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Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast
51 Episodes
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Welcome. This week, we are joined by Preston Osborne, who serves as the Series Manager for the American Rally Association (ARA). We begin our conversation by exploring Preston’s background, including how he first got involved in the world of rally racing. The discussion also touches on the history of O.D.D. Racing, providing additional insight into Preston’s journey. Our talk continues with Preston detailing his path to becoming the Series Director for the ARA. He shares the experiences and d...
Mark Utecht’s journey into motorsports began in Minnesota, where he worked next to a racetrack. One day, he heard the distinctive sound of cars participating in an autocross event. Captivated by the excitement, Mark decided to take the afternoon off work. He borrowed his girlfriend’s Dodge Omni and entered his very first autocross, marking the start of his involvement in competitive driving. Several years after his initial autocross experience, Mark attended a beer party. During the event, so...
This week’s guest is DirtFish instructor, rally driver, and co-driver, Michelle Miller. Michelle shares that her struggle with insomnia was the unexpected spark that ignited her passion for rally. During sleepless nights, she found herself watching SpeedVision, where her fascination with rally grew. This interest inspired her to try auto cross, allowing her to gain hands-on experience. Over time, her dedication and growing enthusiasm led her to meet someone from DirtFish and that connection o...
Rob Bohn and Rupert Berrington join me for a conversation about Rally Colorado. We cover their backgrounds and how they became involved as organizers of the event. Our discussion also touches on experiences like being hit in the head, the rally's history, and its upcoming designation as an ARA National event in 2026. Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com
This week, I interview Chris Allen from Chris, Creation Machine, a very talented rally photographer. We discuss his journey into photography, his experience covering American rallies, and his knowledge of both American rally and WRC. Also, we both chat about the Climb to the Clouds Hillclimb coming back in 2026. Chris also works with Mitch Meadows of MeLe Media. This past year, Chris served as the still photographer for a gymkhana video featuring Patrick Gruszka and the Green A.P.U. rally car...
This week’s guest is Rafael Ruiz of the Subie & You! Podcast. Subie & You! is the ultimate Subaru lover’s podcast. On his show, Rafael shares the stories and experiences of Subaru enthusiasts and brands within the Subaru community. Rafael talks about how the podcast started and has evolved into a well-produced, interesting listen. We chat about his rally guests that have included Rhianon Gelsomino, Travis Pastrana, Bucky Lasek, Ethan Curtis, and Lance Smith. He has created...
This week on Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast, my guest is Matt Gold from Drop A Gear Industries, the Gear Busters Podcast, and the Full Send Foundation. We discuss his work with American Veteran Racing Organization, his foundation’s support for teams and volunteers, his Vivio project car, and his visit to the Ken Block exhibition, and much more. Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com
This week I welcome Chris Cyr of Team O’Neil. At first, we chat a bit about our thoughts on podcasting before Chris takes us on his motorsports journey starting with attending his first rally at age 16. He then discusses how he tried to balance a career in business together with his rally dream. At one point Chris almost gave up on his rally dream but a tragic event that took place in the city where he was living made him take a chance and reach out to Tim O’Neil. He talks about how he was hi...
On this episode I welcome the folks from the Pioneer Rally Company. Welcome Jamie Turner, Taylor Still and Hatcher Still. They talk about their backgrounds and why they started a company to create and organize European style vintage endurance rallies here in the U.S. They talk about what a European style endurance rally is, their inaugural rally, the Rocky Mountain Vintage Rally and future rallies planned and scheduled for 2026. Also, we learn about Project Healing Waters, the charity they su...
On this episode, I have a very special guest on the podcast. David Higgins, 10 time American rally champion joins me from Wales. David talks about growing up on the Isle of Man, moving to Wales and sibling rivalry. He also talks about competing in America and working with and competing against Ken Block and Travis Pastrana. Also, find out what David says about losing his Mount Washington Hillclimb title to Travis Pastrana. Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, http...
This week I welcome back Fritz Croy. But, this time he brought his wife and co-driver Brooke with him. I learn about Brooke’s co-driving experience and her training at DirtFish and at OZ Rally Pro. They both discuss their training together through rally cross, their experience at Rally Colorado and more. Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com
Up next on the podcast is Mike Youngs of The Firm. Also known as The Florida International Rally and Motorsports Park located in Starke, Florida. Mike talks about what The Firm offers, what it’s like to work at a driving school and about his car projects. Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com
This week on Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast, I welcome rally driver Mike Carr, founder of the American Veteran Racing Organization. Mike talks about his military service, founding AVRO which supports veterans through motorsports therapy, his racing career and more. Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com
This week on Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast, I welcome Ryan Symancek. You may know Ryan from such YouTube channels as My Life as a Rallyist and The Drive. He talks about his amazing journey starting out as a skier to rolling a Ford Bronco in his yard to co-driving and to motorsports media. Ryan learned to be a part of so many things, all by mastering the art of asking. Sit back and enjoy. Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, htt...
This week my guests are Mike Cessna and Jamie Lambert of FH Motorsports. They talk about how they got their start in rally, finishing heads with an angle grinder, their epic win at STPR and more. Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com
Greetings, no guests this week, just a quick update and some info about my new project, the Rally Archive of North America. Don't fret. More great guests coming up in the next couple of weeks. Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com
This week I welcome Ethan Hunter of Really Rally Team base out of Colorado. We talk about growing up in a motorsports family, circle track racing, hillclimbs, rallying and much more. Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com
This week’s guest is someone you may have seen or met at a number of Rally’s such as Southern Ohio, STPR and Boone. He is what I’d call a “super volunteer.” You can’t miss the pink streak in a sea of black hair on the head of Christian Zoni. Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com
My guest this week is driver Dan Shirley of War Weasel Racing. We talk about the origin of his team’s name, the Weasel’s build, his co-driver Eric, his epic trip to this year’s Boone Forest Rally and more. Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com
On this episode of Rallying in America, I welcome Chris & Sara Nonack of ANY% Rally Team. We talk about their rally history, their many car builds and their two four legged crew members. We also discuss the Mudwhale SuperChampio and more. Enjoy. Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com



