Shows
Victory LaneEpisode 271: Randall BurnettRichard Childress Racing Crew Chief Randall Burnett joins Davey Segal this week (5:40) to discuss how the 2025 season has been thus far, working with Kyle Busch, what he's learned from the two-time Cup Series champion and what the public misunderstands about Rowdy. They also discuss the one year anniversary of the infamous fight at North Wilkesboro Speedway (and Davey's assist in helping Kyle), his journey to Cup Series shot caller from the St. Louis area and how/why he opted to forgo his driving career to pursue an engineering degree at UNC Charlotte.
Burnett also explains what it's like working for...2025-05-1651 minVictory LaneEpisode 253: Allison ThorsonFor the second year in a row, Allison Thorson and ThorSport Racing are CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champions. She joins Davey Segal this week (5:35) to dissect Ty Majeski's 2024 NCTS title, the dominant performance he put in at Phoenix Raceway, how this title feels different than the others and what it means to win back-to-back championships for the second time in ThorSport history.
She also provides some analysis on the organizations driver lineup in 2024, what Conner Jones can learn moving forward from his Homestead-Miami incident, the history of ThorSport, why they've never entertained the thought of moving from Sandusky, Ohio, why her...2024-11-221h 12Victory LaneEpisode 247: Charles DenikeCrew Chief Charles Denike joins Davey Segal this week (5:45) to discuss the No. 19 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing team's playoffs to date in the Truck Series, having only one finish outside the top 10 to this point, goals and expectations for the remainder of the postseason and the stop/start nature of the NCTS playoffs.
Denike also dives into his background in racing in Virginia before enlisting in the armed forces for almost a decade. He details what he did in the U.S. Army and why he opted to return to motorsports upon finishing his time serving.
He also touches on some parallels...2024-10-1046 minVictory LaneEpisode 246: Ryan ReedHe’s back! Ryan Reed joins Davey Segal this week (6:10) ahead of his return to the Craftsman Truck Series at Talladega Superspeedway with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing. He explains what he's expecting out of the one-off opportunity, how he's preparing, knowing he'll have a winning-caliber Truck underneath him and why Talladega owes him one.
He also gets us up to speed on what he's been up to the last several years since full-time driving dried up and how he's stayed involved in the sport, the emotions associated with not being a full-time racecar driver anymore and how he wrestled and subsequently settled wi...2024-10-031h 05Victory LaneEpisode 245: Wendy VenturiniIndustry veteran Wendy Venturini joins Davey Segal this week (7:40) to discuss her vast career in and out of motorsports spanning almost a quarter of a century. She explains the misconception with her last name and ARCA Menards Series powerhouse Venturini Motorsports, growing up in a racing family, pursuing motorsports as a career avenue and starting at the bottom in production before working her way up to on air broadcasting.
Venturini also shares the story of how the opportunity at SPEED came about while working at NASCAR Productions, the experience of working on NASCAR RaceDay with Rutledge Wood, Kenny Wallace, Jimmy...2024-09-271h 17Victory LaneEpisode 244: Andrew OverstreetFresh off his first win as a NASCAR national series crew chief, Andrew Overstreet joins Davey Segal (7:30) to debrief and discuss the JR Motorsports No. 88 teams dominant win at Watkins Glen and Connor Zilisch's masterclass of a debut. He explains how he was in awe of Zilisch going quicker when asked to back off, his poise to withstand a chaotic finish and what his potential is moving forward.
He also discusses Carson Kvapil's limited starts in the No. 88 this year, his time at JR Motorsports over the last several years and how it compares to his various stops along the...2024-09-1959 minVictory LaneEpisode 243: Josh BerryJosh Berry joins Davey Segal this week (5:00) ahead of his final 9 races with Stewart-Haas Racing before joining Wood Brothers Racing in 2025. The two discuss the Rookie of the Year chase, his recent wild ride at Daytona, the wind array of sponsors and paint schemes in 2024 and when he got the news about SHR closing.
Berry explains why he and the team felt a bit free once the news was officially out in the open, how the deal with WBR came about for next year, balancing the task at hand while also looking ahead, racing for KHI, a Taylor Swift question...2024-09-1337 minVictory LaneEpisode 242: Garrett SmithleyAhead of his home race, Garrett Smithley (6:05) joins Davey Segal to discuss his new sponsor and what it's like racing at home with friends and family in attendance. It'll be his third race of 2024 with Alpha Prime Racing, but Smithley explains why it's felt like way more and his longstanding relationship with team owner Tommy Joe Martins.
He also dives into the troubles Johnny Davis and JD Motorsports have been dealing with in 2024 and his own up and down journey as a race car driver, starting in high school in bandoleros and eventually landing him in the Cup Series. He...2024-09-061h 02Victory LaneEpisode 241: Jason ToyWest Virginia's finest, Jason Toy, joins Davey Segal this week (7:15) to discuss his 26+ years working for the Motor Racing Network in conjunction with his "day job" at Big Buck Country in West Virginia. He reminisces on his early days at MRN, learning from legends and how growing up in Florida led him to Marshall University, where he's been ever since. Davey also discusses Harrison Burton's upset win at Daytona and explains why he's a worthy playoff contender, previews Darlington and Papa Segal pays homage to a Truck Series legend.2024-08-3056 minVictory LaneEpisode 240: Matt SwiderskiMatt Swiderski, the man affectionately known as "Squid" joins Davey Segal (7:40) to discuss his intriguing career that has spanned motorsports and aerospace. He explains why and how Daniel Suárez and the No. 99 team have turned a corner and flipped a switch ahead of the playoffs, why they were experimenting throughout the spring and summer and reflects on the option tire used at Richmond.
Squid dives into his background in racing growing up in the midwest, working on street stocks and super late models in and around Chicago and how he wound up being a first-generation racer before getting hired a...2024-08-221h 16Victory LaneEpisode 239: Chris WilnerChris Wilner joins Davey Segal (5:40) to discuss NASCAR's penalties handed down after Richmond Raceway and whether the sanctioning body got it right or not. They also discuss Wilner's diverse background in motorsports and how his preparation and execution differs from television to radio, sports cars to NASCAR, etc. He also reminisces on his first time working for the Motor Racing Network, growing up in Indianapolis with Dillon Welch, discusses his desire to cover an Indianapolis 500 and more.
Davey dives further into the penalties announced to Austin Dillon and Joey Logano from Richmond, previews Michigan and Papa Segal pays homage to...2024-08-1657 minVictory LaneEpisode 238: Lori Collier WaranRichmond Raceway track president Lori Collier Waran joins Davey Segal (7:20) ahead of NASCAR's return to racing after the Olympic break in the commonwealth. She dives into how hospitality remains a constant in her career, even in NASCAR, and her time growing up in Richmond attending races before it all came full circle in 2022.
She also explains why she didn't think she was fit for the job when NASCAR recruited her for the vacant position, how she had to figure out what the role of a track president really was, the pride she takes in being the first female track president...2024-08-0951 minVictory LaneEpisode 236: Justin Allgaier'Lil Gator is in the house! Justin Allgaier kicks off the Olympic break by joining Davey Segal (7:00) for an extended conversation about the various chapters in his illustrious motorsports career. They discuss what life is currently like as a softball dad, getting started racing quarter midgets at 5-years-old, the Allgaier family racing legacy and how it all came fill circle when he won the ARCA championship on a memorable day in 2008.
Allgaier also discusses his move to Penske and the now Xfinity Series in the late 2000s, gets candid about his his time in the Cup Series with HScott Motorsports...2024-07-261h 18Victory LaneEpisode 235: Doug RiceBroadcasting legend Doug Rice joins Davey Segal this week (9:10) ahead of the return of NASCAR to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval for the Brickyard 400. Amid his final season or "Doug's Last Lap," Rice explains why now is the right time to step away, discusses the gestures tracks have done for him in his final stops to them so far this season, leaving the Performance Racing Network in good and capable hands having been there since day one and more.
Rice dives into his broadcast beginnings at Appalachian State University, reminiscing on listening to Atlanta Braves games on the radio growing...2024-07-191h 32Victory LaneEpisode 234: Alex BowmanDid we just predict the future? Well, maybe. Davey Segal welcomes on Chicago Street Course winner Alex Bowman (7:30) to the show, despite recording the interview with him PRIOR to his winning weekend in Chicago. Nevertheless, Davey jokes with Alex about winning the race to kick things off before diving into a conversation surrounding his four-legged furry friends and why that's become such a passion for him thanks to his friends at Ally.
Bowman also dives into his relationship with crew chief Blake Harris over the last couple years, how he compares to former shot caller Greg Ives, what makes team...2024-07-1150 minVictory LaneEpisode 233: Alon DayHe's back! 4-time NASCAR Whelen Euro Series champion Alon Day joins Davey Segal (8:35) ahead of his return to the Xfinity Series at the Chicago Street Course. He explains how the deal with Alpha Prime Racing came together, what he's been doing since arriving in the United States to prepare for this opportunity and dives into his career arc that began with go-karts and open wheel vehicles before taking a turn to the stock car route.
Day, a proud Israeli, has numerous personal connections to the war going on back home. He explains why a big part of coming to the...2024-07-041h 08Victory LaneEpisode 232: Monon RahmanJoe Gibbs Racing Xfinity Series engineer Monon Rahman (7:00) joins Davey Segal to discuss his unique and rapid rise atop the pit box in NASCAR. He explains how the movie "Cars" was a catalyst to launch his passion for motorsports, how his Bangladeshi parents chasing their dreams helped him chase his own and why working on multiple racing programs at the University of Kentucky helped prepare him for the next chapters of his racing career.
Rahman also explains how a Facebook post with a UK professor and 2-time Truck Series champion Ben Rhodes wound up connecting him Venturini Motorsports, also dives...2024-06-281h 18Victory LaneEpisode 231: Brian WilsonTeam Penske veteran and recent Cup Series winning Crew Chief Brian Wilson joins Davey Segal this week (6:25) to reflect on the No. 2 teams triumph at Gateway a couple weeks ago and why the win was a validation of the process he and Austin Cindric have been trusting together. He also shares what Roger Penske told him after the win and the gains that Ford Performance and Penske have seemingly made in recent weeks.
Wilson details his 21 illustrious years at the company, starting out as a shock specialist before working his way into an engineer role, winning 50 (and counting) times along...2024-06-1955 minVictory LaneEpisode 230: Brett Moffitt2018 Truck Series champion and Iowa native Brett Moffitt joins Davey Segal this week (5:45) ahead of his return to the Xfinity Series and return to Joe Gibbs Racing at his home track of Iowa Speedway. Moffitt explains the excitement surrounding the opportunity to race in competitive equipment at his home track, what it'll be like having friends and family in attendance, how the partial repave will level out the playing field on a track he's won at multiple times and what it's been like getting re-acclimated to JGR after more than a decade away.
Moffitt also dives into getting to know...2024-06-1450 minVictory LaneEpisode 229: Kevin "Bono" ManionVeteran crew chief Kevin "Bono" Manion sits down with Davey Segal (8:15) to discuss his illustrious career in NASCAR that has seen him work with close to 50 drivers, win multiple championships, crowned jewel races and currently with Rev Racing and Nick Sanchez in the Truck Series, where they already have two wins to their credit in 2024.
Bono explains what makes Sanchez so good in qualifying, why the consistency the No. 2 team has showed, the stop/start nature of the Truck Series schedule and reflects on being in the sport for over two decades. He also dives into his upbringing in Massachusetts...2024-06-061h 08Victory LaneEpisode 228: Tyler AnkrumMcAnally-Hilgemann Racing's Tyler Ankrum joins Davey Segal (6:35) to discuss his best start to the season in his NASCAR career, how and why his habits to prepare for races have changed and if he can pinpoint why his performance has taken an uptick in 2024.
One reason why may be his new team. Ankrum dives into how he's gelling with MHR, what Bill McAnally is like as a team owner and leader, why Mike Hillman is the right crew chief for him, how low his confidence got over the last few years and how good it feels to be running back up...2024-05-291h 08Victory LaneEpisode 227: Tyler MonnAhead of tackling the motorsports double, spotter Tyler Monn joins Davey Segal (7:00) to dive into the preparation, logistics, learning and excitement the month of May has had in store thus far. Monn explains how the idea to spot the double came about, why he feels thankful that Kyle Larson put his trust in him, how he's gone about familiarizing himself with IndyCar terminology and the series in general and why it isn't as hard as it seems to spot a car going 40-50 mph faster than he's used to.
Monn also reflects on being a part of the closest finish...2024-05-231h 10Victory LaneEpisode 226: Brenden "Butterbean" QueenJust a couple of Waffle House enthusiasts chopping it up this week on the pod. CARS Tour standout Brenden "Butterbean" Queen joins Davey Segal this week (6:15) ahead of his NASCAR National Series debut with TRICON Garage in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series at North Wilkesboro Speedway. He explains how he deal came together on the heels of some strong 2023 results, his reaction when Toyota called him to let him know, preparations for this weekend's race, his realistic expectations and if he feels pressure to perform and make the most of this opportunity.
Butterbean also explains the story behind his nickname and...2024-05-1658 minVictory LaneEpisode 225: Scott GravesMissed it by *that* much. RFK Racing crew chief Scott Graves joins Davey Segal (6:40) on the heels of Chris Buescher and the No. 17 team coming up 0.001 seconds shy of winning at Kansas, the closest finish in NASCAR Cup Series history. Graves explains the roller coaster of emotions he experienced from thinking they had the win to realizing they didn't, what answers he got from NASCAR when he went to talk to them before leaving the track, the conversation he had with Chris post-race and the photo finish technology the sanctioning body implements.
Graves also dives into the speed RFK has...2024-05-0856 minVictory LaneEpisode 224: Ryan TruexFresh off another Monster Mile win, Ryan Truex joins Davey Segal (7:00) to chat about how and why this win was so much different than his first career dub last season at his home track, staying in the game and chipping away at things, what was giving him fits throughout the day and how he sent it on into Turns 1 and 2 hoping it would stick on the final restart.
He also explains the difficulties in being a part-time driver and finding a rhythm inside the car, frustrations with not finding adequate sponsorship to run full-time with Joe Gibbs Racing yet, giving...2024-05-0249 minVictory LaneEpisode 223: Kyle PettyThe man, the myth, the legend: Kyle Petty joins Davey Segal this week (6:30) ahead of the 28th annual Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America. KP dives into the facts and figures associated with this years ride, beginning in South Dakota and ending in North Carolina.
He also discusses the origins of the ride, how it's evolved to the event it is today, the vetting process of getting riders ready to go, some fun anniversaries that coincide with this years ride and some memories from the open road over the last near three decades.
KP also weighs in on the current...2024-04-2543 minVictory LaneEpisode 222: Luke LambertVeteran crew chief Luke Lambert joins Davey Segal (6:40) on the heels of his first top 10 finish of the 2024 season with rookie Carson Hocevar and Spire Motorsports. He explains why he's been pleased with the start to the season thus far, what it's been like to come into the organization amid the rapid growth and what it's like working with Stephen Doran and Ryan Sparks as Cup crew chief counterparts.
Lambert also dives into his background, starting as an engineer back in 2005 with Richard Childress Racing, how the sport and his job(s) have evolved in the nearly two decades since...2024-04-1855 minVictory LaneEpisode 221: Carson KvapilJR Motorsports driver Carson Kvapil joins Davey Segal (8:20) on the heels of his impressive 4th-place finish in his Xfinity Series debut. The two discuss what the lead up to the race was like, leaning on Bubba Pollard, Josh Berry and Dale Earnhardt Jr. among others, how tire conservation came into play, why his CARS Tour background helped and his relationship with crew chief Andrew Overstreet.
He also dives into his CARS Tour success, defending his Late Model Stock title this year, missing Hickory this past weekend and what it's going to take to make up the lost ground, how competitive...2024-04-1150 min
Victory LaneEpisode 220: Tim FedewaFormer Busch Series winner and current spotter Tim Fedewa joins Davey Segal (7:30) to discuss how his the transition to a new driver in Ryan Blaney has been going in 2024, the process and reasoning behind the switch and why he's learned to not take fiery outbursts from drivers on the radio personally in the heat of battle.
Fedewa also dives into his background in racing as a proud Michigander, being inducted into the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame with several other of his family members, his driving career and wins at Nazareth, who he served as a driver coach for once...2024-04-0455 minVictory LaneEpisode 219: Connor Zilisch17-year-old Connor Zilisch (and a surprise/unexpected guest) join Davey Segal this week (7:15) on the heels of his impressive NASCAR national series debut at Circuit of the Americas. Zilisch explains what went wrong in Turn 1 from the pole, dives into the wildly successful season he's had to date, winning the 24 Hours of Daytona, where his Rolex watch is, why the 12 Hours of Sebring was a different kind of gratifying and how he got hooked up with Justin Marks and Trackhouse Racing.
Zilisch explains how and why his time spent overseas karting in Europe was beneficial to his young career, learning...2024-03-2949 minVictory LaneEpisode 218: Grant EnfingerTruck Series veteran Grant Enfinger joins Davey Segal (6:05) to discuss his season thus far and how the adjustment (or maybe lack thereof) to CR7 Motorsports has been going. He explains how the decision to join forces with Codie Rohrbaugh was a natural one, how far back their relationship goes, the alliance CR7 has established with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing and why it may take awhile to make CR7 into a weekly race winning contender.
Enfinger also dives into his career as a trucker, how the series has changed over the last decade or so, what the current state of the series is...2024-03-2244 minVictory LaneEpisode 217: Jeff MeenderingVeteran crew chief and Phoenix Xfinity Series winner Jeff Meendering joins Davey Segal (5:35) to discuss his second consecutive win in the desert and third overall in the series with three different drivers. They also dive into how the transition has been thus far in 2024 working with Chandler Smith, how growing up with Berlin Raceway literally in his front yard helped get him hooked into racing and the illustrious career he's enjoyed in NASCAR.
Meendering dives into his start, sweeping floors at Hendrick Motorsports, becoming a crew chief full-time with Bobby Labonte in 2008, why he was underprepared for the task, how...2024-03-1340 minVictory LaneEpisode 216: Cole CusterThe General is here! Defending Xfinity Series champion Cole Custer chats with Davey Segal (7:00) on the heels of his runner-up result at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and 2023 series championship. They discuss things staying mostly the same for this year, his relationship with crew chief Jonathan Toney, his go-to celebratory dessert from Andy's Frozen Custard and how the move has been going with a doggo in the family and little one on the way.
The also discuss how his life has changed since winning the Xfinity Series championship, some cool gifts and opportunities he's gotten the chance to experience since being...2024-03-0742 minVictory LaneEpisode 215: Brian PattieLongtime crew chief Brian Pattie joins Davey Segal this week (6:40) on the heels of their win at Atlanta with Kyle Busch to discuss his 30th year of working in NASCAR. Pattie reminisces on the good, bad and ugly of a lifetime atop the pit box and at the race shop, from his first job of fabricating at NEMCO, to his first Cup win in 2010 at Sonoma with Juan Pablo Montoya, runner-up points finish with Clint Bowyer in 2012 and more.
Pattie also discusses his long relationship with Kyle Busch, including a funny story about the first time Rowdy tested a car...2024-02-2942 minVictory LaneEpisode 213: Michael McDowellHappy Daytona race week! 2021 winner of the Great American Race Michael McDowell joins Davey Segal (7:00) to discuss his mindset heading into the 2024 season, coming off a career-best year that saw him make the playoffs, his relationship with crew chief Travis Peterson and things staying the same on the No. 34 team.
McDowell also chats about the process to get to the closing laps on Sunday, starting weeks (and months) before cars hit the track in Daytona, how the Next Gen car has helped teams like Front Row Motorsports, what his expectations are for the upcoming year and why he feels like...2024-02-1346 minVictory LaneEpisode 209: Ryan "Skip" FloresThe champ is here! Tire changer on the No. 12 Cup Series championship winning team Ryan "Skip" Flores joins Davey Segal (6:15) to discuss the title winning afternoon the squad had on pit road, including the money stop, the pressure associated with performing in the Championship 4 and what it now feels like to officially be a champion.
Skip also compares what it's like to win a Daytona 500 as a tire changer compared to a championship, how journey to get to this point as a veteran changer in the Cup Series, from getting fired in the middle of the Daytona 500 to being doubted...2023-11-1157 minVictory LaneEpisode 208: Dr. Eric WarrenAhead of Championship Weekend in Phoenix, Dr. Eric Warren, a literal rocket scientist, joins Davey Segal (6:17) to discuss Chevrolet clinching all 3 NASCAR national series manufacturer championships in what's been an ultra-successful season to date. Warren shares his thoughts on Chevrolet's chances of bringing home additional driver and owner championships this weekend, what his title as Executive Director of Global Motorsports Competition entails and his humble beginnings in the sport.
Dr. Warren, who received his PhD from N.C. State in the late 1990s, explains how he helped further advance science and technology into the motorsports landscape, why he had to...2023-11-0255 minVictory LaneEpisode 207: Rodney ChildersChampion crew chief Rodney Childers joins Davey Segal (6:25) on the heels of the sentimental weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where he gave the command to fire engines. He details the moment with his family, why he didn’t have an Adam Sandler moment, gathering members from the 2014 championship team to reminisce, take photos and the No. 4 team’s up and down race on Sunday.
Childers also discusses his desire to give Kevin Harvick one more win in his final season, why their partnership has worked so well for so long, how 2024 preparations are coming along with his soon-to-be driver Josh Berry and...2023-10-2544 minVictory LaneEpisode 206: Lauren EdwardsLauren Edwards of Reine Digital and Consulting joins Davey Segal this week (5:30) to discuss her unique role in the racing industry behind the scenes and how she's built a company that's vital to many drivers and brands on a daily basis.
Edwards recalls the origin of Reine Digital, stemming from a call from a gondola in Colorado from Jimmie Johnson, and why pushing her outside her comfort zone was a blessing in disguise. Edwards explains how she built her company from the ground up, why she never aspired to be a business owner or work in NASCAR, how she initially...2023-10-1852 min
Victory LaneEpisode 205: William Sawalich2023 ARCA Menards Series East champion and Joe Gibbs Racing development driver William Sawalich joins Davey Segal (6:15) to discuss his wildly successful season to date, ending his ARCA season in Victory Lane at Toledo and how big of a change it's been to dip his toe into the Truck Series competition wise.
A first generation racer from Minnesota, Sawalich explains what sparked his interest in motorsports in the first place, the pride he takes in being a Minnesotan, how his schooling works while pursuing a career in racing and why he can't wait until he turns 18.
He also dishes on how...2023-10-1244 minVictory LaneEpisode 204: Boris SaidYou know him, you love him, and you wish you had his hair (at least I wish I do). The legendary Boris Said joins Davey Segal this week (7:30) ahead of his start for Hendrick Motorsports in the Xfinity Series at the Charlotte ROVAL. Said explains how the deal came together as an early Christmas present from Rick Hendrick, his time in the sport spanning multiple decades, how he's seen road course racing evolve and what he thinks the future of road course racing with stock cars looks like.
Said also explains why winning at the Nürburgring is one of h...2023-10-0547 minVictory LaneEpisode 203: Dave ElenzCrew Chief Dave Elenz joins Davey Segal (7:20) to discuss LEGACY Motor Club's recent uptick in speed, including the No. 43 teams run at Texas. They also discuss how Elenz is re-adjusting to life in the Cup Series, this time as a crew chief, why he waited purposefully for the Next Gen era, why the driver is more important than ever and how the relationship he has with driver Erik Jones works so well.
Elenz also reminisces on his early days growing up in Michigan, always surrounded by racing and eventually pursuing it as a career. After graduating from Clemson with an...2023-09-2845 minVictory LaneEpisode 202: Joey CohenLEGACY Motor Club's Joey Cohen joins Davey Segal (6:15) to discuss the teams recent surge of speed with Erik Jones and Carson Hocevar, the recent signing of John Hunter Nemechek and what he can bring to the team in 2024, the impending manufacturer switch to Toyota and how his day-to-day duties changed with his recent title change from Competition Director to VP of Operations.
Cohen also relives his racing days as a driver, recalls his college years in Charlotte being classmates with Cliff Daniels, Rudy Fugle and other successful crew chiefs, interning with Hendrick Motorsports, being an early adopter to simulation tools...2023-09-2154 minVictory LaneEpisode 201: Patrick DonahueFresh off their first ever playoff berth, Big Machine Racing crew chief Patrick Donahue joins Davey Segal (6:05) to discuss the relief of locking up a postseason spot after their impressive day at Kansas. He explains the satisfaction he's had with building the team from nothing, how he got hooked up with team owner Scott Borchetta in the first place, Parker Kligerman's growth as a driver this season, their technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing and more.
Donahue, who's been around the sport for over two decades, recalls his early stops at Hendrick Motorsports where he worked with a young Jeff...2023-09-1457 minVictory LaneEpisode 199: Darian GrubbTrackhouse Racing Director of Performance, Project 91 crew chief and Cup Series champion Darian Grubb joins Davey Segal (6:05) to discuss his all-encompassing role at the team and gearing up for the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Grubb explains what his role entails on a daily basis, why he got back stop the pit box for Project 91, the unforgettable weekend in Chicago with Shane van Gisbergen and the feelings of visiting Victory Lane again as a crew chief.
Grubb also explains what makes Trackhouse different, what attracted him about the organization, what he's learned after stops along the way at Hendrick, SHR, JGR...2023-08-3048 minVictory LaneEpisode 198: Frank KelleherDaytona International Speedway Track President Frank Kelleher joins Davey Segal (7:30) ahead of the stock car world descending on The World Center of Racing for the Cup Series regular season finale. The two discuss preparations for this weekend compared to February's Daytona 500, all the motorsports events the facility puts on throughout a calendar year and how Kelleher's role has changed dramatically since taking this position.
Kelleher also details his racing background as a WKA Karting champion, his humble roots in Scranton, Pennsylvania, racing with fellow NASCAR executives (including Ben Kennedy), why he's worked for one company and one company only over 20+...2023-08-2442 minVictory LaneEpisode 197: Travis PetersonWinner winner Brickyard dinner! Front Row Motorsports crew chief Travis Peterson joins Davey Segal this week to revel in and discuss the No. 34 teams triumphant and dominant Indianapolis Road Course win (5:55). Peterson explains the satisfaction of dominating the race instead of lucking into a win, the nerves he had before and during the race, how small FRM is comparably to some other large teams he's worked with and where/how Michael McDowell stacks up on the long list of drivers and Hall of Famers he's worked with.
Peterson explains the lunch conversation that started it all and why McDowell liked...2023-08-1637 minVictory LaneEpisode 196: Miguel PaludoNASCAR's favorite "Gaucho" Miguel Paludo joins Davey Segal ahead of his third and final start this season for JR Motorsports on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course (6:40). Paludo dives into the performance of his first two races this season, the struggle of getting into a rhythm while running a partial schedule and comparisons of the Xfinity car to his Porsche Carrera GT3 Cup car he races overseas.
Paludo also dives into why and how he got involved in GT3 racing, the Brazilian racing culture, the influence the great Ayrton Senna had on him and the nation, why he opted to...2023-08-1052 minVictory LaneEpisode 195: Christian EckesChristian Eckes is no stranger to the playoffs, but giving McAnally-Hilgemann Racing their first ever postseason berth is something to be proud of. Eckes joins Davey Segal this week (7:00) to discuss his mindset ahead of the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series playoffs, his two wins this season at Atlanta and Darlington, the ups and downs of his career to get to this point, rebounding after leaving Kyle Busch Motorsports and how the deal to get hooked up with Bill McAnally came together.
Eckes also dives into his newfound leadership role at the team, working with crew chief Charles Denike and teammate Jake...2023-08-0349 minVictory LaneEpisode 194: Scott ZipadelliScott Zipadelli, 2018 Truck Series champion and current TRICON Garage crew chief for Corey Heim, joins Davey Segal this week (6:45) ahead of the NCTS regular season finale and subsequent push for the playoffs. They discuss what sets Heim apart from the countless other drivers Zipadelli has worked with in the past, the adjustment of working with a significantly younger driver, the pressure that comes with performing at such a high level every single week and if he likes entering the postseason as one of the favorites for the championship.
Zipadelli also details his first time crew chiefing in NASCAR's national series...2023-07-2755 minVictory LaneEpisode 193: AJ AllmendingerAJ Allmendinger stops by to chat with Davey Segal (6:20) with six races remaining in the NASCAR Cup Series regular season. The Dinger shares how he's feeling ahead of the final push for the postseason, how he'll approach the remaining races, if what those around him in the standings do impact what he does on track, why he's not just looking at the road courses for big gains or victories and if he can point his way in.
He also dives into his relationship with crew chief Matt Swiderski, why Chris Rice and Matt Kaulig "saved (him)" and helped revitalize his...2023-07-2037 minVictory LaneEpisode 192: Kim CoonOne of the most interesting women in motorsports, Kim Coon joins Davey Segal this week (10:15) to discuss her career in motorsports and life off the racetrack spanning over a decade. They dive into her background in sports broadcasting, attending college at Miami and grad school at Alabama, her first exposure to NASCAR and how she wound up becoming Miss Sprint Cup in the 2010s.
She explains the rigorous interview process for MSC, why it was such a fun and unique job, the roles and responsibilities that came along with it, relationships she cultivated while in the position, memorable Victory Lanes...2023-07-131h 10Victory LaneEpisode 191: Andy LallySports car ace and NASCAR moonlighter Andy Lally joins Davey Segal (6:15) ahead of the inaugural Chicago Street Course race to preview the first-of-its-kind race and event. Having prior street course experience, Lally dishes on whether or not he has an advantage for the weekend, shares his thoughts on NASCAR broadening their horizons lately, how the deal to run limited Cup races for Rick Ware Racing in 2023 came about in the DM’s with Marcus Lemonis and adjusting to the Next Gen car with little to no practice time.
Lally also reminisces on his 2011 Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year campaign, fi...2023-06-2957 minVictory LaneEpisode 190: Ryan BergentyRookie crew chief Ryan Bergenty joins Davey Segal this week (6:10) to discuss his inaugural foray into full-time crew chiefing in the Cup Series. Coming off the first and only off weekend of the year, Bergenty explains what lies ahead for the No. 38 team at Front Row, how his adjustment to being the shot caller of an entire team has been, his comfort level, leaning on teammates like Travis Peterson and Chris Lawson and how him landing the position actually wound up starting as a joke between he and General Manager Jerry Freeze.
Bergenty also explains why he famously (literally) cut...2023-06-2149 minVictory LaneEpisode 189: Landen LewisARCA Menards Series competitor and Team Hornaday Development driver Landen Lewis joins Davey Segal this week (6:15) to discuss his short yet prosperous professional career behind the wheel. Lewis explains how he got hooked up with Hall of Fame Ron Hornaday Jr. at a young age, the pressure associated with being a fourth-generation racer and growing up at the racetrack.
He also dives into his legends car success, winning the trifecta last season, how difficult it is to transition between pavement, dirt and road courses, how different it is coaching/watching compared to driving, his recent ARCA West win at Portland...2023-06-1549 minVictory LaneEpisode 187: Georgia HenneberryMotorsports reporter and broadcaster extraordinaire Georgia Henneberry joins Davey Segal this week (6:10) to discuss all that she covers in racing spanning multiple series and disciplines. From IndyCar, to NASCAR, to winged sprint cars, midgets, IMSA and more. Henneberry has diversified her skillset in a short period of time, and dives into the preparation and challenges associated with covering different disciplines and in different mediums.
Henneberry also discusses her background in motorsports, how horses sparked her love for competition and racing, her racing career, decision to go into the reporting side of things, how to navigate dating a competitor that you...2023-06-0257 minVictory LaneEpisode 186: Ryan PreeceRyan Preece A.K.A. "Preece Lightning" joins Davey Segal this week (6:00) to discuss NASCAR's return to North Wilkesboro Speedway for the All-Star Race. The two discuss the palpable energy surrounding the event, if this opens the door for future events to be held at smaller tracks and why the Northeast would be a great region to expand.
Preece dives into his special relationship with his road and pit crew, crew chief Chad Johnston, assesses the No. 41 team's performance halfway through the regular season, his pole and Stage 1 win at Martinsville, gnarly Talladega crash and more.
Plus, throwing back to...2023-05-2655 minVictory LaneEpisode 185: Todd GillilandTodd Gilliland is enjoying a career season in the NASCAR Cup Series for Front Row Motorsports and joins Davey Segal this week (6:30) to discuss it. He dives into what's been different so far in his sophomore season at Front Row Motorsports, how much more comfortable he feels on a weekly basis and how his new crew chief Ryan Bergenty has taken "Lion Mode" and leadership to a new level on the No. 38 team,
Gilliland also touches on having some races taken away by Zane Smith, navigating the personal and professional awkwardness with a friend on and off-track, joining KHI Management...2023-05-1851 minVictory LaneEpisode 184: Phillip SmalleyPhillip Smalley, Vice President of Motorsports Management International, joins Davey Segal (6:10) for a bit of a different conversation this week surrounding driver representation. Smalley, who essentially serves as a driver agent for the likes of Ross Chastain, Justin Haley and others, dives into his busy last couple weeks, the re-launch of MMI, how Cary Agajanian's vision continues to live on and the significance of Agajanian in the driver representation market.
Smalley also discusses Chastain's involvement with MMI as a founding member and owner, his personal relationship with the Melon Man, conversations had after tense moments on and off-track with Chastain...2023-05-121h 06Victory LaneEpisode 183: Jason RatcliffThe winningest crew chief in Xfinity Series history and most recent winner at Dover, Jason Ratcfliff joins Davey Segal this week (6:20) to discuss the feel-good story that was Ryan Truex's first career NXS win at long last at Dover Motor Speedway. They discuss why the win was a long time coming, if Ratcliff felt any extra added pressure given Truex's situation and pressure put on himself and why he celebrated for not just one but two reasons.
Ratcliff also dives into what sets Truex apart from the other drivers he's worked with, how having nine drivers in and out of...2023-05-0550 minVictory LaneEpisode 182: Parker RetzlaffA handful of races into his rookie season, Parker Retzlaff joins Davey Segal (5:25) to discuss his solid start to the season with Jordan Anderson Racing thus far and how he's adjusting to a full-time rookie in NASCAR. He dives into what got him here, his background as a first-generation racer from Wisconsin, getting started in lower levels and working his way up to the K&N Pro Series before making his debut in the Xfinity Series last season.
Retzlaff also discusses the importance of seat time, why showing his peers that he can race clean and well goes a long...2023-04-2950 minVictory LaneEpisode 181: Chris LawsonChampionship winning crew chief Chris Lawson joins Davey Segal this week (5:50) to discuss his hot start to the 2023 season with Zane Smith in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. He also dives into what sets Smith apart from other drivers he's worked with in the past, his time winning back-to-back K&N Pro Series West championships with Todd Gilliland, the highs and lows of almost winning the East title the same season they won out West, his short-lived racing career and why he opted to make a living in motorsports on the crew chief side of things.
Lawson also discusses his road...2023-04-2050 min
Victory LaneEpisode 180: Jake GarciaDavey Segal welcomes on his youngest guest in podcast history in the form of Jake Garcia to the program (6:25) on the heels of his career-best top five finish at Texas Motor Speedway. The two dive into his season to date, debut at Las Vegas this year and series debut last year at Gateway, how he got involved in racing in the first place and who really was the catalyst for his involvement with motorsports.
Garcia explains how the deal with McAnally-Higlemann Racing and Bill McAnally came together for 2023, what it was like having Chase Elliott drive the No. 35 truck at...2023-04-0741 minVictory LaneEpisode 179: Kaz GralaKaz Grala joins Davey Segal (6:20) to discuss how he's gelling with Sam Hunt Racing in his first full-time NASCAR national series season in several years. They dive into how being in the Toyota driver development program is a huge help to a younger driver, how fitness plays an integral role, his relationship with crew chief Allen Hart, team owner Sam Hunt and more.
Plus, Grala discusses why and how his sponsors have been of the utmost importance in making this full-time effort happen, his additional seat time in the Truck Series with TRICON Garage, his experience running for The Money...2023-03-311h 04Victory LaneEpisode 178: Coleman PressleyChampionship winning spotter (and driver, kind of) Coleman Pressley stops by the podcast with Davey Segal (8:10) on the heels of his Alanta Motor Speedway win with Joey Logano. The two get into the wild finish at AMS, racing against his former driver Brad Keselowski, his relationship with Logano on and off-track and why it's so important to ensure that driver-spotter relationship is in tip-top shape.
He also gets into his spotting history, how it came about, learning the craft and whether or not he feels content in year No. 8 atop the roof. Pressley also had a successful driving career, setting...2023-03-241h 02Victory LaneEpisode 177: Kyle RickeyKyle Rickey of MRN and Stafford Speedway joins Davey Segal (7:00) to discuss his career in radio, motorsports and how the two have converged going on the better part of two plus decades. He recalls the day he was legally allowed to work at a radio station (his birthday), why he was infatuated with radio from a young age, how monster trucks sparked his interest in motorsports and growing up in the Northeast with a unique racing culture surrounding him.
He also dives into how he got hooked up with the Motor Racing Network, his audition at New Hampshire Motor Speedway...2023-03-171h 14Victory LaneEpisode 176: Taylor MoyerAnother week, another JR Motorsports crew chief on the show. Taylor Moyer joins Davey Segal (8:15) to discuss the season to date with his driver Josh Berry, what it's been like working with one driver the last two seasons compared to nine (!) he worked with in 2021, how that helped him become a better crew chief and what it was like when Dale Earnhardt Jr. A.K.A. "Bossman" sat behind the wheel for Taylor.
Moyer discusses his roots in the Northeast and the racing culture in Vermont growing up, why he opted to head south to pursue a career in racing...2023-03-0951 minVictory LaneEpisode 175: Mardy LindleyMardy Lindley may be new to JR Motorsports as a crew chief in the Xfinity Series, but he's no stranger to success in the sport. The shot caller joins joins Davey Segal (8:00) to discuss his relationship with Sam Mayer, how far back they go, why they work so well together and what realistic expectations are for the pair this season at JRM. They also dive into seeing his car upside down at Daytona, the reunion between the two for 2023 and more.
Lindley also talks about his driving career, why he opted to go the crew chief route despite success behind...2023-03-0258 minVictory LaneEpisode 174: Corey HeimWell, would you look at the time? TRICON Garage's Corey Heim joins Davey Segal (6:40) to discuss all that's shiny and new at the rebranded race team for the 2023 season. He dives into the timetable of leaving Kyle Busch Motorsports, how Toyota handled having one of their prospects not having a set destination, what it was like racing for Kyle Busch, the pressure that comes along with that and memories of his first win at his home track of Atlanta Motor Speedway.
He also touches on the validation his second win at Gateway carried, the TRD simulator, his background on short...2023-02-2450 minVictory LaneEpisode 173: Daniel DyeAhead of his rookie Craftsman Truck Series season, GMS Racing's Daniel Dye joins Davey Segal (6:10) to discuss how he's been preparing throughout the off-season for his first year as a full-time NCTS driver. The two discuss Legacy Motor Club's transformation, Jimmie Johnson being a presence in the building, leaning on teammates Rajah Caruth and Grant Enfinger and how his 2022 ARCA Menards Series season ended.
Plus, they discuss his time racing for Ben Kennedy on the late model side, how instrumental his dad has been in his racing career, realistic expectations for this season, what it'd mean to win at his...2023-02-101h 01Victory LaneEpisode 172: Kevin BellicourtThe pod is back in 2023 and Davey Segal kicks things off with Spire Motorsports crew chief Kevin Bellicourt (7:30). The two discuss what he's been up to throughout the off-season, how he's gelling with new driver Ty Dillon, what it was like to crew chief for several drivers over the course of last season, the adjustment of doing so for one driver this season and why he opted to fly across the country to get to know his new driver a little better.
He discusses the confidence Dillon carries and why that carries legitimate weight on the track, the progression Spire...2023-02-0140 minVictory LaneEpisode 171: Sage KaramSage Karam joins Davey Segal (5:55) on the heels of announcing his 2023 plans in the Xfinity Series with Alpha Prime Racing. The two go back to discuss growing up Nazareth, PA in and around racing, how the famed Andretti family was instrumental in his racing career, moving his way up through the open-wheel ranks before eventually changing course to NASCAR. He explains what it was like to adjust on the fly to racing a stock car, what it felt like the first time and how he attached Bristol of all places for one of his first starts.
Karam also dives into...2022-12-1251 min
Victory LaneEpisode 170: Harrison BurtonHarrison Burton joins Davey Segal (5:20) to discuss his rookie season in the Cup Series with the Wood Brothers and all the ups and down that came with it. He discusses the steep jump from the Xfinity to Cup, gelling with his crew chief Brian Wilson, dealing with a myriad of adjustments, how much of an alliance WBR really has with Team Penske, what Harrison has learned about himself in this trying season and more.
Plus, Papa Segal pays homage to one of his heroes and Davey discusses a couple big Silly Season moves ahead of 2023.2022-11-2331 minVictory LaneEpisode 167: Myatt SniderThe self-proclaimed Sauce Boi™ A.K.A. Myatt Snider joins Davey Segal this week (6:45) to discuss the 2022 season, his first with Jordan Anderson Racing in the Xfinity Series, how different the year has been with a smaller and newer team, the size of JAR compared to other organizations and the family atmosphere the team fosters with Jordan Anderson at the helm.
Snider dishes on how his boss is doing following the harrowing Talladega wreck and fire, his management style, how the two relate being racers through and through and more. He also relives winning his first career ARCA start and ho...2022-10-261h 09Victory LaneEpisode 166: Bayley CurreyJD Motorsports wheelman Bayley Currey joins Davey Segal (6:40) to discuss his unique career to date and his time in 2022 driving full-time for Johnny Davis. They chat about the grind that is the NASCAR season, the freedom and comfort running for one team in every race allows him as a driver and whether it makes him feel old to have 100 starts in the Xfinity Series.
Currey, a native Texan, describes what the racing scene was like growing up in the Lone Star State, why he was resigned to the fact that he'd never make it in NASCAR as a driver, how...2022-10-2150 minVictory LaneEpisode 165: Sarah and Bridget BurgessThe duo of Sarah and Bridget Burgess will make history this weekend, becoming the first daughter duo to compete in the same NASCAR or ARCA Menards Series event. Two of the hardest working women in motorsports join Davey Segal (5:35) to explain how the idea was born, why it's coming to fruition this weekend at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring and reminisce on the last time the two raced against each other and how it may go this time around.
Sarah and Bridget explain why they opted to move to the United States from Australia to pursue a career in...2022-10-1346 minVictory LaneEpisode 164: Matt DiBenedettoFresh off his first career NASCAR national series victory, return guest (!) Matt DiBenedetto joins Davey Segal (5:25) to discuss his Talladega triumph, the feeling of relief after winning, the strange nature surrounding the win, emotional calls he received in Victory Lane and how he (or didn’t) celebrate.
DiBenedetto also discusses his move from the Cup Series down to Trucks and how the adjustment has been thus far on and off track. Plus, getting up to speed quick having never piloted a Truck ahead of the season opener, dodging the aggressiveness around him and why Rackley W.A.R. wound up be...2022-10-0647 minVictory LaneEpisode 163: Kyle WeathermanXfinity Series competitor Kyle Weatherman joins Davey Segal (5:50) to discuss his racing career and season to date with Jesse Iwuji Motorsports. They dive into when a trip to a go-kart shop started it all, how David Ragan was involved, winning national bandolero and legends titles, moving to North Carolina, living with Chris Buescher and his wife, Emma and working his way up through the stock car ranks.
Weatherman details when work ethic really came into play, adjusting from short tracks and small cars to big tracks and heavier cars, how the deal with Jesse Iwuji Motorsports came together, why he...2022-09-2855 minVictory LaneEpisode 162: Jeffrey EarnhardtJeffrey Earnhardt joins Davey Segal (6:40) to debrief his season to date in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and top 15 run at Bristol with Sam Hunt Racing. He explains why running a partial schedule with no real momentum has been a challenge and how he and team owner Sam Hunt joined forces.
Having a famous last name, Earnhardt has been unfairly labeled as a racer who's had everything given to him, but that couldn't be further from the truth. The grandson of "The Intimidator" explains why his family didn't want him to race in the first place, why his last name is...2022-09-2148 minVictory LaneEpisode 160: Howie DiSavino IIIThe man known as HD3, Howie DiSavino III, joins Davey Segal (7:35) to discuss his career in motorsports as a first-generation racer. He dives into how racing got on his radar while growing up on a farm in Chesterfield, Virginia, the trip to Richmond Raceway that wound up being the catalyst for his career, getting started in arena racing, why he calls going late model racing after that "the dumbest step" of his development and racing at iconic tracks like Southside and Dominion.
DiSavino's ARCA debut was a memorable one at Elko Speedway, as he came home with a top 10 finish...2022-09-071h 01Victory LaneEpisode 159: Alex HaydenTasked with being one of the many voices of NASCAR at the Motor Racing Network, Alex Hayden joins Davey Segal (6:25) to discuss his unique background and career in and out of motorsports. He dives into why he initially wanted to go into medicine or acting before racing, his time working at Universal Studios and playing football in high school before racing came calling.
Hayden explains how his father's job as a racing photographer was the catalyst for his passion in motorsports, how he got his first job at Wayne County Speedway and the memorable story of a secret tape recording...2022-08-101h 30Victory LaneEpisode 156: Mike Bagley (Part 2)Mike Bagley joins Davey Segal for part two of their discussion (7:20), focused on Bagman's time at SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, including how the opportunity to host on the channel came about, learning the intricacies of being an interviewer and why he was a bit nervous when originally taking the job.
In the early stages of "The Morning Drive," Bagley unexpectedly lost his then co-host David Poole. He details how he and the channel picked up the pieces to move forward a when Pete Pistone came into the picture as his co-host. He also dives into creating a bond with the listeners...2022-07-181h 18Victory LaneEpisode 154: Kip ChildressThe man with one of the coolest jobs in NASCAR joins Davey Segal this week, as Cup Series assistant director and pace car driver Kip Childress (4:45) discusses his upbringing in the sport as a third-generation NASCAR official, how he got his start officiating at Caraway Speedway and a story involving peppermints and the legendary Bill France Sr.
Childress has worked at every level of the sport, be it local, regional, even international and all three national series. He takes us through his journey to assistant Cup Series director, explains why he's learned tips and tricks of the trade every step...2022-07-011h 22Victory LaneEpisode 153: Erik MosesNashville Superspeedway track president Erik Moses joins Davey Segal this week (7:05) ahead of the venue's second annual Cup Series race weekend. They discuss the road Moses took to become the first black track president in NASCAR history, whether holding that title means anything to him, why "representation matters," how much NASCAR was on his radar before taking the job, learning an entirely new industry on the fly, who he leaned on for information and why the challenge of revitalizing a dormant race track was the reason he took the position.
The two also discuss Moses' time in the XFL with...2022-06-241h 05Victory LaneEpisode 152: Cody EfawNiece Motorsports general manager Cody Efaw joins Davey Segal (6:50) to dive into his extensive career that has led him to helping run one of the premier NASCAR Camping World Truck Series organizations. He recalls his early exposure to racing on dirt with his family, why he fell out of love with racing and his eventual decision to drop out of college and move to North Carolina to pursue a career in motorsports.
Shortly after settling in NC, he landed at Roush Racing in the midst of its heyday, where no job was off the table. From a tire changer to...2022-06-171h 28Victory LaneEpisode 151: Noah "Lefty" SweetIn a bit of a different conversation this week, Davey Segal chats with graphic designer Noah Sweet (7:00) about the importance of mental health and his struggles with it over the last few years. On September 2, 2020, "Lefty," as he's affectionately known, vanished. Multiple social media posts left his friends and family worried for his safety. He was in a bad place.
For the first time publicly, Sweet opens up extensively about the darkest time in his life, the events that led to him hitting a breaking point, why he felt he needed to just get away, what the specific time period...2022-06-101h 22Victory LaneEpisode 150: Jill GregorySonoma Raceway EVP and General Manager Jill Gregory joins Davey Segal (7:30) to discuss her impressive career in motorsports that has led her back home to Northern California. She discusses her time in marketing with Texaco, Sprint and Bank of America before working for over a decade at NASCAR, where she left an indelible mark on the sport with her marketing and diversity and inclusion efforts.
She also played an integral part in helping NASCAR return to racing amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and dives into some of the specifics that led to the sanctioning body returning to the track. Shortly...2022-06-0347 minVictory LaneEpisode 149: Jeff StriegleMotor Racing Network lead play-by-play anchor and Berlin Raceway general manager Jeff Striegle joins Davey Segal (5:05) to discuss his career in motorsports, spanning driving, ownership, broadcasting and track operation. He dives into how a trip to Berlin at an early age started the wheels in motion, why he wound up starting his driving career at 23-years-old and the reasons for him hanging up the helmet.
Once that door closed, others opened in the form of broadcasting. Before MRN came calling, Striegle implemented a a MRN-style radio broadcast at Berlin, which gave him experience and exposure to eventually land a gig...2022-05-261h 20Victory LaneEpisode 148: Dean ThompsonCamping World Truck Series rookie Dean Thompson joins Davey Segal (7:15) to discuss how his first season in NASCAR's National Series is going, how the opportunity with Niece Motorsports came about in the first place and why Carson Hocevar was a major help throughout the process.
Thompson dives into his start in racing as a kid before choosing to play hockey over motorsports. He explains why he made that choice and his years as a goalie before eventually coming back to motorsports thanks to Cole Custer inviting him to Auto Club Speedway for a race weekend. After tearing up the local...2022-05-1957 minVictory LaneEpisode 147: Brad GillieBrad Gillie of PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio joins Davey Segal this week (5:40) to discuss how he got started in the broadcasting industry and his early passion for racing. He describes the racing scene in Texas and why despite a lack of asphalt short tracks, the vibrancy of motorsports was on display early and often.
Working at Texas Motor Speedway shortly after its grand opening, Gillie worked as the PA announcer, ran the dirt track, fire and EMS teams, among other roles. He dives into his roles and responsibilities at TMS, working for and with Eddie Gossage and when broadcasting...2022-05-121h 23Victory LaneEpisode 146: Ryan SparksSpire Motorsports crew chief Ryan Sparks joins Davey Segal (6:50) for a wide-ranging conversation. He details his beginning in racing, why he chose to go down the engineering path and how he wound up at Richard Childress Racing straight out of college, where he stayed for 13 years.
Sparks wasn't intimidated joining a championship organization, and honed his craft as a data acquisition engineer. He explains what his role and responsibility was, winning the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600, growing with Austin Dillon through the ranks and how he eventually wound up at Go FAS Racing, in part thanks to a phone call Childress...2022-05-051h 22Victory LaneEpisode 145: Rich LushesChampionship crew chief Rich Lushes joins Davey Segal (7:10) to discuss his storied career in motorsports that culminated in NASCAR's ultimate prize last season with Ben Rhodes and ThorSport Racing. He chats about his early days at the track and father's ownership of a local Ohio short track, why and when he realized driving wasn't the path for him, the culture of racing in Ohio where ThorSport is based and why the team likes avoiding "the swamp" in North Carolina.
Lushes has helped multiple young drivers blossom into short track and NASCAR stars, including the likes of Landon Cassill and Erik...2022-04-271h 10Victory LaneEpisode 144: Brock BeardBringing up the rear for over a decade, Brock Beard (A.K.A. Lastcar) joins Davey Segal this week (5:45) to discuss the work he does and how the concept of covering the back half of the NASCAR garage began in the first place. He explains the origins of his passion for racing and spotlighting those often overlooked, how he approaches covering drivers running in the rear, the reaction from fans and industry members to his coverage and more.
Beard also details giving out his LASTCAR Awards each year, if he gets nervous presenting it to drivers and some instances of...2022-04-211h 12Victory LaneEpisode 142: Mike MassaroDavey Segal welcomes on pit reporter Mike Massaro (9:10) to discuss his extensive career in motorsports broadcasting. Starting in the Northeast at Stafford Speedway, Massaro outlines why he gravitated towards the microphone rather than a steering wheel, tells some hilarious stories from the track involving legends Mike Joy and Jack Arute and how that sent him on a path to work in racing.
He also details his first time meeting Dale Earnhardt while auditioning for MRN Radio, his time at Inside NASCAR on TNN, how Allen Bestwick helped him land that job along the way, landing at ESPN to help spearhead...2022-04-051h 18Victory LaneEpisode 141: Derek KneelandSpotter and racer extraordinaire Derek Kneeland joins Davey Segal (5:25) to discuss his career in motorsports atop the spotters stand and behind the wheel. He details his early racing career in the Northeast, why he wound up hanging up the helmet before his parents asked him to and how he stumbled into spotting to remain in racing.
Kneeland explains how he got his start on the roof, how he balances working in multiple series with multiple drivers, how he tailors spotting to his drivers and whether he does his job differently, the feeling of winning races and championships in NASCAR and...2022-03-281h 07Victory LaneEpisode 140: Monica PalumboMonica Palumbo's enthusiasm, energy and positivity radiates in this wide-ranging conversation with Davey Segal(4:45), where she details her insanely busy schedule, how she balances it all and her time in motorsports as the original Miss Sprint Cup.
Palumbo's career started out in acting, and she explains why she went down that road and how she wound up working with A1 celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jack Black. A former Miss North Carolina pageant winner (and Miss Congeniality, to nobody's surprise), Palumbo also worked with Sandra Bullock to help promote a movie that loosely mirrored her life. As if that wasn't...2022-03-171h 12Victory LaneEpisode 139: Kris WrightNiece Motorsports' Kris Wright joins Davey Segal (6:05) to discuss his start in motorsports, why he was encouraged to take up golf as a profession instead of racing and how his career behind the wheel wound up progressing.
From sports cars to open wheel and now NASCAR, Wright details the steps and decisions along the way, including why he wanted to go down the open wheel path, coming oh-so-close to winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona, racing overseas in Europe and how his lack of success impacted him personally and professionally and how it wound up leading him to stock cars and...2022-03-131h 09Victory LaneEpisode 138: Pete PistoneDavey Segal welcomes on Pete Pistone (5:55), co-host of The Morning Drive on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, for an extended conversation about his background in the sport, how he wound up in his current role, some intricacies of the show and more.
Pistone details his beginnings in motorsports with his uncle "Tiger" Tom. From riding inside his race car down the highway while eating popsicles, Pistone's passion for racing was evident. After attending Northern Illinois University, he started calling local races at Rockford Speedway as the PA announcer, where he also wore various other hats, where the next phase of his career...2022-03-041h 29
Victory LaneEpisode 122: Bozi TatarevicThe IMSA mechanic, Twitter professional, biscuit connoisseur and all-around cool guy Bozi Tatarevic joins Davey Segal this week (15:25) to discuss his career in racing and immigrating to the United States from Serbia. He details the motorsports culture (or lack thereof) in Serbia growing up and how he became involved once moving to the U.S.
Working with Vasser Sullivan in IMSA, Bozi details his day-to-day duties, experience working the Rolex 24 at Daytona (including lots of napping and snacking) how he got involved working in the IMSA garage and why he thinks IMSA has seen a rise in popularity recently. He...2021-08-261h 32
Victory LaneEpisode 100: Jeff GluckThe often imitated, never duplicated and distinguished motorsports journalist Jeff Gluck is the highly awaited guest for landmark Episode 100 of the podcast. Davey Segal chats with one of his biggest mentors and names in NASCAR about his illustrious career spanning multiple decades.
Growing up out West, Gluck details his upbringing (including being classmates with team owner Justin Marks) and how coming East to study journalism at Delaware kicked the next chapter of his life into high gear. After attending his first NASCAR race at Rockingham Speedway, he was hooked. From that point forward, he began covering the sport “on the si...2021-03-252h 05