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. 14 hr ago

    Terry McCarl on the Front Row Challenge, Knoxville Glory & Sprint Car Racing Evolution [EPISODE 70]

    Sprint car legend Terry McCarl joins the Dirt Parlor Podcast for an unforgettable conversation about one of dirt racing's most iconic events, the Front Row Challenge. Terry shares how his childhood dream of becoming a promoter turned into one of the sport's premier races, why creating an unforgettable fan experience matters just as much as the racing itself, and the stories behind the famous championship belt, the foot race, and the traditions that make the event unlike any other. The conversation also dives into Terry's incredible racing career, including his six consecutive Knoxville Raceway championships, unforgettable battles with stars like Kyle Larson, Corey Day, Donny Schatz, and Jack Hewitt, plus behind-the-scenes stories from some of the greatest moments in sprint car history. Terry reflects on growing up around racing, learning from legends, preserving the sport's traditions, and how technology, streaming, and sponsorship have transformed dirt racing over the decades. Whether you're a lifelong sprint car fan or discovering dirt racing for the first time, this episode is packed with racing history, hilarious stories, valuable insight, and heartfelt lessons about giving back to fans, inspiring the next generation, and keeping grassroots motorsports thriving. If you love Knoxville Raceway, the Front Row Challenge, World of Outlaws, High Limit Racing, or sprint car history, this is an episode you won't want to miss.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs, Dave Warren Powersports, Dirt Crew Chief, Hotrod Septic Treatment, Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging and FK Rod Ends for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

  2. 31 Jul

    Gordy & Don React to Dirt Racing's Biggest Weekend Yet | PDC Breakdown [EPISODE 69] PART 2

    The Prairie Dirt Classic delivered another unforgettable weekend, and this episode of Dirt Parlor breaks down everything that made one of dirt racing's biggest events so special. Gordy Gundaker shares the incredible story behind his hard-earned top-10 finish after overcoming mechanical setbacks, last-minute engine repairs, and one of the toughest weeks of the season. From surviving a chaotic 100-lap feature to battling some of the best Late Model drivers in the country, Gordy gives listeners an inside look at what it takes to compete at one of the sport's premier Crown Jewel events. The conversation also dives into the unforgettable atmosphere at Fairbury Speedway, Brandon Sheppard's Prairie Dirt Classic victory, Rocket Chassis' return to the front, and why the PDC continues to be one of the most fan-friendly races in motorsports. Don Martin and Gordy discuss the incredible racing throughout the weekend, memorable moments from the charity auction and golf outing, and how events like the Prairie Dirt Classic continue to strengthen the dirt racing community while supporting important causes through the Shriners. To wrap up the show, the hosts look ahead to another massive week of racing with the USA Nationals at Cedar Lake, the Knoxville Nationals, Williams Grove, and Sprint Car racing's busiest stretch of the summer. They discuss record-breaking car counts across Late Models and Sprint Cars, the growing influence of NASCAR organizations in dirt racing, and why the sport is experiencing one of its strongest periods in years. If you're a fan of Late Models, Sprint Cars, Fairbury Speedway, or the biggest dirt racing events in America, this episode is packed with race analysis, behind-the-scenes stories, and everything you need before another huge weekend on the dirt.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs, Dave Warren Powersports, Dirt Crew Chief, Hotrod Septic Treatment, Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging and FK Rod Ends for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

  3. 30 Jul

    Gio Scelzi Reveals the Secrets Behind His High Limit Racing Success [EPISODE 69] PART 1

    Gio Scelzi joins the Dirt Parlor Podcast following the biggest victory of his career, breaking down his incredible $100,000 High Limit Racing win at Port Royal Speedway. Gio shares exactly how the race unfolded, what changed after the red flag, and how his team found the speed to beat one of the toughest sprint car fields in the country. He also explains why the win represents a major turning point for both himself and the new Spire Motorsports sprint car program. The conversation dives deep into Gio's racing journey, from growing up in California and becoming one of sprint car racing's brightest young stars to racing with the World of Outlaws, joining High Limit Racing, and building chemistry with crew chief Eric Prutzman. Gio opens up about the challenges of starting a brand-new team, adapting to new tracks, competing against stars like Rico Abreu, Tyler Courtney, Aaron Reutzel, Corey Day, and Kyle Larson, and why consistency has become the key to his success this season. Gio also previews his plans for the Knoxville Nationals, discusses the evolution of High Limit Racing, reflects on the relationships that helped shape his career, including Richard Marshall, Bernie Stuebgen, and his family, and shares behind-the-scenes stories from life on the road. If you're a fan of sprint car racing, High Limit Racing, World of Outlaws, or the Knoxville Nationals, this episode delivers an inside look at one of the sport's fastest-rising stars as he chases even bigger victories.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs, Dave Warren Powersports, Dirt Crew Chief, Hotrod Septic Treatment, Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging and FK Rod Ends for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

  4. 17 Jul

    Clinton Boyles on the Chili Bowl, Tulsa Shootout & FloRacing Behind the Scenes [EPISODE 68]

    Clinton Boyles has built one of the most unique careers in dirt racing. From competing in sprint cars and midgets to becoming a familiar voice on FloRacing's Chili Bowl and Tulsa Shootout broadcasts, Clinton has experienced nearly every side of the sport. Today, he's helping shape the future of racing by leading Kyle Larson's youth racing program, coaching Owen and Audrey Larson as they compete at the highest level of micro sprint and junior sprint racing. In this episode of the Dirt Parlor Podcast, Clinton shares how a phone call from Kyle Larson changed his career, what it's like building Team Larson from the ground up, and how he coaches two young drivers with completely different personalities. He explains what makes Owen and Audrey unique behind the wheel, the pressure that comes with carrying the Larson name, and why today's youth racers are more competitive than ever before. Clinton also takes listeners behind the scenes of his FloRacing broadcasting career, revealing how he became part of the Chili Bowl and Tulsa Shootout coverage while discussing the biggest changes in sprint car racing over the past decade. Whether you're a fan of Kyle Larson, Chili Bowl Nationals, FloRacing, Millbridge Speedway, or grassroots dirt racing, this episode delivers incredible stories, expert racing insight, and an exclusive look inside one of the sport's most respected racing families.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs, Dave Warren Powersports, Dirt Crew Chief, Hotrod Septic Treatment, Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging and FK Rod Ends for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

  5. 10 Jul

    Mike Hess Reveals What It Takes to Run High Limit Racing | Behind the Scenes [EPISODE 67]

    From directing one of sprint car racing's fastest-growing national series to helping shape the future of the sport, Mike Hess joins the Dirt Parlor Podcast for an inside look at what it takes to run High Limit Racing. Mike shares how he works alongside Brad Sweet, Kyle Larson, and the High Limit team to improve race nights, create a better fan experience, streamline event operations, and continue expanding sprint car racing into new markets across the country. The conversation dives deep into race-day operations, event scheduling, track preparation, support class decisions, and the philosophy behind keeping shows moving efficiently while delivering an unforgettable experience for fans and teams. Mike also discusses the challenges of growing a national touring series, balancing competition with the World of Outlaws, visiting new racetracks, and why fan engagement has become one of the biggest priorities in modern dirt racing. Mike also reflects on his own career as a successful midget racer, sharing stories from his early racing days, how he got started behind the wheel, and the experiences that ultimately led him to become one of the most respected race directors in sprint car racing today. Whether you're a longtime dirt racing fan or curious about what happens behind the scenes of High Limit Racing, this episode offers an exclusive look inside one of the sport's most influential organizations.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs, Dave Warren Powersports, Dirt Crew Chief, Hotrod Septic Treatment, Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging and FK Rod Ends for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

  6. 3 Jul

    Inside Jacob Denney's Rise at Keith Kunz Motorsports [EPISODE 66] PART 2

    In Part 2 of this exclusive conversation, Jacob Denney takes listeners inside his incredible journey with Keith Kunz Motorsports and explains what it takes to compete for one of the most successful teams in midget racing. Sitting down with Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker, Jacob discusses the pressure of driving elite equipment, earning the trust of Keith Kunz, and continuing to prove himself against the best dirt racers in the country. He also shares his experience preparing for marquee events like the BC39 and why every race is another opportunity to grow as a driver. Jacob reflects on his path from quarter midgets in Ohio to becoming one of the fastest-rising young talents in dirt racing. He talks about adapting to different racetracks, learning through sprint car competition, and developing the skills needed to become a complete race car driver. Along the way, he explains how consistency, confidence, and racing alongside top competitors have accelerated his development and fueled his ambitions of reaching the highest levels of motorsports. The episode also features an inside look at the current state of dirt racing, the competition within Keith Kunz Motorsports, and the lessons Jacob has learned from racing against some of the biggest names in the sport. Whether you're a fan of USAC midgets, sprint cars, late models, or grassroots dirt track racing, this episode delivers an honest look at one of racing's brightest young stars and the determination required to build a championship-caliber career.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs, Dave Warren Powersports, Dirt Crew Chief, Hotrod Septic Treatment, Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging and FK Rod Ends for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

  7. 2 Jul

    World of Outlaws, High Limit Racing & Dirt Late Model Racing Weekly Recap [EPISODE 66] PART 1

    Welcome back to The Dirt Parlor Podcast, where we cover the biggest stories from the world of dirt racing. This episode dives into the latest action from the World of Outlaws, High Limit Racing, and the dirt late model scene as the busiest stretch of the racing season continues. We discuss the championship battle featuring Sheldon Haudenschild, Donny Schatz, David Gravel, Garrett Williamson, Anthony Macri's impressive return from injury, and the biggest headlines coming out of sprint car racing. We also break down Bobby Pierce's incredible five-race winning streak, the Firecracker at Lernerville Speedway, Summer Nationals rainouts, and the current state of dirt late model racing. Along the way, we share behind-the-scenes stories from life on the road, discuss the challenges teams face throughout the season, and analyze what separates championship-winning teams from the rest of the field. Plus, we preview the upcoming BC39, Knoxville Raceway, Deer Creek Speedway, Pennsylvania Speedweek, and several major races paying big money across the country. If you're a fan of dirt late models, sprint cars, World of Outlaws, High Limit Racing, or simply love hearing honest racing analysis from competitors living the sport every week, this episode is one you won't want to miss.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs, Dave Warren Powersports, Dirt Crew Chief, Hotrod Septic Treatment, Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging and FK Rod Ends for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

  8. 19 Jun

    Don O'Neal's Rise in the Golden Era of Dirt Racing & Hall of Fame Memories [EPISODE 65] PART 2

    Hall of Fame dirt late model driver Don O'Neal joins the Dirt Parlor Podcast to share the incredible story of his rise through one of the most competitive eras in dirt racing history. From the legendary battles at Brownstown Speedway to racing alongside icons like Billy Moyer, Scott Bloomquist, Jim Curry, and Bob Pierce, Don reflects on the golden era that helped shape modern dirt late model racing and the lessons learned along the way. Don takes listeners behind the scenes of his Hall of Fame career, sharing unforgettable stories about CJ Rayburn, the evolution of race cars, the rivalries that fueled competition, and the friendships that made the sport special. He also opens up about the differences between racing then and now, the changing culture of the pit area, and why respect among competitors was such an important part of the sport's foundation. The conversation also explores Don's proudest moments as a racer and father, including watching Hudson O'Neal carry on the family legacy at the highest levels of dirt late model racing. Packed with humor, racing history, and candid memories from one of the sport's most beloved drivers, this episode offers a rare look inside the career of "The Real Deal" Don O'Neal and the era that made him a legend.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs, Dave Warren Powersports, Dirt Crew Chief, Hotrod Septic Treatment, Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging and FK Rod Ends for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

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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