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Initially, Joe Castello gained a reputation and following in the sport of NHRA Drag Racing as the host of a weekly podcast titled WFO Radio. Although the show covered multiple forms of motorsports, Castello had a heart for drag racing that shone through, and in time, that genuine heart led him to becoming one of the most powerful voices from within NHRA national events, championing racers across all categories.��

Castello’s voice projects from the announcer’s booth throughout various forms of competition at national events, and he’s also often stationed at the starting line or top end during NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series rounds. Castello, a bracket racer basically by birth, identifies personally with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors, and his work has continued to elevate the Sportsman racers even as his thoughtful approach deepens in the Pro ranks.��

“I love the sport of drag racing,” said Castello. “I’ve had the opportunity to do many really cool, amazing things in my professional career. I’ve watched this sport from the past to where it is currently, and I’ve been fortunate to be part of it. I don’t see why it can’t be even bigger and better, more valuable and exciting than it even already is. I’m just doing what I can do to be part of making that happen.”��

Castello’s own experience in drag racing started as a kid alongside his father, Louis Castello, who raced a ’78 Pontiac Trans Am – a car that Castello recently revived to race in the Super Street category. The younger Castello began bracket racing at an early age at his local racetrack, and the early portion of his professional career began at a Miami radio station. Where he is today makes total sense as the endeavors highlight his parallel passions for drag racing and public speaking.��

Although there were many years between his early bracket racing days and the debut of Project Pontiac in Super Street earlier this year, Castello never lost sight of what was happening on the dragstrip and in the pits. In addition to announcing at national events and talking about racing on WFO Radio, he was actively seeking stories within the community of Sportsman racers. Along with NHRA Social Media Manager Nykki Schele, Castello continues to generate engaging content involving Sportsman racers, including the Attention in the Pits segments that are housed on the NHRA YouTube channel and shared across social media.��

While much of the coverage in drag racing is based around performance, Castello has a knack for dialing into the people who dedicate their own lives to the sport. He recognizes the thought, time, and endless effort that goes into bringing a race car to the dragstrip, and the segments produced by he and Schele have made tremendous strides in recognizing the individuals behind the incredible cars.��

In 2024, with the help of veteran Lucas Oil Series racer and 2017 Pro Stock champion Bo Butner, Castello had the opportunity to race alongside the drivers that he normally reports on at a division race at Texas Motorplex. Piloting one of Butner’s dragsters in Super Comp, Castello secured a little more comfort and experience ahead of bringing out his Pontiac to race in Super Street at the divisional event held in Orlando, Fla., in February.��

“You always have to be doing things to grow — not just for the sport but for yourself,” said Castello. “That’s why I was so into Project Pontiac, it was something that would be enjoyable for me and allow me to learn the technical side while also focusing attention on Super Street and the .90 classes. I would be in the middle of it, while also learning. If you’re not growing, you’re shrinking.

“I want the Sportsman racers to know that I am you,” he said. “I’m a Sportsman racer and a local bracket racer who loves that aspect of it, but who also happens to be a media professional. In the end, I want to be known as someone who is a competent, helpful, good person willing to do whatever it takes. I love being part of this. When you’re part of something bigger than yourself, that’s a great experience.”��
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