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.

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.