The Racing Writer's Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 115 | Justin Haley Apr 13, 2020

Show notes

Justin Haley can barely remember what happened in the first four races of the NASCAR Xfinity Series season as the hiatus continues, but he’ll do his best to break down where Kaulig Racing stands. Haley is also going to speak about the development of the company today compared to when he first started; digging into what he and the 11 team need to do better this season; why he and teammate Ross Chastain can’t compare notes, and whether having a full-time teammate now puts more pressure on Haley. From drawing race cars and dreaming about racing when in school, Haley explains getting to where he is without having a last name to carry him. Plus, his fascination with trophy designs, being a reserved Cup Series winner, and if there are any additional Cup Series plans for him, how running both series is a benefit. Thoughts on running the Indianapolis road course and sharing the weekend with IndyCar; how he’s keeping busy during the hiatus, and some helmet talk. Music created by Tony Monge.

Ep. 114 | Todd Gilliland Apr 06, 2020

Show notes

Back on the podcast, Todd Gilliland reveals how he's keeping busy during this unexpected racing hiatus and why drivers shouldn't treat this as a vacation. Gilliland also gives an early evaluation of his new Front Row Motorsports team; the swing of emotions going from one organization to another; if 2020 can be a mental reset, and facing the harsh reality of each series being harder and harder. Plus, Gilliland shares memories of being around Front Row when dad David raced for them; where he believes they will be at the end of the year; the DGR-Crosley alliance; thoughts on NASCAR expanding the Truck Series playoff field, and finding a comfort zone in the Truck Series. And Gilliland also shares his feelings on the surge in iRacing during this hiatus. Music created by Tony Monge.

Ep. 113 | Marty Gaunt Mar 29, 2020

Show notes

Marty Gaunt has been involved in NASCAR for over 20 years and he’s here to share some stories from his journey around the garage and starting Gaunt Brothers Racing. Like most boys who grow up in Canada, Gaunt took to hockey from an early age before his brother helped him find a love for racing; he explains the chance he took moving to the United States in the late ‘90s; getting his start in NASCAR with Kranefuss-Haas Racing (with drivers like Robby Gordon, John Andretti and Jeremy Mayfield), and learning from Kranefuss and eventually Roger Penske; why he stepped away from the team side for a bit with Triad Racing and Toyota; the unique start to Gaunt Brothers Racing and what stands out a few years into team ownership; if Gaunt's able to tell what the setback was for the team missing the Daytona 500; the patience he has versus Daniel Suarez when it comes to progress; what he hopes is in the future for GBR. Music created by Tony Monge.
Lionel Racing is the market leader in the design, promotion and distribution of licensed die-cast race cars. A division of Lionel Trains, Lionel Racing makes and sells replica NASCAR® and other racing die-cast through a variety of channels, including corporate and national accounts, trackside, online, a network of specialty dealers, and the Racing Collectables Club of America (RCCA). Located near Charlotte Motor Speedway, Lionel Racing has the pulse of the motorsports community and is committed to giving fans the very best in die-cast collectibles. For more information, visit www.lionelracing.com.
Pledge to drive safe with ClassicCars.com, the National Road Safety Foundation and Front Row Motorsports. Visit teamfrm.com/drivesafe to take the pledge and for a chance to win signed memorabilia from Michael McDowell, John Hunter Nemechek, and Todd Gilliland. One lucky winner will also receive race tickets for the championship race in Phoenix.

Ep. 112 | Ryan Preece Mar 23, 2020

Show notes

Ryan Preece had a rough start to the season but as of the most recent race in Phoenix, his team has some points on the board and it feels good. Preece is here to discuss the No. 37 JTG Daugherty group and how hard it is to be a Cup Series driver. Did you know that he used to have misconceptions about how easy the cars were to drive? Where Preece thinks games have been eliminated in the garage; what his relationship is with new teammate Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and how they can help each other; having to adapt to so many changes in two seasons; what Preece thinks he does well behind the wheel and his belief in JTG to contend for wins and the playoffs. Plus, Preece shares how his wife Heather also being a former racer and the two beginning their relationship while racing against each other; thoughts on the new Camaro body, and what he believes needs to happen in his sophomore season. Music created by Tony Monge.
Lionel Racing is the market leader in the design, promotion and distribution of licensed die-cast race cars. A division of Lionel Trains, Lionel Racing makes and sells replica NASCAR® and other racing die-cast through a variety of channels, including corporate and national accounts, trackside, online, a network of specialty dealers, and the Racing Collectables Club of America (RCCA). Located near Charlotte Motor Speedway, Lionel Racing has the pulse of the motorsports community and is committed to giving fans the very best in die-cast collectibles. For more information, visit www.lionelracing.com.
Pledge to drive safe with ClassicCars.com, the National Road Safety Foundation and Front Row Motorsports. Visit teamfrm.com/drivesafe to take the pledge and for a chance to win signed memorabilia from Michael McDowell, John Hunter Nemechek, and Todd Gilliland. One lucky winner will also receive race tickets for the championship race in Phoenix.

Ep. 111 | Chocolate Myers Mar 16, 2020

Show notes

Danny ‘Chocolate’ Myers is known as NASCAR’s most famous gas man, having been a member of the No. 3 team with Dale Earnhardt. Meaning Chocolate has a lot of stories to tell and plenty of opinions on the sport. We start with an emotional story about coming into possession of his dad’s die-cast race cars; the origin of the ‘Chocolate’ nickname and if he’s ever called by his first name anymore; what personal highlights stand out from his career. Plus, a discussion on the benefits of being a weekly co-host on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio; where he feels the balance is between promoting the sport but being honest with his opinion; getting comfortable in his radio role. Then we shift gears and start walking through the Richard Childress Racing Museum and learn about some of the notable things that can be found there; whether Chocolate likes people still wanting to talk to him about Dale Earnhardt; the thought process behind assembling the museum and information on visiting; stories behind different cars in the museum; a hauler; a connection to 9/11; and how much longer Chocolate plans on being in the sport. Music created by Tony Monge.
Lionel Racing is the market leader in the design, promotion and distribution of licensed die-cast race cars. A division of Lionel Trains, Lionel Racing makes and sells replica NASCAR® and other racing die-cast through a variety of channels, including corporate and national accounts, trackside, online, a network of specialty dealers, and the Racing Collectables Club of America (RCCA). Located near Charlotte Motor Speedway, Lionel Racing has the pulse of the motorsports community and is committed to giving fans the very best in die-cast collectibles. For more information, visit www.lionelracing.com.
Pledge to drive safe with ClassicCars.com, the National Road Safety Foundation and Front Row Motorsports. Visit teamfrm.com/drivesafe to take the pledge and for a chance to win signed memorabilia from Michael McDowell, John Hunter Nemechek, and Todd Gilliland. One lucky winner will also receive race tickets for the championship race in Phoenix.

Ep. 110 | Justin Fiedler Mar 09, 2020

Show notes

Justin Fiedler (@Justin_Fiedler) has been jumping over pit wall for 14 seasons now as a rear tire changer and he’s sharing insight into the job. Fiedler currently works for Richard Petty Motorsports and the No. 43 car driven by Bubba Wallace, but he’s worn many different fire suits over the years. For someone like Fiedler who is not a college athlete who was recruited, how does one become a pit crew member? The story of his first time going over the wall; winning races; if a driver needs to have a close relationship with his team; some of Fiedler’s memorable moments on pit road with rogue fuel cans and finishing the job while on fire; what teams are doing in between pit stops; insight on pit practice and what else crew members are doing to be ready for Sunday. Then a change of topics as Fiedler also has a second job working for World Racing Group (which owns the World of Outlaws) and shares what dirt fans would recognize him for doing; how he splits his week between the office and changing tires. Plus, Fiedler’s thoughts on the changes coming to NASCAR with Next Gen and single lug nuts. Music created by Tony Monge.
Lionel Racing is the market leader in the design, promotion and distribution of licensed die-cast race cars. A division of Lionel Trains, Lionel Racing makes and sells replica NASCAR® and other racing die-cast through a variety of channels, including corporate and national accounts, trackside, online, a network of specialty dealers, and the Racing Collectables Club of America (RCCA). Located near Charlotte Motor Speedway, Lionel Racing has the pulse of the motorsports community and is committed to giving fans the very best in die-cast collectibles. For more information, visit www.lionelracing.com.
Pledge to drive safe with ClassicCars.com, the National Road Safety Foundation and Front Row Motorsports. Visit teamfrm.com/drivesafe to take the pledge and for a chance to win signed memorabilia from Michael McDowell, John Hunter Nemechek, and Todd Gilliland. One lucky winner will also receive race tickets for the championship race in Phoenix.

Ep. 109 | Myatt Snider & Andy Street Mar 02, 2020

Show notes

We close out our time with Richard Childress Racing with two final interviews featuring another one of the drivers of the No. 21 and its crew chief. Myatt Snider is back on the podcast to discuss his opportunity to run part-time with RCR and how the first few weeks have been. Snider discusses how he likes to approach a controversial situation, like after being upset with Noah Gragson in Las Vegas; what he’ll do to stay up to speed with RCR and RSS Racing (who he’s also driving for) when he’s not competing; Snider’s relationship with teammates Anthony Alfredo and Kaz Grala; if he took away from the Euro Series what he’d hoped and the lessons that will translate; how and why he’s also going to run with RSS Racing; if he feels he needs to win in the RCR car. Then met Andy Street, who is getting his chance to be a NASCAR Xfinity Series crew chief after never imagining he’d get such an opportunity. Street shares some history on his own racing career before getting in the door at RCR; some of his memories from previous roles with the company for Kevin Harvick and Clint Bowyer’s teams; why he believes more and more teams are turning to engineers to become crew chiefs; what the challenges will be working with multiple drivers; what the makeup of the 21 team will be after most of the guys graduated with Tyler Reddick and Randall Burnett; the interesting dynamic with Street’s wife also working at RCR; and what the expectations for the 21 team should be. Music created by Tony Monge.
Lionel Racing is the market leader in the design, promotion and distribution of licensed die-cast race cars. A division of Lionel Trains, Lionel Racing makes and sells replica NASCAR® and other racing die-cast through a variety of channels, including corporate and national accounts, trackside, online, a network of specialty dealers, and the Racing Collectables Club of America (RCCA). Located near Charlotte Motor Speedway, Lionel Racing has the pulse of the motorsports community and is committed to giving fans the very best in die-cast collectibles. For more information, visit www.lionelracing.com.
Pledge to drive safe with ClassicCars.com, the National Road Safety Foundation and Front Row Motorsports. Visit teamfrm.com/drivesafe to take the pledge and for a chance to win signed memorabilia from Michael McDowell, John Hunter Nemechek, and Todd Gilliland. One lucky winner will also receive race tickets for the championship race in Phoenix.

Ep. 108 | Randall Burnett Feb 24, 2020

Show notes

Randall Burnett and Tyler Reddick are bringing their success to the NASCAR Cup Series. Or at least the two hope so. This week Burnett joins the show to discuss the changes at Richard Childress Racing and the work of returning to the premier series. But first, Burnett closes the door on the Xfinity Series championship celebration and how the offseason has gone; how different it will be going from the Xfinity Series garage and procedures to the Cup Series; if Burnett hoped he would get the chance to be a Cup crew chief again, and the importance of staying with Reddick; how the decision was made; how much of the Xfinity team also graduated with Reddick and Burnett; his understanding of why the new Camaro will be better; the close nature of Burnett’s team with the 3 team and getting the cars set the same; what he believes it’s going to take to get RCR further forward. A history of Burnett’s career with Chip Ganassi Racing during a Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 triumph; how he ended up at Childress. Do drivers really understand drivers? The goals of the 8 team; why he believes the team and Tyler Reddick will be a success in the Cup Series. Music created by Tony Monge.
Lionel Racing is the market leader in the design, promotion and distribution of licensed die-cast race cars. A division of Lionel Trains, Lionel Racing makes and sells replica NASCAR® and other racing die-cast through a variety of channels, including corporate and national accounts, trackside, online, a network of specialty dealers, and the Racing Collectables Club of America (RCCA). Located near Charlotte Motor Speedway, Lionel Racing has the pulse of the motorsports community and is committed to giving fans the very best in die-cast collectibles. For more information, visit www.lionelracing.com.

Ep. 107 | Deb Williams Feb 19, 2020

Show notes

Deb Williams (@debwilliams72) has been a good friend and mentor for many years now, and she’s also been on the podcast before. But this week she is back to share exciting news about launching her own podcast! Deb shares insight into how “Racing Now and Then” came to be and the debut episode with Brendan Gaughan. But have no fear, Deb talks about her plans for the podcast to be more than just NASCAR as her various motorsports experience will result in wide-ranging interview subjects. Plus, her favorite interview subjects over the years; what Deb hopes the podcast interviews will accomplish; who is on her interview bucket list and other expectations for her new podcast. Music created by Tony Monge.
Find the first episode of “Racing Now and Then” here: https://www.spreaker.com/show/racing-now-and-then
Lionel Racing is the market leader in the design, promotion and distribution of licensed die-cast race cars. A division of Lionel Trains, Lionel Racing makes and sells replica NASCAR® and other racing die-cast through a variety of channels, including corporate and national accounts, trackside, online, a network of specialty dealers, and the Racing Collectables Club of America (RCCA). Located near Charlotte Motor Speedway, Lionel Racing has the pulse of the motorsports community and is committed to giving fans the very best in die-cast collectibles. For more information, visit www.lionelracing.com.

Ep. 106 | Adam Alexander (Fox Sports) Feb 10, 2020

Show notes

Adam Alexander might be one of the least known Fox Sports personalities, but he’s been around NASCAR for a long time. With the season starting this weekend, Alexander is hard at work getting back into the swing of things and will be juggling different responsibilities. He has many things he’s looking forward to both from a racing perspective and with the broadcast hat on. Alexander shares what it is like to work with Cup Series drivers in the broadcast booth for Xfinity Series races; if he finds any difficulty in transitioning back and forth between roles; his thoughts on the Fox virtual studio and giant green screen; why he chooses to take on so much at one time and what Alexander does to get away from racing. How did Alexander get to where he is now? We touch on when racing entered his life; his beginnings in broadcasting; working the Indianapolis 500; making a move to North Carolina and choosing NASCAR; what Alexander hasn’t done in the past that he is looking to do better this year. Plus, does he have anything he’d like to do in career before it’s over? Music created by Tony Monge.
Lionel Racing is the market leader in the design, promotion and distribution of licensed die-cast race cars. A division of Lionel Trains, Lionel Racing makes and sells replica NASCAR® and other racing die-cast through a variety of channels, including corporate and national accounts, trackside, online, a network of specialty dealers, and the Racing Collectables Club of America (RCCA). Located near Charlotte Motor Speedway, Lionel Racing has the pulse of the motorsports community and is committed to giving fans the very best in die-cast collectibles. For more information, visit www.lionelracing.com.

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