The Dirt Parlor

The Dirt Parlor
  • 5.0 (23)
  • Sports

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. 2d ago

    Iowa Speed Week: Return of Super Late Model Racing & Dirt Track's Biggest Events [EPISODE 71] PART 2

    Iowa is making a major comeback in super late model racing, and this part 2 episode of the Dirt Parlor Podcast goes behind the scenes of the massive Iowa Speed Week events bringing top dirt late model drivers, promoters, and fans together. Gordy Gundaker and Don Martin are joined by Jeff Hoker, Jerry Van Sickle of Marshalltown Speedway, Todd Staley of Mason City, and Ricky Kay to break down how this incredible stretch of racing came together and why Iowa is becoming a major destination for late model racing again. The group discusses the return of major late model racing in Iowa, including events at Marshalltown Speedway, Mason City, Maquoketa, and Oskaloosa, plus the involvement of Lucas Oil, World of Outlaws, FloRacing, DirtVision, and the Wild West Shootout. They explain how promoters and racing organizations worked together to create a points fund, keep national touring teams in Iowa, and build a schedule packed with high-paying races. The conversation also dives into the history of Iowa dirt racing and the resurgence of super late models across the state. Beyond the racing itself, this episode reveals what fans rarely see behind the scenes: racetrack preparation, weather challenges, promotion, sponsorship, fan experiences, and the work required to put on major dirt track events. The crew talks about preparing Iowa dirt tracks after heavy rain, creating full race-week experiences with concerts, car shows, kids zones and pit activities, and why passionate promoters and track workers are so important to the future of dirt racing. If you're a fan of dirt late models, super late models, Iowa racing, World of Outlaws, FloRacing, or grassroots dirt track racing, this is an episode you won't 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.

  2. 4d ago

    Dirt Racing Recap: Josh Rice's $75K Florence Win & Knoxville Nationals Preview [EPISODE 71] PART 1

    The Dirt Parlor is back with a full breakdown of one of the wildest weekends in dirt track racing, highlighted by Josh Rice's emotional $75,000 hometown victory at Florence Speedway. Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker break down the chaos, including the massive opening-lap crash, the controversial four-car invert, Dan Ebert's mechanical failure, the late-race battle with Devin Moran and JD, and the incredible reaction from the Florence crowd. The conversation also covers major sprint car storylines from the weekend, including Chris Windom earning his first World of Outlaws win with Jason Sides Motorsports, Logan Schuchart's impressive 55-lap Ironman 55 victory at Pevely, and the huge crowds and intense competition surrounding the 360 Nationals at Knoxville Raceway. The guys discuss Ryan Timms, Tyler Courtney, Gio Scelzi, Brian Clauson's legacy, and the rising talent making an impact in some of the biggest events in dirt racing. Then it's time to look ahead to the Knoxville Nationals, with Don and Gordy breaking down the drivers, teams, race cars, formats, and potential favorites heading into the biggest week of sprint car racing. From David Gravel, Ryan Timms and Rico Abreu to Donny Schatz, Gio Scelzi, Sheldon Haudenschild and Justin Peck, the guys discuss who has the speed to contend and why the Knoxville format could produce some major surprises. 🔥 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.

  3. Aug 7

    Terry McCarl on the Front Row Challenge, Knoxville Glory & Sprint Car Racing Evolution [EPISODE 70]

    Sprint car legend Terry McCarl joins the Dirt Parlor Podcast for an unforgettable conversation about one of dirt racing's most iconic events, the Front Row Challenge. Terry shares how his childhood dream of becoming a promoter turned into one of the sport's premier races, why creating an unforgettable fan experience matters just as much as the racing itself, and the stories behind the famous championship belt, the foot race, and the traditions that make the event unlike any other. The conversation also dives into Terry's incredible racing career, including his six consecutive Knoxville Raceway championships, unforgettable battles with stars like Kyle Larson, Corey Day, Donny Schatz, and Jack Hewitt, plus behind-the-scenes stories from some of the greatest moments in sprint car history. Terry reflects on growing up around racing, learning from legends, preserving the sport's traditions, and how technology, streaming, and sponsorship have transformed dirt racing over the decades. Whether you're a lifelong sprint car fan or discovering dirt racing for the first time, this episode is packed with racing history, hilarious stories, valuable insight, and heartfelt lessons about giving back to fans, inspiring the next generation, and keeping grassroots motorsports thriving. If you love Knoxville Raceway, the Front Row Challenge, World of Outlaws, High Limit Racing, or sprint car history, this is an episode you won't 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.

  4. Jul 31

    Gordy & Don React to Dirt Racing's Biggest Weekend Yet | PDC Breakdown [EPISODE 69] PART 2

    The Prairie Dirt Classic delivered another unforgettable weekend, and this episode of Dirt Parlor breaks down everything that made one of dirt racing's biggest events so special. Gordy Gundaker shares the incredible story behind his hard-earned top-10 finish after overcoming mechanical setbacks, last-minute engine repairs, and one of the toughest weeks of the season. From surviving a chaotic 100-lap feature to battling some of the best Late Model drivers in the country, Gordy gives listeners an inside look at what it takes to compete at one of the sport's premier Crown Jewel events. The conversation also dives into the unforgettable atmosphere at Fairbury Speedway, Brandon Sheppard's Prairie Dirt Classic victory, Rocket Chassis' return to the front, and why the PDC continues to be one of the most fan-friendly races in motorsports. Don Martin and Gordy discuss the incredible racing throughout the weekend, memorable moments from the charity auction and golf outing, and how events like the Prairie Dirt Classic continue to strengthen the dirt racing community while supporting important causes through the Shriners. To wrap up the show, the hosts look ahead to another massive week of racing with the USA Nationals at Cedar Lake, the Knoxville Nationals, Williams Grove, and Sprint Car racing's busiest stretch of the summer. They discuss record-breaking car counts across Late Models and Sprint Cars, the growing influence of NASCAR organizations in dirt racing, and why the sport is experiencing one of its strongest periods in years. If you're a fan of Late Models, Sprint Cars, Fairbury Speedway, or the biggest dirt racing events in America, this episode is packed with race analysis, behind-the-scenes stories, and everything you need before another huge weekend on the dirt.   🔥 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.

  5. Jul 30

    Gio Scelzi Reveals the Secrets Behind His High Limit Racing Success [EPISODE 69] PART 1

    Gio Scelzi joins the Dirt Parlor Podcast following the biggest victory of his career, breaking down his incredible $100,000 High Limit Racing win at Port Royal Speedway. Gio shares exactly how the race unfolded, what changed after the red flag, and how his team found the speed to beat one of the toughest sprint car fields in the country. He also explains why the win represents a major turning point for both himself and the new Spire Motorsports sprint car program. The conversation dives deep into Gio's racing journey, from growing up in California and becoming one of sprint car racing's brightest young stars to racing with the World of Outlaws, joining High Limit Racing, and building chemistry with crew chief Eric Prutzman. Gio opens up about the challenges of starting a brand-new team, adapting to new tracks, competing against stars like Rico Abreu, Tyler Courtney, Aaron Reutzel, Corey Day, and Kyle Larson, and why consistency has become the key to his success this season. Gio also previews his plans for the Knoxville Nationals, discusses the evolution of High Limit Racing, reflects on the relationships that helped shape his career, including Richard Marshall, Bernie Stuebgen, and his family, and shares behind-the-scenes stories from life on the road. If you're a fan of sprint car racing, High Limit Racing, World of Outlaws, or the Knoxville Nationals, this episode delivers an inside look at one of the sport's fastest-rising stars as he chases even bigger victories.   🔥 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.

  6. Jul 17

    Clinton Boyles on the Chili Bowl, Tulsa Shootout & FloRacing Behind the Scenes [EPISODE 68]

    Clinton Boyles has built one of the most unique careers in dirt racing. From competing in sprint cars and midgets to becoming a familiar voice on FloRacing's Chili Bowl and Tulsa Shootout broadcasts, Clinton has experienced nearly every side of the sport. Today, he's helping shape the future of racing by leading Kyle Larson's youth racing program, coaching Owen and Audrey Larson as they compete at the highest level of micro sprint and junior sprint racing. In this episode of the Dirt Parlor Podcast, Clinton shares how a phone call from Kyle Larson changed his career, what it's like building Team Larson from the ground up, and how he coaches two young drivers with completely different personalities. He explains what makes Owen and Audrey unique behind the wheel, the pressure that comes with carrying the Larson name, and why today's youth racers are more competitive than ever before. Clinton also takes listeners behind the scenes of his FloRacing broadcasting career, revealing how he became part of the Chili Bowl and Tulsa Shootout coverage while discussing the biggest changes in sprint car racing over the past decade. Whether you're a fan of Kyle Larson, Chili Bowl Nationals, FloRacing, Millbridge Speedway, or grassroots dirt racing, this episode delivers incredible stories, expert racing insight, and an exclusive look inside one of the sport's most respected racing families.   🔥 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.

  7. Jul 10

    Mike Hess Reveals What It Takes to Run High Limit Racing | Behind the Scenes [EPISODE 67]

    From directing one of sprint car racing's fastest-growing national series to helping shape the future of the sport, Mike Hess joins the Dirt Parlor Podcast for an inside look at what it takes to run High Limit Racing. Mike shares how he works alongside Brad Sweet, Kyle Larson, and the High Limit team to improve race nights, create a better fan experience, streamline event operations, and continue expanding sprint car racing into new markets across the country. The conversation dives deep into race-day operations, event scheduling, track preparation, support class decisions, and the philosophy behind keeping shows moving efficiently while delivering an unforgettable experience for fans and teams. Mike also discusses the challenges of growing a national touring series, balancing competition with the World of Outlaws, visiting new racetracks, and why fan engagement has become one of the biggest priorities in modern dirt racing. Mike also reflects on his own career as a successful midget racer, sharing stories from his early racing days, how he got started behind the wheel, and the experiences that ultimately led him to become one of the most respected race directors in sprint car racing today. Whether you're a longtime dirt racing fan or curious about what happens behind the scenes of High Limit Racing, this episode offers an exclusive look inside one of the sport's most influential organizations.   🔥 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.

  8. Jul 3

    Inside Jacob Denney's Rise at Keith Kunz Motorsports [EPISODE 66] PART 2

    In Part 2 of this exclusive conversation, Jacob Denney takes listeners inside his incredible journey with Keith Kunz Motorsports and explains what it takes to compete for one of the most successful teams in midget racing. Sitting down with Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker, Jacob discusses the pressure of driving elite equipment, earning the trust of Keith Kunz, and continuing to prove himself against the best dirt racers in the country. He also shares his experience preparing for marquee events like the BC39 and why every race is another opportunity to grow as a driver. Jacob reflects on his path from quarter midgets in Ohio to becoming one of the fastest-rising young talents in dirt racing. He talks about adapting to different racetracks, learning through sprint car competition, and developing the skills needed to become a complete race car driver. Along the way, he explains how consistency, confidence, and racing alongside top competitors have accelerated his development and fueled his ambitions of reaching the highest levels of motorsports. The episode also features an inside look at the current state of dirt racing, the competition within Keith Kunz Motorsports, and the lessons Jacob has learned from racing against some of the biggest names in the sport. Whether you're a fan of USAC midgets, sprint cars, late models, or grassroots dirt track racing, this episode delivers an honest look at one of racing's brightest young stars and the determination required to build a championship-caliber career.   🔥 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.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
23 Ratings

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!

Information

  • Creator
    The Dirt Parlor
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The Dirt Parlor

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