Dinner with Racers

Ep.89 – Tommy Byrne

Tommy Byrne was considered the greatest Formula One driver you never heard of. Fast but with a fiery temperament, Tommy is a classic example of someone who showed remarkable potential in junior categories, but between opportunities, luck, and arguably perception and reputation, the path to fame and fortune didn’t quite work out. Racing against some of the greats like Ayrton Senna, Thierry Boutsen, etc. he’s a proven talent, but instead of World Championships he has some of the craziest stories of sex, drugs, and racing you might hear. Of course there’s more to the story in his book, which you can read at www.crashorbyrne.com. Dinner was served at Rossellini’s Restaurant & Lounge in Daytona Beach, Florida, with the music of Swim taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.88 – Shane Hmiel

Shane Hmiel’s story is unlike any other. Coming from a racing family, Shane grew up within the scene, but also with the challenge of forging his own way, which he managed successfully early in his career. Immediately seen as a rising star, Shane was an instant contender in the NASCAR Truck and Xfinity ranks, including winning at Las Vegas and asserting himself as fast but also super temperamental, including multiple on-track altercations. Off the track is where Shane’s real story existed, however, battling drug addiction, which eventually led to an indefinite suspension from NASCAR, and eventually sending him to treatment where he would learn of psychological problems likely inciting his addiction. On the road to recovery, Shane would take to the ranks of USAC, instantly winning and on the road to IndyCar, where a tragic qualifying accident would lead to a massive brain and spinal injury, rendering him partially paralyzed and with significant brain damage as well. He keeps in good spirits about the whole thing, however, and despite everything he’s been through he’s extremely funny, engaging, and genuinely someone we liked hanging out with. Dinner was served the 1618 West Seafood Grill in Greensboro, North Carolina, with the music of Fury taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.87 – Jeremy Mayfield

Jeremy Mayfield is one of the most unique stories in NASCAR history. Rising through the ranks on the merit of hard work and true grit, Jeremy worked as a mechanic, fabricator, you name it… just to get rides where he could. Eventually it worked, landing himself a ride with the fabled Michael Kranefuss and eventually merging with Penske Racing. Proving his worth, Jeremy eventually moved to a factory-Dodge effort run by the legendary Ray Evernham, and this is where the story would begin. After a tumultuous couple of years, Jeremy would leave and eventually start his own team a couple years later, only to be suspended by NASCAR for failing a drug test. This would eventually lead to multiple tests and failures for methamphetamines, leading to an indefinite suspension. However, to this day Jeremy refutes the tests and allegations, and over the last seven years has been committed to pleading his case with the public on what he believes is the truth behind the story. He tells it all, and it’s like nothing you’ll ever hear. Lunch was served at at the Silver Grill in Denver, NC, with the music of FloTone taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.85 – Chocolate Myers

Danny “Chocolate” Myers is part of a rich NASCAR history dating back to the 1950’s. The son of one of racing’s original short-track heroes, “Chocolate” is primarily known as part of the famed “Flying Aces” pit crew for Richard Childress Racing, an elite group of guys who supported the legendary Dale Earnhardt through four of his famed NASCAR championships. A signature part of the Dale Earnhardt legacy, Chocolate’s bigger-than-life personality has made him an excellent storyteller, eventually landing him a role with SiriusXM satellite radio, where he now hosts the daily talk show “Trading Paint.” Lunch was served at Kerly’s BBQ in Welcome, North Carolina, with the music of Vince Johnson taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.86 – Robby Gordon

Not a lot of people can claim wins in IndyCar, NASCAR, IMSA, the Baja 1000 and Paris-Dakar, but Robby Gordon can. Largely considered one of the most naturally gifted racers in the history of the sport, Robby’s place among the greats is unquestioned, with a fiery personality off-the-track playing a perfect match to his talent on the track. Transitioning from driving to business innovation, Robby’s enterprising nature has since led to his creation of the Stadium Super Truck Series (SST), as well as Speed Energy Drink, and he’s happy to talk about all of it. Dinner was served at Robby’s shop in Mooresville, NC, with food courtesy of Yoshii’s in nearby Huntersville and outro music by Red Remains. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.83 – Tony Stewart, Pt. 1

Tony Stewart, known to us as Mr. The Smoke, is one of the greatest racing drivers of all time. It’s almost an insult to even write a description. The first driver to win USAC’s “Triple Crown” in one year (Silver Crown, Midget, and Sprint Car Titles), a pole-sitter at the Indy 500, and IndyCar champion, a two-time winner of the Brickyard 400 and three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, the dude is a living legend. We cover it all… and he was awesome. So awesome, we broke it into two parts. Dinner was served at Port City Club in North Carolina, with the music of Rachel Paschket taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.84 – Tony Stewart, Pt.2

Tony Stewart, known to us as Mr. The Smoke, is one of the greatest racing drivers of all time. It’s almost an insult to even write a description. The first driver to win USAC’s “Triple Crown” in one year (Silver Crown, Midget, and Sprint Car Titles), a pole-sitter at the Indy 500, and IndyCar champion, a two-time winner of the Brickyard 400 and three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, the dude is a living legend. We cover it all… and he was awesome. So awesome, we broke it into two parts. Dinner was served at Port City Club in North Carolina, with the music of Rachel Paschket taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.82 – Ryan Blaney

YRB (Young Ryan Blaney) is one of the most colorful characters in the NASCAR paddock. Raised in a racing family, he’s one of the leading chargers in NASCAR’s youth movement, driving for the famed Wood Brothers during the last two years and even making it to the later rounds of the playoffs this year on the back of a winning Cup season. A talented driver on the track, Ryan’s fun attitude and attention to hanging out with fans is what’s made him an instant favorite, with plenty of tales about alcohol to back it up. Heading in to 2018, Ryan faces his biggest challenge yet, driving for Roger Penske in a new third program. Breakfast was served The Famous Toastery in Davidson, NC,  with the music of Maxwell Vann taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.81 – Alex Bowman

Alex Bowman may not be a household name in NASCAR yet, but he’s about to be. Not only has he won in everything he’s ever stepped in to, but he’s about to take over one of the most legendary cars in the sport, the famed No. 88. Replacing the great Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is no easy feat, but at only 24-years old Alex is smart enough to know he can’t let that phase him, and charting his own course is the only way he’ll succeed. As intelligent off the track as he is fast on the track, we were extremely impressed with him… oh, and he’s awesome. An avid car guy, Alex’s taste in vehicles and motorsports is not what you’d associate with the role he’s taking on, which is why he’s pretty darn cool  Dinner was served at Brickhouse Tavern in Davidson, NC,  with the music of Zentril taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.80 – Willy T. Ribbs

Willy T. Ribbs is, hands down, one of the most unique characters you’ll ever meet. A star on the rise in the junior categories, Willy’s journey took him to the top levels of IMSA and Trans-Am in the 1980’s and 1990’s, ultimately netting him a chance to qualify for the Indy 500, where he became the first-ever African American to qualify for the Indy 500. What makes Willy so unique, however, is his larger than life character. Honestly, there’s no point in describing it… just listen. Seriously, holy shit.  Dinner was served at Trattoria Lisina in Driftwood, TX, with the music of Tyler Royse taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.