On this week's Dirt Parlor episode, we sit down with High Limit Tour driver Tanner Thorson for an in-depth conversation about innovation, risk-taking, and what it really takes to compete at the national level. From bold setup changes at the Chili Bowl Nationals to dialing in his half-mile program, Tanner opens up about the mindset behind constantly pushing the limits. Whether it works or backfires, he explains why staying comfortable is never the goal.

Tanner reflects on his journey from racing go-karts in Nevada on a shoestring budget to moving to Indiana at just 15 years old to chase a midget racing career. He shares how Rico Abreu and his father played a pivotal role in his development, and how lessons learned in the USAC ranks shaped him into the driver he is today. His path wasn't traditional, but the hunger to learn and the drive to understand the race car set him apart early on.

Now competing full-time on the High Limit Racing tour, Tanner breaks down the challenges of wing racing, the importance of top-tier equipment, and how mentor Stevie Smith has accelerated his learning curve on big tracks like Eldora Speedway and Port Royal Speedway. From working on his own cars during the week to fine-tuning shock packages and motor programs, this episode is a raw and honest look at what it takes to compete against the best in sprint car racing.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs, Hotrod Septic Treatment, Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging and FK Rod Ends 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 week's Dirt Parlor Podcast, we welcome St. Catharines, Ontario's own Mat Williamson — the BuzzChew Chevrolet No. 88 and one of the most dominant forces in Big Block Modified racing. "Money Mat" breaks down his recent success at Volusia Speedway Park, including intense restart battles, racing in dirty air, and what it takes to win at one of the fastest tracks in dirt racing. From drawing deep in the field to capitalizing on clean air, Mat explains the small details that separate winning from running second.

We dive into format debates within the Super DIRTcar Series, including heat race redraws, inverts, and whether fast time truly gets rewarded in today's racing world. Mat also shares insight into the unique setup and driving style of a Northeast Big Block Modified, how it differs from Late Models and Sprint Cars, and why the Northeast modified scene remains one of dirt racing's most competitive and financially rewarding regions.

Beyond the racetrack, Williamson opens up about balancing 85–90 races a year with family life, becoming a father, and how priorities shift when you're chasing wins while raising a child. From ambitions of racing the Dome to expanding Big Block racing into the Midwest, this episode is packed with real talk, technical insight, and behind-the-scenes stories. If you're a fan of dirt racing, modifieds, or the grind of professional motorsports, this one 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, Hotrod Septic Treatment, Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging and FK Rod Ends for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great!

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

How does a business owner go from local race fan to sponsoring Tim McCreadie, Boone Briggs, the World of Outlaws, and the Lucas Oil Late Model Series? In this episode of the Dirt Parlor Podcast, Dave Warren of Dave Warren Powersports shares the incredible story behind his rise in dirt racing sponsorship and how one powerful "pay it forward" moment with the Briggs family changed everything.

We break down the business side of dirt late model racing, including how sponsorship really works, how drivers can attract marketing partners, and why social media, Dirt Vision, and FloRacing are changing the future of racing exposure. Dave explains how he helped grow Tim McCreadie's brand, built meaningful partnerships like Kawasaki with World of Outlaws, and why consistent marketing and engagement matter more than ever in today's racing world.

This episode is a must-watch for racers, sponsors, promoters, and fans who want a behind-the-scenes look at how dirt racing is funded and how the sport continues to grow. From Raceway 7 memories to crown jewel events, this is a deep dive into the passion, business, and relationships that fuel dirt late model racing.

Subscribe for more dirt racing interviews, World of Outlaws content, Lucas Oil Late Model coverage, and exclusive racing stories.

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

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Tyler Courtney on Defeating Injury & Chasing Championships [EPISODE 46]

Tyler "Sunshine" Courtney returns to the Dirt Parlor Podcast for one of the most powerful episodes yet. After suffering a serious injury that put his racing career in question, Sunshine opens up about the mental and physical grind of recovery, the doubt that crept in while sidelined, and what it truly takes to believe you still belong behind the wheel at the highest level.

The conversation dives into his emotional return to competition at Volusia, where Courtney shocked the field with immediate wins and a trip to Victory Lane. He breaks down race strategy, navigating heavy traffic, adapting to changing track conditions, and the split-second decisions that separate winning from disaster. From moments of relief to pushing past rust, this episode gives fans a raw, behind-the-scenes look at elite sprint car racing.

The episode wraps with a deep discussion on the 2026 sprint car season, including High Limit vs World of Outlaws, championship contenders, and what it takes to compete in today's ultra-tight fields. With insight, honesty, and plenty of racing stories, this is a must-watch episode for dirt racing fans, sprint car drivers, and anyone who loves a true comeback story.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs, Hotrod Septic Treatment, Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging and FK Rod Ends 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 and Don Martin are joined by dirt late model icon Tim McCreadie following a statement win at Volusia Speedway Park. McCreadie opens up about the emotion behind his victory lane celebrations, the pressure of staying competitive at the highest level, and why every win still carries the same weight after decades in the sport.

Tim dives deep into what made the difference at Volusia, from unloading fast to finding traction when the track slicked off. He explains how patience, balance, and experience allowed him to move around the racetrack while others struggled, and why modern dirt late model racing rewards discipline more than raw aggression. The episode also highlights the chemistry with Boom Briggs and the family-run team that has fueled his recent momentum.

The conversation reflects on growing up around the sport as the son of racing legend Bob McCreadie, the expectations that came with it, and how those early lessons shaped his approach today. From honoring his roots through car design to evolving as a driver, this episode delivers an honest, technical, and emotional look at what it truly takes to win in dirt late model racing.

🔥 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, the crew sits down with Spencer Bayston to break down his standout Chili Bowl Nationals performance and the momentum carrying into a pivotal 2026 season. Spencer dives into what it takes to charge through one of the toughest fields in dirt racing, detailing the fine line between aggression and mistakes on a constantly changing track. From cushion racing to surviving the grueling 55-lap main, he shares firsthand insight only a Chili Bowl veteran can provide.

The conversation goes deeper into the technical and mental challenges of switching between midgets and winged sprint cars, including how seat time, muscle memory, and car control separate contenders from the rest. Spencer explains how small adjustments, communication with his crew chief, and confidence behind the wheel allowed him to move forward while others faltered during one of the most demanding weeks in motorsports.

Looking ahead, Bayston opens up about a fresh start with a new team, major backing, and renewed motivation heading into the 2026 sprint car season. He reflects on overcoming adversity, silencing doubters, and why stability, mentorship, and the right people around you make all the difference at the national level. This episode is a must-listen for dirt racing fans following Spencer Bayston's resurgence and anyone who wants a real, inside look at what it takes to compete with the best.

🔥 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, Gordy and Don Martin dive headfirst into the chaos, pressure, and magic of the 40th Annual Chili Bowl, breaking down what makes the biggest midget race in the world unlike anything else in motorsports. With nearly 400 entries, passing points, pill draws, and zero room for mistakes, the guys explain why Tulsa separates the elite from the rest and why simply making laps can feel like a victory. From the nerves of going down the ramp to the brutality of passing at the Expo Center, this is a raw, insider look at Chili Bowl week.

The conversation turns personal as Gordy shares firsthand experiences competing at the Chili Bowl, the mental warfare drivers face in staging, and the razor-thin margins that define success or disaster. The guys discuss championship contenders, breakout drivers, pressure moments, and why the B-Mains often look like A-Mains anywhere else in the country. They also break down why legends rise, rookies get humbled, and how the event continues to grow into the ultimate bucket-list race for dirt racers worldwide.

The episode then welcomes Chris Kearns, promoter of the Wild West Shootout, for an in-depth discussion on what it truly takes to promote elite dirt racing events. Chris opens up about moving the Shootout back to Central Arizona Raceway, the challenges of weather, fan engagement, logistics, and the nonstop grind behind the scenes. From building purse structures to staffing events and managing pressure, this episode pulls the curtain back on the business, passion, and relentless work required to keep dirt racing thriving at the highest level.

🔥 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.

Keith Kunz is one of the most influential figures in dirt racing history, and in this episode of the Dirt Parlor Podcast, he shares the full story behind building champions and shaping generations of elite drivers. With the Chili Bowl just days away, Keith breaks down what it takes to prepare a powerhouse operation, how Keith Kunz Motorsports became synonymous with success, and why longevity in racing is built on people, process, and trust.

The conversation dives deep into the evolution of driver development, from microsprints and the Shootout to midget racing's biggest stages. Keith explains how young drivers are gaining experience earlier than ever, why events like the Shootout have become critical scouting grounds, and how programs like the KKM Giveback helped open doors for drivers who might never have had a shot. He also shares insight into the competitive relationship with Chad Boat, the growth of Toyota's grassroots involvement, and how modern racing pipelines are formed.

From Tony Stewart and Kyle Larson to Christopher Bell, Rico Abreu, Buddy Kofoid, and countless others, Keith reflects on the moments that defined each career before the rest of the world took notice. He reveals how elite talent is identified, why equipment and opportunity matter just as much as raw speed, and what separates drivers who make it from those who don't. This episode is a must-listen for dirt racing fans, Chili Bowl followers, and anyone interested in the real process behind building legends in motorsports.

🔥 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, the guys are joined by the 2025 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion, Devin "The Mailman" Moran. Devin breaks down his championship-winning season, from a fast start during Florida Speedweeks to a challenging midseason stretch and a dominant playoff run that sealed the title. He explains what changed behind the scenes, how consistency became the difference-maker, and why this season stands apart from his previous championship runs.

The conversation digs into the realities of racing for a national title, including on-track controversy, racing respect, and how thin the margin is when championships are decided at 100-plus miles per hour. Devin shares his perspective on the playoff format, racing against elite competition, and navigating moments that can define or derail a championship. The guys also touch on how different driving styles, track conditions, and late-season momentum all played a role in the final outcome.

Off the track, Devin opens up about the relationships that fuel his success. He talks about racing for car owner Roger Sellers, the importance of trust and chemistry within the team, and why his crew operates like a true family. The episode also covers life beyond racing, including marriage, preparing for fatherhood, and balancing the grind of a national tour with enjoying the journey. It's an honest, entertaining, and in-depth look at one of dirt racing's biggest champions, only on the Dirt Parlor.

🔥 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 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.