The Scene Vault Podcast

Episode 228 -- Ritchie, Mark and Timmy Petty on Impact of 1983 Charlotte Controversy Jan 11, 2023

If you thought last week’s segment was good, just wait until you hear what Ritchie, Mark and Timmy Petty have to say in this week’s episode.
They discuss the powerful bond that existed between Richard and Maurice, and the work they put into building Petty Enterprises into the dynasty it eventually became.
Then ... the 1983 fall race weekend at Charlotte was one of the most controversial moments in the 75-year history of NASCAR. Maurice Petty was directly involved … and very much impacted … by what took place.
In a very real sense, it was his own sons’ careers in the sport that helped Maurice begin to heal. Finally, Richie Petty takes us through the infamous 1993 accident in Talladega during which Jimmy Horton flipped completely over his car and over the wall, out of the ballpark.
NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!
Please consider supporting this show via:
patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 227 -- Ritchie, Mark and Timmy Petty on Their Family's Stunning NASCAR Legacy Jan 04, 2023

We’re getting 2023 started off with a bang, with the first of what will be THREE installments with Ritchie, Mark and Timmy … Maurice Petty’s sons.
They’ll take us through what it was like to grow up as part of one of NASCAR’s most famous families and the standards they were expected to live up to. Let’s put it this way … you did NOT mess with Lee Petty’s putting green. At all. Period. End of discussion.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig through the October 4, 1979 issue of Grand National Scene.
Rain washes out the race at North Wilkesboro, but not Dale Earnhardt’s track record qualifying effort. We’ve got features on Richard Petty’s 800th NASCAR start and crew chief Bob Johnson, as well as a letter to the editor from a rival crew chief FURIOUS with Darrell Waltrip and a Gene Granger dreaming about the perfect cast for a NASCAR movie.Just wait until you hear who Gene picked to play Steve!
NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts?
Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!
Please consider supporting this show via:patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 226 -- David Ifft, John Dodson and Pete Wright ... MASTER Storytellers, Part Two Dec 14, 2022

This week, we’ve got the conclusion to our EPIC conversation with John Dodson, Pete Wright and David Ifft … and they kept telling stories with a full head of steam, just like last week.
They remember their welcome-to-NASCAR and most embarrassing moments, life on the road away from family, MORE stretching-the-rulebook stories and SO much more.
NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!
Please consider supporting this show via:
patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 225 -- David Ifft, John Dodson and Pete Wright ... Master NASCAR Story Tellers Dec 07, 2022

David Ifft, John Dodson and Pete Wright ... this was an all-star cast of some of the best storytellers we’ve had so far on the show.
You ever hear the old saying where people wonder what it would be like to be a fly on the wall of the garage? Well … that’s what this was. They were just three longtime friends and co-workers sitting around a table reminiscing and telling stories.
What kinds of stories did they share this week? We’ve got stories about Delma Cowart, MORE nitrous oxide stories about at least one three-time Winston Cup champion and another involving a team that won three DAYTONA 500s.
We’ve got lead wheels, motorized movable weight within the frame rails, some sort camera-mounted laser that could trip a qualifying timer light, a NASCAR template that was secretly cut by a team to fit ITS car and nobody else’s … and according to one of our storytellers … flat-out bribery.
Last but not least … we have fish guts, and plenty of 'em.
NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!
Please consider supporting this show via:
patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 224 -- Robert Pressley on Winston Cup See-Saw, Daytona Truck Win Nov 30, 2022

In the third and final installment of our interview, Robert Pressley takes us through the see-saw world of the Winston Cup division. A conversation with Bobby Hamilton led him to the truck series, a decision that eventually landed him in victory lane at Daytona following the 2002 season opener.
Still more career uncertainty brought about his decision to step away from the seat and enjoy retirement. Now … his life is all about hot dogs, politics and his family.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then take a deep dive into the February 21, 2002 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Ward Burton gets a win in the Daytona 500 … Dale Earnhardt Jr. drives a Richard Childress Racing number 3 Chevrolet to victory in Daytona’s Busch Series race … and Robert Pressley makes a splashy truck series debut.
Dave Marcis celebrates his final Winston Cup start, while both Joe Gibbs and Winston Cup Scene photographer Larry McTighe very narrowly escape disaster.
NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!
Please consider supporting this show via:
patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 223 -- Robert Pressley on Michael Waltrip's Bristol Crash, Beating and Then Replacing Harry Gant Nov 23, 2022

In the second of our three installments with Robert Pressley, he and Michael Waltrip get together to trigger one of the most infamous crashes in NASCAR history and an IMPRESSIVE stare-down minutes later.
Robert then pulls off a last-lap pass of Harry Gant to win at Darlington, after an impromptu rain-delay tutorial from the one and only David Pearson the day before. Finally, Robert takes us through the palace intrigue that EVENTUALLY led to him REPLACING Harry Gant in Leo Jackson’s Skoal-sponsored Chevrolet.
In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dissect the April 2, 1992 issue of Winston Cup Scene.
Bill Elliott wins his fourth-straight race of the very young 1992 Winston Cup season at Darlington, after Harry Gant and his team try a strategy move that doesn’t quite pan out. And speaking of Harry, Robert Pressley makes a thrilling last-lap pass on the Bandit to capture in The Lady in Black’s Busch Series race.
Kenny Wallace has to dodge a HUGE inflatable beer can during Busch Series qualifying. Steve Waid gets his picture in the paper … AGAIN … during the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame’s grand re-opening. EVERYBODY’S going after Richard Petty fan appreciation cars … including thieves.
Corey LaJoie makes his first national appearance in a racing publication, and finally, Alan Kulwicki talks on the telephone.
NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!
Please consider supporting this show via:
patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 222 -- Robert Pressley on Battles with Dad, Going Busch Racing with Brad Daugherty Nov 16, 2022

Just one quick note before we begin ... pace car? Did somebody say PACE CAR?!?
In the first of what will be three blockbuster installments, Robert Pressley talks about the role moonshine played on racing in and around his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina. The son of local stock-car legend Bob Pressley, Robert also remembers his father’s many on- and off-track confrontations and the impact they had on his own driving career.
Robert then takes us through a chance meeting with future NBA superstar and current NASCAR on NBC analyst Brad Daugherty, as well as the relationship they forged on the way up the racing ladder.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig into the August 17, 1989 newly renamed WINSTON CUP Scene.
For the second week in a row, we’ll take a look at a Rusty Wallace victory at Watkins Glen … but this one is MUCH different than the one we discussed in last week’s episode. Rusty scored the win despite several issues that day, including a lawsuit he’d filed recently against team owner Raymond Beadle.
Darrell Waltrip’s tire carrier was struck on pit road by Dale Earnhardt and fellow future NASCAR Hall of Famer Ray Evernham works either his first or ONE OF HIS FIRST races as a Winston Cup crew chief. Tom Cruise is at the track, supposedly thinking about a movie based on NASCAR.
Robert Pressley beats Tommy Houston and Tommy Ellis at Orange County to collect the first win of his Busch Series career. Winston Cup Director Dick Beaty shows his humorous side with a practical joke or two and Joe Whitlock shows us once again why he was the greatest writer ever to step foot in a NASCAR media center.
NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!
Please consider supporting this show via:
patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 221 -- Larry Pollard on Surviving a Basal Skull Fracture, Learning to Live Again Nov 09, 2022

In the third and final installment of our interview with Larry Pollard, he talks about the up-and-down world of being a NASCAR Busch Series race-car driver. He WINS … but finds himself in and out of a couple of rides.
And THAT was before he became one of a very few people in the sport to survive a devastating basal skull fracture, an injury he sustained while filling in for his injured then-father-in-law, Harry Gant.
He takes us through the painful and frustrating journey to becoming Larry Pollard again, as well as the enjoyment he finds now in building gears for Late Model racers across the country.
Co-hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then take a long look at the August 13, 1987 issue of Grand National Scene. Rusty Wallace is forced to the pits for a VERY late splash of gas, but still scores the win at Watkins Glen. Larry Pollard wins the Busch Series race at Langley Speedway, but you could barely tell it from the coverage the event received in this issue.
The hauler carrying Davey Allison’s cars and three crew members was involved in a serious accident as it neared Watkins Glen. Dale Earnhardt and Bill Elliott show up on NBC’s The Today Show, but Dale isn’t very happy with how it turned out.
AND … "Pappy" Tom Higgins celebrates his 50th birthday!
NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!
Please consider supporting this show via:
patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 220 -- Larry Pollard on Bending the Rules, 1983 Charlotte Debacle with Richard Petty Nov 02, 2022

In the second installment of our interview with Larry Pollard, he talks about the pushback he received from some of his Petty Enterprises teammates after being named co-crew chief, the trick gas can used to win at Talladega and the part he played in Richard Petty’s infamous win at Charlotte in the fall of 1983.
Larry, a veteran driver back home in Canada, then makes a deal to go from turning wrenches to turning wheels in the Busch Series.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then study the June 2, 1983 issue of Grand National Scene.
Bobby Allison and Bill Elliott are battling it out for the lead late in the World 600 when they get caught up in somebody else’s mess and crash. That turns the lead up to Richard Petty, who then gets passed just after the restart by Neil Bonnett. The Allison-Elliott crash is Neil’s SECOND stroke of good fortune on his way to victory lane that day.
Bosco Lowe isn’t happy with Winston Cup drivers in the Saturday event, and there’s a feature on LONG-time NASCAR official Ernie Moore.
Finally ... Rick and Steve give their take on Ross Chastain's miraculous Haul on the Wall move at Martinsville, and what it might mean to NASCAR history if, in fact, the driver goes on to capture this year's championship.
NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!
Please consider supporting this show via:
patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 219 -- Larry Pollard on Canada-NC Culture Shock, Richard Childress and Winning with Richard Petty Oct 26, 2022

Larry Pollard might not have the most recognizable name we’ve ever had on the show, but he is a master storyteller after nearly forty years in the NASCAR trenches.
Larry moved from his home in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada to go to work for Richard Childress Racing in its first year with halfway decent sponsorship from Piedmont Airlines and with driver Ricky Rudd behind the wheel.
After just a year or so at RCR, Larry went to work at Petty Enterprises in 1983 … and before the season even started, was named co-crew chief of the legendary operation.
Richard then proceeds to break a nearly two-year winless streak in just the third race with Larry in that role. But if Larry expected to just coast into work at Level Cross the next morning, he had another thing coming!
In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid take a peek at the March 17, 1983 issue of Grand National Scene.
Richard Petty holds off a hard-charging … but clean … effort by young Bill Elliott to win a rain-split race at Rockingham. Richard and Cale Yarborough … among others … call for races at Rockingham to be shortened from 500 miles to 500 KILOMETERS.
Elmo Langley finds himself unloading his hauler after it catches fire on the way home from The Rock, and while Dale Earnhardt wins the Saturday Budweiser Late Model Sportsman event, both Morgan Shepherd AND Bubba Nissen find HUGE trouble in the race.
There are rumors that Darrell Waltrip and Junior Johnson are fussing and feuding, and that DW might even be leaving his championship-winning team to form his own Winston Cup operation. Plus … eighteen-year-old Bobby Labonte is featured.
NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!
Please consider supporting this show via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 218 -- Brendan Gaughan on the Infamous Jim Smith Can Kiss My Ass Incident Oct 19, 2022

In this week’s final installment with Brendan Gaughan, he gives his side of the story in the infamous Jim-Smith-can-kiss-my-ass incident, which cost him a $10,000 fine AND the 2003 Craftsman Truck Series championship.
After that, Brendan breaks down his lone full-time Cup season with Doug Bobble and Roger Penske, his up-and-down return to the truck series, finding success again with team owner Richard Childress and … finally … how Ryan Newman’s wreck and COVID helped convince him that it was time to hang up his helmet … at least when it came to NASCAR.
In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid page through the November 20, 2003 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Matt Kenseth, Brian Vickers and Travis Kvapil are honored as champions of their respective NASCAR divisions at Homestead … with the Busch and Craftsman Truck Series crowns coming down to the wire in HISTORIC season-finale battles.
NOBODY’S happy after the truck race, except for Kvapil, due to one of the most chaotic conclusions to a NASCAR title bout EVER. Brendan Gaughan tells rival team owner Jim Smith to kiss his behind on live television and Smith and his driver Ted Musgrave are furious with NASCAR after the final restart.
Homestead also marks the final race for RJ Reynolds’ title sponsorship of the Winston Cup Series, and Bobby Labonte wins it after Bill Elliott blows a tire on the final lap.
Kyle Busch was all set to make his Cup debut, but his entire car winds up getting confiscated by NASCAR. And … last but not least … Sterling Marlin is cleared of all charges after being sued in connection to an alleged assault during a Caribbean cruise.
NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!
Please consider supporting this show via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 217 -- Brendan Gaughan on Growing Up in Las Vegas, Playing Basketball at Georgetown, Getting into NASCAR Oct 12, 2022

In the first of what will be two installments with Brendan Gaughan, he talks about life in Las Vegas as a child and a high-school football injury that literally changed the course of his life.
He wound up going to school at Georgetown University, where he played football AND walked on with the Hoya basketball team, which was coached at the time by the legendary John Thompson.
All the while, he raced and looked forward to going IndyCar racing before NASCAR decided to start the Craftsman Truck Series.
In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the June 13, 2002 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Dale Jarrett gets the win at Pocono after Robert Yates Racing teammate Ricky Rudd has a tire start leaking air in the last few laps. Jack Sprague wins the Busch Series event at Nashville, while Brendan Gaughan tastes victory in Texas. It’s the first win in those divisions for both drivers.
NASCAR’s keeping an eye out for traction control devices, while Dale Earnhardt Jr reports that he’s all set … possibly for life … at Dale Earnhardt Incorporated.
NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!
Please consider supporting this show via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 216 -- NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin on Las Vegas, Career Struggles Oct 05, 2022

In our conversation with NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, Mark talks about his memories of the construction of his beloved JR51 chassis, preparations for the first Winston Cup race at Las Vegas and his laser-focused intensity that … in all honesty … took away from his enjoyment of winning races. He also remembers Ford’s dominance that day and the reaction of both General Motors AND NASCAR, as well as some of the rocky moments from early in his racing career.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then take a deep dive into the March 5, 1998 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Mark Martin wins the inaugural Winston Cup race at Las Vegas and appears on the cover of this issue with Wayne Newton and … much to his chagrin, apparently ... a couple of Las Vegas showgirls. Fords DOMINATE the race … much to Dale Earnhardt and General Motors’ CHAGRIN.
News items detail an autograph session that nearly got out of hand, Kyle Petty’s motorcycle accident on the way to the race, NASCAR’s banning of burnouts and Kevin Harvick’s first Winston WEST win. There’s also a feature on the THEN-unheralded Matt Kenseth.
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out www.thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!
Please consider supporting the show via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 215 -- D.K. Ulrich on Revolving Drivers, Riverside Screwdriver and Swervin' Ernie Irvan Sep 28, 2022

In the third and final installment of our interview with D.K. Ulrich, he remembers the revolving door of drivers who once piloted his race cars, the young Davey Allison’s impact on his decision to step away from the cockpit himself, the infamous screwdriver incident at Riverside and the burned backside he AND Ernie Irvan sustained on a sweltering day at Martinsville.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then page through the May 29, 1986 issue of Grand National Scene. Dale Earnhardt very patiently stalks Bill Elliott … THERE’S a sentence you don’t hear very often … before Bill has to pit for fuel in the late going during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. That allowed Dale to cruise to a two-second victory, his third of the season.
Richard Petty starts a car in that race owned by D.K. Ulrich, after a crash during practice that left him AND his car pretty used up. J.D. McDuffie’s photo bio describes his tow truck as ULTRA-high mileage and Harry Gant makes an appearance in yet another Hal Needham flick, this one having to do with professional wrestling.
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting this show via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 214 -- D.K. Ulrich on Bad Darlington Crash, Cheating in NASCAR, Tim Richmond Sep 21, 2022

We might as well call this installment of our interview with D.K. Ulrich "Cheating in NASCAR" simply because of all the tricks of the trade that he laid out for us. We’ve got everything from the infamous nitrous oxide incident from the 1978 Southern 500 at Darlington to trick tires, trap doors and soaked tires.
D.K. also remembers his friend and driver, Tim Richmond and the part he played in David Ifft’s little excursion into Juarez, Mexico.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then pick through the July 24, 1980 issue of Grand National Scene. D.K. Ulrich appears on the inside cover of the paper with Tim Richmond, who’d tested a NASCAR entry for the first time at Charlotte the week before. There’s a huge photo spread on drivers in their cowboy hats, and a certain The Scene Vault Podcast co-host ALSO evidently took part in the fashion trend that was ALL the rage way back when.
There are also columns, news stories and features about Herb Nab and Harry Ranier, Judy Parrott … Buddy’s wife ... and the infamous Jim “Two Can” Murray. Finally, there’s a one-page layout of baby photos of one Adam Kyler Petty.
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting this show via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 213 -- D.K. Ulrich on NASCAR Independents, Holman-Moody Heist and Mark Martin Hijinks Sep 14, 2022

This week in the first installment of our fantastic conversation with DK Ulrich, DK talks about how AJ Foyt influenced him to not only be known by his initials, but also to pursue a career in racing. He then remembers a chance offer for a 1957 Chevy that altered the course of his life and his earliest days as one of NASCAR’s independents.
And make no mistake about it … those independents were NOT just stroking around the race track to collect an easy paycheck. There was NOTHING easy about … and if being an independent meant boosting parts from Holman-Moody and traveling all over the United States without ever once going home … then so be it.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig into the June 15, 1978 issue of Grand National Scene. Benny Parsons whups Richard Petty at Riverside, after Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip fall out of contention. There’s a feature story on Humpy Wheeler written by this kid out of Roanoke, Virginia who went on to have a halfway decent career in the sport … and a story on the women of the Petty family … Lynda, Elizabeth, Sharon AND Lisa.
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting this show via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 212 -- NASCAR Veteran Pete Wright on Junior Johnson Team Strife, 1991 The Winston, Traction Control and Travis Carter Sep 07, 2022

This week's episode gets off to a rousing start with discussion of Erik Jones' win in the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, driving the number 43 Petty GMS Racing entry.
In the third and final installment of our EPIC interview with Pete Wright, Pete talks about the friction that existed between Junior Johnson’s teams, the controversial suspension of Junior and crew chief Tim Brewer going into the 1991 edition of The Winston all-star race and how he and teammate Mike Hill felt like they were left holding the bag a little bit.
Pete also remembers leaving Junior Johnson & Associates to re-join Terry Labonte and Billy Hagan and the neat little trick that ALMOST got them a win at North Wilkesboro. Finally, Pete discusses his long association with MB2 Motorsports.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig into the October 7, 1993 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Rusty Wallace wins at North Wilkesboro, but doesn’t gain much ground on runnerup Dale Earnhardt in the Winston Cup standings. Terry Labonte takes seventh in that event despite developing … wink, wink … engine problems.
MORE rule changes designed to slow speeds at Charlotte and Atlanta were tested … and … of course … debated. Buddy Baker announced plans to retire as a driver, with additional features on John Andretti’s transition from IndyCar to NASCAR, a book of poetry on the late Alan Kulwicki and the mentor of every NASCAR historian, Greg Fielden.
NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting this show via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 211 -- NASCAR Veteran Pete Wright on Jack Beebe, Terry Labonte, Dale Inman, The Witch Doctor Incident and Joining Junior Johnson Aug 31, 2022

We’re back with the second installment of our interview with longtime NASCAR crew member and crew chief Pete Wright, and this week, Pete talks about attending his first Grand National race at Martinsville and the impact drivers like Fred Lorenzen and Buddy Arrington had on his career.
Pete got his start at the Winston Cup level with team owner Jack Beebe, before winning a championship with Terry Labonte. Pete recalls his rather testy reaction to a witch doctor who showed up in the garage to put a hex on the Hagan Racing entry.
And … finally … Pete tells us all about getting hooked up with Junior Johnson and the respect he had for the first-year NASCAR Hall of Famer.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then take a look into the August 3, 1978 issue of Grand National Scene. Darrell Waltrip wins at Pocono, amidst rumors that he would be leaving DiGard Racing at the end of the year. Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough and Benny Parsons all have their powerplants go kaput, which leads Jake Elder to express his displeasure with NASCAR rules allowing teams to change engines during a race. The issue is rounded out by a feature on DiGard Racing's Buddy Parrott.
NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting this show via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 210 -- Preview of Pete Wright on Junior Johnson and D.K. Ulrich on Nitrous Oxide at Darlington Aug 24, 2022

Enjoy a sneak preview of the next installment of our interview with Pete Wright, in which he remembers getting hired and then working with NASCAR Hall of Famer Junior Johnson.
Also, longtime independent team owner and driver D.K. Ulrich gives us the inside story of the nitrous oxide system that was discovered in his car following a savage crash in the 1978 Southern 500.
NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting this show via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 209 -- NASCAR Veteran Pete Wright on the Loss of His Son Aug 20, 2022

NOTE: This episode may be too emotionally intense for some listeners.
Pete Wright worked in NASCAR as a crew member and crew chief for years, and with drivers ranging from Terry Labonte and Darrell Waltrip to Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman.
We've got those stories, and they're remarkable. But on August 20, 2017, Pete experienced every parent's very worst night ... the loss of his child, a son named Adam, who'd followed in his father's footsteps in NASCAR.
Pete shares memories of his son, but also Adam's beloved dog Lizzie, and the impact she and many other animals had on his grief process.
You will never forget this incredibly emotional episode.
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
In honor of Pete Wright and Lizzie ... and in memory of Adam Wright ... please consider a donation to www.ruffloverescue.com/donate

Episode 208 -- David Ifft on the Infamous Waylon Jennings Riot, Jailtime in Mexico, Benny Parsons and Cale Yarborough Aug 17, 2022

This week in the third and final installment of our conversation with David Ifft, he tells us HIS side of the story of a long-ago riot before, during and after a Waylon Jennings concert at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Then, it’s on to his infamous stint in a Mexican jail while en route to the 1980 season finale at Ontario … a race he would win with Benny Parsons behind the wheel.
After that, David remembers parting ways with … first … Benny … and then team owner M.C. Anderson and driver Cale Yarborough.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then tie into the July 9, 1981 issue of Grand National Scene. Cale Yarborough used a slingshot move on the last lap to get by Harry Gant for the win at Daytona. Cale got the victory and Harry wound up with ANOTHER second-place finish.
Ricky Rudd escaped what could very well have been a devastating crash that also involved Dale Earnhardt, who was making his first start for car owner J.D. Stacy.
Jake Elder makes good on a promise to stay put with Terry Labonte … for a while … and James Hylton gets a dream sponsorship from STP for an upcoming race at Talladega.
Finally … an earlier column on women in the pits and garage gets things stirred up in this week’s letters to the editor section.
NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting this show via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 207 -- David Ifft on M.C. Anderson's Big Money, Buddy Baker, Benny Parsons, Dale Inman and Richard Petty Aug 10, 2022

In the second installment of our interview with David Ifft, David tells all when it comes to his salary negotiation with M.C. Anderson, after which he become the first crew chief on record to be paid more than $100,000 a year. He also gives us the scoop on why M.C. started having his employees followed by a private investigator. Phil Parsons … if you’re out there and listening … don’t shoot the messenger, my friend.
David also remembers lending a helping hand to Richard Petty and Dale Inman the week of the 1979 Daytona 500 and getting an extraordinarily rare Richard Petty mug … cough … cough … in return. Finally, he talks about the hand-shake sponsorship deal between M.C. Anderson and Harry Melling, as well as the trickery and deal making that led to Benny Parsons’ win in the 1980 World 600 at Charlotte.
Note ... there is some background noise during parts of the interview.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig through the June 19, 1980 issue of Grand National Scene. Benny Parsons wins at Michigan, ONE of his hometown tracks, on a day that was wet and soggy and cold and just kinda downright miserable. David Pearson nearly misses the start of the race because he’d already headed back to the hotel.
DK Ulrich and a fan have a misunderstanding at Riverside and publisher Robb Griggs calls for what amounted to a driver benevolence fund ... and better lounge entertainers?!?
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting our show via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 206 -- David Ifft on Bud Moore, Darrell Waltrip and DiGard Racing Aug 03, 2022

The Spongebob Squarepants musical ... Rick coming to Steve's rescue and helping change a flat tire ... it all takes a back seat to the news that Las Vegas Motor Speedway is renewing its title sponsorship of The Scene Vault Podcast for the coming year!
In the first of three EPIC installments of our interview with David Ifft, the longtime NASCAR crew chief talks about going from shop to shop to shop in his drive to land a dream gig in the sport, before finally getting hooked up with Bud Moore Engineering.
After that, it was on to DiGard Racing, where he reunited with Darrell Waltrip AND doubled his salary to a whopping $700 a week. However … because it was DiGard … a parting of the ways was almost inevitable.
Rick and Steve then take a look at the October 26, 1978 issue of Grand National Scene. Cale Yarborough beats the living daylights out of everybody at Rockingham and for the 1978 Winston Cup championship, his unprecedented third title in a row. L.G. DeWitt, Benny Parsons and Jake Elder have themselves a little bit of a row, while young David Ifft is called one of the best crew chiefs in the business.
Finally, team owner Rod Osterlund denies rumors that he is grooming phenom Dale Earnhardt to replace Dave Marcis as his driver.
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting the podcast via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 205 -- Jeff Purvis on South Boston Pit-Road Brawl, Career-Ending Accidents Jul 27, 2022

In the second and final installment of our interview with Jeff Purvis, Jeff talks about the all-out South Boston brawl and subsequent suspension he faced way back when, a Pikes Peak win he does not remember and TWO life-threatening and ultimately career-ending accidents … AND … giraffe money.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig into the August 2, 2001 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Bobby Labonte gets around Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the win at Pocono, Jeff Purvis wins at Pikes Peak in a fill-in role for Richard Childress Racing and Columbine shooting victim Rachel Scott’s family is treated to a weekend of Busch Series racing and hospitality. The issue also featured coverage of yet another NASCAR rule change and a package of stories on stress in racing.
NOTE: This show is not affiliated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting this show via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 204 -- Jeff Purvis on Dirt and Asphalt Roots, James Finch and Cheating in Racing Jul 20, 2022

Jeff Purvis … Never Nervous Purvis. This week in the first of what will be two installments of our interview, Jeff talks about getting into racing on dirt, his transition to asphalt, how he first got together with team owner James Finch and one of the very best cheating in racing stories that you’ll ever hear.
In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the May 5, 1994 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Dale Earnhardt adds to his legendary win total at Talladega, while Ernie Irvan, Michael Waltrip and Jimmy Spencer come up just a little bit short.
And Jimmy? Let’s just say Mr. Excitement didn’t exactly win a lot of friends that day. Mark Martin had one of the wildest rides of his career going through barriers and coming to a VERY hard stop against a guardrail.
Jeff Purvis won Talladega’s ARCA race the day before, Deb Williams gives her stance on calling a NASCAR event a race ... or a show. And a young, up-and-coming and extraordinarily good-looking writer had both a feature story AND a column in this issue.
NOTE: This show is not affiliated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting this show via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 203 -- NASCAR Champion-Turned-Broadcaster Todd Bodine Part 3 Jul 13, 2022

We start off this week with a quick chat with Jamie Bishop, gasman for NASCAR Truck driver Parker Kligerman, who won Saturday's event at Mid-Ohio. Jamie is a longtime friend and supporter of the show who may ... or may not ... return the victory-lane caps he was given by Parker following Saturday's victory.
In the third and final installment of our interview with Todd Bodine, Todd discusses the day that his older Geoff was involved in that just absolutely horrifying accident during the inaugural Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona. He also talks about his THRILLING Busch Series wins at Kentucky and Darlington … but NOT the one he pulled off at Rockingham.
Finally, we wrap up our conversation with his move to the truck series, his championships and finally the move to television.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig into the November 23, 2006 issue of NASCAR Scene, which featured extensive coverage of championship efforts by Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick and Todd Bodine, Mark Martin's final win and departure from Roush Racing and Rick's 2006 reaction to polls naming Mark Martin as the greatest driver in Busch Series history.
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting the podcast via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 202 -- NASCAR Champion-Turned-Broadcaster Todd Bodine Part 2 Jul 06, 2022

We’ve got a lot packed into this installment of our interview with Todd Bodine … getting booed because he’s Geoff Bodine’s brother, the infamous run-in between Geoff and Brett during the inaugural Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, his OWN issues in that event and the phantom caution he caused, ANOTHER historic race at Texas Motor Speedway that got away and last, but certainly not least … the Tabasco Fiasco.
In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid leaf through the August 13, 1992 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Kyle Petty wins a rain-shortened race at Watkins Glen and the Bodine brothers – Geoff, Brett and Todd – race against each other for the first time. There are rumors about future NASCAR Hall of Famers Dale Earnhardt, Richard Childress, Rusty Wallace, Ray Evernham and Jeff Gordon … one of which KINDA comes true.
NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Be sure to check out our newly designed website www.thescenevault.com!
Please consider supporting our show via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 201 -- NASCAR Champion-Turned-Broadcaster Todd Bodine Jun 29, 2022

After taking additional questions from friends (?!?) of the podcast Rick Mast and Rusty Wallace, we dive into the first installment of our interview with Todd Bodine.
Long before he was a champion of the Craftsman Truck Series … long before he became a NASCAR analyst and broadcaster … Todd bounced up and down the east coast, trying to make a name for himself in the sport.
He got one big break as Felix Sabates’ very first employee in NASCAR … and an even bigger one the following year when Kyle Petty opted out of driving several Busch Series events.
His performance in that car put him in line for a ride with car owners and fellow New York natives Frank Cicci and Scott Welliver. The deal worked … and worked well.
Then, in our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig through the June 6, 1991 issue of Winston Cup Scene.
Ken Schrader wins on an extraordinarily hot and humid weekend at Dover and he gets by Dale Earnhardt to do it. Todd wins the first race of his Busch Series career the day before … in one of the craziest days you’d ever want to see … and in some of the worst circumstances.
Finally, a crew member for Jimmy Means Racing escapes very serious injury when a fire breaks out on pit road.
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting our show via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 200 -- NASCAR Icon Richard Petty Jun 22, 2022

Richard Petty … what else do we really need to say? NASCAR Hall of Fame inaugural inductee. Seven championships … seven Daytona 500 wins … the number 43 … 200 wins.
It's a perfect fit for our 200th episode.
It would also not be appropriate to celebrate our 200th episode without including our listeners, so we asked everybody to send in their questions for hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid … and we even got a few from PAST INTERVIEW guests Larry McReynolds, Jeff Hammond, Kenny Wallace and Las Vegas Motor Speedway President and General Manager Chris Powell.
NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting our show via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 199 -- Richard Childress Racing-Dale Earnhardt Tire Changer Will Lind Part 2 Jun 15, 2022

NOTE: Have a question to ask hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid for next week's milestone 200th episode? Tweet us @thescenevault and use #vault200, or email a voice file to rick@thescenevaultpodcast.com!
In the second and final installment of our interview with Richard Childress Racing legend Will Lind, he discusses all the Daytona 500s that got away from Dale Earnhardt and what it meant to him personally when the NASCAR icon finally won the sport’s biggest race in 1998.
Will also tells our listeners about the Goodyear-Hoosier tire wars, a controversial decision by the RCR crew to replace Earnhardt’s missing tires at Charlotte, the transition between RCR crew chiefs Kirk Shelmerdine and Andy Petree and his own decision to take a step back from life on the road.
Then in our second segment, we take a long look inside the October 18, 1990 issue of Winston Cup Scene. This late-season, off-week issue features a preview of the conclusion to the battle for the 1990 Winston Cup championship, news of the passing of former team and track owner L.G. DeWitt, Rick Mast's Busch Series win at New Hampshire, the aftermath of a very scary pit-road clash between Alan Kulwicki and Ernie Irvan at Charlotte and an equally as frightening accident during testing at Rockingham for Richard Petty.
DISCLAIMER: This show is not affiliated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting our show via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 198 -- Former Richard Childress Racing-Dale Earnhardt Tire Changer Will Lind Jun 08, 2022

This week's show begins with a simple challenge ... pay it forward. Do something nice for someone else, without any expectation of receiving anything in return.
Will Lind got his start in the sport working with James Hylton, but he went on to have a LONG and successful career with Richard Childress Racing and was probably best known for changing rear tires on Dale Earnhardt’s Flying Aces/Junkyard Dogs pit crews of the late 1980s and early 90s.
This week, Will talks about his hardcore early days in the sport, when he went to GREAT lengths to carve out a place for himself in the garage, his beginnings with RCR and the Dale Earnhardt he knew away from the track.
The September 2, 1982 issue of Grand National Scene marked a fairly significant milestone in the publication’s history. It was Scene’s first issue with a standard tabloid size, rather than the folded, two-cover format it had used since its very first issue back in the spring of 1977.
In the pages of that week's issue, it wasn’t exactly breaking news that Darrell Waltrip won at Bristol. This was his fourth in a row there, but it wasn’t exactly easy … and surprise of all surprises … there was just a wee little bit of controversy that night.
Bobby Allison and Harry Gant weren't exactly happy with NASCAR or Darrell Waltrip. Dave Marcis wasn't happy with Terry Labonte, and Terry Labonte AND Billy Hagan weren’t happy with Dave.
After reading co-host Steve Waid's column, Jimmy Means probably wasn’t very happy either after being made fun of for being so skinny. And finally … Bill Elliott … yes, THAT Bill Elliott got downright chatty with Gene Granger about the never-ending battle between Ford and General Motors, his season to date and safety.
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting our show financially via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Episode 197 -- Medal of Honor Recipients-NASCAR Fans Joe Marm and Bob Patterson May 30, 2022

NOTE: This episode contains vivid descriptions of the experience of combat. It may be too intense for some listeners.
For this very special Memorial Day release, host Rick Houston had the honor of sitting down with Medal of Honor recipients Bob Patterson and Joe Marm to discuss their stories, their interest in NASCAR and why Bob is a big Kyle Busch fan.
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting the production of this podcast via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

EPISODE 196 -- TIM BREWER PART 3 May 25, 2022

In the epic third and final installment of our interview with longtime NASCAR crew chief Tim Brewer, Tim talks about his and Junior Johnson’s 1991 suspension after a big engine was found in their car at Charlotte. He also remembers Bill Elliott coming on board with the team in 1992 … the early success … and then the crushing disappointment of losing out on that year’s championship.
And if you thought Tim didn’t hold anything back in the first two installments of our interview … THIS episode is truly something to behold.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then thumb through the May 30, 1991 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of Davey Allison's dominant win in the Coca-Cola 600 and the furious response of Dale Earnhardt and Richard Childress. There's also news of Tim Brewer and Junior Johnson having their suspensions reduced from twelve weeks to four races.
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting our show via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

EPISODE 195 -- TIM BREWER PART 2 May 18, 2022

This week in the second installment of our interview with longtime … and outspoken … NASCAR crew chief Tim Brewer, Tim talks about his move to M.C. Anderson and why he considers that to be the biggest mistake of his career. He also guides us through some tumultuous years financially with Blue Max Racing and Tim Richmond, during which it was left to HIM to cover checks to keep the team going.
Then it was back to Junior Johnson & Associates, to work with drivers Neil Bonnett, Terry Labonte and Geoff Bodine. And … yes … Tim talks about some of the … let’s just call ‘em rules interpretations he made over the years. That led to a couple of quotes that go STRAIGHT to the top of our favorites over the years on this show.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig into the September 9, 1982 issue of Grand National Scene. Cale Yarborough scores the fifth Southern 500 victory of his career, with rumors circulating that his car owner … M.C. Anderson … wanted him to run for the 1983 Winston Cup championship.
The win comes after a heated late-race battle with Richard Petty, during which sheet metal WAS traded back and forth several times.
There’s also a story on a couple of NASCAR movies that were in production at the time … and … finally … a piece on the whuppings drivers had received over the years.
NOTE: This podcast is not affiliated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting our show via:
www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

EPISODE 194 -- TIM BREWER PART 1 May 11, 2022

After some reactions to last week's release of CLIPS from our L.W. Wright interview, longime NASCAR crew chief Tim Brewer talks about his earliest days in racing at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, quitting school and hitting the road as a young teenager, the infamous Talladega boycott of 1969 and an encounter with NASCAR Founder Bill France Sr.
Brewer got his big break when he went to work for an independent driver by the name of Richard Childress, before winding up with Junior Johnson & Associates.
In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid leaf through the October 27, 1977 issue of Grand National Scene. Donnie Allison wins at Rockingham and Cale Yarborough clinches the championship with two races remaining on that year's schedule. There’s also a story illustrating the relationship that existed once upon a time between Richard Childress and Junior Johnson.
Please consider supporting the show!
patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast
venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.

EPISODE 193 -- L.W. WRIGHT May 02, 2022

You know the legend of L.W. Wright. Now meet the man.
The driver known as L.W. Wright made the first and only start of his Winston Cup career on May 2, 1982 at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. He'd not been heard from in the FORTY YEARS since ... until now.
May 2, 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of that iconic Talladega event, and for the first time ever, portions of an extensive interview with the man who went by the name L.W. Wright are being released ONLY on The Scene Vault Podcast.
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting this podcast:
Patreon: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
PayPal: www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast

EPISODE 193A -- L.W. WRIGHT TEASER Apr 29, 2022

You know the legend of L.W. Wright. Now meet the man.
The driver known as L.W. Wright made the first and only start of his Winston Cup career on May 2, 1982 at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. He'd not been heard from in the FORTY YEARS since ... until now.
Monday marks the 40th anniversary of that iconic Talladega event, and for the first time ever, portions of an extensive interview with the man who went by the name L.W. Wright will be released ONLY on The Scene Vault Podcast.
Be sure to subscribe and check back Monday at 6 a.m. for the full episode.
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting this podcast:
Patreon: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
PayPal: www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast

EPISODE 192 -- GIL MARTIN PART 3 Apr 27, 2022

After teasing next week's interview guest, we conclude our three-episode arc with Gil Martin’s cancer story. It’s powerful … because he went at his Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) diagnosis with the heart of a racer. If this doesn’t work, try that … over and over and over again.
In honor of that cancer story … as we have in the past with others in the NASCAR community who have dealt with such serious issues … we let it stand on its own and forego our standard second segment.
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.
Please consider supporting the show:
Patreon: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast
PayPal: www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast

EPISODE 191 -- GIL MARTIN PART 2 Apr 20, 2022

Big news in the world of NASCAR history this week ... the rebirth of North Wilkesboro Speedway, thanks to the efforts of a small group of Wilkes County diehards and Speedway Motorsports!
In our first segment this week, we share the second installment of our interview with longtime NASCAR crew chief Gil Martin. Gil shares his memories of his first Winston Cup victory as a crew chief, which came in November 2001 at New Hampshire with Robby Gordon behind the wheel of the Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet. Gil also shares the story of the Corvette he was promised ... but never received ... following that win. Then, it's on to the sometimes topsy-turvy relationship he shared with young phenom Kevin Harvick, RCR's decision to bring back the number 3 and the urgency of winning the pole for the 2014 Daytona 500.
In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid break down the November 29, 2001 issue of Winston Cup Scene. That week's paper covered the Battle of the Gordons at New Hampshire, in which Robby gave Jeff a nudge up and out of the lead en route to that first win with Gil. Also, a Busch Series season review package relived some rather testy quotes from competitors.
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.

EPISODE 190 -- GIL MARTIN PART 1 Apr 13, 2022

This week ... host Rick Houston and his sons Jesse and Adam join listener Bill Stripling for a memorable weekend of decidedly Old School and frigid short-track racing at Martinsville Speedway.
In the first of what will be three installments with longtime NASCAR Busch Series and Cup crew chief Gil Martin, he takes us through his very first days in the sport. A buddy of his needed help out at the old Nashville Fairgrounds Raceway … and Gil didn’t particularly want to go. But he went any way, a move that very obviously turned out to change the course of his life.
Gil also remembers Bobby Hamilton and the genesis of Filmar Racing, and the growing pains that Nashville-based operation faced with four very different drivers … Bobby Hamilton, David Green, Jeff Burton and finally, Kenny Wallace.
Finally, Gil takes us through his move to Richard Childress Racing.
In our second segment, Rick and co-host Steve Waid leaf through the April 16, 1992 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Davey Allison wins at North Wilkesboro, despite being battered, bruised and sore from an accident the race before in Bristol. Bobby Hillin gets put in lockdown due to a run-in with Kyle Petty … and there’s actually a connection to that incident AND our new NASCAR Technical Institute studio.
Oh … but wait … there’s more. Dave Marcis helps pave the way for NASCAR to make its first appearance at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a young Dale Jarrett tumbles out of his car while trying to leave North Wilkesboro, a Junior Johnson & Associates crew member is unable to go on an important mission? Why? Because he’s locked in a porta-john. Finally, there’s an almost unbelievable connection … again … to our deal with John Dodson at the NASCAR Technical Institute.
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.

EPISODE 189 -- MIKE BEAM PART 3 Apr 06, 2022

This week in the third and final installment of our interview with Mike Beam, Mike talks about the struggles he continued to face in the wake of the loss of Mike Rich and a fiery accident involving Sterling Marlin. Despite those reservations, Mike eventually moved over to Bill Elliott’s Junior Johnson & Associates team, where he and Bill combined to give Junior the final Winston Cup victory of his career.
Mike also takes listeners through the controversy the team endured during the leadup to the 1995 Daytona 500, when the organization was discovered with an illegal intake manifold.
Finally, Mike makes it back to the top of the mountain with Roush Racing, where he guided Mark Martin and Carl Edwards to successful seasons in truck and Nationwide competition. Afterward, he wound up with the organization now known as Petty GMS Motorsports … together again with Richard Petty.
In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the May 28, 1981 issue of Grand National Scene. Bobby Allison wins at Charlotte, despite serious accidents involving his brother Donnie and good friend Neil Bonnett. Cale Yarborough finishes third just two days after getting scalded by a pot of boiling water in his hotel room, Dale Earnhardt moves back into his father’s old racing shop in Kannapolis and Gene Granger gets PUNCHED.
NOTE: This podcast is in no way associated with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.

EPISODE 188 -- MIKE BEAM PART 2 Mar 30, 2022

In this very emotional episode, longtime crew chief and team executive Mike Beam discusses what was THE most controversial moment of Richard Petty’s career … the 1983 fall race at Charlotte, after which a REALLY big engine was discovered under the hood of the Petty Enterprises Pontiac. He also talks about taking some time off to be Mr. Mom and refocus his priorities on his family.
Mike then discusses the absolute devastation of losing teammate Mike Rich in a terrible accident during the 1990 Winston Cup season finale at Atlanta, a fiery accident at Bristol involving Sterling Marlin just a few months later and the emotional impact that had on his life and career.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dive into the October 25, 1990 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Alan Kulwicki wins at Rockingham, for the first time since positing the first Winston Cup victory of his career a couple of years earlier at Phoenix.
The day was a very good one for Alan, but one of his crew members escaped very serious injury when he was struck by Rusty Wallace during a round of pit stops.
Bill Elliott’s Melling Racing crew wins the Unocal 76 pit-crew race at Rockingham. Jeff Gordon makes the very first NASCAR start of his career and the origin of Jack Roush’s love for straw hats is revealed!
NOTE: This podcast is not affiliated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.

EPISODE 187 -- MIKE BEAM PART 1 Mar 23, 2022

This week in the first of three installments of our interview with veteran crew chief and team executive Mike Beam, he talks about trying to break into the sport with Mike Laughlin, Butch Lindley, Harry Gant and Morgan Shepherd, before finally landing with Petty Enterprises. And … yes … he gives us HIS side of the story in the Great Lone Star Beer Escapade with Kyle Petty.
In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid take a peek at the June 11, 1981 issue of Grand National Scene. Benny Parsons wins the final Winston Cup event at Texas World Speedway after a pretty heated late-race battle with defending series champion Dale Earnhardt, who was still searching for his first win of the season. Spotters take up for Earl Sappenfield and Joe Whitlock wheels and deals for Dale Earnhardt, for the time being.
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.

EPISODE 186 -- JOHNNY BENSON PART 3 Mar 16, 2022

The Houston family makes it back from an epic trip to Las Vegas, a meeting with a Medal of Honor recipient and a treacherous jaunt on a skywalk overlooking the Grand Canyon!
In the third and final installment of our interview with Johnny Benson, he talks … again … about his run in the truck series with Bill Davis Racing, his 2008 championship battle with Ron Hornaday, deciding to leave Bill’s team, an effort with Red Horse Racing that didn’t quite pan out and a really bad week he experienced in 2009, up to and including the EXTENSIVE injuries he received in a crash at Berlin Raceway.
Most importantly … Johnny and Rick come to terms on the SRX Racing pace car!
The second segment sees Rick and co-host Steve Waid coming up with a series of questions ... some serious ... others maybe not so much ... for each other.
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.

EPISODE 185 -- JOHNNY BENSON PART 2 Mar 09, 2022

Snow in Las Vegas? Carrot Top? Oh, yeah. We've got it all in this week's episode!
In the second installment of our interview with Johnny Benson, Johnny talks about his earliest days on the Winston Cup circuit with Bahari Racing, his rather difficult turn with Roush Racing, what might have been in the 2000 Daytona 500, his Mr. Nice Guy image, winning at Rockingham and parting ways with MB2 Motorsports.
In our second segment, Johnny Benson wins the first Winston Cup race of his career at Rockingham despite that Mr. Nice Guy tag, and Jamie McMurray inherits a second straight Busch Series victory.
NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.

EPISODE 184 -- JOHNNY BENSON PART 1 Mar 02, 2022

In the first of what will be three installments of our interview with Johnny Benson, he talks about the influence his father had on his life and career, rising up through the ranks despite the fact he was happy where he was at, his inauspicious Busch Series debut, beating Harry Gant for his first win in that division, his consistency winning out over Chad Little’s flashes of brilliance in the 1995 Busch Series title fight and agreeing to move to Winston Cup with Bahari Racing.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then pick through the September 22, 1994 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Rusty Wallace wins in a crazy Winston Cup finish at Dover, while Young Gun Johnny Benson holds off Grizzled Ol’ Veteran Harry Gant for the first victory of his Busch Series career.
The cover date on this issue came just two days after a VERY important date in NASCAR history.

EPISODE 183 -- MIKE ALEXANDER Feb 23, 2022

Middle Tennessee racing legend Mike Alexander takes us through the early years of his career, as well as a couple of attempts at establishing himself as a Winston Cup competitor. When those didn’t work out, Mike decided to take himself and his talents to the Busch Series, where he felt he had a better shot at running competitively with a team HE owned.
Mike ran well at the level, got himself a couple of wins … and very nearly another, until a protest by his buddy Larry Pearson took it away. Mike WAS noticed, and wound up replacing the injured Bobby Allison midway through the 1988 Winston Cup season. He did well in the car … his career was on the rise … but then saw his own career derailed by a head injury he sustained that offseason during the Snowball Derby.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then thumb through the December 1, 1988 issue of Grand National Scene. Rusty Wallace won that year’s season finale at Atlanta, but lost out on the Winston Cup championship to Bill Elliott. Both had their gameplans in place before the race … each one played out pretty much as they expected … and in the end, winning the race still wasn’t enough for Rusty.
Mike Alexander recorded the best finish of his Winston Cup career, and was looking forward to the following season. Two NASCAR Hall of Famers made the last starts of their Winston Cup careers in this event. There’s a feature on Mildred Elliott, the matriarch of that racing family, and the wives of Bill, Ernie and Dan. Finally … Richard Petty loses his 1967 championship ring … and it gets returned to him.

EPISODE 182 -- JOHN DODSON PART 3 Feb 16, 2022

NOTE: Some parts of this episode may be too intense for some listeners.
We’re sharing the third and final installment of our interview with John Dodson this week, and the conversation swings from hysterically funny to devastatingly emotional.
John talks about the brawl between Rusty Wallace’s Blue Max Racing team and Darrell Waltrip’s Hendrick Motorsports crew that followed the 1989 edition of The Winston all-star race and his work at the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville.
But then … John discusses the 1990 pit-road accident that claimed the life of Mike Rich and the night his niece and nephew, Trey and Tia … Barry’s son and daughter … lost their lives. The impact that loss had on Barry was immeasurable.

EPISODE 181 -- JOHN DODSON PART 2 Feb 09, 2022

In the second installment of our interview with John Dodson, he remembers the controversy surrounding three key employees of Junior Johnson & Associates making the move to M.C. Anderson’s team. Once there, team members were reportedly subject to being followed by detectives, in order to keep them on the straight and narrow.
John also lets us in on another mass exodus, this time from Ranier to Blue Max Racing. Then, we have Tim Richmond stories and insider info on the trickery and financial smoke-and-mirror show Blue Max used win the 1989 Winston Cup championship.
Our second segment features a deep dive into the September 15, 1988 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of Davey Allison winning the first race on Richmond’s newly reconfigured racing surface. The Tire Wars between Goodyear and Hoosier were raging hot and heavy, which played into Davey’s favor and cost Rusty Wallace the 1988 Winston Cup championship.
There are features on Hoosier Tire’s Marge Merrill, the daughter of company founder Bob Newton, and Melling Racing tire specialist Mike Thomas. Finally, Dale Earnhardt shoots doves AND a photograph in this issue.

EPISODE 180 -- JOHN DODSON PART 1 Feb 02, 2022

You may know John Dodson as the younger brother of longtime NASCAR crew chief Barry Dodson, but he forged an incredible resume in the sport all his own. In the first of what will be three installments of an absolutely extraordinary conversation, John talks about growing up in a racing family with seven rambunctious siblings; breaking into NASCAR while still in high school; a wreck that left his hero Richard Petty battered and bruised; Maurice Petty; RCR BD (Richard Childress Racing Before Dale); flying with Cale Yarborough; and much, much more.
In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid break down the July 7, 1977 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of Richard Petty's strong win at Daytona, the firing of Darel Dieringer by DiGard Racing and the sale of Nord Krauskopf's team to Jim Stacy.

EPISODE 179 -- MARIO ANDRETTI Jan 26, 2022

This week, we're honored to be joined by the one ... the only ... the iconic ... Mario Andretti to discuss his life and times in and around the world of NASCAR.

EPISODE 178 -- KENNY WALLACE PART 3 Jan 19, 2022

This week in the third and final installment of our interview, Kenny Wallace talks about the success of 1994, leaving Filmar to drive for Andy Petree, his second-place finish to Dale Earnhardt at Talladega in October 2000, driving for DEI a year later and finally, his dirt racing career.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig into the February 2, 1995 issue of Winston Cup Scene. The cover story on this preseason issue featured none other than Kenny Wallace … and I was faster than an Air Force pilot in a session of Andy Hillenburg’s Fast Track school at Atlanta.
As if to one-up his cake icing story from last week's episode, Rick also regales Steve with his memories of the 1985 Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam in Nashville.

EPISODE 177 -- KENNY WALLACE PART 2 Jan 12, 2022

In the second installment of our interview with Kenny Wallace, he talks us through his breakthough – and heartbreaking – 1991 Busch Series season. After battling Bobby Labonte for the championship, Kenny endured a devastating crash at New Hampshire late in the season. Then, during the offseason, a deal to move to Winston Cup falls through at the very last second. He lands on his feet and eventually moves to Cup with team owner Felix Sabates, but his rookie season doesn’t exactly pan out as expected. He joins and then enjoys some of his greatest successes with Filmar Racing. Finally, Kenny discusses filling in for the injured Ernie Irvan with Robert Yates Racing.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig into the September 29, 1994 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Rusty Wallace wins after dominating at Martinsville, but doesn’t gain much ground on runnerup Dale Earnhardt in the Winston Cup point standings. Kenny Wallace finishes fourth while subbing for the injured Ernie Irvan, who shocked the world that week by calling into a radio show. There’s also a feature on memorabilia collector Wayne Keith and Hut Stricklin and Travis Carter going their separate ways at the end of the 1994 season.

EPISODE 176 -- KENNY WALLACE PART 1 Jan 05, 2022

In our first episode of 2022, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid discuss Rick's bout with boredom during his COVID quarantine and an incredible Christmas gift given to him by a listener.
Kenny Wallace is ... well ... Kenny Wallace. And that's basically all the summary anybody needs! In our second segment, Rick and Steve thumb through the May 3, 1990 episode of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of Geoff Bodine’s win at Martinsville, his first for Junior Johnson.
The victory came just two days after a devastating loss for Junior and his then-wife, Flossie. Chuck Bown led all 200 laps at Lanier Raceway in Georgia, with our boy Kenny Wallace running a distant second.
There were also reports about boating mishaps that left Bill France Jr. with two broken ankles, and another that scared Michael Waltrip WAY more than his infamous Bristol Busch Series accident just a couple of weeks before.

EPISODE 175 -- 2022 HIGHLIGHTS Dec 15, 2021

2022 is already shaping up to be one heck of a year for The Scene Vault Podcast ... and in this week's season finale, we share previews of conversations already in the can with Kenny Wallace, John Dodson and Mike Beam.

EPISODE 174 -- KYLE PETTY Dec 08, 2021

Our listeners sent in several questions for this special episode, and let’s just say that between Kyle Petty’s bootlegging and bull riding adventures and Steve Waid, Tom Higgins and the Knights of the Mystic Sea, this segment isn't going to be forgotten any time soon.
We also did something a little different this week in our second segment. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid asked each other the questions they'd always wanted to know. The results were, at times, absolutely hysterical and at other, very deeply emotional.

EPISODE 173 -- RICK WILSON PART 3 and RUSS CATLIN, BUDDY SHUMAN, JOE WEATHERLY Dec 01, 2021

This week, we share the third and final installment of our interview with Rick Wilson. In this episode, he talks about the decision he made to leave Morgan-McClure Motorsports and how that might not have worked out in his favor; being on the outside of the sport looking in; and his run with Petty Enterprises.
We do something a little different this week in our second segment, and it’s something for our REALLY old-school listeners. It’s a short interview conducted by iconic early NASCAR journalist and PR rep Russ Catlin with Buddy Shuman and Joe Weatherly going into the 1955 Southern 500 at Darlington.
It's the first time in more than 65 years the sound bite has been heard in public, and we're joined by NASCAR Production's Ken Martin to discuss the contributions of Catlin, Shuman and Weatherly and the significance of the clip.

EPISODE 172 -- RICK WILSON PART 2 Nov 24, 2021

In this week's installment of our interview, Rick Wilson talks about his years with Morgan-McClure Motorsports and crew chief Tony Glover; his VERY close second-place finish to Bill Elliott in the 1988 Firecracker 400 at Daytona; what he coulda, shoulda, woulda done differently in that event if he had it to do all over again; and a bad crash at Richmond that left him with two broken feet and an all-time attempt to race the next week.
Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig into the April 13, 1989 issue of Grand National Scene. Rusty Wallace has vertigo, but he wins the Valleydale 500 at Bristol. Darrell Waltrip finishes second after spinning his brother out. Waddell Wilson gets whacked in the head with a metal pole during a pit stop. Dick Trickle doesn’t have radio communications with his pit crew.
There are TWENTY cautions. A team doesn’t shut the gate on its hauler leaving the race track, causing all manner of parts, pieces and equipment to fly out of the back. Rick Wilson wins the rain-delayed Busch Series race. Rick Mast has the flu, and Dale Jarrett's car is destroyed by a crossover gate that opens unexpectedly. Dale Earnhardt doesn’t want to be at the Monday, rain-delayed race … and he promptly parks his car.

EPISODE 171 -- RICK WILSON PART 1 Nov 17, 2021

We share the first of what will be a three-part interview with Rick Wilson in this week's episode. Rick talks about his start in the sport; his relationship with Dick Hutcherson and A.J. Foyt; how a tragic accident during qualifying for the Indianapolis changed the trajectory of his career; the impact his win in the 1984 ARCA race at Daytona had on him; and finally, how a ride with Morgan-McClure Motorsports came down to Rick and a youngster by the name of Davey Allison.
The February 16, 1984 Grand National Scene featured a short story at the FRONT of the paper on Rick Wilson’s Daytona ARCA victory; Cale Yarborough OFFICIALLY becoming the first person to qualify for the Daytona with a speed of more than 200 mph; Neil Bonnett’s win in the Busch Clash; and Ricky Rudd’s infamous end-over-end, side-over-side series of barrel rolls in that event.
There were a also couple of great columns in this issue on a brand-new owner coming into the sport and the doubts he was having about the team’s chances at success right out of the box and a volunteer crewman for Jimmy Means by the name of Junior Johnson … but not THAT Junior Johnson.

EPISODE 170 -- BUD MOORE ROUNDTABLE PART 3 Nov 10, 2021

In the wake of Kyle Larson's Cup title-clinching race at Phoenix, host Rick Houston re-introduces his revolutionary championship format. Trust us. It's something to behold. Our interview with former Bud Moore Engineering crew members Phil Thomas, Donnie Wingo and Harold Stott concludes this week, and they remember several different drivers who competed for the team and one in particular who butted heads with Bud. They also talk about the end of that incredible organization, and how difficult it was to leave.
Rick and co-host Steve Waid then leaf through the May 20, 1993 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of Geoff Bodine’s win at Sears Point for Bud Moore, which turned out to be the team's final win. Ricky Rudd finished second, and it was shades of 1991 when Ricky gave Geoff a shot on the last lap. This time, Geoff was able to keep going and win the race. There was also a last-lap skirmish between Kyle Petty, Davey Allison and Dale Jarrett that left Davey and Dale pretty hot under the collar. Finally, Rick Wilson finished eighth for Petty Enterprises, his best finish for that team.

EPISODE 169 -- BUD MOORE ROUNDTABLE PART 2 Nov 03, 2021

In this week’s installment of the roundtable discussion with Phil Thomas, Donnie Wingo and Harold Stott from Bud Moore Engineering, we talk about everything from Dale Earnhardt’s tenure with Bud Moore to Geoff Bodine’s consecutive wins for the team at Martinsville and North Wilkesboro in the fall of 1992 ... and then Phil, Donnie and Harold tell a story or two on each other. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then pick through the October 24, 1991 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of Davey Allison’s win at Rockingham, Kyle Petty's run at ANOTHER win from the pole at that track, Bud Moore Engineering’s triumph in that weekend’s pit-crew race and an old timer's event attended by several past legends of the sport.

EPISODE 168 -- BUD MOORE ROUNDTABLE PART 1 Oct 27, 2021

We sat down with former Bud Moore Engineering crew members Phil Thomas, Donnie Wingo and Harold Stott for an inside look at what it was like to work for one of NASCAR's most legendary operations. This week, they talk about how they wound up working for Bud and how they STAYED with the team through the years. For these three, at least, it seemed to be more than just a business arrangement. They were family. Also, the April 23, 1981 issue of Grand National Scene was Steve Waid's first as executive editor. Featured inside are a package of stories on Bud Moore’s crew and a photo spread on a charity basketball game involving several people in the racing community. Dale Earnhardt is shown wearing a pair of "jorts," while Steve is pictured in a nearly indescribable outfit.

EPISODE 167 -- ROBERT CALLICUTT Oct 20, 2021

Robert Callicutt was living the dream as a race fan. He was working for Richard Petty and travelling to all the races, but in early 1989 at Atlanta, he experienced the nightmare of being engulfed in flames while gassing Richard’s car. Robert was severely injured and spent the next 33 days in the Humana Burn Center in Augusta, Georgia. This is his incredible story. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid also remember legendary independent driver Dick May, and also dig into the March 23, 1989 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of the Atlanta event in which Robert Callicutt was injured. The race was won by Darrell Waltrip, after he beat Dale Earnhardt off pit road during a late-race pit stop. Or DID Darrell reach the stripe before Dale? And Dick Trickle finished THIRD!

EPISODE 166 -- BILL BRODRICK PART 2 Oct 13, 2021

This week in the second and final installment of our interview with Bill “The Hat Man” Brodrick, he takes a little trip down memory lane about NASCAR's first trip to Australia for the first NASCAR exhibition race. He also talks about the legendary Unocal 76 Racestoppers program and his unceremonious release after nearly 29 years with the company. In our second segment, we leaf through the October 6, 1983 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of that fall’s North Wilkesboro event won by Darrell Waltrip with the help of new-fangled ... and not much liked ... power steering. There were also some hot rumors about Junior Johnson … Budweiser … Darrell Waltrip … Coor’s … Richard Childress … Piedmont Airlines … Terry Labonte … Billy Hagan … Dale Earnhardt … Rick Hendrick(s?!?) … Wrangler ... and Petty Enterprises.

EPISODE 165 -- BILL BRODRICK PART 1 Oct 06, 2021

Bill “The Hat Man” Brodrick is one of the most recognizable figures in the history of NASCAR from his years of overseeing victory lane celebrations. As a result, he’s also been one of our most requested guests here on the podcast … and after a little bit of back and forth on getting him up to speed on Zoom … we GOT him! In this segment of our interview, Bill talks about how he first got involved in racing, how he came to be in charge of victory lane and some of his more memorable victory lane celebrations. The October 13, 1977 issue of Grand National Scene featured coverage of that fall's Charlotte and North Wilkesboro events … AND Bill Brodrick on the outside cover!

EPISODE 164 -- JIMMY SPENCER PART 3 Sep 29, 2021

NOTE: Language in the interview portion of this episode is NSFW.
This week, we finish out the EPIC interview with Jimmy Spencer … and right off the bat, we dive into the rounds that he had with Kurt Busch. He then goes BACK in time to a run-in that he had with Hickory hometown heroes Dale Jarrett, DJ’s daddy Ned AND NASCAR. We conclude the interview talking about his sister Chrissy, and the impact her passing had on his life. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then tackle the March 28, 2002 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of a tumultuous weekend at Bristol. There was Jimmy Spencer and Kurt Busch … Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Robby Gordon … and then in the Busch Series race the day before … Jimmy Spencer and Jack Sprague … Kevin Harvick and Greg Biffle … Ken Alexander and basically everybody else in the field.

EPISODE 163 -- JIMMY SPENCER PART 2 Sep 22, 2021

NOTE: Language in the interview portion of this episode is NSFW.
We talk about a little bit of everything in the second installment of our interview with Jimmy Spencer, from what winning at Myrtle Beach meant to Dick Moroso, to getting back up to speed at the Cup level with Travis Carter, Bobby Allison and Junior Johnson. Jimmy won his first couple of Cup races with Junior, but not without a little bit of controversy. Jimmy also talks about Hut Stricklin, not-so-great runs with Travis Carter (again) and Chip Ganassi and the verbal barrages he unleashed at both Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2001. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig through the July 7, 1994 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of Jimmy’s first career Winston Cup victory at Daytona, and that GREAT late-race battle with Ernie Irvan. After the race, Ernie sounded like he was maybe, sorta, kinda wondering what was going on with Jimmy’s car. There’s also a feature story on some of the strange things that can sometimes happen during cautions.

EPISODE 162 -- JIMMY SPENCER PART 1 Sep 15, 2021

NOTE: Language in the interview portion of this episode is NSFW.
You've asked for Jimmy Spencer, and now you've got him ... raw and unfiltered.
In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid leaf through the June 29, 1989 issue of Winston Cup Scene. The issue features coverage of Bill Elliott's slump-busting win at Michigan, as well as a highly volatile night of Busch Series racing at Louisville Motor Speedway in Kentucky.
Be sure and visit www.lvms.com for all your Las Vegas Motor Speedway ticketing needs!

EPISODE 161 -- SCOTTIE MAXWELL Sep 08, 2021

NOTE: This episode contains vivid descriptions of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. It may be too intense for some listeners.
Once upon a time, Scottie Maxwell served as a weekend warrior for Hendrick Motorsports driver Ken Schrader. It was a far cry from his career as a New York City fireman. In the most emotionally charged interview we've ever done, Scottie remembers in vivid detail the events of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Also, Las Vegas Motor Speedway President and General Manager Chris Powell joins hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid to discuss their new partnership. Visit www.lvms.com for all your ticketing needs!

EPISODE 160 -- KEVIN LEPAGE PART 3 Sep 01, 2021

Kevin Lepage is remembered for having sponsorship from the Vermont Teddy Bear Company ... and also an incident that took place during a 2008 Nationwide Series event at Talladega. This week, Kevin gives his side of the story in what was … by far … the most controversial moment of his career. Nearly everyone blamed the mishap on Kevin, while he has always claimed innocence. Hear what Kevin has to say … and then decide for yourself what to think. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the May 1, 2008 issue of NASCAR Scene. Kyle Busch and Tony Stewart win at Talladega, and Kevin Lepage is in the hot seat after that crazy mishap. There were also rumors going around that Tony was looking to go into team ownership, and that Danica Patrick might be considering a move to NASCAR. Finally … there’s a story on A.J. Allmendinger struggling to get up to speed in NASCAR.

EPISODE 159 -- KEVIN LEPAGE PART 2 Aug 25, 2021

In the second installment of our conversation, Kevin Lepage talks about winning the first Busch Series race of his career and a stint with Roush Racing that started out with a lot of promise, but wound up pretty rocky. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dissect the November 7, 1996 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured a package of stories on the championship battle between Hendrick Motorsports teammates Terry Labonte and Jeff Gordon … and how much … or how little … their crew chiefs Gary DeHart and Ray Evernham worked together. Kevin Lepage won the standalone Busch Series race at Homestead, with the championship going to Randy LaJoie. And … finally … Rick had a column in this issue that ticked off an autograph seeker or two.

EPISODE 158 -- KEVIN LEPAGE PART 1 Aug 18, 2021

In the first of a three-part interview, Kevin Lepage talks about how he first got started in the sport, moving from his native Vermont to go Busch Series racing, sponsorship from the Vermont Teddy Bear Company – and we’ll later remember some of the OTHER unusual sponsors the sport has had over the years. Finally, Kevin tells the story of a very rocky relationship he faced when he first moved South. Then, in our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid thumb through the August 19, 1982 issue of Grand National Scene. Steve had a column in this issue in which he picked out the members of his own race team and a feature story on D.K. Ulrich prompts Rick to tell the story of a good racing friend, former driver Al Loquasto and Schaeffer beer.

EPISODE 157 -- SHAWNA ROBINSON PART 3 Aug 11, 2021

In one of the most emotional episodes we've ever produced, Shawna Robinson and hosts Steve Waid and Rick Houston discuss the impact cancer has had on their lives.

EPISODE 156 -- SHAWNA ROBINSON PART 2 Aug 04, 2021

This week, we share the second of what will be three installments of our interview with Shawna Robinson. In this episode, Shawna talks about the 1994 weekend in Atlanta in which she experienced the highest of highs in becoming the first woman to win a Busch Series pole position and the lowest of lows on the very first lap of the race. She also also talks about how motherhood impacted her career, her decision to start racing again and the ups and downs that she experienced after that. In our second segment, we go back to the March 17, 1994 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of Winston Cup rookie Jeff Burton's strong at Atlanta, before giving way to eventual winner Ernie Irvan; Shawna's pole win and a controversial first-lap incident with Mike Wallace and Joe Nemechek. Finally, Bobby Labonte experiences a scary landing of his plane on his way home from the Atlanta race weekend.

EPISODE 155 -- SHAWNA ROBINSON PART 1 Jul 28, 2021

Shawna Robinson was the first woman to win a NASCAR touring series race when she won a Charlotte/Daytona Dash Series event at Asheville. She was the first woman to win a pole in the Busch Series and she is also the first woman we’ve featured as an interview guest here on the show. And what a story she has. We’re going to do three episodes with Shawna … the first two on her career, and then the third and final show will focus on her battle with breast cancer. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the October 10, 1991 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of the fall Charlotte weekend at Charlotte. Geoff Bodine and Junior Johnson stretched their fuel mileage to the very last vapor and won the Winston Cup event, after Mark Martin had dominated the event. Morgan Shepherd and Dave Marcis were involved in a pretty heated confrontation. There was also an announcement in Level Cross, North Carolina that stirred up a lot of emotions for a lot of people.

EPISODE 154 -- ROUNDTABLE PART 2 Jul 21, 2021

If the first hour of our conversation with Tony "Rambo" Liberati, Chris Hussey, Gere Kennon and Buddy Parrott was eventful, they were only getting warmed up for the second and final episode.

EPISODE 153 -- ROUNDTABLE PART 1 Jul 14, 2021

In this very special episode, Tony "Rambo" Liberati, Chris Hussey, Gere Kennon and Buddy Parrott sit down for a round-table conversation about their NASCAR careers.

EPISODE 152 -- JEFF HAMMOND PART 3 Jul 07, 2021

We wrap up our time with Jeff Hammond with a short 15-minute installment in which Jeff talks about his time with Sabco Racing and Kenny Wallace, going back to work with Darrell Waltrip and then finally his move into the wide, wide world of NASCAR television with Fox. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig into the April 9, 1998 Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of a quite memorable weekend at Texas Motor Speedway … and NOT for all the right reasons. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the first race of his Busch Series career that weekend, and there were also feature stories on Tim Flock’s passing, Wendell Scott and the longevity of various racing chassis that teams took to the track.

EPISODE 151 -- JEFF HAMMOND PART 2 Jun 30, 2021

We’ve had some packed interviews before, but this one is CRAZY. This week, Jeff Hammond talks about the 1989 Daytona 500 and how it was basically the fulfillment of his career; Darrell Waltrip’s injury the following year at Daytona; DW’s decision to move to his own team, and his own reluctance to follow; and his beautiful, awesome, absolutely shining relationship with Darrell’s general manager a year or so later. Then in our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid take a peek at the April 25, 1991 Winston Cup Scene. That issue carried coverage of a wild and wooly day at North Wilkesboro. The race was won by Darrell Waltrip, in his first victory since leaving Hendrick Motorsports to form his own team. Everybody was mad at everybody else due to a HUGE number of accidents. Despite all that, teams WERE happy with the new pit road rules that went into effect, ending an early-season onslaught of changes. This issue also carried a feature story on Ray Fox Sr. and his role in winning the 1960 Daytona 500 and news of Ernie Irvan’s dinner at The White House.

EPISODE 150 -- JEFF HAMMOND PART 1 Jun 23, 2021

We celebrate our 150th episode with the return of Jeff Hammond, for the conclusion of our epic conversation. This week, he talks about the influence of Warner Hodgdon on Junior Johnson & Associates and how the addition of a second team for Neil Bonnett wasn’t exactly the most harmonious of situations. Jeff also discusses Junior’s reaction to the infamous 1986 clash between Darrell Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt at Richmond and the breakup between Darrell and Junior. Finally, Jeff takes us through some of the turmoil that caused HIM to leave Junior to rejoin Darrell at Hendrick Motorsports. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid tackle the May 17, 1984 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of one of the most chaotic finishes to any race anywhere … the 1984 Coors 420 at the fairgrounds race track in Nashville.

EPISODE 149 -- TRAVIS CARTER PART 2 and RICK MAST Jun 16, 2021

In the second and final installment of our conversation, longtime crew chief and team owner Travis Carter talks about the witch doctor that Hal Needham brought in once upon a time, the close battle with Terry Labonte for the 1984 Winston Cup championship, his run in the 1989 Daytona 500 with driver Rick Mast and his years as a team owner.
And speaking of Rick Mast, he joins co-hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid to discuss his memories of working with Travis Carter and a myriad of other topics, such as a nitrous oxide test that didn't quite work out, an FBI raid and buying a corn dog from a con artist.
Then, in our second segment, we dig into the April 29, 1982 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of Harry Gant's first career Winston Cup victory at Martinsville and Bobby Allison's dust-ups the week before at North Wilkesboro.
Finally, Rick and Steve discuss some disappointing news.

EPISODE 148 -- TRAVIS CARTER PART 1 Jun 09, 2021

This week, we share the first installment of our interview with legendary crew chief and team owner Travis Carter. Travis tells us about his humble beginnings in the sport in his hometown of Ellerbe, N.C., where he first went to work for L.G. DeWitt and Benny Parsons. Travis also describes the day Benny and John A. Utsman tag-teamed their way to victory lane at Bristol and the day in which basically the entire garage tag-teamed to help Travis and Benny repair their car and clinch the 1973 Winston Cup championship at Rockingham. Travis worked for Roger Penske for a couple of years, before moving back South to join Junior Johnson & Associates as a co-crew chief for Cale Yarborough. While there, Travis and the rest of the team won the 1978 title going away. Finally, Travis told us about the three races that really got away and how he wound up joining a team fielded by Hal Needham and Burt Reynolds. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig into the November 5, 1981 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of Darrell Waltrip's win at Rockingham, a track made treacherous that weekend by the application of bear grease. The issue also carried a column about Travis Carter and his laid-back ways, and news features on Tim Flock's participation in a brand-new team that never actually came to be and Bobby Allison's decision to leave Ranier Racing ... with possible replacements by Richard Petty and Mark Martin.

EPISODE 147 -- HUT STRICKLIN PART 3 Jun 02, 2021

This week, in the final installment of our interview with Hut Stricklin, Hut talks about practicing the number 28 Robert Yates Racing Ford at Charlotte and the impact that had on Dale Jarrett’s season with that team. He talks about his second-place finish in the 1996 Southern 500 at Darlington, his eventual decision to get out of the sport, what he’s doing now and a life-threatening disease he endured several years ago. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid break down the September 5, 1996 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of Jeff Gordon's win in the Southern 500, Hut's second-place finish, Dale Jarrett's attempt to win The Winston Million and rumors that Dale Earnhardt was going to buy North Wilkesboro.

EPISODE 146 -- HUT STRICKLIN PART 2 May 26, 2021

In the second installment of our interview with Hut Stricklin, Hut talks about hanging out with team owner Junior Johnson and one of Junior’s best friends, the one and only Millard Ashley. He also tells the incredible story of agreeing to go with Davey Allison to that fateful test at Talladega, but then having to back out when he got a bad case of food poisoning in New Hampshire. Finally, Hut also tells us what he REALLY thinks about Jimmy Spencer. In our second segment, we take a deep dive into the April 21, 1994 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of Terry Labonte's first win with Hendrick Motorsports, and a clash between Ken Schrader and Jimmy Spencer; an awesome column by Deb Williams about drivers-meeting hijinks; and a feature on a teacher who used racing as an incentive in her classroom.

EPISODE 145 -- HUT STRICKLIN PART 1 May 19, 2021

This week, we have the first of what will be a three-part interview with Hut Stricklin. In this episode, Hut talks about the origins of the nickname; meeting Pam Allison, Donnie’s daughter; and the role that Pam’s cousin, Davey, played in that. He sets the record straight on NOT being an official member of the Alabama Gang; dominating on short tracks, before making the decision to move to Winston Cup; landing with team owner Rod Osterlund; going to drive for Bobby Allison; finishing second to Davey at Michigan in June of 1991, before ultimately leaving Bobby’s team at the end of the 1992 season. In our second segment, we check into the June 27, 1991 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of Davey Allison’s win and Hut Stricklin’s second-place finish at Michigan; a benefit for Wendell Scott; Junior Johnson’s return to the garage after a four-race suspension, which he was NOT happy about; and everybody denying Silly Season rumors that eventually came true.

EPISODE 144 -- RONNIE THOMAS PART 3 May 12, 2021

In the third and final installment of our interview, Ronnie Thomas talks about a 1981 run-in with law enforcement in his hometown of Christiansburg, Virginia, as well as his days as a Late Model Stock icon. In the April 9, 1981 issue of Grand National Scene, we find news of Richard Petty's win at North Wilkesboro, Dave Marcis' pole run, the first race of Mark Martin's Winston Cup career ... and the hiring of Steve Waid as executive editor.

EPISODE 143 -- RONNIE THOMAS PART 2 May 05, 2021

In the second installment of our interview with Ronnie Thomas, he talks about his frustrations boiling over, an incident with D.K. Ulrich, Eddie Gossage getting to drive his race car, the legendary Wendell Scott and the deal making that went on behind the scenes between him and some of the bigger teams in the sport. Rent a ride? How about rent a caution? Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig into the July 20, 1978 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of Cale Yarborough's dominant win at Nashville, the best finish of Richard Childress' Winston Cup career and Ronnie Thomas' first top-10 showing. The issue also carries the heart-breaking story of Rick Newsom, and an in-depth interview with Richard Petty, in which The King shared how he REALLY felt about movies and television. Maybe best of all ... the Petty interview reveals a connection between the 1953 movie The Moon is Blue and the iconic television shows M*A*S*H and The Big Bang Theory.

EPISODE 142 -- RONNIE THOMAS PART 1 Apr 28, 2021

This wasn’t so much a chronological interview, as it was just Ronnie Thomas telling stories. Ronnie discusses his father Jabe's influence on his career, and their early disagreements over just how far and how fast Ronnie could go on the money they had available. Despite a distinct lack of funding, Ronnie won the 1978 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year Award. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the August 17, 1978 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured Steve's cover story on Ronnie Thomas and reports that Lennie Pond was about to be replaced by Darrell Waltrip; Junior Johnson was angry with NASCAR over the finish of the Talladega race AND lawsuits between Harry Hyde and J.D. Stacy.

EPISODE 141 -- MICHAEL McSWAIN PART 3 Apr 21, 2021

We’ll share the third and final installment of our interview with Michael McSwain … and if you thought the first two parts were something … you ain’t seen nothing yet. Michael talks about an incident between Ricky Rudd and a Robert Yates Racing employee that left Ricky with a pretty nasty black eye. He talks about his reasons for leaving Robert Yates Racing to go work for Joe Gibbs Racing as crew chief for Bobby Labonte. Finally … Michael rejoined Ricky Rudd at Wood Brothers Racing, where Michael stayed until his decision to get out of the sport in 2007. At the end of the conversation, Michael shared some pretty raw feelings about no longer being in the sport … and the conversation turned very personal. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid tackle the April 27, 2000 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured a package of stories on several up-and-coming crew chiefs at the time, with Michael McSwain right there on the cover. There's also a feature on Mark Martin’s dominance in the Busch Series, in what was going to be his last year in the division.

EPISODE 140 -- MICHAEL McSWAIN PART 2 Apr 14, 2021

In this week's episode, we share the second installment of our interview with Michael McSwain. He talks about working for Cale Yarborough, joining Ricky Rudd in his last year as a team owner and then going with Ricky to Robert Yates Racing, where the kid from Lattimore, North Carolina won his first Winston Cup race. Just a few months later at Richmond, McSwain was about ready to burn the whole place down for a few minutes. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid thumb through the June 21, 2001 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of Ricky and Michael's Pocono win, Kevin Harvick’s double-duty weekend flying back and forth between Pocono and the Busch Series race in Kentucky and the mild-mannered Hank Parker Jr. running into Randy LaJoie after the Kentucky event. Also ... Junior Johnson makes a run at purchasing North Wilkesboro Speedway.

EPISODE 139 -- MICHAEL McSWAIN PART 1 Apr 07, 2021

This week, Michael "Fatback" McSwain talks about the origin of his nickname, padding his resume a little bit when he first got into Winston Cup, the influence of Robert Gee and Harry Hyde on his career, trying to make ends meet with team owner Richard Jackson, an INCREDIBLE third-place finish with Morgan Shepherd at Atlanta and how standing up for himself and his beliefs was one of his greatest strengths … and maybe, one of his greatest weaknesses. Then, in our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid tackle the March 13, 1997 issue of Winston Cup Scene. That paper carried coverage of Dale Jarrett's dominant win at Atlanta, a third-place finish by Morgan Shepherd and McSwain and a horrifying crash involving Steve Grissom.

EPISODE 138 -- HUMPY WHEELER PART 3 Mar 31, 2021

We share the third and final installment of our interview with Humpy Wheeler, and this week, he talks about a 1983 confrontation that he had with Tim Richmond. And speaking of confrontations, Humpy absolutely LOVED it when drivers were mad at each other, because it was one more tool in his tool box that he used to help sell tickets. Humpy also talks about a spur-of-the-moment pitch to run The Winston under the lights at Charlotte, NASCAR’s expansion across the country and the impact it had on tracks like North Wilkesboro and Rockingham and … finally … the movie Cars! In our second segment, we go back to the May 25, 1982 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured a MASSIVE feature on Humpy by the legendary Tom Higgins, as well as stories on a very young Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin, former driver Earl Brooks and a “bleep” year for Buddy Baker.

EPISODE 137 -- HUMPY WHEELER PART 2 Mar 24, 2021

In the second installment of our interview, Humpy Wheeler talks jumping school buses, helping drivers up to and including Dale Earnhardt get their starts in the sport, why Earnhardt might not have gotten a ride in today's NASCAR, a Waylon Jennings concert gone wrong and the creation of The Winston all-star race. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid thumb through the May 30, 1985 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of Darrell Waltrip's sweep of Charlotte's The Winston AND the World 600, Bill Elliott's first attempt at winning The Winston Million, volunteer crew member Junior McGee, "Sterlin" Marlin and an associate sponsorship that would eventually become one of the most iconic backers in the history of the sport.

EPISODE 136 -- HUMPY WHEELER PART 1 Mar 17, 2021

Former Charlotte Motor Speedway President Humpy Wheeler joins the podcast this week for a look back at his extraordinary career. Humpy remembers Joe Weatherly and Curtis Turner, his early years at what was then a rough-and-tumble Charlotte race track and the rebirth of his own relationship with Bruton Smith. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the June 9, 1977 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of Richard Petty's dominant win on an intensely hot World 600 weekend and a feature on David Pearson's hijinks.

EPISODE 135 -- BUTCH MOCK PART 2 Mar 10, 2021

In the second and final installment of our interview, Butch Mock remembers Lake Speed's second-place finish in the Daytona 500, his friend Neil Bonnett's miraculous comeback from injuries he sustained at Charlotte in late 1987, racing in Australia, struggles making ends meet as the sport evolved, Alan Kulwicki's influence on his career, the end of his NASCAR career and the influence of his family. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the February 25, 1988 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of Bonnett's Richmond win, a heated protest by Ricky Rudd and Richard Petty, and Petty's reaction to his infamous wreck the week before in the 1988 Daytona 500.

EPISODE 134 -- BUTCH MOCK PART 1 Mar 03, 2021

In the first of a two-part interview, former Rahmoc Enterprises co-owner Butch Mock remembers his beginnings in the sport in South Florida, the decision to make the move to Winston Cup and the struggles he and Bob Rahilly faced once they got there. After going through several drivers in a few short years, an opportunity with Neil Bonnett and Warner Hodgdon finally brought the team to prominence, only to see a deal with Richard Petty and Mike Curb fall apart at the last minute. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid pick through the September 21, 1978 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of Bobby Allison's dominant win at Dover, the first and only pole position of longtime independent driver J.D. McDuffie's career and suspicions that Darrell Waltrip had lightened his car by dumping buckshot on the track at Bristol.

EPISODE 133 -- WARD BURTON PART 2 Feb 24, 2021

Ward Burton remembers his move to Bill Davis Racing, that first Winston Cup win at Rockingham, the 2002 Daytona 500, his not-so-pleasant split from the Davis operation and his adherence to The Code. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid tackle the October 26, 1995 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of the terrible confusion at the end of Ward's first Winston Cup victory, Rick Mast's dominant run foiled by engine trouble, an incredible Busch Series finish and a feature on Bahari Racing show-car driver and cancer survivor Mark Hayes.

EPISODE 132 -- FIRESTORM PREVIEW Feb 17, 2021

Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid discuss and share clips from the upcoming 10-episode documentary podcast series, Firestorm: 2000, 2001 -- The Years That Forever Changed NASCAR.

EPISODE 131 -- WARD BURTON PART 1 and ASTRONAUT DOUG HURLEY Feb 10, 2021

Not only did astronaut Doug Hurley command the first crewed Demo-2 SpaceX mission to the International Space Station last summer, he is also a HUGE NASCAR fan. Doug joins us this week as a guest co-host. Our interview is the first of what will be a two-part conversation with Ward Burton. This week, Ward discusses his love for the outdoors, his stint in military school, a potential college major, living out in the woods, his relationship with younger brother Jeff and his entrance into the Busch Series, which culminated in his first career victory at Rockingham. In our second segment, we go back to the March 5, 1992 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of Bill Elliott's first win with car owner Junior Johnson and that first win for Ward at The Rock.

EPISODE 130 -- JEFF HAMMOND PART 3 Feb 03, 2021

In this installment of our interview, Jeff Hammond remembers escapades with Dale Earnhardt and his attempts to bring Earnhardt into the Junior Johnson & Associates fold. Instead of hiring Earnhardt, however, Johnson brought former foe Darrell Waltrip on board. And while Waltrip's reception with his new teammates was quite frosty, he went on to capture Winston Cup championships in his first two years with the Johnson organization. Finally, Hammond discusses Waltrip's very serious accident in the 1983 Daytona 500. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid break down the March 25, 1982 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of Waltrip's early season victories at Bristol and Atlanta. Finally ... stay tuned to the very end for a special announcement of an upcoming documentary podcast series.

EPISODE 129 -- JEFF HAMMOND PART 2 Jan 27, 2021

In the second installment of our interview with Jeff Hammond, Jeff remembers his impression of Darrell Waltrip before DW came to Junior Johnson & Associates as the team's driver ... and Johnson's reaction to Cale Yarborough's decision to leave the team at the end of the 1980 season. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid pick through the June 8, 1980 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of Cale Yarborough leading all 420 laps at Nashville, a commentary by photojournalist David Chobat and a highway accident involving Ed and Faye Negre.

EPISODE 128 -- JEFF HAMMOND PART 1 Jan 20, 2021

In the first of what will eventually be a SIX-part interview -- in two separate three-episode arcs -- Jeff Hammond gives listeners insight into his very earliest days as a NASCAR fan. So taken with the sport was Hammond, he was determined to find a spot working for a team. After stints with several different teams, Hammond finally landed with Walter Ballard ... and then ... the legendary Junior Johnson & Associates. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid go through the August 21, 1980 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of Cale Yarborough's victory at Michigan. Although Richard Petty was coming off a horrific accident at Pocono the month before, he still managed to finish fifth. Darrell Waltrip was unable to get his DiGard Racing entry into the field, so he took over car owner Joel Halpern's car ... and proceeded to finish fifth. The DiGard Racing-DW relationship was on its last legs, and we dig back into the archives to get the viewpoints of both Waltrip and team owner Bill Gardner. Finally, this issue announces the retirement of Tighe Scott.

EPISODE 127 -- PHIL PARSONS PART 2 Jan 13, 2021

In the second and final installment of our interview with Phil Parsons, he recalls winning his first Winston Cup event at Talladega in 1988. Less than two years later, however, Phil was unceremoniously dumped by Morgan-McClure Motorsports just three races into the 1990 season. Phil also discusses rumors that he had substantial problems with his eyesight, and the impact that gossip had on his career. After more than five years of career turmoil, he then experienced a resurgence with a win in the 1994 spring Busch Series race at Charlotte.

EPISODE 126 -- PHIL PARSONS PART 1 Jan 06, 2021

We're back! In our first episode of the new year, Phil Parsons remembers the influence of his older brother Benny on his life and career, his earliest days in NASCAR's old Baby Grand division and meetings with Humpy Wheeler and Johnny Hayes that changed the course of his career. Finally, Phil discusses his vicious crash at Talladega, in just the second Winston Cup event of his career. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid thumb through the May 5, 1983 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of Richard Petty's 197th career win at Talladega, Benny Parsons' runnerup effort and his kid brother's infamous accident.

EPISODE 125 -- RICK'S PICKS Dec 18, 2020

Our final episode of the year features the best of the best of a year filled with incredible stories from NASCAR history, as selected by host Rick Houston.

EPISODE 124 -- BEST OF 2020 Dec 16, 2020

In this very busy holiday season, take a moment to relive The Scene Vault Podcast's greatest moments of 2020. From the silliest of stories like Kyle Petty's race pool to the seriousness of hitting rock bottom for Brett Bodine and Cliff Champion, we've made it our mission to bring you the very best NASCAR history content possible.

EPISODE 123 -- WILL CRONKRITE PART 2 Dec 09, 2020

In the second and final installment of our interview, Will Cronkrite discusses the night he and an eager young driver named Dale Earnhardt first worked together ... with a 3 1/2-year-old Dale Earnhardt Jr. watching nearby. Cronkrite also remembers his time with Mark Martin, a way-too-narrow car at Talladega and the tumultuous time he spent on the epic NASCAR film Stroker Ace. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid thumb through the June 1, 1978 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of Darrell Waltrip's thrilling win in the World 600 at Charlotte, a confrontation between Lennie Pond and Herb Nab and a feature story on Blackie Wangerin.

EPISODE 122 -- WILL CRONKRITE PART 1 Dec 02, 2020

Longtime NASCAR car owner, crew chief and car builder Will Cronkrite shares the story of a friendship forged by the shared experience of the most devastating circumstances imaginable. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the July 16, 1987 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured a midseason review, stories on Dick Hutcherson's passion for show horses, brothers Gary and Walter Smith and sports-car-driver-turned-NASCAR-racer Rick Knoop.

EPISODE 121 -- PAUL GOLDSMITH Nov 25, 2020

In this very special episode, we sit down with NASCAR pioneer Paul Goldsmith for an inside look at his incredible career. Now 95 years young, Mr. Goldsmith had a diverse resume that saw him race everything from thoroughbred horses to motorcycles to stock cars and Indy cars. NASCAR historian Buz McKim joins hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid to break down Mr. Goldsmith's career and then dive into the May 8, 1980 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured a thrillingly close finish between Buddy Baker and Dale Earnhardt.

EPISODE 120 -- CLIFF CHAMPION PART 2 Nov 18, 2020

In the second and final installment of our interview, Cliff Champion remembers his time with DiGard Racing, Alan Kulwicki, decisions he would've changed and a tragic accident involving his charter boat. In our second segment, we go back to the December 9, 1993 Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of the Winston Cup banquet celebrating Dale Earnhardt's sixth championship, the fabulous Flock family, teams helping each other out and Rusty Wallace's impromptu stint as an NYC cabbie.

EPISODE 119 -- CLIFF CHAMPION PART 1 Nov 11, 2020

Cliff Champion may not be a household name to many fans of the sport, but he's led an astounding life in the world of NASCAR. In the first of what will be a two-part interview with Cliff, he talks about getting into the sport with his cousin, Bill Champion, and struggling to gain a foothold in the sport with Ricky Rudd, James Hylton and Richard Childress before finally making it to victory lane with Buddy Baker in the 1980 Daytona 500. In our second segment, we go all the way back to the June 16, 1983 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of Bobby Allison's dominant win at Pocono, an incredible column by Steve Waid about Richard Childress' shenanigans and Ricky Rudd's youth and a feature on drivers Skip Manning, Sam Sommers and Bruce Hill.

EPISODE 118 -- TOMMY HOUSTON PART 2 Nov 04, 2020

In the conclusion of our two-part conversation, Tommy Houston remembers everything from his heartbreaking loss in the 1989 Busch Series championship battle to his and his family's friendship with Rob Moroso and his own decision to retire from driving. Andy Houston, Tommy's youngest son, and longtime crew member Jamie Reynolds joins hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid for a trip down memory lane, winding throughout the latter stages of Tommy Houston's career. In our second segment, we take a long look at the April 23, 1992 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of the first test under the lights at Charlotte Motor Speedway and the emotional final win of Tommy Houston's iconic Busch Series career.

EPISODE 117 -- TOMMY HOUSTON PART 1 Oct 28, 2020

It's wall-to-wall Houstons on The Scene Vault Podcast Presented by Q Ware this week. Tommy Houston sits down with host Rick Houston (no relation ... we think) to discuss the early years of his career in the Busch Series. Tommy remembers a legendary 1983 scrap at IRP with Tommy Ellis, his own limited attempts at the Winston Cup level and "innovations" designed to get around the rules.

EPISODE 116 -- CLIFF CHAMPION SPECIAL Oct 26, 2020

In this very special episode, longtime NASCAR crew chief and mechanic Cliff Champion tells his story of hitting rock bottom, attempting suicide not once, not twice, but three times before finding redemption.

EPISODE 115 -- PAUL ANDREWS PART 3 Oct 21, 2020

In the third and final installment of our interview, Paul Andrews remembers the transition from Alan Kulwicki to Geoff Bodine; working with Jeremy Mayfield and "teammate" Rusty Wallace; and a very bad week in which he was released from his job at Petty Enterprises and just days later suffering a fall that left him with multiple injuries. We then dig deep into the May 26, 1994 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of Bodine's win in The Winston Select all-star race; John Andretti's planned Indy 500-Coca-Cola 600 double; Jimmy Spencer's controversial driving style; competitors being charged to park in the infield at Charlotte; and a million-dollar challenge from Felix Sabates to Rusty Wallace.

EPISODE 114 -- PAUL ANDREWS PART 2 Oct 14, 2020

In this extraordinarily emotional episode, Paul Andrews remembers his incredible 1992 championship season with Alan Kulwicki ... and the loss of his driver, team owner and friend just a few months later. In our second segment, we do a deep dive into the November 26, 1992 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of the iconic 1992 Hooters 500.

EPISODE 113 -- PAUL ANDREWS PART 1 Oct 07, 2020

In the first of a three-part interview, veteran crew chief Paul Andrews takes listeners back to the very beginning of his racing career with Rusty Wallace. He recalls the time he got out of the sport to sell real estate, only to be drawn back in by a job offer from the one and only Alan Kulwicki. Together, Kulwicki and Andrews would experience the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. This week, Andrews remembers Kulwicki's first Winston Cup win at Phoenix and his decision to turn down a ride with team owner Junior Johnson. In our second segment, we turn to the November 10, 1988 issue of Grand National Scene, which features coverage of Kulwicki's Phoenix win, which came after engine woes doomed the efforts of the dominant Ricky Rudd.

EPISODE 112 -- BRETT BODINE PART 3 Sep 30, 2020

In this very powerful conclusion to our conversation, Brett Bodine remembers his brother Geoff's infamous crash in the inaugural truck race at Daytona; Dale Earnhardt's severe reaction to Brett's use of the HANS Device; a career-ending crash at Michigan; and ... rock bottom, the point at which Brett was all but homeless. Thankfully, that's not where Brett's story ends. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid go back in time to the September 25, 1997 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which features coverage of Mark Martin's fuel-mileage win at Dover, Dale Earnhardt's runnerup effort and dominant Kyle Petty falling short after having to make an extra stop for gas. Steve also tells his best Dick Thompson story and Rick recalls the time he and Brian Vickers had the bejeebers scared out of them at the Pentagon.

EPISODE 111 -- BRETT BODINE PART 2 Sep 23, 2020

Once and for all ... Brett Bodine DID win the 1990 spring race at North Wilkesboro, and in this installment of our interview, he lets you know about it in no uncertain terms. He also remembers his friendship with fellow competitor Davey Allison, his highly charged incident with brother Geoff in the inaugural Brickyard 400, his decision to buy out Junior Johnson and a devastating relationship with an all-talk sponsor. In our second segment, co-hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the November 23, 1995 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of the Junior Johnson-Brett Bodine team transaction, Rick's column on a championship party for Gary Wall, Jeff Gordon's scorer; and features by Rick on Darrell Waltrip, Wanda Lund Early and Doris Roberts; and the Fast Track pit-crew school.

EPISODE 110 -- BRETT BODINE PART 1 Sep 16, 2020

In the first of what will be a three-part interview, Brett Bodine discusses his phenomenal 1985 Busch Series rookie season, during which he won three races in just 13 starts. Then, in his first full-time campaign the following year, Bodine finished achingly close to the championship in one of the most bizarre seasons anyone could remember. After that, he moved to the Winston Cup circuit with veteran team owner Bud Moore. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the April 11, 1985 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of Dale Earnhardt's Bristol win, which came despite the fact he lost power steering just 100 laps into the event. That race also saw short-track carnage galore, while other notable stories concerned Bodine's inaugural Busch Series win at Martinsville, Petty Enterprises truck driver Horst Fisher, Dave Marcis' new shop and memories of Bill Elliott pushing his car across the finish line at Darlington to score a third-place finish.

EPISODE 109 -- JIMMY MEANS PART 2 Sep 09, 2020

In the second and final installment of our interview, legendary NASCAR independent Jimmy Means remembers his one-race deal with Hendrick Motorsports, the wrecks that finally convinced him to quit driving, working as a crew chief for Bud Moore and finally making it to victory lane with Ed Berrier. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the October 15, 1987 issue of Grand National Scene. The paper featured coverage of Bill Elliott's fall Charlotte win and a rash of accidents, one of which took Means out of contention in the very early going. Ken Schrader discussed the chance meeting that led to his own Hendrick Motorsports ride in one feature story, while other news items outlined Neil Bonnett's job as a union pipe fitter and Junie Donlavey's loss of driver, crew chief and sponsor.

EPISODE 108 -- JIMMY MEANS PART 1 Sep 02, 2020

In the first of our two-part interview, Jimmy Means sits down with hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid to discuss his career as an independent driver and team owner. Before getting down to business, Rick discovers that Jimmy's mom worked at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, the same Army base on which he was born a LONG, LONG time ago. Jimmy then turns his attention to busting Steve's chops a little bit over a long-ago joke. In our second segment, Rick and Steve dig into the April 23, 1987 issue of Grand National Scene. The cover story featured Jimmy and fellow NASCAR independents J.D. McDuffie, James Hylton and Elmo Langley, with additional stories on engine builder Keith Dorton, Herb Nab and NASCAR participants going through media training.

EPISODE 107 -- LARRY McCLURE PART 3 Aug 26, 2020

In the conclusion to our conversation, former Winston Cup team owner Larry McClure remembers an acrimonious split with Ernie Irvan, two Daytona 500 wins with Sterling Marlin, his team's departure from the sport and an incredibly trying time in his own life. Our Issue of the Week takes a deep look into the September 9, 1993 Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of Mark Martin's Southern 500 victory, his fourth win in a row. The issue also covered Irvan's overnight move from Morgan-McClure Motorsports to Robert Yates Racing.

EPISODE 106 -- LARRY McCLURE PART 2 Aug 19, 2020

In the second installment of our interview, former Winston Cup team owner Larry McClure describes his team's short-lived association with driver Phil Parsons, before turning to Ernie Irvan very early in the 1990 season. It was with Irvan that Morgan-McClure Motorsports got its first taste of true success on the race track ... and vice versa. Irvan won his and his team's first race at Bristol in the fall of that same season, and then the Daytona 500 just a few months later. With that competitiveness, however, came no small amount of controversy. After a number of on-track incidents, Irvan stood up at a Talladega drivers' meeting and apologized for his actions. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid rummage through the August 1, 1991 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which carried coverage of Dale Earnhardt's win at Talladega, intense disagreements within the Ford camp following the race, Rick Mast's flip and Irvan's apology.

EPISODE 105 -- LARRY McCLURE PART 1 Aug 12, 2020

Once upon a time, Morgan-McClure Motorsports was one of NASCAR's most prominent teams. This week, team owner Larry McClure recalls the team's rise from the most humble of beginnings in and around the Abingdon, Virginia area. Incredibly, current NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin was one of the team's very first drivers, with some wondering if he was tough enough to manhandle a full-sized NASCAR stock car. A subsequent driver pick came down to another future NASCAR Hall of Famer, Davey Allison, and Rick Wilson. It was only after Wilson and sponsor Kodak came on board that Morgan-McClure finally began its upward trajectory. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid discuss the July 7, 1988 issue of Grand National Scene, which coverage of Wilson's nail-biting second-place finish to Bill Elliott. The issue also carried Waid's column on a rash of driver injuries in 1988; a feature on full-time undertaker and part-time driver Eddie Bierschwale; and A.J. Foyt's penalty for missing the Daytona driver's meeting.

EPISODE 104 -- LARRY McREYNOLDS PART 3 Aug 05, 2020

In this extraordinary conclusion to our interview, Larry McReynolds describes his tumultuous tenure with Richard Childress Racing and driver Dale Earnhardt. They did win the 1998 Daytona 500 together, but also endured one of the driest spells of Earnhardt's career. Ultimately, McReynolds would be moved over to helm Mike Skinner's RCR efforts before moving on to the Fox broadcast booth. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the June 11, 1998 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of the McReynolds-Kevin Hamlin-Earnhardt-Mike Skinner crew chief swap, as well as that year's spring event at Richmond. Jeff Gordon was angry with Rusty Wallace, while Dale Jarrett was peeved with not only race winner Terry Labonte, but also NASCAR for throwing a late-race red flag that allowed the race to end under green.

EPISODE 103 -- LARRY McREYNOLDS PART 2 Jul 29, 2020

In this powerfully emotional episode, Larry McReynolds remembers the devastating loss of his best friend, Davey Allison, and the life-threatening injuries sustained by Ernie Irvan the very next year. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then remember the late, great Maurice Petty.

EPISODE 102 -- LARRY McREYNOLDS PART 1 Jul 22, 2020

In this installment of our second interview with Larry McReynolds, he talks about his run with Robert Yates Racing and the late, great Davey Allison. The discussion covered everything from McReynolds' decision to make the move from Kenny Bernstein’s team to Robert Yates Racing … to his decision NOT to make the move … then his final decision TO pack up and Bernstein for Yates. It was a move that paid immediate dividends. Allison won five races after Larry Mac came on board in 1991 … and then came an absolutely tumultuous 1992 Winston Cup season. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then break down the April 11, 1991 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of that year's Darlington spring race ... McReynolds' first race as Allison's crew chief. Ricky Rudd inherited the victory after problems in the pits foiled a dominant run by Michael Waltrip. The issue also carried a poignant column about Neil Bonnett's struggles with not being able to race.

EPISODE 101 -- RICKY CRAVEN PART 3 Jul 15, 2020

In the conclusion of our conversation, Ricky Craven comes back from what many would consider the wilderness years of his career to win at both Martinsville and Darlington. In the episode's second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the March 20, 2003 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of Craven's thrilling win over Kurt Busch at Darlington, an equally-as-thrilling conclusion to the track's Busch Series event between Todd Bodine and Jamie McMurray and a large package of stories concerning NASCAR's reaction to the invasion of Iraq.

EPISODE 100 -- MIKE HELTON Jul 08, 2020

Mike Helton's career began at an AM radio station in his hometown of Bristol, Virginia. Twenty years later, he was the president of NASCAR. Helton describes that incredible journey for our very special 100th episode. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid chat with listeners Hallie Imrie, Joe Ruch, Jeff Marcosky, Jay Coker, Edwin Turner and Matt Miles about how the podcast reached the 100-episode milestone.

EPISODE 99 -- RICKY CRAVEN PART 2 Jul 01, 2020

In this incredible installment of our interview, Ricky Craven remembers the aftermath of two accidents -- the first at Talladega in 1996 and the second at Texas in 1997. And while Talladega was the more spectacular of the two mishaps, Craven's crash at Texas altered his career trajectory in a major way and left him doubting himself and his abilities for the first time in his career. In our second segment, co-hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dissect the May 2, 1996 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which covered that fateful Talladega event. Along with Craven's incident, Bill Elliott suffered a broken leg in a separate accident. Sterling Marlin won, continuing his restrictor-plate mastery. The issue also contained features on longtime crew chief Bob Johnson and up-and-coming driver Buckshot Jones. Finally, several in the racing community escaped injury the morning of the race when a jet blew the windows out of the airport gate at which they'd just arrived.

EPISODE 98 -- RICKY CRAVEN PART 1 Jun 24, 2020

This week, Ricky Craven talks about his Busch North days, when he rolled like a tank through the 1991 season. He built on that success by moving South and running the Busch Series in 1992 through 1994, We discussed his friendship with Jeff Gordon and their shared sponsorship from DuPont, the exhaustion of running his own team and finally, his move to Winston Cup with team owner Larry Hedrick. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then take a peek at the July 11, 1991 issue of Grand National Scene, which carried coverage of Ricky's Oxford 250 victory, Bill Elliott's Pepsi 400 win at Daytona and the announcement of Dale Jarrett's decision to move to the newly formed Joe Gibbs Racing for the 1992 Winston Cup season.

EPISODE 97 -- BILL GARDNER PART 3 Jun 17, 2020

In the third and final installment of our interview, DiGard Racing team owner Bill Gardner discusses the team's controversial win in the 1985 Firecracker 400 at Daytona with driver Greg Sacks, the end of the team's run in the sport and, ultimately, its place in NASCAR history. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid also take a quick look at the new inductees into the NASCAR Hall of Fame before digging into the April 9, 1987 issue of Grand National Scene, which features coverage of Dale Earnhardt's dominant win at North Wilkesboro, Tim Richmond's comeback press conference and Darlington test, a Joe Dan Bailey feature and news on Jake Elder, an injury that nearly derailed Terry Labonte's start streak and controversial team owner Eric Freedlander.

EPISODE 96 -- BILL GARDNER PART 2 Jun 10, 2020

In the second installment of our interview with DiGard Racing owner Bill Gardner, we discuss the crushing disappointment of losing out on the 1979 Winston Cup championship; the on-again, off-again relationship with Buddy Parrott; Darrell Waltrip's departure from the team; the 1982 "Bumper-gate" controversy; Bobby Allison's 1983 Winston Cup championship; and a sugar residue that was discovered in Allison's fuel cell at Riverside in that year's season finale. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid also take a long look into the November 19, 1981 issue of Grand National Scene. The week's paper featured coverage of Neil Bonnett's win at Atlanta in front of Ford officials; Ford's return to the sport; Harry Melling buying Bill Elliott's family owned operation; and features on Dale Earnhardt's move from Richard Childress Racing to Bud Moore Engineering and James "Tweetie" Hylton Jr.

EPISODE 95 -- BILL GARDNER PART 1 Jun 03, 2020

DiGard Racing was one of the most successful ... and controversial ... NASCAR teams of the 1970s and 80s, and team owner Bill Gardner addressed it all in his interview with The Scene Vault Podcast hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid. In this week's installment, Gardner remembers how it all began over a game of pinochle, his parting of the ways with Donnie Allison and the beginnings of what would turn out to be a tumultuous relationship with Darrell Waltrip. In our second segment, Rick and Steve dig into the May 26, 1977 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured an epic column by publisher Robb Griggs, outlining, among other things, a controversy at Nashville that left the race track without an ambulance.

EPISODE 94 -- DARRELL WALTRIP PART 3 May 27, 2020

In the third and final installment of our interview, Darrell Waltrip talks about everything from his rough start with the Dream Team at Hendrick Motorsports, his 1989 Daytona 500 win and The 1989 The Winston controversy with Rusty Wallace to his really bad broken leg at Daytona the following year, when he was also planning his OWN team, his 1991 flip at Daytona and, eventually, the end of his driving career. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the crammed-pack February 23, 1989 issue of Grand National Scene. That week's issue featured coverage of Waltrip's iconic win in the Daytona 500, Rick Mast's storybook finish, a post-race confrontation involving Davey Allison and Geoff Bodine and scary accidents involving Neil Bonnett, Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt.

EPISODE 93 -- DARRELL WALTRIP PART 2 May 20, 2020

After a very expensive buyout of his contract with DiGard Racing, Darrell Waltrip joined the famed Junior Johnson & Association for the 1981 Winston Cup season. Because of his often-heated rivalry with Cale Yarborough, the team's former driver, Waltrip wasn't accepted with open arms at first. Winning, however, has a way of warming up even the coolest of relationships ... and Waltrip did plenty of winning at Junior Johnson & Associates. Still, it wasn't enough to keep him from being booed after a crash in the 1982 World 600 at Charlotte ... and an infamous "meet me in the Big K parking lot" interview with writer Larry Woody. After winning three Winston Cup championships with Johnson, Waltrip received an offer to go drive for then-upstart team owner Rick Hendrick. In our second segment, Rick Houston and Steve Waid are joined by Jaret Lundberg of The Iceberg NASCAR YouTube channel for a look back at the December 17, 1981 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of NASCAR's first trip to New York City for the Winston Cup banquet. Highlighting the issue is a glowing commentary, praising Waltrip for his superb representation of the sport.

EPISODE 92 -- DARRELL WALTRIP PART 1 May 13, 2020

Darrell Waltrip was one of the centerpieces of the NASCAR universe for nearly 20 years. In the first of our three-part Zoom interview, DW discusses everything from the early days of his career through the crushing disappointment of losing out on the 1979 Winston Cup championship ... and a good many things in between. In our second segment, we go back in time to the July 21, 1977 Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of DW's crazy victory at Nashville and a scathing column by publisher and founder Robb Griggs.

EPISODE 91 -- LAKE SPEED PART 3 May 06, 2020

In this week's episode of The Scene Vault Podcast, Lake Speed wins at Darlington Raceway in 1988. He subs for Davey Allison at Robert Yates Racing, then goes full time with Bud Moore and Melling Racing … and gets punched by Michael Waltrip at Michigan. His reaction to that is one of the funniest lines we’ve heard here on The Scene Vault Podcast. Finally, Lake remembers the injuries that led to the end of his Winston Cup career. Also, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid take a look at the March 31, 1988 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of Lake's Darlington win, Herculean efforts by Alan Kulwicki and Brett Bodine to get to the finish line and J.D. McDuffie's return to the race track.

EPISODE 90 -- LAKE SPEED PART 2 Apr 29, 2020

Lake Speed gets his start at the Winston Cup level, where he finds mentors in Darel Dieringer and Shelton "Runt" Pittman. He has a life-changing experience en route to a third-place finish at Talladega in 1983, then makes the decision to move to a team owned by Butch Mock and Bob Rahilly for 1985. Lake ends up with a second-place showing in the 1985 Daytona 500, one of the most emotional experiences of his long and storied career in NASCAR. After parting ways with Rahmoc early the following season, Lake feels led to start his own team. In the second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid check out the February 21, 1985 issue of Grand National Scene, featuring coverage of Bill Elliott's dominant Daytona 500 victory, Lake's memorable runnerup finish, Bobby Wawak and a new tire rule. Rick and Steve also remember their very first trips to Daytona.

EPISODE 89 -- LAKE SPEED PART 1 Apr 22, 2020

Lake Speed grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, the son of a popular businessman and one-term mayor of the city. Introduced to Go-Karts at a young age, Lake took his first steps in a lifetime of racing, a career that first saw him chase the dream of a World Karting Association world championship. Once he reached that impossible goal, Lake began seeking out a new challenge. He found it in NASCAR, but not before facing one of the most bizarre finishes in motorsports history at the end of the 1980 ARCA race at Daytona. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dissect the June 1, 1989 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of Darrell Waltrip's revenge win at Charlotte.

EPISODE 88 -- STEVE HMIEL PART 3 Apr 15, 2020

After his tenure with Roush Racing came to a disappointing end, Steve Hmiel's next stop was Dale Earnhardt Incorporated, where he experienced Earnhardt's at time rough-and-gruff leadership style first-hand. Sadly, he was also a part of the DEI family at the time of the 2001 Daytona 500, a moment in time that changed the course of NASCAR history. Steve also discusses the heart-breaking injury sustained by his son Shane, and his reaction to it. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dissect the upcoming vote for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

EPISODE 87 -- STEVE HMIEL PART 2 Apr 08, 2020

Roush Fenway Racing eventually became one of NASCAR's most influential teams, but the going wasn't always smooth in the earliest days of the organization. In this episode, Steve Hmiel remembers the tug-of-war that sometimes took part between Michigan and North Carolina, the team's controversial penalty at Richmond early in the 1990 season and the disappointment of losing that year's Winston Cup championship. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dive into the October 26, 1989 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of the first Winston Cup win for both driver Mark Martin and Roush Racing.
NOTE: Due to the coronavirus quarantine, this commentary for this episode was recorded remotely. There are some rough spots in the quality of the recording, but steps have been taken to correct this in future episodes.

EPISODE 86 -- STEVE HMIEL PART 1 Apr 01, 2020

Steve Hmiel started work for Petty Enterprises the day after a controversial race at Dover in which Richard Petty made up six laps ... with the help of Buddy Arrington ... before capturing the victory. It's been a wild ride ever since for Hmiel, who in this episode describes his early days with the team, a move to Hagan Racing, the 1984 Winston Cup championship and silencing the skeptics by taking a show car to victory lane at Rockingham. In our second segment, the March 6, 1986 issue of Grand National Scene covers Labonte's Rockingham victory, as well as HUGE reaction to the late-race run-in between Dale Earnhardt and Darrell Waltrip the week before at Richmond. Finally, there's news of Robert Yates' departure from DiGard Racing.

EPISODE 85 -- JEFF BURTON PART 3 Mar 25, 2020

In the third and final installment of our interview, Jeff Burton remembers parting ways with Roush Racing and joining Richard Childress Racing, his return to victory lane and an eventual move to the broadcast booth. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid also crack open the September 4, 1997 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which covered Jeff Gordon's iconic Winston Million win. That victory, however, came after a hard-fought, late-race battle with Burton. The race also featured a post-race conspiracy theory.

EPISODE 84 -- JEFF BURTON PART 2 Mar 19, 2020

Jeff Burton talks a contract conundrum with Bill and Mickey Stavola, his move to Roush Racing, the glory years with that operation and his controversial role in the intense safety debates of the years 2000 and 2001. In the second segment of this packed episode, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the September 21, 2000 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which features coverage of those safety issues and Burton's flag-to-flag win at New Hampshire.

EPISODE 83 -- JEFF BURTON PART 1 Mar 12, 2020

Long before he ever stepped foot in a television broadcast booth, Jeff Burton was just another up-and-coming hotshoe hoping to make his mark in big-time automobile racing. In this week's installment of our conversation with Jeff, he takes us back to his humble beginnings in the sport … and a time in his career where he had worked himself very near the precipice of utter exhaustion. In our second segment, hosts Steve Waid and Rick Houston leaf through the June 17, 1993 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which features coverage of Kyle Petty's win at Pocono … Ken Schrader's pole and second-place finish … and Jeff Burton's Busch Series victory over brother Ward at Myrtle Beach. Kyle, Kenny and Jeff … incredibly enough … have been our last three interview guests here on The Scene Vault Podcast!

EPISODE 82 -- KEN SCHRADER Mar 05, 2020

There's really only one word that can full describe Ken Schrader and his career -- and that's racer. A competitor who has driven one kind of race car or another for a full 50 years now, Schrader began his Winston Cup career with Elmo Langley and Junie Donlavey. After that, he moved to Hendrick Motorsports, where his career took off in earnest. In this in-depth interview, Schrader remembers the highs ... and lows ... of a career spent behind the wheel. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dive into the August 4, 1988 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of Schrader's very first Winston Cup victory at Talladega.

EPISODE 81 -- KYLE PETTY PART 3 Feb 27, 2020

In the last of our three-part interview, Kyle Petty discusses his 1991 broken leg, the memorable last-lap of the 1992 The Winston all-star race, parting ways with Sabco Racing and a late-night conversation with Dale Earnhardt. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then pick through the August 21, 1994 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which features coverage of Geoff Bodine's dominant win at Pocono and a story written by Rick and photographed by his longtime friend and former NASCAR crewman Jamie Reynolds.

EPISODE 80 -- RYAN NEWMAN REACTION Feb 20, 2020

After Ryan Newman’s vicious crash in Monday's Daytona 500, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid just didn't feel right about releasing an episode in which they'd be laughing and cutting up ... as usual. Although they’d already recorded once this week, they got back together to discuss Newman, safety and their memories of some really bad weekends. Afterward came the very best news of all ... Newman had been released from the hospital, a walking and talking miracle if ever there was one!

EPISODE 79 -- KYLE PETTY PART 2 Feb 13, 2020

Clocking in at a little more than an hour and a half, this week's episode of The Scene Vault Podcast Presented by Q Ware is our second-longest ever. Why so long? Because between Kyle Petty AND Tony "Rambo" Liberati, we certainly had a lot to discuss. Kyle remembers the struggles of keeping up with the times at Petty Enterprises, driving for the Wood Brothers, being incredibly upset with a caution at Richmond … before finding out it had actually given him the first win of his career … and meeting team owner Felix Sabates for the first time. Then, host Rick Houston and Rambo break down the August 6, 1987 issue of Grand National Scene, which features a cover story on testing limits and a Photo Bio of a certain up-and-coming crew member.

EPISODE 78 -- KYLE PETTY PART 1 Feb 06, 2020

Kyle Petty is a lot of things to a lot of people, and in the first of our three-part interview, he's an exceptional interview as always. Petty talks about growing up in NASCAR, having never known a time when the sport wasn't a part of his life. Heir apparent to the sport's most famous family, it was his mother Lynda, not father Richard, who was the most competive. Finally, he discusses the expectations of being Richard Petty's son. In our segment, former Cale Yarborough Motorsports crew member joins host Rick Houston to remember the late John Andretti.
New this week ... head over to our YouTube channel for the video edition of our interview with Kyle! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMekJ7X3IIHe_x72OuOKNFg

EPISODE 77 -- LARRY McREYNOLDS PART 3 Jan 30, 2020

Larry McReynolds is back this week to discuss his tumultuous relationship with team owner Kenny Bernstein; his first win as a Winston Cup crew chief with Ricky Rudd; and huge controversies at North Wilkesboro involving Rudd, Dale Earnhardt, Brett Bodine and Darrell Waltrip. In our second segment, we go back to the April 26, 1990 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which covered the epic snafus that led to Bodine's first and only Winston Cup victory.

EPISODE 76 -- LARRY McREYNOLDS PART 2 Jan 23, 2020

Larry McReynolds returns to the show, and this time around, "Baby Boy" remembers the great Butch Lindley, David Pearson and a former team owner known as "Big Daddy." In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston dissect the January 17, 1980 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured news of a rainout at Riverside, the top-10 stories of the 1970s AND the departure of Ricky Rudd from Junie Donlavey's team.

EPISODE 75 -- LARRY McREYNOLDS PART 1 Jan 16, 2020

In our first regular episode of the new year, host Rick Houston sits down with Larry McReynolds for an insider's perspective on the early years of the longtime crew chief's NASCAR career. Filled with a number of peaks and valleys, Larry Mac worked for legendary drivers Mark Martin and Tim Richmond in circumstances that were, at times, quite trying. In our second segment, Rick is joined by co-host Steve Waid for a discussion of the 1983 spring race at Darlington, won by Harry Gant. The race saw pre-race parts confiscations AND a post-race inspection that initially found Mark Martin with an oversized engine.

EPISODE 74 -- 2019 HIGHLIGHTS Jan 09, 2020

In our 2020 season premiere, Steve and I take a look back at some of our very best interviews from last year. From Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Bill Elliott to Bobby Labonte and Lyndon Amick, we were able to produce some extraordinary content.

EPISODE 73 -- JUNIOR JOHNSON TRIBUTE Dec 21, 2019

Junior Johnson joined host Rick Houston for one of our earliest podcast interviews, and in this very special episode, we share that memorable conversation again in memory of the great man himself. Rick, co-host Steve Waid and Q Ware's Eric Quinn also share their memories of Junior, who died Friday, December 20.

EPISODE 72 -- BOBBY LABONTE PART 3 Dec 19, 2019

In the third and final installment of our interview, Bobby Labonte discusses the disappointment of falling short in the 1999 Winston Cup championship … and his rise to the summit the very next year. Co-hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then discuss Rick's epic summer as pace car driver at Bowman Gray Stadium, drivers who might have been just a little difficult to deal with at times, the "Tabasco Fiasco" and their prized NASCAR possessions.

EPISODE 71 -- BOBBY LABONTE PART 2 Dec 12, 2019

The 1992 Busch Series season began at Daytona with Bobby Labonte and Todd Bodine helping to pull Joe Nemechek from the inferno of his demolished race car, and ended with the same three drivers in the closest championship battle in the division's history. Labonte remembers those incidents, as well as his struggles getting up to speed with Bill Davis Racing and, eventually, his first Winston Cup victory with Joe Gibbs Racing that came despite a serious health scare. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then discuss Dyno-gate, the exit of short tracks from the Busch Series schedule and Andy Santerre, nice guy extraordinaire.

EPISODE 70 -- BOBBY LABONTE PART 1 Dec 05, 2019

A couple of months prior to his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Bobby Labonte sits down for an in-depth look at his career. In the first of a three-part interview with host Rick Houston, Labonte discusses his family's move from Texas to North Carolina to support brother Terry's young racing career, his own start behind the wheel, his struggles in making it in the sport and his 1991 Busch Series championship. In the second segment, Rick and guest co-host Dennis Punch tackle some listener questions ... and Rick's revolutionary plan for the NASCAR championship format.

EPISODE 69 -- BUCKSHOT JONES PART 2 Nov 28, 2019

It's the All Nickname Episode, with not only Buckshot Jones, but Tony "Rambo" Liberati joining host Rick Houston for separate interviews. Buckshot and Rick discuss their practical joke war, while Rambo gives listeners an inside look at Jimmie Johnson's first full-time foray into NASCAR.

EPISODE 68 -- BUCKSHOT JONES PART 1 Nov 21, 2019

Buckshot Jones joins host Rick Houston for a no-holds-barred interview about his early days in the Busch Series, his first win at Milwaukee and … of course … Randy LaJoie. Co-host Steve Waid then jumps into the fray with a look at Grand National Scene's debut issue.

EPISODE 67 -- RANDY LAJOIE PART 3 Nov 14, 2019

Randy LaJoie was a two-time Busch Series champion and three-time winner at Daytona, but his legacy in the sport is also as one of the sport's leading safety innovators. This episode will explain why. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid go back to the 1983 season finale at Riverside, where someone attempted to sabotage Bobby Allison's effort to win that year's title.

EPISODE 66 -- RANDY LAJOIE PART 2 Nov 07, 2019

Randy LaJoie returns for the second of a three-part interview, and this week, he gives the inside scoop on his feuds with BACE Motorsports team owner Bill Baumgardner and on-track rival Buckshot Jones. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid also break down the 1990 Winston Cup race at Phoenix, dominated by Dale Earnhardt.

Episode 65 Randy LaJoie Part 1 Oct 31, 2019

Two-time Busch Series champion Randy LaJoie sits down with host Rick Houston to discuss a wicked crash during a Daytona 500 qualifying race, his late 1980s and early 90s struggles to gain a solid foothold in the sport and his first Busch Series title with BACE Motorsports. Rick and co-host Steve Waid then discuss Texas Motor Speedway's infamous inaugural race weekend, Johnny Rumley and the immortal NASCAR-themed made-for-TV movie Steel Chariots. Please visit https://www.qwarecmms.com/ for more information on presenting sponsor Q Ware. Maintain excellence!

Episode 64 -- Lorin Ranier Part 2 Oct 24, 2019

Lorin Ranier returns to The Scene Vault Podcast Presented by Q Ware, and this time around, he discusses Cale Yarborough's stint with his father's team, going to bat for Davey Allison, the end of Ranier Racing's legendary run and a comeback of sorts with Tony Stewart. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then go over the fall 2001 race at Martinsville, won by Ricky Craven and during which Kevin Harvick and Bobby Hamilton had a heated on-track confrontation. Please visit https://www.qwarecmms.com/ for information on Q Ware, our presenting sponsor. Maintain excellence!

Episode 63 -- Lorin Ranier Part 1 Oct 17, 2019

The show must go on! Despite Rick's family medical emergency, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid figure out a way to record this week's episode of The Scene Vault Podcast Presented by Q Ware. Lorin Ranier, son of the late team owner Harry Ranier, joins in the fun to discuss his family's legacy in the sport, which goes all the way back to the 1952 Southern 500. Lorin literally grew up in the sport, and got to know NASCAR Hall of Famers Waddell Wilson, Bobby Allison and Davey Allison. In our second segment, Rick Mast settles an old score and discusses his Busch Series career. Please visit https://www.qwarecmms.com/ for more information on Q Ware, our new presenting sponsor!

Episode 62 -- Donnie Allison Part 3 Oct 10, 2019

Donnie Allison remembers his role in the 1979 Daytona 500, one of the most iconic races in NASCAR history. With the Cup circuit headed to Talladega this weekend, co-hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid go back to Mark Martin’s caution-free victory and a letters-to-the-editor section that Rick will never forget. Please visit https://info.qwarecmms.com/scene for more information on Q Ware, our new presenting sponsor.

Episode 61 -- Donnie Allison Part 2 Oct 03, 2019

Donnie Allison returns for the second of a three-installment interview, and this week, he discusses his tenure with DiGard Racing that nearly derailed his career for good. He also remembers going toe-to-toe with NASCAR at Charlotte and Atlanta, over post-race inspection AND scoring issues. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then take on the 1981 fall race at Dover, won by Neil Bonnett. They also laugh over a fan-proposed Christmas album sung by NASCAR drivers, Dick Brooks' house cows and a headline featuring "Baby Boy" Larry McReynolds. Please visit qwarecmms/scene.com for more information about Q Ware, our new presenting sponsor. Maintain excellence!

Episode 60 -- Donnie Allison Part 1 Sep 26, 2019

NASCAR icon Donnie Allison sits down with host Rick Houston to reminisce about his brother Bobby, legendary car owner Banjo Matthews, his two Indianapolis 500s and a bit of regret over never having had the opportunity to run for a NASCAR championship. In our second segment, host Steve Waid joins the conversation, and together, he and Rick remember the fall 1989 race at Charlotte won by Steve's former neighbor, Ken Schrader. There's talk of a beer-drinking challenge that went very badly for Schrader, a chicken-plucking contest, a Go-Kart race in which Rick was spun out by Buckshot Jones AND Tony Stewart, AJ Foyt's premonition and Humpy Wheeler's attempt to hamstring Winston Cup drivers attempting to qualify for the Charlotte Busch Series event.

Episode 59 -- Andy Petree Part 2 Sep 19, 2019

Andy Petree returns for the second and final installment of his revealing interview. Petree's move to Richard Childress Racing to serve as crew chief for Dale Earnhardt was met at first with reserve from his new teammates, before an impromptu team meeting led to acceptance. He also discusses his friendship with Ray Evernham, and the exchange of information after -- and sometime during -- races. In our second segment, host Rick Houston chats with Eric Quinn, chief technology officer for the C&S Companies and general manager of Q Ware, the new presenting sponsor of this podcast.

Episode 58 -- Andy Petree Part 1 Sep 12, 2019

Andy Petree talks the early days of his racing career, changing tires for Darrell Waltrip and car owner Junior Johnson, an "innovative" car that Phil Parsons took to victory lane at Talladega and Harry Gant's magical ride in September 1991. Co-hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid also break down Cale Yarborough's controversial win at Nashville in 1979, David Pearson going head to head with Humpy Wheeler and a war of words involving a number of Grand National Scene readers.

Episode 57 -- Grand National Scene Reaction Sep 04, 2019

Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid react to a memorable weekend at Darlington Raceway, during which they finally unveiled their commemorative issue of Grand National Scene. In the second segments, Rick and Steve remember a treacherous weekend at North Wilkesboro that left cars crumbled and drivers fuming. Finally, they take a look at the hard-core reporting of the legendary motorsports journalist Gene Granger.

Episode 56 -- Bobby Hillin Part 2 Aug 29, 2019

First things first! Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid sit down with Darlington Raceway president Kerry Tharp for their reactions on the Grand National Scene commemorative issues produced in association with the track's annual NASCAR Throwback weekend. And then, not only does Bobby Hillin offer to take Steve on as a sparring partner, he also discusses his help in forming Motor Racing Outreach, a stellar third-place finish at Talladega driving in relief of the injured Davey Allison and a heated confrontation with Kyle Petty during the 1993 Daytona 500. Finally, Rick and Steve take a look at the 1994 Southern 500 won by Bill Elliott and Junior Johnson & Associates, Elliott's last victory for more than seven full seasons and Johnson's last ever as a team owner.

Episode 55 -- Bobby Hillin Part 1 Aug 22, 2019

Bobby Hillin chats with host Rick Houston about breaking into NASCAR at the ripe old age of 17 and the impact of winning at Talladega on his career. Also, Rick and co-host Steve Waid remember the last race of Alan Kulwicki's career and Davey Allison's final victory, both of which came at Darlington in late March 1993.

Episode 54 -- Waddell Wilson Part 2 Aug 15, 2019

Waddell Wilson can tell a story, and this week, he tells of his early '80s experience in the Daytona 500 with fellow NASCAR Hall of Famers Buddy Baker, Bobby Allison and Cale Yarborough before turning his attention to the controversial finish of the 1991 Winston Cup race at Sears Point. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid remember Darrell Waltrip's final win, a misguided message on the Winston scoreboard at Bristol and the late, great Clifford Allison.

Episode 53 -- Waddell Wilson Part 1 Aug 08, 2019

Newly elected NASCAR Hall of Fame member Waddell Wilson describes a chance encounter that changed the course of his life, grand larceny in the 1973 Winston Cup season finale and a little engine that could winning the 1975 Daytona 500. Harry Gant wins at Darlington at the ripe old age of 51 … Bunkie Knudsen commutes a hefty suspension for Junior Johnson and Tim Brewer … and Felix Sabates survives a harrowing helicopter crash.

Episode 52 -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. Part 2 Aug 01, 2019

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s 1998 Busch Series season began with a violent wreck at Daytona and ended up with a blown engine at Homestead. The months in between, however, changed the course of his life and career. Listen to his emotional memories of a magical season that included wins, a fight and the memory of his father's hard-won approval. In our second segment, we take a look at the backstory behind David Pearson's win in the 1979 Southern 500, John Anderson, Greg Moore and a rock band that never was.

Episode 51 -- Darlington Raceway President Kerry Tharp has an announcement Jul 24, 2019

In this very special episode, Darlington Raceway President Kerry Tharp sits down with hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid for an announcement nearly ten years in the making.

Episode 23 -- Buddy Parrott Jul 18, 2019

Legendary crew chief -- and master story teller -- Buddy Parrott joins host Rick Houston for a discussion of his early racing career, diving exhbitions that scared Buddy Parrott half to death, Harry Hyde, joining DiGard Racing ... and the heartbreaking loss of the 1979 Winston Cup championship.

Episode 50 -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jul 18, 2019

For our 50th episode, Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid for a revealing look into his road to the Busch Series. He talks racing Late Models, the impact his father had on that period of his career and how he discovered he'd been tabbed to take over the iconic blue number 3 ACDelco Chevrolet shortly before the 1998 Busch Series season began. In the second segment of the show, Rick and Steve thumb through the September 21, 1995 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which included an incredible amount of news and feature writing.

Episode 49 -- Kirk Shelmerdine discusses the glory days with Earnhardt, RCR Part 2 Jul 11, 2019

In the second and final installment of our interview with Kirk Shelmerdine, Kirk discusses the glory years with Dale Earnhardt and Richard Childress … and a period that wasn't so great … as well as his post-RCR career as a driver and poker player. In the second segment, co-hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid remember Davey Allison.

Episode 48 -- Kirk Shelmerdine talks James Hylton, Small Teams and Richard Childress Part 1 Jul 04, 2019

Kirk Shelmerdine discusses the early years of his career with James Hylton and a subsequent move to another struggling independent team -- Richard Childress Racing. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid also break down the 1985 Firecracker 400 at Daytona, which featured one of the biggest upsets and controversial background stories in NASCAR history.

Episode 47 -- Ray Evernham Part 3, Team Ownership and breaking up the band Jun 27, 2019

In the third and final installment of our interview with Ray Evernham, he talks the team's dominance, a fight with a fan, his split with Jeff Gordon and the trials and triumphs of team ownership. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then tackle some of the disqualifications and suspensions they've covered over the years.

Episode 46 -- Ray Evernham Part 2, Jeff Gordon and the Brickyard 400 Jun 17, 2019

In the second installment of our interview with Ray Evernham, the NASCAR Hall of Famer discusses the call that gave Jeff Gordon the first win of his Winston Cup career, the inaugural Brickyard 400 and the beginnings of their dominance together. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid also discuss Rusty Wallace's 1996 win at Sears Point and subsequent $25,000 fine, Bobby Hamilton's wayward water bottle, Earnhardt subbing for Ricky Craven, Harry Gant in McDonald's gear … and Rick's own issues that memorable weekend in California.

Episode 45 -- Ray Evernham Part 1, he wanted to drive for Penske? Jun 10, 2019

This week, we start a new interview arc with Ray Evernham. In this segment, Ray talks his beginnings in the sport, dreams of driving the Indy 500 for Roger Penske, an injury that changed the course of his career and a kid named Gordon. Also, longtime NASCAR crewman Jamie Bishop joins host Rick Houston to discuss his career … and a HUGE treasure trove of Winston Cup Scenes he discovered at a South Carolina flea market.

Episode 44 -- Dave Marcis talks retirement, IROC, and Dale Earnhardt Part 3 Jun 03, 2019

Dave Marcis returns for the third and final install of his marvelous interview, and he talks retirement, IROC, Dale Earnhardt and safety ... and Shoney’s coupons. Also guesting on the show are Sandy Estep and her son, Joe, die-hard race fans who are solely responsible for host Rick Houston’s interest in the sport.

Episode 43 -- Part 2 of Dave Marcis, being an independent, and most recent NASCAR HOF vote May 27, 2019

Dave Marcis shares his thoughts on testing the car Dale Earnhardt drove to victory in the 1998 Daytona 500, as well as the long and tiresome work he had to do as an independent driver. After that, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid discuss the recent NASCAR Hall of Fame vote, which saw Tony Stewart, Bobby Labonte, Joe Gibbs, Buddy Baker and Waddell Wilson selected to next year's class.

Episode 42 -- The Dave and Dale show with Part 1 of Rick's interview with Dave Marcis. May 20, 2019

EPISODE TITLE: The Dave and Dale Show, Osterlund Gone Wrong, Benny, DW and A Riot At Charlotte Between the first of a three-part interview with Dave Marcis and a packed issue of Grand National Scene, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid had a ton to talk about this week. From Dave's tumultuous run with Osterlund Racing and Benny Parsons' close win over Darrell Waltrip to a Waylon Jennings concert gone very, very wrong and Richard Childress' practical joke on James Hylton … this episode is full of tall tales. And every one of them is true.

Episode 41 -- In Part 3 of this series, Rick and Bill Elliott talk 1992, 2nd chances and an All-Star Race. May 13, 2019

Bill Elliott returns for a third and final installment of his conversation with Rick Houston. They cover the roller coaster 1992 season, Elliott’s decision to form his own team and career rebirth with Ray Evernham. Then, Rick and co-host Steve Waid tackle the 2001 edition of The Winston all-star race, in which Jeff Gordon won after going to a backup car ... after wrecking on the event’s first lap.

Episode 40 -- Bill Elliott, Winston Million, 212+MPH at Talladega, Stroker Ace and more. Part 2 May 06, 2019

Bill Elliott rememberers his legendary Winston Million win at Darlington, 212.809 mph at Talladega and the controversial 1987 edition of The Winston all-star race. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid also discuss a recent treasure find — a Grand National Scene mock cover for the iconic NASCAR film Stroker Ace.

Episode 39 -- Bill Elliott one of NASCAR's most popular drivers talks with Rick Houston, Part 1. Apr 28, 2019

One of the most popular drivers in NASCAR history joins host Rick Houston for the first of a three-part conversation about his legendary career. Bill Elliott very candidly discusses his hard-fought climb to the sport’s pinnacle, how he dealt with attention early in his career and the 1985 Winston 500 at Talladega in which he cane from nearly two laps down to win. Also, Rick and co-host Steve Waid remember Jody Ridley’s controversial 1981 win at Dover, Josie the Voodoo Lady and Ronnie Thomas’ joyride in his Virginia hometown.

Episode 38 -- Lyndon Amick talks candidly about deployment and life Part 2 Apr 21, 2019

Former Busch Series driver Lyndon Amick tells the extraordinary story of his deployment to Afghanistan, which includes a chilling account of an intense 40-minute firefight, and remembers his difficult adjustment to being home again. This Easter Sunday release also includes Lyndon's account of his remarkable reconciliation with his wife. In the second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid discuss Lennie Pond's first and only Winston Cup victory, which came in the 1978 Talladega 500 amidst tremendous turmoil on his Harry Ranier-owned team.
NOTE: This episode contains a vivid description of the experience of combat.

Episode 37 -- Lyndon Amick, getting into NASCAR, the National Guard, sim racing with Dale Jr. Apr 15, 2019

Former Busch Series driver Lyndon Amick sits down with host Rick Houston for an extraordinary conversation that ranges from the difficulties of getting started in the sport to joining the National Guard and a deployment to Afghanistan. He remembers an all-night sim racing session with buddy Dale Earnhardt Jr. AND flipping off his friend’s famous father.

Episode 36 -- Dale Inman, eight championships, helicopters, Waltrip, Bonnet, and nitrous? Apr 08, 2019

NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Inman gets an unprecedented eighth NASCAR championship, plus an offer of a helicopter ride to and from work in the second and final installment of our conversation. He also returns home to Petty Enterprises after an impromptu split with team owner Billy Hagan. Hosts Steve Waid also take a look at a 1978 confrontation between Darrell Waltrip and Neil Bonnett at Richmond AND buried news of D.K. Ulrich's nitrous oxide bottle.

Episode 35 -- Dale Inman Leave Petty Enterprises, Michael Wrecks and Davey Beats Mark at Bristol Apr 01, 2019

ASCAR Hall of Fame crew chief Dale Inman sits down with hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid to discuss his time between stints with Petty Enterprises, when he worked with legends Dale Earnhardt and Tim Richmond. And with Bristol coming up, Rick and Steve take an in-depth look at the track's 1990 spring race weekend in which Michael Waltrip's infamous crash and a whale of a finish between Davey Allison and Mark Martin took place.

Episode 34 -- Tire wars, wrecks, final installment of Geoff Bodine and Brock Beard drops in. Mar 25, 2019

Geoff Bodine … Hoosier Tires and a heart-stopping wreck at Daytona. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid down the third and final installment of Geoff's interview with talk of NASCAR's Tire Wars in the late 1980s and early 90s and the biggest wrecks they've ever personally witnessed. Author Brock Beard also joins the party to talk about his book, J.D.: The Life and Death of a Forgotten NASCAR Legend.

Episode 33 -- Geoff Bodine, Dale, Bill Jr., Felix, DW, Terry, Dale (Again), Rick(!) and Smut Mar 18, 2019

In this jam-packed episode of The Scene Vault Podcast, Geoff Bodine remembers the 1986 Daytona 500 and, several years later, buying Alan Kulwicki's team. That's not all. With NASCAR headed back to Martinsville, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid go back in the Vault for a look at the track's 1987 fall event that featured an incredible last-lap scramble between Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt and Terry Labonte.

Episode 32 -- Geoff Bodine, Hendrick, Greatest NASCAR Movie AND Dale (Nearly) Gives The Cup Away Mar 11, 2019

Geoff Bodine chats with host Rick Houston about his beginnings in the sport and the near shutdown of Hendrick Motorsports. Rick and co-host Steve Waid then get into a heated discussion about the greatest NASCAR-themed movie of all time, before taking a look at the 1980 season finale at Ontario Motor Speedway in which a young Dale Earnhardt very nearly lost out on the first of his seven Winston Cup championships.

Episode 31 -- The 1990 Daytona 500, Derricke Cope, Kirk Shelmerdine, Rusty Wallace & Barry Dodson Mar 04, 2019

Derrike Cope and Kirk Shelmerdine stand as polar opposites in this week's episode of The Scene Vault Podcast. Cope, of course, scored one of the biggest upsets in NASCAR history when he took the win in the 1990 Daytona 500, while Shelmerdine, Earnhardt's crew chief, was faced with crushing disappointment after his driver infamously cut a tire on the last lap while leading. In the second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid discuss the Winston Cup tour's 1989 stop at Phoenix, which saw a controversial incident between Rusty Wallace and Stan Barrett that left Barry Dodson fuming.

Episode 30 -- Terry Labonte Part 3, Joe Whitlock, J.D. Gibbs, Dale Barbee, Doyle Ford, Sam Bass. Feb 25, 2019

Terry Labonte wins the 1996 Winston Cup championship, 12 years after his first. Vertigo caused by an accident in the 2000 summer race at Daytona causes him to miss two starts, breaking a streak of 655 consecutive starts. AND he gets his competitive fix in tournament deep-sea fishing. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid also remember Joe Whitlock, one of the greatest motorsports journalists who ever graced a NASCAR media center. In tribute, Mark Whitlock -- Joe's son -- reads what is perhaps his dad's greatest column. Finally, we say goodbye the recently departed J.D. Gibbs, Dale Barbee, Doyle Ford and Sam Bass.

Episode 29 -- Terry Labonte talks the 1984 NASCAR Championship, and Rick Mast fills in for Steve Waid. Feb 18, 2019

Terry Labonte discusses a behind-the-scenes story of his 1984 Winston Cup championship season, as well as teaming up with both Junior Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports. Host Rick Houston is joined by super-sub co-host Rick Mast, and they discuss the popular former driver's runnerup finish to Dale Earnhardt in the 1994 fall race at Rockingham.

Episode 28 -- NASCAR Hall of Fame Member Terry Labonte sits down with Rick Houston Feb 11, 2019

Hosts Rick Houston sit down with Terry Labonte for a revealing chat about the NASCAR Hall of Famer’s beginnings in the sport, his first career victory at Darlington, his 1984 Winston Cup championship and his superstitions. Next, Rick and Steve remember one of the most significant races in NASCAR history ... the 1979 Daytona 500.

Episode 27 -- The 2019 NASCAR HOF Awards, Jeff Gordon, Alan Kulwicki, Davey Allison & Roger Penske Feb 04, 2019

Highlights from the 2019 NASCAR HOF Awards are but one part of this week's episode. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid share their memories of Jeff Gordon, Alan Kulwicki, Davey Allison, Jack Roush and Roger Penske. Rick also talks with a very special guest about Steve, who was honored during the Hall of Fame ceremonies as this year's Squier-Hall Award Winner for NASCAR Media Excellence.

Episode 26 -- Reunion of former Winston Cup Scene staffers: Deb Williams, Bryan Hallman, Jim Fluharty & Chad Fletcher Jan 28, 2019

Deb Williams, Bryan Hallman, Jim Fluharty and Chad Fletcher take time out of a reunion of former Winston Cup Scene staffers to chat with host Rick Houston about the greatest weekly NASCAR newspaper ever produced. Their love and enthusiasm for the history they helped record is one more reminder that it must be preserved.

Episode 25 -- Buddy Parrott, the 1990 Daytona 500, Oreo Cookies, and more Part 3 Jan 21, 2019

This episode is all about Buddy Parrott, the 1990 Daytona 500 and ass whippings, while hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid discuss their favorite NASCAR seasons and press box memories that include the 1979 Daytona 500, Oreo cookies, gas masks and bird flipping.

Episode 24 -- Buddy Parrot talks DiGard Racing, Darrell Waltrip and repossessing an engine, Part 2 Jan 14, 2019

Buddy Parrott parts ways with former team DiGard Racing and driver Darrell Waltrip in this episode of The Scene Podcast, and then has good friend Robert Yates attempt to repossess Richard Petty's engine the day before his legendary 200th NASCAR victory. When a listener asks about some of NASCAR's lesser-known luminaries, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid discuss a crazy rumor about longtime independent driver and team owner Buddy Parrot.

Episode 22 -- Christmas Special with Morgan Shepherd, Marc Garrow, Loren Lanter, PARC Workshop Dec 24, 2018

Host Rick Houston joins Morgan Shepherd for his annual Christmas charity trip to the PARC Workshop in Stuart, Virginia. Included on the show are PRN's Mark Garrow; Loren Lanter, a longtime friend of Shepherd's; and Laura Layman, director of the PARC Workshop.

Episode 21 -- Ricky Rudd, 1997 Brickyard 400 and 1998 Martinsville wins. Rick and Steve remember Marty Robbins Dec 17, 2018

Ricky Rudd talks two of the most discussed wins of his Winston Cup career -- the 1997 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis and the 1998 fall race at Martinsville, where he fought heat exhaustion all the way to victory lane. Host Rick Houston and his former boss and current co-host, Steve Waid, discuss those memorable events, before breaking down country-music superstar Marty Robbins' racing career and The Scene Vault effort to preserve and make available Scene's 32-year run of NASCAR history.

Episode 20 -- Ricky Rudd, on-track run-ins, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, J.D. Stacy, Steve Waid. Part 1 Dec 10, 2018

Ricky Rudd remembers his early NASCAR career, as well as his notorious 1984 Busch Clash accident and on-track run-ins with Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then break down a very memorable quote from Rudd and the roller-coaster career of team owner J.D. Stacy.

Episode 19 -- Rusty Wallace Part 3, Bill France, Jr., Wallace's 1988 Bristol Crash & 1979 Championship Battle. Dec 03, 2018

SV: Host Rick Houston is joined by longtime friend Dennis Punch to discuss a poignant encounter between Rusty Wallace and Bill France Jr., as well as Wallace’s 1988 crash at Bristol. They also break down the 1979 championship battle between Richard Petty and Darrell Waltrip.

Episode 018 -- Rusty Wallace Part 2 NASCAR Champion and Member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Nov 26, 2018

Host Rick Houston continues his interview with NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace, who shares memories of his 1989 Winston Cup championship, the day he won his fans back, his highly successful yet ultimately frustrating 1993 season and an infamous run-in with Dale Earnhardt. Also, former Martinsville Speedway track president Clay Earles introduces co-host Steve Waid to his good friend, Sam Clay. Steve also gets the scoop on a run-in between Ricky Rudd and Joe Ruttman, while Rick doesn't exactly speed on his way to his first press conference as a Winston Cup Scene staff writer … he qualifies.

EPISODE 017 -- DAVID PEARSON TRIBUTE Nov 19, 2018

The Scene Vault Podcast co-host Steve Waid, longtime motorsports journalist Jim "Jimmy Mac" McLaurin and NASCAR Hall of Famer Leonard Wood join host Rick Houston for a round-table discussion of NASCAR icon David Pearson, who died November 12 after a long illness

EPISODE 016 -- RUSTY WALLACE PART 1 Oct 19, 2018

NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace sits down with host Rick Houston for a candid conversation about a second-place finish in his Winston Cup debut, as well as the controversial finish of the 1989 edition of The Winston all-star race with Darrell Waltrip. Co-host Steve Waid joins the fun, and winds up not only using the word "zippadee-do-dah," but also compares Wallace to The Beatles. In the Issue of the Week segment, Rick and Steve go all the way back to 1981 for a look at Dale Inman's decision to leave Petty Enterprises and Darrell Waltrip's first victory with car owner Junior Johnson.

EPISODE 015 -- BOBBY ALLISON Part 2 Oct 10, 2018

Rick Houston sits down with NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison to chat about controversies surrounding the 1981 and 1982 Daytona 500s, as well as his own outlook on life in the face of unspeakable tragedy. Co-host Steve Waid is also on hand to break down the 1987 Winston 500 at Talladega.

EPISODE 014 -- JEFF GLUCK Oct 03, 2018

Jeff Gluck of jeffgluck.com joins host Rick Houston to discuss his career at Scene, and how the dynamic of covering the sport has changed over the years.

EPISODE 013 -- BOBBY ALLISON Part 1 Sep 28, 2018

NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison joins host Rick Houston to talk about his rivalry with Darrell Waltrip and the matter of his 85th win. Rick and co-host Steve Waid discuss that controversy and another involving NASCAR icon Richard Petty.

EPISODE 012 -- NED JARRETT Part 3 Sep 19, 2018

NASCAR Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett concludes his three-part interview with memories of interviewing President Ronald Reagan and his call at the end of the 1993 Daytona 500, won by his own son, Dale. Co-host Steve Waid remembers the Reagan interview, and a near-international incident involving his good friend Tom Higgins and driver Ken Ragan. After determining where Jarrett's call of his son's first Daytona 500 win ranks in NASCAR broadcasting lore, Rick and Steve turn their attention to a 1994 incident at Richmond involving Jeff Burton and a similar situation that took place several years later during a Busch Series race at Kentucky.

EPISODE 011 -- NED JARRETT Part 2 Sep 13, 2018

NASCAR Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett remembers the tragic accident that claimed the life of racing icon Fireball Roberts, as well as the 1965 Southern 500, which he won by an extraordinary 14 laps. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid also discuss their memories of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the impact they had on the NASCAR community.

EPISODE 010 -- NED JARRETT Part 1 Sep 05, 2018

Two-time NASCAR champion and legendary broadcaster Ned Jarrett takes host Rick Houston back to the weekend he had to race to cover a hot check, during which he sustained a fairly gruesome injury to his hands. Jarrett also harkens back to a heated confrontation with fellow NASCAR Hall of Famers Richard and Maurice Petty. Co-host Steve Waid again joins the fun to discuss those incidents, as well as NASCAR's early history at Indianapolis and Richard Childress' driving career.

EPISODE 009 -- BUD MOORE Part 3 Aug 29, 2018

In the third and final installment of host Rick Houston's conversation with NASCAR Hall of Famer Bud Moore, Moore discusses that accidents that claimed the lives of Joe Weatherly and Billy Wade, the deal that brought Dale Earnhardt to his team and his thoughts on the rise of multi-car teams in NASCAR. Rick and co-host Steve Waid also take a deep dive into the Grand National Scene Issue of the Week covering Bill Elliott's victory in the 1985 Southern 500 at Darlington, worth a cool $1 million bonus from series sponsor R.J. Reynolds, as well as news of former NASCAR wheeler-and-dealer Warner Hodgdon.

EPISODE 008 -- BUD MOORE Part 2 Aug 23, 2018

The show returns with the second of a three-part interview with NASCAR Hall of Famer Bud Moore. With co-host Steve Waid not around, Racer magazine's Kelly Crandall steps in to discuss Moore and his story of a long-ago riot at Asheville-Weaverville. Kelly and Rick also recall the impact Scene had on her early education in all things NASCAR.

EPISODE 007 -- BUD MOORE Part 1 Aug 15, 2018

SCENE VAULT: In an extraordinarily poignant interview with host Rick Houston, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bud Moore shares his memories of landing at Utah Beach on D-Day, as well as the Battle of the Bulge. Afterward, Rick and co-host Steve Waid go over the August 31, 1995 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which covers the first infamous finish between Dale Earnhardt and Terry Labonte at Bristol and a host of other noteworthy news items.

EPISODE 006 -- JUNIOR JOHNSON Part 2 Aug 09, 2018

SCENE VAULT: Co-host Steve Waid returns, and remembers his best friend, Tom Higgins. Steve and host Rick Houston discuss Junior Johnson's momentous connection between NASCAR and RJ Reynolds and the near-firing of Darrell Waltrip in favor of Dale Earnhardt. In a brand-new Scene Issue of the Week segment, Rick also remembers a long-ago weekend at North Wilkesboro.

EPISODE 005 -- TOM HIGGINS Aug 01, 2018

Host Rick Houston is joined in this very special episode by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace and former Winston Cup Scene co-workers and friends Deb Williams, Mike Hembree, Jeff Owens and Jay Wells. Together, they remember the legendary NASCAR journalist Tom Higgins, who died July 31 after a long illness.

EPISODE 004 — JUNIOR JOHNSON Part 1 Jul 25, 2018

Rick Houston discusses Junior Johnson’s first-class selection into the NASCAR Hall of Fame with the iconic NASCAR figure himself, as well as the impact his moonshine hauling had on his career as a NASCAR driver and his victory in the 1960 Daytona 500. Rick and co-host Steve Waid also chat about Steve’s book on Junior Johnson and the health benefits of Breakfast with Junior.

EPISODE 003 — DAVID PEARSON Part 2 Jul 20, 2018

In the second part of host Rick Houston's interview with the iconic David Pearson, the NASCAR Hall of Famer discusses the finishes of the 1974 Firecracker 400 and 1976 Daytona 500, both of which involved his friendly rival, Richard Petty. He also sets the record straight about his departure from Wood Brothers Racing and his feelings on many of the rules facing competitors today. Co-host Steve Waid shares his memories of covering the Pearson-Petty duel in the 1976 Daytona 500.

EPISODE 002 — DAVID PEARSON Part 1 Jul 11, 2018

Rick Houston interviews David Pearson with commentary from Steve Waid

EPISODE 001 — STEVE WAID Jul 03, 2018

Rick Houston interviews industry veteran Steve Waid.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected