Dinner with Racers

Ep.33 – Joey Hand

Joey Hand may well go down as one of the most legendary drivers in the modern era of sportscar racing. After success in junior categories, Joey went on to become a hugely successful factory drivers for BMW including winning the Rolex 24 overall, before recently moving to the highly successful Ford  GT program, where he conquered the 24 Hours of Le Mans in GTE-Pro. In this lunch we learn about getting hosed down while naked after a huge crash, and he learns a new word as well. Lunch was served at Plaza del Sole in Elk Grove, California, with the music of Son of James (available on Bandcamp) sending us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Honda for providing a great car.

In our conversation we mention some of Joey’s less than stellar memories.

Joey Hand BMW M3 Spectacular Crash at Mid-Ohio 2006

Boris Said Slaps Joey Hand

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Ep.32 – Calvin FIsh

A true case of perseverance, Calvin Fish has done a remarkable job of surviving a motorsport career despite repeated setbacks, and thriving with a shear willingness to take on new opportunities as they come. Beginning a career in superkarts, Calvin first made his mark by racing in junior categories in the early 1980’s, beating such unknown drivers as Ayrton Senna and Martin Brundle. Heading stateside, he’d go on to win the Formula Atlantic championship and eventually become part of the famed Roush Mustang program. Calving his since turned that in to an amazing broadcast career that he has parlayed in to driver management as well.  Dinner was served at Crispina in Atlanta, Georgia with one of the greatest British pop songs of all time sending us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Honda for providing a great car.

Ep.31 – John Eversley

Continuing our behind-the-scenes theme, John Eversley is a storied mechanic who has been in the business for nearly three decades. When it comes to the heyday of sportscars, John has seen it all, working alongside Niki Lauda on the famous BMW M1 Procar effort, and eventually working in the glory days of IMSA with such figures as John Paul, Sr. and Bob Akin. You wouldn’t know it though, because he’s not one to just volunteer his legendary tales, which is why his stories are so unique. He’s very different from his son, the co-host of some podcast, who can’t wait to speak his mind even if you didn’t ask. Excellent dinner courtesy of Ninja Sushi in Braselton, Georgia, with the music of Jarrod Gorbel sending us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Honda for providing a great car.

Ep.30 – Johnny O’Connell

If you’re going to do a podcast about icons of motorsport, then Johnny O’Connell is a mandatory visit. As one of the most charismatic guys in modern sportscar, Johnny is wicked fast, you’ll know this because he’ll tell you…. having (according to him) been a second faster than every teammate he’s ever had. Beyond speed, however, Johnny brings results. As the winningest driver in GM history, Johnny took four consecutive World Challenge championships to go with his four class wins at Le Mans. One of the funniest and most likable guys in the paddock, we were happy to treat him to lunch at Moonie’s Texas Barbecue in Flowery Branch, Georgia, with the music of Wrecks playing us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Honda for providing a great car.

In our conversation we mention on of Johnny’s biggest crashes, Watkins Glen in 1993

LISTEN HERE:

Ep.29 – Liam Dwyer

SSgt Liam Dwyer served multiple tours in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving both in Iraq and then Afghanistan where an IED would cause significant injury to him, including the loss of his left leg. A true racer, Liam hasn’t let any of this slow him down and he’s still racing in the Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge, where he took an amazing series of victories in the 2015 season. Breakfast was courtesy of The Orange Tree in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Thanks to Continental Tire for the continued support!

Ep.28 – Shea Adam

Shea Adam is a star on the rise when it comes to motorsport broadcasters. An addition in recent years to the Radio LeMans pit reporting lineup, Shea explains her process and diligence, but with a great sense of humor about it. Topics include how she started, who has the best/worst game, and a few reference to Dominick Farnbacher’s hair. Dinner was courtesy of BurgerFi in Tampa, Florida. Thanks to Continental Tire for the continued support!

Ep.27 – Tommy Kendall, Pt.2

Tommy Kendall is simply a legend, the second half.

Ep.26 – Tommy Kendall, Pt.1

Tommy Kendall is simply a legend, the first half.

Ep.25 – Jordan/Ricky Taylor

Jordan and Ricky Taylor are two sportscar drivers unlike any other, not sure what else there is to say. The sons of driving legend and current team owner Wayne Taylor, both drivers have numerous prototype wins, including Jordan’s 2013 championship and 2015 LeMans 24 victory. Topics include countless pee and poo stories, who they’d punch in the face, and picking on their Dad. Dinner was courtesy of Jordan from his home in Apropka, Florida. Thanks to Continental Tire for the continued support!

Ep.24 – Bill Riley

Bill Riley is an engineer, designer, and all-around awesome dude that, along with his father, spearheads Riley Technologies, the driving force behind many of the greatest sportscars in the last 30 years. You’d think for a guy with his success and reputation that he wouldn’t be as funny as he is, but he is thoroughly entertaining, including a number of stories that you have to hear to believe. Dinner was courtesy of Bill and his fiancée Mary from their home in Mooresville, North Carolina. Thanks to Continental Tire for the continued support!