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.

In this episode of The Dirt Parlor, Don Martin and co-host Gordy Gundaker welcome Ashton Winger, one of Georgia’s finest and most candid voices in dirt late model racing. Broadcasting from his home beside the legendary Atlanta Motor Speedway, Ashton gives fans an inside look at his life, his racing journey, and his honest take on the ups and downs of the sport. From his love for Illinois tracks to his Southern roots, Ashton brings humor and authenticity to every story.

Throughout the conversation, Ashton opens up about his rollercoaster season — from early engine troubles and tough breaks to rediscovering his rhythm and fighting his way back to the front. He shares how the support of his car owner, Jeff Matthews, and the influence of his parents have kept him motivated through every setback. His grit and grounded outlook show exactly what it takes to keep chasing success in one of the toughest racing circuits around.

With plenty of laughs, honest reflections, and behind-the-scenes insight, Ashton reminds listeners why The Dirt Parlor captures the true spirit of dirt racing. It’s not just about the checkered flag — it’s about the passion, perseverance, and people who make the sport what it is. 

🔥 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, Don Martin sits down with dirt racing icon Brian Birkhofer for a raw, unfiltered conversation about what makes the sport so powerful and addictive. With co-host Gordy Gundaker on the road, Don and Brian dive into life back in the fast lane—working alongside Ricky Thornton Jr. and Zach, chasing points, and reliving the highs and lows that only dirt racing can deliver.

Brian shares his honest take on how the sport has evolved, from the gritty, old-school days to today’s fast-paced, high-tech era. He reflects on how the cars, the competition, and the mindset have changed over time—yet the heart of racing remains the same. Packed with stories, laughter, and lessons from years behind the wheel, this is dirt racing talk at its purest.

And when it comes to calling it like it is, Birkhofer doesn’t hold back. From tire battles to track prep frustrations, he brings the passion and perspective that only a true racer can. This one has everything fans love—truth, heart, and horsepower. Don’t miss The Dirt Parlor with Brian Birkhofer.

🔥 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.

On this episode of The Dirt Parlor, Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker sit down to hash out the latest stories shaking up dirt racing. With no guests this week, it’s all about raw conversation between two racers who live and breathe the sport. From Dale Blaney’s stunning World of Outlaws win at 60 years old in a car built outside the cookie-cutter mold, to the ingenuity it takes to succeed on the track, they bring perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.

The talk turns fiery as the hosts unpack David Gravel’s rise as dirt racing’s unapologetic villain. He’s racking up wins, cashing massive checks, and leaning into the boos with confidence. Don and Gordy debate whether Gravel’s polarizing personality is bad for the sport — or exactly what it needs to stay exciting.

Finally, they preview the high-stakes National Open, breaking down the momentum, the Pennsylvania Posse challengers, and who they think has the best shot at the $75,000 prize. Packed with passion, insight, and plenty of laughs, this episode is a must-listen for fans who love dirt racing in all its drama and glory. 

🔥 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.

On this episode of The Dirt Parlor, hosts welcome Daison Pursley following his record-setting performance at Eldora Speedway. In one of the most unforgettable nights in dirt racing, Daison captured four feature wins and cemented his place among the sport’s elite. He joins the show to share the inside story of how it all came together on the track known as the Big E.

Daison opens up about the preparation, confidence, and adaptability it takes to compete in midgets, non-wing, and winged sprint cars against the toughest drivers in the country. He talks about his progression through the ranks, the importance of learning from every lap, and how stepping into new challenges has elevated his career.

Listeners will hear firsthand about the pressure of racing at Eldora, the strategy behind attacking the cushion, and what it means to earn respect from seasoned veterans. This is more than just a race recap it’s a look at how a young driver turned potential into performance on one of dirt racing’s biggest stages.

🔥 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, Don Martin and the crew sit down with Justin Grant — a driver who refuses to let setbacks keep him out of the race car. Just weeks after breaking his foot at Lawrenceburg, Justin was back on track, pushing through the pain and showing the kind of grit that defines true racers.

Justin shares the behind-the-scenes story of how he and his team adapted equipment, reworked pedals, and made countless adjustments to keep him competitive. From testing setups in Kokomo to tackling Silver Crown cars, he explains the process of turning a serious injury into just another obstacle to overcome.

More than a story of recovery, this conversation is about mindset, resilience, and the relentless drive to compete. Justin’s determination to get back in the car even when the odds seemed impossible shows what it takes to chase championships and prove to yourself that nothing can stand in the way of doing what you love.

🔥 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 episode of The Dirt Parlor takes you straight into the heart of Eldora Speedway, where Ricky Thornton Jr. captured the prestigious World 100. Joined by car owner Bobby Koehler, Ricky shares the highs, challenges, and defining moments that led to one of the biggest wins of his career.

From the tense early laps to the roar of victory lane, Ricky explains the mindset and strategy that kept him focused when it mattered most. Bobby offers his perspective as a car owner, describing the pride, pressure, and unshakable trust that fueled their team to success on dirt racing’s biggest stage.

Together, they tell a story of determination, teamwork, and triumph. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to dirt late model racing, this episode captures the grit and passion that make the World 100 an unforgettable event. 

🔥 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, hosts Don Martin and the crew sit down with one of dirt late model racing’s all-time greats, Dale McDowell. With the World 100 on deck, there’s no better time to revisit Dale’s incredible history at Eldora Speedway—where he’s conquered both the Dream and the World 100. Beyond the trophies, Dale reflects on his longtime friendship with the late Scott Bloomquist, sharing the emotion and impact of honoring him with a heartfelt memorial at last year’s event.

Dale opens up about what it takes to keep competing at the highest level as he nears his 60th birthday. From being surrounded by younger drivers to constantly studying the evolution of the sport, his insights reveal the determination and adaptability that have kept him in the mix for decades. His perspective on how cars, chassis, and driving styles have changed highlights both the challenges and the competitive fire that still fuels him every time he straps in.

The conversation dives deep into the art of racing at Eldora—managing tires, setting pace in 100-lap races, and finding that balance between aggression and patience. Dale shares stories of climbing through the field, testing new strategies, and adjusting to the modern era without losing touch with the instincts that made him a champion. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the dirt racing scene, this episode offers an inside look at a true legend of the sport. 

🔥 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, hosts Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker dive deep into the history of dirt racing with one of the sport’s most influential figures, Irish Saunders. With roots that began as a young kid announcing races alongside his father, Irish’s path eventually led him to Hoosier Tire, where he helped shape the future of the sport. From the earliest days of sprint car tires to watching legends like Steve Kinzer make history, his story captures the rise of modern dirt racing.

Irish takes us back to the 1970s and 80s, a time when Firestone drag tires were being hand-cut for competition and Hoosier was just beginning its journey into sprint car dominance. Along the way, he shares personal memories, behind-the-scenes stories, and pivotal turning points that shifted the trajectory of the sport forever. His perspective offers a rare insider’s look at how the dirt racing community grew through innovation, grit, and an unwavering passion for competition.

More than a tale of tires and technology, this episode is a tribute to relationships, respect, and a lifelong dedication to racing. Irish Saunders embodies the spirit of motorsports—valuing every voice in the community, from drivers and team owners to track promoters and fans. For anyone who loves the heart and history behind dirt racing, this conversation is a must-listen.

🔥 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, Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker sit down with one of the most accomplished and resilient drivers in the sport, Brian Shirley. Known today as a superstar late model driver and the 2023 Prairie Dirt Classic Champion, Brian’s journey didn’t begin on four wheels—it started with no roll cage, high speeds, and the adrenaline of flat track motorcycle racing. From his AMA championship days to conquering dirt late models, his story is one of grit, transition, and relentless pursuit of victory.

Brian opens up about the rollercoaster of his 2023 season, which started with a devastating fire and nearly ended before it could begin. With unwavering support from team owner Bob Cullen, family, and sponsors, Shirley pushed through setbacks that would have sidelined most. The conversation digs deep into how his persistence and old-school work ethic, instilled by his father, helped him turn a season of chaos into a championship run.

The show also takes a nostalgic trip back to Brian’s roots, from buying his first late model for $10, to running against legends at Farmer City, to the high-speed thrills of racing the Springfield Mile on two wheels. It’s a candid, entertaining, and inspiring look at a career that spans motorcycles, dirt cars, and everything in between. Whether you’re a fan of late models or flat track racing, this episode shows why Brian Shirley is a name etched into dirt racing history.

🔥 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.