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. 5 DAYS AGO

    Brandon Sheppard Reveals the Strategy Behind Rocket1 Racing's Dominance [EPISODE 60] Part 2

    In Part 2 of this special Dirt Parlor Podcast episode, Brandon Sheppard joins Don Martin for an unforgettable conversation about racing at the highest level, rebuilding confidence, and returning Rocket1 Racing to victory lane. B-Shep shares what changed inside the team over the last year, how his relationship with crew chief Mark Richards evolved, and why trust and communication have been the biggest keys behind their recent success on the World of Outlaws Late Model tour. Brandon dives deep into his racing journey from growing up at legendary Illinois dirt tracks to becoming one of the biggest names in dirt late model racing. He reflects on the sacrifices his family made to keep him racing, the moment he got the life-changing call from Mark Richards, and how driving for Rocket1 transformed his career forever. The episode also features incredible behind-the-scenes stories about Summer Nationals racing, learning from racing legends, and what it really takes to compete against the best drivers in the country. Beyond the racetrack, B-Shep opens up about fatherhood, balancing family life with racing, and how becoming a dad changed his mindset both personally and professionally. This episode is packed with honest stories, racing insight, hilarious moments, and powerful reflections on perseverance, teamwork, and chasing greatness in dirt track racing. If you're a fan of dirt late models, the World of Outlaws, Rocket1 Racing, or grassroots racing culture, this is an episode you do not 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.

    1hr 18min
  2. 13 MAY

    Don and Gordy React to Sprint Car Racing's Latest News [EPISODE 60] Part 1

    In Episode 60 Part 1 of the Dirt Parlor Podcast, hosts Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker react to the biggest stories shaking up the sprint car racing world. From Kasey Kahne earning his emotional first World of Outlaws victory at Williams Grove to the intense battles between David Gravel and Sheldon Haudenschild, the guys break down one of the most exciting weeks dirt racing fans have seen all season. They discuss why Kahne's win meant so much to the racing community and why it instantly became one of the defining moments of the year. Don and Gordy also dive into the growing pressure facing sprint car teams as rising fuel costs, expensive tires, travel expenses, and sponsorship expectations continue impacting racers across the country. The conversation covers recent driver and team changes, the future of several sprint car programs, and what these financial challenges could mean for the rest of the season. The guys give honest insight into the business side of dirt racing that fans rarely get to hear. The episode also features reactions to the Brian Clauson Trophy race, rising stars like Joel Myers Jr., and previews for upcoming Fremont, Attica, and Eldora sprint car events. From hilarious moments and heated rivalries to emotional victories and behind-the-scenes racing talk, Dirt Parlor Episode 60 Part 1 is packed with everything sprint car racing fans need to stay caught up on the latest dirt racing news.   🔥 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.

    26 min
  3. 8 MAY

    Sprint Car Racing Stars Ryan Timms & Chase Dietz Reveal Their Winning Strategy [EPISODE 59]

    Knoxville Nationals champion Ryan Timms and Pennsylvania sprint car star Chase Dietz join the Dirt Parlor Podcast for a deep dive into what it takes to win in today's ultra-competitive sprint car racing world. From dominating performances at Knoxville and Lincoln Speedway to breaking down race strategy, confidence, and preparation, this episode gives fans an inside look at how top drivers stay ahead of the competition. Ryan opens up about his transition from bullrings to mastering half-mile tracks like Knoxville, the impact of working with elite teams, and how video analysis has helped sharpen his racecraft. Chase discusses his incredible run in Pennsylvania sprint car racing, building chemistry with his crew, and why adapting to different tracks and conditions is critical to staying competitive week after week. The conversation also covers driver coaching, race mentality, setup philosophy, learning from mistakes, and how modern sprint car racers use technology and film study to improve every lap. If you're a fan of dirt track racing, World of Outlaws competition, Knoxville Nationals action, or the mental side of motorsports, this episode is packed with insight from two of the hottest drivers in sprint car racing today.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs, 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.

    2h 12m
  4. 1 MAY

    Dirt Late Model Racing Life: Chris Simpson on Sponsors, Travel, and Winning [EPISODE 58]

    In this episode of the Dirt Parlor, the crew goes remote as storms roll through Missouri, bringing a laid-back, real-world vibe to the show. Joined by longtime racer and fan-favorite Chris Simpson, this conversation dives straight into the heart of dirt track racing, from Iowa roots to life on the road. Chris shares how growing up around legendary Midwest tracks shaped his career and why racing in familiar territory doesn't always guarantee an advantage. The episode goes deeper than racing results, exploring how the dirt racing scene has evolved over the years. Chris breaks down the shift from local weekly racing to a more travel-heavy schedule, the challenges of staying competitive, and how sponsorships have played a major role in sustaining his career. He also offers valuable insight for younger racers, emphasizing the importance of relationships, loyalty, and building genuine connections off the track. Beyond racing, this conversation highlights what truly matters. Chris opens up about balancing family life, raising kids, and supporting their athletic dreams while still chasing his own passion behind the wheel. From racing with his brother to now watching the next generation step in, this episode is a raw and honest look at the lifestyle, sacrifices, and freedom that come with dirt track racing at a high level.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs, 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.

    1hr 51min
  5. 17 APR

    Dirt Track Chaos: Pevely Carnage, Sprint Car Drama & Farmer City Showdowns [EPISODE 56]

    This week on the Dirt Parlor, it's all about breaking down one of the most intense weekends in dirt racing. From the high-speed chaos at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 to the packed action at Farmer City Raceway, the guys dive into the biggest moments, wild incidents, and standout performances across sprint cars and late models. The episode highlights the nonstop drama from Pevely, where tight racing, aggressive sliders, and multiple wrecks created one of the most talked-about events of the season. From controversial racing incidents to surprising struggles from top teams, the hosts break down how quickly things happen on track and why even the best drivers can get caught up in the chaos. On the late model side, Farmer City delivered exactly what fans expected, with a stacked field, fierce competition, and classic Illinois short track intensity. The guys also discuss rising teams finding their rhythm, the importance of momentum early in the season, and what this weekend means as the racing calendar heats up. If you love raw, unfiltered dirt racing talk, this episode is packed with it.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs, 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.

    1hr 14min
  6. 10 APR

    Champion Turned GM | How Levi Jones Balances Fans, Drivers & Racing Series at Eldora [EPISODE 55]

    In this episode of the Dirt Parlor Podcast, hosts sit down with five-time USAC Sprint Car Champion Levi Jones, now the General Manager of Eldora Speedway, the most iconic venue in dirt racing. Levi shares his journey from championship-winning driver to leading one of the most historic tracks in motorsports, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to manage massive events like the World 100 and King's Royal. Levi dives into the real challenges of running Eldora day-to-day, from balancing the needs of fans, drivers, and racing series to handling the pressure of hosting events with over 20,000 attendees. He opens up about leadership, decision-making, and how his experience working under Roger Penske and alongside Tony Stewart shaped his approach to building a world-class racing experience. This conversation is packed with insight into the business side of motorsports that fans rarely get to hear. Beyond operations, this episode captures the passion and emotion behind dirt racing. Levi reflects on the electric atmosphere of Eldora, the mindset of competitors chasing victory, and his mission to preserve the track's legacy while continuing to evolve it for future generations. If you love dirt racing, leadership stories, or the inner workings of major racing events, this is an episode you don't want to miss.  🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs, 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.

    1hr 16min
  7. 3 APR

    Derek "D-Suave" Kessinger on Dirt Racing & Summer Nationals Stories [EPISODE 54]

    In this episode of the Dirt Parlor, we sit down with Derek "Suave" Kessinger, one of the most recognizable personalities in dirt late model racing. From his early days discovering Dirt on Dirt to becoming a staple on the Summer Nationals tour, Suave shares how a late-night email and a little bit of luck launched a 13-year career in racing media. His journey is a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build trust, tell authentic stories, and become a fan favorite in one of racing's most passionate communities. Suave dives deep into the evolution of dirt racing, reflecting on the golden days of traveling the Summer Nationals, the camaraderie in the pits, and how the sport has shifted into a more professional era. He shares unforgettable moments with legends like Billy Moyer and Scott Bloomquist, stories from the road, and what made Dirt on Dirt such a powerful force in the racing world. If you love the culture, personalities, and raw energy of dirt track racing, this episode delivers it all. We also explore life after full-time racing media, as Suave talks about scaling back his schedule, focusing on family and business, and what races still bring him back today. From hilarious road stories to real insight into the sport's transformation, this conversation captures the heart of dirt late model racing through the eyes of someone who lived it every single day.   🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs, 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.

    1hr 34min

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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