The Racing Writer's Podcast

Bryce Kenny is a Monster Jam driver, public speaker, and new author. Kenny joins the show to share how the book has been doing out in the universe; not seeing out to write a book but why there is a need for another self-help or inspiration guide; dealing with imposter syndrome; choosing to start the book with a very pointed John Wayne quote; success coming from inconvenience; the power of positive thinking and knowing what you want; having adults try to control his intensity growing up; people over projects; what you need to know about Monster Jam; Monster Jam University; the most important message for others. Original music created by Tony Monge. Follow me here: https://linktr.ee/kellycrandall This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3228370/advertisement

A lot has changed since Kip Childress last joined us on the podcast, so he’s getting you caught up on what it’s like being the executive director of the CARS Tour after leaving NASCAR. Childress finally looks back on the emotions of his final weekend from July in Chicago; if there has been any adjustment to leaving the NASCAR world behind and doing something new; being a more public figure with his CARS Tour role; being involved in penalties and other big moments in the series; having momentum and ideas to get the CARS Tour to grow; the feeling that grassroots racing has become more well known in recent years; striking a balance of promoting new stars but having Cup Series drivers run races; how the final events of the season shaped up; what is to come in the immediate future for the CARS Tour. Original music created by Tony Monge. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3228370/advertisement

David Green is a former NASCAR driver turned safety official, and we’re digging into that this week. Green takes us inside what his job title means and responsibilities are; what equipment NASCAR puts in the cars each weekend; the process of looking over a car in the garage after an on-track incident; how the decision is made to take a car back to the R&D Center after an incident; his responsibilities after the initial inspections are done and keeping an eye on the garage; the benefit of having a former driver in a safety position; the differences in the cockpit from when he drove to today; how he viewed safety when he was a driver; how younger drivers view Green in the garage if they grew up watching him race; the benefits of doing individual shop visits during the winter; checking out NHRA races to see what other series are doing with safety; what Green enjoys about racing these days. Music created by Tony Monge. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3228370/advertisement

Listen, did you know that telling jokes isn’t Justin Nunley’s day job? Nunley is an active member of the Air Force, but he’s known for the content he creates on social media. Nunley explains why he didn’t want his military job to be his identity; if comedy helps him escape what he sees in the real world; being able to have an online presence while in the military; being funny but educational; being the most annoying person in the room; having a catchphrase and punchline; intentionally putting Easter eggs in his videos; if he cares to keep up with all the platforms and social media trends; knowing which content is acceptable for which platform; not blaming the platform when a video doesn’t do well; not caring about offending people; being a legitimate NASCAR fan and how he started being invited to races; being a part of driver introductions at Bristol and how he approached the job; what he gets out of being used at a racetrack; if he believes it’s worked in NASCAR’s favor to use a well-known personality; being a lesson for others about having passion for your craft but what people don’t see on social media; if he feels he’s balancing all aspects of his life well; not having an end game; if he has NASCAR specific goals; a message for listeners. Music created by Tony Monge. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3228370/advertisement

Alba Colon takes us inside Hendrick Motorsports and the tools at the race shop that help their four teams win. Colon explains her role; the importance of the simulation and data tools, and how much has gone into improving them over the years; the difference in her roles going from General Motorsports to Hendrick Motorsports; growing up wanting to be an astronaut and having a family that never believed something was too big to achieve; racing entering the picture with a college project and quickly falling in love with it; how much exposure racing gets in Puerto Rico; being an advocate for STEM programs; being a strong female in motorsports and trying to pass that along; being loyal to Chevrolet and not taking other offers; an engineer’s challenge with the Next Gen car. Music created by Tony Monge. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3228370/advertisement

It’s racing and science! Caitlin Quinn, coach Quinn, takes us inside the Toyota Performance Center this week. Quinn explains how she went from college athletics to NASCAR with Toyota; how the Toyota Performance Center (TPC) went from being something that couldn’t be talked about publicly to well known; the correlation between training/nutrition and a driver’s on track performance; how coachable highly competitive, ego-driven drivers are; if anything from the college programs carried over to racing; the race car drivers as athletes debate; creating a schedule to fit an individual driver’s needs; traditional programs and coming up with new ideas; reflexes and hand-eye coordination being teachable; the importance of off-track programs with no on-track practice; going through cognitive training; success stories with drivers; being involved in a job that will be ever evolving. Music created by Tony Monge. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3228370/advertisement

Steve Swift is the senior vice president of operations and development for Speedway Motorsports, meaning he’s leading the way for those big projects. Swift joins the show to share about the extensive work and unique timeline of getting the speedway Roval ready; working for a creative person like Marcus Smith; the importance of keeping the race fan in mind; the way behind-the-scenes operations his team handles; having a relationship with the drivers; finding ways for the racetrack to help with competition; Swift’s background and arriving in NASCAR, including a deep history with Kentucky Speedway; the idea and execution of Colossus TV at Bristol; the process to bringing any idea to life; the difference between NASCAR projects and leading the one for zMAX Dragway; the most challenging project to have done; the one that left him amazed; how the 2024 schedule shapes up for Speedway Motorsports operations. Music created by Tony Monge. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3228370/advertisement

If you love drag racing and how the (video) is made, you’re going to enjoy meeting Kurt Spitler. Spitler is one of the creative minds behind the NHRA social media content and using that platform to deliver in a different way for race fans; the accidental creation of top-end reaction videos and drivers becoming comfortable with that camera; creative freedom with projects; balancing a focus on cars versus drivers; the pressure of getting the shot when it’s live sports at 300 mph; the equipment he’s working with to capture content; differentiating between Spitler’s work and others on the social media team; pointing viewers to the best piece of content to show what he does; not taking courses in college for the profession but stumbling his way into it; being self-taught; trying to shoot his shot with Pat McAfee and how that came full circle this season; experiencing his first drag race and developing steady hands ever since; the sketchiest position to capture content; what fans can expect during the Countdown from a content perspective; bucket list projects. Music created by Tony Monge. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3228370/advertisement

Rajah Caruth did not envision his rookie season in the Craftsman Truck Series going the way it has, but Caruth is keeping a positive mindset as the season winds down. The 21-year-old discusses the valuable seat time he’s gotten in a truck and Xfinity Series car; which one feels more comfortable with his driving style; what Caruth has learned about being a NASCAR national series driver and how that translates to mental health; the resources that come with being a Chevrolet driver; the detailed note-taking process Caruth has had since becoming a race car driver; the responsibility to be as prepared as possible before getting to the racetrack; working with the Wendell Scott Foundation; the backstory of Caruth becoming interested in racing and how the movie ‘Cars’ played a role; why he has a specific date tattooed on his chest; if starting a career later than most has been a hindrance; finishing his college degree and doing so with in-person classes; what the future holds with GMS racing shutting down at the end of the year. Music created by Tony Monge. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3228370/advertisement

Shannon Spake is about to be one of the busiest reporters in sports. Spake is here to share how the year has unfolded for her on the television side; why she says her year starts in September; time blocking and working well under pressure; the synergy between NASCAR on Fox and NFL on Fox teams with her schedule; the balance of football and NASCAR in the fall and with a new personal life change happening this year; the approach to football coverage versus NASCAR coverage; what goes into being prepared for a new season in each sport; the challenges of dual roles; importance of relationship building with athletes; looking ahead to a new NFL season and the NASCAR playoffs. Music created by Tony Monge. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3228370/advertisement

Warrick Scott Sr. knows all about hustle, and that can be seen in his work through the Wendell Scott Foundation and sponsorship of Rajah Caruth. Scott joins the podcast to explain his everyday work with the Wendell Scott Foundation; trying to reach as many youths as possible through its programs; the moment of realization for a foundation; success stories and the different benchmarks that come with them; the emotional toll of the ones that don’t turn out the same way; the community of Danville, Virginia; if Scott’s perspective on the sport has changed over the years; where he sees diversity in the sport today and his experiences at the racetrack; what it has meant to be a full-time sponsor in NASCAR with the foundation; information on the ‘Born Driven’ books upcoming release and where to find more on the foundation. Music created by Tony Monge. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3228370/advertisement

Jessica Hook is an engineer at Hendrick Motorsports, but her exact role is to be determined as Hook looks for her next challenge. However, she was heavily involved in Garage 56 and she’s among the team now closing the chapter on that historic event as the parts and pieces are back at the shop. Hook recalls when she was brought into the loop by Chad Knaus with five minutes' notice; the science behind competing at Le Mans regarding fuel/tires and Hook’s race day role; how Hendrick Motorsports ties into her background before getting a job with the organization; how her perspective on racing changed when realizing she wanted to work in the sport; the two jobs she’s had since graduating college; working with the drivers she once looked up to; what brings Hook a sense of satisfaction in her work; would she consider looking for a crew chief role in the future. Music created by Tony Monge. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3228370/advertisement

It’s the second full year of Craftsman Truck Series competition for Dean Thompson but his first in the No. 5 for Tricon Garage. Thompson breaks down how the year has gone; the difference in his progression as a driver; fitting into a new environment at Tricon; being surrounded by people (like Frank Kimmel) who are honest but helpful; ways that Tricon is different from other teams; the benefit of using the Toyota Performance Center; being big into boxing as a hobby; having a very structured schedule; getting started in racing then quitting and the reason why he came back; what the feeling was when getting back behind the wheel; racing across the country with his dad; how a young driver learns in a crazy series like trucks and who to lean on; owner David Gilliland having a drivers background; Tricon Garage letting Thompson be himself; controlling his emotions on camera after a few difficult moments this year; what has become a friendly rivalry with former foe Jesse Love; a fraternity amongst TRD drivers; future aspirations in racing; sharing a love of the (Mighty) Ducks. Music created by Tony Monge. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3228370/advertisement

Mandy Chick and her small family-owned race team are trying to do big things with very little, and it’s getting Chick plenty of attention. In this conversation, Chick shares how busy her summer has been; what it’s like to be an intern for Chevrolet and top-secret projects; being a very hands-on person from early in life; working on multiple college degrees; why it’s important for Chick to go through school; the earliest memory of knowing what racing is and being infatuated with it; if the conversation is different when a daughter wants to be a driver; how small is the small team; getting people to buy into the dream as a volunteer crew; why dad bis listed as the team crew chief but not being allowed in her ear; balancing personal and professional with the race team; the races on the schedule for the rest of this year; the realistic goals when qualifying for a race; the shock of Daytona and how that changed things; expectation versus reality at Daytona; having a mental moment at Kansas Speedway; watching races when not competing; the versatility of Chick’s racing background; the characteristics of the ARCA Menards car; how to follow and support Chick. Music created by Tony Monge. Buy podcast merchandise here: https://carpys.com/store/The-Racing-Writers-Podcast-Kelly-Crandall-c114796518 This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3228370/advertisement

Jordan Taylor is having a heck of a year as a race car driver, and we’re digging into all of it this week. That includes Taylor recently making his 100th start in IMSA; explaining the dynamic of coming from a well-known racing family; getting the first win of the season out of the way for Corvette Racing; how things are going with a new class type in IMSA; if the series is experiencing a swing of momentum, and how much Garage 56 helped; the buzz of Garage 56 dying down; reflecting on being a part of a special program that was a big hit with fans; being in an unselfish role as coach for Garage 56 and what he learned about himself; if he feels empty now that such a big project is done; live calming down a bit; how much the stock car opportunities meant to him; if Taylor thinks his identity has changed a little bit now; looking to branch out more in his career; checking in with Rodney Sandstorm; what is to come for Taylor in the next part of the season. Music created by Tony Monge. Buy podcast merchandise here: https://carpys.com/store/The-Racing-Writers-Podcast-Kelly-Crandall-c114796518 This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3228370/advertisement

Drew Herring is getting interviewed once again! It’s been a while since Herring was the topic of discussion but a few years into his new role as a spotter, he’s here to share how it’s been going. Herring explains how he landed the job at Martin Truex Jr.’s team; still getting the adrenaline rush and fast-paced feel for the sport; what his prior relationship with Truex was; not taking heated moments on the radio personally; the adjustment of being proactive instead of reactive; being able to think like a driver; if a driver-to-driver pairing makes things easier; whether Herring feels he’s found a place on the roof amongst the spotter brotherhood; finding his physical place on the roof; being the Toyota simulator driver; explaining the wheel force test car; how being a test driver scratches the itch to be a race car driver; keeping the door open to driving competitively again one day; being the Toyota test driver for Next Gen development and feedback to NASCAR; how far the car has come over time; Herring’s outlook for the 19 team’s rest of the season. Music created by Tony Monge. Buy podcast merchandise here: https://carpys.com/store/The-Racing-Writers-Podcast-Kelly-Crandall-c114796518 This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3228370/advertisement

Mike ‘Rocky’ Rockenfeller believes the buzz from NASCAR’s entry in Le Mans is still going strong, and he’s still relishing having the opportunity to be a part of it. Rockenfeller compares the dynamic of the experience to his past trips to compete in Le Mans; the adjustment as a driver of not racing for an overall victory; if he believes the entry did just as much for sports cars as it did NASCAR; how much it means to be full-time again; the eye-opening experience of looking for a ride after 15 years with Audi; the tall task of getting a new program competitive in IMSA; where the team is after only having two races against GTP competition; how he got into karting and then his path to being a factory driver; the surprise of early and consistent success; the thrill of sports car racing for Rockenfeller; experiencing his first baseball game in the U.S.; the story behind his nickname. Music created by Tony Monge. Buy podcast merchandise here: https://carpys.com/store/The-Racing-Writers-Podcast-Kelly-Crandall-c114796518 This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3228370/advertisement

Bernard Pollard is hooked on NASCAR, and for the last three years, he’s lived the best of both worlds, learning the sport and getting to engage through a partnership with Ally. Pollard opens up about he didn’t expect to be this invested in NASCAR; recalls what initially drew him into wanting to watch a race for the first time; being intrigued by a different kind of athletic competition as a former athlete; becoming a defender of the sport to critics; being on his third iRacing sim rig; being intrigued and amused at how competitive drivers are; wanting to learn everything about the sport through research and video clips; getting other football players interested in racing; what Pollard has seen from the diversity side and NASCAR’s inclusion efforts; what his hope for the future of NASCAR is and his role. Music created by Tony Monge. Buy podcast merchandise here: https://carpys.com/store/The-Racing-Writers-Podcast-Kelly-Crandall-c114796518 This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3228370/advertisement

Natalie Torrence is living the dream of working for herself and one of the most successful businesses in drag racing. Torrence discusses everything she and her team have their hands in; the unique and personal backstory of the business name; the impressive list of clients Torrence has in the NHRA; having something of her own at the racetrack away from her husband’s team; balancing when she wants to be on the line for her husband but delivering for her clients; being able to expand the business with employees and learning to give up control; what Torrence initially thought she’d put her degrees toward; what kept her in drag racing when things didn’t materialize as expected; how her connections help launch the business; the leap of faith of starting a company, and how it’s tied to the Gray family and then meeting Steve; the push to be different in the space; collaborating with the competition; how it all comes together at the racetrack and the tools of the trade; creating the Toddler Tricycle Nationals. Music created by Tony Monge. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3228370/advertisement

Winston Kelley was the first employee of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and as its executive director, we dig into its history and what it’s like to work with NASCAR history. Kelley explains how the Hall of Fame is part of a larger organization in Charlotte; what the selection process was like for Charlotte to become the chosen city; what his role entails and why you can still see him at the racetrack; estimating the number of artifacts on display at the Hall; how exhibits come together and the pieces being on loan to the Hall; the backstory on the design of the building and how the Louvre ties in; having a shovel from the groundbreaking for the building; if it’s really a job to Kelley; if there are ghosts of NASCAR past at the Hall of Fame; the emotion of the lifelike statues of some of the sport’s founders; preparing for the next Hall of Fame class. Music created by Tony Monge. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3228370/advertisement