This week on the Dirt Parlor, we sit down with the visionary who reshaped December racing forever — Cody Sommer, the creator of the Gateway Dirt Nationals and the force behind Dirt December. From launching arena races in Indianapolis to transforming the St. Louis Dome into one of the most electric atmospheres in motorsports, Cody walks us through the passion, risks, failures, and breakthroughs that led to one of the sport's most iconic modern events.

In this conversation, Cody opens up about the challenges fans never see — turning away hundreds of drivers because of space limitations, battling early critics who said the Dome would never work, surviving the chaos of the first Indy midget race, and constantly reinventing the track, the format, and the experience to deliver something racers and fans feel part of. He breaks down the evolution of the event, what it took to build trust, and why transparency has always been at the core of every decision.

We also dive deep into the industry-shaking tire conversation, Cody's choice to introduce competition into a one-brand world, and what that means for racers everywhere. From merchandise booms to sold-out entry lists, from air-quality breaks at 4 AM to 30,000 fans in the Dome, this episode captures the mentality, grit, and innovation that defines Cody Sommer. If you love the Dome, the community, the chaos, and the culture of December racing — this is the inside story you've been waiting for.

🔥 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.