitech G920, 27in Sceptre Monitor.

What’s your pre-race routine or superstition?
I typically fill my water up, walk around the house a few times to help my knees, get my stream set up, then do some breathing exercises that I learned in therapy to calm myself.

If you could race on any real-world track, which one would it be and why?
Eldora, love dirt and I’ve heard the owner is somewhat of a driver himself.

What is your favorite track to go to or that you want to go to?
Indianapolis to see the 500.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new racers joining the league?
Pay attention to your surroundings and let things come to you, you can’t win lap 1.

Do your friends and family support your racing hobby?
Absolutely. They’ve helped fund it when possible.

Have you ever introduced someone else to sim racing?
I introduced a mental health professional to iRacing.

How do you balance racing with work, family, or other responsibilities?
I spend my nights typically with my family and friends leaving most days to focus on racing.

Would you rather race on a track you know like the back of your hand with a car you’ve never driven, or race in your favorite car on a completely unfamiliar track?
That question depends on the discipline, but I feel I prefer driving an unfamiliar track if I know the car, I feel I can adapt to whatever.

Any additional information you would like to share?
“Remember you’re not alone, talk to someone if you’re struggling. Your mental health matters.”

Think you’ve got what it takes to be in the next Driver Spotlight? Fill out this form to have a chance to be selected! Whether you’re a racing pro or just really good at pretending to be one, we want to hear from you!