With the country in lockdown in the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic, our hosts took a 15,000 mile road trip during the month of June, 2020, to see just what the effect was on race tracks across the country. This was all part of the first episode of Season Two “Dinner with Racers” on Amazon Prime. Here now are the less edited versions of some of those meetups. This episode focuses on an overview with North Carolina’s State Representative for District 34, Grier Martin, who delivers an overview of the pandemic from the political perspective of someone in a motorsport-based state with a politically diverse population. Dinner was delivered courtesy of The Pit in Raleigh, NC with Jamie Lono’s ”I Feel Free” taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire, Acura and Valvoline for making it all happen.
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It’s Mark Martin. We drove to Montana. Dinner was delivered courtesy of Rosa’s in Bigfork, MT with Beeleaf’s ”Love Thy Neighbor” taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire, Acura and Valvoline for making it all happen.
Zach Veach is most known in American open wheel racing for making his opportunities happen for himself. Not growing up with the same wealthy means as others, Zach created a series of opportunities for himself first in Indy Lights, where he won multiple races, and then securing his own sponsorship in IndyCar to run the last three seasons with Andretti Autosport. Funny and charismatic, Zach’s personality really shines through. Lunch was served at Blue Sushi Sake Grill in Indianapolis, IN, with Stephen Day’s “Twenty Two and Some Change” taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire, Acura and Valvoline for making it all happen.
He may not be a household name outside of NASCAR, but Richard “Slugger” Labbe is a true throwback Crew Chief from the last several decades of NASCAR. Working for some of the biggest teams in the sport, Slugger is known as a bigger-than-life personality who is known for finding “performance advantages” in the rulebook. He clearly enjoys his current job in a more executive NASCAR role, so that’s about as much as we’ll say, but we hope you enjoy him not telling any of his best stories while recording. Dinner wasn’t served at his home in Enochville, NC, with Trenton’s “Find a Way” taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire, Acura and Valvoline for making it all happen.
If you follow NASCAR then you already know Bobby’s name, but he’s one of the most celebrated drivers of the last several decades. The 2000 series champion and recent Inductee to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Bobby’s career not only spans the golden years of 1990’s and 2000’s stock cars, but he’s also forayed in to sportscar racing, and currently runs a fruitful activation business centered around the sport. Sharing a common past with co-host Sean Heckman, Bobby is as funny as he is likable… and fast. Dinner was served at Real Kitchen in High Point, NC, with Ben Richter’s “The Thanksgiving Song” taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire, Acura and Valvoline for making it all happen.
If you’re a NASCAR fan, then Ray Evernham needs no introduction. The driving force behind the rise of Hendrick Motorsports and Jeff Gordon’s arrival, Ray completely changed the culture of NASCAR in the 1990’s and 2000’s, eventually leading to the formation of his own team funded by Dodge, and now a successful career in television. His story is incredibly unique, and it’s easy to see why he’s had such a great television career, as he’s one one of our best storytellers. If you like this episode, you may also enjoy some of his great “performance enhancement” stories in our Smokey Yunick episode. Dinner was served at Red Rocks Cafe in Huntersville, NC. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
A true American Hero, Craig Breedlove has transformed his pioneering spirit in to becoming a land speed record holder for several decades. Breaking a number of land-based speed barriers, he is STILL the fastest American on wheels, on a record he set decades ago. A Southern Californian in every way, Craig tells us his unique story of how he went subsonic on a program literally built out of his garage. Lunch was served at Hozy’s Grill in Santa Paula, CA. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
Michael Avenatti has a unique place in the roster of our guests, as the only one who’s ever considered a run for president, among many other stories. Making his name in the legal profession, Michael is most known for his off-track resume, serving on a number of high profile legal cases, all the while driving in a number of sportscar events from the Rolex 24 to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Michael currently faces a number of challenges, and we receive his take on much of it. Dinner was served at Nerano in Beverly Hills, CA. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
If you’re a fan of IndyCar Racing from the 1980’s and 1990’s, then you know the name Dick Simon. Dick started as a businessman-turned-driver, and then team owner, who was famous for putting together incredibly quick programs on extremely modest budgets. His dinner, however, was an unexpected surprise, because this guy has some of the craziest stories we’ve ever heard. We can’t explain it, just listen. Dinner was served at San Juan Hills Golf Club in San Juan Hills, CA. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
If you’re a fan of IndyCar Racing from the 1980’s and 1990’s, then you know the name Dick Simon. Dick started as a businessman-turned-driver, and then team owner, who was famous for putting together incredibly quick programs on extremely modest budgets. His dinner, however, was an unexpected surprise, because this guy has some of the craziest stories we’ve ever heard. We can’t explain it, just listen. Dinner was served at San Juan Hills Golf Club in San Juan Hills, CA. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
Chances are you already know Kyle Petty, but he’s become a true staple of NASCAR. Part of the famed Petty family, Kyle was a multi-time NASCAR race winner, but his personality and off-track character has led to a fantastic career out of the car, now serving as both an NBC Sports commentator as well as the host of “Coffee with Kyle.” If you like these stories, then you should also take a listen to our Tim Richmond and Smokey Yunick episodes, where Kyle contributed several stories. Lunch was served at Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Charlotte, NC. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
JF Musial isn’t necessarily a household name to racers, but you’ve probably seen his work and didn’t even know it. One of the premier video producers in the scene, JF has been one of the leaders in the burgeoning age of digital content, eventually leading to the creation of YouTube’s /DRIVE channel, and now the series of APEX films available on many major video distributors. The man behind many NBC Sports programs as well, JF knows the realities of the business and shares some insight through his unique lens. Lunch was served at Hudson Hall in Jersey City, NJ. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
RJ Valentine is one of sportscar racing’s greatest characters, and beloved by our hosts. A businessman first, RJ grew up under tough circumstances in South Boston through the 1940’s and 1950’s, building a hugely successful series of businesses which eventually led him down the path of racing. Funding his own way, RJ has driven in Trans-Am, IMSA, and Grand-Am, all in their heyday, ultimately leading to his career highlight, winning the Daytona 500 (listen to episode for details). What makes RJ most entertaining is his complete zero-apologies character, not afraid to share his opinions on politics, people around him, and life at large. Dinner was served at Davios in Burlington, Massachusetts. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
If you’ve played iRacing, Grand Prix Legends, the Indianapolis 500, or any of the Papyrus’ titles (IndyCar, NASCAR) throughout the 1990’s then you know David Kaemmer. The guru of consumer motorsport simulation, David and his team have programmed all of the greatest motorsport simulation games out there, culminating in to iRacing’s modern platform as the premier consumer simulation title out there. David’s background is incredibly unique, beginning with a childhood in Rhodesia, to forging the path during the Wild West of 1980’s and early 1990’s gaming. Dinner was served at Island Creek Oyster Bar in Burlington, Massachusetts.
Will Turner and Turner Motorsports are a staple of the current sportscar landscape. Beginning his business by literally selling brake kits out of his trunk, Will has gone from a one-man band in club racing to becoming one of the strongest competitors in current GT racing. As a true customer-driven and independent team, Turner Motorsports is now known as the USA’s premier BMW race team, in addition to an incredibly successful aftermarket parts business. Dinner was served at Casa Tequila in Seabrook, NH. To be clear, we just wrote New Hampshire. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
Rob Dyson and Dyson Racing have served as one of the longest-running and influential independent racing teams for the last four decades. While having run in Trans-Am and even IndyCar, Dyson Racing’s most known for it’s long list of prototype entries, campaigning everything from the Porsche 962 to the famed Riley & Scott, to everything in between. Rob comes from a long line of astute businessmen, and his acumen outside of the track has served him well both in the sport and outside. Lunch was served at the Millbrook Golf and Tennis Club in Millbrook, NY. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
If you think the name Skip Barber begins and ends with his famous racing school, then you should definitely listen to this podcast. The famed Skip Barber Racing School was never Skip’s intention when his racing career began, where he achieved a lot of impressive statistics in his own right. Driving sports cars and even Formula One, Skip drove against many of the legends, before finally settling in to the day-to-day of the country’s premier racing school. The path of the school itself has also not been as straightforward as one might think, including the fact that he’s had no involvement in the assorted iterations of the school in several years. Dinner was served at the Interlaken Inn in Lakeville, CT. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
Sam Posey has had one of the most diverse careers in road racing. Growing up in a very different environment from most racers of his era, Sam’s career became most known when he joined Roger Penske’s team in the famed Can-Am series, where as a driver he went on to compete in all of the most famed sportscar races, and even the Indy 500. Most people also know him for his on-air personna as well, working alongside Paul Page and Bobby Unser on ABC, and writing his infamous show and segment opens. Lunch was provided by JP Gifford’s Cafe in Sharon, CT, and eaten in Sam’s personal art studio. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
Boris Said likely doesn’t need an introduction, but he’s one of sport’s most beloved road racers. Self-made, Boris worked his way through the club ranks toward earning a seat with Tom Milner and PTG, one of the most well known sportscar teams in the history of the sport. This set him on one of the most diverse paths of any driver, winning in Trans-Am, IMSA, Grand-Am, and later becoming known as a NASCAR road course ringer. He’s also known for not holding back on his opinion, which given his size… not a lot of people would argue with him. Dinner was served at Taste of Thai in Del Mar, CA. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
Geoff Bodine is one of NASCAR’s great characters from the 1980’s through the 2000’s. A winner of the Daytona 500, Geoff was the first driver to get Rich Hendrick a win, beginning the dynasty that we know today. Competing with the best of them, Geoff’s story didn’t stop behind the wheel, serving as a cautionary tale toward team ownership, having taken over Alan Kulwicki’s team after his passing, suffering a massive accident in the NASCAR Truck Series, and even spearheading a gold medal-winning bobsled project. If you like these stories, you should also check out our Tim Richmond episode, where Geoff tells even more stories. Dinner was served at Slack Tide in Grant, Fl. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
“Texas Terry” Labonte is a NASCAR Hall of Fame driver, having competed in what many would consider one of NASCAR’s golden eras. One of Dale Earnhardt’s main rivals throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, Terry would win two NASCAR championships, serving as one of Rick Hendrick’s premier drivers throughout the team’s growth towards becoming NASCAR’s top team. Known for his calm demeanor and easy-going personality, the calm nature of TerBear becomes instantly apparent. Also, if you like this, you might enjoy him in our Tim Richmond tribute as well. Lunch was served at The Smoke Pit in Salisbury, NC. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
Morgan Shepherd is one of the longest-running staples in NASCAR history. As a driver, Morgan ran with some of the biggest legends throughout the 1970’s, 80’s, 90’s, all the way to today. In fact, he’s STILL out there driving, currently the oldest active driver in the series, competing with his own team in the Xfinity ranks. A unique character off the track, Morgan is synonymous with roller skating, owning a menagerie of odd pets, and a strong personal faith. Lunch was served at Four Peas in a Pod in Conover, NC. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
Tim Richmond is one of NASCAR’s most legendary and controversial characters. Considered an icon of the 1980s, his actual biography has been well documented over the years, but unfortunately, much of the attention has been on his death and fallout with NASCAR. What this has covered over is some of the funnier legends about Tim, MOST NOTABLY “The Poster,” an incident from 1987 that no two people have the same opinion on. You can see the full story on our new Amazon Prime series, or check out the extended interviews in this episode, with journalists Deb Williams and Tom Jensen setting up the background of the story. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.