The Scene Vault Podcast

If you thought last week's segment was good, just wait until you hear what Ritchie, Mark and Timmy Petty have to say in this week's episode.They discuss the powerful bond that existed between Richard and Maurice, and the work they put into building Petty Enterprises into the dynasty it eventually became.Then ... the 1983 fall race weekend at Charlotte was one of the most controversial moments in the 75-year history of NASCAR. Maurice Petty was directly involved … and very much impacted … by what took place.In a very real sense, it was his own sons' careers in the sport that helped Maurice begin to heal. Finally, Richie Petty takes us through the infamous 1993 accident in Talladega during which Jimmy Horton flipped completely over his car and over the wall, out of the ballpark.NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!Please consider supporting this show via:patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastpaypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastvenmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

We're getting 2023 started off with a bang, with the first of what will be THREE installments with Ritchie, Mark and Timmy … Maurice Petty's sons.They'll take us through what it was like to grow up as part of one of NASCAR's most famous families and the standards they were expected to live up to. Let's put it this way … you did NOT mess with Lee Petty's putting green. At all. Period. End of discussion.Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig through the October 4, 1979 issue of Grand National Scene.Rain washes out the race at North Wilkesboro, but not Dale Earnhardt's track record qualifying effort. We've got features on Richard Petty's 800th NASCAR start and crew chief Bob Johnson, as well as a letter to the editor from a rival crew chief FURIOUS with Darrell Waltrip and a Gene Granger dreaming about the perfect cast for a NASCAR movie.Just wait until you hear who Gene picked to play Steve! NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts?Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!Please consider supporting this show via:patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastpaypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastvenmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

This week, we've got the conclusion to our EPIC conversation with John Dodson, Pete Wright and David Ifft … and they kept telling stories with a full head of steam, just like last week.They remember their welcome-to-NASCAR and most embarrassing moments, life on the road away from family, MORE stretching-the-rulebook stories and SO much more.NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!Please consider supporting this show via:patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastpaypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastvenmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

David Ifft, John Dodson and Pete Wright ... this was an all-star cast of some of the best storytellers we've had so far on the show.You ever hear the old saying where people wonder what it would be like to be a fly on the wall of the garage? Well … that's what this was. They were just three longtime friends and co-workers sitting around a table reminiscing and telling stories.What kinds of stories did they share this week? We've got stories about Delma Cowart, MORE nitrous oxide stories about at least one three-time Winston Cup champion and another involving a team that won three DAYTONA 500s.We've got lead wheels, motorized movable weight within the frame rails, some sort camera-mounted laser that could trip a qualifying timer light, a NASCAR template that was secretly cut by a team to fit ITS car and nobody else's … and according to one of our storytellers … flat-out bribery.Last but not least … we have fish guts, and plenty of 'em.NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!Please consider supporting this show via:patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastpaypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastvenmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

In the third and final installment of our interview, Robert Pressley takes us through the see-saw world of the Winston Cup division. A conversation with Bobby Hamilton led him to the truck series, a decision that eventually landed him in victory lane at Daytona following the 2002 season opener.Still more career uncertainty brought about his decision to step away from the seat and enjoy retirement. Now … his life is all about hot dogs, politics and his family.Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then take a deep dive into the February 21, 2002 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Ward Burton gets a win in the Daytona 500 … Dale Earnhardt Jr. drives a Richard Childress Racing number 3 Chevrolet to victory in Daytona's Busch Series race … and Robert Pressley makes a splashy truck series debut.Dave Marcis celebrates his final Winston Cup start, while both Joe Gibbs and Winston Cup Scene photographer Larry McTighe very narrowly escape disaster.NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!Please consider supporting this show via:patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastpaypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastvenmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

In the second of our three installments with Robert Pressley, he and Michael Waltrip get together to trigger one of the most infamous crashes in NASCAR history and an IMPRESSIVE stare-down minutes later.Robert then pulls off a last-lap pass of Harry Gant to win at Darlington, after an impromptu rain-delay tutorial from the one and only David Pearson the day before. Finally, Robert takes us through the palace intrigue that EVENTUALLY led to him REPLACING Harry Gant in Leo Jackson's Skoal-sponsored Chevrolet.In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dissect the April 2, 1992 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Bill Elliott wins his fourth-straight race of the very young 1992 Winston Cup season at Darlington, after Harry Gant and his team try a strategy move that doesn't quite pan out. And speaking of Harry, Robert Pressley makes a thrilling last-lap pass on the Bandit to capture in The Lady in Black's Busch Series race.Kenny Wallace has to dodge a HUGE inflatable beer can during Busch Series qualifying. Steve Waid gets his picture in the paper … AGAIN … during the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame's grand re-opening. EVERYBODY'S going after Richard Petty fan appreciation cars … including thieves.Corey LaJoie makes his first national appearance in a racing publication, and finally, Alan Kulwicki talks on the telephone.NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!Please consider supporting this show via:patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastpaypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastvenmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Just one quick note before we begin ... pace car? Did somebody say PACE CAR?!?In the first of what will be three blockbuster installments, Robert Pressley talks about the role moonshine played on racing in and around his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina. The son of local stock-car legend Bob Pressley, Robert also remembers his father's many on- and off-track confrontations and the impact they had on his own driving career.Robert then takes us through a chance meeting with future NBA superstar and current NASCAR on NBC analyst Brad Daugherty, as well as the relationship they forged on the way up the racing ladder.Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig into the August 17, 1989 newly renamed WINSTON CUP Scene.For the second week in a row, we'll take a look at a Rusty Wallace victory at Watkins Glen … but this one is MUCH different than the one we discussed in last week's episode. Rusty scored the win despite several issues that day, including a lawsuit he'd filed recently against team owner Raymond Beadle.Darrell Waltrip's tire carrier was struck on pit road by Dale Earnhardt and fellow future NASCAR Hall of Famer Ray Evernham works either his first or ONE OF HIS FIRST races as a Winston Cup crew chief. Tom Cruise is at the track, supposedly thinking about a movie based on NASCAR.Robert Pressley beats Tommy Houston and Tommy Ellis at Orange County to collect the first win of his Busch Series career. Winston Cup Director Dick Beaty shows his humorous side with a practical joke or two and Joe Whitlock shows us once again why he was the greatest writer ever to step foot in a NASCAR media center.NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!Please consider supporting this show via:patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastpaypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastvenmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

In the third and final installment of our interview with Larry Pollard, he talks about the up-and-down world of being a NASCAR Busch Series race-car driver. He WINS … but finds himself in and out of a couple of rides.And THAT was before he became one of a very few people in the sport to survive a devastating basal skull fracture, an injury he sustained while filling in for his injured then-father-in-law, Harry Gant.He takes us through the painful and frustrating journey to becoming Larry Pollard again, as well as the enjoyment he finds now in building gears for Late Model racers across the country.Co-hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then take a long look at the August 13, 1987 issue of Grand National Scene. Rusty Wallace is forced to the pits for a VERY late splash of gas, but still scores the win at Watkins Glen. Larry Pollard wins the Busch Series race at Langley Speedway, but you could barely tell it from the coverage the event received in this issue.The hauler carrying Davey Allison's cars and three crew members was involved in a serious accident as it neared Watkins Glen. Dale Earnhardt and Bill Elliott show up on NBC's The Today Show, but Dale isn't very happy with how it turned out.AND … "Pappy" Tom Higgins celebrates his 50th birthday!NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!Please consider supporting this show via:patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastpaypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastvenmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

In the second installment of our interview with Larry Pollard, he talks about the pushback he received from some of his Petty Enterprises teammates after being named co-crew chief, the trick gas can used to win at Talladega and the part he played in Richard Petty's infamous win at Charlotte in the fall of 1983.Larry, a veteran driver back home in Canada, then makes a deal to go from turning wrenches to turning wheels in the Busch Series.Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then study the June 2, 1983 issue of Grand National Scene. Bobby Allison and Bill Elliott are battling it out for the lead late in the World 600 when they get caught up in somebody else's mess and crash. That turns the lead up to Richard Petty, who then gets passed just after the restart by Neil Bonnett. The Allison-Elliott crash is Neil's SECOND stroke of good fortune on his way to victory lane that day.Bosco Lowe isn't happy with Winston Cup drivers in the Saturday event, and there's a feature on LONG-time NASCAR official Ernie Moore.Finally ... Rick and Steve give their take on Ross Chastain's miraculous Haul on the Wall move at Martinsville, and what it might mean to NASCAR history if, in fact, the driver goes on to capture this year's championship.NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!Please consider supporting this show via:patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastpaypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastvenmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Larry Pollard might not have the most recognizable name we've ever had on the show, but he is a master storyteller after nearly forty years in the NASCAR trenches.Larry moved from his home in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada to go to work for Richard Childress Racing in its first year with halfway decent sponsorship from Piedmont Airlines and with driver Ricky Rudd behind the wheel.After just a year or so at RCR, Larry went to work at Petty Enterprises in 1983 … and before the season even started, was named co-crew chief of the legendary operation.Richard then proceeds to break a nearly two-year winless streak in just the third race with Larry in that role. But if Larry expected to just coast into work at Level Cross the next morning, he had another thing coming!In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid take a peek at the March 17, 1983 issue of Grand National Scene.Richard Petty holds off a hard-charging … but clean … effort by young Bill Elliott to win a rain-split race at Rockingham. Richard and Cale Yarborough … among others … call for races at Rockingham to be shortened from 500 miles to 500 KILOMETERS.Elmo Langley finds himself unloading his hauler after it catches fire on the way home from The Rock, and while Dale Earnhardt wins the Saturday Budweiser Late Model Sportsman event, both Morgan Shepherd AND Bubba Nissen find HUGE trouble in the race.There are rumors that Darrell Waltrip and Junior Johnson are fussing and feuding, and that DW might even be leaving his championship-winning team to form his own Winston Cup operation. Plus … eighteen-year-old Bobby Labonte is featured.NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!Please consider supporting this show via: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

In this week's final installment with Brendan Gaughan, he gives his side of the story in the infamous Jim-Smith-can-kiss-my-ass incident, which cost him a $10,000 fine AND the 2003 Craftsman Truck Series championship.After that, Brendan breaks down his lone full-time Cup season with Doug Bobble and Roger Penske, his up-and-down return to the truck series, finding success again with team owner Richard Childress and … finally … how Ryan Newman's wreck and COVID helped convince him that it was time to hang up his helmet … at least when it came to NASCAR.In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid page through the November 20, 2003 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Matt Kenseth, Brian Vickers and Travis Kvapil are honored as champions of their respective NASCAR divisions at Homestead … with the Busch and Craftsman Truck Series crowns coming down to the wire in HISTORIC season-finale battles.NOBODY'S happy after the truck race, except for Kvapil, due to one of the most chaotic conclusions to a NASCAR title bout EVER. Brendan Gaughan tells rival team owner Jim Smith to kiss his behind on live television and Smith and his driver Ted Musgrave are furious with NASCAR after the final restart.Homestead also marks the final race for RJ Reynolds' title sponsorship of the Winston Cup Series, and Bobby Labonte wins it after Bill Elliott blows a tire on the final lap.Kyle Busch was all set to make his Cup debut, but his entire car winds up getting confiscated by NASCAR. And … last but not least … Sterling Marlin is cleared of all charges after being sued in connection to an alleged assault during a Caribbean cruise.NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!Please consider supporting this show via: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

In the first of what will be two installments with Brendan Gaughan, he talks about life in Las Vegas as a child and a high-school football injury that literally changed the course of his life.He wound up going to school at Georgetown University, where he played football AND walked on with the Hoya basketball team, which was coached at the time by the legendary John Thompson.All the while, he raced and looked forward to going IndyCar racing before NASCAR decided to start the Craftsman Truck Series.In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the June 13, 2002 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Dale Jarrett gets the win at Pocono after Robert Yates Racing teammate Ricky Rudd has a tire start leaking air in the last few laps. Jack Sprague wins the Busch Series event at Nashville, while Brendan Gaughan tastes victory in Texas. It's the first win in those divisions for both drivers.NASCAR's keeping an eye out for traction control devices, while Dale Earnhardt Jr reports that he's all set … possibly for life … at Dale Earnhardt Incorporated.NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!Please consider supporting this show via: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

In our conversation with NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, Mark talks about his memories of the construction of his beloved JR51 chassis, preparations for the first Winston Cup race at Las Vegas and his laser-focused intensity that … in all honesty … took away from his enjoyment of winning races. He also remembers Ford's dominance that day and the reaction of both General Motors AND NASCAR, as well as some of the rocky moments from early in his racing career.Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then take a deep dive into the March 5, 1998 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Mark Martin wins the inaugural Winston Cup race at Las Vegas and appears on the cover of this issue with Wayne Newton and … much to his chagrin, apparently ... a couple of Las Vegas showgirls. Fords DOMINATE the race … much to Dale Earnhardt and General Motors' CHAGRIN.News items detail an autograph session that nearly got out of hand, Kyle Petty's motorcycle accident on the way to the race, NASCAR's banning of burnouts and Kevin Harvick's first Winston WEST win. There's also a feature on the THEN-unheralded Matt Kenseth.NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out www.thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting the show via:www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

In the third and final installment of our interview with D.K. Ulrich, he remembers the revolving door of drivers who once piloted his race cars, the young Davey Allison's impact on his decision to step away from the cockpit himself, the infamous screwdriver incident at Riverside and the burned backside he AND Ernie Irvan sustained on a sweltering day at Martinsville.Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then page through the May 29, 1986 issue of Grand National Scene. Dale Earnhardt very patiently stalks Bill Elliott … THERE'S a sentence you don't hear very often … before Bill has to pit for fuel in the late going during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. That allowed Dale to cruise to a two-second victory, his third of the season.Richard Petty starts a car in that race owned by D.K. Ulrich, after a crash during practice that left him AND his car pretty used up. J.D. McDuffie's photo bio describes his tow truck as ULTRA-high mileage and Harry Gant makes an appearance in yet another Hal Needham flick, this one having to do with professional wrestling.NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Please consider supporting this show via: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

We might as well call this installment of our interview with D.K. Ulrich "Cheating in NASCAR" simply because of all the tricks of the trade that he laid out for us. We've got everything from the infamous nitrous oxide incident from the 1978 Southern 500 at Darlington to trick tires, trap doors and soaked tires.D.K. also remembers his friend and driver, Tim Richmond and the part he played in David Ifft's little excursion into Juarez, Mexico.Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then pick through the July 24, 1980 issue of Grand National Scene. D.K. Ulrich appears on the inside cover of the paper with Tim Richmond, who'd tested a NASCAR entry for the first time at Charlotte the week before. There's a huge photo spread on drivers in their cowboy hats, and a certain The Scene Vault Podcast co-host ALSO evidently took part in the fashion trend that was ALL the rage way back when.There are also columns, news stories and features about Herb Nab and Harry Ranier, Judy Parrott … Buddy's wife ... and the infamous Jim “Two Can” Murray. Finally, there's a one-page layout of baby photos of one Adam Kyler Petty.NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Please consider supporting this show via: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

This week in the first installment of our fantastic conversation with DK Ulrich, DK talks about how AJ Foyt influenced him to not only be known by his initials, but also to pursue a career in racing. He then remembers a chance offer for a 1957 Chevy that altered the course of his life and his earliest days as one of NASCAR's independents.And make no mistake about it … those independents were NOT just stroking around the race track to collect an easy paycheck. There was NOTHING easy about … and if being an independent meant boosting parts from Holman-Moody and traveling all over the United States without ever once going home … then so be it.Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig into the June 15, 1978 issue of Grand National Scene. Benny Parsons whups Richard Petty at Riverside, after Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip fall out of contention. There's a feature story on Humpy Wheeler written by this kid out of Roanoke, Virginia who went on to have a halfway decent career in the sport … and a story on the women of the Petty family … Lynda, Elizabeth, Sharon AND Lisa.NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Please consider supporting this show via: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

This week's episode gets off to a rousing start with discussion of Erik Jones' win in the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, driving the number 43 Petty GMS Racing entry. In the third and final installment of our EPIC interview with Pete Wright, Pete talks about the friction that existed between Junior Johnson's teams, the controversial suspension of Junior and crew chief Tim Brewer going into the 1991 edition of The Winston all-star race and how he and teammate Mike Hill felt like they were left holding the bag a little bit.Pete also remembers leaving Junior Johnson & Associates to re-join Terry Labonte and Billy Hagan and the neat little trick that ALMOST got them a win at North Wilkesboro. Finally, Pete discusses his long association with MB2 Motorsports.Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig into the October 7, 1993 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Rusty Wallace wins at North Wilkesboro, but doesn't gain much ground on runnerup Dale Earnhardt in the Winston Cup standings. Terry Labonte takes seventh in that event despite developing … wink, wink … engine problems.MORE rule changes designed to slow speeds at Charlotte and Atlanta were tested … and … of course … debated. Buddy Baker announced plans to retire as a driver, with additional features on John Andretti's transition from IndyCar to NASCAR, a book of poetry on the late Alan Kulwicki and the mentor of every NASCAR historian, Greg Fielden.NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Please consider supporting this show via: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

We're back with the second installment of our interview with longtime NASCAR crew member and crew chief Pete Wright, and this week, Pete talks about attending his first Grand National race at Martinsville and the impact drivers like Fred Lorenzen and Buddy Arrington had on his career.Pete got his start at the Winston Cup level with team owner Jack Beebe, before winning a championship with Terry Labonte. Pete recalls his rather testy reaction to a witch doctor who showed up in the garage to put a hex on the Hagan Racing entry.And … finally … Pete tells us all about getting hooked up with Junior Johnson and the respect he had for the first-year NASCAR Hall of Famer.Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then take a look into the August 3, 1978 issue of Grand National Scene. Darrell Waltrip wins at Pocono, amidst rumors that he would be leaving DiGard Racing at the end of the year. Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough and Benny Parsons all have their powerplants go kaput, which leads Jake Elder to express his displeasure with NASCAR rules allowing teams to change engines during a race. The issue is rounded out by a feature on DiGard Racing's Buddy Parrott.NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Please consider supporting this show via: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Enjoy a sneak preview of the next installment of our interview with Pete Wright, in which he remembers getting hired and then working with NASCAR Hall of Famer Junior Johnson. Also, longtime independent team owner and driver D.K. Ulrich gives us the inside story of the nitrous oxide system that was discovered in his car following a savage crash in the 1978 Southern 500. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Please consider supporting this show via: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

NOTE: This episode may be too emotionally intense for some listeners. Pete Wright worked in NASCAR as a crew member and crew chief for years, and with drivers ranging from Terry Labonte and Darrell Waltrip to Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman. We've got those stories, and they're remarkable. But on August 20, 2017, Pete experienced every parent's very worst night ... the loss of his child, a son named Adam, who'd followed in his father's footsteps in NASCAR. Pete shares memories of his son, but also Adam's beloved dog Lizzie, and the impact she and many other animals had on his grief process.You will never forget this incredibly emotional episode. NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.In honor of Pete Wright and Lizzie ... and in memory of Adam Wright ... please consider a donation to www.ruffloverescue.com/donate

This week in the third and final installment of our conversation with David Ifft, he tells us HIS side of the story of a long-ago riot before, during and after a Waylon Jennings concert at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Then, it's on to his infamous stint in a Mexican jail while en route to the 1980 season finale at Ontario … a race he would win with Benny Parsons behind the wheel.After that, David remembers parting ways with … first … Benny … and then team owner M.C. Anderson and driver Cale Yarborough.Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then tie into the July 9, 1981 issue of Grand National Scene. Cale Yarborough used a slingshot move on the last lap to get by Harry Gant for the win at Daytona. Cale got the victory and Harry wound up with ANOTHER second-place finish.Ricky Rudd escaped what could very well have been a devastating crash that also involved Dale Earnhardt, who was making his first start for car owner J.D. Stacy.Jake Elder makes good on a promise to stay put with Terry Labonte … for a while … and James Hylton gets a dream sponsorship from STP for an upcoming race at Talladega.Finally … an earlier column on women in the pits and garage gets things stirred up in this week's letters to the editor section.NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Please consider supporting this show via: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

In the second installment of our interview with David Ifft, David tells all when it comes to his salary negotiation with M.C. Anderson, after which he become the first crew chief on record to be paid more than $100,000 a year. He also gives us the scoop on why M.C. started having his employees followed by a private investigator. Phil Parsons … if you're out there and listening … don't shoot the messenger, my friend.David also remembers lending a helping hand to Richard Petty and Dale Inman the week of the 1979 Daytona 500 and getting an extraordinarily rare Richard Petty mug … cough … cough … in return. Finally, he talks about the hand-shake sponsorship deal between M.C. Anderson and Harry Melling, as well as the trickery and deal making that led to Benny Parsons' win in the 1980 World 600 at Charlotte.Note ... there is some background noise during parts of the interview. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig through the June 19, 1980 issue of Grand National Scene. Benny Parsons wins at Michigan, ONE of his hometown tracks, on a day that was wet and soggy and cold and just kinda downright miserable. David Pearson nearly misses the start of the race because he'd already headed back to the hotel.DK Ulrich and a fan have a misunderstanding at Riverside and publisher Robb Griggs calls for what amounted to a driver benevolence fund ... and better lounge entertainers?!? NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Please consider supporting our show via: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

The Spongebob Squarepants musical ... Rick coming to Steve's rescue and helping change a flat tire ... it all takes a back seat to the news that Las Vegas Motor Speedway is renewing its title sponsorship of The Scene Vault Podcast for the coming year! In the first of three EPIC installments of our interview with David Ifft, the longtime NASCAR crew chief talks about going from shop to shop to shop in his drive to land a dream gig in the sport, before finally getting hooked up with Bud Moore Engineering.After that, it was on to DiGard Racing, where he reunited with Darrell Waltrip AND doubled his salary to a whopping $700 a week. However … because it was DiGard … a parting of the ways was almost inevitable.Rick and Steve then take a look at the October 26, 1978 issue of Grand National Scene. Cale Yarborough beats the living daylights out of everybody at Rockingham and for the 1978 Winston Cup championship, his unprecedented third title in a row. L.G. DeWitt, Benny Parsons and Jake Elder have themselves a little bit of a row, while young David Ifft is called one of the best crew chiefs in the business. Finally, team owner Rod Osterlund denies rumors that he is grooming phenom Dale Earnhardt to replace Dave Marcis as his driver.NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Please consider supporting the podcast via:www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

In the second and final installment of our interview with Jeff Purvis, Jeff talks about the all-out South Boston brawl and subsequent suspension he faced way back when, a Pikes Peak win he does not remember and TWO life-threatening and ultimately career-ending accidents … AND … giraffe money.Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig into the August 2, 2001 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Bobby Labonte gets around Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the win at Pocono, Jeff Purvis wins at Pikes Peak in a fill-in role for Richard Childress Racing and Columbine shooting victim Rachel Scott's family is treated to a weekend of Busch Series racing and hospitality. The issue also featured coverage of yet another NASCAR rule change and a package of stories on stress in racing.NOTE: This show is not affiliated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Please consider supporting this show via:www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Jeff Purvis … Never Nervous Purvis. This week in the first of what will be two installments of our interview, Jeff talks about getting into racing on dirt, his transition to asphalt, how he first got together with team owner James Finch and one of the very best cheating in racing stories that you'll ever hear.In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the May 5, 1994 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Dale Earnhardt adds to his legendary win total at Talladega, while Ernie Irvan, Michael Waltrip and Jimmy Spencer come up just a little bit short. And Jimmy? Let's just say Mr. Excitement didn't exactly win a lot of friends that day. Mark Martin had one of the wildest rides of his career going through barriers and coming to a VERY hard stop against a guardrail.Jeff Purvis won Talladega's ARCA race the day before, Deb Williams gives her stance on calling a NASCAR event a race ... or a show. And a young, up-and-coming and extraordinarily good-looking writer had both a feature story AND a column in this issue.NOTE: This show is not affiliated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Please consider supporting this show via:www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

We start off this week with a quick chat with Jamie Bishop, gasman for NASCAR Truck driver Parker Kligerman, who won Saturday's event at Mid-Ohio. Jamie is a longtime friend and supporter of the show who may ... or may not ... return the victory-lane caps he was given by Parker following Saturday's victory.In the third and final installment of our interview with Todd Bodine, Todd discusses the day that his older Geoff was involved in that just absolutely horrifying accident during the inaugural Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona. He also talks about his THRILLING Busch Series wins at Kentucky and Darlington … but NOT the one he pulled off at Rockingham.Finally, we wrap up our conversation with his move to the truck series, his championships and finally the move to television.Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig into the November 23, 2006 issue of NASCAR Scene, which featured extensive coverage of championship efforts by Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick and Todd Bodine, Mark Martin's final win and departure from Roush Racing and Rick's 2006 reaction to polls naming Mark Martin as the greatest driver in Busch Series history. NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Please consider supporting the podcast via:www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

We've got a lot packed into this installment of our interview with Todd Bodine … getting booed because he's Geoff Bodine's brother, the infamous run-in between Geoff and Brett during the inaugural Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, his OWN issues in that event and the phantom caution he caused, ANOTHER historic race at Texas Motor Speedway that got away and last, but certainly not least … the Tabasco Fiasco. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid leaf through the August 13, 1992 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Kyle Petty wins a rain-shortened race at Watkins Glen and the Bodine brothers – Geoff, Brett and Todd – race against each other for the first time. There are rumors about future NASCAR Hall of Famers Dale Earnhardt, Richard Childress, Rusty Wallace, Ray Evernham and Jeff Gordon … one of which KINDA comes true. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out our newly designed website www.thescenevault.com!Please consider supporting our show via: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

After taking additional questions from friends (?!?) of the podcast Rick Mast and Rusty Wallace, we dive into the first installment of our interview with Todd Bodine.Long before he was a champion of the Craftsman Truck Series … long before he became a NASCAR analyst and broadcaster … Todd bounced up and down the east coast, trying to make a name for himself in the sport. He got one big break as Felix Sabates' very first employee in NASCAR … and an even bigger one the following year when Kyle Petty opted out of driving several Busch Series events.His performance in that car put him in line for a ride with car owners and fellow New York natives Frank Cicci and Scott Welliver. The deal worked … and worked well.Then, in our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig through the June 6, 1991 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Ken Schrader wins on an extraordinarily hot and humid weekend at Dover and he gets by Dale Earnhardt to do it. Todd wins the first race of his Busch Series career the day before … in one of the craziest days you'd ever want to see … and in some of the worst circumstances.Finally, a crew member for Jimmy Means Racing escapes very serious injury when a fire breaks out on pit road. NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Please consider supporting our show via:www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

Richard Petty … what else do we really need to say? NASCAR Hall of Fame inaugural inductee. Seven championships … seven Daytona 500 wins … the number 43 … 200 wins.It's a perfect fit for our 200th episode.It would also not be appropriate to celebrate our 200th episode without including our listeners, so we asked everybody to send in their questions for hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid … and we even got a few from PAST INTERVIEW guests Larry McReynolds, Jeff Hammond, Kenny Wallace and Las Vegas Motor Speedway President and General Manager Chris Powell.NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Please consider supporting our show via:www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

NOTE: Have a question to ask hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid for next week's milestone 200th episode? Tweet us @thescenevault and use #vault200, or email a voice file to rick@thescenevaultpodcast.com! In the second and final installment of our interview with Richard Childress Racing legend Will Lind, he discusses all the Daytona 500s that got away from Dale Earnhardt and what it meant to him personally when the NASCAR icon finally won the sport's biggest race in 1998.Will also tells our listeners about the Goodyear-Hoosier tire wars, a controversial decision by the RCR crew to replace Earnhardt's missing tires at Charlotte, the transition between RCR crew chiefs Kirk Shelmerdine and Andy Petree and his own decision to take a step back from life on the road.Then in our second segment, we take a long look inside the October 18, 1990 issue of Winston Cup Scene. This late-season, off-week issue features a preview of the conclusion to the battle for the 1990 Winston Cup championship, news of the passing of former team and track owner L.G. DeWitt, Rick Mast's Busch Series win at New Hampshire, the aftermath of a very scary pit-road clash between Alan Kulwicki and Ernie Irvan at Charlotte and an equally as frightening accident during testing at Rockingham for Richard Petty.DISCLAIMER: This show is not affiliated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Please consider supporting our show via: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

This week's show begins with a simple challenge ... pay it forward. Do something nice for someone else, without any expectation of receiving anything in return. Will Lind got his start in the sport working with James Hylton, but he went on to have a LONG and successful career with Richard Childress Racing and was probably best known for changing rear tires on Dale Earnhardt's Flying Aces/Junkyard Dogs pit crews of the late 1980s and early 90s.This week, Will talks about his hardcore early days in the sport, when he went to GREAT lengths to carve out a place for himself in the garage, his beginnings with RCR and the Dale Earnhardt he knew away from the track.The September 2, 1982 issue of Grand National Scene marked a fairly significant milestone in the publication's history. It was Scene's first issue with a standard tabloid size, rather than the folded, two-cover format it had used since its very first issue back in the spring of 1977.In the pages of that week's issue, it wasn't exactly breaking news that Darrell Waltrip won at Bristol. This was his fourth in a row there, but it wasn't exactly easy … and surprise of all surprises … there was just a wee little bit of controversy that night.Bobby Allison and Harry Gant weren't exactly happy with NASCAR or Darrell Waltrip. Dave Marcis wasn't happy with Terry Labonte, and Terry Labonte AND Billy Hagan weren't happy with Dave.After reading co-host Steve Waid's column, Jimmy Means probably wasn't very happy either after being made fun of for being so skinny. And finally … Bill Elliott … yes, THAT Bill Elliott got downright chatty with Gene Granger about the never-ending battle between Ford and General Motors, his season to date and safety.NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.Please consider supporting our show financially via: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

NOTE: This episode contains vivid descriptions of the experience of combat. It may be too intense for some listeners. For this very special Memorial Day release, host Rick Houston had the honor of sitting down with Medal of Honor recipients Bob Patterson and Joe Marm to discuss their stories, their interest in NASCAR and why Bob is a big Kyle Busch fan. NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Please consider supporting the production of this podcast via:www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

In the epic third and final installment of our interview with longtime NASCAR crew chief Tim Brewer, Tim talks about his and Junior Johnson's 1991 suspension after a big engine was found in their car at Charlotte. He also remembers Bill Elliott coming on board with the team in 1992 … the early success … and then the crushing disappointment of losing out on that year's championship.And if you thought Tim didn't hold anything back in the first two installments of our interview … THIS episode is truly something to behold.Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then thumb through the May 30, 1991 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of Davey Allison's dominant win in the Coca-Cola 600 and the furious response of Dale Earnhardt and Richard Childress. There's also news of Tim Brewer and Junior Johnson having their suspensions reduced from twelve weeks to four races.NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.Please consider supporting our show via:www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

This week in the second installment of our interview with longtime … and outspoken … NASCAR crew chief Tim Brewer, Tim talks about his move to M.C. Anderson and why he considers that to be the biggest mistake of his career. He also guides us through some tumultuous years financially with Blue Max Racing and Tim Richmond, during which it was left to HIM to cover checks to keep the team going.Then it was back to Junior Johnson & Associates, to work with drivers Neil Bonnett, Terry Labonte and Geoff Bodine. And … yes … Tim talks about some of the … let's just call ‘em rules interpretations he made over the years. That led to a couple of quotes that go STRAIGHT to the top of our favorites over the years on this show.Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig into the September 9, 1982 issue of Grand National Scene. Cale Yarborough scores the fifth Southern 500 victory of his career, with rumors circulating that his car owner … M.C. Anderson … wanted him to run for the 1983 Winston Cup championship.The win comes after a heated late-race battle with Richard Petty, during which sheet metal WAS traded back and forth several times.There's also a story on a couple of NASCAR movies that were in production at the time … and … finally … a piece on the whuppings drivers had received over the years.NOTE: This podcast is not affiliated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.Please consider supporting our show via: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastwww.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastwww.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast

After some reactions to last week's release of CLIPS from our L.W. Wright interview, longime NASCAR crew chief Tim Brewer talks about his earliest days in racing at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, quitting school and hitting the road as a young teenager, the infamous Talladega boycott of 1969 and an encounter with NASCAR Founder Bill France Sr.Brewer got his big break when he went to work for an independent driver by the name of Richard Childress, before winding up with Junior Johnson & Associates.In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid leaf through the October 27, 1977 issue of Grand National Scene. Donnie Allison wins at Rockingham and Cale Yarborough clinches the championship with two races remaining on that year's schedule. There's also a story illustrating the relationship that existed once upon a time between Richard Childress and Junior Johnson.Please consider supporting the show!patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastpaypal.me/thescenevaultpodcastvenmo.com/thescenevaultpodcastNOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.

You know the legend of L.W. Wright. Now meet the man.The driver known as L.W. Wright made the first and only start of his Winston Cup career on May 2, 1982 at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. He'd not been heard from in the FORTY YEARS since ... until now.May 2, 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of that iconic Talladega event, and for the first time ever, portions of an extensive interview with the man who went by the name L.W. Wright are being released ONLY on The Scene Vault Podcast.NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.Please consider supporting this podcast:Patreon: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastPayPal: www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast

You know the legend of L.W. Wright. Now meet the man. The driver known as L.W. Wright made the first and only start of his Winston Cup career on May 2, 1982 at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. He'd not been heard from in the FORTY YEARS since ... until now. Monday marks the 40th anniversary of that iconic Talladega event, and for the first time ever, portions of an extensive interview with the man who went by the name L.W. Wright will be released ONLY on The Scene Vault Podcast. Be sure to subscribe and check back Monday at 6 a.m. for the full episode. NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.Please consider supporting this podcast: Patreon: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastPayPal: www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast

After teasing next week's interview guest, we conclude our three-episode arc with Gil Martin's cancer story. It's powerful … because he went at his Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) diagnosis with the heart of a racer. If this doesn't work, try that … over and over and over again.In honor of that cancer story … as we have in the past with others in the NASCAR community who have dealt with such serious issues … we let it stand on its own and forego our standard second segment. NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand. Please consider supporting the show: Patreon: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcastPayPal: www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast

Big news in the world of NASCAR history this week ... the rebirth of North Wilkesboro Speedway, thanks to the efforts of a small group of Wilkes County diehards and Speedway Motorsports!In our first segment this week, we share the second installment of our interview with longtime NASCAR crew chief Gil Martin. Gil shares his memories of his first Winston Cup victory as a crew chief, which came in November 2001 at New Hampshire with Robby Gordon behind the wheel of the Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet. Gil also shares the story of the Corvette he was promised ... but never received ... following that win. Then, it's on to the sometimes topsy-turvy relationship he shared with young phenom Kevin Harvick, RCR's decision to bring back the number 3 and the urgency of winning the pole for the 2014 Daytona 500. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid break down the November 29, 2001 issue of Winston Cup Scene. That week's paper covered the Battle of the Gordons at New Hampshire, in which Robby gave Jeff a nudge up and out of the lead en route to that first win with Gil. Also, a Busch Series season review package relived some rather testy quotes from competitors.NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.

This week ... host Rick Houston and his sons Jesse and Adam join listener Bill Stripling for a memorable weekend of decidedly Old School and frigid short-track racing at Martinsville Speedway. In the first of what will be three installments with longtime NASCAR Busch Series and Cup crew chief Gil Martin, he takes us through his very first days in the sport. A buddy of his needed help out at the old Nashville Fairgrounds Raceway … and Gil didn't particularly want to go. But he went any way, a move that very obviously turned out to change the course of his life.Gil also remembers Bobby Hamilton and the genesis of Filmar Racing, and the growing pains that Nashville-based operation faced with four very different drivers … Bobby Hamilton, David Green, Jeff Burton and finally, Kenny Wallace.Finally, Gil takes us through his move to Richard Childress Racing.In our second segment, Rick and co-host Steve Waid leaf through the April 16, 1992 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Davey Allison wins at North Wilkesboro, despite being battered, bruised and sore from an accident the race before in Bristol. Bobby Hillin gets put in lockdown due to a run-in with Kyle Petty … and there's actually a connection to that incident AND our new NASCAR Technical Institute studio.Oh … but wait … there's more. Dave Marcis helps pave the way for NASCAR to make its first appearance at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a young Dale Jarrett tumbles out of his car while trying to leave North Wilkesboro, a Junior Johnson & Associates crew member is unable to go on an important mission? Why? Because he's locked in a porta-john. Finally, there's an almost unbelievable connection … again … to our deal with John Dodson at the NASCAR Technical Institute.NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.

This week in the third and final installment of our interview with Mike Beam, Mike talks about the struggles he continued to face in the wake of the loss of Mike Rich and a fiery accident involving Sterling Marlin. Despite those reservations, Mike eventually moved over to Bill Elliott's Junior Johnson & Associates team, where he and Bill combined to give Junior the final Winston Cup victory of his career.Mike also takes listeners through the controversy the team endured during the leadup to the 1995 Daytona 500, when the organization was discovered with an illegal intake manifold.Finally, Mike makes it back to the top of the mountain with Roush Racing, where he guided Mark Martin and Carl Edwards to successful seasons in truck and Nationwide competition. Afterward, he wound up with the organization now known as Petty GMS Motorsports … together again with Richard Petty.In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the May 28, 1981 issue of Grand National Scene. Bobby Allison wins at Charlotte, despite serious accidents involving his brother Donnie and good friend Neil Bonnett. Cale Yarborough finishes third just two days after getting scalded by a pot of boiling water in his hotel room, Dale Earnhardt moves back into his father's old racing shop in Kannapolis and Gene Granger gets PUNCHED.NOTE: This podcast is in no way associated with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.

In this very emotional episode, longtime crew chief and team executive Mike Beam discusses what was THE most controversial moment of Richard Petty's career … the 1983 fall race at Charlotte, after which a REALLY big engine was discovered under the hood of the Petty Enterprises Pontiac. He also talks about taking some time off to be Mr. Mom and refocus his priorities on his family.Mike then discusses the absolute devastation of losing teammate Mike Rich in a terrible accident during the 1990 Winston Cup season finale at Atlanta, a fiery accident at Bristol involving Sterling Marlin just a few months later and the emotional impact that had on his life and career.Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dive into the October 25, 1990 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Alan Kulwicki wins at Rockingham, for the first time since positing the first Winston Cup victory of his career a couple of years earlier at Phoenix.The day was a very good one for Alan, but one of his crew members escaped very serious injury when he was struck by Rusty Wallace during a round of pit stops.Bill Elliott's Melling Racing crew wins the Unocal 76 pit-crew race at Rockingham. Jeff Gordon makes the very first NASCAR start of his career and the origin of Jack Roush's love for straw hats is revealed!NOTE: This podcast is not affiliated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.

This week in the first of three installments of our interview with veteran crew chief and team executive Mike Beam, he talks about trying to break into the sport with Mike Laughlin, Butch Lindley, Harry Gant and Morgan Shepherd, before finally landing with Petty Enterprises. And … yes … he gives us HIS side of the story in the Great Lone Star Beer Escapade with Kyle Petty.In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid take a peek at the June 11, 1981 issue of Grand National Scene. Benny Parsons wins the final Winston Cup event at Texas World Speedway after a pretty heated late-race battle with defending series champion Dale Earnhardt, who was still searching for his first win of the season. Spotters take up for Earl Sappenfield and Joe Whitlock wheels and deals for Dale Earnhardt, for the time being.NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.

The Houston family makes it back from an epic trip to Las Vegas, a meeting with a Medal of Honor recipient and a treacherous jaunt on a skywalk overlooking the Grand Canyon! In the third and final installment of our interview with Johnny Benson, he talks … again … about his run in the truck series with Bill Davis Racing, his 2008 championship battle with Ron Hornaday, deciding to leave Bill's team, an effort with Red Horse Racing that didn't quite pan out and a really bad week he experienced in 2009, up to and including the EXTENSIVE injuries he received in a crash at Berlin Raceway.Most importantly … Johnny and Rick come to terms on the SRX Racing pace car!The second segment sees Rick and co-host Steve Waid coming up with a series of questions ... some serious ... others maybe not so much ... for each other.NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.

Snow in Las Vegas? Carrot Top? Oh, yeah. We've got it all in this week's episode!In the second installment of our interview with Johnny Benson, Johnny talks about his earliest days on the Winston Cup circuit with Bahari Racing, his rather difficult turn with Roush Racing, what might have been in the 2000 Daytona 500, his Mr. Nice Guy image, winning at Rockingham and parting ways with MB2 Motorsports.In our second segment, Johnny Benson wins the first Winston Cup race of his career at Rockingham despite that Mr. Nice Guy tag, and Jamie McMurray inherits a second straight Busch Series victory.NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owners of the Scene brand.

In the first of what will be three installments of our interview with Johnny Benson, he talks about the influence his father had on his life and career, rising up through the ranks despite the fact he was happy where he was at, his inauspicious Busch Series debut, beating Harry Gant for his first win in that division, his consistency winning out over Chad Little's flashes of brilliance in the 1995 Busch Series title fight and agreeing to move to Winston Cup with Bahari Racing.Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then pick through the September 22, 1994 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Rusty Wallace wins in a crazy Winston Cup finish at Dover, while Young Gun Johnny Benson holds off Grizzled Ol' Veteran Harry Gant for the first victory of his Busch Series career.The cover date on this issue came just two days after a VERY important date in NASCAR history.

Middle Tennessee racing legend Mike Alexander takes us through the early years of his career, as well as a couple of attempts at establishing himself as a Winston Cup competitor. When those didn't work out, Mike decided to take himself and his talents to the Busch Series, where he felt he had a better shot at running competitively with a team HE owned.Mike ran well at the level, got himself a couple of wins … and very nearly another, until a protest by his buddy Larry Pearson took it away. Mike WAS noticed, and wound up replacing the injured Bobby Allison midway through the 1988 Winston Cup season. He did well in the car … his career was on the rise … but then saw his own career derailed by a head injury he sustained that offseason during the Snowball Derby.Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then thumb through the December 1, 1988 issue of Grand National Scene. Rusty Wallace won that year's season finale at Atlanta, but lost out on the Winston Cup championship to Bill Elliott. Both had their gameplans in place before the race … each one played out pretty much as they expected … and in the end, winning the race still wasn't enough for Rusty.Mike Alexander recorded the best finish of his Winston Cup career, and was looking forward to the following season. Two NASCAR Hall of Famers made the last starts of their Winston Cup careers in this event. There's a feature on Mildred Elliott, the matriarch of that racing family, and the wives of Bill, Ernie and Dan. Finally … Richard Petty loses his 1967 championship ring … and it gets returned to him.

NOTE: Some parts of this episode may be too intense for some listeners.We're sharing the third and final installment of our interview with John Dodson this week, and the conversation swings from hysterically funny to devastatingly emotional.John talks about the brawl between Rusty Wallace's Blue Max Racing team and Darrell Waltrip's Hendrick Motorsports crew that followed the 1989 edition of The Winston all-star race and his work at the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville.But then … John discusses the 1990 pit-road accident that claimed the life of Mike Rich and the night his niece and nephew, Trey and Tia … Barry's son and daughter … lost their lives. The impact that loss had on Barry was immeasurable.

In the second installment of our interview with John Dodson, he remembers the controversy surrounding three key employees of Junior Johnson & Associates making the move to M.C. Anderson's team. Once there, team members were reportedly subject to being followed by detectives, in order to keep them on the straight and narrow.John also lets us in on another mass exodus, this time from Ranier to Blue Max Racing. Then, we have Tim Richmond stories and insider info on the trickery and financial smoke-and-mirror show Blue Max used win the 1989 Winston Cup championship.Our second segment features a deep dive into the September 15, 1988 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of Davey Allison winning the first race on Richmond's newly reconfigured racing surface. The Tire Wars between Goodyear and Hoosier were raging hot and heavy, which played into Davey's favor and cost Rusty Wallace the 1988 Winston Cup championship.There are features on Hoosier Tire's Marge Merrill, the daughter of company founder Bob Newton, and Melling Racing tire specialist Mike Thomas. Finally, Dale Earnhardt shoots doves AND a photograph in this issue.

You may know John Dodson as the younger brother of longtime NASCAR crew chief Barry Dodson, but he forged an incredible resume in the sport all his own. In the first of what will be three installments of an absolutely extraordinary conversation, John talks about growing up in a racing family with seven rambunctious siblings; breaking into NASCAR while still in high school; a wreck that left his hero Richard Petty battered and bruised; Maurice Petty; RCR BD (Richard Childress Racing Before Dale); flying with Cale Yarborough; and much, much more.In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid break down the July 7, 1977 issue of Grand National Scene, which featured coverage of Richard Petty's strong win at Daytona, the firing of Darel Dieringer by DiGard Racing and the sale of Nord Krauskopf's team to Jim Stacy.

This week, we're honored to be joined by the one ... the only ... the iconic ... Mario Andretti to discuss his life and times in and around the world of NASCAR.