Ep.323 – RE-HEATED: RJ Valentine
About this episode
RJ Valentine shares his remarkable journey from a tough upbringing in South Boston to becoming a self-made millionaire and influential figure in motorsports and business. The conversation covers his early life, multiple business ventures including insurance, real estate, and quick oil change centers, and his extensive racing career in IMSA and Trans-Am. RJ's candid storytelling includes hiring private investigators, navigating high-stakes business deals, and memorable racing moments like winning the 2009 Rolex 24. The episode also touches on his colorful personality, relationships with key figures, and ongoing involvement in karting and motorsports business ventures.
The FIRST of our RE-HEATED series, where we re-issue episodes that might share something with racing stories in the news… Episode 150 featured RJ Valentine. RJ Valentine is one of sportscar racing’s greatest characters, and beloved by our hosts. A businessman first, RJ grew up under tough circumstances in South Boston through the 1940’s and 1950’s, building a hugely successful series of businesses which eventually led him down the path of racing. Funding his own way, RJ has driven in Trans-Am, IMSA, and Grand-Am, all in their heyday, ultimately leading to his career highlight, winning the Daytona 500 (listen to episode for details). What makes RJ most entertaining is his complete zero-apologies character, not afraid to share his opinions on politics, people around him, and life at large. Dinner was served at Davios in Burlington, Massachusetts. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.!
Lincoln Nautilus
"...e Los Angeles class. What they were known as the Nautilus class. He said Boilermaker."
Chevrolet Corvette
"...me guys up in New York, 75. I found a production Corvette owned by a guy that owned like a chain of muffle..."
Pontiac Firebird
"but got into road racing. He built a Pontiac Firebird for me. And I think we were in 82, 83 after the ..."
Pontiac Gto
"Right. So you still own the Pontiac GTO that you race back in 005. You didn't go out to ..."
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