Dinner with Racers

Ep.330 – RE-HEATED: Kevin “Rocket” Blanch

The latest of our RE-HEATED series, where we re-issue episodes that might share something with racing stories in the news… Episode 41 featuring Kevin “Rocket” Blanch. Recently in the news as he stepped away from INDYCAR racing mid-season, Rocket’s story is one-of-a-kind and worth a revisit 10-years later. We put his real name because we think we’re supposed to, but no one knows him as Kevin Blanch. He’s Rocket. And he’s badass. A self-described “ol’ hillbilly,” Rocket is a staple of the IndyCar series, serving as a painter-turned-mechanic nearly 30 years ago, and has risen through the ranks of going from mechanic to Crew Chief to now the technical manager of IndyCar, which means he’s “the guy” when cars go through tech inspection. We can see why he has this job. Rocket is as “no BS” as they come, very smart, and a pretty damn good storyteller. He also has a transgender pig, figure that out. Lunch was served at our first-ever repeat restaurant, Tegry Sushi in Indianapolis, with the music of Kari Holmes to rap us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support!

Jul 21, 2026 103 min

Ep.329 – RE-HEATED: Johnny O’Connell

The latest of our RE-HEATED series, where we re-issue episodes that might share something with racing stories in the news… Episode 30 featuring Johnny O’Connell. If you’re going to do a podcast about icons of motorsport, then Johnny O’Connell is a mandatory visit. As one of the most charismatic guys in modern sportscar, Johnny is wicked fast, you’ll know this because he’ll tell you…. having (according to him) been a second faster than every teammate he’s ever had. Beyond speed, however, Johnny brings results. As the winningest driver in GM history, Johnny took four consecutive World Challenge championships to go with his four class wins at Le Mans. One of the funniest and most likable guys in the paddock, we were happy to treat him to lunch at Moonie’s Texas Barbecue in Flowery Branch, Georgia, with the music of Wrecks playing us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support!

Jun 22, 2026 108 min 179 annotations

Ep.328 – RE-HEATED: Rick Mears, Pt2

The latest of our RE-HEATED series, where we re-issue episodes that might share something with racing stories in the news… Episode 106 featuring Rick Mearsi. With the month of May upon us, we figured it was a good episode to re-visit. It’s Rick Mears, do you really need a description? He grew up in Bakersfield as an amateur off-road racer… then somehow he became a driver for Roger Penske’s IndyCar program…. then somehow won the race 4 times. How did that happen? Well we have the story in two parts. Dinner courtesy of Palomino in Indianapolis, IN.. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support!

May 21, 2026 96 min 2 annotations

Ep.327 – RE-HEATED: Rick Mears, Pt1

The latest of our RE-HEATED series, where we re-issue episodes that might share something with racing stories in the news… Episode 106 featuring Rick Mearsi. With the month of May upon us, we figured it was a good episode to re-visit. It’s Rick Mears, do you really need a description? He grew up in Bakersfield as an amateur off-road racer… then somehow he became a driver for Roger Penske’s IndyCar program…. then somehow won the race 4 times. How did that happen? Well we have the story in two parts. Dinner courtesy of Palomino in Indianapolis, IN.. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support!

May 21, 2026 71 min 69 annotations

Ep.326 – RE-HEATED: Alexander Rossi

The latest of our RE-HEATED series, where we re-issue episodes that might share something with racing stories in the news… Episode 108 featuring Alexander Rossi. With the month of May upon us, we figured it was a good episode to re-visit. His story is still being written, but Alexander Rossi is the poster child of an American success story. Growing up in Northern California, Alex grew up in the California karting scene before going on to Formula BMW USA, ultimately leave the US to pursue his dream of Formula One, where he’d achieve the ultimate by becoming an official test driver, and finally an official F1 driver for ManorF1. When opportunities in F1 began to unravel, Alex immediately found a new home in IndyCar, winning the 100th Indianapolis 500 in his first year, and now a regular threat for the championship. Breakfast courtesy of Dunkin’ Donuts as served in his RV, with the music of Armen Balyan taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

May 07, 2026 56 min 17 annotations

Ep. 325 – RE-HEATED: Chris Pook

The latest of our RE-HEATED series, where we re-issue episodes that might share something with racing stories in the news… Episode 222 featuring Chris Pook. With the Long Beach Grand Prix happening this weekend, we figured it was a good episode to re-visit. A known figure for a number of motorsport ventures, including running CART for some time, Chris’s wild idea to hold a street race in the California port city of Long Beach in 1974 was the start of tradition that continued today. Hailing from the UK and working as a long-time Long Beach resident, Chris’s path to creating the event was anything but smooth, with the detailed story in this podcast. This is of course a complimentary episode to our “Dinner with Racers” video series on MotorTrend’s YouTube and MotorTrend+ streaming, where you can see the story unfold in a two-part special. Lunch was served at 555 East Steakhouse in Long Beach, CA, with the song “I Got Me” by Jane & The Boy taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.

Apr 16, 2026 117 min 32 annotations

Ep.324 – RE-HEATED: Jim Michaelian

The latest of our RE-HEATED series, where we re-issue episodes that might share something with racing stories in the news… Episode 223 featuring Jim Michaelian. One of the pioneers behind the Grand Prix of Long Beach, Jim unfortunately passed on Saturday, March 21, but we were fortunate to spend an extended amount of time with him in 2021 in our “Building Long Beach” video and podcast series. One of the key members since Year One, Jim Michaelian went from a kid with an MBA helping out in finance, to the current President and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. From boots on the ground at the beginning, to steering the ship today, Jim is uniquely qualified to know both the history of the event and the challenges that face the Grand Prix today. This is of course a complimentary episode to our “Dinner with Racers” video series on MotorTrend’s YouTube, where you can see the story unfold in a two-part special. Dinner was served via pizza we ordered into the Grand Prix offices in Long Beach, CA, with the song “Something New” by Castle Heist taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.

Mar 28, 2026 107 min 30 annotations

Ep.323 – RE-HEATED: RJ Valentine

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.!

Mar 13, 2026 101 min 4 annotations

Ep.322 – Matt Yocum

One of the most prolific television commentators in the sport, Matt Yocum has made an art of being a pit reporter in an endless series of motorsport categories. Known for a three-decade run in NASCAR, Matt has been everything from pit reporter to show host, eventually transition to a career today in IMSA as one of the stapes of both the NBC broadcast as well IMSA’s “Endurance Hour” podcast. Lunch was served at the famed Brickhouse Tavern in Davison, NC, with Eldar Kedem’s “For the One” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!

Feb 06, 2026 113 min 26 annotations

Ep.321 – Anthony Lazzaro

One of racing’s most colorful journeymen, Anthony Lazzaro defines character and perseverence. Growing up with little means, Anthony become a phenom of the 1970’s-1990’s karting scene, doing everything he could to break into the car racing scene, and eventually doing so by taking opportunities all over the landscape. His efforts would culminate in not only winning the 1999 Formula Atlantic championship, but also runs in INDYCAR, NASCAR, and eventually become the house driver for the legendary Risi Ferrari dinner. Dinner was served at Culinary Dropout in Atlanta, GA, with La Nata’s “Kutchie” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!

Feb 06, 2026 104 min 33 annotations

Ep.320 – Ted Giovanis

A modern day “gentleman driver” and not offended by the word, Ted’s noteworthiness in motorsport doesn’t just come from his achievements on the track, but also his incredible story off of it. With a lifelong career in different facets of hospital operations and medical billing, Ted’s rise to notoriety most notably came in the field of “billing neutrality,” where Ted discovered a massive error in the government policy, and successfully sued to make it right. Turning his fortune to not only motorsport, Ted has also invested heavily in medical research and philanthrophy, notably through the Jayne Koskinas Foundation, named after his late wife. Dinner was served at Folk Art in Atlanta, GA, with Jessie Ried’s “Time Goes By” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!

Feb 06, 2026 105 min 16 annotations

Ep.319 – Christian Rasmussen

INDYCAR’s most recent first-time winner, Christian Rasmussen is coming off an incredible sophomore season as a driver that saw him not only in victory lane, but consistently in the headlines for his bold and aggressive driving. Originally from Denmark and with only modest means to pull himself through the junior ranks, Christian’s story is one […]

Jan 04, 2026 109 min 36 annotations

Ep.318 – Paul “Ziggy” Harcus

“Ziggy” Harcus is one of the most well-known and respected behind-the-scenes figures in modern INDYCAR racing. Originally from New Zealand, a chance opportunity would see him entering the world of racing mechanics during the 1980’s, sending him on a journeyman career that would see him work as a mechanic to some of the biggest names […]

Jan 04, 2026 108 min 32 annotations

Ep.317 – Mike Lanigan

Known today as the “the third L” in RLL Racing, Mike Lanigan’s enthusiasm and contribution to the sport has amassed nearly four decades. A businessman-first, his family-owned MiJack Products completely revolutionized the transportation and shipping industry over the last seven decades, eventually expanding out to a family of businesses that are all now held under […]

Jan 04, 2026 73 min 12 annotations

Ep.316 – Tony Pedregon

Another drag racing addition to the roster, Tony Pedregon is a one-of-a-kind figure to the NHRA. The son of “Flamin’ Frank” Pedregon and the product of the Southern California drag scene, Tony went from working-class roots to becoming a two-time NHRA champion and working for the legendary John Force before starting his own team with […]

Jan 04, 2026 109 min 31 annotations

Ep.315 – Zach Veach (is not Mark Dismore)

Mark Dismore, Jr. has one of the most unique and notable careers in the sport. A true racer’s racer, Mark emerged as a karting phenom to navigate his way all the way into IndyCar…. and we managed to get NONE of that story. Instead, here’s Zach Veach. Dinner was served at Dawson’s on Main in […]

Jan 04, 2026 103 min 35 annotations

Ep.314 – Ross Chastain

Ross Chastain has become one of the most revered names in modern NASCAR, and after listening to this episode you’ll see why. Heavily engrained in his family’s business of water melon farming, Ross’s career has had an endless number of stops and restarts before landing at Trackhouse Racing, where he’s enjoyed a career renaissance and […]

Dec 19, 2025 119 min 27 annotations

Ep.313 – Ron Hornaday Jr.

Adding another NASCAR Hall of Fame member to our roster, Ron Hornaday Jr. is one of the most beloved members of the community. A start of the western stock car scene through the 1980’s and 1990’s, Ron’s primary fame came from his success in the NASCAR Truck Series, amassing countless wins en route to three […]

Dec 19, 2025 109 min 26 annotations

Ep.312 – Shane van Gisbergen

SVG!!! Do we need to write an introduction? It’s Shane van Gisbergen… we’re guessing you’ve heard of him, unless you’ve never heard of NASCAR, Australian V8 Supercars, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, FIA GT racing. Shane has a number of distinctions to his career, such as winning like 100 V8 Supercar championships, winning his first-ever […]

Dec 19, 2025 108 min 34 annotations

Ep.311 – Brian Beierwaltes

Put simply, Brian Beierwaltes is the boss! His technical title is Head of Marketing at Continental Tire, but as far as DwR is concerned, he’s the guy. Don’t be fooled though, Brian is also a racer. A club racer way before he ever joined Continental, Brian eventually went to IMSA and their marketing department, ultimately […]

Dec 19, 2025 72 min 28 annotations

Ep.310 – Kyle Larson

Chances are you already know who Kyle Larson is, this is truly a pointless description… unless you’ve never heard of NASCAR, USAC, World of Outlaws, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, or the Indianapolis 500. It’s Kyle Larson. Seriously, what do you want from us? Lunch was served at 44 Mills Kitchen & Tap in Mooresville, […]

Dec 19, 2025 103 min 29 annotations

Ep.309 – Cory Kruseman

Cory Kruseman is another dirt racing legend. Part of the 1990’s/2000’s pack racing against names like Tony Stewart and JJ Yeley, Corey has won the Chili Bowl twice, multiple sprint championships, ultimately claiming his place in the Sprint Car Hall of Fame. Today, Corey is most known for having the lone dirt oval racing school […]

Dec 19, 2025 109 min 25 annotations

Ep.308 – Matt Farah

Matt Farah is a diverse and well-know automotive journalist, but most notably he really made his name with his hit YouTube and podcast series, “The Smoking Tire.” A show that has really fostered a variety of segments within the car culture, Matt has spent the last three decades earning a reputation as one of the […]

Dec 19, 2025 106 min 44 annotations

Ep.307 – Steve Hallam

Steve Hallam is one of the great unsung heroes of the sport. Raised in Liverpool, what began as a career in automotive engineering turned into one of the most prolific careers in motorsport, engineer for teams such as Lotus, McLaren, TRD, Tekno and with drivers that include Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell, Mika Hakkinen, Shane van […]

Nov 25, 2025 119 min 28 annotations

Ep.306 – Don Prudhomme

The Snake! Along with previous guests like Don Garlits, Don Prudhomme is one of the pioneers of the modern drag racing scene, coming from modest means in California’s San Fernando valley to one of the staple characters of the NHRA as the series grew. Critical to drag racing history, Don is best known as part […]

Nov 25, 2025 109 min 29 annotations