Dinner with Racers

Ep.63 – Robin Miller

Love him or hate him, Robin Miller is one of the most entertaining people you could ever meet in the IndyCar scene. A career journalist with multiple accounts of failing at driving or anything mechanical, Robin Miller’s enthusiasm for all things open wheel and IndyCar racing is unparalleled, and it’s because of that passion that he’s endured a five decade career in the sport as a journalist and broadcast for a variety of mediums. We weren’t sure what to expect, but walked away loving the guy… his enthusiasm is real, he’s freakin’ hilarious, and he pulls no punches.  Lunch was served at the 1911 Grill, owned by Dinner with Racers alum Sarah Fisher, with the music of The Deadlies taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.61 – Scott Dixon

The “Iceman” has long been known as someone who keeps his personality hidden from the public. Not only is Scott Dixon a three-time IndyCar Series champion, Indy 500 winner, and the winningest active driver out there, but the dude is hilarious and absolutely awesome to have lunch with. We were blown away by how funny he was, and how willing he was to share, including his account of getting robbed at Taco Bell, just how many sheep live in New Zealand, driving with a pillow strapped to yourself, and more.  Lunch was served at Tegry Bistro in Indianapolis, IN. Music was provided by Novacaine (available on Spotify). Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.62 – Doug Boles

According to his college degree, Doug Boles began his career as a lawyer, yet when you sit down with him, you hear about anything but that. Serving every non-mechanical role that you could in the sport, Doug has gone from team principal, to strategist, to spotter, to somehow ending up as the President of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a job which he takes on with an immense out of passion and enthusiasm. Reflecting on his career, join us for some amazing insight into being the most important man to the sport’s most iconic track.  Dinner was actually catered underneath the famous pagoda, courtesy of Doug and the fine folks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Levy Foods, one of the most memorable experiences we’ve ever had. Music played by Justin Allen and the Well Shots. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.

Ep.60 – Dr. Jerry Punch

You think you’ve heard it all, then you hear Dr. Jerry Punch. An MD by profession, a broadcaster by trade, this likable Tennessee-native has created a niche exclusive to him, carving out a four-decade career that has combined his experience as an ER doctor with his love of motorsport and college football to become a true legend of the sport. Dr. Punch has been a pitman reporter in NASCAR since the 1980’s, as well as the Indy 500, but also ran an ER in Daytona Beach for several years, before starting his own practice. Be ready to hear some amazing tales of driver recovery, life on the road and much, much more. Dinner was served at Calhoun’s on the River, located in Knoxville, Tennessee. Music was provided by Freek (available on CD Baby). Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.

Ep.59 – Dario Franchitti

You couldn’t ask for a more dream opening to Season Three than with Dario Franchitti. One of the most storied drivers of IndyCar, Dario is a three-time Indy 500 winner, a four-time IndyCar Series champion, and easily regarded as one of the all-time greats. With his soothing Scottish voice, Dario joined us to not just tell tales of IndyCar racing, but life away from the track, his brief stint in NASCAR, the amazing tale of being robbed at gunpoint, getting involved in high speed chases with people breaking in to his home, and life after forced retirement. It’s an amazing listen, and afterward he drove us for the rest of the trip! Dinner was served at Santé a restaurant at the Fairmont Mission Inn in Sonoma, California. We kick off our third season with the music of Desure, a favorite of Patrick Long. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.

Ep.58 – Season Three Special Announcement!

A special announcement on the next season of “Dinner with Racers,” and a never-before-heard, exclusive look at what it’s like to have dinner with the show’s second-most popular host.

Ep.57 – Alex Gurney

Being the son of one of racing’s all-time legends hasn’t phased Alex Gurney one bit, and that’s probably because he’s done an excellent job of carving out his own career. Despite beginning his racing career at 19 and competing against guys who started 11 years before him, Alex would continue on to become a two-time Rolex Sports Car Series champion, and currently helps to run AAR, known to many as All American Racers, one of the most storied companies in all of motorsports, started by his father Dan. Learn about his career path, some legendary tales of his father… and his gambling problem. Dinner was served at Eureka in Irvine, California, with the music of Jarrod Gorbel to close out our second season. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Honda for providing a great car, we hope to announce the future plans of Dinner with Racers soon.

Ep.56 – Brendan Gaughan

Brendan Gaughan is one of NASCAR’s most unique and colorful characters. After a successful career in off-road as well junior open-wheel categories, the Las Vegas native turned his attention to NASCAR, ultimately becoming a multiple winner in the Truck Series, and eventually landing opportunities in both the Cup an Xfinity cateogories, where he has continued to win and even qualified for the 2016 Chase. What makes him especially unique, however, is an upbringing unlike anyone else. A member of the famous Gaughan family, Brendan’s grandfather and father have made huge careers out of the casino business, owning a series of casinos in both Las Vegas and beyond, with the most current noteworthy one being the South Point Casin in Southern Las Vegas. Oh, and the dude can play basketball, having helped train with NBA legend Allen Iverson while playing at Georgetown. Dinner was served at possibly the nicest restaurant in the history of the series, Michael’s Gourmet Room, located in the South Point Casino. Music was provided by Kari Holmes. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Honda for providing a great car.

Ep.55 – Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (with Kyle Larson and Ryan Blaney)

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is one of NASCAR’s top stars, now entering his fifth season of the top-tier Cup category. Part of the wave of “development drivers” that burst on to the scene 10 years ago, Ricky has been part of the Roush family for nearly a decade, and in the process has won two consecutive Xfinity series championships, multiple victories in various categories, and is on the cusp of a Cup breakout. He was also a close friend of the late Bryan Clauson, who we were fortunate enough to meet during our first season. Meeting up at Fresco Italiano in Las Vegas’s Westgate hotel, the real surprise of the day was Ricky bringing three of his friends: his buddy Aaron, and then fellow NASCAR stars Kyle Larson and Ryan Blaney. With such a dynamic group, you get an idea of what it’s like to just “hang out with the guys,” with the episode being closed out by the music of Jarrod Gorbel. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Honda for providing a great car.

Ep.54 – Peter Cunningham

Peter Cunningham is a staple of the American sportscar scene, and has been for three decades. The owner and former driver of RealTime Racing, the Wisconsin native is one of the most heralded drivers and team owners in World Challenge Series history, having been with the series as a driver since inception, and with both driver and team amassing a record number of wins and championships along the way. A staple of the Honda / Acura brand, “PD” also owns and operates the largest private collection of vintage Honda machines in the USA, oh and he’s also Ryan’s boss. Breakfast was served courtesy of the world-famous Peppermill, a historic coffee shop in downtown Las Vegas. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Honda for providing a great car.