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.
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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.
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.
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.
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 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
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
Willy T. Ribbs is, hands down, one of the most unique characters you’ll ever meet. A star on the rise in the junior categories, Willy’s journey took him to the top levels of IMSA and Trans-Am in the 1980’s and 1990’s, ultimately netting him a chance to qualify for the Indy 500, where he became the first-ever African American to qualify for the Indy 500. What makes Willy so unique, however, is his larger than life character. Honestly, there’s no point in describing it… just listen. Seriously, holy shit.
Lyn St. James is an absolute pioneer of the sport. Beginning her career in the grassroots sportscar rank, her business acumen set her apart from her peers, using her combination of speed, tenacity, and salesmanship to catch the eye of Ford in the 1980’s, eventually becoming a factory driver in their prestigious IMSA and Trans-Am programs, netting her a number of wins accolades and beyond. After getting a taste of IndyCar racing, Lyn’s ultimate accomplishment would occur in 1992 when she would not only quality for the Indy 500, but she’d enjoy a competitive run that would earn her Rookie-of-the-Year honors, the first woman in history to do so.
We’re pretty sure he doesn’t need a description, but Paul Tracy is one of the most iconic characters of the IndyCar and former ChampCar scene. The “thrill from West Hill,” this Canadian burst on to the scene as the ultimate checkers or wreckers type of driver, with a wild driving style that saw him win often, or crash trying. Driving for names like Penske and Newman/Haas, Paul’s career settled in when he became part of the Team Kool Green program, kind of winning the 2002 Indianapolis 500, and ultimately driving Forsythe Racing where he would finally take his much sought after first championship. This two-part episode takes us throughout his career, including some of the funniest moments, the most tragic, and everything in between. Dinner was served at Dominick’s Steakhouse in Scottsdale, AZ, with the music of Wes Sp8 and the Apollo taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.
What if we told you a Canadian go kart racer who lives in Colorado would go on to be this year’s championship-winning Crew Chief in NASCAR? Well we got ‘em, and he’s awesome. One of the youngest Crew Chiefs in the sport, Cole Pearn moves to the beat of his own drum, breaking from the traditions of NASCAR by growing up in Canada, getting an engineering degree, and using his scientific approach and methodology to become of the most successful active Crew Chiefs in the sport. As part of the Denver-based Furniture Row team, Cole’s approach with driver Martin Truex Jr. made them a dominant combination in 2017, winning the championship! Join us for a unique look at one of the sports most unique characters.
If you’re a lover of Porsche machinery, you probably know the name Alwin Springer. If you don’t, you should. Alwin is probably the biggest name in Porsche’s rise to dominance in North American sportscar racing. Working for Vasek Polak, the man who responsible for growing the U.S. market for Porsche throughout the 1950’s and ’60’s, Alwin went on with two partners to create ANDIAL, the premier Porsche performance tuning business in the U.S. Through ANDIAL, Alwin and his team were a big part of the legendary Porsche 962 success, servicing a variety of Porsche machinery until finally becoming part of Porsche Motorsport North America in the 1990’s. While Alwin theoretically retired years ago, it’s not exactly true, and we get a rare opportunity to hear about all of that and more.
Jeremy Shaw is, without a doubt, one of the most influential people in the careers of many road racing stars in the U.S. We’d call him a long-time motorsport journalist, but according to Jeremy he’s a motorsport writer, not a journalist, demonstrating the humility that makes Jeremy one of the most beloved folks in motorsport. Parlaying his writing career in to a broadcasting one, Jeremy is now one of the most recognized figures in road racing broadcasting, including serving as a key part of the fames IMSA Radio team. Most notably, Jeremy is also the founder of the famed Team USA scholarship, a one-of-a-kind program that sends two deserving young Americans to the prestigious Formula Ford Festival every year. Dinner was courtesy of Hacienda on the Lake in Mission Viejo, CA with the music of Dain Norman taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.
Scott Tucker and his epic “Level 5” sportscar program is the thing of legends. We actually owe a little something to Scott and Level 5 because our own “Level 5 Special” is the most downloaded one in our history. Imagine having a team owner, with a passion for racing, who has the means to fund things properly and really do things “right,” which is code for going big. That’s what Level 5 was, and Scott Tucker was the man behind it. Unfortunately his personal business would meet sharp criticism and controversy as the team went on, eventually folding the team as Scott concentrated on his ongoing legal matters. For the amazing racing stories, tune in to our previous episode. For the business and legal side of the story, as told by Scott, enjoy this one. Dinner was courtesy of the Full Schilling in Wall Street, New York City. Music was provided by Graveler. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.
Parker Kligerman is a perfect example of resilience ahead of career challenges, and it’s because of that he should have a long career ahead of him. Beginning as a road racer, Parker saw the writing on the wall and went stock car racing, then had a Penske development contract at 18, only to see it all end when things didn’t work out. Recognizing opportunity when he saw it, Parker has since moved on to a broadcasting career with NBC Sports Network, and sure enough that has re-introduced him to driving opportunities, funny how that works!
Do we really need to explain who Mario Andretti is? It’s Mario Andretti. IT’S MARIO ANDRETTI. He gave us so much time that we had to split the episode in two…BECAUSE YOU DON’T EDIT MARIO ANDRETTI. PART TWO
Brian Till is a classic racing tale of a guy who has never stopped working, and in such has carved out his own place in sport. A champion of various junior level categories, Brian enjoyed a brief stint in IndyCar and Trans-Am racing before finding an eventual home as a television broadcaster, and during the entirety of his career has always been a racing instructor at a variety of locations. His ability to relate, tell stories, and be a genuinely likable guy- combined with his work ethic- is what’s kept him around and you can really hear it in this episode.
A special edition for Dinner with Racers, we decided to cut Craig Hampson’s recording in to two parts. While his main episode focused largely on his stories and bigger picture examination, we wanted to focus exclusively on how he cut his teeth as a young engineer, specifically for our large audience of aspiring engineers who are curious about a career in motorsports. If you’re curious about what it takes, involved in Formula SAE, or just want to hear tales of young Craig Hampson, this is the episode for you.
What makes Ryan Lewis such an interesting guest is what his role isn’t in the sport. In a season of holy sh**, Ryan’s career has maybe not gone according to plan, despite being very talented and very articulate, which is why we thought we should sit with him. With a keen mind for evaluation and self diagnosis, we walk through Ryan’s career to look at the good, the bad, and the future. He also didn’t know what he was walking in to, and got drunk as f***.
For fans of historic sportscar racing, Dorsey Schroeder is a true living legend. What makes him amazing is that he’s a legend for his off-track exploits as much as on. Making his biggest name in the golden era of Trans-Am, Dorsey was the key figure in the era of the Roush Mustang, before moving to NASCAR and eventually broadcasting, where he has amazing stories across the board. This episode features no shortage of drunk tales, stories about Dale Earnhardt, and living by a lake.