The Racing Writer's Podcast

Brian Husen and his NHRA Top Fuel driver, Shawn Langdon, have been tearing through the class this season and seem to be fast-marching toward the title. There is a lot to talk about how it’s happened, starting with the way he came in 2026 after getting himself situated with the team the last two years; explaining the explosion in success from last year to this year; now working with Shawn for a second time in his career; the contributions and efforts from Shawn to not be the team’s weak link; inter-team rivalry between Brian and Alan Johnson to beat each other; how close the teams work together; whether it was expected or a surprise for Kalitta Motorsports to be dominating the class; having to figure out four new venues this year; making sure the team doesn’t rest on what its already done this year; any lessons from past defeats in the Countdown; explaining how the class has moved past 340 mph; whether others are trying and failing; thoughts on getting to 350 mph; previewing the next event in Dallas; where a single season like this one ranks for his career.  Original music created by Tony Monge. Follow me here: https://linktr.ee/kellycrandall

Richard Gadson is working on wrapping up his second straight NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship in only his third season. It’s been a crazy – and challenging - ride since he arrived on the scene, and we’re digging into that. We start by Gadson explain how he has a job with Vance & Hines during the week; the value of knowing the details of what he’s riding; being able to further explain what he is feeling or should be tuned; the experience of being an NHRA champion this season and trying for the repeat; trying to close out the title after having led the points all year long; the quickness of success during the last three seasons; explaining how hard and unenjoyable the ’24 season was; the chip on his shoulder, where it comes from, and knowing what’s said about him; the moment it all clicked in ’25; any difference to the mindset now with a title under his belt; the family history in racing and the impact of his father’s death; the influence of his uncle; filming motorcycle riders when he was younger to learn from; coming from a background in grudge racing; the adjustment to riding a pro stock motorcycle; the competitiveness within the class and its relationships; how close Richard and Gaige Herrera work together as teammates; having involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters; the full circle moment having been in the group when younger; the impact of getting young folks to the racetrack; looking at the final three races of the season.  Original music created by Tony Monge. Follow me here: https://linktr.ee/kellycrandall

Lissette Deschamps is one of the NASCAR security team members, and she’s here to share all the things that happen that many of us don’t think about or know. We’re walking through a week between events and preparation from one week to the next; coordinating with local law enforcement and the FBI for race weekends; combating drones at the racetrack and how they know people have them; the work and monitoring that goes into social media threats and keeping track of people; the boldest or craziest thing a fan has tried to get away with; reviewing fights and physical altercations after they happen; the process of penalties being handed down after altercations; the role security plays in weather delays and race postponements; the relationship between NASCAR and other professional sports leagues about security; the reason that security incidents are never made public; the importance of a two-way relationship with the garage; leaving the Daytona Beach police and joining NASCAR.  Original music created by Tony Monge. Follow me here: https://linktr.ee/kellycrandall

Mini Tyrell is in his first Craftsman Truck Series season after winning his ride on a reality television show. While the show might be over, the reality of NASCAR racing has set in, and the competition hasn’t stopped, with a lot of hard work and learning. We’re digging into getting back to racing later this week at Bristol Motor Speedway; adjusting to the sporadic nature of the Craftsman Truck Series schedule; having the ability to study with breaks in between races; the new things he’s experiencing this year with a new series and vehicle; the aero reaction that is eye-opening in the Truck Series; the value of seat time and confidence by running other series when not in the truck; a look at how the season has progressed and Tyrrell’s growth; racing with the knowledge it’s a one-year deal; learning what it takes to be a NASCAR versus his previous racing experience; whether it’s been harder for the group to learn with young drivers and so many new variables; the story behind the nonprofit Mini’s Mission; keeping the foundation going after its initial goal; how to get involved; looking ahead to hitting the $1 million mark.Original music created by Tony Monge. Follow me here: https://linktr.ee/kellycrandall

Jacob Claborn is the head coach at Hendrick Motorsports and he’s the perfect go-to for all things it stops. And there is so much to a pit stop. We’re getting deep into the weeds this week by starting off with a full, detailed breakdown of a pit stop and the choreography that goes into each position and placement; the hunt to eliminate dead time of when a tire changer and fueler is engaged with the car before it stops; an explanation on the jackman having a different visual this year with the new Chevy body and adjusting to that change in real time; deciding to retrain the tire changers to perform with their left hand and why other experiments didn’t work; the sensory training that Hendrick Motorsports now focuses on for pit stops; the danger of a lug nut being tightened too much; the many other differences from five lugs to now and whose career it has extended; taking into account the characteristics of pit road so a tire does not fall over; the human variable of loose wheels; preferring hand signals with the pit crews versus microphones; the target pit stop times these days and why TV is not official; thoughts on the next evolution for pit stops or just getting faster.  Original music created by Tony Monge. Follow me here: https://linktr.ee/kellycrandall