Ep.110 – LIVE Animal Show at Road America

If you enjoyed listening to our live show at Watkins Glen, well what if we added live exotic animals?? Appearing at the final Continental Tire Road Race Showcase at Road America, we decided to give the fans something new… inviting the stars of that weekends IMSA race to help us present a live petting zoo. Guests included Jordan Taylor, a ferret, Justin Bell, a monitor lizard, Tommy Milner, a tarantula, Renger van der Zande, Katherine Legge, a hairless guinea pig, Justin Marks, Mike Shank, a giant bunny, Laurens Vanthoor, a chinchilla, Beaux Barfield, a burmese python, Bryan Seller, a giant tortoise, Jeroen Bleekemolen, a giant frog, and all the randomness you would expect. Free pizza was served for all! Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car. Music by Kaisor Sosa.

Ep.109 – LIVE at Watkins Glen

Our first ever live show! We decided to record all the antics as we fumbled around our first attempt at doing something live for the fans. Recorded live in Victory Circle during the weekend of the Six Hours of the Glen, join a multitude of guests as we discover nothing important, but guests and fans enjoyed it nonetheless. Guests included Juan Pablo Montoya, Ricky Taylor, Razzle Dazzle, Jeff Braun, Patrick Long, Mike Hull, Dan Binks, Ben Keating, Jordan Taylor, Alessandro Balzan, Andy Lally, Pippa Mann, Earl Bamber, Bill Riley, Michael Printup, Chad McCumbee, Patrick Gallagher, Marc Miller, 300 fans at Watkins Glen, and a guy in a tiger head. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.108 – Alexander Rossi

His story is still being written, but Alexander Rossi is the poster child of an American success story. Growing up in Northern California, Alex grew up in the California karting scene before going on to Formula BMW USA, ultimately leave the US to pursue his dream of Formula One, where he’d achieve the ultimate by becoming an official test driver, and finally an official F1 driver for ManorF1. When opportunities in F1 began to unravel, Alex immediately found a new home in IndyCar, winning the 100th Indianapolis 500 in his first year, and now a regular threat for the championship. Breakfast courtesy of Dunkin’ Donuts as served in his RV, with the music of Armen Balyan taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.107 – Rick Mears, Pt. 2

It’s Rick Mears, do you really need a description? He grew up in Bakersfield as an amateur off-road racer… then somehow  he became a driver for Roger Penske’s IndyCar program…. then somehow won the race 4 times. How did that happen? Well we have the story in two parts. Dinner courtesy of Palomino in Indianapolis, IN.. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.106 – Rick Mears, Pt. 1

It’s Rick Mears, do you really need a description? He grew up in Bakersfield as an amateur off-road racer… then somehow  he became a driver for Roger Penske’s IndyCar program…. then somehow won the race 4 times. How did that happen? Well we have the story in two parts. Dinner courtesy of Palomino in Indianapolis, IN.. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.105 – Joey Saldana

Finally, a proper dirty guy! What better way to explore some World of Outlaws racing than with one of the winningest drivers they’ve had, Joey Saldana. With over 100 wins in World of Outlaws, Joey has been part of the explosive growth of the sport in the last two decades, being part of Kasey Kahne’s team as one of the original NASCAR driver-owned teams, before running his own. Part of a racing family, he grew up in a dirt racing home, back when drivers could still make the Indy 500 with that background, before embarking on his own where he’d add two wins at the King’s Royal to his impressive resume. Lunch provided by Tequila Sunrise, with music by Station, “Cost of the Sand.” Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.104 – Dr. Terry Trammell

Dr. Terry Trammell is THE guy when it comes to safety innovation within IndyCar over the last several decades. A guy who somehow went from amateur photographer to one of Indianapolis’ leading spinal surgeons, Dr. Trammell’s specialty in orthopedics led him to one of the largest careers in motorsports’ medicine, balancing his career between full-time “day job” duties with Ortho Indy, and then traveling with IndyCar full-season to be an on-site doctor. He’s saved dozens of lives, and put hundreds of drivers “back together.” Dinner courtesy of The Boulder Creek Dining Company, music by Prada Gina and “Get Mines.” Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.103 – Robert Wickens

WIIIIIIIICKEEEEEEEENNNNNNNSSSSSSSS!!! That is all. Another one of those all-star Canadians, young Robert Wickens went from a junior category driver in North America, to a junior category driver in Europe that won everything. Eventually he became a Mercedes factory driver in DTM before finally moving on to IndyCars this year, where he’s had one of the most standout rookie seasons in history. Recorded during the first week of practice at Indianapolis, lunch was served at the legendary Charlie Brown’s, just a few yards from the circuit. Closed with the music of Saturn ‘Till June, “Tiffany’s Curse.” Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.102 – Takuma Sato

It’s not too often you hear about someone making it to F1 within five years of their first lap in a go-kart. Even less so when they start at 19. That’s Takuma Sato. One of the most entertaining drivers on the track, Takuma’s legendary fearlessness finally paid off last year, when he won the Indianapolis 500. Special in its own right, “Taku” also became the first Japanese driver to win the race, and first Asian driver to win at any of the top ranks in IndyCar. Hailing from Japan, his decade in the U.S. has led him to really appreciate some specific customs hear in the States, and his humor seems to go with him everywhere… which was awesome. We really enjoyed hanging out with this guy, a racer’s racer.  Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.101 – Sam Schmidt

Sam Schmidt is not only a very successful team owner in the IndyCar ranks, but he’s a true hero to a lot of people. Born in to a racing family, Sam began his racing career as a driver following the traditional path of junior categories, eventually elevating himself to the IndyCar ranks in what was known as the early years of the IRL, and even taking a victory in Las Vegas in 1999. Unfortunately just a few month’s later, Sam’s driving days would be cut short when a testing accident would render him paralyzed, but life as a quadriplegic has not slowed him down one bit. Sam would become a team owner, building the most successful team in Indy Lights history, and now running two cars full-time in the top-tier IndyCar series. We decided to skip on having a meal this time, but the conversation was spicy nonetheless. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.100 – Paul Page

Paul Page is a true living legend of motorsports. One of the most famous voices in the industry, Paul Page has covered a variety of sports and motorsports over the years, but he’s perhaps best known as the voice of ABC and ESPN’s coverage of Indycar for several decades, through some of the best and worst times in the sport. One of the most respected broadcasters out there, Paul began his career in radio, eventually working under the tutelage of Sid Collins, probably the most revered broadcaster in the history of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Beyond IndyCar, Paul has covered the NHRA, a number of other ventures for ABC and ESPN… including the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest… and even been a key voice in several feature films. Dinner was served at the Union Jack in Broad Ripple, Indiana. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.99 – James Hinchcliffe

He’s dodged us for three years straight, but we FINALLY got Hinchtown’s very own Mayor, James Hinchcliffe, to join us. A product of the North American open-wheel ladder system, Toronto’s native son went from the Canadian karting scene to a winner in Atlantics and Indy Lights, before finally moving up to IndyCar where he’s become one of the most popular drivers in the current era. A multiple winner in the top ranks, James’ stardom transcends motorsports, not only by virtue of his runner-up status on ABC’s ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ but also as a national spokesman for Honda… you’ve seen his bearded face in several U.S. commercials. Part of the Schmidt Peterson Motorsports organization, we learn a lot about Canadians, beer, lying Hollywood bastards, and Jeff Gordon’s retirement party. Lunch was served at the 1911 Grill (owned by Sarah Fisher!) with the music of Judas Booth taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.98 – Roger Hayden

We FINALLY got a motorcycle guy… and who better than Mr. Roger Hayden. One of the best motorcycle racers in the country, Roger has won many times in the top US category, MotoAmerica’s Superbike championship, in addition to having raced in MotoGP and also winning the Supersport championship. Part of the famous Hayden family who all hail from Owensboro, Kentucky, we decided to stop by on our drive from Atlanta to Indianapolis, and couldn’t be happier with trip. Roger talks about his brother Tommy, his brother Nicky, like as a factory rider for Suzuki, and of course…. the one… the only… JRP. WHO? Listen and find out. Lunch was served at Moonlite BBQ in Owensboro, Kentucky, with the music of the Station taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.97 – What May 23 Meant to Us

May 23, 2018 was another landmark day for Ryan and Sean. As credentialed media (who knows how) for the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s “Voting Day,” where the five inductees for 2019 are announced, the duo were witnesses to one very special moment in their Dinner with Racers journey. The day started, however, with something completely different and that’s what summarizes their whole existence. This couldn’t be done without the fans and we wanted to let you know what it was like. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.96 – Alan Kulwicki: April 1, 1993 and Legacy

Alan Kulwicki is a true legend of NASCAR, and on April 1, 2018, we remember him 25 years after he was lost. For both of our hosts, Alan has been a long-time hero, yet there really hasn’t been a lot of stories told on NASCAR’s last true independent champion. With that in mind, we went on a special trip throughout March, 2018, that spanned 4,000 miles across 5 states, meeting with 12 people along the way to talk solely about the man. In our fourth of four episodes, we look back on that fateful day of April 1, 1993. Hear the accounts of Tom Roberts, Peter Jellen, and Paul Andrews on just what it was they went through. Following his legacy, we hear from “Captain Bob,” who was instrumental in starting Kulwicki Park in Greenfield, WI, Tom Roberts on the Kulwicki Driver Development Program, as well as Tom Jensen on the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the bid to get him inducted. Closing remarks from Doug Mayr, Tom Roberts, Paul Andrews, and Father Dale Grubba. Help us support the bid to get Alan in to the NASCAR Hall of Fame by visiting nascar.com/halloffame and by using #AK4HoF in social media.

Ep.95 – Alan Kulwicki: The Untold Stories

Alan Kulwicki is a true legend of NASCAR, and on April 1, 2018, we remember him 25 years after he was lost. For both of our hosts, Alan has been a long-time hero, yet there really hasn’t been a lot of stories told on NASCAR’s last true independent champion. With that in mind, we went on a special trip throughout March, 2018, that spanned 4,000 miles across 5 states, meeting with 12 people along the way to talk solely about the man. In our third of four episodes, we explore Alan Kulwicki, the untold stories. This episode doesn’t follow any chronology or biographical path… this is just a hodgepodge of awesome stories that shed some insight on the man that few people got to know. We introduce Doug Mayr, his best friend, who has no shortage of off-the-track stories, Father Dale Grubba, his Priest who was extremely candid in tales you wouldn’t expect him to tell, Stan Johnson, the man who helped him with many sponsorships, and re-visits from Tom Roberts, Paul Andrews, and more. Help us support the bid to get Alan in to the NASCAR Hall of Fame by visiting nascar.com/halloffame and by using #AK4HoF in social media.

Ep.94 – Alan Kulwicki: The NASCAR Champion

Alan Kulwicki is a true legend of NASCAR, and on April 1, 2018, we remember him 25 years after he was lost. For both of our hosts, Alan has been a long-time hero, yet there really hasn’t been a lot of stories told on NASCAR’s last true independent champion. With that in mind, we went on a special trip throughout March, 2018, that spanned 4,000 miles across 5 states, meeting with 12 people along the way to talk solely about the man. In our second of four episodes, we explore Alan Kulwicki, the NASCAR Champion. Follow along as we hear the story of how he went from an underfunded rookie in 1986, to winning a championship in 1992 as both a driver and owner, and with only a portion of the funding of his competitors. This episode features Tom “T.R.” Roberts, his PR man throughout his career, Peter Jellen, the team’s truck driver in the final years, and closing with Paul Andrews, who gives an emotional account of his time as the team’s Crew Chief. Help us support the bid to get Alan in to the NASCAR Hall of Fame by visiting nascar.com/halloffame and by using #AK4HoF in social media.

Ep.93 – Alan Kulwicki: The Wisconsin Racer

Alan Kulwicki is a true legend of NASCAR, and on April 1, 2018, we remember him 25 years after he was lost. For both of our hosts, Alan has been a long-time hero, yet there really hasn’t been a lot of stories told on NASCAR’s last true independent champion. With that in mind, we went on a special trip throughout March, 2018, that spanned 4,000 miles across 5 states, meeting with 12 people along the way to talk solely about the man. In our first of four episodes, we explore Alan Kulwicki, the Wisconsin racer. Follow along as we learn what he was like from his early years in the 1970’s and 1980’s. This episode features Tom Jensen from the NASCAR Hall of Fame to set up the story, Jeff Braun, his engineer-in-crime during the heydays of his Wisconsin ASA days, Jim Tretow, a Wisconsin radio host and track announcer who sheds some light on the scene, Greg Krieger, one of Alan’s very first car builders, and John Janik, who was Alan’s crew chief during his final years in Wisconsin before they both decided to move south in pursuit of NASCAR dreams. Help us support the bid to get Alan in to the NASCAR Hall of Fame by visiting nascar.com/halloffame and by using #AK4HoF in social media.

Ep.92 – Josef Newgarden

It’s Josef Newgarden, INDYCAR CHAMPION Josef Newgarden, what do you want from us!!?? Josef’s story is not unlike many champions… he found success early, but like so many other the journey up to the higher ranks didn’t go as planned, including literally going to a test where he never got to drive because the sponsor never paid. Yup, those kind of stories. Somehow, it worked out though. After winning the Indy Lights championship, Josef found a great home at Sarah Fisher-turned-Ed Carpenter racing, and eventually driving for Roger Penske where he won a championship in his first year. Yeah, he’s pretty good… and he’s funny… and good looking… we hate him. Dinner was served at Brickhouse Tavern in Davidson, North Carolina, with the music of the Avett Brothers taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.91 – Brian Redman

A veteran of Formula One, sportscars, and races and categories you may have never even heard of, Brian Redman is part of our great heritage of road racers around the globe. A native of England, Brian began his career in the 1960’s racing whatever he could, eventually grabbing an opportunity to race in Formula 3 and then eventually Formula One, where he landed a podium early in his career and even received an offer from Ferrari. He is most known for being the master of the Targa Florio, a winner at Sebring, and one of the best in the former Formula 5000 series. Dinner was served at the Harbor Cove Bar & Grill in Fort Pierce, Florida, with the music off Rachel Paschket taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.90 – Joie Chitwood

Joie Chitwood III is part of racing royalty. Born to the famed Chitwood family, Joie’s grandfather (Joie Chitwood) was the creator of the “Joie Chitwood Thrill Show,” which was a traveling car show that went to cities around the country performing a number of driving stunts. An era unlike any other, Joie was exposed at a young age to the traveling circus, which suited him well in understanding the promotional business. After receiving his MBA, it didn’t take Joie long to find racing again, managing tracks including Walt Disney World Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway, and eventually the role of President of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, then Daytona International Speedway, and now as the COO of International Speedway Corporation (ISC), which manages some of the most famed tracks around the country. Lunch was served at the North Turn in Daytona Beach, Florida, with the music of Zentril taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.89 – Tommy Byrne

Tommy Byrne was considered the greatest Formula One driver you never heard of. Fast but with a fiery temperament, Tommy is a classic example of someone who showed remarkable potential in junior categories, but between opportunities, luck, and arguably perception and reputation, the path to fame and fortune didn’t quite work out. Racing against some of the greats like Ayrton Senna, Thierry Boutsen, etc. he’s a proven talent, but instead of World Championships he has some of the craziest stories of sex, drugs, and racing you might hear. Of course there’s more to the story in his book, which you can read at www.crashorbyrne.com. Dinner was served at Rossellini’s Restaurant & Lounge in Daytona Beach, Florida, with the music of Swim taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.88 – Shane Hmiel

Shane Hmiel’s story is unlike any other. Coming from a racing family, Shane grew up within the scene, but also with the challenge of forging his own way, which he managed successfully early in his career. Immediately seen as a rising star, Shane was an instant contender in the NASCAR Truck and Xfinity ranks, including winning at Las Vegas and asserting himself as fast but also super temperamental, including multiple on-track altercations. Off the track is where Shane’s real story existed, however, battling drug addiction, which eventually led to an indefinite suspension from NASCAR, and eventually sending him to treatment where he would learn of psychological problems likely inciting his addiction. On the road to recovery, Shane would take to the ranks of USAC, instantly winning and on the road to IndyCar, where a tragic qualifying accident would lead to a massive brain and spinal injury, rendering him partially paralyzed and with significant brain damage as well. He keeps in good spirits about the whole thing, however, and despite everything he’s been through he’s extremely funny, engaging, and genuinely someone we liked hanging out with. Dinner was served the 1618 West Seafood Grill in Greensboro, North Carolina, with the music of Fury taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.87 – Jeremy Mayfield

Jeremy Mayfield is one of the most unique stories in NASCAR history. Rising through the ranks on the merit of hard work and true grit, Jeremy worked as a mechanic, fabricator, you name it… just to get rides where he could. Eventually it worked, landing himself a ride with the fabled Michael Kranefuss and eventually merging with Penske Racing. Proving his worth, Jeremy eventually moved to a factory-Dodge effort run by the legendary Ray Evernham, and this is where the story would begin. After a tumultuous couple of years, Jeremy would leave and eventually start his own team a couple years later, only to be suspended by NASCAR for failing a drug test. This would eventually lead to multiple tests and failures for methamphetamines, leading to an indefinite suspension. However, to this day Jeremy refutes the tests and allegations, and over the last seven years has been committed to pleading his case with the public on what he believes is the truth behind the story. He tells it all, and it’s like nothing you’ll ever hear. Lunch was served at at the Silver Grill in Denver, NC, with the music of FloTone taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.86 – Robby Gordon

Not a lot of people can claim wins in IndyCar, NASCAR, IMSA, the Baja 1000 and Paris-Dakar, but Robby Gordon can. Largely considered one of the most naturally gifted racers in the history of the sport, Robby’s place among the greats is unquestioned, with a fiery personality off-the-track playing a perfect match to his talent on the track. Transitioning from driving to business innovation, Robby’s enterprising nature has since led to his creation of the Stadium Super Truck Series (SST), as well as Speed Energy Drink, and he’s happy to talk about all of it. Dinner was served at Robby’s shop in Mooresville, NC, with food courtesy of Yoshii’s in nearby Huntersville and outro music by Red Remains. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.85 – Chocolate Myers

Danny “Chocolate” Myers is part of a rich NASCAR history dating back to the 1950’s. The son of one of racing’s original short-track heroes, “Chocolate” is primarily known as part of the famed “Flying Aces” pit crew for Richard Childress Racing, an elite group of guys who supported the legendary Dale Earnhardt through four of his famed NASCAR championships. A signature part of the Dale Earnhardt legacy, Chocolate’s bigger-than-life personality has made him an excellent storyteller, eventually landing him a role with SiriusXM satellite radio, where he now hosts the daily talk show “Trading Paint.” Lunch was served at Kerly’s BBQ in Welcome, North Carolina, with the music of Vince Johnson taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.84 – Tony Stewart, Pt.2

Tony Stewart, known to us as Mr. The Smoke, is one of the greatest racing drivers of all time. It’s almost an insult to even write a description. The first driver to win USAC’s “Triple Crown” in one year (Silver Crown, Midget, and Sprint Car Titles), a pole-sitter at the Indy 500, and IndyCar champion, a two-time winner of the Brickyard 400 and three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, the dude is a living legend. We cover it all… and he was awesome. So awesome, we broke it into two parts. Dinner was served at Port City Club in North Carolina, with the music of Rachel Paschket taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.83 – Tony Stewart, Pt. 1

Tony Stewart, known to us as Mr. The Smoke, is one of the greatest racing drivers of all time. It’s almost an insult to even write a description. The first driver to win USAC’s “Triple Crown” in one year (Silver Crown, Midget, and Sprint Car Titles), a pole-sitter at the Indy 500, and IndyCar champion, a two-time winner of the Brickyard 400 and three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, the dude is a living legend. We cover it all… and he was awesome. So awesome, we broke it into two parts. Dinner was served at Port City Club in North Carolina, with the music of Rachel Paschket taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.82 – Ryan Blaney

YRB (Young Ryan Blaney) is one of the most colorful characters in the NASCAR paddock. Raised in a racing family, he’s one of the leading chargers in NASCAR’s youth movement, driving for the famed Wood Brothers during the last two years and even making it to the later rounds of the playoffs this year on the back of a winning Cup season. A talented driver on the track, Ryan’s fun attitude and attention to hanging out with fans is what’s made him an instant favorite, with plenty of tales about alcohol to back it up. Heading in to 2018, Ryan faces his biggest challenge yet, driving for Roger Penske in a new third program. Breakfast was served The Famous Toastery in Davidson, NC,  with the music of Maxwell Vann taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.81 – Alex Bowman

Alex Bowman may not be a household name in NASCAR yet, but he’s about to be. Not only has he won in everything he’s ever stepped in to, but he’s about to take over one of the most legendary cars in the sport, the famed No. 88. Replacing the great Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is no easy feat, but at only 24-years old Alex is smart enough to know he can’t let that phase him, and charting his own course is the only way he’ll succeed. As intelligent off the track as he is fast on the track, we were extremely impressed with him… oh, and he’s awesome. An avid car guy, Alex’s taste in vehicles and motorsports is not what you’d associate with the role he’s taking on, which is why he’s pretty darn cool  Dinner was served at Brickhouse Tavern in Davidson, NC,  with the music of Zentril taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.