The Racing Writer's Podcast

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Ep. 125 | AJ Allmendinger Jun 22, 2020

Show notes

AJ Allmendinger was finally starting to come down from the adrenaline and excitement of winning his first oval race when he checked in with the podcast. Allmendinger describes the emotion behind his Atlanta victory, and why it meant so much to win on an oval. Without previously knowing the Kaulig Racing group, Allmendinger explains how he landed a ride with them and the blunt feedback he’s provided to help improve their performance. Plus, how important it is for a driver to be surrounded by positive energy and in a good environment, and Allmendinger rediscovering his love of racing. With his role for NBC Sports, Allmendinger delves into whether he was giving up on racing, if having a full-time ride is over for him, and why he’s liked racing in the Xfinity Series (and why you should like watching). And lastly, where else can we expect to see Allmendinger behind the wheel this year? Music created by Tony Monge.
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Wear the moment with BreakingT and connect to the players and teams you love by commemorating the best moments with real-time apparel. To check out their racing collection, visit www.breakingt.com/Kelly.

Ep. 124 | Regan Smith Jun 15, 2020

Show notes

Regan Smith has made it to his junior year as a NASCAR on Fox pit reporter, and it has been memorable thus far, mainly as he and his teammates cycle into races as the lone pit reporter at the track under the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions. Smith is back on the podcast for an extended interview to discuss the job and how far he’s come since his first year, and the lessons he’s taken from his television teammates. Smith has a unique relationship with each of his teammates, going back to 2011 when he won at Darlington and what happened afterward involving Matt Yocum. We discuss why Smith has never considered himself retired even though TV is his goal and focus, and if he ever admitted that racing was slipping away from him. From there, we get into stories about his substitution role with Leavine Family Racing and why Smith tried to appreciate those races so much, being the first rookie to complete all the races, and of course, how he feels about the 2008 Talladega race that could have been, and the experience of working with Mark Martin. Smith also explains what circumstance is “absolutely miserable” for a driver, and what to do when there is no outlet when feeling like he had finally developed into as good as he could be on track. Smith explains how and when the transition to television started to become more official and how being a broadcaster has changed his relationships in the garage area. Music created by Tony Monge.
Upgrade your personal and professional sound and style with JBL. Visit www.JBL.com for speakers, headphones, gaming products, and other accessories.
Wear the moment with BreakingT and connect to the players and teams you love by commemorating the best moments with real-time apparel. To check out their racing collection visit www.breakingt.com/kelly.

Ep. 123 | Justin Marks Jun 08, 2020

Show notes

Justin Marks has been adjusting to what has become a ‘new normal’ with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and as he does, he checks in with the podcast to discuss all he has going on. Some of that has to do with looking toward NASCAR’s future and plans that he’d like to see come to fruition. Marks discusses Next Gen and how that car could be attractive for NASCAR ownership, and where his interest in the business side of the things originated. Marks explains why he didn’t focus on racing before getting into different business ventures, and whether it has been easy to close the chapter of his life that included racing in NASCAR. How has GoPro Motorplex developed from the original idea, and what source of pride has it become for Marks as a tool for racers? He also talks on whether anyone has impressed him by using it, and how often he is there to have fun. And we end looking at what endeavors Marks could have coming soon. Music created by Tony Monge.
Upgrade your personal and professional sound and style with JBL. Visit www.JBL.com for speakers, headphones, gaming products, and other accessories.

Ep. 122 | Chris Rice Jun 01, 2020

Show notes

As president of Kaulig Racing, Chris Rice takes a hands-on approach and is involved in just about everything the small operation has going on. Rice explains his duties and how he landed in the role from his previous position of crew chief. He also discusses if the organization is back on solid ground after a rough last half of 2019 following the death of Nick Harrison and a hauler accident. Rice explains the task of going from one full-time car to two and even throwing a third in the mix, and if he’s been pleased with the pace of Kaulig Racing’s growth. There is also a full checklist that Rice wants to see Kaulig Racing fill out this year. Plus, a unique reason he believes Kaulig is going to be even stronger now that racing is starting up again, some more on his background in racing, and the logistics a team faces with a busy revised schedule. Music created by Tony Monge.

Ep. 121 | Rudy Fugle May 25, 2020

Show notes

Ryan ‘Rudy’ Fugle is one of the most successful crew chiefs in the Truck Series, mostly working with drivers at Kyle Busch Motorsports. We’re going to get to know Fugle as he breaks down his journey to KBM and the teams he’s worked for along the way. Fugle also digs into the work that he puts in that is a part of the success and explains the approach to preparing trucks for young drivers versus Kyle Busch. Although Fugle has two championships on his resume, we discuss lessons from the ones that got away, who has been the best mentor over the years to help shape Fugle into who he is, and what kind of leadership style he has. What quality does a good crew chief need to have to work with multiple drivers? Fugle gives some insight on how he’ll approach a hectic schedule of racing with the schedule beginning again in Charlotte, and he brags on his young driver, Christian Eckes. Music by Tony Monge.

Ep. 120 | Brendan Gaughan May 18, 2020

Show notes

Just to be clear, Brendan Gaughan is still hanging up the NASCAR helmet after this season. This week, Gaughan clarifies that even though Next Gen was pushed back a year, he will still make his final starts this year and then focus on his family, businesses, and off-road adventures. During the rest of a highly entertaining conversation, Gaughan brags about the Beard Motorsports family he runs the superspeedway races with and reflects on some of the other notable team owners he’s driven for over the years. He tries to explain what made him so good in the Truck Series at Texas, and even shares why he’s never talked much about the 2003 championship finale at Homestead - a race Gaughan doesn’t remember. Even though his only full Cup Series season didn’t go very well, Gaughan explains why he never bad-mouthed anyone, and if there were other opportunities for him through the years. Also, Gaughan on his Xfinity Series success with Richard Childress Racing, the battle over when to retire that included his dad, and the unique relationship of South Point being his sponsor and having to work with dad. And with the end near, is Gaughan satisfied with his time in NASCAR? Music created by Tony Monge.

Ep. 119 | Steve Letarte May 11, 2020

Show notes

Steve Letarte and his family have been finding ways to stay occupied during quarantine while waiting for racing to return. The NBC Sports broadcaster dishes on what it's like doing shows remotely and even calling some iRacing events from the comfort of his home. In his sixth season as a broadcaster, Letarte talks about how time has flown by, what he has learned about NASCAR in his new role, as well as everyone in the booth keeping each other accountable. Letarte explains why a broadcaster cannot hide behind the camera and the confidence he has to do the job, how he didn't envy those calling the Daytona 500 with Ryan Newman's horrific crash, and adapting to different booth setups while using the Peacock Pit Box. What was the real reason he started the Letarte on Location podcast? Also, Letarte's thoughts on how the rest of the season will play out from a television perspective. Plus, Letarte on appreciating his crew chief career the further away he gets from it, and what he's intrigued by with the 2020 season. Music created by Tony Monge.

Ep. 118 | Media Roundtable Q&A May 04, 2020

Show notes

This week ended up going in a different direction with fan-submitted questions from social media. Joined by fellow media members Matt Weaver, Jerry Jordan, Jim Utter, and Chris Knight, we dig into the return of NASCAR on May 17, thoughts on the upcoming schedule and races we may or may not see, and what we expect it all to mean for media coverage. Also, speculation around silly season and Kyle Larson. How we've been passing the time, thoughts on the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series and trying our hand at iRacing, Next Gen being pushed to 2022, and how that could interrupt other areas of competition. Could racing ever be indoors? Discussion on when a new manufacturer could enter NASCAR, how severe the pandemic is for local and regional racetracks, what the Race Team Alliance has been up to, and much more! Music created by Tony Monge.

Ep. 117 | Michael McDowell Apr 27, 2020

Show notes

Michael McDowell joins the show to discuss a little bit of everything from what is becoming a long-tenured NASCAR Cup Series career. To start, McDowell breaks down how the season started for his Front Row Motorsports team, what he felt in Phoenix with the different downforce package, and how he feels about his veteran status in the Cup Series. We also discuss if he’s comfortable with his place in the sport, what has made it easy to settle in and make a home with Front Row, and where he falls when it comes to providing feedback and his opinion to NASCAR. Plus, with so much racing experience, what has been McDowell’s favorite car to drive? His iRacing experience; having a rig built for him; being able to get sponsors exposure through iRacing; and if he’s worried about knocking the rust off when real racing returns. Music created by Tony Monge.

Ep. 116 | Jack Irving & Tyler Gibbs (Toyota Racing) Apr 20, 2020

Show notes

At one time, the Toyota Racing driver development program was one of the sport’s best-kept secrets. But today, it’s a program many young drivers would love to have attached to their name. Jack Irving and Tyler Gibbs, two integral people behind the scenes, are here to tell all. From correcting the misconceptions on how and why the program started to the complex way they go about scouting talent, and what it means when a driver is the program. What does Toyota do for them? Plus, a lot of fun tales from crisscrossing the country, and thoughts on the youngest drivers they’ve had in the program. Gibbs and Irving also share how the program has evolved over the years and why manufacturers should be involved in finding talent to climb the racing ladder. Music created by Tony Monge.

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