Dinner with Racers

Ep.163 – Mark Martin, Pt.1

It’s Mark Martin. We drove to Montana. Dinner was delivered courtesy of Rosa’s in Bigfork, MT with Beeleaf’s ”Black Joy is Magic” taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire, Acura and Valvoline for making it all happen.

Ep. 162 – Ben Keating

Ben Keating is a beloved entity in the sportscar ranks. Fully embracing the moniker as a gentleman driver, Ben has turned his acumen as one of Texas’s most successful car dealers to a driver who has won the Rolex 24, the North American Endurance Championship, and crossed the line first at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. His story, however, is unlike any other you’ll hear, from being a challenged teen to resolving severed ties with family members. Dinner was delivered courtesy of D’Amore’s in Malibu, CA, with Chair Model’s ”Cherry” taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire, Acura and Valvoline for making it all happen.

Ep.161 – Bob Jenkins

Do we really need to explain who Bob Jenkins is? If you listen to our show, you probably like racing. If you like racing, you probably know who Bob Jenkins is. We learn a lot about life in pseudo retirement, and incessantly badger him for the details. Dinner was served at Green Street Pub and Eatery in Brownsburg, IN, with Cliff Thomas’ “I’m on My Way Home” taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire, Acura and Valvoline for making it all happen.

Ep.160 – Zach Veach

Zach Veach is most known in American open wheel racing for making his opportunities happen for himself. Not growing up with the same wealthy means as others, Zach created a series of opportunities for himself first in Indy Lights, where he won multiple races, and then securing his own sponsorship in IndyCar to run the last three seasons with Andretti Autosport. Funny and charismatic, Zach’s personality really shines through. Lunch was served at Blue Sushi Sake Grill in Indianapolis, IN, with Stephen Day’s “Twenty Two and Some Change” taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire, Acura and Valvoline for making it all happen.

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.