This episode of The Dirt Parlor introduces listeners to Brice Shaid, a 14-year-old racer from Ben Wheeler, Texas who is quickly proving he belongs on racing's biggest grassroots stages. With decades of racing influence around him and a championship-level season behind the wheel, Brice represents the next wave of dirt track talent pushing toward the top.

Brice joins the show to break down his rapid rise through karting and micros, the discipline required to win championships, and what it takes to prepare for the Shootout, one of the most demanding and pressure-filled events in all of dirt racing. Running five different classes in a single week, Brice discusses race craft, mental preparation, and why consistency and smart decisions matter more than raw aggression.

The conversation also highlights the role of family, mentorship, and long-term vision in a young driver's development. From late nights in the shop with his dad to learning from top names in the sport, Brice shares a mindset far beyond his years. This episode offers a powerful look at what it takes to grow the right way in racing and why Brice Shaid is a name fans should remember.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great!

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

This week on the Dirt Parlor, Gordy Gundaker and Don Martin are joined by one of the greatest drivers in sprint car history, Donny Schatz. Donny sits down to discuss one of the biggest offseason stories in the sport, his decision to join CJB Motorsports full-time in 2026. After 28 seasons at the top level, Schatz explains why this move represents a clean slate and a renewed opportunity to compete for wins and championships.

Donny breaks down how the deal with Chad Boat and Barry Jackson came together, why chemistry and communication were critical factors, and what it means to work with a veteran crew chief who has truly seen it all. He opens up about the mental challenges of the 2025 season, navigating uncertainty, and how stepping back allowed him to reset and refocus. With high expectations heading into the new year, Schatz shares why he believes this team can contend right out of the gate.

The conversation goes beyond the race car, touching on legacy, long-built relationships in the pit area, mentoring younger drivers, and racing with family watching from the stands. From the fire that still burns to the motivation behind reaching 30 seasons, Donny Schatz gives fans an honest look at where he is in his career and why this next chapter could be one of the most meaningful yet.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great!

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

This week on the Dirt Parlor, it is just the two of us again as we break down one of the wildest Dome weekends we have ever been part of. Gordy walks us through the nonstop grind of running Checker Customs, expanding the booth, printing merch, supporting customers, and trying to prepare to race all at the same time. From setting up booths to hauling boxes to juggling racing duties and business orders, the workload was intense and the lessons learned were real. And yes, even in the middle of the chaos, he still found time to emcee a wet t shirt contest that somehow nobody told me about.

We also dive into last week's unforgettable roundtable episode and why it captured everything the Dirt Parlor was built for. The fans got to see a different side of the drivers, and the drivers forgot the cameras were even rolling. From JD's personality finally shining through to the chaos between Ashton, Turbo, Feger, and the rest of the crew, that show proved how honest and unfiltered the Dirt Parlor can be. The cooler ran dry, the jokes never stopped, and the conversations went places you just cannot script. It was racing talk, friendship, ball busting, and real insight all wrapped into one.

Then we shift into race weekend itself. Gordy breaks down his struggles on track, the brutal competitiveness of the Dome, and how qualifying can make or break the entire event. He shares the highs of watching Trevor fight his way into the show and the emotions that came with it, along with the reality of accepting when it simply is not your year. From the fan raffles to driver intros to the heart and heartbreak of trying to make the big dance, this episode shows exactly what Dome week means to the racers, the crews, the families, and the fans who make it all possible.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great!

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Welcome to DIRT PARLOR at The Dome hosted by Gordy Gundaker and Don Martin. This is where racers say what they're really thinking.

This week, we're live at the Gateway Dirt Nationals. We sat down with some of the biggest names in the sport and talked about the stuff everyone debates in the pits: tires, tracks, setups, payouts, promoters, pressure, and everything in between.

We don't all agree, and that's the point.

This is the raw, unfiltered side of dirt racing.

Guests in this episode: Jonathan Davenport Jason Feger Tyler Erb (TERBO) Nick Hoffman Shannon Babb Chris Simpson Ashton Winger Jeff Hoker of Hoker Trucking

If you want polished PR answers, this isn't it.

This is the real conversation before the battles inside The Dome.

Tune in to FLO RACING to watch the Gateway Dirt Nationals.

For More Dirt Parlor: https://dirtparlor.com

DIRT PARLOR FACEBOOK

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

In this episode of the Dirt Parlor, Brandon Overton delivers one of his most candid conversations to date. He opens up about the moments that pushed him to his limits — the on-track tensions, the frustrations that sparked headlines, and the emotional weight of competing when the results aren't matching the effort. Brandon takes listeners inside the reality of a season filled with highs, lows, and constant pressure to perform.

We explore the challenges he faced navigating team changes, rebuilding momentum, and searching for speed in a year that felt like one setback after another. Brandon breaks down the mental grind of staying competitive, the frustration of second-guessing setups and decisions, and the resilience required to keep showing up when the confidence isn't there. His raw honesty gives fans a deeper understanding of life behind the wheel beyond the highlight reels.

Off the track, Brandon shares how family, fatherhood, and stepping back to breathe have helped him stay grounded. He reflects on what matters most when racing becomes overwhelming, and how he plans to reset, refocus, and come back stronger. This conversation offers an authentic look at the man behind the machine — a story of grit, growth, and the unshakable passion that keeps him chasing the next checkered flag.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great!

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

This week on the Dirt Parlor, we sit down with the visionary who reshaped December racing forever — Cody Sommer, the creator of the Gateway Dirt Nationals and the force behind Dirt December. From launching arena races in Indianapolis to transforming the St. Louis Dome into one of the most electric atmospheres in motorsports, Cody walks us through the passion, risks, failures, and breakthroughs that led to one of the sport's most iconic modern events.

In this conversation, Cody opens up about the challenges fans never see — turning away hundreds of drivers because of space limitations, battling early critics who said the Dome would never work, surviving the chaos of the first Indy midget race, and constantly reinventing the track, the format, and the experience to deliver something racers and fans feel part of. He breaks down the evolution of the event, what it took to build trust, and why transparency has always been at the core of every decision.

We also dive deep into the industry-shaking tire conversation, Cody's choice to introduce competition into a one-brand world, and what that means for racers everywhere. From merchandise booms to sold-out entry lists, from air-quality breaks at 4 AM to 30,000 fans in the Dome, this episode captures the mentality, grit, and innovation that defines Cody Sommer. If you love the Dome, the community, the chaos, and the culture of December racing — this is the inside story you've been waiting for.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great!

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

This week on The Dirt Parlor, Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker sit down with the one and only Kenny Wallace — racer, storyteller, and true St. Louis icon. With his trademark fire and humor, Kenny opens up about the wild journey that made him "The Herminator." From getting kicked out of class as a hyperactive kid to being nicknamed "Herman the German" by a track promoter and finally rebranded by Dale Earnhardt Sr., Kenny's story is as raw and entertaining as it gets. He shares what drives him, what keeps him laughing, and why he's never lost his love for the sport.

Listeners also get a front-row seat to the history and heart of Midwest dirt racing. Kenny reflects on the deep connection between the Wallace and Gundaker families — from late nights in makeshift race shops to the legendary days at Tri-City Speedway. Through these stories, you'll hear how friendship, family, and competition built a community that shaped generations of racers.

With a perfect mix of comedy, chaos, and nostalgia, this episode captures the spirit of racing in its purest form. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the scene, Kenny Wallace reminds us all why dirt track racing isn't just about speed — it's about heart, heritage, and the people who make it unforgettable.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great!

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

In this week's episode of The Dirt Parlor, Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker sit down with two of the most respected names in dirt racing—Jimmy Owens, the "Newport Nightmare," and Jake O'Neill, one of the sport's rising stars. Jimmy shares an inside look at his recent win, the tough tire decisions that can make or break a race, and the mindset that's kept him a dominant force for decades. He opens up about the challenges of staying sharp in a changing sport, the lessons learned from racing legends like Scott Bloomquist, and what it takes to keep competing at the highest level.

Jake O'Neill joins the conversation to talk about his plans for 2026, his partnership with Jimmy, and the steep learning curve that comes with moving from modifieds to late models. From chasing sponsorships to adapting to new rules and aero packages, Jake offers a candid look at what it takes to climb the ranks and compete against the best in the country.

Together, Jimmy and Jake bring fans a raw, behind-the-scenes view of what it means to live and breathe dirt racing. From career-defining moments and mechanical gambles to the grit and humor that keep them grounded, this episode dives deep into the stories, struggles, and triumphs that make the dirt track world so addictive.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great!

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

In this episode of The Dirt Parlor, hosts Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker sit down with the one and only Aaron Reutzel for an incredible conversation about resilience, recovery, and racing at the edge. Coming off a major foot injury that could have sidelined his season, Aaron defied the odds and came back stronger—winning races, inspiring fans, and proving that determination always finds a way to victory lane.

Aaron takes listeners inside the cockpit, recounting the emotions of his epic win at Eldora Speedway, the challenges of adapting to a custom racing boot, and what it's like to fight through pain while staying laser-focused on performance. From terrifying ruts to split-second decisions at 100 miles per hour, his perspective offers an unfiltered look into the mental and physical demands of being one of the toughest drivers in dirt racing.

This episode isn't just about speed—it's about heart. Aaron's story of grit, comeback, and confidence reminds every racer and fan alike that success isn't about never falling; it's about getting back up, strapping in, and charging harder than before. Whether you're a longtime dirt track devotee or just love stories of perseverance, this conversation captures exactly what makes Aaron Reutzel a true competitor.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great!

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

The dirt is flying and the takes are hotter than ever as Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker dive headfirst into the Trophy Cup controversy that's shaking up sprint car racing. From the wild 24-car invert to the unpredictable outcomes that left fans speechless, the guys deliver their unfiltered thoughts on what makes this event both chaotic and unforgettable.

They also take a moment to reflect on Brad Sweet's emotional farewell from full-time racing — a moment that marks the end of an era and the beginning of a powerful new chapter for the High Limit and NARC Series. Don and Gordy share their honest reactions, memories, and respect for a true ambassador of the sport.

And when it comes to championship energy, nobody brought more heat than Rico Abreu. His dominant performance in Texas sealed his place at the top, proving why he's one of the most electrifying names in sprint car racing. It's passion, perspective, and pure dirt racing energy — all in one unforgettable episode.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs and Hotrod Septic Treatment for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great!

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.