The Dirt Parlor

World of Outlaw Champ David Gravel on the Kyle Larson Drama & Knoxville Heartbreak [EPISODE 61]

Back-to-back World of Outlaws champion David Gravel joins the Dirt Parlor Podcast to discuss sprint car racing at the highest level, chasing another championship, and the pressure of competing every night on the World of Outlaws tour. Gravel breaks down his dominant qualifying performances, the chemistry he's built with Big Game Motorsports and crew chief Cody Jacobs, and why consistency has become the key to winning races and championships in modern sprint car racing. David also opens up about the Knoxville Nationals, the heartbreaks and frustrations that come with sprint car racing's biggest event, and the mindset required to battle back from difficult nights. He shares stories from Eldora Speedway, explains his side of the heated incident with Kyle Larson, and talks about embracing the "villain" role among racing fans. From fan reactions to championship pressure, this episode gives a raw look into the mentality of one of dirt racing's top stars. The conversation also dives into Gravel's NASCAR opportunity with Jeff Gordon and Exalta, including his experience racing trucks for GMS Racing and how COVID impacted his stock car racing future. David explains how those opportunities changed his career path and ultimately helped shape his success with Big Game Motorsports. If you follow World of Outlaws sprint cars, Knoxville Nationals, Eldora Speedway, or dirt track racing, this episode is a must-listen. 🔥 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.