In this episode of The Dirt Parlor Podcast, we sit down with a true legend and pioneer of the sport — Mark Richards, owner of Rocket Chassis. Mark opens up about the challenges and triumphs of the 2024 season, including the return of Brandon Sheppard to the Rocket fold and how the team is working to find the right balance in their car setups. From adjusting to changing track conditions to navigating the unique needs of different drivers, Mark shares deep insights into what it takes to stay competitive at the top level of dirt late model racing.

Mark also offers his thoughts on the evolving tire landscape, the ongoing issues with unexpected flats, and how recent tire rule changes have shifted the way teams approach race preparation. He and the crew discuss how tire performance has affected race strategy, driver feedback, and car development. It’s a candid, behind-the-scenes look into the technical side of racing that fans rarely get to hear. 

Beyond the tech talk, Mark reflects on the culture of the sport — the respect among top-tier drivers, the importance of clean racing, and the value of having a dedicated, long-standing crew. With over a decade of team chemistry and shared passion, the Rocket Chassis operation remains one of the most respected in the country. Tune in for a thoughtful and passionate conversation about racing, teamwork, and what keeps one of dirt racing’s icons coming back to the track year after year. 

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels and Checkered Customs 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 Podcast, Don and Gordy sit down with Kendra Jacobs—Marketing Director of the High Limit Racing Series—for an inspiring look at the evolution of sprint car racing and her pivotal role in it. With roots deeply planted in the sport thanks to her legendary father Jack Hewitt, Kendra shares stories of growing up around the track, the unexpected path that led her into motorsports marketing, and why she believes we’re in a golden era for dirt racing.

Kendra opens up about her early disinterest in racing, how a chance experience at a Cleveland CART race opened her eyes to the business side of motorsports, and the journey that took her from NASCAR and Wing Nation to becoming a trailblazing voice in sprint car promotion. She reflects on the growth of opportunities in the sport—not just for drivers, but for professionals across the board, especially women—and how streaming and major broadcast partnerships are reshaping what’s possible.

The conversation dives into the upcoming FS1 live event and why it represents more than just a race—it’s a cultural moment for the dirt racing community. Kendra shares her vision for bringing fans to the track, the importance of creating a true event atmosphere, and how stars like Tony Stewart and Kyle Larson helped elevate the sport’s profile. Whether you’re a longtime sprint car fan or new to the world of dirt, this episode captures the passion, progress, and personality that keep racing alive.

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

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

On this episode of The Dirt Parlor Podcast, Gordy Gundaker and Don Martin sit down with the Modern Day Cowboy himself — John Gill, one of the most respected and recognizable figures from dirt late model racing’s golden era. Known for his signature style, fierce competitiveness, and black-and-green No. 75, Gill helped shape a time when the sport was defined by guts, grit, and garage-built greatness.

From the bullrings of Brownstown to the legendary Tri-City Speedway, the guys dive deep into the era of wedge cars, wild rivalries, and blue-collar brilliance. Gill shares raw, unfiltered stories about the rise of MasterSbilt, the battles with Bloomquist and Pierce, and what it really took to survive and win in one of the toughest eras of racing history. It’s a conversation loaded with laughter, lessons, and old-school truth.

Whether you grew up idolizing the Modern Day Cowboy or you're just learning what made that era so iconic, this episode brings it all to life. No filters. No scripts. Just legends, dust, and the kind of racing that built this sport from the ground up.

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

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

On this episode of The Dirt Parlor Podcast, Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker welcome one of sprint car racing’s most consistent and competitive drivers Tyler “Sunshine” Courtney. Coming off a strong week at Huset’s with $16,000 in winnings, Tyler opens up about what it takes to stay at the front in today’s ultra-competitive field and why every lap matters when racing against the best in the country.

Tyler breaks down the highs and lows of the current race formats, especially at major events where qualifying well can sometimes hurt your chances. He shares his perspective on how the format could be improved without taking away the thrill for fans, and discusses whether drivers ever consider sandbagging during time trials just to avoid starting too deep in stacked heats.

The conversation also shines a light on the overall strength of sprint car racing across the U.S. With packed fields from Pennsylvania to Washington, Tyler talks about the growth of the sport and how deep the talent has become at every level. From racing legends to rising stars, this episode is packed with real talk, behind-the-scenes insight, and a clear picture of what it’s like to compete at the top of the dirt world.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels and Checkered Customs 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 Podcast, Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker break down a week that reminded everyone why dirt late model racing is unlike any other sport. Kicking things off with the jaw-dropping win by the ageless Billy Moyer at Brownstown, the guys reflect on what makes him such an enduring force behind the wheel. From his signature smooth style to the countless times he’s come out of “retirement” to show the field how it’s done, Moyer’s latest victory proves greatness doesn't fade it evolves.

Gordy shares his personal experiences racing against Moyer, recalling both admiration and frustration, while Don offers nostalgic memories from when Moyer and his own father raced side by side. It's a tribute to the legends who helped build the sport and are still shaping it today. With insight, laughter, and deep respect, they unpack what Moyer’s ongoing dominance means for the next generation of racers and fans alike.

The episode also highlights Jason Feger often overlooked, never outworked. As the only driver to pick up two wins this week, Feger reminded everyone why he's a Midwest mainstay. From his roots in the Summer Nationals to his relentless work ethic and diverse track wins, Feger’s career is a blueprint for consistent excellence. Don and Gordy shine a light on a driver who might not always grab the headlines, but continues to stack up wins and respect every time he hits the track. 

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny and Checkered Customs 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 high-octane episode of The Dirt Parlor, hosts Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker welcome dirt late model racing legend Jonathan “Superman” Davenport. Fresh off another headline-worthy performance at Eldora Speedway, JD opens up about a weekend that started in chaos but ended with redemption. From dealing with unexpected car issues to a last-minute vehicle switch, he walks us through every twist and turn behind the scenes that nearly derailed his race weekend—and how the team pulled off a total turnaround.

The conversation goes deep into the mechanical madness that plagued the early stages of his run, revealing just how meticulous and intuitive JD is when something feels off behind the wheel. Gordy and Don offer their own perspective on JD’s uncanny ability to stay cool under pressure, crediting his experience and mental toughness for navigating one of the most demanding weekends of the year. The camaraderie and respect among these racers shine through as they exchange war stories and laugh about “yuke tire” disasters.

Whether you're a die-hard dirt racing fan or just love stories of grit and determination, this episode delivers an inside look at the mindset of a champion. From intense pit challenges to lessons learned over the years, JD shows why he's earned the nickname Superman—not just for his driving, but for how he leads a team through adversity with confidence and calm.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny and Checkered Customs 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 high-octane episode of The Dirt Parlor Podcast, host welcomes special guest Greg “Skinny” Martin renowned Longhorn dealer, bodywork expert for elite racers like Mike Marlar, and accomplished crate racer himself. Together, they dive headfirst into the 31st Annual Dirt Late Model Dream at Eldora Speedway. With major changes to the event format, including the field split across nights, Skinny shares his insider take on how this impacts smaller teams, car counts, and the unique challenges facing racers this weekend.

The conversation shifts gears to a deep regional breakdown, with a special focus on Tennessee’s top contenders like Jimmy Owens and Mikey Marlar. Skinny gives an honest assessment of their current form and whether the Volunteer State can hang with the best. The episode also pays tribute to the legendary Scott Bloomquist, exploring the emotional weight of this being the first Dream without the Zero car in the field and the potential for Dale McDowell to carry that legacy forward.

As the duo rolls through powerhouse lineups from Georgia and Florida, they highlight rising stars and potential surprises, like Garrett Smith and Kyle Bronson, while also touching on the smaller but fierce Pennsylvania contingent. With strong opinions, heartfelt moments, and a few good laughs, this episode sets the stage for one of the most anticipated dirt late model races of the year.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny and Checkered Customs 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, we sit down with Aaron Reutzel—just days after pulling off a $100,000 win at Port Royal Speedway. From an emotional high on the wing to the brutal lows of nearly walking away from the sport, Aaron doesn’t hold back. He shares the full story of his weekend: the pain, the pressure, and the ultimate payoff.

Aaron gets real about the mental battles behind the wheel and what it took to fall back in love with racing. After a rough few years, it wasn’t a team or a sponsor that brought him back—it was a late-night beer with a friend and the decision to stop pretending to be someone he’s not. That moment sparked a comeback not just on the track, but in life.

This episode is raw, unfiltered, and packed with insight for anyone chasing greatness—or just trying to get back on track. Aaron’s story is a reminder that the road to success isn’t always smooth, but it’s always worth it when you race it your way.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny and Checkered Customs 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 powerhouse episode of The Dirt Parlor Podcast, hosts Gordy and Don sit down with two of dirt racing’s most influential voices—Michael Rigsby, the visionary behind Dirt on Dirt and key figure at FloRacing, and Jeff Hoker, the force behind Hoker Trucking and a major backer of elite late model drivers. Together, they unpack the changing landscape of dirt racing, diving into streaming’s rise, the money it brings, and the questions it raises.

Streaming has transformed the sport, but has it done more harm than good? Rigsby opens up about his mission to put dirt racing on the map, tracing his journey from humble beginnings with a camcorder in a personal vehicle to pioneering one of the most influential platforms in motorsports media. Hoker offers the sponsor and promoter perspective, weighing in on what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change to keep the sport thriving for racers and fans alike.

With decades of experience between them, Rigsby and Hoker don’t shy away from the tough stuff addressing the rumors, the criticism, and the realities behind who benefits most from streaming deals. It’s raw, honest, and essential listening for anyone who loves racing. This is The Dirt Parlor at its best: real talk, big insights, and conversations that matter.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny and Checkered Customs 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 Podcast, Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker take you deep into the heart of Illinois Speedweek. From packed grandstands to unpredictable finishes, they break down every twist, turn, and slider from a week that delivered top-tier dirt late model racing. With shoutouts to standout performances from Jonathan Davenport, Devin Moran, and Frank Heckenast Jr., the guys discuss who surprised, who dominated, and who’s heating up for summer.

But it wasn’t all checkered flags and celebration. Gordy gets real about a tough stretch behind the wheel, sharing the brutal honesty of what it feels like to show up, struggle, and fall short on some of the Midwest’s most iconic tracks. From Spoon River to Fairbury, he opens up about the emotional weight of disappointing results, the drive to improve, and the relentless grind that defines life in the pits.

It’s not just a recap — it’s a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what Speedweek means to racers, teams, and fans alike. With candid stories, behind-the-wall insight, and a tip of the cap to the unsung heroes of the sport, The Dirt Parlor brings you racing talk that’s as real as the red clay under your boots. 

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

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.