The Racing Writer's Podcast JB15 Network

Jade Avedisian is a name that you’re going to keep hearing about if you haven’t already. Avedisian is a dirt star who is beginning to transition into pavement racing, too. And with the attention comes interview requests, which she’s enjoying after one day hoping it would happen. Avedisian explains what that means; having NASCAR stars like Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell believe in her talent; having a calm and focused personality; understanding the balance of life with racing and being a teenager; what’s to come this year; expectations for going back and forth between dirt and pavement; working with a spotter for the first time; getting into racing at a young age but taking time to stick; the craziness of dirt racing; dirt racing helping pavement racing; what a lap is like behind the wheel of a dirt midget; the sensation of a flip or wild ride in a midget; the opportunity to run GR Cup this season; what the most thrilling thing about racing is for her and the accomplishment most proud of so far; how important it is to have a championship on her resume; the experience of doing ice racing; the desire to go Cup Series racing one day; where to watch her race and follow her online. 

Original music created by Tony Monge.

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It’s the second part of our conversation with Angie Skinner, and it’s chock-full of laughs. Skinner discusses the dynamic of ‘Skinner Roundup’ for SiriusXM NASCAR Radio as husband and wife; wanting to be involved more on the radio; thoughts on staying visible in the sport and asking for what you want; the misperceptions about the personalities of the Skinners; recalling the start of the Craftsman Truck Series; the story of how Mike got back into the Truck Series years later and the others who followed; tales of shady team owners, aligning with Toyota and racing with Bill Davis; rivalries and memories of Truck Series competition; what people should know about Angie Skinner.  

Original music created by Tony Monge.

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The view is different but the fun is still the same for Angie Skinner at the NASCAR racetrack. Skinner explains how she gets to mix business and pleasure on the road these days; goes in-depth on how the sport has evolved, including its merchandise; not being a typical driver’s wife and working hard to have her own identity; the jobs along the way and wanting to focus more on herself; striving to be creatively challenged but not pigeonholed; aiming to imitate Barbara Walters when looking at some upcoming projects. 

Original music created by Tony Monge.

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Kenny Lubanski is an old friend and our paths have crossed again in the racing world. We’re going in between the lanes of an NHRA drag racing as we learn what a co-starter is and the many responsibilities it entails; how to operate the Christmas tree; working his way into the position; the unique travel schedule and options; getting his start at Englishtown and persistently handing out a resume to break into the NHRA; being next to starting line blow-ups and massive incidents; having nerves of steel at the starting line; working on the track after a rain delay or incident; wearing rubber for days; why someone should experience a drag race at the racetrack.

Original music created by Tony Monge.

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Ray Evernham has a new book available and there is a lot to digest from its contents. Evernham went through moments seared into his memory; has a very specific title; going through the process of putting thoughts and emotions on paper; working through what to include and not include; leaving Hendrick Motorsports being a low point in his life; not wanting to celebrate the 1997 championship; the humor of introducing Rick Hendrick to the 24 team; digging harder into work when things get hard; the incident that put into perspective building race cars for other people; how long it took to get comfortable on the team radio; studying radio communication to manipulate others during a race; using the rulebook to his advantage and memories of conflicts with Bill France Jr.; the reception to the book with family; the arch of his friendship with Jeff Gordon; if the book will help educate many on Evernham being more than the 24 team.  

Original music created by Tony Monge.

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Kerry Tharp served as a member of the NASCAR communications team and is now the former president of Darlington Raceway. But that’s not his entire backstory. Tharp joins the show to discuss going through the transition of the sport moving on without him; not being completely retired; Darlington being a special area and racetrack; the opportunity to serve as track president and what makes a good track president; the evolution of the sport and NASCAR media center during his career; becoming comfortable with the drivers; navigating the tough situations; a Talladega Nights cameo; mentorship from the late Jim Hunter; taking a job in a sport he didn’t like; crossover between working in college sports and then NASCAR; having a different level of investment in the sport after retirement; reflecting on a fulfilling career. 

Original music created by Tony Monge.

Follow me here: https://linktr.ee/kellycrandall