Off-Road Racer Podcast

By JB15 NetworkSports Leisure Automotive

Off-Road Racer Podcast episodes

April 04, 2024 Episode 46: Neal Mason
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with game-changing off-road builder Neal Mason. Neal and I talk about his history in off-road vehicle building, starting as a self-taught fabricator, and working his way all the way up to building his Mason All-Wheel Drive truck, the most advanced racing machine platform on the planet. We discuss his drive to be constantly developing and moving forward, his work ethic when tackling new projects and problems, and how these aspects of his character show in his builds. We also discuss the responsibilities a car builder has, building a safe truck that can handle the ultra-violent crashes we have seen in off-road racing. Neal then also teases at a new truck platform that he is working on, which he believes will be even better than his current AWD platform. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer
1 hr 16 min
March 28, 2024 Episode 45: Mario Fuentes
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with Class 1 champion and businessman Mario Fuentes. Mario talks about growing up in the off-road scene in the Juarez/El Paso area, and how it has fostered his obsession of off-road racing. Mario and I then talk in depth about class 1, and the significance of a high-level buggy class, compared to the other truck classes. We also discuss Mario’s recent career-defining victory at the 2024 BFGoodrich Tires Mint 400, bringing off-road racing maverick Lalo Laguna aboard his team, and more. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.
45 min
March 21, 2024 Episode 44: Jerry Zaiden
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with Jerry Zaiden, co-founder of Camburg Engineering. Camburg Engineering is an industry leader in off-road suspension systems for the consumer market, with a history of testing their products in off-road racing. Jerry and I discuss the edge Camburg has gained from their involvement in off-road, and the history of Camburg's own race program. Going deeper, we talk about the newest iteration of their race program, supercharged by Magnaflow's recent acquisition of Camburg, and accomplished off-road racer Kyle Jergensen. Going into the business side, Jerry gives some insight into the significance of the Magnaflow acquisition, and Camburg's philosophy on designing new products. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.
1 hr 11 min
March 01, 2024 Episode 43: Ryan Thomas
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I once again am joined by Jim Beaver, and we sit down with the Polaris Factory Race Team general manager, Ryan Thomas. The three of us sit down to talk about the program, some of the members/racers in the program, and their rise to one of the top premier race teams. We also discuss Ryan’s involvement in off-road before the program, at one point being the Director of Wide Open Baja, and at another being the President of Ultra 4 Racing. On a wider scale, we talk about the current impact off-road racing and the larger motorsports scene have on each other, and what that could mean for off-road racing’s future. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

1 hr 5 min
February 22, 2024 Episode 42: Bob Bower
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with 2020 ORMHOF Inductee Bob Bower. Bob has participated in nearly every facet of off-road culture, from pit volunteering to co-driving and driving, managing pit and race teams, and TV color commentary. In nearly all of the things Bob has done, he has contributed massively to the off-road culture; His most well-known accomplishment is the inception of the BFGoodrich Pit Support program, possibly the most successful and widely used pit service in Off-Road History. Bob tells of his starts as a member of a Corvette club, how that led to a job at BFGoodrich, and ultimately, his obsession and contributions in off-road. We also discuss the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame, other ORMHOF inductees and their contributions, and a whole lot more. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

1 hr 20 min
February 15, 2024 Episode 41: Larry Heidler
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I get to talk with recent Parker 400 Winner Larry Heidler. Larry talks about his extensive race history leading into the Pro Open UTV Class and his new Lonestar Racing build. We also discuss the evolution of Off-Road technology, such as the UTV's progression into the race-machines they are today, as well as the impressive capabilities of modern suspension systems; And the affect these changes have had on race-craft. Looking forward, we talk about Larry's game plan and competition for the upcoming Mint 400, as well as what he plans on racing later this year. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.
39 min
February 08, 2024 Episode 40: Ricky Brabec
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with two-time Dakar Rally Champion Ricky Brabec. We discuss the differences between the rally format and North American off-road racing, and the importance of American representation within rally. Ricky then shares his personal and gnarly experiences in rally over the past few years. We also discuss what lies in Ricky's future, and what achievements he is still pursuing. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.
56 min
January 18, 2024 Episode 39: Tommy Morris
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with off-road engineering genius and Off-Road Hall of Fame Inductee Tommy Morris. Tommy's career in off-road motorsports has been nothing short of incredible, spanning decades. He has been the backbone of many culture-shaping off-road programs, most notably Wide Open Baja and the PPI/Toyota Factory off-road race team. Now, he uses his extensive knowledge to help develop off-road vehicles and train special operations forces within the United States military. We discuss all this, and more. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.
1 hr 25 min
January 11, 2024 Episode 38: Mia Chapman
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with Red Bull Athlete Mia Chapman. We talk about the Red Bull Scramble series, Mia's start in off-road at just 6 years old, and the significance of the increase of women on motorsports. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.
20 min
January 04, 2024 Episode 37: Justin Davis
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with off-road racing champion Justin Davis. We discuss Justin's start in off-road with his father, the many classes Justin has raced, and how his history has shaped his driving style and career. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.
36 min