Ep.123 – Drew Feustel

WE GOT AN ASTRONAUT!! One of our most unique “racers” in the show’s history, Drew Feustel is a lifelong racer and car guy who in his younger years raced karts competitively, went on to work in restoration (specifically with Jaguar), meanwhile went on to pursue his “other” dream of one day going to space after he received his PhD in seismology. In racing, you might know him as the “space photo guy,” as the internet was blessed this year with a number of race track photographs taken directly from the International Space Station by Drew himself. He’s done three tours in space, including a recent six month run as the Commander of the ISS, in which he’d literally been on the ground for nine days when he met with us. Lunch was served at French’s in Houston, TX with the music of Ben Justus taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.

Ep.122 – Decal

Decal. Just listen. Dinner was served at Don Julio’s in Tampa, FL, with the music of Armen Balyan taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.

Ep.121 – Steve Gough

Steve Gough is one of the unsung heroes of motorsport, having been a lifelong mechanic who has seen no shortage of major wins. From McLaren F1 in the 1980’s heydays, to Chip Ganassi Racing during their reign in ChampCar and IndyCar, to now an instrumental part of the HPD family, Steve has been a crew chief on an Indy 500 winning car, been part of multiple F1 World Championships, and is just a guy who has seen it all…. without EVER calling attention to himself. Lunch was served at Harbor City Diner in Melbourne, FL, with the music of Station taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.

Ep.120 – Terry Earwood

Terry Lee Earwood is a legend within the racing community as THE driver coach. While an accomplished drag racer and touring car driver, Terry’s real name came from helming a number of driving schools and arrive and drive programs, including serving as the chief driving instructor at Skip Barber for several decades. He’s seen it all and coached it all, including some of the biggest names in racing today. Dinner was served at Laishley Crab House in Punta Gorda, FL, with the music of Marza Panther taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.

Ep.119 – Derek Bell

If you’re a fan of sportscar racing, we probably don’t need to tell you who Derek Bell is. A five-time winner at Le Mans, three time winner at Daytona, and two-time World Sportscar Champion, Derek is one of the most renowned drivers in the scene. While he’s most known for Porsche and sportscar racing, Derek also drove in F1, drove for Ferrari and multiple other manufacturers, and has made about a million appearances on television and various events. Dinner was served at Le Sorrelle in Boca Raton, FL, with the music of AJudas Booth taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.

Ep.118 – Don Garlits

Our first drag racer! ….and what better person than Big Daddy himself. Don Garlits is affectionately known as the godfather of drag racing, having won 17 championships and over 100 national wins. Beginning his career in the dangerous world of front-engined dragsters, Don pioneered the rear engine, breaking the 200mph, 240, and 270mph barriers, and even at 86-years old is still tinkering in his pursuit to become the first electric drag racer over 200mph. Dinner was served at Eaton’s Beach Sandbar and Grill in Weirsdale, FL, with the music of Anna Volpe taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.

Ep.117 – The Story of Jimmy Baldwin

While not a racing story per se, the story of Jack Baldwin’s brother, Jimmy, is one of the most unique and movie-like stories that you won’t believe you’re hearing. The recording explains itself, we’ll set it up no further. Dinner was served at NOCA in Roswell, Georgia, with music by Judas Booth. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.

Ep.116 – Jack Baldwin

Mr. Hot Wheels himself, Jack Baldwin was THE Trans-Am and GT racer in his day, one of the most feared and respected sportscar aces throughout the 1980’s and ’90’s. A larger-than-life character, Jack has had a crazy career in and out of the car, from running his own T-shirt company, to street drags, to spearheading one of the most popular sponsorship programs in all of sportscar, Jack is a true living legend. Dinner was served at NOCA in Roswell, Georgia, with music by Anna Volpe. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.

Ep.115 – Joe Varde

Currently viewed as the ultimate crew chief / team director in production stock racing, Joe Varde is responsible for about 45 different production car championships, and that came AFTER his reputed career as a factory driver in a number of touring car championships, where he often beat the factory entries. He’s also another one of the sport’s great characters, and revered paddock-wide. Dinner was served at Canvas in Orlando, Florida, with music by Ben Justus. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.

Ep.114 – Pierre Kleinubing

Pierre Kleinubing is probably the most decorated touring car racer that’s active today. A competitor in IMSA and World Challenge competition, Pierre has won something like 78 championships in different touring car divisions, including most notably with Acura and Honda by virtue of Real-Time Racing. A guy who lives for racing and time with his family, we learn about his time in Brazil, and current life as a Dad. Lunch was served at Flanagan’s in Pompano Beach, Florida, with music by Judas Booth. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.

Ep.113 – Ozz Negri

Continuing the celebration of our sportscar roots, it doesn’t get any better than Ozz Negri. Born to modest means, Ozz’s career was started with the strangest stroke of luck that’s more fit for a Hallmark movie, but he took the opportunity and ran with it… embarking on a 30-year career in which he’s had to fight for every opportunity he had. It paid off though, as a winner of The Rolex 24 at Daytona, Petit Le Mans, and honestly one of the nicest and most liked guys in the sport. Lunch was served at Viva Brazil in Hollywood, Florida, with music by Armen Balyan. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.

Ep.112 – Charles Espenlaub

Labelled as “the most hated driver in sportscar,” Charles is actually a really good guy… he just never played a doctor on television. He is however, a guy who has earned his career in motorsport through true grit, working as a mechanic, a coach, and now a business owner. A guy who has had to work for everything he has, he’s also a cold-hearted snake killer, dangerous with fireworks, and about as much of a man’s man as you can be. Dinner was served at La Terressita in Tampa, Florida, with music by Yahima Riya. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.

Ep.111 – Razzle Dazzle (Ryan Dalziel)

When it comes to the current crop of sportscar drivers, Razzle Dazzle, known to his parents as Ryan Dalziel, is one of the most respected drivers in the scene. A winner in prototypes, a winner in GT cars, and a guy who cut his teeth as a winner in Formula Atlantic and a competitor in ChampCar, this guy’s versatility makes him one of the most sought after drivers in the paddock. As part of our “mini trip” through Florida in celebration of sportscars, Razzle is both a respected driver and one of the most lively personalities in the scene. Dinner was served at Luma on Park in Winter Park, Florida, with music by Savage Mix. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.

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.