K-Town Connection

Jonny Cannon of CARDIACS Sports & Memorabilia is helping bring a piece of Kannapolis racing history back to Charlotte Motor Speedway. In this special trackside episode of K-Town Connection, Sam Mayer’s No. 41 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet wears pink in tribute to K-2, the car Dale Earnhardt drove early in his NASCAR career, with the Dayvault Tune-Up & Brake Service name on its side.

RoughTalkCousins Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault walk through the garage, watch the car head toward inspection, and share why this tribute means so much to the Cannon and Dayvault families. It’s a proud connection between Kannapolis, the Earnhardt legacy, and a new generation of racing.

David Steele and Chuck Irvin will rejoin the team when K-Town Connection returns to the studio for its fall season premiere.

Recorded at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Hosts: Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault

Do you remember the original pink K-2 car or Dale Earnhardt’s Kannapolis roots? Share your story in the comments, and subscribe for more K-Town connections.

Dawn Evans, owner of Editions Bookstore & Coffee Shop, joins K-Town Connection to share how she helped build a real community hub in downtown Kannapolis starting in 2017 — before the full revitalization boom.

From volunteering with Kannapolis Arts and the downtown group, to opening a bookstore and coffee shop on Main Street, expanding into yarn, surviving COVID with a drive-thru, and hosting book crawls, author events, and thousands of visitors, Dawn talks about what it takes to create a welcoming space that locals and out-of-towners keep coming back to.

Stop by Editions Bookstore & Coffee Shop in downtown Kannapolis for books, coffee, local authors, yarn, and a genuine community gathering spot. Tell them the cousins at K-Town Connection sent you.

Filmed at the historic Dayvault’s Dyno Tune-Up & Brake Service Garage in Kannapolis.

📍 Dayvault’s Garage – Kannapolis, NC

🎙️ Hosted by Chris Hughes & David Steele (filling in for Ryan Dayvault)

Chapters:

00:00 Cold Open / Hilbish Ford

00:35 Rain Banter, Missing Hosts & Baby Updates

03:53 Welcome to EP 69 – Chris Hughes & David Steele

05:00 Meet Dawn Evans of Editions Bookstore & Coffee Shop

05:39 Opening Editions in Downtown Kannapolis in 2017

07:24 Taking a Chance on Main Street Before the Revitalization Boom

08:41 Drive-Thru, COVID Survival & Nine Years Later

12:47 From Used Books to New Books, Gifts & Local Art

13:18 Building the Yarn Shop by Hand

15:18 Bucky Covington, Local Energy & Foot Traffic

20:24 Book Crawls Drawing Thousands from Across the Region

22:11 Why Dawn Chose Kannapolis After Houston

29:38 Favorite Books & Author Stories

31:13 Sponsored Authors, Onyx Storm Event & Big Releases

34:41 Editions as a True Downtown Kannapolis Anchor

35:40 Knit Nights, Partnerships & Community Space

37:25 Closing Thanks with Dawn Evans

38:51 Carolina Pickleball Club + Outro

Like, subscribe, and keep supporting the people and places that make Kannapolis home.

Erin Connor & Erica Earnhardt-Wilson of Spilling the Southern Tea join Ryan Dayvault (back from twins duty!), Chris Hughes, and Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin for Episode 70 of the K-Town Connection.

Filmed at the historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage in Kannapolis, the ladies share how their popular social media brand started in a local coffee shop and grew into a platform highlighting restaurants, small businesses, events, and hidden gems across Kannapolis and Cabarrus County. From positive promotion (never harsh reviews) to the real power of social media for local owners, this episode is packed with community pride, laughs, and local history.

Ryan also gives an update on life as a new father of twin girls and the incredible support the family received from the Kannapolis community. Plus stories from The Pub, favorite local spots, and plenty of K-Town nostalgia.

Follow Spilling the Southern Tea:

Facebook: Spilling the Southern Tea

Instagram: @spillingthesoutherntea

TikTok: @spillingthesoutherntea

00:00 Cold Open – Carolina Pickleball Club

00:32 Welcome to Episode 70 & Ryan Dayvault Returns

02:10 Fatherhood, Twins & Kannapolis Community Support

05:50 Theme Song & Re-Intro at Dayvault’s Garage

06:36 Meet Erin Connor & Erica Earnhardt-Wilson

08:00 How Spilling the Southern Tea Began at Addition’s Coffee Shop

10:45 Showcasing Kannapolis Restaurants & Small Businesses

14:15 The Power of Positive Social Media Marketing

17:30 Preserving Local History Through Digital Storytelling

19:18 Stories from The Pub & Dayvault Family Roots

25:00 Local Favorites, Downtown Events & Hidden Gems

32:00 Jalapeño Poppers, Pickled Eggs & Pub Nostalgia

34:37 How to Find Spilling the Southern Tea Online

36:30 Closing Thanks & Banter

38:45 Episode Wrap-Up

39:17 Hilbish Ford – Your Cabarrus County Destination

Guests:

Erin Connor – Spilling the Southern Tea

Erica Earnhardt-Wilson – Spilling the Southern Tea

Hosted by:

Chris Hughes

Ryan Dayvault

Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin

Filmed at the Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage – Kannapolis, NC

Watch, share, and support the local businesses that make Kannapolis special. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of the K-Town Connection!

#Kannapolis #SpillingTheSouthernTea #KTownConnection #CabarrusCounty #SupportLocal

Steve Post (Motor Racing Network / Charlotte Motor Speedway) and Kannapolis motorsports historian Steve Gantt join the Rough Talk Cousins for a deep dive into NASCAR broadcasting history, local racing roots, and the future of the sport — all from Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage in K-Town.

This episode also marks the official debut of Big Dave’s SportsCenter with David Steele joining the team full-time.

Steve Post shares his journey from a young fan in Pennsylvania listening to races on a transistor radio to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in motorsports. He reflects on lessons from legendary broadcasters Barney Hall, Ken Squier, and Eli Gold, plus behind-the-scenes stories from decades on pit road and the charter flights.

The conversation pays tribute to two recently lost icons — Ned Jarrett and Kyle Busch — including Jarrett’s strong Kannapolis connections through local mechanics, race teams, and community history. The group also covers the evolution of NASCAR, the next wave of talent coming through Millbridge Speedway, and why Kannapolis remains one of racing’s most important hometowns.

Chapters:

0:00 Cold Open / Hilbish Ford

0:36 Welcome to Historic Dayvault’s Garage – Full House

1:56 Big Dave’s SportsCenter Debuts

6:32 Episode 71 – Introducing Steve Post & Steve Gantt

7:30 How the Two Steves Met at Concord Motorsport Park

11:30 Steve Post’s Journey from Pennsylvania to the Booth

15:00 Kannapolis Racing Roots & Local TV Memories

18:40 Path to Motor Racing Network

20:30 Lessons from Barney Hall, Ken Squier & Eli Gold

29:00 Flying with Barney Hall & Garage Ethics

34:30 Remembering Gentleman Ned Jarrett

39:30 Kyle Busch Memories & Lasting Impact

44:20 Next Generation at Millbridge Speedway

52:00 Kannapolis Pride & Community Connections

56:19 Pit Road Pickleball & Funny Road Stories

59:00 Closing Thanks

1:00:03 Episode 71 in the Books + Carolina Pickleball Club

Hosts: Chris Hughes, Ryan Dayvault, Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin & David Steele

📍 Recorded at Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage – Kannapolis, NC

If you love NASCAR history, Kannapolis stories, and conversations with the people who shaped the sport, this one’s for you. Like, subscribe, and share with a fellow racing fan.

Follow K-Town Connection on all platforms and visit ktownconnection.com.

Ava & Aubree Dayvault (the K2 Twins) make their official K-Town Connection debut!

In this special mini-episode filmed at Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage in Kannapolis, Ryan Dayvault brings his two-month-old twin daughters to the set for the first time. Sporting custom K-Town Connection onesies, Ava and Aubree join the crew for a lighthearted Father’s Day episode full of firsts, laughs, and pure K-Town pride.

Cousin Chris Hughes gets his first hold of Aubree (he held Ava the night she was born), the guys talk future hot seats, and Ryan proves he’s already a sub-minute diaper-changing expert. At just over nine pounds each and two minutes apart, the girls already feel right at home in the garage.

00:00 Theme Song – K-Town Strong

02:05 Cold Open & Little Features for Little People

02:48 Meet the K2 Twins – Ava & Aubree Dayvault

05:10 Two Months Old, Family Stories & Telling Them Apart

09:00 Diaper Changing Expert & Garage Laughs

12:30 Happy Father’s Day Closing

13:50 Sponsors – Hilbish Ford + Carolina Pickleball Club

📍 Filmed at Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Tune-Up & Brake Service Garage in Kannapolis, NC

🎙️ Featuring:

Chris Hughes • Ryan Dayvault • Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin • David Steele

If you love local Kannapolis stories, mill-town roots, and real community connection, hit subscribe and turn on notifications. The next generation of K-Town is already in the building.

#KTownConnection #Kannapolis #Dayvault #K2Twins

In Episode 78, the K-Town Connection Crew paid a visit to Corner Crust Pizza to learn how they’re using pizza to make a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer.

This short but powerful episode highlights a great local business supporting an even greater cause. Watch the show, then make a trip to Corner Crust Pizza this month, enjoy a slice, and help support the cause.

Local pizza. Local people. A meaningful impact.

We’re on scene in Kannapolis’ Midway neighborhood for EP 79! Ryan and David sit down with Kenny and Anna-Claire Blake at Provisions on Main Market & Deli to talk about sandwiches, local makers, and their hope to create a place where neighbors gather.

Chris is behind the camera—and John the Food Critic makes a surprise appearance when the food comes out. There’s a little Midway history in the conversation, too.

Watch EP 79 here on K-Town Connection. What’s your go-to deli sandwich?

Benjamin McGuire — the man who helped get K-Town Connection off the ground from Episode 1 — finally steps in front of the camera, bringing acclaimed Charlotte director Joanne Hock with him.

Joanne Hock — directed the Charles Cannon documentary that played at the historic Gem Theater, and the conversation dives deep into Kannapolis mill history, local preservation, antique radios, and the stories that still shape this town.

Cannon Documentary:

https://vimeo.com/288776924

Wednesdays at the Gem Theatre Tease: 

https://vimeo.com/1062072136

DISCONNECTED tease:

https://vimeo.com/1217477241

📍 Filmed at Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Tune-Up & Brake Service Garage in Kannapolis, North Carolina

🎙️ Hosted by the #RoughTalkCousins Chris Hughes & Ryan Dayvault, along with Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin

Special Guests: Benjamin McGuire & Joanne Hock

0:00 – Cold Open: Mayberry Vibes, Episode 76 Confirmation & Local Updates

4:50 – Heart of the K-Town Connection

6:28 – Welcome to Episode 76 at Dayvault’s Garage

7:18 – Benjamin McGuire: The Man Who Made This Show Possible

7:46 – Introducing Director Joanne Hock

9:25 – Joanne's Journey & the Early Days of K-Town Connection

12:59 – Joanne Directed the Charles Cannon Documentary at the Gem Theater

17:17 – Joanne’s Family Roots in Film Exhibition & Super 8

25:08 – Deeper into the Cannon Documentary & Local Stories

29:50 – The Miracle That the Gem Theater Survived

31:41 – Radio Station History Next to the Gem Theater

47:10 – Joanne’s Current Project: Screens, Kids & Addiction

54:52 – Ron’s Restored Whataburger Menu Board from Concord

1:01:07 – Ryan's Antique Radios & Harold Holbrook of Kannapolis

1:03:40 – Closing Thoughts + Benjamin gives a shout-out to Doctor Dave

1:05:01 – Carolina Pickleball Club

If you love Kannapolis history, the mills, the Gem Theater, or just the people who quietly keep this town’s stories alive, this one’s for you. Share it with someone who still remembers when the whistle blew.

Watch more local legends: https://www.youtube.com/@KTownConnection

Website: https://ktownconnection.com/

In Episode 75 of the K-Town Connection, lifelong Kannapolis photographer and artist Chad Mitchell opens his archive of more than 25,000 photographs that document the demolition of Cannon Mills — the place that built this town.

As the massive mill complex disappeared, Chad decided someone had to record what was being lost. What began as a personal mission became one of the most important visual records of Kannapolis history ever created. He takes us inside the abandoned buildings, shares how he gained access (Hardee’s biscuits helped), and reveals the stories behind some of his most powerful images — including the fall of the iconic water tower, a once-in-a-lifetime balloon ride over the complex, and the unforgettable photograph of his late father standing in the partially demolished mill, looking out at the rubble of the place where he had worked for decades.

Chad also looks back at an incredible creative career that includes photographing Appalachian State football during its national championship years, serving as team photographer for Kannapolis professional baseball, working with NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, and creating artwork connected to Dale Earnhardt.

His guiding philosophy has always been simple:

Tell as much of the story as possible in one shutter click.

Today, as a new generation grows up in a Kannapolis that looks nothing like the mill town their parents and grandparents knew, these photographs have become even more valuable. They don’t just preserve buildings — they preserve the people, the work, the memories, and the identity of a community that was forever changed.

This episode is exactly what the K-Town Connection is about: preserving Kannapolis history by telling the stories of the people who lived it.

📸 Browse and purchase Chad’s photography and artwork: ChadMitchell.com

📍 Filmed at Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Tune-Up & Brake Service Garage in Kannapolis, North Carolina

🎙️ Hosted by the #RoughTalkCousins Chris Hughes & Ryan Dayvault, along with Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin and David Steele

Chapters

0:00 – Intro & Local Updates

5:32 – Welcome to Episode 75

5:52 – Introducing Chad Mitchell

7:02 – Growing Up in Kannapolis

12:00 – How Chad Began Documenting the Mills

14:00 – Getting Access with Hardee’s Biscuits

17:18 – Inside the Abandoned Mill Buildings

19:24 – Over 25,000 Photographs

25:10 – The Darkest Place in the Mill

27:20 – “Lifeline” – The Railroad Light Painting

37:15 – Where to See & Buy the Photos

38:21 – Kiln-Dried Maple Floors & the Sign

39:49 – Baseball Photography Years

43:45 – The Dale Earnhardt Artwork

46:06 – The “Quality Work Means Job Security” Sign

53:45 – The Balloon Ride Over Cannon Mills

56:15 – The Photograph of Chad’s Father

59:48 – Closing Thoughts & Thank You

Lu Graham spent 32 years building one of North Carolina’s most respected high school band programs — the legendary Big Green Machine at A.L. Brown.

In this special episode of the K-Town Connection, the #RoughTalkCousins sit down with the retired band director at Historic Dayvault’s Garage to hear the stories behind the music, the mentorship, and the lasting impact she left on generations of Kannapolis students.

From recruiting kids in elementary school to leading performances across the country, Lu shares what it took to create a program that became a source of pride for the entire community. Former student David Steele also joins the conversation with personal memories from his time in the Big Green Machine.

📍 Filmed at Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Tune-Up & Brake Service Garage in Kannapolis, NC

🎙️ Hosted by Chris Hughes, Ryan Dayvault, Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin & David Steele

Chapters:

0:00 – Cold Open

9:47 – Welcome to the Show

12:50 – Introducing Lu Graham

13:24 – Salisbury Roots & Early Influences

16:18 – Kentucky Years & Path to Kannapolis

20:13 – Arriving at A.L. Brown in 1984

25:16 – Fundraising the Big Green Machine

30:11 – Tours, Parades & Big Performances

35:42 – Uniforms, Glowworms & Show Design

39:41 – The Joy of Teaching Beginners

46:09 – Building Camaraderie & Student Impact

54:57 – Mickey Driver Stories

1:00:46 – Closing Reflections

If you marched with the Big Green Machine, had a family member in the band, or just love Kannapolis history, this one’s for you.

Like, subscribe, and share to help us keep telling the stories that made our town special.