The Scene Vault Podcast

When Dale Earnhardt died on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500, NASCAR didn't just lose a driver. It lost its Superman. And in the grief that followed, the sport nearly tore itself apart. A broken seat belt. A driver who liked it loose. A manufacturer forced to defend his product. A rival driver who needed protection from his own fans. And a conspiracy theory machine that rivaled the JFK assassination in its intensity — because when the unthinkable happens, someone has to be blamed. In this episode, we go deep into the nuclear fallout of February 18, 2001: The seat belt controversy — what actually happened, why the "dumping issue" matters, and why one popular theory about Dale loosening his own belt is flat-out wrong Bill Simpson under fire — how the seat belt manufacturer fought to protect his reputation, and the evolving explanations that followed Sterling Marlin's nightmare — why Dale Jr. had to step in, and what Marlin meant when he said, quietly, "It was real bad" The one o'clock impact — the biomechanical truth behind the basal skull fractures that killed Earnhardt, Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin and Tony Roper Dr. Bob Hubbard and the HANS device — how one inventor's presence at Speedweeks 2001 changed everything and why drivers from Michael Waltrip to Mark Martin were skeptical before they were sold NASCAR's measured response — why the sport didn't overreact, and why that discipline made the safety revolution stick Did NASCAR die with Dale? — the sentiment, the data and the powerful argument for what his life actually meant This isn't a conspiracy episode. It's a reckoning — with grief, with blame and with the painful, necessary process of turning tragedy into transformation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the #3 went silent on the final lap at Daytona, only one window net came down. From the broadcast booth, Darrell Waltrip was still celebrating his brother Michael's historic win. But on pit road, a thick sense of dread had already begun to spread across the Daytona landscape. Ken Schrader reached the car first. One glance told him everything. Seven-time champion spotter Danny Culler radioed Earnhardt three or four times: "Dale, you okay? Talk to me." The radio never answered. At 5:16 PM, Dale Earnhardt was pronounced dead. Before NASCAR President Mike Helton stepped to the microphone — before the cameras turned, before the world officially knew — Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned to his teammates and said something none of them would ever forget. In this episode, we go inside the hours immediately following the Dale Earnhardt death — through the eyes of Ken Schrader, Richard Childress, Rusty Wallace and Dale Jr. himself. The silence. The shock. The grief. And the single sentence that stopped the world. This episode covers: Ken Schrader's moment at the car Danny Culler's desperate radio calls that went unanswered Michael Waltrip's victory, forever overshadowed by his boss's crash Richard Childress' reaction in the infield care center Rusty Wallace's complicated friendship with The Intimidator — and the water bottle he once threw at him Dale Jr.'s words that became the most heartbreaking quote in NASCAR history The storm had been building for nine months — since Adam Petty's death in May 2000. The 2001 Daytona 500 was where it finally hit land. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before the HANS device. Before the safer barriers. Before NASCAR changed forever — there was someone standing at the fence with a camera, watching drivers die. Bambi Mattila was the staff photographer for Winston Cup Scene and between 2000 and 2001, she was on-site for some of the darkest moments in the sport's history: the deaths of Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin, Blaise Alexander and Dale Earnhardt in the 2001 Daytona 500. This isn't the story the cameras showed you. This is what it felt like to be standing there. In this episode: What Bambi saw — and felt — in the moments after Adam Petty's accident at New Hampshire Why Kenny Irwin's crash left her furious: "I was so mad that nothing had changed." The chilling moment on pit road when she knew Dale Earnhardt wasn't coming back How she kept her composure on the outside while breaking down on the inside: "I'm just so sick of watching people die." Why Dale Earnhardt's death was the turning point — and what she would have done if NASCAR hadn't finally acted The role of the media community in processing collective grief — and the moment one reporter finally snapped About Bambi Mattila: Bambi served as staff photographer for Winston Cup Scene / NASCAR Scene from the late 1990s through the sport's most turbulent era. She was present at more fatal racing accidents than perhaps any other photographer in the sport — and she's never told this story publicly, until now. "If it can happen to Dale Earnhardt — the Intimidator, ten feet tall and bulletproof — it can happen to anybody. That day, our house of cards came tumbling down." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt. 2001 Daytona 500. The final hours of The Intimidator — reconstructed lap by lap, conversation by conversation, from the people who were there. On February 18, 2001, Earnhardt arrived at Daytona International Speedway on a perfect, Chamber of Commerce morning — and left in silence. This is the story of everything that happened before the crash that changed NASCAR history forever. What did Earnhardt say to his spotter two days before the race — and why did that spotter almost not show up on race day? What scripture did Stevie Waltrip press into Earnhardt's hand before the engines fired? What were the last words Dale Earnhardt ever spoke on the radio? And why, during the race itself, did Earnhardt warn Richard Childress that NASCAR's cars were going to kill somebody? In this episode: The Terry Bradshaw promo spin — and the moment Earnhardt deliberately scared him on the apron Danny Culler's explosive falling-out with Earnhardt, and the Sunday morning phone call that brought him back Ward Burton's shoulder-bump on the way to driver introductions — the only way he knew how to say it Earnhardt's final televised interview with Matt Yocum, minutes before the green flag The Proverbs 18:10 scripture, and Max Helton's haunting memory of a handshake that lasted a moment too long "The big one" on Lap 175 — and Earnhardt's chilling radio call to Childress in the aftermath Sterling Marlin, Ken Schrader and the final turn that ended an era Earnhardt's last words: "Tell Michael to run low." This isn't just a Dale Earnhardt crash story. It's a portrait of a man — the seven-time champion, the father, the friend — in the final hours of his life. Every conversation. Every decision. Every fork in the road that didn't change what was coming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2001 Daytona 500 was supposed to be a celebration. Michael Waltrip's first win. Dale Earnhardt Jr. running second. A dynasty moment for Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. Instead, it became one of the darkest days in NASCAR history — and a small group of journalists had hours to tell the world why. This is Firestorm Reaction, Episode 6. In this episode, former Winston Cup Scene staffers go back inside the rooms, the press box, and the all-night newsroom to relive February 18, 2001 — the night everything changed. From Bambi Matilda's chilling radio call ("things didn't look good") to Ken Schrader's reaction at the car that told the whole story before Mike Helton said a word — every detail of that day is pieced back together with raw honesty. What you'll hear in this episode: 🏁 The pre-race atmosphere — Dale Earnhardt, Terry Bradshaw and a sport buzzing with optimism 📻 The moment the press box realized something was terribly wrong 📰 How Winston Cup Scene scrapped their entire race issue and rebuilt it overnight — producing the legendary "Death of a Legend" front page 🖊️ Mark Ashenfelter, Tom Jensen, Deb Williams and Jeff Owens: the unsung journalists who documented history under impossible pressure ⚠️ The safety warnings that came before — Ed Hinton's prophetic reporting on Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin Jr. and Tony Roper 💬 Dale Earnhardt's chilling final quote about the apron — said the day before his fatal crash 😶 The hollow feeling of watching history unfold and not being able to stop it Dale Earnhardt's death didn't just end a career. It forced a reckoning — with safety, with journalism and with what it means to cover a sport you love when the worst happens. This episode captures the human cost of that day through the eyes of the people who had to write the headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt was The Intimidator on the track — but behind closed doors, he was a father concerned about losing his son, a friend who couldn't find the words to comfort a grieving parent and a man quietly pushing NASCAR to make cars safer just weeks before his death at the 2001 Daytona 500. In this episode, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Petty, Ken Schrader, Steve Waid and Gary Nelson share deeply personal, never-before-heard stories that reveal the real Dale Earnhardt — the side the cameras never captured. Stories you'll hear in this episode: ' 🏆 Dale Jr.'s lifelong quest for his father's approval — and the 1998 Busch Series championship moment that changed everything 💔 Kyle Petty on Earnhardt avoiding him for months after Adam Petty's death — and the emotional Daytona motor coach conversation where Earnhardt finally broke down and admitted, "I didn't know what to say… it hit so close to home" 🤝 The Wilkesboro confrontation where Earnhardt put Petty in a headlock — then taught him the most important lesson of his career 🔧 Gary Nelson reveals Earnhardt's secret December 2000 meeting at DEI where he pushed for NASCAR safety improvements — a stunning reversal from the man who mocked drivers for wearing HANS devices 🏁 The final hug between Earnhardt and Kyle Petty on pit road before the 2001 Daytona 500 — their last moment together This is the Dale Earnhardt his family, friends, and rivals knew. The rags-to-riches NASCAR legend with a heart of gold and walls just as strong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Scene Vault Podcast, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid sit down with Danny Culler, who served as Dale Earnhardt's spotter and close friend, to share incredible behind-the-scenes stories about the real Dale Earnhardt. 🔹 What you'll hear in this episode: How Dale secretly gave away engines, vehicles, and helmets — always with one rule: "Don't tell anyone where you got it" Danny Culler's hilarious first day spotting for Earnhardt at Darlington The time Dale pushed a rental car through a tunnel at Watkins Glen Dale and Teresa flying to Chapel Hill to see Bruce Springsteen — and the only autograph Dale Earnhardt ever asked for Neil Bonnett's unforgettable encounter with a buck deer at Dale's farm pond Steve Waid's personal memories of a pre-fame Earnhardt who asked for advice and offered his basement to a new-in-town journalist Dale's deep conversations about politics, philosophy and religion over Chinese food during a Bristol rain delay 🔹 Plus: Steve and Rick discuss the overwhelming response to last week's Firestorm series episode on Tony Roper, which set a new viewership record for the series. This episode paints a picture of Dale Earnhardt that goes far beyond the black #3 — a man who was deeply generous, fiercely private, and full of surprises. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the year 2000, the NASCAR community was shaken by three heartbreaking fatalities, including the loss of beloved driver Tony Roper. Yet, just four months later, Tony's tragic passing would be largely overshadowed by the devastating loss of Dale Earnhardt. In this episode of The Scene Vault Podcast, we honor Tony’s legacy by looking back at his incredible career and the massive impact he left behind. We dive deep into the personal side of Tony's life, hearing how his passing affected his closest friends, including fellow driver Tony Raines, and his wife, Michelle. We also explore Michelle Roper's powerful journey following the tragedy—from her crucial advocacy for better crisis management in NASCAR to finding hope and starting a new chapter. Relive the history, the heartbreak, and the heroes of stock-car racing. Make sure to subscribe for more untold stories from NASCAR's past! 🏁 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of The Scene Vault Podcast, we honor the life, career and enduring legacy of NASCAR driver Tony Roper. Joined by special guest Tony Raines, we dive deep into the heartbreaking realities of the 2000 NASCAR season. We share untold stories of Roper's fierce personality, his relentless drive in the NASCAR Truck Series and the close-knit personal relationships he forged in the garage. This episode serves as a crucial chapter in our documentary series Firestorm: 2000-2001 -- The Years That Forever Changed NASCAR. It explores the devastating NASCAR deaths of 2000 and 2001—an era that claimed the lives of Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin, Tony Roper, Blaise Alexander and Dale Earnhardt—and ultimately sparked a massive NASCAR safety revolution that saved countless lives. If you are passionate about NASCAR history and the raw, untold driver stories from stock car racing's most turbulent era, hit that play button. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the summer of 2000, NASCAR faced a massive safety firestorm. But while many drivers pleaded for change following the tragic crashes of Adam Petty and Kenny Irwin at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Dale Earnhardt Sr. stood his ground, famously calling out the "candy asses" who wanted to slow the cars down. In this episode of Firestorm: 2000-2001 -- The Years That Forever Changed NASCAR, we dive deep into the intense NASCAR safety debate of 2000. We uncover the behind-the-scenes culture clash between The Intimidator's old-school macho persona and the growing push for safety from drivers like Jeff Burton and Brett Bodine. Why did Earnhardt despise restrictor plates ("Take them damn things off and let her rip!"), refuse to wear full-face helmets, and mock the HANS device? We explore the fierce resistance to modernizing stock car safety, the secret injuries drivers hid to keep racing, and NASCAR's early, desperate attempts to test energy-absorbing walls and Styrofoam blocks before Dean Sicking's game-changing invention of the SAFER barrier. What you'll learn in this episode: • The fallout from the tragic 2000 NASCAR deaths of Adam Petty and Kenny Irwin • Dale Earnhardt’s unfiltered thoughts on restrictor plates, the HANS device, and full-face helmets • The intense garage divide between old-school traditionalists and new safety advocates • NASCAR's experimental (and sometimes rudimentary) soft wall tests • The origin story of the SAFER barrier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Rick Houston, Steve Waid and Jeffrey Baker discuss the third episode of our new documentary podcast series, Firestorm: 2000-2001 -- The Years That Forever Changed NASCAR. In later years, a perception would develop that NASCAR did not react fast enough to accidents that claimed the lives of Adam Petty and Kenny Irwin. We lay out the case that safety in NASCAR in that era wasn't necessarily a question of simply making rules and forcing competitors to change their way of thinking. It was FAR more complicated with unfamiliar new technology and the sport's most influential voice decrying change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slugger Labbe, who served as Kenny Irwin's first Winston Cup crew chief, joins co-hosts Rick Houston, Steve Waid and Jeffrey Baker to remember the promising young driver. In this episode of The Scene Vault Podcast, we dive deep into the heartbreaking "Firestorm" era of the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season. We react to the tragic loss of Irwin at New Hampshire International Speedway—an event that, along with the loss of Adam Petty forever changed the sport. Hear the raw, unfiltered perspective of crew chief Slugger Labbe, who opens up about the immense pressure placed on Irwin to become the "next" Jeff Gordon ... and to uphold the incredible success of Robert Yates Racing's legendary number 28 entry. From his Rookie of the Year battle to his time at Robert Yates Racing and Team SABCO, we explore the talent that was lost too soon. Was the pressure too much? Did mechanical failure seal his fate? Join us as we remember a driver who had all the potential in the world. In this episode, we cover: The eerie similarities between the Kenny Irwin Jr. and Adam Petty accidents Slugger Labbe's emotional recount of the 2000 season The "stuck throttle" controversy at New Hampshire The pressure of driving the #28 for Robert Yates after Davey Allison and Ernie Irvan How these tragedies reshaped NASCAR safety forever Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the summer of 2000, NASCAR faced one of its darkest periods. Just eight weeks after the loss of Adam Petty, the racing world was shattered again by the death of Kenny Irwin at the exact same track. In this episode of Firestorm: 2000-2001 -- The Years That Forever Changed NASCAR, we look back at the incredible talent, the intense pressure, and the tragic end of a driver who had been destined for greatness. Kenny Irwin Jr. was a force of nature in the open-wheel ranks. A USAC standout who went head-to-head with Tony Stewart, Irwin was fast-tracked to the Winston Cup Series, tasked with filling the legendary seat of the #28 at Robert Yates Racing. From his Rookie of the Year battle to his move to Sabco Racing, Irwin's career was defined by raw speed and high expectations. We explore the details of that fateful weekend at the track then known as New Hampshire International Speedway, the eerie similarities to Adam Petty's accident and the devastating impact it had on mentors like Johnny Vance and Bob East. This is the story of a rising star extinguished too soon and the wake-up call that eventually forced NASCAR history toward a safer future. In this episode, we cover: Kenny Irwin's dominance in USAC and his rivalry with Tony Stewart The pressure of replacing Ernie Irvan in the #28 Texaco Havoline Ford His transition to the #42 for Sabco Racing The tragic accident at Loudon and the "stuck throttle" discussion The emotional aftermath for the racing community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He was the first fourth-generation athlete in professional sports history, carrying the most famous surname in NASCAR. But on a dark day in New Hampshire, the future of the Petty legacy—and the sport itself—was changed forever. In this episode of Firestorm, we look back at the brief but bright career of Adam Petty. Known for his infectious youthful exuberance and that signature Petty smile, Adam carried the weight of a dynasty on his shoulders. We go beyond the highlights to explore his hopeful start and the gritty reality of his development in the Busch Series (NASCAR's number-two national series), where he fought to prove he was more than just a name. We revisit the tragic events of May 12, 2000, at New Hampshire International Speedway. What began as a routine practice session ended in a heartbreak that shook the racing world to its core. But the story doesn't end in Turn 3. We also uncover the lasting legacy left behind: how Kyle and Pattie Petty channeled their unimaginable grief into the establishment of the Victory Junction Gang Camp. It’s a story of loss, but also of how a family turned their darkest moment into a beacon of hope for thousands of children. In this episode: The pressure and promise of being the first 4th-generation Petty Adam's learning curve and struggles in the Busch Series The timeline of the tragic accident at New Hampshire How the racing community reacted to the loss of its "Prince" The creation and impact of Victory Junction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful reaction episode to the first episode of Firestorm: 2000-2001 -- The Years That Forever Changed NASCAR, we revisit one of the most heartbreaking moments in NASCAR history ... the tragic loss of Adam Petty. Join hosts Rick Houston, Steve Waid and Tony Liberati as we discuss the events surrounding that fateful day at New Hampshire and explore the two-year period that forever changed safety in stock car racing. What You Can Expect: Deep Dive: A detailed look at the 2000 season and the "Firestorm" that engulfed the sport. Personal Stories: Emotional memories and insights from those who knew Adam best. Historical Context: Understanding how this tragedy sparked a revolution in driver safety. Firestorm: An exclusive re-release of our acclaimed 10-episode series, now with new content and available in video format for the first time. Don't miss the drop of this episode on Wednesday, February 18 ... the 25th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's fatal accident in the 2001 Daytona 500 ... and sure to check out the same-day release of the Firestorm debut. Subscribe to The Scene Vault to relive these and many other moments that defined racing history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Hammond, Darrell Waltrip's longtime crew chief and former Fox Sports commentator, makes his debut as co-host of The Scene Vault Podcast as we drop news of the upcoming re-release of the 10-episode docuseries Firestorm: 2000-2001 -- The Years That Forever Changed NASCAR. Ben Leslie drops some bombshells when it comes to fuel cells and trick noses, one of which helped Mark Martin win the 2002 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. We then dig into the July 15, 1999 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Jeff Burton wins for the third year in a row at New Hampshire, but it’s Tony Stewart who dominates the event until running out of gas with a couple of laps to go … and you just IMAGINE how well that went over with the fresh-faced rookie. Dale Jarrett and Jeff Gordon have a last-lap run-in, which leads to a bit of a POST-RACE confrontation between the two future NASCAR Hall of Famers. Kenny Wallace gets a second-place finish, the best finish of his Winston Cup career. Mark Martin guts his way through a series of injuries he’d sustained at Daytona the week before to finish sixth. We’ve got lug nuts … and talk of franchising … flying all over the place. Finally … a news story and host Rick Houston's column discuss Busch Series driver Jeff Krogh’s career-ending injury and the reaction of his friends and family to the mishap. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the first of what will be three segments, Ben Leslie follows his older brother Tracy up the racing ladder, a path that led them from Michigan to the Busch Series. Ben ends up begging Roush Racing’s Steve Hmiel and Robin Pemberton for a job and eventually lands a gig with the team in September 1994. Once there, he works with Roush drivers Ted Musgrave, Mark Martin and Johnny Benson. We then dig into the September 29, 1994 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Rusty Wallace dominates at Martinsville less than two weeks after one of the most important dates in the history of Winston Cup Scene. Dale Earnhardt comes back from a couple of early-race spins to finish second, while Kenny Wallace captures the best showing of his Winston Cup career to that point. Ernie Irvan surprises EVERYBODY by calling in to a legendary Charlotte radio show after surviving a near-fatal crash at Michigan the month before. There are feature stories on NASCAR memorabilia collector Wayne Keith … a news story about Travis Carter, Hut Stricklin and crew chief Pete Wright going their separate ways ... and early nominations for spots on the coveted Copenhagen/Skoal All Pro team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve got fresh meat sitting in with us today … Penske Racing's own Jeffrey Baker. I sat down a while back with Jeffrey for the podcast … we haven’t run that interview yet … BUT … when we started talking about the third co-host, asking Jeffrey to be a part of all this was a no brainer. This week in the second and final installment of our interview, Bobby Hutchens remembers the Dale Earnhardt he knew and Kevin Harvick’s emotional 2001 victory at Atlanta. He talks about leaving Richard Childress Racing, the loss of his wife to breast cancer and his son taking the family racing legacy … literally … around the world. We then dig into the July 3, 1997 issue of Winston Cup Scene. This issue includes a Photo Bio on the one and only Jeffrey Baker … The greatest public-relations jingle in NASCAR history … A treasure hunt at the shop that once housed Junior Johnson & Associates … Jimmy Spencer … master Monopoly player … And the greatest column in the history of motorsports journalism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first installment of what will be a two-part interview, Bobby Hutchens goes from Bowman Gray Stadium to North Carolina State University and then to Richard Childress Racing, where he helps change the culture on one of the sport’s most successful teams as a mechanical engineer. Along with guest co-host Tony Liberati, we then dig into the April 22, 1993 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Rusty Wallace wins at North Wilkesboro after which he does the Polish victory lap for the second race in a row, in memory of Alan Kulwicki. Sterling Marlin dominates the first half of the event, while Jim Roper pays a visit to the track that weekend. There’s fallout about the announcement that Hooters would be ending its sponsorship of Alan Kulwicki Racing … and hope for the future after it’s announced that NASCAR would be racing at Indy for the first time the following year. Finally … Ricky Rudd wants a word … or a pound of flesh … from Brett Bodine in the North Wilkesboro garage. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the second and final installment of our interview, Darrell Bryant wins at Darlington, this time with Lake Speed. He gets hung with the nickname the Professor after working with drivers early in their career and he joins the ranks of those who’ve had to personally buy tires because their teams are struggling financially. However, that particular team owner once wrote in his autobiography that he would’ve wanted Darrell Bryant right there next to him in a foxhole. We then dig into the April 21, 1988 issue of Grand National Scene. Dale Earnhardt gets black flagged as soon as that year’s spring North Wilkesboro race gets underway, but battles back to lead the most laps before seeing the victory slip away due to a leaky tire. The win goes to Terry Labonte and hometown hero Junior Johnson, whose then-wife Flossie is featured in this issue. Rusty Wallace salvages a fourth-place finish despite getting banged up during a test, his CAR getting banged up during practice after his car's hood pins are left unfastened and getting a hot foot during the race itself. Steve Waid’s commentary focuses on a recent incident between Harry Gant and Dave Marcis. Gary McCreadie has a column on team press kits … did we need ‘em or didn’t we? Finally, Dale Earnhardt discusses his feelings for driving on the highway versus the race track and his daughter Kelley gets HER drivers license. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re going to try something a little different to start off the new year. In addition to the greatness that our listeners have come to expect from Rick Houston and Steve Waid each week, we’re going to have a THIRD voice in the mix as a co-host. And that third voice is going to be a rotation of Tony Liberati, John Dodson, Jeff Hammond and Chris Powell. This week, former driver and longtime crew chief Darrell Bryant takes us from Bowman Gray Stadium in 1951 to working with Buck Baker, Donnie Allison, Jim Paschal. He was there the night BOBBY Allison won that controversial race at Bowman Gray … and yes … he’s always thought Bobby should’ve received credit for the victory. Darrell also remembers calling Terry Labonte to the first Winston Cup victory of his career and a garage-area scuffle with Morgan Shepherd. We then dig into the August 13, 1981 issue of Grand National Scene. Morgan Shepherd gets the heave-ho from team owner Cliff Stewart after a Talladega scuffle with Darrell Bryant. Dale Earnhardt joins Richard Childress Racing for a trial run. Purolator leaves the Wood Brothers. And finally, there’s talk of two of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history becoming teammates … for one race, at least. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the final installment of this intense interview, longtime NASCAR independent driver Frank Warren discusses his own infidelities, working with Marty Robbins and the time Dale Earnhardt told Warren he was once jealous of him. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After some great reaction to the first installment of the Frank Warren interview, he’s back for more this week with a dream deal he turns down on principle … and then finds out the guy was a ghost. We’ve got Maurice Petty doing engine work for Frank on the downlow … Soapy “Gunslinger” Castles gets his point across at Martinsville … the war that Frank waged on chained gates in the garage area and how Frank Warren wound up with the trophy Elvis Presley won in Speedway. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks to listener Daniel Collins, we're able to share an incredible seven-hour interview with longtime NASCAR independent driver Frank Warren. In this installment, Frank gives us trick tires, nitrous oxide, lawn sprinklers in hotel rooms, and one man's opinion of Cale Yarborough. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Stupid redneck." "Ass clown." "Cuck." Under the best of circumstances, they're not terms of endearment. And when they're coming from the highest of high-ranking NASCAR officials about a well-respected team owner, it's bombshell news that might very well mark a turning point in the sport's history. NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin joins host Rick Houston and super-sub Eric Quinn this week for a heartfelt reaction to NASCAR Chairman Steve Phelps' pointed remarks about NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Childress. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the third and final installment of our interview, Donnie Richardson finds himself in the middle of not only NASCAR drama, but family drama as well. He then goes on the road for 18 years with the one and only Ken Schrader. In our second segment, we will be joined by former Winston Cup Scene senior staff writer and associate editor Tom Stinson. Back in the late summer of 1993,Tom wrote a two part essay on the Ken Schrader racing roadshow. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the second installment of our interview, Donnie Richeson goes from Whitcomb to Sabco Racing, where he has a front-row seat for all the goodness that was Kyle Petty and Felix Sabates. He then gets the chance to serve as crew chief for Brett Bodine … and at the time … Donnie and Brett were married to twin sisters. And … there’s talk of Dale Earnhardt going to drive for Kenny Bernstein. We then tackle the December 12, 1991 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Dale Earnhardt celebrates his fifth Winston Cup championship at the banquet in New York City, but even though nobody knows it at the time, crew chief Kirk Shelmerdine’s time with Richard Childress Racing is beginning to wind down. During the banquet, Dale gives a head nod to THE biggest PERSONAL controversy of his career. There’s talk of shortening races beginning in 1992 and a look back on the 1979 championship battle between Richard Petty and Darrell Waltrip. And … Steve Waid proceeds to take pot shots at basically everybody in the garage. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the first of what will be three installments, Donnie Richeson takes us on a journey from Owensboro, Kentucky and Alan Kulwicki’s humble beginnings in Wisconsin to the turmoil of the Darrell Waltrip-Waddell Wilson-Hendrick Motorsports Dream Team. Then in our second segment, we’re going to dig into the July 30, 1981 issue of Grand National Scene. Darrell dominates and then wins at Pocono … and then he doesn’t … and then he does again after a scoring snafu that leaves DW and Cale Yarborough both trying to wedge their cars into victory lane. And Al Loquasto makes his Winston Cup debut in an entry sponsored by Schaefer beer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the final installment of our interview with Lou LaRosa, we’ve got high drama with Lou, Richard Childress, Dale Earnhardt, Larry McReynolds and Joe Gibbs, Lou’s slapstick porta-john incident at North Wilkesboro and what is perhaps the one and only person to ENJOY working with Team III. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lou LaRosa. Drama at DiGard ... what else is new? Smokey Yunick. Osterlund Racing, a young Dale Earnhardt, getting thrown under the bus and coming back for more. This week's episode has plenty of super-charged emotion. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’ve got the first of a three-part interview with the legendary engine builder, Lou LaRosa. The conversation takes listeners from Brooklyn, Ebbetts Field and Vietnam all the way to the DiGard Racing shop in Daytona. We then page through the February 16, 1989 issue of Grand National Scene. It’s a great start to the 1989 edition of Speedweeks at Daytona for Ken Schrader, who captures the pole position for the following week’s Daytona 500 AND wins the Busch Clash from the pole. There's a crazy ARCA race at Daytona. There are features on Ernie Elliott and Betty Jane France, as well as a short item on the intricate work put into the Country Time Lemonade uniforms and finally, master wordsmith Joe Whitlock has another beautiful column. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second and final installment of our interview with Steve Grissom, we discuss one of the greatest paint schemes of all time, his contract squabbles with Diamond Ridge Motorsports team owner Gary Bechtel and a nightmarish accident at Atlanta. We when tackle the February 29, 1996 Winston Cup Scene. Dale Earnhardt wins at Rockingham after a late-race run-in with Bobby Hamilton. Loy Allen receives some serious injuries in a wreck that sideline him for the next several months, and his team is NOT happy about the amount of time it took for help to arrive to the accident site. Finally, Ned Jarrett has a chance encounter with a name from his past. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, in the first of what will be two installments, we talk to Steve Grissom about ignoring SEC football scholarships in order to go racing, a road that eventually led him to winning races … and a championship … in the Busch Series. In our second segment, we’re going to dig into the October 25, 1990 issue of Winston Cup Scene AGAIN. Alan Kulwicki wins the second race of his Winston Cup career at Rockingham after Kyle Petty’s engine doesn’t fare nearly as well as it had that spring at the track. Steve Grissom passes Mark Martin to score the win in Rockingham’s Busch Series race that weekend. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear from veteran NASCAR insider David Lovendahl on the profound loss of his two sons in tragic accidents, sharing raw insights on grief, resilience and life beyond the track. Expect emotional depth, behind-the-scenes NASCAR anecdotes, and reflections on the sport's toughest moments. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, listeners are just gonna have to hear the first of our two-part interview with David Lovendahl to believe it. David was there as Mark Martin was first learning how to drive a race … he was there when Mark first went Winston Cup racing and when that all fell apart. Plus … let’s just say that he’s got some stories about Julian Martin, Mark’s dad. We then dig into the September 17, 1981 issue of Grand National Scene Benny Parsons wins on a terribly hot and humid day at Richmond, after pole-sitter Mark Martin has trouble getting his car started as the field rolls off pit road to start the race. Finally … it’s one of those days where folks just can’t seem to get along and play nice on the race track. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We honor the memories of Steve Bird, the most successful crew chief in the history of the NASCAR Busch Series, and 2002 Daytona 500 winning team owner Bill Davis in this heartfelt episode. In a no-holds-barred interview conducted last year, "Birdie" shared his memories of his time with Race Hill Farms, Rob Moroso and BACE Motorsports drivers Jack Sprague, Johnny Benson and Randy LaJoie. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two-time Busch Series champion Randy LaJoie was diagnosed with prostate cancer in July, and he agreed to sit down with host Rick Houston last week to tell his story. Following the interview with Randy, Rick and co-host Steve Waid respond with some thoughts of their own and then close the episode with a conversation with Deb Williams, former editor of Winston Cup Scene and the recently announced 2026 recipient of the Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the third and final installment of our interview, Derrike Cope talks about his relationship … or lack thereof … with Dale Earnhardt and talk that his win in the 1990 Daytona 500 was nothing more than a fluke. We then tackle the June 7, 1990 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Derrike Cope wins at Dover ... and nobody has anything snarky to say about this one. Larry Pearson’s fledgling Winston Cup career takes a massive hit when the team owned by his dad, the legendary David Pearson, is forced to shut down due to the lack of a sponsor. Finally, Joe Whitlock has his say about the state of journalism. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First up is our conversation with Derrike Cope about his win in the iconic 1990 Daytona 500. We’ll then rearrange this episode a little bit from our normal format. We’re going to go through the February 22, 1990 issue of Winston Cup Scene … and Al Kinney’s archive … first and THEN add several perspectives that we’ve gathered over the years here on The Scene Vault Podcast about the 1990 Daytona 500 from Buddy Parrott … Joe Dan Bailey … and Kirk Shelmerdine. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the first of what will be three installments with Derrike Cope, he talks about his baseball career, the injury that ended that dream … but began another … and how THAT journey was given a huge boost by a good first impression. We then take a look inside the May 1, 1986 issue of Grand National Scene, which carries coverage of Ricky Rudd outlasting Dale Earnhardt, Geoff Bodine, Joe Ruttman and BUDDY ARRINGTON to win at Martinsville. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did the Darrell Waltrip-Waddell Wilson-Hendrick Motorsports Dream Team falter out of the gate in 1987? We answer that question in this special episode. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the second and final installment of our interview, Jerry Nadeau talks about the accident that ended his career and his struggle to find peace and contentment in the years since. We then dig into the May 8, 2003 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Joe Nemechek’s Winston Cup victory at Richmond is overshadowed by Jerry Nadeau’s career-ending accident. Some … including Jeff Burton … are left wondering why SAFER barriers have yet to be installed at the track. Jeff Green and Steve Park have weekends to forget and wind up trading rides the following week. Darrell Waltrip has a story to tell about one of the most controversial incidents of his career while Jimmy Spencer tries to barbeque his brother. Finally … Tony Liberati is fighting for everything he’s worth to keep his race team intact. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices