Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast

Jim Booth
  • 5.0 (3)
  • AUTOMOTIVE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

An exploration of American stage rallying, its over 50 year history and the stories of those who made (and make) rallying in America so great.

  1. JAN 23

    Preston Osborne, Series Manager for the American Rally Association

    Welcome. This week, we are joined by Preston Osborne, who serves as the Series Manager for the American Rally Association (ARA). We begin our conversation by exploring Preston’s background, including how he first got involved in the world of rally racing. The discussion also touches on the history of O.D.D. Racing, providing additional insight into Preston’s journey. Our talk continues with Preston detailing his path to becoming the Series Director for the ARA. He shares the experiences and decisions that led to his current role within the organization. The primary focus of our discussion centers on the American Rally Association itself, its recent growth, and future prospects. We cover a wide range of topics. Enjoy. Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

    47 min

  2. JAN 15

    Mark Utecht

    Mark Utecht’s journey into motorsports began in Minnesota, where he worked next to a racetrack. One day, he heard the distinctive sound of cars participating in an autocross event. Captivated by the excitement, Mark decided to take the afternoon off work. He borrowed his girlfriend’s Dodge Omni and entered his very first autocross, marking the start of his involvement in competitive driving. Several years after his initial autocross experience, Mark attended a beer party. During the event, someone encouraged him, saying, “you need to be rallying.” This advice sparked Mark’s interest in rally and set him on a new path within the motorsports community. I learn about Mark’s rally career and we even talk whiskey for beginners. Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

    41 min

  3. 12/31/2025

    Michelle Miller of DirtFish

    This week’s guest is DirtFish instructor, rally driver, and co-driver, Michelle Miller. Michelle shares that her struggle with insomnia was the unexpected spark that ignited her passion for rally. During sleepless nights, she found herself watching SpeedVision, where her fascination with rally grew. This interest inspired her to try auto cross, allowing her to gain hands-on experience. Over time, her dedication and growing enthusiasm led her to meet someone from DirtFish and that connection opened the door to new opportunities for a professional path in instruction.  Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

    33 min

  4. 12/23/2025

    Rob Bohn & Rupert Berrington of Rally Colorado

    Rob Bohn and Rupert Berrington join me for a conversation about Rally Colorado. We cover their backgrounds and how they became involved as organizers of the event. Our discussion also touches on experiences like being hit in the head, the rally's history, and its upcoming designation as an ARA National event in 2026. Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

    35 min

  5. 12/16/2025

    Chris Allen of Chris, Creation Machine

    This week, I interview Chris Allen from Chris, Creation Machine, a very talented rally photographer. We discuss his journey into photography, his experience covering American rallies, and his knowledge of both American rally and WRC. Also, we both chat about the Climb to the Clouds Hillclimb coming back in 2026. Chris also works with Mitch Meadows of MeLe Media. This past year, Chris served as the still photographer for a gymkhana video featuring Patrick Gruszka and the Green A.P.U. rally car in Kentucky. A must watch if you haven’t yet. For more about Mitch Meadows, be sure to check out his episode from Season 2 and Episode 12. Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

    36 min

  6. 12/10/2025

    Rafael Ruiz of Subie & You! Podcast

    This week’s guest is Rafael Ruiz of the Subie & You! Podcast.  Subie & You! is the ultimate Subaru lover’s podcast. On his show, Rafael shares the stories and experiences of Subaru enthusiasts and brands within the Subaru community. Rafael talks about how the podcast started and has evolved into a well-produced, interesting listen.  We chat about his rally guests that have included Rhianon Gelsomino, Travis Pastrana, Bucky Lasek, Ethan Curtis, and Lance Smith. He has created over 200 episodes in his journey and offers his podcasting advice. We even talk about breakfast foods. Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

    36 min

  7. 12/03/2025

    Matt Gold of Drop A Gear Industries

    This week on Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast, my guest is Matt Gold from Drop A Gear Industries, the Gear Busters Podcast, and the Full Send Foundation. We discuss his work with American Veteran Racing Organization, his foundation’s support for teams and volunteers, his Vivio project car, and his visit to the Ken Block exhibition, and much more.  Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

    1h 1m

  8. 11/17/2025

    Chris Cyr of Team O'Neil

    This week I welcome Chris Cyr of Team O’Neil. At first, we chat a bit about our thoughts on podcasting before Chris takes us on his motorsports journey starting with attending his first rally at age 16. He then discusses how he tried to balance a career in business together with his rally dream. At one point Chris almost gave up on his rally dream but a tragic event that took place in the city where he was living made him take a chance and reach out to Tim O’Neil. He talks about how he was hired by Team O'Neil and how he helped the company create a stronger foundation and how he ultimately became a partner. We also discus Chris’ passion for competing, winning a championship and putting family first. Find out more about Team O'Neil at https://teamoneil.com/ Send us a text Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

    1h 15m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

An exploration of American stage rallying, its over 50 year history and the stories of those who made (and make) rallying in America so great.

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