Dinner with Racers

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.

Ep.263 - Mike Rockenfeller, Pt.2

Mike Rockenfeller has quietly risen to become one of the most celebrated racers in all of sportscar. Growing up in rural Germany with limited means, Mike was the quintessential successful junior racer with limited means, eventually finding his way onto the Porsche factory driver roster, then Audi, and now Ford. Mike has literally won everything there is to win in sportscar, from LeMans, to Daytona, to even a DTM championship. Dinner was served at Dahlia Mexican in Daytona Beach, Florida, with the song “Crash and Burn” by Kissing Candice taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.262 - Mike Rockenfeller, Pt.1

Mike Rockenfeller has quietly risen to become one of the most celebrated racers in all of sportscar. Growing up in rural Germany with limited means, Mike was the quintessential successful junior racer with limited means, eventually finding his way onto the Porsche factory driver roster, then Audi, and now Ford. Mike has literally won everything there is to win in sportscar, from LeMans, to Daytona, to even a DTM championship. Dinner was served at Dahlia Mexican in Daytona Beach, Florida, with the song “Honest Man” by Moon taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.261 - Max Angelelli

Max Angelelli is IMSA’s favorite lunatic. Seriously, he’s insane. That’s all you need to know. Growing up in Italy and coming up through European junior racing, Max found success in America throughout the 1990’s and 2000’s in American sportscar racing, capitalizing on his opportunities to become a multi-time winner at Daytona as well as IMSA/Grand-Am champion. Outside of the car, he was also a core element to the growth of Wayne Taylor Racing, notably acting as a mentor to Ricky and Jordan Taylor. Lunch was served at Osaka Sushi in New Smyrna, Florida, with the song “Bonkerz” by Where’s Lulu taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.260 - Juan Fangio II

A staple of 1980s and 1990s sportscar racing, Juan Fangio II is one of the greats of IMSA GTP racing. The nephew of Juan Manuel Fangio, one of Formula One’s greatest, Fangio II embarked on a career unique to himself, and carving a path that you’d never expect given his namesake. One of the greats from Argentina, Juan is a true gentleman and has the stories to back it up. Dinner was served at El Casco de Fangio, the Private Estate of the Fangio family, with the song “Summetime Boss’s” by Wessley Thomas taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.259 - Tony Kanaan, Pt.2

Tony Kanaan is a modern legend of IndyCar racing. Enjoying a career that spanned across four decades, the 2004 IndyCar champion became synonymous with hard luck at the Indianapolis 500 before finally taking the checkered flag after years of trying. A longtime fan favorite, Tony’s real story begins off the track with his father, making a promise unlike any other. Also available to watch on MotorTrend, this dinner was served at Fernando’s Brazilian and Mexican Cuisine in Broad Ripple, Indiana, with the song “Extrano” by Tania Matus taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.258 - Tony Kanaan, Pt.1

Tony Kanaan is a modern legend of IndyCar racing. Enjoying a career that spanned across four decades, the 2004 IndyCar champion became synonymous with hard luck at the Indianapolis 500 before finally taking the checkered flag after years of trying. A longtime fan favorite, Tony’s real story begins off the track with his father, making a promise unlike any other. Also available to watch on MotorTrend, this dinner was served at Fernando’s Brazilian and Mexican Cuisine in Broad Ripple, Indiana, with the song “Mau Mau” by La Nata taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.