Ricardo Juncos defines the concept of the American Dream. Growing up in Argentina, Ricardo grew up in a family that suffered the economic highs and lows of Argentina’s turbulent times, eventually starting his own shop before moving to America with just the clothes on his back. Overcoming adversity most of us couldn’t fathom, Ricardo has somehow managed to work his way to a championship-winning team owner in Junior Formula to now running his own IndyCar team, helming Juncos Holinger Racing which ended the 2024 season with their first podium. Dinner was served at Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya in Carmel, IN, with the song “Destino” by Ehekatl Arizmendi taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
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The Godfather of modern motorsport broadcasting, Terry Lingner was one of the first hires at ESPN during inception, transforming world of live racing to what we know today. Eventually forming his own production company, Lingner Group Productions, the group covered IndyCar, NASCAR, IMSA, USAC and beyond. Near-and-dear to our hearts is one of Terry’s staple shows, “Thursday Night Thunder,” home of the now-infamous Fast Masters Series. Breakfast was served at Charlie Brown’s Pancake & Steakhouse in Speedway, IN, with the song “Down to Get Up Again” by Michael Synes taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
Heralded as “IndyCar’s little brother,” Conor Daly is a veteran of IndyCar driver with a reputation as one of the sport’s ceaseless hustlers. Having driven for all but two teams in the paddock, Conor has jumped from the role of super-sub to full-time and back back, taking multiple podiums and leading the Indianapolis 500 along the way. One of Indiana’s favorite sons, his desire to compete at the 500 is second-to-none, not to mention blossoming out to the sportscar, NASCAR and rallycross ranks. Dinner was served at Vicino in Indianapolis, IN, with the song “Vibe One Time” by Captain Joz taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
Barry Wanser is another staple of behind-the-scenes IndyCar lore. One of the principal members behind Chip Ganassi Racing’s success, Barry started as mechanic with Joe Amato’s NHRA program going back to the early 1990’s, eventually becoming a gearbox mechanic for Ganassi in ChampCar, and eventually elevating himself to today’s role where he not only serves as the Team Manager of Competition, but specifically as the strategist for Alex Palou’s incredible run of three championships. Dinner was served at Tegry Bistro in Indianapolis, IN, with the song “Watch Out” by Chaun Davis taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
Chad Knaus is one of the biggest names in NASCAR. The Crew Chief behind all seven of Jimmie Johnson’s championships, including five in a row and 81 race wins, Chad is widely recognized as one of the best to ever do it. Currently promoted to the current role of VP of Competition and Hendrick Motorsports, Chad’s journey to the top of NASCAR is unlike any other, and a must-listen for anyone looking to be in the sport. Dinner was served at Eddie V’s in Charlotte, NC, with the song “Out to Get Me” by Indiana Bradley taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
Quickly being recognized as one of NASCAR’s top young drivers, Chase Briscoe is coming off of his fourth season in the NASCAR Cup Series, now a proven multi-race winner and 11-time winner in Xfinity. His story, however, comes from his humble roots, having fought for every seat he’s had with no funding, and somehow finding himself at the top ranks of NASCAR. The last driver to win for the fabled Stewart-Haas Racing, Chase will enter a new chapter in 2025, taking over the storied No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. Lunch was served at the Rolling Hills Golf Club in Monroe, NC, with the song “Take the Fun Away” by Ofer Karen taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
A NASCAR Hall-of-Fame driver, Rusty Wallace’s place in the sport is solidified. The 1989 Cup Champion and founding driver of Roger Penske’s NASCAR organization, Rusty would cut his teeth in the midwestern ASA racing scene alongside other legends like Alan Kulwicki and Mark Martin. Coming up with limited means, he would go on to become a 55-time race winner in Cup to earn his place in the Hall of Fame. Dinner was served at Jeffrey’s Restaurant in Mooresville, NC, with the song “One of These Days” by Adam Simons taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
Oliver Gavin is synonymous with the dynasty that is Corvette Racing. A graduate of European junior formula racing, Oliver’s largest success came in American sportscar racing, eventually becoming part of GM and their staple Corvette program, where he’d enjoy a multi-decade career that won just about everything: Daytona, LeMans, a million championships, you name it. Lunch was served at Bonefish Grill in Daytona Beach, Florida, with the song “Let’s Go” by Marc Robillard taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
Renger van der Zande is one of the most likable guys in the IMSA paddock. A staple of prototype racing, Renger’s journeyman path to the top has seen no shortage of challenges, from insurmountable debt to using his side businesses as a means to get himself back in the sport. Somehow he’s made it all work, winning an IMSA championship, and major races such as Sebring, Long Beach and beyond to be one of the most respected sportscar drivers of the current era. Dinner was served at Martini’s Organic in Daytona Beach, Florida, with the song “Take U There” by Rex Banner taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
Laurens Vanthoor is one of the current greats in sportscar racing. Having just won the World Endurance Championship, Laurens is a top-race for Porsche, currently racing with Penske in the LMDh prototype category. Growing up in Belgium, Laurens’ career has spanned from running with several current star in European junior ranks, to becoming a factory driver for both Audi and Porsche, winning races such as Spa, Daytona, and the most unique win at Macau in history. Lunch was served at The Porch Kombucha in Daytona Beach, Florida, with the song “Temptation” by Ride Free taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
Mike Rockenfeller has quietly risen to become one of the most celebrated racers in all of sportscar. Growing up in rural Germany with limited means, Mike was the quintessential successful junior racer with limited means, eventually finding his way onto the Porsche factory driver roster, then Audi, and now Ford. Mike has literally won everything there is to win in sportscar, from LeMans, to Daytona, to even a DTM championship. Dinner was served at Dahlia Mexican in Daytona Beach, Florida, with the song “Crash and Burn” by Kissing Candice taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
A staple of 1980s and 1990s sportscar racing, Juan Fangio II is one of the greats of IMSA GTP racing. The nephew of Juan Manuel Fangio, one of Formula One’s greatest, Fangio II embarked on a career unique to himself, and carving a path that you’d never expect given his namesake. One of the greats from Argentina, Juan is a true gentleman and has the stories to back it up. Dinner was served at El Casco de Fangio, the Private Estate of the Fangio family, with the song “Summetime Boss’s” by Wessley Thomas taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
Tony Kanaan is a modern legend of IndyCar racing. Enjoying a career that spanned across four decades, the 2004 IndyCar champion became synonymous with hard luck at the Indianapolis 500 before finally taking the checkered flag after years of trying. A longtime fan favorite, Tony’s real story begins off the track with his father, making a promise unlike any other. Also available to watch on MotorTrend, this dinner was served at Fernando’s Brazilian and Mexican Cuisine in Broad Ripple, Indiana, with the song “Extrano” by Tania Matus taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
As part of our video documentary series, “Kidnapping Fangio,” available on MotorTrend’s YouTube channel, we are proud to present a series of extended interviews through our podcast. In this final installment, we present two different interviews. The first is with Juan Fangio II, who is not only the nephew of Juan Fangio but a champion driver in his own right, having won multiple IMSA GTP Championships. Growing up in the family, Juan II was raised with the stories from the era, shedding light on the personal side of the incident. Lupe Fuentes is Cuba’s leading expert on the incident, representing Proyecto Cultural Amigos de Fangio, an organization committed to preserving the memory of the incident in Cuba. Lupe was also joined by our dedicated Cuban liaison, Robert Ordaz, who plays the role of interpreter. Dinner with Juan II was served at El Casco de Fangio, Fangio’s private estate, in Balcarce, Argentina. Dinner with Lupe was at Fangio Havana in Cuba’s Claxon Hotel. The song “Juan” is courtesy of Tarante Groove Machine.. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
As part of our video documentary series, “Kidnapping Fangio,” available on MotorTrend’s YouTube channel, we are proud to present a series of extended interviews through our podcast. In this third installment, we meet with one of the foremost experts on Fangio History, Fernando Barragan. As the head of the Fundacion Fangio, an Argentina-based organization committed to preserving the heritage of Juan Manuel Fangio, Fernando greeted us with open arms in Argentina, including driving and guiding us through Balcarce, Argentina, the home of Fangio. Dinner was served at El Casco de Fangio, Fangio’s private estate, in Balcarce. The song “Kidnap Juan Fangio” is courtesy of Sean Heckman, written for and featured in the Kidnapping Fangio series. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
As part of our video documentary series, “Kidnapping Fangio,” available on MotorTrend’s YouTube channel, we are proud to present a series of extended interviews through our podcast. In this second installment, we take a departure from racing to learn even more about the history of Cuba. A Professor in Cuban and Caribbean History at the University of Florida, Lillian Guerra is one of the foremost experts on the topic, which can be even further explored in her book “Heroes, Martyrs, and Political Messiahs in Revolutionary Cuba, 1946-1958.” Dinner was served courtesy of Hotel Eleo, located inside the University of Mom. The song “Veinti-Seis de Julio” is courtesy of Myles Nye and Sean Heckman, written for and featured in the Kidnapping Fangio series. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
Larry Holt is one of the most respected and influential characters behind the scene in many motorsport paddocks. Effectively managing the motorsport programs of Multimatic, an international automotive design and manufacturing company, Larry and Multimatic have been part of an incredible roster of noteworthy sportscar programs, including the Ford GT, Porsche GTP, and upcoming Mustang GT3. What makes Larry a legend, however, is his one-of-a-kind demeanor and storytelling. Lunch was served courtesy of Annina’s Bakeshow and Catering in Goodwood, Canada, with Larry’s son Geoff taking us via his band STRNGR STRNGR and the song “Mech Force 10.” Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
A product of IndyCar’s “Road to Indy” development program and eventually making his way to the top ranks, Dalton Kellett presents a unique perspective as someone who has never hidden his background or means to funding. Bringing personal sponsorship from his family’s business, K-Line, the maturity of the Toronto-raised driver has been repeatedly demonstrated by not only being upfront about his opportunities, but recognizing his own limitations and pursuing a degree in engineering simultaneously. Dinner was served courtesy of Miku Toronto in Toronto, Canada, with “Kuwait” by Vic Sage taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
Ron Fellows is a legend in many categories. A legend of sportscar racing, a legend of Canadian racers, and a legend of the Corvette brand. The son of a preacher, Ron’s tenacity and willingness to risk everything and find himself in crushing debt has proven the investment needed for success, with the Canadian going from a home-built garage racer to a winner at Daytona and LeMans, largely through his famed ties with the Chevrolet Corvette, of which he was one of the original team members. Lunch was served courtesy of Shrimp Cocktail in Oshawa, Canada, with “Everything Changes” by A.M. Beef taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
Bruce Canepa has defined the gold standard of vintage racing and restoration. A lifelong car guy growing up near Santa Cruz, California, Bruce’s incredible eye for detail and design has created a unique career path that has taken him from building model cars as a kid, to restoring some of the most renown classic cars today. Not just a racing builder, he’s an accomplished driver in his own right, competing in the top ranks of sportscar, dirt, hillclimb, and beyond. Dinner was served at Bruce’s Scotts Valley shop, Canepa Design, courtesy Back Nine Grill & Bar in Santa Cruz, California, with “Rock it Tonight” by Milano taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.
Adrián Fernández is a one-of-a-kind story with deep roots in IndyCar and sportscar racing. Raised with modest means in Mexico City, the idea of tenacity is redefined with his story, literally having himself smuggled to the Netherlands with no money to further his career, and eventually becoming a multi-time winner in IndyCar and IMSA, many of which were achieved with his own team. Beyond that, his legacy is probably best seen with re-invigorating the next wave of Mexican racing heroes, paving the way for many of today’s names. Dinner was served courtesy of Bulla in Coral Gables, Florida, with “Miami Beach” by Cosmonkey taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.