Dinner with Racers

We’ve said we’d avoid doing remote interviews but, well, changing times call for changing approaches. The second in our series of catch-ups with previous guests, we reached out to Mike Shank, who since his initial recording with us in 2016 went on to run a factory GTD program, win a GTD championship, start an IndyCar team, and now returns to the top tiers of IMSA with the Acura DPi. Closeout song is “Benedictus” by SAILR. Thanks to Continental Tire, Valvoline and Acura for making this happen.

We’ve said we’d avoid doing remote interviews but, well, changing times call for changing approaches. The first of our series of catch-ups with previous guests, we reached out to Bill Riley, who since his initial recording with us in 2015, has changed his main program between three different vehicles, had a mixed outing for his own prototype, and enjoyed the fruits of his pop-culture juggernaut status courtesy of us. Closeout song is “Don’t Change” by Secret American. Thanks to Continental Tire, Valvoline and Acura for making this happen.

Recovering from a global pandemic, living in a world at odds with itself and in the throws of economic collapse, we’re of course talking about the 1930’s, right? In looking to our past to help us understand the future, our search for a hero came back with, well, something more on-brand for us. Welcome to the story of Mike Boyle, the “business man” who started an Indianapolis 500 dynasty. Recorded specifically for our Amazon Prime series, here are the less-edited versions of the same stories, closing with John Pappas who is one of the partners in the Boyle Racing Headquarters Foundation. Closeout song is “I’ll Change My ways” by Danny Stewart, and lunch served at Dawson’s on Main in Indianapolis, Indiana. Thanks to Continental Tire, Valvoline and Acura for making this happen.

Recovering from a global pandemic, living in a world at odds with itself and in the throws of economic collapse, we’re of course talking about the 1930’s, right? In looking to our past to help us understand the future, our search for a hero came back with, well, something more on-brand for us. Welcome to the story of Mike Boyle, the “business man” who started an Indianapolis 500 dynasty. Recorded specifically for our Amazon Prime series, here are the less-edited versions of the same stories, beginning with Mark Dill who teaches us about 1920’s and 30’s racing, followed by Dr. Wayne A. Johnson and John J. Binder, two Chicago historians with a background in organized, errr, “business.” Closeout song is “When You Came Along” by CHPTRS. Thanks to Continental Tire, Valvoline and Acura for making this happen.

Dick Simon is still here, and after you hear these stories you’ll never understand why. If you listened to episodes 153 and 154, you already know INDYCAR legend Dick Simon’s backstory, this here is a new recording with even more crazy tales. Recorded specifically for our Amazon Prime series, you can see these very same stories in cartoon form on the latest episode of “Dinner with Racers” on Amazon Prime. Lunch was served via The Coffee Importer in Dana Point, California, with setting courtesy of Dick Simon Yachts. Closeout song is “Christmas to Remember” by Brian Reith. Thanks to Continental Tire, Valvoline and Acura for making this happen.

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 corporate owned race tracks, namely Texas Motor Speedway’s Eddie Gossage, who manages one of the biggest oval facilities in the country for Speedway Motorsports, and John Story, who runs PR and marketing for Sebring International Raceway, a famed road course that is now part of NASCAR Holding’s ownership of IMSA. Music of JMR’s “Sugar Cane” taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire, Acura and Valvoline for making it all happen.

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 enthusiast-owned tracks, beginning with Mike Kerscher of Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin and then Roger Slack of Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, OH. Music of Heartbreak Kid’s “That’s My Life” taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire, Acura Valvoline for making it all happen.

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 government-owned tracks, beginning with Don Kazarian who own promotional rights to Perris Auto Speedway which is a California Fairgrounds-owned track, followed by two representatives of Monterey County (CA) owned WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Barry Toepke who handles marketing for the track, and Supervisor Mary Adams, the elected Supervisor of Monterey County. Music of Tall Heights’ “Learn Again” taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire, Acura and Valvoline for making it all happen.

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 the family owned tracks, Michael Daugherty of the privately owned Daugherty Speedway dirt track in Benton, IN, and Kerrigan Smith of the famed VIRginia International Raceway road course located in southern Virginia. Indiana breakfast was courtesy of Yum Yum Donuts in Indiana, with Tyrone Briggs’ ”Glory” taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire, Acura and Valvoline for making it all happen.

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.

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.

It’s Mark Martin. We drove to Montana. Dinner was delivered courtesy of Rosa’s in Bigfork, MT with Beeleaf’s ”Black Joy is Magic” taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire, Acura and Valvoline for making it all happen.

Ben Keating is a beloved entity in the sportscar ranks. Fully embracing the moniker as a gentleman driver, Ben has turned his acumen as one of Texas’s most successful car dealers to a driver who has won the Rolex 24, the North American Endurance Championship, and crossed the line first at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. His story, however, is unlike any other you’ll hear, from being a challenged teen to resolving severed ties with family members. Dinner was delivered courtesy of D’Amore’s in Malibu, CA, with Chair Model’s ”Cherry” taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire, Acura and Valvoline for making it all happen.

Do we really need to explain who Bob Jenkins is? If you listen to our show, you probably like racing. If you like racing, you probably know who Bob Jenkins is. We learn a lot about life in pseudo retirement, and incessantly badger him for the details. Dinner was served at Green Street Pub and Eatery in Brownsburg, IN, with Cliff Thomas’ “I’m on My Way Home” 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. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.

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.

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.

Kerrigan Smith is a known entity within the sportscar paddock because he’s served so many roles over the course of so many years, so to see him elevated to the role of track president, as a true racer, makes him easy to root for. Originally brought on as a manager, Kerrigan’s leadership, ability to work with a team, yet also be incredibly hands-on and not above any job, makes him uniquely suited to take on the duties as VIR’s track President. This episode is specifically tailored to anyone who wants to know more about the day-to-day of running a road course. You can see the full story on our new Amazon Prime series but listen to his extended interview here. Dinner was served at the South Course timing tower, provided by Aunt Millie’s Pizza. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.

While VIRginia International Raceway as we know it may have been resurrected with the initiative of Harvey Siegel, the actual implementation wouldn’t have been possible without the boots-on-the-ground, no BS attitude of Connie Nyholm. Finding her success in New York Real Estate, Connie grew up just a few miles away from VIR, providing an understanding of local culture, as well as connections, to establish the credibility that a couple of “outsiders” would need to make it happen. 20 years after breaking ground, Connie is now the owner of the track, but still very involved in the day-to-day operation. You can see the full story on our new Amazon Prime series but listen to her extended interview here. Dinner was served at the Oak Tree Tavern, located inside of VIRginia International Raceway. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.

VIRginia International Raceway as we know it today, simply wouldn’t exist without the initiative of Harvey Siegel. A lifelong vintage racer who found great success in New York Real Estate, Harvey combined his passions to resurrect the legendary track that originally shut down in 1974. As a self-described “Jewish Boy from New York,” trying to convince the locals of Alton, Virginia that rebuilding the historic track some 20 years later was in the best interest of the community was a unique process, and one uniquely suited to this quirky character, You can see the full story on our new Amazon Prime series, but listen to his extended interview here. Lunch was served at the Tewksbury Inn in Oldwick, NJ, courtesy of course of Continental Tire and Acura.

As already announced, we’re on AMAZON PRIME!! The soon-to-be-release Episode Three is called “The Animated Adventures of Uncle Bobby,” which speaks for itself. Following up from our 2018 recording, we sat down with national treasure Bobby Unser for a second time in 2019, this time with the sole focus of hearing crazy stories best suited for a cartoon series. Here is the same recording, with less editing….

Smokey Yunick is an absolute legend of not only motorsports, but the automotive sector as a whole. A multi-time champion of the NASCAR Cup series as crew chief/team owner, and a guy who built some of the most innovate IndyCars and stock cars in the sport, Smokey’s legend isn’t one that comes from the record books. He’s heralded as not only of the greatest inventors, but with the character to match. Brash and unapologetic, Smokey’s fallout with NASCAR is a thing of folklore, which produced one of the greatest “rule bending” race cars of all time. The second part of our series, you’ve heard his biography from Trish, now hear the stories from his peers: Ray Evernham, Bobby Unser, Bobby Allison and Don Garlits. To learn more, why not purchase his book, “The Best Damn Garage in Town,” available at www.smokeyyunick.com

Smokey Yunick is an absolute legend of not only motorsports, but the automotive sector as a whole. A multi-time champion of the NASCAR Cup series as crew chief/team owner, and a guy who built some of the most innovate IndyCars and stock cars in the sport, Smokey’s legend isn’t one that comes from the record books. He’s heralded as not only of the greatest inventors, but with the character to match. Brash and unapologetic, Smokey’s fallout with NASCAR is a thing of folklore, which produced one of the greatest “rule bending” race cars of all time. Hear the biography of Smokey from the person who not only managed the process of getting his book written, but was also raised by him… his daughter Trish. To learn more, why not purchase his book, “The Best Damn Garage in Town,” available at www.smokeyyunick.com

Nuff people say well you know they can’t believe…. JAMAICA WE HAVE A BOBSLED TEAM. If you know this song, then you don’t need to read any further, just hit play. As part of our first episode of the new Amazon Prime series, during our visit to Jamaica we decided to venture away from the race track, and meet a couple amazing racers in their own right. Carrie Russell and Audra Segree have both made history, being part of the first female bobsled effort for the country. Carrie started as brakeman (woman?) and is now the driver, and Audra competes in skeleton, literally going headfirst at record speeds. It didn’t take long to figure out that racers are racers, and we share a similar set of vales and experiences.

It’s been a long, hard road to get everyone their favorite free podcast about eating and pro-am sportscar, and with that in mind it’s time to let the public know about our future plans….. …on Amazon Prime!!

Dave Despain is one of the most beloved on-air personalities for anyone who follows American racing. An unapologetic motorcycle lover, Dave began his career as a local AM radio DJ, who somehow managed to work his way in to broadcast television, all the way to becoming the host of many popular US motorsport shows, including a favorite of Ryan and Sean’s, “Saturday Night Thunder,” and then his most famous gig, Wind Tunnel. Beyond being a state of the sport and one of the most known pro’s, he’s managed to balance the line between being professional and respected without ever losing his edge as an almost counter-culture motorsport icon. Dinner was served at The Station in Athens, Georgia, with the music of Butterscotch Stanley taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.

Todd Bodine is one of the more endearing personalities in NASCAR, so he seemed an obvious choice to call up when we passed through North Carolina. Part of the famous Bodine family, Todd started his career as a mechanic, then a race-winning Crew Chief, and then a driver who rose all the way to the Cup ranks. As a driver, he’s perhaps most known as a multi-time champion of the NASCAR Truck Series, and then currently enjoys his time as a television analyst and overall ambassador of the sport. Dinner was served at Caruso’s in Mooresville, North Carolina, with the music of Vanilla Woods taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.

Chances are you already know the name, but it when it comes to legends of NASCAR, Bobby Allison is about as big as they come. Often known as the one guy who could take it to The King himself, Richard Petty, Bobby Allison led the “Alabama Gang” in to the premier levels of NASCAR in its infancy, winning three Daytona 500’s and one championship along the way. Oh yeah, and he’s in the NASCAR Hall of Fame, so there’s that. Lunch was served at The Midway Boathouse Grill in Mooresville, North Carolina, with the music of Charles Mancini taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.

Dennis Aase may note be a household name outside of the sportscar paddock, but that’s exactly why we wanted to spend some time with him. A racer’s racer, Dennis is one of the few who was both a pro driver and a businessman, but not the traditional gentleman driver as we know it. Good enough to be a factory Toyota racer with Dan Gurney throughout the 1980’s, Dennis never took his eye off the business side of it, forming both Aase Brothers and Aasco, two of the most known performance shops known in Southern California. He’s a gritty, no BS guy, and a throwback to what makes the heyday of sportscar so great. Breakfast was served at The Original Pancake House in Orange, California 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.

Linda Vaughn is an icon of the sport, with a brand all to herself. While she’s known as the original “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter,” racing history will remember her as the first woman to really expand on the concept of a brand model. A signature of the sport throughout the last five decades, Linda has stories of hanging out with all the greats, and comes from a unique place to discuss the history of the track model and the evolution to today’s climate. Dinner was served at the Wind & Sea restaurant in Dana Point, California with the music of Butterscotch Stanley taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.

UNCLE BOBBY!!! Chances are if you’re a fan of our show, you probably know Bobby Unser, does he really need a description? Three-time Indy 500 winner, 17 Pikes Peak wins, and a post-driving career that included being one of the lead commentators during IndyCar’s heyday. IT’S UNCLE BOBBY!!! This episode may not be appropriate for young ears. Dinner was served at Pappadeaux’s in Albuquerque, NM with the music of Butterscotch Stanley taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.