Racing Virginia Podcast

From Smithfield, Va., to the biggest stage in American motorsports, Cliff Daniels just reached the pinnacle: he's a NASCAR Cup Series champion. But the crew chief of the No. 5 Chevrolet driven by Kyle Larson hasn't let that title-winning season and performance even sink in… yet. Daniels' love for racing began as he watched his father turn laps at Racing Virginia's short tracks. Daniels (11:44) was a wheelman, himself, from bandoleros all the way to late model stocks. But when driving was no longer an option, he found another path. He took his passion and skills and turned them into a career in racing as an engineer, steadily climbing the ladder all the way to the top of a pit box at Hendrick Motorsports. Hear his story: about his journey from driving to engineering, about the gamut of emotions a title-winning season takes on someone, his relationship with Kyle Larson, and hear exactly how it feels to be crowned a NASCAR Cup Series champion. We dive deep into the nuts and bolts with the man calling the shots of NASCAR's most dominant team. In a heartfelt Commonwealth Closer, hosts Dave Seay and Brandon Brown tell us what they're thankful for this year.

Chase Burrow doesn't pigeonhole himself to a certain car or a certain track surface. A 17-year-old racer from King George, Va., Burrow (30:37) just finished third-place in the Shawn Balluzzo Memorial 100 at Larry King Law's Langley Speedway in an asphalt modified. A week earlier he won his very first asphalt late model stock car race at Dominion Speedway. He's also been running dirt mods at Virginia Motor Speedway and up in Winchester. Admittedly, he hates points racing and just wants trophies. Hear his Racing Virginia story: how he started, why he races a little bit of everything, and what his short- and long-term goals are. Hosts Dave Seay and Brandon Brown recap the drama at Martinsville including the Denny Hamlin-Alex Bowman run-in. In the Commonwealth Closer, we discuss real human emotion in racing, and when that emotion crosses the line.

Sam Hunt and Colin Garrett have forged a friendship through racing. Hunt, now the owner of Sam Hunt Racing which fields cars in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, has made a steady rise in the sport, and the progress of his team is evident of that. Hunt, a VCU graduate, gave up driving to focus on ownership. So far, so good. The friendship between Hunt and Garrett (16:25) has followed the two from when they met at Hunt-Sellers Racing. Now, as Garrett, who hails from South Boston, Va., rises in the ranks, he's found success piloting Hunt's Xfinity Series ride this year. The two team up once again for the Dead On Tools 250 at Martinsville Speedway, a homecoming of sorts for Garrett. What does the future hold? First and foremost, a great run for the No. 26 at The Paperclip would be nice. In our Commonwealth Closer, co-host Brandon Brown sits down with Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell (52:39) to talk about a huge weekend of NASCAR that'll settle the Championship 4 in all three of NASCAR's top series.

Joseph Glassford has been going to races at Natural Bridge Speedway since he was a kid. So when the track came up for sale, he decided it was his duty to purchase and operate the speedway and make it his own. Now, Glassford (13:03) will use that love and passion he developed for the track as a kid to revitalize it and keep its legacy alive. Meet the “good ol' boy from Natural Bridge” and hear what challenges he's already faced and what plans he has for his home track. Hosts Dave Seay and Brandon Brown talk tires and then preview

Connor Hall has been methodically climbing the late model stock car ladder for a few years now. The driver out of Hampton, Va., almost was racing boats, though. A decision by his mother put him on a four-wheel path as a kid and he hasn't looked back. From go-karts to Legend cars to late models, Hall (10:18) has taken his career right where he's envisioned it thus far. A few years ago, he started winning “big races” – most notably the 2019 Hampton Heat at Langley Speedway. We hear how he got started, where he's at, and what his plans are for his career as he heads into the CARS Tour Late Model Stock Car finale at South Boston Speedway on October 16. Learn about the 24-year-old shoe, his run-in with Mark Wertz that blossomed into a partnership & friendship, and why those “big races” and not points championships are his main focus right now.

Brandon Brown tipped his Larry's Hard Lemonade back and drank it all in. He and his family team had just won at Talladega. It was in an unconventional way, but that's just fine with Brandon (5:45) and his unconventional family-run NASCAR Xfinity Series team Brandonbilt Motorsports based in Fredericksburg, Va. Brandon took the lead on the race's final caution, and when the race was called because of darkness, even as the emotions overcame him in the cockpit, he was more worried about driving across the finish line first and not messing up. He won it, though, and took home the big prize and the big trophy. He takes through every single moment of the victory: the pass for the lead, the caution and officially taking the lead, to the race being called and the celebration. But what's next for this family team and for his driving career? Let him tell you. We also dive into the momentous weekend at Talladega all around for Racing Virginia, with Bubba Wallace and 23XI's first Cup Series victory. It gave Chesterfield Va.'s Denny Hamlin his first win as an owner and Halifax Va.'s Bootie Barker his first Cup win as a crew chief. Wallace followed in the footsteps of Danville Va.'s Wendell Scott as the second Black driver to win a NASCAR race, as well, which is something everyone should celebrate, explains (host) Brandon Brown.

What were you doing when you were 16? Landon Pembelton was busy winning the race of a lifetime. The young wheelman out of Amelia, VA, hasn't even been driving a late model for even 12 months, and he just parked his in Victory Lane at Martinsville Speedway. The new ValleyStar Credit Union 300 champion used patience and skill beyond his years – and a phenomenal strategy that worked to perfection – to get his No. 0 ahead of the field when it counted, then held off the best to get it done. Hear how playing with matchbox cars on the backstretch at South Boston Speedway while his dad raced manifested into a love for racing. His name will be forever etched in the Racing Virginia record books and speaking of books, let him tell you how he juggles 11th grade and a job, all while climbing the racing ladder.

Jeff Burton is one of the greatest drivers to ever come out of The Commonwealth of Virginia. What if we told you there was a time he almost wasn't a race car driver at all? The tough times early in his career molded Jeff (7:37) into the fiery competitor he is today. We dive into his career as he came up through late models at South Boston Speedway, starting a team with his father, his first races in the then Busch Series, the “worst year of my life,” and why one win at Martinsville changed the trajectory of his career. From his highlights on track to his broadcasting career, Burton has some great stories to share. We also preview Richmond Raceway's NASCAR Playoffs Weekend and get Jeff's thoughts on his time at one of his favorite tracks.

Jon Wood (6:49) comes from a legendary lineage, his last name synonymous with racing in the state of Virginia. His grandfather and father forged one of the most successful racing teams of all time, and he, himself, was on a path to become a legendary racer. His career took a different trajectory and he now continues his work in the family business as the Senior Vice President of Wood Brothers Racing. But there's a whole lot more to him than that. Hear his story: how he came through the ranks as a driver to become a Truck Series winner and why he stopped racing. We discuss regrets, struggles, and triumphs in an open and honest interview with Jon that will open your eyes to a man some might only know as the voice behind the @woodbrothers21 Twitter account. In our Commonwealth Closer, we discuss Randy Hallman's Racing Virginia SRX Series idea, and what tracks in The Commonwealth would be perfect for the series to pay a visit.

Greg Edwards has been running late model stock cars at Langley Speedway since 1991. Over that time, Greg (14:54) has amassed six track championships, tying his brother Danny for second on the track's all-time list for late models. That friendly sibling rivalry has fueled some of the best battles that have even bubbled over to days at the shop. But let Greg tell you about all that. Meet the legendary driver out of Poquoson and hear how he got his start, what keeps him coming to the track and how he plans on grabbing his very first Hampton Heat checkered flag on Saturday. In our “Commonwealth Closer,” hosts Dave Seay and Brandon Brown discuss the towering topic of Race Control: how difficult the job of a race director is, and if the current criticism of the NASCAR tower is justified after the errors at New Hampshire.

Growing up in Iowa, Bret Hamilton couldn't help falling in love with dirt racing. It was in his blood, after all. With his father being an IMCA pioneer, Hamilton (17:12) grew up learning to build race cars, but he didn't start racing until he was 18 years old. Shortly after, a leap of faith and a change of scenery brought him to Virginia, where his racing career took off. He honed his craft on pavement at Southside Speedway, but his one true passion was always dirt. He made his way to Virginia Motor Speedway, where he became a champion. His adoration for it burns brightly to this day, even as, admittedly, his time behind the wheel is coming to a close. That doesn't mean he's done making his mark. His legacy will be left not only in the trophies he's won but the drivers and teams he's built and fabricated chassis and parts for along the way. Hosts Dave Seay and Brandon Brown express their opinions on the right way for drivers and fans to display their displeasures with tracks and sanctioning bodies in this week's “Commonwealth Closer.”

Mike Looney is as humble as he is talented behind the wheel of a race car. The driver of the No. 87 Late Model Stock car, Looney (14:41) has made a name for himself on the short tracks of Virginia and has earned fans all across the Commonwealth. His career has been based on perseverance, which makes it no surprise he took a car with a failing clutch and drove from last to sixth on Saturday at South Boston. We dive in with Mike about that valiant effort, his driving career and his life outside of racing, which includes time at his farm and in the machine shop. He's been on the brink of a national title before, but he doesn't base his career on his time spent in the Winner's Circle. What keeps him racing? The love of it, of course. In our Commonwealth Closing Topic, we discuss the proper way to eat a SoBo Bologna Burger, per the foremost authority on it, Elliott Sadler.

Peyton Sellers is one of the greatest late model stock car drivers to ever strap on a helmet. Sixteen years ago, he became the youngest driver ever to win the late model stock car weekly series national points championship, and he's earned his way to the top of the standings again this year. It's really no surprise, though. After a year away from South Boston Speedway due to its closure during the pandemic, Sellers took the track title at Dominion Raceway in 2020. He's back home at SoBo, dominating as he's so often done before. However, he hasn't won the national title since 2005. The year after that triumph, he began a journey out west that taught him some valuable life lessons – ones that he brought back with him here to his home in the Commonwealth. We dive deep with Sellers as he aims for his third Thunder Road Harley Davidson 200 victory this weekend at South Boston against a huge field of the best late model stock car drivers around. Hosts Dave and Brandon also discuss the importance of track announcers and their importance in bringing a race to life.

As the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series gets ready for its stop at Richmond Raceway, we talk to some of the series' biggest stars to preview what will undoubtedly be an awesome ToyotaCare 250 on April 17. Drivers John Hunter Nemechek, Matt Crafton, Ben Rhodes, Austin Hill & Derek Kraus sit down for a round-table discussion about Richmond – and a few other topics – including Crafton and Nemechek's run-in at Bristol. This is a fun one, folks!

Derrick Lancaster could have easily lost his life last year. With his car on fire, he couldn't move his arms as his crew scrambled to free him from a wreck at Kingsport Speedway. At that moment, he was more concerned about his car's condition than himself, simply because of his old-school take-care-of-my-own-equipment mentality. Months later, Lancaster (7:00) led the field at Daytona International Speedway in the 2021 ARCA Menards Series opening event. The Christiansburg, Va., native's love of racing began when he followed Ronnie Thomas to races as a kid and lives on to this day through his late model and ARCA endeavors. You can't help but feel his passion when he speaks, and that was evident in his post-race interview after a sixth-place finish at Daytona. He tells us those stories and more. Hosts Dave and Brandon dish on new seating capacity news and the return of racing in The Commonwealth with fans at a higher level as we enter the 2021 racing season.

The son of racing royalty, Roy Hendrick paved his own way on short tracks in The Commonwealth. The legendary second-generation racer, son of Ray Hendrick, tells how he got started, his fondest memories at Southside Speedway, keeping the legacy of the famous “Flying 11” alive, and honoring his father with an unforgettable victory. Roy (13:06) won track titles at Southside Speedway, South Boston Speedway, and Orange County, but was most dominant at Southside, so much so, he says, that “they tried every which way to make me lose.” He tells us about his very first time in a race car and shares his thoughts on today's racing and much more in a can't-miss interview.

Stacy Compton is a racer's racer who made his way to the NASCAR Cup Series in quick order. Compton (11:08) a native, of Hurt, VA, cut his teeth at South Boston Speedway racing late models, and the love for short track racing still burns bright inside of him. He tells us some of his most memorable stories, including his first Truck Series victory in Portland, starting on the front row of the DAYTONA 500, a friendly rivalry with Ron Hornaday Jr., and how he recently battled and beat a severe case of COVID-19. He now might just get back to what he loves the most – besides being a dad, of course – racing late models.

We celebrate the 100th Episode of the Podcast with Racing Virginia royalty. Ward Burton joins us with stories about racing with his brother at South Boston, his Daytona 500 victory, conservation, and his son, Jeb's racing journey. Ward (6:20) made his way from military school to NASCAR Cup Series winner, and his passion has driven him from the driver's seat to his wildlife foundation – and you definitely know that if you follow him on social media! He tells us about living in the woods, his first win, and run-ins with Dale Earnhardt. Through it all, he's lived by the lessons of hard work and respect instilled in him at a young age.

Jesse Vaughan became a spotter by pure chance. Ten years later, he was atop a tower in Turn 3 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, guiding James Hinchcliffe through the Indy 500. Vaughan (13:56) who hails from Chesterfield, VA, explains how he was randomly asked by his father to spot for Shayne Lockhart at Martinsville Speedway ten years ago, how he made the most of that chance and continues to spot to this day. We dive in-depth with him on what it takes to be a good spotter, what he's learned, and what really goes on atop the tower on race days. Co-host Dave Seay reflects on Cathy Rice's career after the news she'll step down as South Boston Speedway's GM following this season.

He's a legend among legends here in the state of Virginia. Phil Warren's racing career is a storied one, but it might have never taken off without a bit of advice from Tommy Ellis. Warren (10:39) took that council and turned it into victories and titles. Now, he's mentoring the next generation of young racers, including Brenden Queen and his grandson Ryley Music. Hear the racing Virginia story of one of Langley Speedway's greatest, as he's gone from a championship-winning driver to championship-winning crew chief.

He was the man behind the mic of Southside Speedway for the better part of the past two decades. Buck Reuss is a man of many talents, though. Reuss (2:32) is a racing historian, graphic designer, and a killer guitar player who has made his mark in many ways around Racing Virginia. Justin Carroll is a young racer with a bright future. The product of Williamsburg, Va., Carroll (35:26) just finished a season in the ARCA Menards East Series where he placed sixth in the standings. He might have gotten his start in racing later than most, but he's making up for lost time.

Jeb Burton has fought for everything he's gotten in racing up to this point, and finally, he gets the chance to show his true potential. After an emotional announcement, we check in with the new driver of the Kaulig Racing No. 10 Nutrien Ag Solutions Chevy. Jeb (6:30) goes in-depth on what he hopes to accomplish this year in a full-time Xfinity Series ride and how his career has wound its way to this point.

Richard Boswell's love for racing began at Old Dominion Speedway, visiting the track with his legendary racing father Dickie Boswell when he was as young as three years old and then racing at the track once located in Manassas, Va. Boswell's (15:20) path to becoming a winning crew chief winded right through Racing Virginia. The guy atop the box of the No. 98 Stewart-Haas Racing Xfinity Series team became a racer, himself, while earning his engineering degree, and shares that story with us. Co-host Dave Seay shares his thoughts about the closure of Southside Speedway, the place where he watched his very first race as a kid.

Matt Hagan's journey to becoming an NHRA Champion started on a four-wheeler. Yeah, you read that right. How did Hagan make it all the way to the top of the drag racing world? You've got to listen to find out. The Christiansburg, Va., racer opens up about his Racing Virginia roots, farming, business, the loss of his brother, and more in a can't-miss interview. Hagan (20:03) won his third NHRA Funny Car title in an unprecedented 2020 and hopes to be racing for years to come… although he's been setting himself up for lifelong success in the meantime.

This guy is a one-man truck and tractor show… for real. Kevin English competes not only in tractor pulls, but also pilots monster trucks. He's not your conventional Racing Virginia driver, but the Tappahannock, VA native wheels them with tons of skill. English (11:24) lets us know exactly what goes into driving both. Stacy Puryear is one of the Racing Virginia originals, and he's still going fast after 35 years of racing. Puryear (29:00) is also helping bring up the next generation of racer and offers his insight into what will help make youngsters into lifelong race fans. Larry Spider-Man" McBride (52:48) lays it all on the line, literally. Wanna know what we mean? Just listen as Spider-Man, himself, tells the story about how he's become the fastest man on two wheels.

After a challenging 2020 racing season here in Virginia, we still have so much to be thankful for, especially our fans and friends. We had our old buddy Vaughan Crittenden stop by to recap his first year as the GM and promoter at Larry King Law's Langley Speedway. Vaughan (8:52) tells us about his year and what's in store for 2021 at Langley. Randy Hallman (17:37) recalls the unique Winston Cup championship run of Benny Parsons in 1973. Tyler Crossnoe (35:15) fills us in on Virginia Motorsports Park and how much he's learned from running the dragstrip during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosts Dave and Brandon, along with Vaughan, Randy and Tyler, tell us exactly why they're thankful, even in these trying times.

Young motorsports fans aren't hard to come by here in Virginia, but you won't find one more passionate than Atley Wiese. The 12-year-old drives a champ kart at Larry King Law's Langley Speedway, but his real love for motorsports doesn't come from being behind the wheel. He's at his best behind a microphone. Wiese (13:06) has dreams of being a racing broadcaster, but why? Let him tell you! How did Chris Rice surprise Jeb Burton with the news he was the new driver of the Kaulig Racing No. 10? We're not saying Rice (25:44) lied to him... it was only a misrepresentation of the truth. Either way, the result was an emotional moment between two South Boston boys. Dave and Brandon dish on a question we posed on social media with very different answers.

We get down and dirty with two of Racing Virginia's young rising stars. Devin Brannon is a third-generation racer from Winchester, VA, who has had some great tussles on track with his dear ol' dad. And those have made for some great dinner table conversations. Brannon (8:45) is already a track champion, but his dirt dreams are much bigger. Chris Arnold has been dominant on the track this year. Normally he calls Virginia Motor Speedway home, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Arnold (23:15) has been taking checkered flags at Winchester (Va.) Speedway in 2020. For both of these racers, 2021 looks to be an even better year on track. Hosts Dave and Brandon dish on the NASCAR Championship races, as well. https://vurbl.com/station/9SZkrYOd6LQ/

Sean Kelly and Patrick Parizo are putting their money where their mouth is, quite literally. Their company, Draft Top, sponsored Martinsville Speedway's NASCAR Xfinity Series Draft Top 250 race held on November 31. We talk to Sean and Patrick (11:35) about their experience at Martinsville, their company, and why they decided to invest in racing right here in Virginia. Mason Diaz hails from Manassas, Va., but has been racing all over the country for years. He's landed in some great rides as he rises through the ranks, most recently in Sam Hunt's No. 26 Xfinity Series car. We talk to Mason (30:53) about his path in racing to this point. One time, Randy Hallman decided to HEAD to Martinsville for a race. What does that mean? Listen to his most recent Storytime (52:02) to find out.

Gray Gaulding started winning the day he jumped behind the wheel. The Colonial Heights, Va., native has always been a little ahead of the curve when it comes to racing talent. Gaulding (18:24) is only 22 but has already experienced his share of triumphs as he's climbed the NASCAR ladder. But as he's risen through the ranks, his most recent tribulations have made him stronger. Randy Hallman forfeits his normal Storytime for a little assistance from Dave and Brandon. Was the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas a "good race" for the win between Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick? We help Randy (55:10) clear the picture up.

Sergio Peña does a little bit of everything behind the wheel. Peña (11:17), a native of Winchester, VA, grew up racing go-karts on road courses, and his racing career has taken many twists and turns. Not only is he competing in his late model at Dominion Raceway, but he's also a security driving instructor, and has forged a relationship with Aston Martin. Dinah Mullins (58:13) is the woman behind the curtain at Dominion Raceway. From photography to creative, to social media, and everything in between, she's outdoing herself to make racing look and feel larger than life. Randy Hallman (42:23) has a sweet story about sabotage from the 1983 race at Riverside.

To toe the line or go below the line? That is the question. Racing Virginia's Denny Hamlin won at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, but not without a bit of speculation about whether or not he was forced below the double-yellow line – a no-no at Talladega. The Wood Brothers and driver Matt DiBenedetto were penalized for an infraction while Hamlin was not on Sunday's final lap, and it reminded Randy Hallman (21:07) of a story about Darrell Waltrip at Daytona long before there were rules about what you could and couldn't do. Back then, the drivers had their own set of unwritten rules. Levi Crowl calls Winchester (VA) Speedway his home track. He's only 19, but Levi (38:05) has got 14 years of racing experience and big dreams to boot. The perfect place to hone his craft has been the slick surface of Winchester.

Zach McAfee lives in a simulation... well, kind of. He's the Managing Director of Sim Seats, and his Richmond-based business manufactures custom racing simulators to meet all his clients' needs. McAfee (7:03) has forged relationships with Richmond Raceway and Xfinity Series driver Anthony Alfredo, and saw the demand for his product skyrocket due to the sim racing boom during the coronavirus pandemic. He's kept up with the demand and kept racing in real-life, too. Tyler Arrington (22:46) is the reigning American Crate All-Star Series champion and is coming off a huge $10,000 payday at Wythe Raceway. But success on dirt didn't stop him from taking on the pavement at Lonesome Pine Raceway.

Matt Carter is coming off a sweep of twin 30-lappers at Larry King Law's Langley Speedway on Saturday night. Carter (15:16) has found success this year in his No. 78 modified and is looking for more victories as the season winds down. Hear his Racing Virginia story and how the late Shawn Balluzzo inspired him to race even harder every night at the track. Jeb Burton comes from Racing Virginia royalty. His heritage runs deep here in The Commonwealth, but Burton (25:50), the driver of the JR Motorsports No. 8 car has had to forge his own path to success. His hard work is paying off, but he still wants more. Randy Hallman (54:51) returns with a Storytime centered around breaking the rules at the racetrack. How much trouble did the longtime sportswriter get into when he was just a greenhorn? Dave and Brandon weigh in on their racetrack transgressions, as well, in a show you just can't miss.

The folks at Virginia Motorsports Park have learned a thing or two during the coronavirus pandemic. Vice President Tyler Crossnoe dishes on how they've been able to streamline and improve the fan experience due to the trials and challenges they've faced during events this year. Crossnoe (14:02) previews this weekend's Shakedown Nationals XVIII and what fans can expect when they attend. You might not have heard of Matt Mills yet, but last weekend at Richmond Raceway, Mills (43:10) and his tiny BJ McLeod Motorsports Xfinity Series team made some noise. Hear his Racing Virginia origin story, and how he made a trade with Dale Earnhardt Jr. One good VMP personality deserves another, as Tommy Franklin joins us, not to talk about the track, but his prospects as he'll race at VMP this weekend. Franklin (1:02:18) will pilot his Pro Mod at the track he owns.

One of the biggest weekends of racing in all of Racing Virginia is on the horizon at Richmond Raceway. Four races in three days will take place at America's Premier Short Track so we brought on two of the gentlemen who make the facility go. Director of Communications, NASCAR Mid-Atlantic, Brent Gambill (13:04) oversees public relations and communications for Darlington Raceway, Martinsville Speedway, and, of course, Richmond Raceway. Coming off a thrilling weekend at Darlington, his focus shifts to The Action Track. Richmond Raceway President Dennis Bickmeier (29:58) is a man of the people, and he tells us why community is the most important part of motorsports. Dennis previews the Gander Trucks' return to Richmond, as well as an Xfinity Series double dip and the second race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.

Third-generation racer Bryan Reedy (11:27) tells us his story, including how he nearly had to hang up his helmet. From the age of 3, he's been in love with racing, and that passion continues as Reedy pilots his No. 17 late model at a Racing Virginia track near you. One of Virginia's favorite sons, Rick Mast (29:35), checks in to talk everything from his stint as a movie car driver in "Days of Thunder" to hid triumphs and near-misses. Mast weighs in on the state of racing and the current accomplishments of a familiar face tearing it up at the dirt tracks. Randy Hallman (1:17:05) chimes in with "Story Time" and a tale about Virginia great, Lennie Pond.

Tommy Franklin(5:50) took over ownership at Virginia Motorsports Park simply because he loved racing there and wanted to share that love with others. Franklin, a successful business owner, champion Pro Mod racer, and co-owner of the Professional Drag Racers Association, has already transformed VMP in his short time running the venue and has big things in store for the place. Virginia Tourism Corporation President & CEO Rita McClenny (29:01) loves racing in the state of Virginia. The iconic Virginia Is For Lovers brand has jumped on board for Richmond Raceway's new Xfinity Series race this September, and we talk to her about the value of partnering not only for that race but others across the state. Randy Hallman (48:02) is back with Storytime, and this time he tells us about the time he called Richard Childress a "Stroker" when he was a young sportswriter.

Two of the best sports car drivers on the planet hail from right here in Racing Virginia. They're both competing in the "Virginia Is For Racing Lovers Grand Prix" at VIRginia International Raceway this weekend. James Clay (5:22) drives the No. 82 Bimmerworld BMW M4 GT4 in the Michelin Pilot Challenge Series, and turned his love for racing into success in the business world, as well. Tommy Milner (44:04) is a two-time Le Mans champion, finding success across the globe driving for Team Chevrolet (more specifically Team Corvette). Hear both of their stories and their affinity for their home track, VIR.

Chris Hornberger (11:05) is a veteran of the U.S. Army who is raising awareness through his mud bogging and his oval racing. His goal is to raise money and get exposure to suicide prevention and help his fellow veterans. A Matoaca, Va., native, Hornberger champions Mission 22 and The Fallen Outdoors, causes he displays on his vehicles. Jonathan Findley (34:28) brought home his first CARS Tour victory at Dominion Raceway after a tumultuous season thus far. Ryan Huff (45:58) talks about why he's memorializing his friend and mentor Shawn Balluzzo on his ARCA Menards Series ride.

Mini Tyrell is big on talent. A Manassas, Va., native the 15-year-old racer is coming off his first career pole position and best career finish in his second year on the CARS Tour. Mini (7:23) talks with us about his young career, how he started racing, and his efforts to raise money for kids with cancer. Randy Hallman (30:26) tells us about the time he followed Junie Donlavey all the way to Le Mans for a bologna burger. Franklin County Speedway promoter Langley Austin (50:51) is trying to resurrect a track that helped shape his childhood.

We adopt up-and-coming racer Rajah Caruth (12:00) into the Racing Virginia family. Rajah, who's 18 and lives in Washington, D.C., is a driver in the Richmond Raceway eSports Development program, as well as a driver for Rev Racing, piloting Legends cars and Late Models. Randy Hallman (32:17) tells us about the time he got a grammar lesson from none other than The King, Richard Petty.

Brenden "Butterbean" Queen made a three-wide inside move on a late-race restart that had tempers heated at the hottest race of the year. It won him the Hampton Heat 200 at Larry King Law's Langley Speedway, and he talks with us about the biggest win of his career to date. Spoiler Alert: He'd make the same move again 200 times out of 200. Willie Mullins, ARCA Mendards Series driver out of Fredericksburg, tells us about surviving chaos to finish second at Daytona and his backyard go-kart track. Randy Hallman regales us with a tale about a driver you probably never heard of: Baxter Price.

The Podcast takes on a somber tone as we remember the life of racer Shawn Balluzzo, who was killed in a crash at Langley Speedway on Saturday night. Host Dave Seay reflects on the life of the modified champion who was taken from us too soon. Garrett Manes, legends racer and esports star, tells us about his beginnings in arena racing as well as the Summer Shootout and exactly how he got so phenomenally fast on iRacing. Brandon Gdovic, fresh off his 12th-place run at the Indy road course, stops by to discuss his time coming up through the ranks and a transition from ovals to road racing.

After a big late model win at Larry King Law's Langley Speedway on Opening Night, six-time track champ Danny Edwards (9:09) talks about a strong start to his season. Mature beyond his years, driver Daniel Silvestri (57:02) tells us how he's made his way from go-karts to late models in such a short time. Randy Hallman's "Story Time" (34:58) takes us back to 1977 at his first Indianapolis 500 and how a familiar voice lent him a helping hand at covering the event.

Racing fandom runs deep. And on this Racing Virginia Podcast, we dive into what makes a racing fan... a racing fan. Racing Virginia driver (once-removed) Harrison Burton stops by and talks about his racing career, his famous racing father, and how he got his friends hooked on racing. Randy Hallman recalls his very first legendary racing memory and Al Pearce tells us why he voted for Ricky Rudd over Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. We also talk to our very first "Racing Virginia Fanatic" Steven Rilee about being an ambassador for motorsports in the Commonwealth.

South Boston Speedway alums Chris Rice (03:25) and Elliott Sadler (32:20) kick off the podcast, with both of their racing teams finding current success. Rice, the president of Kaulig Racing, has been taking hope trophies and checks. Sadler's brand new eSports team is winning virtual trophies and offering a platform for some young racers. Quinn Hoff (57:09) talks about his motorsports journey that has now lead him to the NASCAR Cup Series. Randy Hallman (1:18:47) offers an impassioned take on the recent development at Talladega involving a noose in Bubba Wallace's garage. Bill Sawyer (1:46:47) speaks about his decision to close Virginia Motor Speedway for the 2020 season.

They're doing things a little different than most over at Dominion Raceway, and promoter & manager Steve Britt discusses his track's decision to race without fans. Racers Mark Wertz (Asphalt Late Model / Modified & Dirt Late Model) and Peyton Sellers (Asphalt Late Model) drop by with stories of their first races of the year. Randy Hallman has a story about Elizabeth Taylor and Martinsville you absolutely have to hear.

As we work through the coronavirus pandemic here in the Commonwealth, Tyler Crossnoe of Virginia Motorsports Park, Cathy Rice of South Boston Speedway, and Bill Mullis of Larry King Law's Langley Speedway stop by to discuss their track's challenges. Drivers Chris Humblet (Asphalt Modified) and Corey Almond (Dirt Late Model) drop in to discuss some dirt and pavement racing.

We talk with Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell, Xfinity Series driver Brandon Brown, drivers Logan Roberson (Dirt Late Model) and Grayson Cullather (Asphalt Late Model) and catch up with an old friend, Vaughan Haywood (New promoter at Langley Speedway).