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The Dirt Parlor

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The Dirt Parlor is "The Voice of the Industry"! Coverage for Dirt Racing across the country including Late Models, Sprint Cars, Midgets, and more!

The Dirt Parlor is more than just 2 guys talking racing. We are going to have special guests such as National Touring Racers, Regional Racers, Sponsors, Promoters, Crew Chiefs, Series Directors, and most importantly the Legends who built our sport to what it is today.

The two hosts, Gordy Gundaker and Don Martin, have been part of dirt racing for numerous years in their own different ways.

Gordy, a dirt late model racer, who's family owns and operates Tri City Speedway has 15 years of Late Model racing under his belt. His character and personality speak for itself. He has a passion for the sport and is not afraid to tell you what is on his mind.

Don Martin, who was a columnist for Dirt Racing for 30 years, has seen and been to it all. Along the way he has built relationships with Drivers, Team Owners, Promoters, and more. When it comes to knowledge of everything dirt racing, there is no one better than the Warden himself!
34 Episodes
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This week on The Dirt Parlor, Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker sit down with the one and only Kenny Wallace — racer, storyteller, and true St. Louis icon. With his trademark fire and humor, Kenny opens up about the wild journey that made him "The Herminator." From getting kicked out of class as a hyperactive kid to being nicknamed "Herman the German" by a track promoter and finally rebranded by Dale Earnhardt Sr., Kenny's story is as raw and entertaining as it gets. He shares what drives him, what keeps him laughing, and why he's never lost his love for the sport. Listeners also get a front-row seat to the history and heart of Midwest dirt racing. Kenny reflects on the deep connection between the Wallace and Gundaker families — from late nights in makeshift race shops to the legendary days at Tri-City Speedway. Through these stories, you'll hear how friendship, family, and competition built a community that shaped generations of racers. With a perfect mix of comedy, chaos, and nostalgia, this episode captures the spirit of racing in its purest form. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the scene, Kenny Wallace reminds us all why dirt track racing isn't just about speed — it's about heart, heritage, and the people who make it unforgettable.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
In this week's episode of The Dirt Parlor, Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker sit down with two of the most respected names in dirt racing—Jimmy Owens, the "Newport Nightmare," and Jake O'Neill, one of the sport's rising stars. Jimmy shares an inside look at his recent win, the tough tire decisions that can make or break a race, and the mindset that's kept him a dominant force for decades. He opens up about the challenges of staying sharp in a changing sport, the lessons learned from racing legends like Scott Bloomquist, and what it takes to keep competing at the highest level. Jake O'Neill joins the conversation to talk about his plans for 2026, his partnership with Jimmy, and the steep learning curve that comes with moving from modifieds to late models. From chasing sponsorships to adapting to new rules and aero packages, Jake offers a candid look at what it takes to climb the ranks and compete against the best in the country. Together, Jimmy and Jake bring fans a raw, behind-the-scenes view of what it means to live and breathe dirt racing. From career-defining moments and mechanical gambles to the grit and humor that keep them grounded, this episode dives deep into the stories, struggles, and triumphs that make the dirt track world so addictive. 🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
In this episode of The Dirt Parlor, hosts Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker sit down with the one and only Aaron Reutzel for an incredible conversation about resilience, recovery, and racing at the edge. Coming off a major foot injury that could have sidelined his season, Aaron defied the odds and came back stronger—winning races, inspiring fans, and proving that determination always finds a way to victory lane. Aaron takes listeners inside the cockpit, recounting the emotions of his epic win at Eldora Speedway, the challenges of adapting to a custom racing boot, and what it's like to fight through pain while staying laser-focused on performance. From terrifying ruts to split-second decisions at 100 miles per hour, his perspective offers an unfiltered look into the mental and physical demands of being one of the toughest drivers in dirt racing. This episode isn't just about speed—it's about heart. Aaron's story of grit, comeback, and confidence reminds every racer and fan alike that success isn't about never falling; it's about getting back up, strapping in, and charging harder than before. Whether you're a longtime dirt track devotee or just love stories of perseverance, this conversation captures exactly what makes Aaron Reutzel a true competitor.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
The dirt is flying and the takes are hotter than ever as Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker dive headfirst into the Trophy Cup controversy that's shaking up sprint car racing. From the wild 24-car invert to the unpredictable outcomes that left fans speechless, the guys deliver their unfiltered thoughts on what makes this event both chaotic and unforgettable. They also take a moment to reflect on Brad Sweet's emotional farewell from full-time racing — a moment that marks the end of an era and the beginning of a powerful new chapter for the High Limit and NARC Series. Don and Gordy share their honest reactions, memories, and respect for a true ambassador of the sport. And when it comes to championship energy, nobody brought more heat than Rico Abreu. His dominant performance in Texas sealed his place at the top, proving why he's one of the most electrifying names in sprint car racing. It's passion, perspective, and pure dirt racing energy — all in one unforgettable episode. 🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
In this episode of The Dirt Parlor, Don Martin and co-host Gordy Gundaker welcome Ashton Winger, one of Georgia's finest and most candid voices in dirt late model racing. Broadcasting from his home beside the legendary Atlanta Motor Speedway, Ashton gives fans an inside look at his life, his racing journey, and his honest take on the ups and downs of the sport. From his love for Illinois tracks to his Southern roots, Ashton brings humor and authenticity to every story. Throughout the conversation, Ashton opens up about his rollercoaster season — from early engine troubles and tough breaks to rediscovering his rhythm and fighting his way back to the front. He shares how the support of his car owner, Jeff Matthews, and the influence of his parents have kept him motivated through every setback. His grit and grounded outlook show exactly what it takes to keep chasing success in one of the toughest racing circuits around. With plenty of laughs, honest reflections, and behind-the-scenes insight, Ashton reminds listeners why The Dirt Parlor captures the true spirit of dirt racing. It's not just about the checkered flag — it's about the passion, perseverance, and people who make the sport what it is.  🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
In this episode of The Dirt Parlor, Don Martin sits down with dirt racing icon Brian Birkhofer for a raw, unfiltered conversation about what makes the sport so powerful and addictive. With co-host Gordy Gundaker on the road, Don and Brian dive into life back in the fast lane—working alongside Ricky Thornton Jr. and Zach, chasing points, and reliving the highs and lows that only dirt racing can deliver. Brian shares his honest take on how the sport has evolved, from the gritty, old-school days to today's fast-paced, high-tech era. He reflects on how the cars, the competition, and the mindset have changed over time—yet the heart of racing remains the same. Packed with stories, laughter, and lessons from years behind the wheel, this is dirt racing talk at its purest. And when it comes to calling it like it is, Birkhofer doesn't hold back. From tire battles to track prep frustrations, he brings the passion and perspective that only a true racer can. This one has everything fans love—truth, heart, and horsepower. Don't miss The Dirt Parlor with Brian Birkhofer.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
On this episode of The Dirt Parlor, Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker sit down to hash out the latest stories shaking up dirt racing. With no guests this week, it's all about raw conversation between two racers who live and breathe the sport. From Dale Blaney's stunning World of Outlaws win at 60 years old in a car built outside the cookie-cutter mold, to the ingenuity it takes to succeed on the track, they bring perspective you won't hear anywhere else. The talk turns fiery as the hosts unpack David Gravel's rise as dirt racing's unapologetic villain. He's racking up wins, cashing massive checks, and leaning into the boos with confidence. Don and Gordy debate whether Gravel's polarizing personality is bad for the sport — or exactly what it needs to stay exciting. Finally, they preview the high-stakes National Open, breaking down the momentum, the Pennsylvania Posse challengers, and who they think has the best shot at the $75,000 prize. Packed with passion, insight, and plenty of laughs, this episode is a must-listen for fans who love dirt racing in all its drama and glory.  🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
On this episode of The Dirt Parlor, hosts welcome Daison Pursley following his record-setting performance at Eldora Speedway. In one of the most unforgettable nights in dirt racing, Daison captured four feature wins and cemented his place among the sport's elite. He joins the show to share the inside story of how it all came together on the track known as the Big E. Daison opens up about the preparation, confidence, and adaptability it takes to compete in midgets, non-wing, and winged sprint cars against the toughest drivers in the country. He talks about his progression through the ranks, the importance of learning from every lap, and how stepping into new challenges has elevated his career. Listeners will hear firsthand about the pressure of racing at Eldora, the strategy behind attacking the cushion, and what it means to earn respect from seasoned veterans. This is more than just a race recap it's a look at how a young driver turned potential into performance on one of dirt racing's biggest stages. 🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
In this episode of The Dirt Parlor, Don Martin and the crew sit down with Justin Grant — a driver who refuses to let setbacks keep him out of the race car. Just weeks after breaking his foot at Lawrenceburg, Justin was back on track, pushing through the pain and showing the kind of grit that defines true racers. Justin shares the behind-the-scenes story of how he and his team adapted equipment, reworked pedals, and made countless adjustments to keep him competitive. From testing setups in Kokomo to tackling Silver Crown cars, he explains the process of turning a serious injury into just another obstacle to overcome. More than a story of recovery, this conversation is about mindset, resilience, and the relentless drive to compete. Justin's determination to get back in the car even when the odds seemed impossible shows what it takes to chase championships and prove to yourself that nothing can stand in the way of doing what you love. 🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
This episode of The Dirt Parlor takes you straight into the heart of Eldora Speedway, where Ricky Thornton Jr. captured the prestigious World 100. Joined by car owner Bobby Koehler, Ricky shares the highs, challenges, and defining moments that led to one of the biggest wins of his career. From the tense early laps to the roar of victory lane, Ricky explains the mindset and strategy that kept him focused when it mattered most. Bobby offers his perspective as a car owner, describing the pride, pressure, and unshakable trust that fueled their team to success on dirt racing's biggest stage. Together, they tell a story of determination, teamwork, and triumph. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to dirt late model racing, this episode captures the grit and passion that make the World 100 an unforgettable event.  🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
This week on The Dirt Parlor, hosts Don Martin and the crew sit down with one of dirt late model racing's all-time greats, Dale McDowell. With the World 100 on deck, there's no better time to revisit Dale's incredible history at Eldora Speedway—where he's conquered both the Dream and the World 100. Beyond the trophies, Dale reflects on his longtime friendship with the late Scott Bloomquist, sharing the emotion and impact of honoring him with a heartfelt memorial at last year's event. Dale opens up about what it takes to keep competing at the highest level as he nears his 60th birthday. From being surrounded by younger drivers to constantly studying the evolution of the sport, his insights reveal the determination and adaptability that have kept him in the mix for decades. His perspective on how cars, chassis, and driving styles have changed highlights both the challenges and the competitive fire that still fuels him every time he straps in. The conversation dives deep into the art of racing at Eldora—managing tires, setting pace in 100-lap races, and finding that balance between aggression and patience. Dale shares stories of climbing through the field, testing new strategies, and adjusting to the modern era without losing touch with the instincts that made him a champion. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the dirt racing scene, this episode offers an inside look at a true legend of the sport.  🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
This week on The Dirt Parlor, hosts Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker dive deep into the history of dirt racing with one of the sport's most influential figures, Irish Saunders. With roots that began as a young kid announcing races alongside his father, Irish's path eventually led him to Hoosier Tire, where he helped shape the future of the sport. From the earliest days of sprint car tires to watching legends like Steve Kinzer make history, his story captures the rise of modern dirt racing. Irish takes us back to the 1970s and 80s, a time when Firestone drag tires were being hand-cut for competition and Hoosier was just beginning its journey into sprint car dominance. Along the way, he shares personal memories, behind-the-scenes stories, and pivotal turning points that shifted the trajectory of the sport forever. His perspective offers a rare insider's look at how the dirt racing community grew through innovation, grit, and an unwavering passion for competition. More than a tale of tires and technology, this episode is a tribute to relationships, respect, and a lifelong dedication to racing. Irish Saunders embodies the spirit of motorsports—valuing every voice in the community, from drivers and team owners to track promoters and fans. For anyone who loves the heart and history behind dirt racing, this conversation is a must-listen.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
In this episode of The Dirt Parlor, Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker sit down with one of the most accomplished and resilient drivers in the sport, Brian Shirley. Known today as a superstar late model driver and the 2023 Prairie Dirt Classic Champion, Brian's journey didn't begin on four wheels—it started with no roll cage, high speeds, and the adrenaline of flat track motorcycle racing. From his AMA championship days to conquering dirt late models, his story is one of grit, transition, and relentless pursuit of victory. Brian opens up about the rollercoaster of his 2023 season, which started with a devastating fire and nearly ended before it could begin. With unwavering support from team owner Bob Cullen, family, and sponsors, Shirley pushed through setbacks that would have sidelined most. The conversation digs deep into how his persistence and old-school work ethic, instilled by his father, helped him turn a season of chaos into a championship run. The show also takes a nostalgic trip back to Brian's roots, from buying his first late model for $10, to running against legends at Farmer City, to the high-speed thrills of racing the Springfield Mile on two wheels. It's a candid, entertaining, and inspiring look at a career that spans motorcycles, dirt cars, and everything in between. Whether you're a fan of late models or flat track racing, this episode shows why Brian Shirley is a name etched into dirt racing history.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
On this episode of The Dirt Parlor, Don Martin welcomes sprint car star Carson Macedo, fresh off an electrifying fourth-place finish at the Knoxville Nationals. From starting on the front row against the best in the world to the relentless grind of the World of Outlaws tour, Carson takes us inside one of the most demanding weeks in all of racing and the mental and physical toughness it requires to perform at the top. Carson opens up about a devastating off-season wakeboarding injury that left him with a fractured leg, a plate, and ten screws and how he fought his way back into the car in just six weeks. He talks about the setbacks, the small victories, and the determination to keep chasing wins even when far from 100%. His story is one of grit, resilience, and an unwavering love for the sport. From the Macedo brothers' unforgettable back-to-back wins at Fremont and the Brad Doty Classic, to the heated late model rivalry between Bobby Pierce and Jonathan Davenport, and the latest in High Limit and Outlaws action, this episode blends personal triumph, big-race drama, and all the news fans crave. Whether you're a die-hard dirt track follower or just love a good comeback story, you won't want to miss this one.  🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
When sprint car driver Justin Sanders got the call to fill in for Aaron Reutzel, he was exhausted, running on fumes, and nearly backed out. But something told him not to hang up. In this episode of The Dirt Parlor, Justin shares the wild chain of events that led from a wrecked car in Washington to a last-minute flight and a shot behind the wheel of one of the fastest cars in the country at the biggest race of the year. Justin opens up about the mental and physical toll of juggling a full-time shock business, building his own equipment, and still chasing big-time opportunities on the national stage. He dives into the pressure of adapting to Knoxville's high-speed surface, the steep learning curve of dialing in a car he barely knew, and how he had to re-learn everything he thought he knew about throttle control and car balance on the fly. At the heart of the experience is an unlikely partnership with Aaron Reutzel former rival, now trusted mentor and crew chief. From mid-race adjustments to in-the-moment driving advice, Justin reveals how Aaron's support made all the difference. This episode is a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to seize a rare opportunity, overcome self-doubt, and go full-send on one of sprint car racing's biggest stages.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
In this episode of The Dirt Parlor, Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker take you inside one of the most electric weekends in dirt racing. From locking into the Prairie Dirt Classic on Friday to navigating unpredictable weather and a packed house of passionate fans, Gordy shares the full story of a weekend where everything was on the line. As the skies opened up and the schedule stretched into the early hours, Fairbury came alive under the lights. Don and Gordy relive the late-night racing, wild track conditions, and the intensity of a field stacked with talent. From pit strategy to emotional finishes, this was a weekend where every decision mattered. It's more than just laps and results. It's about the atmosphere, the commitment, and the connection between the drivers and the dirt. If you've ever felt the magic of a late-night race with everything on the line, you'll want to hear this one.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
In this episode of The Dirt Parlor Podcast, hosts Gordy Gundaker and Don Martin dive headfirst into one of the wildest weeks in dirt racing. From heart-pounding drama at Attica to emotional highs at Eldora, the duo recaps a stretch of races packed with jaw-dropping moments—both on and off the track. The guys share their thoughts on the scary wreck involving Caleb Henry, the leadership accountability shown by Brady Bacon, and the chaotic sequence of events that reshuffled the podium multiple times in just a matter of laps. The highlight of the week? The Macedo brothers stealing headlines with back-to-back wins—Cole's emotional triumph followed by Carson's dominant night. Gordy and Don reflect on what it means to watch family succeed, offering a personal lens into the raw emotion of racing culture. With social media buzzing and fans rallying around the incredible footage and unforgettable finishes, this episode captures the true spirit of dirt track racing. Joining the show is Matt Curl, promoter of Fairbury Speedway and Series Director for MARS, to preview one of the biggest dirt late model events of the year. Curl shares the behind-the-scenes preparation, history, and passion that have turned the Prairie Dirt Classic into a crown jewel of the sport. From muddy miracles to growing the Fairbury brand, Matt gives listeners a front-row seat to what it takes to run a world-class racing event. 🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
In this episode of The Dirt Parlor Podcast, we sit down with a true legend and pioneer of the sport — Mark Richards, owner of Rocket Chassis. Mark opens up about the challenges and triumphs of the 2024 season, including the return of Brandon Sheppard to the Rocket fold and how the team is working to find the right balance in their car setups. From adjusting to changing track conditions to navigating the unique needs of different drivers, Mark shares deep insights into what it takes to stay competitive at the top level of dirt late model racing. Mark also offers his thoughts on the evolving tire landscape, the ongoing issues with unexpected flats, and how recent tire rule changes have shifted the way teams approach race preparation. He and the crew discuss how tire performance has affected race strategy, driver feedback, and car development. It's a candid, behind-the-scenes look into the technical side of racing that fans rarely get to hear.  Beyond the tech talk, Mark reflects on the culture of the sport — the respect among top-tier drivers, the importance of clean racing, and the value of having a dedicated, long-standing crew. With over a decade of team chemistry and shared passion, the Rocket Chassis operation remains one of the most respected in the country. Tune in for a thoughtful and passionate conversation about racing, teamwork, and what keeps one of dirt racing's icons coming back to the track year after year.  🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels and Checkered Customs for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
In this episode of The Dirt Parlor Podcast, Don and Gordy sit down with Kendra Jacobs—Marketing Director of the High Limit Racing Series—for an inspiring look at the evolution of sprint car racing and her pivotal role in it. With roots deeply planted in the sport thanks to her legendary father Jack Hewitt, Kendra shares stories of growing up around the track, the unexpected path that led her into motorsports marketing, and why she believes we're in a golden era for dirt racing. Kendra opens up about her early disinterest in racing, how a chance experience at a Cleveland CART race opened her eyes to the business side of motorsports, and the journey that took her from NASCAR and Wing Nation to becoming a trailblazing voice in sprint car promotion. She reflects on the growth of opportunities in the sport—not just for drivers, but for professionals across the board, especially women—and how streaming and major broadcast partnerships are reshaping what's possible. The conversation dives into the upcoming FS1 live event and why it represents more than just a race—it's a cultural moment for the dirt racing community. Kendra shares her vision for bringing fans to the track, the importance of creating a true event atmosphere, and how stars like Tony Stewart and Kyle Larson helped elevate the sport's profile. Whether you're a longtime sprint car fan or new to the world of dirt, this episode captures the passion, progress, and personality that keep racing alive.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels and Checkered Customs for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
On this episode of The Dirt Parlor Podcast, Gordy Gundaker and Don Martin sit down with the Modern Day Cowboy himself — John Gill, one of the most respected and recognizable figures from dirt late model racing's golden era. Known for his signature style, fierce competitiveness, and black-and-green No. 75, Gill helped shape a time when the sport was defined by guts, grit, and garage-built greatness. From the bullrings of Brownstown to the legendary Tri-City Speedway, the guys dive deep into the era of wedge cars, wild rivalries, and blue-collar brilliance. Gill shares raw, unfiltered stories about the rise of MasterSbilt, the battles with Bloomquist and Pierce, and what it really took to survive and win in one of the toughest eras of racing history. It's a conversation loaded with laughter, lessons, and old-school truth. Whether you grew up idolizing the Modern Day Cowboy or you're just learning what made that era so iconic, this episode brings it all to life. No filters. No scripts. Just legends, dust, and the kind of racing that built this sport from the ground up.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels and Checkered Customs for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
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