Dinner with Racers

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.

Ep.77 – Paul Tracy, Pt. 1

We’re pretty sure he doesn’t need a description, but Paul Tracy is one of the most iconic characters of the IndyCar and former ChampCar scene. The “thrill from West Hill,” this Canadian burst on to the scene as the ultimate checkers or wreckers type of driver, with a wild driving style that saw him win often, or crash trying. Driving for names like Penske and Newman/Haas, Paul’s career settled in when he became part of the Team Kool Green program, kind of winning the 2002 Indianapolis 500, and ultimately driving Forsythe Racing where he would finally take his much sought after first championship. This two-part episode takes us throughout his career, including some of the funniest moments, the most tragic, and everything in between. Dinner was served at Dominick’s Steakhouse in Scottsdale, AZ, 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.78 – Paul Tracy, Pt. 2

We’re pretty sure he doesn’t need a description, but Paul Tracy is one of the most iconic characters of the IndyCar and former ChampCar scene. The “thrill from West Hill,” this Canadian burst on to the scene as the ultimate checkers or wreckers type of driver, with a wild driving style that saw him win often, or crash trying. Driving for names like Penske and Newman/Haas, Paul’s career settled in when he became part of the Team Kool Green program, kind of winning the 2002 Indianapolis 500, and ultimately driving Forsythe Racing where he would finally take his much sought after first championship. This two-part episode takes us throughout his career, including some of the funniest moments, the most tragic, and everything in between. Dinner was served at Dominick’s Steakhouse in Scottsdale, AZ, with the music of Wes Sp8 and the Apollo taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep. 79 – Lyn St. James

Lyn St. James is an absolute pioneer of the sport. Beginning her career in the grassroots sportscar rank, her business acumen set her apart from her peers, using her combination of speed, tenacity, and salesmanship to catch the eye of Ford in the 1980’s, eventually becoming a factory driver in their prestigious IMSA and Trans-Am programs, netting her a number of wins accolades and beyond. After getting a taste of IndyCar racing, Lyn’s ultimate accomplishment would occur in 1992 when she would not only quality for the Indy 500, but she’d enjoy a competitive run that would earn her Rookie-of-the-Year honors, the first woman in history to do so.  Lunch was served at Buck & Rider in Phoenix, AZ, with the music of Shaman Jon taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep. 76 – Cole Pearn

What if we told you a Canadian go kart racer who lives in Colorado would go on to be this year’s championship-winning Crew Chief in NASCAR? Well we got ‘em, and he’s awesome. One of the youngest Crew Chiefs in the sport, Cole Pearn moves to the beat of his own drum, breaking from the traditions of NASCAR by growing up in Canada, getting an engineering degree, and using his scientific approach and methodology to become of the most successful active Crew Chiefs in the sport. As part of the Denver-based Furniture Row team, Cole’s approach with driver Martin Truex Jr. made them a dominant combination in 2017, winning the championship! Join us for a unique look at one of the sports most unique characters.  Dinner was served at Rootdown in Denver, CO, with the music of The Dayz taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.74 – Jeremy Shaw

Jeremy Shaw is, without a doubt, one of the most influential people in the careers of many road racing stars in the U.S. We’d call him a long-time motorsport journalist, but according to Jeremy he’s a motorsport writer, not a journalist, demonstrating the humility that makes Jeremy one of the most beloved folks in motorsport. Parlaying his writing career in to a broadcasting one, Jeremy is now one of the most recognized figures in road racing broadcasting, including serving as a key part of the fames IMSA Radio team. Most notably, Jeremy is also the founder of the famed Team USA scholarship, a one-of-a-kind program that sends two deserving young Americans to the prestigious Formula Ford Festival every year. Dinner was courtesy of Hacienda on the Lake in Mission Viejo, CA with the music of Dain Norman taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.75 – Alwin Springer

If you’re a lover of Porsche machinery, you probably know the name Alwin Springer. If you don’t, you should. Alwin is probably the biggest name in Porsche’s rise to dominance in North American sportscar racing. Working for Vasek Polak, the man who responsible for growing the U.S. market for Porsche throughout the 1950’s and ’60’s, Alwin went on with two partners to create ANDIAL, the premier Porsche performance tuning business in the U.S. Through ANDIAL, Alwin and his team were a big part of the legendary Porsche 962 success, servicing a variety of Porsche machinery until finally becoming part of Porsche Motorsport North America in the 1990’s. While Alwin theoretically retired years ago, it’s not exactly true, and we get a rare opportunity to hear about all of that and more.  Lunch was served in his backyard in Mission Viejo, CA, with the music of Shaman Jon taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.72 – Scott Tucker: The Racing Story

Scott Tucker and his epic “Level 5” sportscar program is the thing of legends. We actually owe a little something to Scott and Level 5 because our own “Level 5 Special” is the most downloaded one in our history. Imagine having a team owner, with a passion for racing, who has the means to fund things properly and really do things “right,” which is code for going big. That’s what Level 5 was, and Scott Tucker was the man behind it. Unfortunately his personal business would meet sharp criticism and controversy as the team went on, eventually folding the team as Scott concentrated on his ongoing legal matters. For the business and legal stories, stay tuned for the next episode. For the racing stories, enjoy this one. Dinner was courtesy of the Full Schilling in Wall Street, New York City. Music was provided by Children of Eden. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.73 – Scott Tucker: The Business Story

Scott Tucker and his epic “Level 5” sportscar program is the thing of legends. We actually owe a little something to Scott and Level 5 because our own “Level 5 Special” is the most downloaded one in our history. Imagine having a team owner, with a passion for racing, who has the means to fund things properly and really do things “right,” which is code for going big. That’s what Level 5 was, and Scott Tucker was the man behind it. Unfortunately his personal business would meet sharp criticism and controversy as the team went on, eventually folding the team as Scott concentrated on his ongoing legal matters. For the amazing racing stories, tune in to our previous episode. For the business and legal side of the story, as told by Scott, enjoy this one. Dinner was courtesy of the Full Schilling in Wall Street, New York City. Music was provided by Graveler. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.