Dinner with Racers

Ep.159 – Slugger Labbe

He may not be a household name outside of NASCAR, but Richard “Slugger” Labbe is a true throwback Crew Chief from the last several decades of NASCAR. Working for some of the biggest teams in the sport, Slugger is known as a bigger-than-life personality who is known for finding “performance advantages” in the rulebook. He clearly enjoys his current job in a more executive NASCAR role, so that’s about as much as we’ll say, but we hope you enjoy him not telling any of his best stories while recording. Dinner wasn’t served at his home in Enochville, NC, with Trenton’s “Find a Way” taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire, Acura and Valvoline for making it all happen.

Ep.158 – Bobby Labonte

If you follow NASCAR then you already know Bobby’s name, but he’s one of the most celebrated drivers of the last several decades. The 2000 series champion and recent Inductee to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Bobby’s career not only spans the golden years of 1990’s and 2000’s stock cars, but he’s also forayed in to sportscar racing, and currently runs a fruitful activation business centered around the sport. Sharing a common past with co-host Sean Heckman, Bobby is as funny as he is likable… and fast. Dinner was served at Real Kitchen in High Point, NC, with Ben Richter’s “The Thanksgiving Song” taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire, Acura and Valvoline for making it all happen.

Ep.157 – Ray Evernham

If you’re a NASCAR fan, then Ray Evernham needs no introduction. The driving force behind the rise of Hendrick Motorsports and Jeff Gordon’s arrival, Ray completely changed the culture of NASCAR in the 1990’s and 2000’s, eventually leading to the formation of his own team funded by Dodge, and now a successful career in television. His story is incredibly unique, and it’s easy to see why he’s had such a great television career, as he’s one one of our best storytellers. If you like this episode, you may also enjoy some of his great “performance enhancement” stories in our Smokey Yunick episode. Dinner was served at Red Rocks Cafe in Huntersville, NC. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.

Ep.156 – Craig Breedlove

A true American Hero, Craig Breedlove has transformed his pioneering spirit in to becoming a land speed record holder for several decades. Breaking a number of land-based speed barriers, he is STILL the fastest American on wheels, on a record he set decades ago. A Southern Californian in every way, Craig tells us his unique story of how he went subsonic on a program literally built out of his garage. Lunch was served at Hozy’s Grill in Santa Paula, CA. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.

Ep.155 – Michael Avenatti

Michael Avenatti has a unique place in the roster of our guests, as the only one who’s ever considered a run for president, among many other stories. Making his name in the legal profession, Michael is most known for his off-track resume, serving on a number of high profile legal cases, all the while driving in a number of sportscar events from the Rolex 24 to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Michael currently faces a number of challenges, and we receive his take on much of it. Dinner was served at Nerano in Beverly Hills, CA. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.

Ep.154 – Dick Simon Pt2: Oh Yeah, Racing

If you’re a fan of IndyCar Racing from the 1980’s and 1990’s, then you know the name Dick Simon. Dick started as a businessman-turned-driver, and then team owner, who was famous for putting together incredibly quick programs on extremely modest budgets. His dinner, however, was an unexpected surprise, because this guy has some of the craziest stories we’ve ever heard. We can’t explain it, just listen. Dinner was served at San Juan Hills Golf Club in San Juan Hills, CA. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.

Ep.153 – Dick Simon Pt1: Forget Racing

If you’re a fan of IndyCar Racing from the 1980’s and 1990’s, then you know the name Dick Simon. Dick started as a businessman-turned-driver, and then team owner, who was famous for putting together incredibly quick programs on extremely modest budgets. His dinner, however, was an unexpected surprise, because this guy has some of the craziest stories we’ve ever heard. We can’t explain it, just listen. Dinner was served at San Juan Hills Golf Club in San Juan Hills, CA. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.

Ep.152 – Kyle Petty

Chances are you already know Kyle Petty, but he’s become a true staple of NASCAR. Part of the famed Petty family, Kyle was a multi-time NASCAR race winner, but his personality and off-track character has led to a fantastic career out of the car, now serving as both an NBC Sports commentator as well as the host of “Coffee with Kyle.” If you like these stories, then you should also take a listen to our Tim Richmond and Smokey Yunick episodes, where Kyle contributed several stories. Lunch was served at Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Charlotte, NC. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.

Ep.151 – JF Musial

JF Musial isn’t necessarily a household name to racers, but you’ve probably seen his work and didn’t even know it. One of the premier video producers in the scene, JF has been one of the leaders in the burgeoning age of digital content, eventually leading to the creation of YouTube’s /DRIVE channel, and now the series of APEX films available on many major video distributors. The man behind many NBC Sports programs as well, JF knows the realities of the business and shares some insight through his unique lens. Lunch was served at Hudson Hall in Jersey City, NJ. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.

Ep.150 – 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.