Hunt the Front's Jonathan Joiner on the struggle & triumphs of racing and creating content

[@charleerice08]

I've followed HTF from the beginning and supported them via Patreon for a few years as well. I watched this family go from racing out of Dirt Daddy's shop, to running out of Johnathan's little two car garage, to buying a new home with a bigger shop, and now where they race out of today in Milton. I've thoroughly enjoyed watching each and every video they've uploaded, because I can still be a fan and feel apart of dirt late model racing through them. I hope that Johnathan realizes they have true fans out there that just love the content and have enjoyed seeing them and their families grow and benefit from this journey. Us true fans of HTF could care less about the results on the race track. I feel like a distant family member at this point and I'm rooting for you all no matter what the future may hold.

[@jamiekennedy2468]

I found HTF by one of Joshuas go kart videos and now I'm a huge late model fan thanks to the Joiners. This led me to DirtTrackr which I watch daily. It's a crime that Justin doesn't have > 100k subs yet. He provides a huge service to us dirt racing fans. Merry Xmas!

[@jeffsnodgrass9747]

Exactly the same here. I raced go karts back in the early 80's and started getting the itch again in '19. Did a search on KZbin and found their go kart video, started watching Jesse in his early streaming days on iRacing, then totally got hooked on DLM racing. Over the next three years I drove from central IN down to FL/AL/GA to watch them race. Picked up on Dortrackr someplace between then and now. And all of the HTF guys and gals are just down to earth good people. I think sometimes we as fans don't realize that even tho we sort of feel like these people are our family, they can't always treat us like family. They still have (multiple) jobs to do at the track. My hat's off to them and all of the hard work they do.

[@timcampbell9801]

This is a video I have been waiting for glad to hear him open up I think his fans now have a better understanding of htf I sure know I do great job Johnathan I'm still behind you guys I hope to see you all again at tri city I can't remember the last time I was that excited to see a dirt race keep doin what your doin just remember even negative comments means your videos are still being watch

[@gareth9538]

hunt the front has got me into super late model racing just through their channel. So after 3 years of watching, i decided I'd book flights and go see them in person from Ireland 🇮🇪 . It was the first time I'd seen a late model in the flesh let alone the htf crew. I honestly believe they have done more good for the sport than people realize, when you include the htf seris and htf tv, Its disappointing to see negative stuff, but interviews like this are needed to spell it out to people that just dont get it.

[@twohype348]

Most people don’t realize how hard it is to win at any level nvm a national level.

[@michaelolenick4078]

Most people don't realize a crew doesn't guarantee a alot of winning races. Tech support means more to drivers than most people realize.

[@smokin19861]

Johnaton did a great job explaining that when you're running with the big boys, spending more money isn't guaranteeing success. It takes a lot of knowledge and luck to be able to run with them and once in a while to even beat them.

[@gordonm4519]

I don’t think a lot of people realize how many new late model fans HTF has sucked in. I was strictly a sprint/Eastern modified fan. I still watch them but have been more attracted on a personal side to super late models. In the event HTF came to the north east I’d be the first person at the track. I can’t imagine how much good they’ve done for the dirt track world in general. They certainly give you a more full perspective of dirt track racing regional and nationally. Keep up the great content HTF!

[@stuartwall8212]

I live on the west coast and stumbled upon HTF. Never gave a hoot about dirt tracks, but now I view dirt late models as the premier spectator motorsport, right ahead of 1/24 hardbody slot car racing. Um, I cant remember what NASCAR does.....

[@luisc.1502]

You nailed it. I found them during Covid and now I follow multiple late model series as well as the modifies due to Billy Pauche and Mike.

[@dbsnyder4503]

Great interview! As Jonathan explained, its not all fun and games at HTF. These guys worked hard to get where they are. Are down to earth regular people with a passion for LMD racing. I wish them all the best.

[@matthewmcclintock5806]

I've been subscribed to HTF since the start of the channel they're really good people doing good stuff for dirt track racing

[@ToddSaw]

I can't even imagine the pressure the Joiner's feel now that they are racing against the best of the best and not being anywhere near the front so often. I am a fan, I love these guys, they are good Christian men. I know the haters will say they are just all about making money on KZbin and selling merch but I know that is is not true. They really want to win, just as much as the most passionate of dirt racers/teams, but it's tough at the top. My favorite driver is Tyler Erb, but I am also a fan of Joiner, Davenport, Sheppard, and Bronson. Dirt racing is GREAT! I hope for much success for the HTF team.

[@27TruckCenter]

@@ToddSaw they’re not racing against the “best of the best” but only a few races at Eldora and you see how that goes. HTF series is definitely not best of the best.

[@imgoingforaride]

These guys are genuine, and it's fantastic to see what they have to do . For a low-budget team that's trying to race with the big teams and living the dream ,well done to them .

[@stuartwall8212]

Johnathan, I really appreciate you bringing me along as a fan. I would never have seen you all without the videos. You guys a very likeable people + racing cars fast on the dirt. Its exciting. I look forward to seeing your productions. Thank-you, and I wish you all the best and a safe and profitable season.

[@duckboy52]

I ran stockcars for years and was debating on going to a crate late model. I came home from looking at a car and watched hunt the front for the next 3 hours. I went and bought the car the next day. These guys have an awesome channel....I hope they continue for many many years and find what they need to make it fun every race!

[@Buy_MadeinUS]

Jonathan is a great interview. Fun to see the family involved in racing and each bring a big part to the team.

[@Jimmcgregorphotography]

Fantastic interview. Really enjoyed this. I hope people now realise how hard these guy work.

[@Marty54GMC]

Good conversation with Jonathan. I hope many of the people that watch HTF understands why they do what they do. Merry Christmas.

[@bodine4479]

Y’all heard the man, “Figure it out” ! Great conversation, I hope all of you and your families have a wonderful Christmas!💯🤙🏻

[@jhwk1970]

Working for yourself is a unique pathway. Everybody is jealous and you are working too hard to let it bother you. I had my own business for 45 years and get it.

[@KornHuskerJason]

Fantastic interview and reality check for many of us. Thank you DTR & HTF!

[@aaronadelman3255]

Great Interview. Thank you DirtTrackr.

[@patrickgalloway2852]

Great interview. Explained alot on the business end of racing on touring series. Many big teams are backed by well off people who love the sport and use it as a hobby. There's alot of pressure when you write a pay roll check and pray you can make the next race and run good to cover the cost.

[@ToddSaw]

This is one of the best DIRTRACKR episodes ever. Very well done Justin.

[@BabyJake426]

I have been watching HTF since, nearly, the beginning. I saw a thumbnail of the back of a dirt late model in a trailer. The back of the spoiler said, “Jesus Lives”. I watched, and I was hooked! 👍🏼😁

[@gordonm4519]

So glad to support both of your channels. Not super flashy in your approaches just down to earth.

[@tgator24]

Great interview. I've watched HTF videos since 2019 and have seen the growth in all of them. No matter how good you are or how hard you try to be successful, some people are just miserable in their own skin and will criticize everything you do. Haters are going to hate, so ignore them and go forward. There are more of us that appreciate all your efforts and are in your corner. Looking forward to the future.

[@kevins5259]

Awesome interview! Really enjoyed it. Being a HTF fan great behind the scenes information. Wishing you and your family a very merry Christmas. Looking forward to more great content. Thank you.

[@voodoo7008]

I stumbled across their first video by chance, and have been watching since.

[@jeramywhite]

It's just not dirt late model racing. It's racing all around. We do asphalt racing and that is even expensive in tire costs and traveling. All I can say is you all are top notch and keep up the great work and videos. From Utah.

[@MuttTheBuckeyeSlayer1977]

Unselfish Jonathan Joiner at its best!! Love when Joseph times and runs good and watching reaction of the team!

[@hoosierfrank]

Love the long form videos Justin. Great stuff.

[@ToddSaw]

And Jonathan is VERY good at recording and editing video, it's what has made HTF what it is today.

[@T-Bone0671]

Great honest interview, I picked up on them and started following about 6 videos into their channel. KZbin started sending me "you may like" suggestions and I picked up on them and have been a huge follower ever since

[@ToddSaw]

Obviously Jonathan loves his family more than he loves racing, and I think that is just fine.

[@Brian-vd4mg]

Watched from the beginning and the best part is has genuine they still are.

[@fivegobblers1]

WOW Awesome video! Jonathon laid it all out, most people will never understand what it takes to run this team from day to day everyone thinks they have plenty of money but that’s not true! Best of luck to HTH in the future! #HTFNATION

[@rodconner9079]

Jonathan droppin' truth bomb after truth bomb; most commenters don't have the faintest idea of costs/operations = NONE!!! One thing is for sure -- HTF has shown what "dirt" is! Wishing ALL a Very Merry CHRISTmas ... THE Reason for the Season! Be Safe

[@tomgray5481]

Merry CHRISTmas to you as well! People have no clue of the cost … set of Hoosiers hand them a grand … I frankly don’t know how anybody puts a car on the track when you look at chassis cost engine cost fuel cost travel cost tire costs I am just glad somebody is willing to do it!

[@rodconner9079]

@@tomgray5481 TY! I don't know the prices anymore but thinkin' for a set of tires -- a lil over $1K (11 to 12, but the 1s & 2s add-up to stellar numbers!) Wheels alone are outrageous, set prob nearer $1400, could be 15 easily ... smart to have 2 sets. Racing gas and not to mention the fuel to get there! So many with no clue at all -- yet, they know racing! : )

[@Dale-cx2of]

Proud of HTF, keep pushing on 🙏 for everything works out for ya'll

[@turkhollinger2195]

Merry Christmas Justin!! 🎄

[@robertpiper5411]

Great interview guys!

[@InsectoidControl]

I love how he's got his LeMullets trophy front and center ha

[@briankbender5757]

Awesome interview

[@gordonlitz4824]

Great interview...not just saying that because I am a HTF fan. You're a natural at this

[@JimSpeer-c9y]

Great interview. Really enjoyed it. Merry Christmas

[@cadillacmoto]

HTF is the reason I'm even remotely interested in anything dirt track related. Humble beginnings, living the dream now with a toter and a stacker trailer. They're the reason I'm not subscribed to this channel, follow tanner Holmes, and Landon Huffman on the asphalt side. Absolutely love these guys

[@ryangravley220]

Good honest interview.

[@stevenfelmeten6834]

One of the best interviews I've seen without the Hunt the front. Now these people will understand these guys are doing the best they can with what they have. And stop fillng their comments with a bunch of bullying. They're a great family I enjoy watching them. I also watch Tanner homes which is the same situation in sprint cars. Love both teams

[@butchhastings2945]

Great show!!!

[@anthonyirwin2636]

Thank you for the interview content uploads over Christmas week. Merry Christmas!

[@Marty54GMC]

Merry Christmas to you and your family. May you have continued success next year. Guys hit that subscribe button.

[@TomPitchford]

Great Interview Justin, thank you and Merry Xmas.

[@LstrO42]

Every dirt tracker out there should thank the Joiners for getting racing back into the public eye.

[@davidmoore915]

THIS WAS A GREAT VIDEO

[@davidburchfield2720]

Great job Justin been a fan of HTF from it's own inspiration great people love old dirt daddy he was a great crew chief when thay started hope he will agan !! God bless and merry Christmas

[@jefferywilson4091]

I'm a retired late model racer. I feel your pain in trying to run a team. The last year I tried was 2017. Between the cost and the shock technology I had to give up.

[@catherinesullivan641]

Great content! Celebrate the holidays!🎄💝

[@justinmcnabb6714]

Love the htf guys down to earth great episode Justin

[@Pod_motorsports189]

You can't replace guys like Jesse

[@jerryhill2642]

What you want to be is part of a team that runs up front at what ever level.

[@stephenrobertson2636]

Nice interview!

[@marionberry6909]

Merry Christmas to all!!!!!!

[@jimwilliams56]

class act

[@hhhmotorsports9550]

I love filming our race team in actkion and get that wrench at the same time. Be the best elastic as possible this is where your team need to be synced together and looking out for each other if one can’t figure out somebody else and do it.

[@TerryMcCance]

Merry Christmas thanks for all the information daily

[@wkmac2]

Great conversation.

[@jeffreymerhar4127]

With all the race tracks closing lately I think it's gonna be pretty tough

[@the_macdaddy9609]

I’ll be honest I owe the entire HTF team an apology for being on the crew chief bandwagon. I didn’t realize how tight they were having to scrape by to race

[@keithzeug1944]

Just wanted to wish the HTF guys a great Xmas

[@daneichstadt3059]

Excellent

[@H3110NU]

Wasn’t expecting Casey Neistat to be an influence.

[@jeffmeyer3666]

What people don't understand about racing goes by an old adage . . . "If you want to make a small fortune in racing . . . start with a large fortune". 🙂

[@bruces1171]

HTF! Great interview man

[@edminas3159]

Thanks Joathan and Justin. I am a bit confused I thought Hunt the front was a race sanctioning body.

[@jwagz05]

Your correct it is a super late model series. However the youtube channel came first and is what started the whole brand.

[@pazzocorridore]

@@jwagz05 actually I don't think he is correct. They have a series, not a sanctioning body.

[@jwagz05]

@pazzocorridore Not that serious, I assumed they sanctioned their own series. Such the way lucas oil sanctions their own series. So let me rephrase for you sir. Hunt the front is a race series sanctioned by DIRTcar. Better?

[@pazzocorridore]

@@jwagz05 Yes but I don't think the outlaws or lucas sanction their own series either. DIRTcar sanctions all three series. *edit* whatever the case I think they are doing a great job all around!

[@jwagz05]

@pazzocorridore Actually lucas oil does sanction it's own series and outlaws is sanctioned by world racing group so keep thinking you know everything

[@mattfetter4123]

Awesome interview. These boys are doing what they love to do. They put their trust in Jesus.

[@Cherokee03]

I was one of the first hundred. HTF10/4LIFE

[@ChrisGable-z4t]

Hunt the front would do so much better if they start a crate division up Joseph understands the crate cars a lot better his wins proves that he dominated one super race got a big break at the world 100 but crates he is a top 5 car

[@MuttTheBuckeyeSlayer1977]

Salute HTF

[@billwheeler2902]

There are twenty winners that make every a main. That being said, only one of them will cross the line first. All twenty have worked just as hard as the so called winner has . I've worked on racing teams for years, every team puts their everything into what they are doing. We've picked up the used tires that other teams have thrown away ,and won races with them . We've used new tires every race from hot laps to a feature , just to be lucky to take the flag at the end. Every thing has to be perfect just just to make the show. Setting in the grand stands looking across the track into the Pitts you can't see all the busted knuckles,blood sweat ,and anxiety that makes just one car come on to the track to do battle.

[@keithwicks6828]

I've been a fan of #HTF since the beginning

[@peterdagon5530]

Seems Jonathan is burnt out of the media side of things. Sounds like the weight is getting too heavy for him.

[@jasonritchie3238]

Let's goooooo HTF....

[@chrisodie2467]

I'll be the crew guy..send me a app..raced for 13 years and been around dirt track racing since I was in diapers...I'm 49yrs old and absolutely serious about this

[@joelkoricich1771]

Bottom line is that is a rich man's hobby. Only the top 1% drivers make the big bucks and sacrifice family for fame an fortune. Otherwise, everyone is racing at a loss. These guys have earned their revenue to live a dream for a while. Hats off to them. A totally genuine and informative video. They appear to be really nice folks. However, they appear to be at their physical, mental and financial limits.

[@michaelroberts1597]

Jesse was a big part of HTF he will be missed , probably wont watch much going forward .

[@aaronrundall]

I think Jonathan is a better driver but Joseph as he said is younger and they feel he has more runway.

[@jr642]

I'm a HTF fan, but Jonathan does not sound like he's having any fun.

[@Daveco82]

It's easy to sit behind a keyboard and spend other peoples money.

[@Axeman12171]

The HTF guys are NOT racers. They are t-shirts salespeople that race some. With them having the best cars and the best engines and a slew of tires they can hardly make the big show. So, they started their own series and they cant even win there.

[@franksimonds04]

Jesus Lives caught my attention. Then I realized that HTF satisfied my dirt track craving from my youth in the 80s. They're honorable guys, run clean, and are a model for how to build a following.

[@gareth9538]

As always thanks to Justin at dirtracker for great content. 👍

[@busher69]

This is what America is all about. See a niche', fill it and go for it.

[@kipleonard282]

Couldn't run with the big DOGS. So they had to start there own series..lolol

[@jonkluver7912]

I can't drive a racecar and comment on KZbin videos too. Thank you for being in the club too.

[@mattfetter4123]

I see them running with the big dogs, where are you?😅

[@Uphold-your-Rights]

Have you tried either? How's it going? Do you make more than they do? Are you more successful? Let us all know how it should be done.

[@Trackratz-zl9di]

​@@mattfetter4123 Their view of the big dogs never changes . (Maybe you have seen the Tee shirt)

[@kipleonard282]

@Uphold-your-Rights bla bla bla...sheep

[@treym9180]

Geez twards the end of the show things started to go grim. I would hate to see HTF go but I get it racing 24/7 is hard and your kids are only young once. I think it’s just sad for me because I’ve watched since the start.🥲 Hope they keep the dream alive!