Victory Lane

Toyota development driver Brent Crews joins Davey Segal (9:10) ahead of his second career CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start at Lime Rock Park for TRICON Garage. He explains how he prepares for his part-time starts, pulling double duty with the ARCA Menards Series, leaning on teammates and his past experience and why this weekend's event may be a good measuring stick at a first-time track for the series. He also dives into how he got involved in racing and why soccer wasn't for him, growing up in Hickory around the racing scene and racing anything and everything, competing internationally in karting and winning all over the world, counting down the days until he can run on intermediates, the cool opportunity he has coming up in Chicago and more. Plus, his guilty pleasure meal at Waffle House, his passion for fishing, why he wants his legacy to be in the GOAT conversation, how impactful Toyota has been in his career, what he's learned in each racing discipline along the way, whether he feels any pressure being one of the most highly touted prospects in the sport and more. Davey also recaps Chase Briscoe's Pocono win, briefly touches on Mexico City, looks ahead to Lime Rock and Atlanta and Papa Segal pays homage to a legendary figure in Pocono history.

Five-time NASCAR Mexico Series champion Rubén García Jr. joins Davey Segal (6:00) to reminisce on days gone by and look ahead to the NASCAR Cup Series' inaugural trip to Mexico City. He updates us on what he's been up to since returning to Mexico, if he feels like the Jimmie Johnson of the Mexico Series, how the competition compares to that of stock car racing in the United States, why he feels like the Mexico Series feels like late model racing and the “Winston Cup mindset,” doing more with less, how much Mexican racing fans follow racing in America, differences in race strategy, how well known Daniel Suarez is to Mexicans and more. García Jr. also explains his thought process in coming to the U.S. to participate in the Rev Racing Drive for Diversity program in the 2010s, what the entire experience was like, pulling double duty in the states and Mexico a few times and the relief of finally winning a K&N Pro Series race. He also discusses his upbringing in motorsports, highlights an oval or two in Mexico that may be suitable for the Cup Series, his limited experience racing in the national series and why he'd love an opportunity to return to America to try his hand at NASCAR in the states again. Plus, the deal that came close to being done to put him in a competitive Cup car at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez and what fans and drivers alike can expect when they arrive at the track. Davey also recaps Denny Hamlin's Michigan win, looks ahead to Mexico City and Papa Segal pays homage to a namesake of the circuit this weekend in CDMX.

Joe Gibbs Racing jackman Derrell Edwards joins Davey Segal (8:30) to discuss how he went from a kid from Baltimore, to a High Point University basketball player to one of the best jackmen in the NASCAR Cup Series. He details his childhood and how it's shaped him into the man he's become today, keeping his mind focused on the task at hand while dealing with a loved one in failing health, how he's developed the aura of winning and why manifesting is so crucial to his success. Edwards also explains how his winning mindset has permeated the No. 20 team at Joe Gibbs Racing, the chemistry that the team has developed over 4+ years together, how fast a 4-tire stop can/will get, why a driver change impacts a pit crew more than you'd think, why the jackman is like the quarterback of the pit crew, how impactful switching from five lugs to one was for a jackman and why flying is an undercovered aspect of pit crews doing their jobs. Plus, how he got involved with NASCAR in the first place, his humble beginnings with Richard Childress Racing, grinding his way to the top, why he always opts to pay it forward and help out younger athletes, the importance of family in his life and more, including what's next to accomplish in his professional career. Davey also recaps Ryan Blaney's win at Nashville, previews Michigan and Papa Segal pays homage to Pop Pop.

Sam Hunt Racing Crew Chief Kris Bowen joins Davey Segal (7:05) to discuss building up their current Xfinity Series outfit and how things are going working with Dean Thompson full-time. Bowen explains how and where the recent strides and speed has come from on the No. 26 team, his relationship with Thompson, why having kids of his own helps him work with drivers, how having a racing background himself has made the transition to crew chief a rather smooth one and the decision making process behind hanging up the steering wheel for good. Bowen also dives into his relationship with owner Sam Hunt, why it works despite Hunt being a decade younger than him, the satisfaction he gets from building something from the ground up, why he has no plans or desires to go anywhere else in NASCAR, his dedication to fitness (5 am crossfit workouts for 15 years!), his unhealthy gummy bear obsession to relieve stress atop the pit box, realistic expectations for the rest of the season and more. Davey also recaps the Coca-Cola 600, Ross Chastain's improbable march to victory, explains why the Prime Video broadcast was so good, looks ahead to Nashville and Papa Segal pays homage to Humpy Wheeler.

Veteran Crew Chief Mike Kelley joins Davey Segal (5:40) for a reflective and emotional trip down memory lane and deep dive behind Hyak Motorsports with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Kelley explains how the team is punching above their weight right now in the NASCAR Cup Series, how they operate with no technical alliances in todays day and age and why he and Stenhouse have so much trust in one another. Kelley also recalls his early beginnings in motorsports, including some funny stories when he started working for Ernie Irvan (not as a driver, as he initially thought) and emotional ones while working as Michael Waltrip's car chief at Dale Earnhardt Inc. Kelley opens up about why the 2001 Daytona 500 is still emotional for him, the relationship he had with Dale Earnhardt and how the team and sport moved forward following his passing. He also dives into winning the 2004 Cup championship with Kurt Busch at Roush, why earning that title meant so much to him, getting hooked up with Stenhouse Jr. as a young, baby-faced kid, winning back-to-back Xfinity Series championships and more, including his leadership style, why he takes pride in teaching the younger generation, his work with Lake Norman Humane and more. Plus, Davey discusses Christopher Bell's All-Star win, looks ahead to the Coca-Cola 600, Kyle Larson's double attempt and Papa Segal pays homage to 2026 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Ray Hendrick.

Richard Childress Racing Crew Chief Randall Burnett joins Davey Segal this week (5:40) to discuss how the 2025 season has been thus far, working with Kyle Busch, what he's learned from the two-time Cup Series champion and what the public misunderstands about Rowdy. They also discuss the one year anniversary of the infamous fight at North Wilkesboro Speedway (and Davey's assist in helping Kyle), his journey to Cup Series shot caller from the St. Louis area and how/why he opted to forgo his driving career to pursue an engineering degree at UNC Charlotte. Burnett also explains what it's like working for Hall of Famer Richard Childress, what it's like when he comes on the radio unprovoked, working with Kyle Larson in his rookie season at Chip Ganassi Racing, almost sweeping the crowned jewels in 2010 with Jamie McMurray, his son racing at Millbridge Speedway, Burnett's Mario Kart skills and more. Plus, Davey recaps Kansas, looks ahead to the All-Star Race and Papa Segal pays homage to Johnny Mantz.

Current Wood Brothers Racing crew chief and longtime Team Penske engineer Miles Stanley joins Davey Segal (5:15) for a wide-ranging conversation that dives into his career in motorsports and background in racing. Stanley discusses the treacherous nature of Texas Motor Speedway, how winning at Las Vegas Motor Speedway has allowed them to take more risks, when that win truly set in and how big winning a race for WBR really is. Stanley also discusses what he's learned from championship-winning crew chief Todd Gordon, who he worked with for over a decade, how working with all three current Team Penske drivers in some capacity has eased his transition to Josh Berry and the Wood Brothers, why he and Josh seem to be gelling so well so quickly and more. Plus, how he got started in motorsports with Formula SAE, his football career at Dayton and Akron, how racing engineering proved to be a career path for him, his transition from open wheel to stock cars, working with Robby Gordon Motorsports, why the Dakar Rally was one of the coolest experiences he's ever had, why his work at Penske as Head of Performance Engineering was so gratifying (hint: the last 3 championships in a row), why he doesn't go by his given name and more. Davey also recaps Joey Logano's win at Texas, previews Kansas and Papa Segal pays homage to Ron Bouchard.

Front Row Motorsports Crew Chief Jon Leonard (7:45) join Davey Segal this week to discuss his new digs at FRM calling the shots for Chandler Smith on the No. 38. Leonard details how late things came together to even make the second FRM Truck Series entry happen, the thrash that ensued to get things ready for Daytona, why Chandler being involved in the hiring process for team members has made everyone closer and how nice it was to get a win early this season at Bristol Motor Speedway. Leonard also discusses his career as a crew chief, calling races for Leavine-Family Racing in the Cup Series for Kasey Kahne and Regan Smith, being promoted admittedly a little too quickly, learning on the fly, being a first-generation racer turned 14-year NASCAR veteran and more. Davey also reviews Austin Cindric's Talladega win, looks ahead to Texas and Papa Segal pays homage to one of the greatest of all-time in Formula 1.

That's right, party people. Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, 83-time Cup Series winner, NASCAR Hall of Famer and one of if not the greatest NASCAR driver of all-time, Jimmie Johnson (!) joins Davey Segal this week (9:50) for one of the biggest conversations in Victory Lane history. They discuss how life has been living abroad in London, what the European culture has taught Johnson, being able to travel the world with friends and family, the new kind of horsepower his daughters are into, being a podcast host and more. Johnson explains why he wasn't even paying attention to his milestone 700th start coming up at Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600, reveals his future plans for more races in the Cup Series and chats about the struggles LEGACY MOTOR CLUB has gone through since switching to Toyota. Johnson also looks back on his record-tying seventh championship and reveals what Richard Petty told him on pit road before the race, recalls the two (!) times he fell asleep behind the wheel of a racecar, the reasoning behind getting in shape and starting a trend within the garage back in 2007 and more. Davey also discusses the return to Rockingham Speedway last weekend and Papa Segal pays homage to the late Al Pearce.

19-year-old phenom and current Hendrick Motorsports driver Corey Day joins Davey Segal (8:55) to discuss his transition from dirt to asphalt and adjustment to stock cars. They also discuss how he's preparing for Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend, going back somewhere for a second time, how the Truck and Xfinity car differ, leaning on crew chiefs Brian Pattie and Adam Wall for advice and the clear distinction that's been made of him being a HMS driver - NOT a development driver. Day also dives into how Jeff Gordon recruited him to Hendrick and the funny story that resulted in Gordon having to prove it was actually him on the other end of their text conversation, how he's keeping his new busy schedule straight, why live pit stops and racing as a profession have been extra difficult to adjust to and his beginnings on two wheels and transition to dirt in California. Plus, how he deals with being heralded as a "generational talent" and "phenom" of sorts, why he loves the haters writing him off, how it feels to have the support and belief from Kyle Larson, Gordon and other racing legends, what his goals are for the rest of this year and more, including why he's such a Taco Bell lover. Papa Segal also pays homage to the late Eddie Jordan and Davey recaps Darlington while looking ahead to Bristol.

Championship winning crew chief Jonathan Toney joins Davey Segal (6:42) for an insightful and feel-good conversation that spans over two decades with one single team. Toney explains how working with Sheldon Creed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series really isn't too different so far than it was working with Cole Custer, the rash of runner-up finishes Creed has scored, team chemistry at Haas Factory Team in this new iteration of the organization and more. Toney also dives into all the change the team has seen over his time, from Haas CNC Racing to Stewart-Haas Racing and now HFT. He explains why he's stayed loyal to the company despite numerous offers to go elsewhere over the years, why the Xfinity Series is the right place for him to be as a crew chief right now from a work/life balance perspective, the conversations leading up to 2023 before he finally got his chance to be a crew chief for the first time and how rewarding it was to win a championship with Custer in his first year at the helm. Toney also reminisces on the 2011 title run with Tony Stewart, what it was like to be a part of that team, some memorable tales from Homestead-Miami Speedway on championship weekend and more, including the vibe at the team when Stewart came in at first and his Hickory, North Carolina roots. Davey also recaps the tripleheader weekend of action at Martinsville Speedway and addresses the debacle of an Xfinity race that saw Sammy Smith penalized, previews Darlington Raceway and Papa Segal pays homage to Raymond Parks in this week's wayback segment.

Ahead of his CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut this weekend at Martinsville Speedway, reigning SMART Modified Tour champion Luke Baldwin joins Davey Segal (6:49) to discuss his excitement ahead of The Paperclip and why ThorSport Racing was the right team for his first foray into NASCAR's national series. Baldwin also explains how his preparation has been for a vehicle he's never raced before, what he and the No. 66 team are hoping to accomplish in their limited practice time and why Kansas and North Wilkesboro were the other races chosen for 2025. He also dives into his rapid ascension up the ranks, winning the SMART Modified Tour title last season as a rookie and how he even surprised himself a bit. Plus, how his father Tommy Baldwin Jr. has helped and influenced him along the way, convincing his mom to let him race, how busy his 2025 racing schedule is, pulling triple duty this weekend, how the Northeast racing culture has shaped him thus far, what his realistic expectations are for this weekend and more. Davey also recaps Kyle Larson's near weekend sweep from Homestead-Miami Speedway, looks ahead to The Paperclip and Papa Segal pays homage to Red Byron.

Veteran crew chief Trent Owens joins Davey Segal (5:45) to discuss his career in the sport and time thus far with Kaulig Racing. They dive into working with AJ Allmendinger once again, how the relationship has been thus far, capitalizing on road courses while trying to improve their oval track program, the "One Welcome" approach with Richard Childress Racing and information flow between the four crew chiefs at RCR and Kaulig. Owens also reflects on nearing 400 starts as a crew chief, working with countless drivers along the way, including Kyle Larson in 2013, his driving career in ARCA and Trucks, family connection to racing being related to Richard Petty and Barry Dodson, what he's learned from them and at his stops along the way and more, including how being a father of a child with autism has impacted him off track. Davey also recaps Josh Berry's impressive victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, looks ahead to Homestead-Miami Speedway and Papa Segal pays homage to a pioneer of NASCAR.

Front Row Motorsports crew chief Dylan Cappello joins Davey Segal (7:30) to discuss year two working with Layne Riggs in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, getting used to the No. 34 instead of the No. 38, how the 2025 season has gone so far and the stop/start nature of the Truck Series schedule. Cappello also discusses his relationship with Riggs, how Layne's father Scott has helped the team grow, which areas they're targeting for improvement and how adding a second full-time entry to the truck operation has changed things at FRM. Cappello also dives into his background as a racer growing up in Arizona, winning at The Bullring at Las Vegas a couple years ago, the decision to ultimately go down the engineering route instead of the driving one and the adjustment that entailed, winning a title at his home track in Phoenix in 2022, getting the promotion to crew chief and the challenges that have come along with that including being the "leader of men" for a race team and more. Davey also recaps Christopher Bell's third consecutive victory and the option tire in Phoenix, previews Las Vegas and Papa Segal pays homage to Suitcase Jake.

Motorsports jack-of-all-trades Katherine Legge joins Davey Segal (6:15) ahead of her Cup Series debut with Live Fast Motorsports at Phoenix Raceway to discuss how the deal came together, why she wishes it came a week or so earlier, any pride she feels becoming the first woman to compete in a Cup race in 7+ years, her "renewed sense of vigor" in stock cars as well as her her first Chili Bowl and ARCA experience. Legge also dives into some other women in racing she's looked up to throughout her motorsports journey, how she plans to support other women in the sport once she's done competing and more. Plus, what life is like for a Brit living in Atlanta and the key to what makes a good biscuit. Davey also recaps the action from Circuit of the Americas, previews Phoenix, provides an update on NASCAR's new countersuit against 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, analyses why Austin Cindric was not suspended for right-rear hooking Ty Dillon, breaks down Joe Gibbs Racing winning their L2 appeal against NASCAR post-Daytona and Papa Segal pays homage to Michelle Mouton.

Five-time Spec Miata champion Preston Pardus joins Davey Segal this week (5:30) ahead of his first attempted Xfinity Series race of 2025. He dives into the revenge he's seeking after failing to quality for COTA last year, why he and Pardus Racing chose the select races they did for this year, how his NASCAR experience has been thus far and how his father Dan's experience at the top level of stock car levels has guided his time thus far. Pardus also details his iconic 2017 SCCA runoffs victory that started it all in Spec Miatas, his super sweep in 2020 and how they've done it all while building cars in their backyard in New Smyrna, Florida. Pardus explains why the No. 50 he's running now in Xfinity is special to the family, racing against his sister (and dad) and why he's so appreciative of his loyal fanbase. Davey also recaps Christopher Bell's win at Atlanta, looks ahead to COTA and Papa Segal pays homage to Bobby Labonte.

Fresh off his second straight Daytona 500 win, William Byron's spotter Branden Lines joins Davey Segal (6:25) to break down how the 2025 Great American Race was won, why the celebration of this one was vastly different than winning on a Monday in 2024, how he passed time during the rain delay and the art of Gen 7 spotting and how he's evolved his craft since working with Byron in Cup. Lines also touches on the “Triangle of Trust” Byron, crew chief Rudy Fugle and the No. 24 team have established over the last 4 years, how far he and Byron go back, getting started in motorsports growing up outside of Indianapolis, living with Daniel and Kenzie Hemric and Chris Gabehart while trying to make it in racing, the satisfaction of winning a Truck Series championship with Ty Majeski last season and more, including how Atlanta differs from Daytona and what the No. 24 team is capable of in 2025. Davey also recaps the chaotic and surprising finish, looks ahead to Atlanta and Papa Segal pays homage to The King of the Beach.

On the heels of The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium and ahead of the Daytona 500, NASCAR Regional Managing Director Joey Dennewitz joins Davey Segal (6:50) to discuss his role, how the Cup Series' return to Bowman Gray went and his career before joining the sanctioning body as a driver growing up in Ohio and then transitioning into the business side of the sport. He dives into how his relationship with Spire's Jeff Dickerson and T.J. Puchyr grew, his connection with Landon Cassill, learning how to do everything and anything in motorsports and how that's made him better in his current role, plus how beloved his dog Otis really is. Davey also looks ahead to the season-opening Daytona 500, discusses the 2025 NASCAR Hall of Fame class and Papa Segal pays homage to Dr. Dean Sicking, a motorsports safety pioneer.

NASCAR's Project Lead for the Cook-Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium Justin Swilling joins Davey Segal (5:05) to discuss what it's taken to make this upcoming weekend a reality. From painting and installing new walls to a revamped lighting system to numbers on seats, Swilling has overseen the modernization of BGS in advance of NASCAR's kickoff weekend in Winston Salem, North Carolina. He also discusses his personal connection to the venue, why having a parking plan is of the utmost importance, his background in motorsports and what he does on a daily/weekly basis at NASCAR.

Crew Chief Drew Blickensderfer joins Davey Segal (5:10) ahead of the 2025 season to discuss why now was the right time for him to return for his second stint at Front Row Motorsports, his faith in Noah Gragson, what FRM's alliance with Team Penske really means and what's changed at the team since his departure. Blickensderfer also reminisces on his two Daytona 500 victories, starting off his career winning his first two races as a shot caller with Matt Kenseth, why Carl Edwards stands out among the 18+ drivers he's worked with in his career, his background as a walk-on Division I wrestler at Indiana, why he enjoys being the "head coach" of sorts and more, including his real name and legitimate goals for the 2025 season. Papa Segal pays homage to Alvin Hawkins, NASCAR's first flagman, as the season approaches.

Incoming NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Gio Ruggiero joins Davey Segal this week (6:55) to discuss his impending foray into NASCAR's national series with TRICON Garage. He clears the air on his name and not being related to modified legend Reggie Ruggiero, discusses how he thinks the jump from ARCA to Trucks will be, his Winchester 400 win, growing up at Seekonk Speedway, the culture at TRICON and more, including how and why he went behind his moms back to start his racing career.

One of the most respected voices in the garage and co-author of "NASCAR Mavericks" Holly Cain joins Davey Segal (6:40) to discuss her new project, some learnings from it and what some future mavericks in the sport may look like. Cain also dives into her storied 30+ year career as a sports journalist that has taken her from Florida, to Texas, to Washington and racetracks all over the world. She relives a memorable phone call from George Steinbrenner (yes, that one), reveals the one track she's yet to visit that's on her bucket list, how the sport has changed over the years, relationship building, Dale Earnhardt stories and more, including her love and admiration for the NASCAR community for supporting her during her latest battle with cancer. Papa Segal also pays homage to "Cha Cha" in the wayback segment to kick off the new year.

After 45 years with the company, 42 of which in motorsports and 26 in NASCAR, Goodyear's Greg Stucker is calling it a career. Goodyear Tire & Rubber's Director of Racing joins Davey Segal ahead of his retirement (5:55) to discuss how he got involved in motorsports with Goodyear after graduating from Vanderbilt, learning racing on the fly with little prior knowledge and getting thrown into the fire from short tracks to IndyCar. Stucker also dives into some major takeaways from 2024, including the use of wet weather tires and potential future use of them on intermediates, option tires and how soft of a compound they can actually make, what happened at spring Bristol (if they even know, still) and the differences in concrete vs. asphalt as it pertains to tire wear and temperature. He also reminisces about the good and bad days on the job, including the 2008 Brickyard 400 and why that wound up changing things for the better with their processes, tire wars in the 1990s, the famous Goodyear Blimp, gold car and the meaningful styory behind his patented aviators at the track.

For the second year in a row, Allison Thorson and ThorSport Racing are CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champions. She joins Davey Segal this week (5:35) to dissect Ty Majeski's 2024 NCTS title, the dominant performance he put in at Phoenix Raceway, how this title feels different than the others and what it means to win back-to-back championships for the second time in ThorSport history. She also provides some analysis on the organizations driver lineup in 2024, what Conner Jones can learn moving forward from his Homestead-Miami incident, the history of ThorSport, why they've never entertained the thought of moving from Sandusky, Ohio, why her parents don't do a ton of media, what's next for the team, her passion for horses and reigning and more. Davey also runs through some of the news that came across the wire this week and Papa Segal returns wit a wayback segment.

Davey's better half joins him to recap Championship Weekend from Phoenix Raceway that saw Joey Logano, Justin Allgaier and Ty Majeski triumph in the Cup, Xfinity and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, respectively. They discuss the playoff format, those calling out Logano for not being a worthy champion based on the format, the possibility of the title race rotating venues, the current antitrust lawsuit between 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports and NASCAR, the Martinsville manipulation, look ahead to 2025 and more.

Industry veteran and OG pit spotter Walter Cox joins Davey Segal this week (2:20) to explain what the role of a pit spotter entails and how he and the role began over three decades ago. Cox explains how many feeds he listens to at once during races, what he provides on-air talent with, how he goes about information gathering ahead of races and how the job has evolved over the years. Cox also dives into his famous trades in the garage area, where he gives canned fruits and vegetables for racing memorabilia, and explains how Kasey Kahne helped make them more known. He also shares anecdotes from his interesting life in and out of racing, including his time as a "Waffle Belly," a radio host and being in a music video. Davey also recaps the Martinsville manipulation and penalties divvied out in the wake of the penultimate race of the season, Ryan Blaney's impressive win and previews the Championship 4 weekend at Phoenix Raceway.

Short track legend Bubba Pollard joins Davey Segal (2:45) ahead of his second career NASCAR Xfinity Series start this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. Pollard explains how the deal with Sam Hunt Racing came together, why Martinsville Speedway should be a good venue to showcase his skillset and reminisces on his first start in the series earlier this season for JR Motorsports at Richmond. Pollard also dives into his background as a third generation racer from Georgia, his involvement in running Senoia Raceway back home, how the nickname "Bubba" came to be and why he always has run the No. 26 on track. Plus, he explains why winning the Oxford 250 was the biggest win of his illustrious career spanning over 100 wins and 15 championships, the current state of short track racing and why he's a bit conflicted from multiple perspectives, his expectations for this weekend at The Paperclip and more. Davey also recaps Tyler Reddick's daring move to win at Homestead-Miami Speedway and lock himself into his first ever Championship 4 and looks ahead to the penultimate race weekend of the season at Martinsville.

Rackley W.A.R. President and COO Willie Allen joins Davey Segal this week (2:25) to discuss the news of the team joining forces with Kevin Harvick Incorporated for the 2025 season and beyond. Allen explains why Dawson Sutton is the right driver to pilot their full-time Truck Series entry next season and his unique background, how conversations began with Harvick and KHI, what Kevin brings to a team like theirs and how the alliance on the late model side will impact their national series efforts. Allen also dives into his career as a driver, spanning numerous NCTS and Xfinity Series starts, including for Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss, reflects on Matt DiBenedetto's Talladega triumph for the team, what led to him getting involved in team ownership on the national series side, his future aspirations as an owner and more. Davey also discusses Joey Logano's win at Las Vegas to punch his ticket to the Championship 4, previews Homestead-Miami Speedway and more.

Joe Gibbs Racing's newly named full-time Xfinity Series driver for 2025 Taylor Gray joins Davey Segal (3:10) this week to discuss how the deal came together and the cool story behind why the entry will be the No. 54 instead of the No. 19 involving his best friend Ty Gibbs. Gray also details the differences between the Xfinity car and Truck vehicles, working with crew chief Tyler Allen next year and how that relationship has been so far in 2024, how important the driver/crew chief pairing is, pressure associated with running for the winningest team in series history, how he'd characterize his season to date, racing with his brother Tanner and more. Davey also recaps the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL won by Kyle Larson and the headline news of Alex Bowman failing post-race inspection, being disqualified and Joey Logano being added back in to the Round of 8. Plus, a preview of Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Crew Chief Charles Denike joins Davey Segal this week (5:45) to discuss the No. 19 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing team's playoffs to date in the Truck Series, having only one finish outside the top 10 to this point, goals and expectations for the remainder of the postseason and the stop/start nature of the NCTS playoffs. Denike also dives into his background in racing in Virginia before enlisting in the armed forces for almost a decade. He details what he did in the U.S. Army and why he opted to return to motorsports upon finishing his time serving. He also touches on some parallels in racing and the Army, goes through his rise from K&N to GMS to MHR, explains what kind of a boss Bill McAnally is and more, including what his 2025 plans may include. Davey also recaps Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s win at Talladega Superspeedway, looks ahead to the Round of 12 cutoff race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL and Papa Segal pays homage to Les Richter.

He's back! Ryan Reed joins Davey Segal this week (6:10) ahead of his return to the Craftsman Truck Series at Talladega Superspeedway with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing. He explains what he's expecting out of the one-off opportunity, how he's preparing, knowing he'll have a winning-caliber Truck underneath him and why Talladega owes him one. He also gets us up to speed on what he's been up to the last several years since full-time driving dried up and how he's stayed involved in the sport, the emotions associated with not being a full-time racecar driver anymore and how he wrestled and subsequently settled with that, working a 9-5 day job and racing on the side and more. Plus, growing up in California in a racing family, moving East at 18-years-old to pursue a career, overcoming the odds as a type 1 diabetic, memories of his triumphant 2015 win at Daytona in the Xfinity Series, the long road to get to that point with Roush Fenway Racing and more. Davey also discusses Ross Chastain's Kansas win, previews Talladega, the new antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR and Papa Segal pays homage to a broadcasting legend.

Industry veteran Wendy Venturini joins Davey Segal this week (7:40) to discuss her vast career in and out of motorsports spanning almost a quarter of a century. She explains the misconception with her last name and ARCA Menards Series powerhouse Venturini Motorsports, growing up in a racing family, pursuing motorsports as a career avenue and starting at the bottom in production before working her way up to on air broadcasting. Venturini also shares the story of how the opportunity at SPEED came about while working at NASCAR Productions, the experience of working on NASCAR RaceDay with Rutledge Wood, Kenny Wallace, Jimmy Spencer, John Roberts and more, the differences and nuances between television and radio and what makes each discipline unique. She also reflects on her near fatal accident in 2018 at Sonoma, where she suffered a basilar skull fracture after being struck by a car, the road to recovery that followed (figuratively and literally) and those that helped her along the way to return to broadcasting some 2 months later (!) at Bristol Motor Speedway, of all places. She also dives into her entrepreneurial success as an owner of Burn Boot Camp franchises, how it may have helped save her life, what she'd still like to accomplish in her career and more. Davey also discusses Kyle Larson's dominant Bristol win and the ensuing industry reaction to the performance, previews Kansas to kick off the Cup Series Round of 12 and Papa Segal pays homage to "Big Daddy" Don Garlits.

Fresh off his first win as a NASCAR national series crew chief, Andrew Overstreet joins Davey Segal (7:30) to debrief and discuss the JR Motorsports No. 88 teams dominant win at Watkins Glen and Connor Zilisch's masterclass of a debut. He explains how he was in awe of Zilisch going quicker when asked to back off, his poise to withstand a chaotic finish and what his potential is moving forward. He also discusses Carson Kvapil's limited starts in the No. 88 this year, his time at JR Motorsports over the last several years and how it compares to his various stops along the way, working at Hendrick Motorsports while in college under Chad Knaus with Greg Ives, how simulation implementation was in the early/mid 2000s, climbing the ladder to a race engineer and more. Plus, his friendship with Ryan Blaney that was forged at Penske and the Wood Brothers, his Petty fandom as a child that helped accelerate his professional career, how a middle school science teacher helped give him the push to pursue motorsports as a career, stories from his win with Nelson Piquet Jr. at Michigan in the Truck Series, working alongside his brother, Tyler, in the sport, what his 2025 plans may look like and trying to go back-to-back with Dale Earnhardt Jr. back in the seat this weekend at Bristol. Davey also discusses Chris Buescher's win at Watkins Glen, the playoff leaderboard heading into Bristol to end the Round of 16 and Papa Segal pays homage to an iconic site of many land speed records.

Josh Berry joins Davey Segal this week (5:00) ahead of his final 9 races with Stewart-Haas Racing before joining Wood Brothers Racing in 2025. The two discuss the Rookie of the Year chase, his recent wild ride at Daytona, the wind array of sponsors and paint schemes in 2024 and when he got the news about SHR closing. Berry explains why he and the team felt a bit free once the news was officially out in the open, how the deal with WBR came about for next year, balancing the task at hand while also looking ahead, racing for KHI, a Taylor Swift question (duh) and preview of Watkins Glen International this weekend. Davey also discusses Joey Logano's Atlanta win, previews The Glen and Papa Segal pays homage to an eye in the sky mentioned on last week's show.

Ahead of his home race, Garrett Smithley (6:05) joins Davey Segal to discuss his new sponsor and what it's like racing at home with friends and family in attendance. It'll be his third race of 2024 with Alpha Prime Racing, but Smithley explains why it's felt like way more and his longstanding relationship with team owner Tommy Joe Martins. He also dives into the troubles Johnny Davis and JD Motorsports have been dealing with in 2024 and his own up and down journey as a race car driver, starting in high school in bandoleros and eventually landing him in the Cup Series. He explains how the Richard Petty driver search and a candid conversation Ken Schrader had with his parents that helped embark him on his racing journey and more. Davey also discusses Chase Briscoe's upset win in the Southern 500 to vault him into the postseason, previews the final 10 races and 16-driver playoff field and Papa Segal pays homage to a name synonymous with The Lady in Black.

West Virginia's finest, Jason Toy, joins Davey Segal this week (7:15) to discuss his 26+ years working for the Motor Racing Network in conjunction with his "day job" at Big Buck Country in West Virginia. He reminisces on his early days at MRN, learning from legends and how growing up in Florida led him to Marshall University, where he's been ever since. Davey also discusses Harrison Burton's upset win at Daytona and explains why he's a worthy playoff contender, previews Darlington and Papa Segal pays homage to a Truck Series legend.

Matt Swiderski, the man affectionately known as "Squid" joins Davey Segal (7:40) to discuss his intriguing career that has spanned motorsports and aerospace. He explains why and how Daniel Suárez and the No. 99 team have turned a corner and flipped a switch ahead of the playoffs, why they were experimenting throughout the spring and summer and reflects on the option tire used at Richmond. Squid dives into his background in racing growing up in the midwest, working on street stocks and super late models in and around Chicago and how he wound up being a first-generation racer before getting hired at Richard Childress Racing after college as a data acquisition engineer. He explains what the role entailed, winning a then Busch Series title in 2007 with Clint Bowyer, working with Kevin Harvick, Casey Mears and others before making a career change. Swiderski explains why he opted to leave motorsports for a job at SpaceX, how his skillset transitioned to aerospace and his one-on-one interview with, you guessed it, Elon Musk. But his time there was short-lived, and he explains why racing was calling him back home to Welcome, North Carolina and RCR just 8 months later. He discusses his eventual rise to the crew chief role, why he was never dead set on pursuing that full-time, but once he got a taste he wanted more of it, stops along the way at Team Penske and Kaulig Racing, the recruitment process to Trackhouse, an ironic story of when he interviewed for the No. 99 crew chief position the first time, the culture at the team being similar to SpaceX, what he's learned in his 100+ Cup races as a shot caller, his realistic expectations ahead of his first playoffs and more. Davey also touches on Tyler Reddick's Michigan win, previews Daytona and Papa Segal pays homage to a NASCAR pioneer.

Chris Wilner joins Davey Segal (5:40) to discuss NASCAR's penalties handed down after Richmond Raceway and whether the sanctioning body got it right or not. They also discuss Wilner's diverse background in motorsports and how his preparation and execution differs from television to radio, sports cars to NASCAR, etc. He also reminisces on his first time working for the Motor Racing Network, growing up in Indianapolis with Dillon Welch, discusses his desire to cover an Indianapolis 500 and more. Davey dives further into the penalties announced to Austin Dillon and Joey Logano from Richmond, previews Michigan and Papa Segal pays homage to Fred Lorenzen.

Richmond Raceway track president Lori Collier Waran joins Davey Segal (7:20) ahead of NASCAR's return to racing after the Olympic break in the commonwealth. She dives into how hospitality remains a constant in her career, even in NASCAR, and her time growing up in Richmond attending races before it all came full circle in 2022. She also explains why she didn't think she was fit for the job when NASCAR recruited her for the vacant position, how she had to figure out what the role of a track president really was, the pride she takes in being the first female track president in 76 years at Richmond, remembering the hectic first race weekend less than a month into the job and more, including how a night race weekend differs from a day one, what the future of Richmond Raceway may look like and the potential to seal the track again. Davey also previews the upcoming weekend with the Goodyear option tire after the Olympic break and Papa Segal pays homage to Alan Kulwicki.

Davey's better half Robin is back for her third appearance on the show for an Olympic break check-in. They discuss the season to date, general takeaways from it, Kyle Larson's double attempt, Martin Truex Jr.'s impending retirement, Trackhouse's decline, weather impacting races, Nashville's 5OT finish, her current Championship 4 and more from a casual fan's perspective. Papa Segal also pays homage to another modified legend.

'Lil Gator is in the house! Justin Allgaier kicks off the Olympic break by joining Davey Segal (7:00) for an extended conversation about the various chapters in his illustrious motorsports career. They discuss what life is currently like as a softball dad, getting started racing quarter midgets at 5-years-old, the Allgaier family racing legacy and how it all came fill circle when he won the ARCA championship on a memorable day in 2008. Allgaier also discusses his move to Penske and the now Xfinity Series in the late 2000s, gets candid about his his time in the Cup Series with HScott Motorsports and why things didn't work out, whether or not he's open to a Cup Series return, how a well-timed sequence of events led to a conversation with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and eventually his ride at JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series and how much pride he takes in being the longest tenured and winningest driver in JRM history. He also dives into his mindset having never won a Xfinity Series championship despite coming so close so many times, why he's slowly migrated off social media, tries to pick the favorite paint scheme he's run in his career and explains how his nickname of 'Lil Gator came to be. Davey also recaps the 30th anniversary of the Brickyard 400 won by Kyle Larson, dissects NASCAR's calls at the end of the event and Papa Segal pays homage to anther NASCAR Hall of Famer and (thankfully) shares a final Tour de France update.

Broadcasting legend Doug Rice joins Davey Segal this week (9:10) ahead of the return of NASCAR to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval for the Brickyard 400. Amid his final season or "Doug's Last Lap," Rice explains why now is the right time to step away, discusses the gestures tracks have done for him in his final stops to them so far this season, leaving the Performance Racing Network in good and capable hands having been there since day one and more. Rice dives into his broadcast beginnings at Appalachian State University, reminiscing on listening to Atlanta Braves games on the radio growing up, how he got started in motorsports and with PRN at Charlotte Motor Speedway, shares some Bruton Smith and Humpy Wheeler stories, a hilarious tale of driving Richard Petty home from the airport and his relationship with Kyle Petty. Plus, what he's most proud of as a 36-year career comes to a close, the most memorable races he's called and what the next chapter of his life, A.K.A. retirement, looks like and more. Davey also recaps Ryan Blaney's Pocono win, previews NASCAR's return to the IMS oval this weekend and Papa Segal pays homage to another legendary crew chief.

Did we just predict the future? Well, maybe. Davey Segal welcomes on Chicago Street Course winner Alex Bowman (7:30) to the show, despite recording the interview with him PRIOR to his winning weekend in Chicago. Nevertheless, Davey jokes with Alex about winning the race to kick things off before diving into a conversation surrounding his four-legged furry friends and why that's become such a passion for him thanks to his friends at Ally. Bowman also dives into his relationship with crew chief Blake Harris over the last couple years, how he compares to former shot caller Greg Ives, what makes team owner Rick Hendrick such a good leader, racing in the Cup Series for a decade and with HMS for seven, recovering from a back and brain injury over the last couple years, his drifting intrigue and more, including why he's in a good spot in his personal life, his decision to stop sprint car racing and a preview of Pocono Raceway. Davey also dives deeper into the second annual Chicago Street Course weekend, the officiating calls made by NASCAR that were widely applauded, previews the Tricky Triangle and Papa Segal also pays homage to a Hall of Fame and champion crew chief.

He's back! 4-time NASCAR Whelen Euro Series champion Alon Day joins Davey Segal (8:35) ahead of his return to the Xfinity Series at the Chicago Street Course. He explains how the deal with Alpha Prime Racing came together, what he's been doing since arriving in the United States to prepare for this opportunity and dives into his career arc that began with go-karts and open wheel vehicles before taking a turn to the stock car route. Day, a proud Israeli, has numerous personal connections to the war going on back home. He explains why a big part of coming to the U.S. to race is to bring awareness to what's going on back home, how he and his family were affected by the October 7 terrorist attacks, representing Israel on a global motorsports stage and why he feels the U.S. has become a second home of sorts for him despite spending limited time stateside. Day also relives his Whelen Euro Series days, the switch he made to pursue stock cars over a decade ago, being a part of the 2016 NASCAR Next class, why he feels like he's done all he can (and wants to) do in Europe, his search for opportunities in the national series, how he's been preparing for the Chicago Street Course, why needing to qualify in has been the most stressful experience of his career and more, including what his realistic expectations are for the race. Davey also discusses Joey Logano's fuel mileage win at Nashville Superspeedway, five overtimes, previews Chicago and Papa Segal pays homage to a newly inducted NASCAR Hall of Famer.

Joe Gibbs Racing Xfinity Series engineer Monon Rahman (7:00) joins Davey Segal to discuss his unique and rapid rise atop the pit box in NASCAR. He explains how the movie "Cars" was a catalyst to launch his passion for motorsports, how his Bangladeshi parents chasing their dreams helped him chase his own and why working on multiple racing programs at the University of Kentucky helped prepare him for the next chapters of his racing career. Rahman also explains how a Facebook post with a UK professor and 2-time Truck Series champion Ben Rhodes wound up connecting him Venturini Motorsports, also dives into his internship at the NASCAR R&D center, time working with Rick Ware Racing, eventually going back to Venturini and winning his first race at the ARCA level as a crew chief. He also details what led to his move to Joe Gibbs Racing, how and why Billy Venturini helped him move on and climb the ladder, the adjustment period of moving from ARCA to Xfinity, working under Tyler Allen and the No. 20 Xfinity Series team and how having multiple different drivers behind the wheel impacts his job as an engineer. Plus, he reveals his ambitious goal for 2030 and what the No. 20 team has its sights set on for the remainder of 2024. Davey also discusses Christopher Bell's weekend sweep at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (his personal playground), previews Nashville Superspeedway and Papa Segal pays homage to a NASCAR Hall of Famer.

Team Penske veteran and recent Cup Series winning Crew Chief Brian Wilson joins Davey Segal this week (6:25) to reflect on the No. 2 teams triumph at Gateway a couple weeks ago and why the win was a validation of the process he and Austin Cindric have been trusting together. He also shares what Roger Penske told him after the win and the gains that Ford Performance and Penske have seemingly made in recent weeks. Wilson details his 21 illustrious years at the company, starting out as a shock specialist before working his way into an engineer role, winning 50 (and counting) times along the way, garnering multiple championships and working with countless drivers. He also touches on his start in racing growing up in Michigan, why his father's influence loomed over him and helped get him started in the sport, why his driving career was short lived and memories working for Frank Kimmel's ARCA team as a 21-year-old fresh out of college. Wilson also explains what makes he and Austin Cindric work so well together, if anybody ever confuses him with some *other* famous Brian Wilson's out there, previews New Hampshire Motor Speedway and why he said some may be right to write the No. 2 team off come playoff time, but they may surprise some people. Davey also recaps the Cup Series' inaugural trip to Iowa Speedway, Martin Truex Jr.'s impending retirement and Papa Segal pays homage to a legend of Le Mans.

2018 Truck Series champion and Iowa native Brett Moffitt joins Davey Segal this week (5:45) ahead of his return to the Xfinity Series and return to Joe Gibbs Racing at his home track of Iowa Speedway. Moffitt explains the excitement surrounding the opportunity to race in competitive equipment at his home track, what it'll be like having friends and family in attendance, how the partial repave will level out the playing field on a track he's won at multiple times and what it's been like getting re-acclimated to JGR after more than a decade away. Moffitt also dives into getting to know his crew chief for the weekend, Seth Chavka, his partial NCTS schedule with TRICON Garage and why his lack of rhythm has been hindering him during races thus far. He also reminisces on his 2018 championship with Hattori Racing Enterprises and Scott Zipadelli (and Davey shares a funny (and intimate?) story from that night), his time in the Cup Series and why it was a struggle, whether or not he'd like to get back there one day, working as a simulation driver for Hendrick Motorsports, how his time with AM Racing came to an end at the end of 2023 and more, including what it's like now being a father of two, his realistic expectations for Iowa this weekend and some must-dos for those visiting Newton for the first time. Papa Segal also pays homage to the late Parnelli Jones while Davey recaps Kyle Larson's Sonoma victory and looks ahead to the Cup Series' first trip to the land of corn.

Veteran crew chief Kevin "Bono" Manion sits down with Davey Segal (8:15) to discuss his illustrious career in NASCAR that has seen him work with close to 50 drivers, win multiple championships, crowned jewel races and currently with Rev Racing and Nick Sanchez in the Truck Series, where they already have two wins to their credit in 2024. Bono explains what makes Sanchez so good in qualifying, why the consistency the No. 2 team has showed, the stop/start nature of the Truck Series schedule and reflects on being in the sport for over two decades. He also dives into his upbringing in Massachusetts, who he started racing with, moving down south on a whim with Tommy Baldwin and the friends and racers that lived with the duo down in NC. Bono wound up winning in his first ever start as a crew chief, at Daytona of all places, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. as the driver. He reflects on that day and getting paired up with Martin Truex Jr. at Chance 2 Motorsports (which he was hand picked to help start), where they won back-to-back championships to begin his full-time crew chiefing career. Bono and MTJ then moved up to the Cup Series together before Jamie McMurray came into the picture. Remember that storybook 2010 season? Bono does too, but it wasn't all good, as he explains. He also touches on what made working at DEI so special, what working at so many different teams taught him as a crew chief, why he enjoys where he's at in the Truck Series with Spire/Rev, being the class clown of the team and pulling pranks on his people, expectations for the No. 2 team for the rest of 2024, what else he wants to accomplish in his NASCAR career and where the nickname "Bono" actually derived from. Papa Segal pays homage to Ernie Irvan and Davey discusses Austin Cindric's surprise Gateway win, NASCAR granting Kyle Larson a playoff waiver and looks ahead to Sonoma.

McAnally-Hilgemann Racing's Tyler Ankrum joins Davey Segal (6:35) to discuss his best start to the season in his NASCAR career, how and why his habits to prepare for races have changed and if he can pinpoint why his performance has taken an uptick in 2024. One reason why may be his new team. Ankrum dives into how he's gelling with MHR, what Bill McAnally is like as a team owner and leader, why Mike Hillman is the right crew chief for him, how low his confidence got over the last few years and how good it feels to be running back up front with regularity again. He also explains what the teammate dynamic is like at MHR, looks ahead to Worldwide Technology Raceway at Gateway this weekend and shares what the No. 18 needs to improve upon with 5 races to go before the playoffs. Plus, what a typical weekday looks like for him as a farmer, the money-making business it truly is, how many cowboy boots he has, what brought him to Davey's backyard in Washington, D.C. recently and more. Davey also discusses Kyle Larson's foiled double attempt thanks to the weather interfering, why he should and will get a waiver from NASCAR and shares his take on Stewart-Haas Racing ceasing operations at the end of the 2024 season. Papa Segal also takes us wayback and Davey looks ahead to Gateway.

Ahead of tackling the motorsports double, spotter Tyler Monn joins Davey Segal (7:00) to dive into the preparation, logistics, learning and excitement the month of May has had in store thus far. Monn explains how the idea to spot the double came about, why he feels thankful that Kyle Larson put his trust in him, how he's gone about familiarizing himself with IndyCar terminology and the series in general and why it isn't as hard as it seems to spot a car going 40-50 mph faster than he's used to. Monn also reflects on being a part of the closest finish in NASCAR history at Kansas, his recruitment to become a part of the No. 5 team at Hendrick Motorsports, growing up a Terry Labonte fan and Darlington being a full circle moment, going from the back of the field to champion in 365 days, his friendship with crew chief Cliff Daniels and why he got into spotting in the first place. He also explains how and why a motocross accident ultimately stopped his racing career behind the wheel (or in his case, handlebars), his experience at Pit Crew U, what a successful Sunday looks like at both Indianapolis and Charlotte and more. Davey also dives into the Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Kyle Busch scuffle at North Wilkesboro Speedway and shares his unique perspective having found himself become a part of it (A.K.A. a landing spot for KFB), touches on the $75K fine handed down to Stenhouse Jr. and previews NASCAR's longest race. Papa Segal also pays homage to another racer who has completed the double as Motorsports Christmas looms.

Just a couple of Waffle House enthusiasts chopping it up this week on the pod. CARS Tour standout Brenden "Butterbean" Queen joins Davey Segal this week (6:15) ahead of his NASCAR National Series debut with TRICON Garage in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series at North Wilkesboro Speedway. He explains how he deal came together on the heels of some strong 2023 results, his reaction when Toyota called him to let him know, preparations for this weekend's race, his realistic expectations and if he feels pressure to perform and make the most of this opportunity. Butterbean also explains the story behind his nickname and why it wound up sticking and his recognizable No. 03 video game font, why building his brand has been very intentional, how he learned about race craft, working on his own stuff, the influence from team owner and mentor Lee Pulliam, winning 3 track titles at Langley Speedway and the current high level of competition on the CARS Tour. Plus, the reason for his mullet, finishing his degree at Old Dominion University his Waffle House order and much more. Davey also discusses Brad Keselowski's Darlington won and why his career arc has potentially endeared him to some fans, why Chris Buescher had every right to be upset with Tyler Reddick and previews the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Papa Segal also pays homage to Chargin' Charlie as the Month of May rolls on.