Dinner with Racers

Ep.273 - Conor Daly

Heralded as “IndyCar’s little brother,” Conor Daly is a veteran of IndyCar driver with a reputation as one of the sport’s ceaseless hustlers. Having driven for all but two teams in the paddock, Conor has jumped from the role of super-sub to full-time and back back, taking multiple podiums and leading the Indianapolis 500 along the way. One of Indiana’s favorite sons, his desire to compete at the 500 is second-to-none, not to mention blossoming out to the sportscar, NASCAR and rallycross ranks. Dinner was served at Vicino in Indianapolis, IN, with the song “Vibe One Time” by Captain Joz taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.272 - Barry Wanser

Barry Wanser is another staple of behind-the-scenes IndyCar lore. One of the principal members behind Chip Ganassi Racing’s success, Barry started as mechanic with Joe Amato’s NHRA program going back to the early 1990’s, eventually becoming a gearbox mechanic for Ganassi in ChampCar, and eventually elevating himself to today’s role where he not only serves as the Team Manager of Competition, but specifically as the strategist for Alex Palou’s incredible run of three championships. Dinner was served at Tegry Bistro in Indianapolis, IN, with the song “Watch Out” by Chaun Davis taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.271 - Chad Knaus, Pt.2

Chad Knaus is one of the biggest names in NASCAR. The Crew Chief behind all seven of Jimmie Johnson’s championships, including five in a row and 81 race wins, Chad is widely recognized as one of the best to ever do it. Currently promoted to the current role of VP of Competition and Hendrick Motorsports, Chad’s journey to the top of NASCAR is unlike any other, and a must-listen for anyone looking to be in the sport. Dinner was served at Eddie V’s in Charlotte, NC, with the song “Out to Get Me” by Indiana Bradley taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

E.270 - Chad Knaus, Pt.1

Chad Knaus is one of the biggest names in NASCAR. The Crew Chief behind all seven of Jimmie Johnson’s championships, including five in a row and 81 race wins, Chad is widely recognized as one of the best to ever do it. Currently promoted to the current role of VP of Competition and Hendrick Motorsports, Chad’s journey to the top of NASCAR is unlike any other, and a must-listen for anyone looking to be in the sport. Dinner was served at Eddie V’s in Charlotte, NC, with the song “Trust Myself” by Echo Laroux taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.269 - Chase Briscoe

Quickly being recognized as one of NASCAR’s top young drivers, Chase Briscoe is coming off of his fourth season in the NASCAR Cup Series, now a proven multi-race winner and 11-time winner in Xfinity. His story, however, comes from his humble roots, having fought for every seat he’s had with no funding, and somehow finding himself at the top ranks of NASCAR. The last driver to win for the fabled Stewart-Haas Racing, Chase will enter a new chapter in 2025, taking over the storied No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. Lunch was served at the Rolling Hills Golf Club in Monroe, NC, with the song “Take the Fun Away” by Ofer Karen taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.268 - Rusty Wallace

A NASCAR Hall-of-Fame driver, Rusty Wallace’s place in the sport is solidified. The 1989 Cup Champion and founding driver of Roger Penske’s NASCAR organization, Rusty would cut his teeth in the midwestern ASA racing scene alongside other legends like Alan Kulwicki and Mark Martin. Coming up with limited means, he would go on to become a 55-time race winner in Cup to earn his place in the Hall of Fame. Dinner was served at Jeffrey’s Restaurant in Mooresville, NC, with the song “One of These Days” by Adam Simons taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.267 - Graham Rahal

Graham Rahal is a staple of the IndyCar series, now entering his 18th season as a driver. Part of the Rahal family, the son of Bobby Rahal has made a name in the sport in his own right, not only taking multiple victories in the series, but working just as hard away from the track to grow a multitude of car businesses under the GRP (Graham Rahal Performance) banner. Away from business and driving, Graham has joined yet another family seen as racing royalty, marrying Courtney Force, a champion drag racer and the daughter of the legendary John Force. Dinner was served at Monterey Cuisine in Carmel, IN, with the song “Find a Pathway Home” by J Fitz taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.266 - Oliver Gavin

Oliver Gavin is synonymous with the dynasty that is Corvette Racing. A graduate of European junior formula racing, Oliver’s largest success came in American sportscar racing, eventually becoming part of GM and their staple Corvette program, where he’d enjoy a multi-decade career that won just about everything: Daytona, LeMans, a million championships, you name it. Lunch was served at Bonefish Grill in Daytona Beach, Florida, with the song “Let’s Go” by Marc Robillard taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.265 - Renger van der Zande

Renger van der Zande is one of the most likable guys in the IMSA paddock. A staple of prototype racing, Renger’s journeyman path to the top has seen no shortage of challenges, from insurmountable debt to using his side businesses as a means to get himself back in the sport. Somehow he’s made it all work, winning an IMSA championship, and major races such as Sebring, Long Beach and beyond to be one of the most respected sportscar drivers of the current era. Dinner was served at Martini’s Organic in Daytona Beach, Florida, with the song “Take U There” by Rex Banner taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.264 - Laurens Vanthoor

Laurens Vanthoor is one of the current greats in sportscar racing. Having just won the World Endurance Championship, Laurens is a top-race for Porsche, currently racing with Penske in the LMDh prototype category. Growing up in Belgium, Laurens’ career has spanned from running with several current star in European junior ranks, to becoming a factory driver for both Audi and Porsche, winning races such as Spa, Daytona, and the most unique win at Macau in history. Lunch was served at The Porch Kombucha in Daytona Beach, Florida, with the song “Temptation” by Ride Free taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.