Mid America Dirt Podcast

Raymond Merrill on Racing, Business and Building a Winning Tem

41 min · 3 de jun de 2026
Portada del episodio Raymond Merrill on Racing, Business and Building a Winning Tem

Descripción

summary In this in-depth interview, Raymond Merrill shares his journey from growing up in a racing town to competing at high levels in dirt track racing. He discusses the importance of equipment, team dynamics, and his involvement in the bonding industry, offering valuable insights for aspiring racers and industry enthusiasts. racing, dirt track, racing industry, team dynamics, equipment setup, bonding industry, Oklahoma racing, race car setup, racing history, mentorship key topics Raymond Merrill's racing origins and influences The importance of equipment and team in racing success Balancing racing with business ventures in bonding and real estate The impact of mentorship and community involvement in racing Insights into the racing industry and future events Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Racing Passion 03:03 Early Racing Experiences and Influences 06:00 Transitioning to Late Models and Key Relationships 08:52 The Importance of Equipment and Team Dynamics 12:03 Returning to Racing After Breaks 14:46 The Role of Equipment in Racing Success 17:30 Reflections on Racing Community and Legends 24:32 Racing Legends and Personal Heroes 25:33 The Itch to Race Again 28:45 The Evolution of Bonding Business 29:34 Starting a Bonding Company 31:28 The Changing Landscape of Bonding 35:23 Reading People and Trust in Business 38:18 Giving Back to the Community

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episode Ava Cannady Is Chasing Dirt Racing's Biggest Dreams! artwork

Ava Cannady Is Chasing Dirt Racing's Biggest Dreams!

Join Skip Garland as he talks with Ava Cannady, a passionate young race car driver from Louisiana, about her journey in motorsports, her favorite tracks, and future ambitions. Discover her tips for aspiring racers and her experiences traveling and competing across the racing scene. #fyp #automobile #motorsport #race #racing #racecar #racecardriver #girlracer #dirttrackracing #dirtracing In this episode:Discover Ava's background and how she got started in racing despite no family history in the sportInsights into the heat and safety gear used during race conditionsAva shares her recent race wins and her favorite track, Super B Speedway in LouisianaDiscussing the differences between track sizes and the impact on racing stylesUpcoming plans to advance into factory stock and potentially late model racingThe importance of support, sponsorship, and advice for young racersMentions of notable drivers like Bobby Pierce and Bill Frye, and their influenceTravel goals and aspirations to race in famous tracks like Eldora and ArrowheadSharing her passion for mud riding and alternative motorsportsEngaging with fans and the significance of autograph sessions and hero cardsFuture plans include building a new race car and pursuing more sponsorshipsTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Ava Cannady and her racing background02:11 - Location and details about Super B Speedway in Louisiana03:07 - Track size and comparisons with other racing venues04:26 - Ava's family background and how she developed her passion for racing05:13 - Her start in tuner classes and progression through racing series06:07 - Advice for young racers starting out in motorsports07:07 - The support system and involvement of her father as crew chief08:13 - Future plans to move into factory stock and late model racing09:43 - Aspirations to race a sprint car and travel for competitions11:35 - Experience with racing outside Louisiana and attending major events like Eldora14:54 - Hobbies like mud riding and other motorsports activities15:03 - Influences from drivers like Bobby Pierce and Billy Moyer16:10 - Notable late model racers like Bill Frye and regional favorites17:10 - The allure of race tracks and the racing community18:56 - Building and preparing her new race car for next season20:36 - Competing in the Bayou Dirt Life points and recent race disqualification23:14 - Upcoming race events at Chatham and local tracks23:50 - Sponsorship shout-outs and supporter appreciation24:47 - How fans and followers can connect with Ava on social mediaCar photo credit: Best Photography

6 de jun de 202623 min
episode Raymond Merrill on Racing, Business and Building a Winning Tem artwork

Raymond Merrill on Racing, Business and Building a Winning Tem

summary In this in-depth interview, Raymond Merrill shares his journey from growing up in a racing town to competing at high levels in dirt track racing. He discusses the importance of equipment, team dynamics, and his involvement in the bonding industry, offering valuable insights for aspiring racers and industry enthusiasts. racing, dirt track, racing industry, team dynamics, equipment setup, bonding industry, Oklahoma racing, race car setup, racing history, mentorship key topics Raymond Merrill's racing origins and influences The importance of equipment and team in racing success Balancing racing with business ventures in bonding and real estate The impact of mentorship and community involvement in racing Insights into the racing industry and future events Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Racing Passion 03:03 Early Racing Experiences and Influences 06:00 Transitioning to Late Models and Key Relationships 08:52 The Importance of Equipment and Team Dynamics 12:03 Returning to Racing After Breaks 14:46 The Role of Equipment in Racing Success 17:30 Reflections on Racing Community and Legends 24:32 Racing Legends and Personal Heroes 25:33 The Itch to Race Again 28:45 The Evolution of Bonding Business 29:34 Starting a Bonding Company 31:28 The Changing Landscape of Bonding 35:23 Reading People and Trust in Business 38:18 Giving Back to the Community

3 de jun de 202641 min
episode Racing Isn't Just Driving| G.R. Smith on Family, Money, & Making it Work artwork

Racing Isn't Just Driving| G.R. Smith on Family, Money, & Making it Work

racing, family, late models, big block modifieds, ARCA, Drake Troutman, Chili Bowl, team ownership, financial aspects, motorsportsSummaryIn this conversation, GR Smith shares his journey from growing up in a racing family to becoming a team owner and driver. He discusses the physical demands of racing, the transition from hockey to motorsports, and the evolution of racing technology. GR highlights the importance of family in racing, his partnership with rising star Drake Troutman, and the financial realities of running a racing team. The conversation also touches on the prestigious Chili Bowl event and the significance of community and support in the racing world. #fyp #podcast #podcasting #dirttrackracing #dirttrack #racing #racetrack #racecar #automobile #motorsport TakeawaysRacing is a physically demanding sport that requires immense dedication.Growing up in a racing family shapes one's passion for the sport.Hockey played a significant role in GR Smith's early life alongside racing.Transitioning from modifieds to late models is a common path for racers.The evolution of racing technology has changed how races are run today.ARCA racing offers unique challenges and experiences for drivers.Team ownership involves significant financial investment and management.Drake Troutman is a rising star in the racing world and a key part of GR's team.The Chili Bowl is a prestigious event that many racers aspire to participate in.Family involvement in racing creates a supportive and enriching environment.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Racing and Personal Experiences03:00 Growing Up in a Racing Family05:33 The Intersection of Hockey and Racing08:40 Transitioning from Hockey to Racing11:36 Big Block Modified Racing Insights14:36 The Evolution of Racing Techniques17:32 Late Model Racing Journey20:28 Experiences in ARCA Racing23:27 The Competitive Nature of Racing26:31 Team Dynamics and Future Aspirations34:17 Building Trust and Team Dynamics38:11 The Financial Realities of Racing43:28 Preparing for the Chili Bowl50:50 Family Legacy in Racing54:56 The Importance of Community in Racing

5 de abr de 20261 h 4 min
episode More Than Racing: Kody Cook on Brotherhood, Support & the Future of Dirt artwork

More Than Racing: Kody Cook on Brotherhood, Support & the Future of Dirt

Kody Cook, racing, dirt track, late models, family, sponsorship, social media, racing community, challenges, triumphsSummaryIn this conversation, Kody Cook shares his journey in the world of dirt track racing, discussing his early influences, the challenges he faces, and the importance of community and sponsorship. He emphasizes the need for racers to leverage social media to connect with fans and sponsors, and reflects on the camaraderie within the racing community. Kody also talks about his aspirations for the future and the ongoing challenges of racing costs and equipment.TakeawaysKody Cook comes from a family with a racing background.He started racing at a young age with a gifted car.Kody has transitioned through various racing classes over the years.He emphasizes the importance of family support in his racing career.The racing community is tight-knit and supportive.Social media is crucial for racers to share their stories and connect with fans.Sponsorship is vital for funding racing activities.Kody aims to increase his presence in crate racing events.He acknowledges the rising costs of racing equipment.Kody values the friendships and connections made through racing. #fyp #dirttrackracing #dirttrack #dirttracklife #automobile #racing #race #podcast #podcasting https://www.facebook.com/share/1DQmR654Xd/https://www.tiktok.com/@kodycook20?_r=1&_t=ZT-92j4ANPYJuHChapters00:00 Introduction to Kody Cook and His Racing Journey02:49 Early Racing Experiences and Family Influence05:43 Transitioning to Late Models and Competitive Racing08:48 Challenges in Crate Racing and Tire Regulations11:45 The Cost of Racing and Engine Choices14:32 Community and Support in Racing17:28 The Importance of Social Media for Racers18:25 The Power of Social Media in Racing23:07 Sponsorship Challenges and Opportunities28:40 The Racing Community: A Supportive Family34:14 Gratitude for Sponsors and Community Support

5 de abr de 202635 min
episode Future Star Alert! | Waylon Vining's Climb Through Dirt Racing artwork

Future Star Alert! | Waylon Vining's Climb Through Dirt Racing

Waylon Vining, racing, late models, mini wedges, crate racing, sponsorship, racing community, family racing, racing tracks, racing careerSummaryIn this episode of Mid-American Dirt, host Skip Garland interviews Waylon Vining, a young and talented racer from Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Waylon shares his journey from racing mini wedges to late models, discussing the challenges and triumphs he has faced along the way. He explains the significance of mini wedges as a starting point for young racers and reflects on his experiences at various racing tracks. Waylon also talks about the Crate Racing USA series, his aspirations for the future, and the importance of sponsorship in the racing community.#fyp #dirttrackracing #racing #race #podcast #podcasting #automobile #dirttrack #racecar #foryou https://www.facebook.com/share/16bWScvwfv/https://www.tiktok.com/@waylonvining77?_r=1&_t=ZT-92f88kbYNxHhttps://youtube.com/@viningracing779?si=rI1PH0nqBFg0t9AtTakeawaysWaylon has been racing late models for his first year after three years in limited mods.He enjoys the late model experience more as he gains confidence and skill.Mini wedges are a great starting point for young racers, teaching essential skills.Waylon won his first two races in a limited mod, showcasing his talent early on.He won the Young Gun Championship in crate racing, finishing 13th nationally out of 460 cars.Waylon plans to travel more for races next year, aiming for the Mississippi crate racing series.He admires Kenny Wallace and enjoys attending the Dome race.Waylon's family has a strong racing background, with his dad as his crew chief.He aspires to race sprint cars and hopes to be picked up by a team in Lucas Oil racing.Sponsorship is crucial for racers, and Waylon is open to new sponsorship opportunities.Sound bites"I like the late model a lot.""I won my first two races out in it.""I want to try sprint car racing."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Waylon Vining and His Racing Journey03:06 Transitioning from Mini Wedges to Late Models05:59 Racing Experience and Track Preferences09:06 Understanding Crate Racing USA and National Points12:05 Future Aspirations in Racing14:55 Family Dynamics in Racing17:46 Sponsorship and Community Support

5 de abr de 202621 min