The Scene Vault Podcast

Slugger Labbe, who served as Kenny Irwin's first Winston Cup crew chief, joins co-hosts Rick Houston, Steve Waid and Jeffrey Baker to remember the promising young driver.

In this episode of The Scene Vault Podcast, we dive deep into the heartbreaking "Firestorm" era of the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season. We react to the tragic loss of Irwin at New Hampshire International Speedway—an event that, along with the loss of Adam Petty forever changed the sport.

Hear the raw, unfiltered perspective of crew chief Slugger Labbe, who opens up about the immense pressure placed on Irwin to become the "next" Jeff Gordon ... and to uphold the incredible success of Robert Yates Racing's legendary number 28 entry.

From his Rookie of the Year battle to his time at Robert Yates Racing and Team SABCO, we explore the talent that was lost too soon. Was the pressure too much? Did mechanical failure seal his fate? Join us as we remember a driver who had all the potential in the world.

In this episode, we cover:

The eerie similarities between the Kenny Irwin Jr. and Adam Petty accidents

Slugger Labbe's emotional recount of the 2000 season

The "stuck throttle" controversy at New Hampshire

The pressure of driving the #28 for Robert Yates after Davey Allison and Ernie Irvan

How these tragedies reshaped NASCAR safety forever

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In the summer of 2000, NASCAR faced one of its darkest periods. Just eight weeks after the loss of Adam Petty, the racing world was shattered again by the death of Kenny Irwin at the exact same track. In this episode of Firestorm: 2000-2001 -- The Years That Forever Changed NASCAR, we look back at the incredible talent, the intense pressure, and the tragic end of a driver who had been destined for greatness.

Kenny Irwin Jr. was a force of nature in the open-wheel ranks. A USAC standout who went head-to-head with Tony Stewart, Irwin was fast-tracked to the Winston Cup Series, tasked with filling the legendary seat of the #28 at Robert Yates Racing. From his Rookie of the Year battle to his move to Sabco Racing, Irwin's career was defined by raw speed and high expectations.

We explore the details of that fateful weekend at the track then known as New Hampshire International Speedway, the eerie similarities to Adam Petty's accident and the devastating impact it had on mentors like Johnny Vance and Bob East. This is the story of a rising star extinguished too soon and the wake-up call that eventually forced NASCAR history toward a safer future.

In this episode, we cover:

Kenny Irwin's dominance in USAC and his rivalry with Tony Stewart

The pressure of replacing Ernie Irvan in the #28 Texaco Havoline Ford

His transition to the #42 for Sabco Racing

The tragic accident at Loudon and the "stuck throttle" discussion

The emotional aftermath for the racing community

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He was the first fourth-generation athlete in professional sports history, carrying the most famous surname in NASCAR. But on a dark day in New Hampshire, the future of the Petty legacy—and the sport itself—was changed forever.

In this episode of Firestorm, we look back at the brief but bright career of Adam Petty. Known for his infectious youthful exuberance and that signature Petty smile, Adam carried the weight of a dynasty on his shoulders. We go beyond the highlights to explore his hopeful start and the gritty reality of his development in the Busch Series (NASCAR's number-two national series), where he fought to prove he was more than just a name.

We revisit the tragic events of May 12, 2000, at New Hampshire International Speedway. What began as a routine practice session ended in a heartbreak that shook the racing world to its core. But the story doesn't end in Turn 3.

We also uncover the lasting legacy left behind: how Kyle and Pattie Petty channeled their unimaginable grief into the establishment of the Victory Junction Gang Camp. It’s a story of loss, but also of how a family turned their darkest moment into a beacon of hope for thousands of children.

In this episode:

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In this powerful reaction episode to the first episode of Firestorm: 2000-2001 -- The Years That Forever Changed NASCAR, we revisit one of the most heartbreaking moments in NASCAR history ... the tragic loss of Adam Petty. Join hosts Rick Houston, Steve Waid and Tony Liberati as we discuss the events surrounding that fateful day at New Hampshire and explore the two-year period that forever changed safety in stock car racing.

What You Can Expect:

Deep Dive: A detailed look at the 2000 season and the "Firestorm" that engulfed the sport.

Personal Stories: Emotional memories and insights from those who knew Adam best.

Historical Context: Understanding how this tragedy sparked a revolution in driver safety.

Firestorm: An exclusive re-release of our acclaimed 10-episode series, now with new content and available in video format for the first time.

Don't miss the drop of this episode on Wednesday, February 18 ... the 25th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's fatal accident in the 2001 Daytona 500 ... and sure to check out the same-day release of the Firestorm debut. Subscribe to The Scene Vault to relive these and many other moments that defined racing history.

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Jeff Hammond, Darrell Waltrip's longtime crew chief and former Fox Sports commentator, makes his debut as co-host of The Scene Vault Podcast as we drop news of the upcoming re-release of the 10-episode docuseries Firestorm: 2000-2001 -- The Years That Forever Changed NASCAR.

Ben Leslie drops some bombshells when it comes to fuel cells and trick noses, one of which helped Mark Martin win the 2002 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte.

We then dig into the July 15, 1999 issue of Winston Cup Scene.

Jeff Burton wins for the third year in a row at New Hampshire, but it’s Tony Stewart who dominates the event until running out of gas with a couple of laps to go … and you just IMAGINE how well that went over with the fresh-faced rookie.

Dale Jarrett and Jeff Gordon have a last-lap run-in, which leads to a bit of a POST-RACE confrontation between the two future NASCAR Hall of Famers. Kenny Wallace gets a second-place finish, the best finish of his Winston Cup career. Mark Martin guts his way through a series of injuries he’d sustained at Daytona the week before to finish sixth.

We’ve got lug nuts … and talk of franchising … flying all over the place. Finally … a news story and host Rick Houston's column discuss Busch Series driver Jeff Krogh’s career-ending injury and the reaction of his friends and family to the mishap.

NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.

Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!

Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!

Please consider supporting this show via:

patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast

paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast

venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

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This week in the first of what will be three segments, Ben Leslie follows his older brother Tracy up the racing ladder, a path that led them from Michigan to the Busch Series.

Ben ends up begging Roush Racing’s Steve Hmiel and Robin Pemberton for a job and eventually lands a gig with the team in September 1994. Once there, he works with Roush drivers Ted Musgrave, Mark Martin and Johnny Benson.

We then dig into the September 29, 1994 issue of Winston Cup Scene.

Rusty Wallace dominates at Martinsville less than two weeks after one of the most important dates in the history of Winston Cup Scene.

Dale Earnhardt comes back from a couple of early-race spins to finish second, while Kenny Wallace captures the best showing of his Winston Cup career to that point.

Ernie Irvan surprises EVERYBODY by calling in to a legendary Charlotte radio show after surviving a near-fatal crash at Michigan the month before. There are feature stories on NASCAR memorabilia collector Wayne Keith … a news story about Travis Carter, Hut Stricklin and crew chief Pete Wright going their separate ways ... and early nominations for spots on the coveted Copenhagen/Skoal All Pro team.

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We’ve got fresh meat sitting in with us today … Penske Racing's own Jeffrey Baker. I sat down a while back with Jeffrey for the podcast … we haven’t run that interview yet … BUT … when we started talking about the third co-host, asking Jeffrey to be a part of all this was a no brainer.

This week in the second and final installment of our interview, Bobby Hutchens remembers the Dale Earnhardt he knew and Kevin Harvick’s emotional 2001 victory at Atlanta. He talks about leaving Richard Childress Racing, the loss of his wife to breast cancer and his son taking the family racing legacy … literally … around the world.

We then dig into the July 3, 1997 issue of Winston Cup Scene.

This issue includes a Photo Bio on the one and only Jeffrey Baker …

The greatest public-relations jingle in NASCAR history …

A treasure hunt at the shop that once housed Junior Johnson & Associates …

Jimmy Spencer … master Monopoly player …

And the greatest column in the history of motorsports journalism.

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In the first installment of what will be a two-part interview, Bobby Hutchens goes from Bowman Gray Stadium to North Carolina State University and then to Richard Childress Racing, where he helps change the culture on one of the sport’s most successful teams as a mechanical engineer.

Along with guest co-host Tony Liberati, we then dig into the April 22, 1993 issue of Winston Cup Scene.

Rusty Wallace wins at North Wilkesboro after which he does the Polish victory lap for the second race in a row, in memory of Alan Kulwicki.

Sterling Marlin dominates the first half of the event, while Jim Roper pays a visit to the track that weekend. There’s fallout about the announcement that Hooters would be ending its sponsorship of Alan Kulwicki Racing … and hope for the future after it’s announced that NASCAR would be racing at Indy for the first time the following year.

Finally … Ricky Rudd wants a word … or a pound of flesh … from Brett Bodine in the North Wilkesboro garage.

NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.

Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!

Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!

Please consider supporting this show via:

patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast

paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast

venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the second and final installment of our interview, Darrell Bryant wins at Darlington, this time with Lake Speed. He gets hung with the nickname the Professor after working with drivers early in their career and he joins the ranks of those who’ve had to personally buy tires because their teams are struggling financially. However, that particular team owner once wrote in his autobiography that he would’ve wanted Darrell Bryant right there next to him in a foxhole.

We then dig into the April 21, 1988 issue of Grand National Scene.

Dale Earnhardt gets black flagged as soon as that year’s spring North Wilkesboro race gets underway, but battles back to lead the most laps before seeing the victory slip away due to a leaky tire.

The win goes to Terry Labonte and hometown hero Junior Johnson, whose then-wife Flossie is featured in this issue. Rusty Wallace salvages a fourth-place finish despite getting banged up during a test, his CAR getting banged up during practice after his car's hood pins are left unfastened and getting a hot foot during the race itself.

Steve Waid’s commentary focuses on a recent incident between Harry Gant and Dave Marcis. Gary McCreadie has a column on team press kits … did we need ‘em or didn’t we? Finally, Dale Earnhardt discusses his feelings for driving on the highway versus the race track and his daughter Kelley gets HER drivers license.

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We’re going to try something a little different to start off the new year. In addition to the greatness that our listeners have come to expect from Rick Houston and Steve Waid each week, we’re going to have a THIRD voice in the mix as a co-host.

And that third voice is going to be a rotation of Tony Liberati, John Dodson, Jeff Hammond and Chris Powell.

This week, former driver and longtime crew chief Darrell Bryant takes us from Bowman Gray Stadium in 1951 to working with Buck Baker, Donnie Allison, Jim Paschal. He was there the night BOBBY Allison won that controversial race at Bowman Gray … and yes … he’s always thought Bobby should’ve received credit for the victory.

Darrell also remembers calling Terry Labonte to the first Winston Cup victory of his career and a garage-area scuffle with Morgan Shepherd.

We then dig into the August 13, 1981 issue of Grand National Scene.

Morgan Shepherd gets the heave-ho from team owner Cliff Stewart after a Talladega scuffle with Darrell Bryant.

Dale Earnhardt joins Richard Childress Racing for a trial run. Purolator leaves the Wood Brothers. And finally, there’s talk of two of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history becoming teammates … for one race, at least.

NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.

Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!

Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!

Please consider supporting this show via:

patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast

paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast

venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices