In this packed episode of The Pits Are Open, host Will Marotti breaks down the major business moves transforming motorsports. From the landmark $12 million to $13 million IndyCar charter sale that is reshaping entry into the sport to the ongoing debate over the future of NASCAR racing at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway Brickyard 400, Will delivers the unfiltered truth on where modern racing is headed.
Beyond the headlines, we dive into the rich history and practical realities of running race teams and preserving legendary tracks. Our guests share personal insights on everything from the grit required to operate independent prep shops to the grassroots movement fighting to save historic venues like the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.
Our Guests Today
Lee Anne Patterson
Lee Anne Patterson is a trailblazing motorsports executive with decades of experience spanning team ownership, series management, and public relations. Throughout her career, she managed prep shops running in IndyCar, Indy Lights, and Formula Atlantic, notably helping guide Sam Schmidt into IndyCar. Hired by Carroll Shelby as Series Director for the Dodge Shelby Pro Series, Lee Anne has done it all in racing and is also the author of the children's book The Trouble with Howard.
Greg Goodman
Greg Goodman is a lifelong racing enthusiast and national mortgage executive whose roots run deep in NASCAR history. His father, Benny Goodman, partnered with Bill France Sr. to build over a dozen race tracks across the South, including the historic Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. Today, Greg pilots Mario Andretti's former race car in Vintage Indy events and is actively working to preserve local short tracks for future generations.
Inside This Episode
00:00:28 - Welcome & How to Subscribe to The Pits Are Open
00:02:21 - IndyCar Charter Analysis: Dreyer Reinbold Purchase & Grid Expansion
00:08:32 - Brickyard 400 Review & NASCAR's Future at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
00:12:03 - Lee Anne Patterson: Breaking Into Motorsports at Sears Point
00:14:12 - Working with Carroll Shelby & Dodge Shelby Pro Series History
00:16:01 - Running an IndyCar Prep Shop & Guiding Sam Schmidt
00:23:40 - The Business of Racing & Grassroots Sponsorship Marketing
00:27:37 - The Trouble with Howard: Children's Book & Historic Skunk Story
00:32:27 - Greg Goodman: Owning & Driving Mario Andretti's Vintage IndyCar
00:41:13 - Benny Goodman, Bill France Sr. & The Golden Era of NASCAR Track Building
00:46:07 - Fighting to Save Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway & Short Track Racing
Sponsor & Social Blocks
This episode is brought to you by:
- Schaeffer Oil: https://www.schaefferoil.com
- SpeedSport: https://www.speedsport.com
- America’s Christian Credit Union: https://www.americaschristiancu.com/pits
- SVS Insiders: https://www.svsinsiders.com
- Redline Ace: https://www.redlineace.com
Connect with The Pits Are Open:
- Website: https://www.thepitsareopen.com
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#IndyCar #NASCAR #Motorsports #ThePitsAreOpen #WillMarotti #VintageIndy #SearsPoint #Brickyard400 #NashvilleFairgrounds #CarRacing
