Open Trailer Podcast

Scarborough Maine's Chris Smith was #1 at 16. He became a 5X champion....and he was back at it this week.   - The story behind the Batmobile - How two Maine Motorsport Hall of Famers are tied to Chris's early days - Championships...or trophy hunting - Is a 'track favorite' really a thing?    

We bring home season 3, episode 24 with one of the most recognizable voices in the Northeast. Always brutally honest, Marco breaks down his years with PASS, announcing races while legally blind, working Mainely Motorsports, his take on streaming, and a number of other great nuggets about music and concerts.   Thank you for your support in season 3! Season 4 in '24! I urge you to go back to earlier episodes and check out the archives. Even if it was only 5 months ago, Dave Coutermarsh episodes seem like forever ago!   However you celebrate, happy holidays!

Stage 1 of Marco was a solid heat race. The man is warmed up and brings heat including how he started the Racin' Paper, took over an announcing gig at Star without an audition, and a lot of random 90's nuggets. The ill fated Pro Truck tour, his take on the Tom Curley/Mike Liberty dispute, NEPSA tour and the day Ralph Nason and Dave St. Clair ran a race against the Oxford 250. Oh, and if he's had any death threats.    Stream ,share, and screenshot your listening experience on social. Sponsorships available for the inaugural Offseason Invocation Feb 8th at Erik's Church. Message for details.  Enjoy!

It's an episode years in the making. Buckle up for Mark 'Marco' Thomas. One of the most distinctive voices and personalities in the Northeast unleashes his history. - Childhood fascination with racing at  Thunder Road, and how the late Ken Squier played a role.  - Hitchhiking to hundreds of races before he got a drivers license. - The absolute machine that was Speedway Scene, and how he got there. - How his budding friendship with Dave Dion ticked off an entire press booth - Why it's important for the race fan to have someone 'tell it like it is.' Mark has some great, funny stories, but it's also chalked full of history nuggets, He is a true student of the game.   

The SP Trilogy wraps up with Steve getting more real than he's ever been on record.   - How race teams can affect friendships   - How broken he was, and not just financially.   - How he was able to work through both and come out stronger than ever.   The man behind 'the show' stepped up to the plate on this one.   Also, check out info on the crossover live event with Black Flagged Podcast.     

Steve's back, and has a ton of life hacks. Like, how to bargain with your wife during race season - How focused was a 20 year-old Kyle Busch? - How he hooked up with Mike Rowe - How he put Austin Theriault on the map - Was Mainely Motorsports a mistake?   Thank you for the Patreon support! Share, stream, screenshot, and (5) star review. Your effort really means a lot. 

Ready to roll with one of the most visible characters in Maine racing over the last two decades.   History: Shocker. Steve was a class clown Before ownership, Steve was a winning race car driver. The little team goes to the Oxford 250...and outperformers their peers year after year The one time Steve counted money before te pay window opened.  This is a good listen, pretty humorous. Drop a 5 star review if we've earned it! Share, stream, and screenshot!    

If you thought stage 1 was nuts, this episode is even deeper.   - Voted off the island - The night of his NAACAR Championship - The Bad Santa car - Racing after a stroke - Paying the tire bill before the electric bill - Racing despite no electricity in the house.    It's a wild ride, buckle up.   

Underdog, champion, court jester. Lewis Anderson has played all three. But was it fair?  This week's episode may change everything you've thought about the man, but also may reinforce it. That's up to you. - We start by digging right into the infamous Wildcat 50 - What it's like to struggle and not qualify for races...for 20 years - How he was given a fast car without instruction to finesse it.  - Being on the wrong side of Beech Ridge tech - Being on the wrong side of everyone.   Share, screenshot, suggest to a friend. Review by clicking all the stars! Support the podcast!

Mike is back to wrap the trilogy.   - A nice wrap on his driving days.   -Driving for Dick Fowler.   - Motivation for life   - How to deal with dubs, by Mike Maietta   - The toughest driver he ever raced

Stage 2 includes a ton of great nuggets.   - How Mike's accident affects racing over 30 years later.  - Richie Evans was going to let him drive the 61. What did he say? - How to avoid being angry....by Mike Maietta  - Why ordering food on an iPad is part of what's wrong with society - Why Mike would be a better race car driver today

The 9x BRMS track champ loads up on race stories, plenty of non racing stories and other things.   Mike's 'job' at the race track when he was 9   His family wasn't keen on him racing   Digging up Beech Ridge   Why he never went 'tour' racing  

We pick up stage 2 with Lemons racing. Lemons is good enough for Travis Pastrana...and sounds like a hell of a time.   Cole and Matt go to a fight with Billy Penfold...then slowly back away from the scene   They end up back at Beech Ridge...and in the path of the Dirty Lew   The most badass racecar that never took a lap...but why?   Matt's inspirational story from pancreatitis to health.    Lots of swearing.      

With over 50+ NASCAR wins at Beech Ridge, Cole Watson takes on the Thursday Thunder/NASCAR Night stat debate. PLUS! Why Fords? How they beat tech...once. Cole worked for...Tom Mayberry?  How affordable entry level racing was in the 90's Racing drama at all levels...especially karting Lots of laugh out loud in this one. Grab a gear.         

We wrap up our time with the brothers and dig into NASCAR development deals that never developed, Mike Rowe rivalry (not the 2023 version, and Trevor goes deep on how close he was to losing his life.

We pick up the story with Trevor joining RMR...the first time.   How Jay Cushman's ride came into play   Was Trevor checked up by NASCAR teams?   Young man goes west to Nashville Fairgrounds    How tight the budget was circa 2009   Heartbreak in the PASS 400...again...and again.   Thank you for continuing to spread the word, hit the share, screenshotting, and all the other things that let everyone know you enjoy the program. Leave a review where you can. The alga loves that. 

Trevor Sanborn jumped into Super Late Models before he had a drivers license. In the last 20 years, has driven and won all over the place. Older brother Corey was also a competitor and sure does have stories. - We talk the 50th Oxford 250 - How the Sanborns were involved in one of the biggest wrecks in Beech Ridge Motor Speedway history - Corey's over his head in ACT - Why was Trevor so quiet? - What he learned from Maine greats like Bobby Babb and Bub Bilodeau  - The Sanborn connection to the night Bub passed - Does Trevor regret not winning a NASCAR championship? Share, tell a friend, and enjoy the show!

Chum's back for Stage 2 with more great stories including the infamous 'Ride of Your Life' night, schooling his son in-law, getting his grandson Rusty Poland up to speed, and how retirement just doesn't work for him. 

The man who was at Beech Ridge...day 1. If there's anyone who has seen and been a part of it all, it's Chum. He's been behind all the greats and we dig into stories of Homer, Dickie, Jeff Stevens, and others.   Chum's grandson, Rusty Poland guest's as co host...and you're really going to enjoy this one. 

We get into Bob's foray into NASCAR North with Sandy McKinnon...as yes, an orange #33   The very first ACT car had Bob's #91 on it, but as a prototype Beaver Dragon ride. Hear how Bob paved the way for Beaver in the 91.   Bob returns to Beech Ridge and becomes the first local driver to win an ACT race   Teams with Alan Tardiff's dad, Marc late in his career.    The best race he ever had was with who???? 

The original MCR! Sanford's Bob Randall is a 4X Beech Ridge champion and has always been a 'car guy.' He's also into skydiving...and (at over 70) still yearns to go bungee jumping.    - Another racer whose first vehicle didn't have any brakes.    - We get the same lesson in stagger Bob did    - A controversial first win over Dave Darveau (pits and grandstands divided)    - Racing with a very, very young Curt Gerry   - The first championship years, followed by a gutting loss.    Bob doesn't hold back. His story is one one of triumph and heartbreak. You'll certainly feel it. 

We pick up on Rick's foray into NASCAR North, including a incident at Thunder Road. He returns to Beech Ridge with more wins, wraps up his driving career early, and returns to head the pack in a different way.  

Rick Zemla was a dominator. Multiple championships and back to back 12 win seasons in the ultra competitive Late Model Sportsman division at Beech Ridge. - The Beech Ridge employee who DIDN'T want Rick to race - The hardest part of winning happen AFTER the races? - Multiple nights with wins 2-3 wins  - When you're great, they want to tear you down.   Please share this podcast with a racing friend. It really helps the platform get more listeners! Also, I appreciate your support on Patreon where you can grab early access to episodes!

We wrap up our time with  Dave on this 'bonus' episode. - New driver in David Pinkham, same success in the 61 - The end of the Mods at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway - Dave and crew go to New Hampshire for more wins -Would Dave have run the Whelen Modified Tour?      Those 5 Star Reviews are super helpful and  thank you for the support on Patreon 

Dave discusses the peak Supermodified years at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway. The Maine Motorsports Hall of Famer shares an incredible story about Jeff Stevens, the wild bus ride when they lost the brakes...but had a race to get to. Also, did Dave get a heads up Ralph was buying Beech Ridge? Find out here!   Those 5 Star Reviews are super helpful and  thank you for the support on Patreon

One of the most decorated owners in Maine racing history, Dave Coutermarsh started on a dairy farm, was set back by Urban Renewal, and ended up upside down on the race track as a driver.   Then, he got into ownership. In stage 1, we find out how the #61 came to be, his pairing with Ralph Cusack, and the birth of the super modifieds.   Become a Patreon subscriber for early podcast release and overall support. 

Long time, huh? Host Andy Austin drops in and drops some info on the long delayed Season 3.   This episode is titled Jar of Flies, but I also figured nobody would get the reference. Back in the day, Alice in Chains dropped Jar of Flies before their third proper record. (the more you know star shoots)    

Wrapping up season 2 with another Maine Motorsports Hall of Famer.   - Fowlers invade Funkmaster Flex - Dream season with Mike Rowe - Team sells, but stays in the family's - Dick's side of the BRMS story.   Share, screenshot, rate, review, and tell a friend! Thank you for the support!

One of Beech Ridge's most decorated characters tells his story...all of it. Stage 1: - Selling programs in the 60's - Digging up the old BRMS surface  - How to grow a proper potato (I wanted to know) - The balance of family, farming, and fast cars - 80's and 90's domination - The boys step onto the scene Please support! Patreon MVRCA    

We wrap up the mini series with another 2021 champion, Brandon Lizotte . Also, David Oliver, Steve Perry, and Greg Emerson share their experiences. Tons of old school stories, how they got started, the back stories of some of their most famous moments, and where they are going from here.     

This time out, we hear from more champions, front runners and fan favorites. Dan Walker, Corey Bubar, Brandon Williams, and Wade Kennedy all went deep into their experience, highlights, and emotions surrounding Beech Ridge Motor Speedway.   Help keep racing history alive with MVRCA Moved by this episode? Support Open Trailer Podcast on Patreon   

When your home away from home suddenly vanishes, what's next? Is there a second act? Without skipping a lap, do you go to the nearest track? Is it just...over?   Beech Ridge Motor Speedway was an active facility from 1949 - 2021. Stars like Chris Smith, Keith Petrin, Brandon Johnson, Gary Smith, and Rusty Poland are among those moving on. For the first time, we hear many of them speak on the fateful night, their closure, what BRMS meant to them, and where they're going next.    Thank you for your continued support on Patreon  Keep racing history alive by subscribing to MVRCA   

We pick up Dan's story with more stories on the Maine Motorsport Report   How Dan ended up getting a TV he didn't try out for   Dan's son becomes a BRMS champion   Showmanship   The economics of racing and current challenges   Your support: https://www.patreon.com/opentrailerpodcast MVRCA - https://mainevintagerace.org/   

- Before there were podcasts and instant updates to everything, there were weekly radio shows. Dan Wolfe's 'Maine Motorsport Report' had quite the cast of characters. - How Dan's own racing lead to Dave Dion's first time in a Chevy. - A key member of what became DEI decided to go south. Dan had a pivotal role. Kind of.  - The hack to getting his name on every open trailer in Southern Maine during the 70's and 80's   * Subscribe on Patreon. www.Patreon.com/opentrailerpodcast * Rate, review, tell a friend!        

Ken Minott is back and we pick up the 'Big Dawg 400' story.   - Years with Jay Cushman   - More high profile rides   - Ted Christopher connection   - Does Scott remember his wedding song?    Subscribe, stream, rate, 5 star review, and tell a friend!

We head to the Midcoast of Maine where Ken Minott joins in on the action.   - Battling with Stan Meserve - Epic championship runs at Wiscasset  - Detour to OPS - The infamous "Bid Dawg 400" (part 1)   Share, subscribe, rate, review, and tell a friend!

In Stage 2, we get into Bob's relationship with King Richard Petty - The creation of Spud Speedway and it's economical impact - Maine X Ray takes off - A bonus free business clinic everyone can learn from.   Subscribe, rate, review, and tell a friend!

Before Ralph Nason, the Knowles family ran Unity Raceway.  Now 85, Bob recounts his days on Route 139 and beyond.   - Unity Raceway was almost in Westbrook?   - Why in Unity?   - How is the track tied to the inauguration of JFK   - Cars left the track, ended up on the interstate, and...came back?   Subscribe, leave a 5 star review, and tell a friend!  

- Bob Jr's championship days - Whether drivers REALLY don't care about points - Brad's driving career takes flight - Huge ACT success - Super Mods   Subscribe at www.mainevintagerace.org Tip jar: www.patreon.com/opentrailerpodcast 

Three Generations: Bob Sr, Bob Jr, and Brad all in one wide ranging interview - How the 'wood chopper' 4 came to be - Bob Sr. is beat by his backup car - Bob Jr. joins NASCAR North - Bob Jr's friendship with Randy Lajoie as the two competed.    Subscribe at www.mainevintagerace.org Tip jar: www.patreon.com/opentrailerpodcast 

- How Jerry Major shut down Jerry Garcia...sort of - Running Oxford Plains Speedway - Jerry's connection with Bobby Allison  - How he and Benny Parsons entertained 20,000 restless people   Subscribe at www.mainevintagerace.org Tip jar: www.patreon.com/opentrailerpodcast 

- The man behind the mic: Jerry's humble beginnings - How he became involved in OPS - Infamous, non racing Oxford 250 incident - What a few Maine race tracks have in common   Subscribe at www.mainevintagerace.org Tip jar: www.patreon.com/opentrailerpodcast   

"How much money do you need to live and enjoy your life?" - Lomer Pelletier In stage 2, we actually get around to racing.  Would Pete Silva have a racing career without Lomer? Lomer gets into Snowmobile racing Maine Motorsports Hall of Fame Win Lomer's Money (spoiler: No one wins Lomer's money) Lomer reflects on everything.     

Left school in the 5th grade. Six kids by 21. Nearly crushed by lift, worked in a full body cast. Started with a homemade garage made of cardboard. Bet it all on on himself...and won That's just stage 1!  

We pick up Russ's story in the late 80's with Dale Shaw.   - Wild Geoff Bodine story   - Junior Johnson 'makes the coffee'   - How High is High...as it relates to an airborne race car    Maine NASCAR Champ and Beech Ridge Champ David Oliver joins in for the conversation.    Open Trailer Podcast benefits Maine Vintage Race Car Association.   Subscribe at www.mainevintagerace.org Tip jar: www.patreon.com/opentrailerpodcast 

One of the most requested guests gets his time on OTP. Maine NASCAR Champ and Beech Ridge Champ David Oliver joins in for the conversation.    Open Trailer Podcast benefits Maine Vintage Race Car Association.   Subscribe at www.mainevintagerace.org Tip jar: www.patreon.com/opentrailerpodcast 

We wrap up our conversation with Scarborough's Kelly Moore by highlighting the late 90's, early '00's, son Ryan stepping into the seat, and one of Kelly's most satisfying moments.   Open Trailer Podcast benefits Maine Vintage Race Car Association.   Subscribe at www.mainevintagerace.org Tip jar: www.patreon.com/opentrailerpodcast 

Season Two kicks off with a band. Three stages with Scarborough, Maine's Kelly Moore.   Before we get to his driving days, we talk the business of RC Moore. Also, his humble beginnings, work ethic, and legendary OPS Late Model class of the early 80's. Kelly moves to Busch North and starts to make a name regionally.    Open Trailer Podcast benefits Maine Vintage Race Car Association.   Subscribe at www.mainevintagerace.org Tip jar: www.patreon.com/opentrailerpodcast 

We pick up Kelly's 'welcome to NASCAR' moment at IRP. The big bonus from ACT that almost wasn't, and his Busch North championship.    Open Trailer Podcast benefits Maine Vintage Race Car Association.   Subscribe at www.mainevintagerace.org Tip jar: www.patreon.com/opentrailerpodcast 

OTP host Andy Austin checks in before the launch. Dishes on what lead to the second season, Beech Ridge talk, and getting out of one's own head.  Season 2 Saturday at midnight!

Bill Rodgers of Old Orchard Beach took a vicious hit during the Granite State Pro Stock Series event. After a few tense moments, Bill emerged from the vehicle to the roar of the crowd. How is he? What happened? How soon will he race again?   Season 2 of Open Trailer Podcast is scheduled for New Years Day 2022. Subscribe, tell your friends, and share share share.