Checkers, Wreckers and What The Heckers

chadbeardenmusic
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Checkers, Wreckers and What the Heckers is your weekly pit stop for all things NASCAR—hosted by country music artist, content creator, and die-hard NASCAR super-fan Chad Bearden; Haas Factory Team VIP Coordinator (and owner of the best hair in NASCAR) Rick Kojan; and the fastest man in North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports’ own “Demon Deacon” Chris Justice. From photo finishes to full-blown wrecks, they break down the best, worst, and most shocking moments from each week on the track with humor, passion, and behind-the-scenes insight you won’t find anywhere else. Buckle up.

  1. Jul 18

    Episode 79: EchoPark(ing Lot) Speedway

    Episode 79: EchoPark(ing Lot) Speedway Was EchoPark Speedway a race… or just the world's fastest parking lot? This week on Checkers, Wreckers & What the Heckers, the guys break down one of the strangest weekends of the season, where rain, delays, strategy, and survival stole the spotlight. Was the race worth the wait, or did Mother Nature park the entire field? We aren't holding anything back. We also dive into: 🏆 Should the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship trophy be renamed in honor of Kyle Busch?🏁 NASCAR's major Daytona package changes—will less spoiler and less horsepower finally improve superspeedway racing?📈 The latest Bracket Challenge standings and who still has a shot.✅ Our Checkers, Wreckers & What the Heckers from both the O'Reilly Series and the NASCAR Cup Series.🎯 Call Your Shot returns as we make our picks for the next Cup race and see if anyone can finally gain some ground.Expect plenty of laughs, hot takes, debates, and the kind of racing conversation you won't find anywhere else. 🎙️ Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch the full episode right here. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and let us know in the comments—was EchoPark Speedway a great race... or just a really expensive parking lot?

    Episode 79: EchoPark(ing Lot) Speedway

  2. Jul 9

    Episode 78: Chicagoland: God Hates Us Racing in Chicago

    Episode 78: Chicagoland – God Hates Us Racing in Chicago NASCAR returned to Chicagoland Speedway, and what a weekend it was. From wild restarts and strategy calls to weather threatening to change everything, we're breaking down all the biggest storylines from NASCAR's return to one of the sport's most popular intermediate tracks. In Three Wide, we dive into NASCAR's decision to remove foam from the front and rear bumpers for the remaining short-track races at North Wilkesboro, Richmond, Bristol, and Martinsville. The goal? Make drivers think twice before using the chrome horn by increasing the likelihood of aerodynamic damage after contact. Will it improve the racing, or just create new problems? We also discuss the growing trend of Sunday Night Racing. With six races scheduled under the lights this season—including Atlanta this weekend—we debate whether the primetime starts are a win for television audiences or a headache for fans who have work Monday morning. Plus, we check in on the NASCAR In-Season Bracket Challenge and look at who still has a shot to take home the title. Finally, it's time for Call Your Shot as Chris, Rick, and Chad lock in their winners for Atlanta. Will they go with favorites like Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick, Chase Briscoe, Austin Cindric, Brad Keselowski, or Carson Hocevar? You'll have to tune in to find out. Join us for another episode full of race analysis, laughs, debates, and plenty of "What the Heckers?" moments as we recap NASCAR's return to Chicagoland Speedway in Episode 78: Chicagoland – God Hates Us Racing in Chicago.

    Episode 78: Chicagoland: God Hates Us Racing in Chicago

  3. Jul 3

    Episode 77: Hugh Middleton- Navy SEAL Commander. Actor. American Badass.

    🇺🇸 Episode 77: Hugh Middleton – Navy SEAL. Actor. American Badass. As America celebrates 250 years of freedom and another Fourth of July, we couldn't imagine a more fitting guest than former Navy SEAL Lieutenant Commander Hugh Middleton. From serving with elite SEAL Teams—including Naval Special Warfare Development Group—to protecting American interests around the world, leading high-level defense and security operations, and even appearing in Captain Phillips, House of Cards, and SGT. Will Gardner, Hugh has lived a life dedicated to service, sacrifice, and excellence. In this unforgettable conversation, Hugh shares incredible stories from his military career, the lessons that shaped him as a leader, his transition into the private sector and Hollywood, and what patriotism, courage, and service truly mean. It's a powerful episode filled with laughs, perspective, and an appreciation for the men and women who have defended our nation's freedoms. Happy Independence Day, and Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸 🎙️ Checkers, Wreckers & What the Heckers is available wherever you get your podcasts. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who loves America, motorsports, and incredible stories.

    Episode 77: Hugh Middleton- Navy SEAL Commander. Actor. American Badass.

  4. Jul 2

    Episode 76: Sonoma- King of the Road (Courses)

    Episode 76 takes us to the twists, turns, and chaos of Sonoma Raceway as the guys break down one of the most entertaining road course weekends of the season. Chad, Rick, and Chris kick things off with a Three Wide discussion featuring a bracket challenge update and Fourth of July cookout talk before diving into Checkers, Wreckers, and What the Heckers from both the O'Reilly Series and NASCAR Cup Series races. Then it's time to Call Your Shot as the hosts make their picks for the upcoming race and debate who has what it takes to conquer NASCAR's toughest road courses. Whether you're here for the racing analysis, the laughs, or the friendly trash talk, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

    Episode 76: Sonoma- King of the Road (Courses)

  5. Jun 25

    Episode 75: Gabe Walsh- Goodyears

    Episode 75: Gabe Walsh – Goodyears After more than a decade of grinding it out in Nashville, country artist Gabe Walsh is finally seeing the hard work pay off. From his small-town Kansas roots to earning recognition as an emerging voice in country music, Gabe joins us for an honest conversation about perseverance, songwriting, and the stories behind his newest single, "Goodyears." The song blends family, nostalgia, and a love of racing into a heartfelt anthem that resonates with country music and NASCAR fans alike.  In this episode we dive into:🏁 The inspiration behind "Goodyears"🎶 His 13-year journey chasing the dream in Nashville🎸 Life as a touring artist and songwriter🏡 Growing up in small-town Kansas and how it shaped his music🔥 What it takes to keep believing when success doesn't come overnight🚗 Why country music and racing culture fit together so naturally🎤 What's next as he begins this exciting new chapter in his career Whether you're a country music fan, a NASCAR enthusiast, or someone chasing a dream of your own, this conversation is packed with stories, laughs, and inspiration you won't want to miss. 👍 Like the video, subscribe, and leave a comment telling us your favorite Gabe Walsh song! #CountryMusic #Nashville #GabeWalsh #NASCAR #Goodyears #Podcast #CountryArtist #Racing #CheckersWreckersWhatTheHeckers

    Episode 75: Gabe Walsh- Goodyears

  6. Jun 24

    Episode 74: Naval Base Coronado- Anchors Away!

    ⚓️ Episode 74: Naval Base Coronado – Anchors Away! 🏁 This week, Chad Bearden, Rick Kojan, and Chris Justice break down the latest NASCAR action, discuss Season 2 of RISING featuring Carson Hocevar, Connor Zilisch, and Butterbean Queen, play a round of Fine Wine or Sour Grapes, and reveal their picks for the NASCAR In-Season Bracket Challenge. Plus, it's time for Checkers, Wreckers and What the Heckers from the Truck, O'Reilly, and Cup Series before the guys make their Call Your Shot predictions for Sonoma. Who will sail away with the win? Tune in and find out! #NASCAR #NavalBaseCoronado #CheckersWreckersWhatTheHeckers #ShaneVanGisbergen #RacingPodcast

    Episode 74: Naval Base Coronado- Anchors Away!

  7. Jun 19

    Episode 73: Austin Green- Who I Am

    This week on Checkers, Wreckers & What the Heckers, we're joined by one of NASCAR’s rising stars, Austin Green. The driver of the No. 87 Chevrolet for Peterson Racing sits down with the crew for his most personal conversation yet. Instead of focusing only on race results and statistics, Austin opens up about who he is away from the racetrack, the lessons he's learned growing up in one of NASCAR's most respected racing families, and the journey that has shaped him into the driver and person he is today.  As the son of former NASCAR champion David Green and a member of a family with deep roots in the sport, Austin discusses the pressure and privilege that come with carrying the Green name. He shares stories from his childhood, his path through Legends, Late Models, Trans-Am competition, and his transition into full-time NASCAR competition with Peterson Racing.  The guys also dive into Austin’s goals for the future, the sacrifices it takes to chase a racing dream, the people who have impacted his career, and what fans may not know about him outside the helmet. From racing heritage to personal growth, this episode gives listeners an inside look at the man behind the wheel. If you've followed Austin's career, you'll learn something new. If you're meeting him for the first time, you'll quickly understand why many believe his best days are still ahead.

    Episode 73: Austin Green- Who I Am

  8. Jun 18

    Episode 72: Pocono- Eating My Words

    Episode 72: Pocono – Eating My Words This week on Checkers, Wreckers and What the Heckers, the guys return from Pocono with plenty to discuss—and a few predictions they'd like to take back. Chad, Rick, and Chris break down all the action from the Tricky Triangle, including Denny Hamlin adding another victory to his impressive Pocono résumé, the biggest surprises of the weekend, and the moments that left fans scratching their heads. Along the way, the hosts revisit some pre-race opinions that didn't exactly survive the weekend, leading to this week's theme: Eating My Words. In Three Wide, the crew discusses Jesse Love officially being named the future driver of the legendary Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 Ford and what the pairing could mean for both sides moving forward. They also examine TNT's addition of seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson to its In-Season Challenge coverage alongside longtime friend Marty Smith and what that means for NASCAR broadcasts going forward. Plus, it's another round of Checkers, Wreckers and What the Heckers as the guys hand out praise, criticism, and confusion from both the O'Reilly Series and Cup Series weekends. Then it's time to Call Your Shot as the hosts make their picks for NASCAR's upcoming trip to San Diego and debate who has the best chance to find victory lane. Who impressed? Who disappointed? And whose predictions ended up looking the worst after Pocono?

    Episode 72: Pocono- Eating My Words
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About

Checkers, Wreckers and What the Heckers is your weekly pit stop for all things NASCAR—hosted by country music artist, content creator, and die-hard NASCAR super-fan Chad Bearden; Haas Factory Team VIP Coordinator (and owner of the best hair in NASCAR) Rick Kojan; and the fastest man in North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports’ own “Demon Deacon” Chris Justice. From photo finishes to full-blown wrecks, they break down the best, worst, and most shocking moments from each week on the track with humor, passion, and behind-the-scenes insight you won’t find anywhere else. Buckle up.

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