Off-Road Racer Podcast JB15 Network

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with off-road vehicle fabricator and designer Morgan Clark. Morgan stands out in the fabrication scene because of his dedication to a supercar level of design finish work in his vehicles, stemming from his ‘form follows function’ philosophy. We talk about how he came to embody this philosophy, originally studying design, working through the fabrication industry, and eventually starting his own business. Morgan and I then dive into the importance of aesthetics in a vehicle, often seen in street cars, but often lost in off-road builds. Morgan then gives us some insight into his design process, and where he gets his inspiration. We also discuss how the art of design has progressed into the modern era, with computers taking over most of the design process, and lowering the barrier of entry for new designers and fabricators. Looking forward, Morgan talks about his future plans and builds, including a mid-engine, AWD Prerunner. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with Greg Cotrell, founder and CEO of Rugged Radios. We start the episode talking about Greg’s start in the communications business, and how he carved out a whole new industry in the off-road world. We talk about the significant effects Rugged Radios’ products have had on how people race and recreate off-road. Talking more about Greg himself, we talk about how his personal experiences have shaped his incredible work ethic, and how that work ethic permeates throughout the work culture at Rugged Radios; Specifically, Greg talks about his history in martial arts, and how that has cultivated an absolute ‘no quit’ attitude in him. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with Pearse Umlauf, CEO and President of Jeep Jamboree USA, a company that hosts 50+ off-road events a year, both domestically and internationally and has been instrumental in keeping the legendary Rubicon trail open for all to enjoy. Pearse and I discuss the company's history and its founder, Mark A. Smith, who was inducted into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1979. Coming into the present, we talk about some of the company’s current projects and the freedom the company maintains as a family-owned business. Pearse and I also talk a lot about the current state of the Jeeping community, focusing a lot on the constant battle to keep public land open to off-road vehicles, and how the release of the 4-door Wrangler has changed the Jeeping scene. Wrapping up, we talk about the effect off-roading has on your psyche and the importance of overcoming challenges. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with off-road champion and badass Sara Price. We talk about her off-road career starting in motocross, and how her experiences in motocross set her up to excel in every other racing discipline she has done since. We then talk about her most recent accomplishment, winning a stage and finishing the Dakar rally in 4th place. Making here the first American woman to win a stage in the SXS class. Sara talks through step-by-step her road to Dakar, from gathering sponsorships and funding to run the rally as an independent, to running the rally for the first time as an American. Sara and I talk about the difference between the rally format in Europe versus the American Off-Road racing format. We also talk about her experience as a female in the off-road racing culture, being a role-model for other women in the sport, and the advantages she has as a woman on the race course. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with off-road racer Dan Myers. The Myers family has been in off-road racing for decades, now spanning three generations. Dan talks about the significance of off-road racing for his family, and how they have stayed in it for so long. Dan also gives a unique perspective on the evolution of off-road from the perspective of being a second-generation off-road racer. We also discuss The Myer’s family business, Toyota of Escondido. Dan and I talk about the dealership’s involvement in action sports, being an avid sponsor of athletes in many disciplines, from surfing to motocross to MMA, and how these sponsorships have brought a lot of business for the dealership. We also discuss Dan’s conception of TE Motorsports, an aftermarket shop for Toyotas. Dan has been able to create a unique business model between TE Motorsports and Toyota of Escondido, pre-building trucks for the dealership, and providing a streamlined service for the customer. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with game-changing off-road builder Neal Mason. Neal and I talk about his history in off-road vehicle building, starting as a self-taught fabricator, and working his way all the way up to building his Mason All-Wheel Drive truck, the most advanced racing machine platform on the planet. We discuss his drive to be constantly developing and moving forward, his work ethic when tackling new projects and problems, and how these aspects of his character show in his builds. We also discuss the responsibilities a car builder has, building a safe truck that can handle the ultra-violent crashes we have seen in off-road racing. Neal then also teases at a new truck platform that he is working on, which he believes will be even better than his current AWD platform. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer