The Dirt Parlor

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.

On this episode of The Dirt Parlor, Don Martin welcomes sprint car star Carson Macedo, fresh off an electrifying fourth-place finish at the Knoxville Nationals. From starting on the front row against the best in the world to the relentless grind of the World of Outlaws tour, Carson takes us inside one of the most demanding weeks in all of racing and the mental and physical toughness it requires to perform at the top.

Carson opens up about a devastating off-season wakeboarding injury that left him with a fractured leg, a plate, and ten screws and how he fought his way back into the car in just six weeks. He talks about the setbacks, the small victories, and the determination to keep chasing wins even when far from 100%. His story is one of grit, resilience, and an unwavering love for the sport.

From the Macedo brothers' unforgettable back-to-back wins at Fremont and the Brad Doty Classic, to the heated late model rivalry between Bobby Pierce and Jonathan Davenport, and the latest in High Limit and Outlaws action, this episode blends personal triumph, big-race drama, and all the news fans crave. Whether you're a die-hard dirt track follower or just love a good comeback story, you won't want to miss this one.

🔥 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.

When sprint car driver Justin Sanders got the call to fill in for Aaron Reutzel, he was exhausted, running on fumes, and nearly backed out. But something told him not to hang up. In this episode of The Dirt Parlor, Justin shares the wild chain of events that led from a wrecked car in Washington to a last-minute flight and a shot behind the wheel of one of the fastest cars in the country at the biggest race of the year.

Justin opens up about the mental and physical toll of juggling a full-time shock business, building his own equipment, and still chasing big-time opportunities on the national stage. He dives into the pressure of adapting to Knoxville's high-speed surface, the steep learning curve of dialing in a car he barely knew, and how he had to re-learn everything he thought he knew about throttle control and car balance on the fly.

At the heart of the experience is an unlikely partnership with Aaron Reutzel former rival, now trusted mentor and crew chief. From mid-race adjustments to in-the-moment driving advice, Justin reveals how Aaron's support made all the difference. This episode is a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to seize a rare opportunity, overcome self-doubt, and go full-send on one of sprint car 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 Gordy Gundaker take you inside one of the most electric weekends in dirt racing. From locking into the Prairie Dirt Classic on Friday to navigating unpredictable weather and a packed house of passionate fans, Gordy shares the full story of a weekend where everything was on the line.

As the skies opened up and the schedule stretched into the early hours, Fairbury came alive under the lights. Don and Gordy relive the late-night racing, wild track conditions, and the intensity of a field stacked with talent. From pit strategy to emotional finishes, this was a weekend where every decision mattered.

It's more than just laps and results. It's about the atmosphere, the commitment, and the connection between the drivers and the dirt. If you've ever felt the magic of a late-night race with everything on the line, you'll want to hear this one.

🔥 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 Podcast, hosts Gordy Gundaker and Don Martin dive headfirst into one of the wildest weeks in dirt racing. From heart-pounding drama at Attica to emotional highs at Eldora, the duo recaps a stretch of races packed with jaw-dropping moments—both on and off the track. The guys share their thoughts on the scary wreck involving Caleb Henry, the leadership accountability shown by Brady Bacon, and the chaotic sequence of events that reshuffled the podium multiple times in just a matter of laps.

The highlight of the week? The Macedo brothers stealing headlines with back-to-back wins—Cole's emotional triumph followed by Carson's dominant night. Gordy and Don reflect on what it means to watch family succeed, offering a personal lens into the raw emotion of racing culture. With social media buzzing and fans rallying around the incredible footage and unforgettable finishes, this episode captures the true spirit of dirt track racing.

Joining the show is Matt Curl, promoter of Fairbury Speedway and Series Director for MARS, to preview one of the biggest dirt late model events of the year. Curl shares the behind-the-scenes preparation, history, and passion that have turned the Prairie Dirt Classic into a crown jewel of the sport. From muddy miracles to growing the Fairbury brand, Matt gives listeners a front-row seat to what it takes to run a world-class racing 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.