The Dirt Parlor

The Dirt Parlor

The Dirt Parlor is "The Voice of the Industry"! Coverage for Dirt Racing across the country including Late Models, Sprint Cars, Midgets, and more! The Dirt Parlor is more than just 2 guys talking racing. We are going to have special guests such as National Touring Racers, Regional Racers, Sponsors, Promoters, Crew Chiefs, Series Directors, and most importantly the Legends who built our sport to what it is today. The two hosts, Gordy Gundaker and Don Martin, have been part of dirt racing for numerous years in their own different ways. Gordy, a dirt late model racer, who's family owns and operates Tri City Speedway has 15 years of Late Model racing under his belt. His character and personality speak for itself. He has a passion for the sport and is not afraid to tell you what is on his mind. Don Martin, who was a columnist for Dirt Racing for 30 years, has seen and been to it all. Along the way he has built relationships with Drivers, Team Owners, Promoters, and more. When it comes to knowledge of everything dirt racing, there is no one better than the Warden himself!

  1. 26/12/2025

    Built for the Big Stage: Brice Shaid and the Pressure of the Shootout [EPISODE 40]

    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.

    1hr 1min
  2. 15/08/2025

    Chasing Knoxville Glory with Carson Macedo [EPISODE 21]

    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.

    1hr 13min
  3. 08/08/2025

    Thrown Into the Fire: Justin Sanders' Last-Minute Shot at Knoxville Glory [EPISODE 20]

    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.

    1hr 20min
  4. 18/07/2025

    Mark Richards on Chassis Innovation, Tire Troubles, and the Heart of Dirt Racing [EPISODE 17]

    In this episode of The Dirt Parlor Podcast, we sit down with a true legend and pioneer of the sport — Mark Richards, owner of Rocket Chassis. Mark opens up about the challenges and triumphs of the 2024 season, including the return of Brandon Sheppard to the Rocket fold and how the team is working to find the right balance in their car setups. From adjusting to changing track conditions to navigating the unique needs of different drivers, Mark shares deep insights into what it takes to stay competitive at the top level of dirt late model racing. Mark also offers his thoughts on the evolving tire landscape, the ongoing issues with unexpected flats, and how recent tire rule changes have shifted the way teams approach race preparation. He and the crew discuss how tire performance has affected race strategy, driver feedback, and car development. It's a candid, behind-the-scenes look into the technical side of racing that fans rarely get to hear.  Beyond the tech talk, Mark reflects on the culture of the sport — the respect among top-tier drivers, the importance of clean racing, and the value of having a dedicated, long-standing crew. With over a decade of team chemistry and shared passion, the Rocket Chassis operation remains one of the most respected in the country. Tune in for a thoughtful and passionate conversation about racing, teamwork, and what keeps one of dirt racing's icons coming back to the track year after year.  🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels and Checkered Customs for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

    1hr 40min
  5. 11/07/2025

    Kendra Jacobs on Racing, Reinvention, and the High Limit Rise [EPISODE 16]

    In this episode of The Dirt Parlor Podcast, Don and Gordy sit down with Kendra Jacobs—Marketing Director of the High Limit Racing Series—for an inspiring look at the evolution of sprint car racing and her pivotal role in it. With roots deeply planted in the sport thanks to her legendary father Jack Hewitt, Kendra shares stories of growing up around the track, the unexpected path that led her into motorsports marketing, and why she believes we're in a golden era for dirt racing. Kendra opens up about her early disinterest in racing, how a chance experience at a Cleveland CART race opened her eyes to the business side of motorsports, and the journey that took her from NASCAR and Wing Nation to becoming a trailblazing voice in sprint car promotion. She reflects on the growth of opportunities in the sport—not just for drivers, but for professionals across the board, especially women—and how streaming and major broadcast partnerships are reshaping what's possible. The conversation dives into the upcoming FS1 live event and why it represents more than just a race—it's a cultural moment for the dirt racing community. Kendra shares her vision for bringing fans to the track, the importance of creating a true event atmosphere, and how stars like Tony Stewart and Kyle Larson helped elevate the sport's profile. Whether you're a longtime sprint car fan or new to the world of dirt, this episode captures the passion, progress, and personality that keep racing alive.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels and Checkered Customs for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

    1hr 35min
  6. 23/05/2025

    Behind the Streaming: Michael Rigsby & Jeff Hoker on the Business of Dirt Racing [EPISODE 9]

    In this powerhouse episode of The Dirt Parlor Podcast, hosts Gordy and Don sit down with two of dirt racing's most influential voices—Michael Rigsby, the visionary behind Dirt on Dirt and key figure at FloRacing, and Jeff Hoker, the force behind Hoker Trucking and a major backer of elite late model drivers. Together, they unpack the changing landscape of dirt racing, diving into streaming's rise, the money it brings, and the questions it raises. Streaming has transformed the sport, but has it done more harm than good? Rigsby opens up about his mission to put dirt racing on the map, tracing his journey from humble beginnings with a camcorder in a personal vehicle to pioneering one of the most influential platforms in motorsports media. Hoker offers the sponsor and promoter perspective, weighing in on what's working, what's not, and what needs to change to keep the sport thriving for racers and fans alike. With decades of experience between them, Rigsby and Hoker don't shy away from the tough stuff addressing the rumors, the criticism, and the realities behind who benefits most from streaming deals. It's raw, honest, and essential listening for anyone who loves racing. This is The Dirt Parlor at its best: real talk, big insights, and conversations that matter. 🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny and Checkered Customs for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

    1hr 34min
  7. 11/04/2025

    Weathering the Storm & Winning Streaks: The Realities of Dirt Racing [EPISODE 3]

    On this episode of The Dirt Parlor, Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker dive into the highs and lows of the past race weekend. With rainouts hitting hard across the region, they take time to spotlight the devastating impact on tracks like Paducah and Portsmouth and the ripple effects felt by promoters, crews, and fans. It's a tough reminder of how unpredictable and unforgiving this sport can be. But while Mother Nature shut down much of the action, Lincoln Speedway delivered big time. Anthony Macri showed up and showed out with another win, making it clear the 39M is finding its groove again. Don and Gordy break down what's clicking with Macri's team and why confidence behind the wheel can turn a good driver into a dominant one. The episode wraps with a real conversation about formats, fairness, and frustration. From pill draws to qualifying cutoffs, Gordy shares what it's like to be on the wrong end of a draw and why some changes could make racing better for everyone involved. It's honest, insightful, and everything you love about The Dirt Parlor. Stay till the end to hear Gordy and Don "The Warden" Martin's picks for this weekend's races! 🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny and Checkered Customs for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

    1hr 23min

About

The Dirt Parlor is "The Voice of the Industry"! Coverage for Dirt Racing across the country including Late Models, Sprint Cars, Midgets, and more! The Dirt Parlor is more than just 2 guys talking racing. We are going to have special guests such as National Touring Racers, Regional Racers, Sponsors, Promoters, Crew Chiefs, Series Directors, and most importantly the Legends who built our sport to what it is today. The two hosts, Gordy Gundaker and Don Martin, have been part of dirt racing for numerous years in their own different ways. Gordy, a dirt late model racer, who's family owns and operates Tri City Speedway has 15 years of Late Model racing under his belt. His character and personality speak for itself. He has a passion for the sport and is not afraid to tell you what is on his mind. Don Martin, who was a columnist for Dirt Racing for 30 years, has seen and been to it all. Along the way he has built relationships with Drivers, Team Owners, Promoters, and more. When it comes to knowledge of everything dirt racing, there is no one better than the Warden himself!

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