Off-Road Racer Podcast JB15 Network

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with vehicle fabricator and Trophykart founder Nestor Beradi. We start the episode talking about Trophykart and its origins, how the first karts were built, and how they opened the door for youth racing. We then talk about Nestor’s introduction to off-road vehicle building, originally starting with aircraft and RC car fabrication. Coming to the present, Nestor talks about his most recent venture, Xtravel suspension, a new 5-link suspension system that has distinct advantages over the traditional A-arm system. 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 Dave Clark, an incredible fabricator and vehicle builder. Dave Clark has a lengthy history working with the best in our sport. Early on, he worked for the legendary Nye Frank, who together built some of the most dominant cars in our sport, such as Rob Mac’s air suspension Pro 4, a car so dominant it was eventually banned. Dave would then go on to be a part of Glenn Harris’ Mazda Team, Stronghold Motorsports, and now works for the Vildósolas. We discuss Dave’s extensive history and accomplishments, and Dave’s philosophies as a fabrication engineer; We talk about Dave’s endless curiosity, and his obsession with data collection and analysis as a means of innovation. 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 legendary fabricator Craig Stewart. Craig Stewart, son of the legendary Ivan “Ironman” Stewart, had a very early introduction into the world of off-road. From a very early age Craig was building cars with his father and worked for the great Johnny Johnson building and maintaining off-road race vehicles. Craig did incredible work there, sharpening his skills becoming a very skilled fabricator. With these skills, Craig would go on to create a whole new genre of off-road vehicle, the ‘luxury prerunner’. Craig’s prerunners are used by the biggest names in our sport, like the McMillins, the Menzies, TSCO Racing, and more. Craig’s level of craftsmanship and attention to detail has also led to work outside of the vehicle building world, fabricating installations for the Rosa Parks Metro Station, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, to name a few. We talk about Craig’s entire history, his design philosophies, inspirations and more. 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 my business partner and cousin Kilian Hamlin. We start the episode talking about Kilian’s accidental start in off-road. Kilian planned on visiting California for a concert, and ended up staying for the next 15 years, pursuing a career in off-road media and event promotion. Moving up to the present, we talk about the current state of the Mint 400, both as a race and as a spectated and sponsored event, and give some insight into the inner-workings of the events we put on. We then talk about our future plans as an off-road racing series, putting on more events in the future, and how we plan to increase the production value of our current events moving forward. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, My Brother and partner Josh Martelli returns to the podcast to talk about his recent appointment to the California BLM Desert District Advisory Council (DAC). This council advises and gives recommendations to the BLM office, on issues such as fire management, land use planning, and what we are obviously interested in, off-highway vehicle use. This appointment is essentially a seat at the table, with direct communication with the BLM offices, to make sure our voice as off-roaders is heard, and another part of the effort to keep land open for OHV use. Josh and I also talks about other efforts going on right now, from organizations like Tread Lightly and the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), and the clean-up events we host at our own races. 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 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.