The Racing Writer's Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 95 | Austin Dillon (RWP) Oct 28, 2019

Show notes

A day before its annual fan fest at the Richard Childress Racing campus, Austin Dillon shares some stories from growing up at the facility and the memories at every corner. Dillon is in his sixth full season at the NASCAR Cup Series level and it’s been quite a journey so far, but he desires more. What has been the influence of crew chief Danny Stockman taking over the team? Considering RCR is his family’s organization, Dillon explains how involved he gets with the day-to-day operations versus just focusing on being a driver. Dillon reveals if there are brutally honest conversations at RCR that can put the family aspect aside for the betterment of business; the ‘tactics’ Childress uses on the Dillon family; how much weight Austin feels about the overall success and struggles of RCR; and addressing the critics who use the family card. How Dillon has had to change his mindset and expectations since moving to the Cup Series; whether he feels he adapts well to changes; describing his driving style; the simple things that make Dillon happy; how Dillon spends the offseason turning his brain off from racing. 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. 94 | Austin Theriault (RWP) Oct 21, 2019

Show notes

Austin Theriault has been associated with big name owners like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Brad Keselowski and he’s also had to scratch and claw for opportunities. His journey makes for quite a tale. To start, Theriault explains why running Cup Series races with Rick Ware Racing has been humbling and what emotions he remembers from making his first start in July; and he breaks down what his prospects were coming into the year and how he ended up in the Cup Series. In looking back, Theriault explains if his 2015 Truck Series accident altered his career path; shares some laughs about his pain and what he remembers doing when released from the hospital; if he ever followed up with NASCAR about safety aspects from his wreck; what he took away from his time with Brad Keselowski and using a spoon-feeding analogy to describe Keselowski’s style; what impact it made driving for Dale Jr. Reflecting on winning the 2017 ARCA championship and what that meant to Theriault. Does he hold out hope he will one day land a good opportunity or believe this is all he’s going to get? Theriault’s plans for the rest of the year and looking at 2020. 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. 93 | Parker Kligerman pt. 2 (RWP) Oct 16, 2019

Show notes

Parker Kligerman is back! As promised Kligerman is back on the podcast and this time it’s a discussion only about racing and the some of the recent news to come from the garage. To start, Kligerman shares some thoughts on the Next Gen race car, including what it means when a driver says it drives like a race car and a common misconception in racing. Plus, whether Kligerman likes the direction NASCAR seems to be taking with the car. How does he go about educating himself on other forms of racing? Thoughts on the F1 documentary on Netflix and the benefit of having something like that in NASCAR; a NASCAR/IndyCar doubleheader; how important does he believe it is that a race car looks like its street counterpart. A shift to talking about silly season, including Christopher Bell and Tyler Reddick going Cup Series race in 2020; expectations for Wood Brothers Racing with Matt DiBenedetto; why he’s torn on the Ricky Stenhouse Jr. news and what can Chris Buescher do for the team; Kligerman’s love of analytics; his personal car collection; how his playoff predictions are coming along; his 2020 prediction for Erik Jones.
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.

Bonus Ep. 92 | Alex Bowman (RWP) Oct 10, 2019

Show notes

Alex Bowman traveled to Kansas City on Wednesday on behalf of Kansas Speedway and he’s going to explain the day that he had helping others. Bowman spent some time at the non-profit organization “Giving the Basics” which provides personal care products for those in need, and it certainly made an impact on the driver. Bowman is also going to look ahead to this weekend’s race at Talladega where he finished second in the spring, explaining what it’s like to be in the draft at a superspeedway race, how a driver knows when something might go wrong, and how Bowman feels as a plate racer. Should we expect anything less than manufacturer alliances? Does this round of 12 suit Bowman given his success at these tracks earlier this year? The surprise of the 1.5-milers being the strength of Hendrick Motorsports; why the numbers have been a bit deceiving since his Chicago win; if momentum is real. Has the 88 team used the car that won Chicago again? And how hard are the playoffs? Music created by Tony Monge.

Ep. 91 | Jeff Hammond (RWP) Oct 07, 2019

Show notes

Jeff Hammond was recently presented the Smokey Yunick Award for his impact on the motorsport’s community, and after hearing this episode you’ll know why. Hammond shares his emotions about receiving the award and shares some fond memories of his interactions with Yunick. From there come more stories and memories from Hammond’s career, starting with how he broke into NASCAR as a tire changer, how he became known as one of the best jackman in the business, working with Cale Yarborough, and then talking his way into a crew chief job. How did Hammond and Darrell Waltrip go from not liking each other to winning championships? Hammond explains if he ever thought he had a grasp on being a crew chief; the question that he often faces about his career; if there was on incident he wished Waltrip had not been involved in or something he had not said; explaining how he was blown away by Kurt Busch back when Busch arrived on the scene and Hammond worked with him. Is there a driver Hammond would have liked to have worked with and something he’d like to have accomplished? Reinventing himself in 2001 when joining Fox Sports; if he ever thought he’d be around the sport this long; what he finds most enjoyable about the sport now; giving his thoughts on the overall state of NASCAR. 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. 90 | Chase Briscoe (RWP) Sep 30, 2019

Show notes

Chase Briscoe has been putting together a championship-contending season, but did he really see that coming? The Stewart-Haas Racing sophomore is the guest this week to dig into many topics about this season and his background. Such as how much his confidence changes after a strong run at a track that he was expecting to be a struggle (Richmond); if it’s disappointing to be putting together such a strong season and only have one win; why he feels like his team has been more competitive with the ‘Big 3’ lately but what they are still searching for. Briscoe has a very interesting racing background that includes his grandfather and father being race car drivers, so he explains how he grew up at racetracks and what went into convincing his parents that he wanted to race; the four-year gap between his first race and the next time Briscoe got behind the wheel; the uphill battle of expenses and equipment during his sprint car career and whether Briscoe felt he had to work harder because of those variables; the reasons why Briscoe felt he knew what to do when he finally got behind the wheel after years of just watching racing. Why make the switch and come to NASCAR? Moving to North Carolina out of high school, competing in a stock car dream challenge, working in the Cunningham shop and getting some ARCA starts and how he landed a full-time championship season. Which drivers have a better adjustment – dirt to asphalt or vice versa? Recalling the first time he got behind the wheel of a stock car; how much Briscoe is still learning and adjusting to stock cars and the Xfinity Series; being bitten by racing too nice and if he’s going to have to change that; trying to get better at the NASCAR lingo to communicate with his team; where he feels his strengths are and what would be a considered successful season for Briscoe when it’s done? 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. 89 | Rick & Lisa Ware (RWP) Sep 23, 2019

Show notes

Rick and Lisa Ware are sharing their story this week of how they make competing in the NASCAR Cup Series work for Rick Ware Racing. Why Rick says they are ahead of schedule when breaking down how the 2019 season has gone; what goes into deciding which drivers get a chance in one of their cars; the integral involvement of Lisa in the company; explaining what works for them in the series and being realistic in what they are doing; discussing charters and the RTA; calling themselves ‘The Biggest Little Team in Motorsports’ and already looking ahead to where RWR will be competing next season. Rick explains how long he has been involved in racing, which goes back further than some might think; plans for their youngest son Carson and why Cody isn’t a full-time RWR driver; a story about selling a stereo to buy some tires; Rick being a former driver himself and why he hopes to maybe get back behind the wheel again; the long-term vision for the company; speaking directly to the listeners, what Rick and Lisa want you to know about RWR. 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. 88 | Tyler Reddick (RWP) Sep 16, 2019

Show notes

Tyler Reddick is not only here but it’s with tacos and beer! Before Reddick digs into his season with Richard Childress Racing and getting ready to chase a second championship, he offers and entertaining play-by-play of his chaotic day and the gender reveal for the first child he and girlfriend Alexa De León are expecting this coming winter. Once the serious conversation starts Reddick talks of whether he believes the reaction to him in the garage has changed being a champion; how his mental approach and attitude has been different this year after having to pull his head “out of my ass” last year. Was Reddick any bit surprised to start off the season so hot since the 2 team hadn’t won last year? How RCR only having one car has been a benefit; whether he feels he’s succeeded in not tearing up as many cars as last year; is this year the most fun Reddick has had in racing? Revealing what his escape from racing is; will he be doing anything different going into this year’s playoffs? What does Reddick expect the difference will be winning a championship versus defending one; digging into the what the weakness of his team is. Plus, going race-by-race with a playoff preview. And is it championship or bust? 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.

Bonus Ep. 87 | Joey Logano (RWP) Sep 13, 2019

Show notes

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs are about to begin and that means Joey Logano will defend his ’18 championship and look to become the first driver since Jimmie Johnson in 2009-10 to win back-to-back titles. But you might be surprised by just how calm and unrattled the Team Penske driver is about being the reigning and defending champion and his approach to the next 10 weeks. In this bonus episode Logano reveals why he feels more confident this year than he did last; why there is nothing different from winning one championship to trying to win a second; how he would view a second championship; why he believes it’s not about the trophy but what you do with it. Logano reveals what have been the perks of being the Cup champion; if he agrees with crew chief Todd Gordon that the 22 team has the speed but needs to execute; how the rules package could be a variable in the playoffs; where Logano feels he is as a competitor, championship contender, and with his confidence. On a personal level, Logano has recently revealed an autoimmune disorder he is dealing with and why he’s going public with it. Plus, does he believe the gap has closed between the field and the Penske and Gibbs cars, and would not making a return appearance at Homestead be a disappointment? And now that he finally has his championship trophy back, where did Logano put it? Music created by Tony Monge.

Ep. 86: Parker Kligerman (RWP) Sep 09, 2019

Show notes

Is Parker Kligerman the busiest guy in motorsports? It might be hard to argue that after hearing all about Kligerman’s adventures in this week’s podcast. Kligerman explains how much he travels during the week to do NASCAR broadcasting, TV shows, and meeting with Gaunt Brothers Racing team. But with everyone Kligerman has his hands on, does he feel creativity fulfilled? Kligerman also reveals how he approaches asking drivers questions being that he’s a driver himself and knows what direction to go in; if he’s made peace with how his career and life has played out over the last few years. How long does Kligerman keep doing everything that he is before giving up on driving? Understanding how much his appreciation for racing has changed because Kligerman understands the next time could be the last time. Plus, making his Cup Series championship prediction and how he thinks the Xfinity and Truck Series playoffs will shake out. 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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