Podcast appearances and mentions of mike carpenter

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 389“THE 1,000 CLUB EDITION”THIS WEEK, WE'RE CELEBRATING LEGENDS AND CHASING MILESTONES.First up, Greg Anderson joins us after clinching his 110th Pro Stock victory and becoming only the second driver in NHRA history to achieve 1,000 round wins, joining the ranks of the great John Force . We'll dive into his recent win at the Thunder Valley Nationals and discuss what keeps him pushing the limits season after season. Then, we might hear from Jimmy Dale, depending on his schedule. Always a crowd favorite, Jimmy brings his unique perspective and energy to the show.Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter are here to break it all down, share some laughs, and keep the drag racing conversation rolling.DON'T MISS IT! LET'S GOOOOO!⸻Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing.

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 388“THE WTF BUCK FLYING CORVETTE SHOW”SOME WEEKS IT'S HORSEPOWER.SOME WEEKS IT'S HEAD GAMES.THIS WEEK? WE'RE TALKIN' FLIGHT PLANS.Welcome to The WTF Buck Flying Corvette Show, where things went airborne, Pro Mods went rounds, and racers reminded the world why this is the baddest motorsport on the planet.First up, Jeff Rudolph. The dude showed out and locked down a Pro Mod win at Donald “Duck” Long's Shakedown event this past weekend. Big field, big pressure, big performance. He's comin' on to break it all down and talk about what it takes to win in that kind of chaos.Then, we're chattin' with the man behind one of the wildest viral clips drag racing's seen in a minute, Jason Hoard. His nearly brand-new Corvette took FLIGHT in a scary crash at a small no-prep race, mid-track, nose-up, full send. Thankfully, he's okay, but it was one of those “is this even real?” moments. We're hearing the story straight from the guy behind the wheel.And later in the show, Kallee Mills is stopping by fresh off a big W of her own. She's on the rise, and we're checkin' in to hear what went right, how it felt, and what's next.Three guests. Three wild stories.All gas. No filter.Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter are locked in and ready to roll—LET'S FLY!DON'T MISS IT! LET'S GOOOOO!⸻Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing.

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 390“THE YOUNG GUN EDITION”WHEN YOUR LAST NAME IS TUTTEROW, YOU DON'T TIPTOE INTO THE SPORT,YOU COME IN SWINGIN'.This week on The Wes Buck Show, we're joined by the one and only Ty Tutterow, a second-generation standout who's not just carrying on the legacy…he's building his own.From big power to big expectations, Ty's been making noise in the Pro Mod world and everywhere else he lines up. We're talkin' family roots, current heat, and where this rising star is taking things next. If you ain't payin' attention yet, this is your wake-up call.It's all goin' down with Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter, who'll be stirring the pot, askin' the real questions, and maybe even talkin' a little trash along the way.DON'T MISS IT! LET'S GOOOOO!⸻Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing.

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 387“PINKS 2.0, CHAMPS & THE KINGS OF THE SOUTH”WE'VE GOT A STACKED LINEUP THIS WEEK ON THE WES BUCK SHOW, SO STRAP IN—THIS ONE MOVES FAST.Kicking things off, we've got Bruno Massel and Brian Bossone joining the show to launch something brand new: POWERtube TV. That's right, POWERtube, all caps where it counts. The guys are droppin' the details on PINKS 2.0, the reboot of the legendary grudge-racing series with Bruno behind the mic. It's back, it's loud, and it's ready to light up your screens.Next up: Spencer Hyde, NHRA Funny Car hitter and recent Mission Foods Challenge winner, is checkin' in. A former World Series of Pro Mod champ, Spencer's been making noise with Head Racing, and we're catchin' up to see what's hot and what's coming next.And then, we're headin' straight to Shadyside Raceway.Lyle Barnett and Larry Larson are coming off a showdown at King of the South 2, where Larry took the win and Lyle grabbed the runner-up spot (after also tearin' it up in Lil' Gangsters). They're joined by Corey Stamper, the man behind the madness as event promoter. We're breakin' down all the action, the drama, and what's next for the South's baddest shootout.Fast TV, fast cars, and faster mouths. You already know what it is.DON'T MISS IT! LET'S GOOOOO!⸻Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing.

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 384“THE DUCK, CALLS, & CHAOS EDITION”IF YOU'VE GOT THIN SKIN OR A FAVORITE RACER YOU'RE TRYNA PROTECT… YOU MIGHT WANNA SIT THIS ONE OUT.This week on The Wes Buck Show, we've got Donald “Duck” Long in the house, and you ALREADY KNOW it's about to get loud, unfiltered, and maybe even a little personal.Promoter, instigator, radial racing ringleader, Duck's the guy who invented the “say it with your chest” attitude in drag racing. He's callin' people out, droppin' truth bombs, and tellin' it EXACTLY like it is. Love him or hate him, he's one of one, and when he talks, the sport listens… whether it wants to or not.He's soundin' off on what's right, what's wrong, who's slow, and who's soft, and you already know it's gonna be absolute chaos in the comments.And don't be surprised if a few surprise guests drop in along the way… this episode's got “rowdy” written all over it.Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter are throwin' the mic wide open and lettin' it rip, just the way we like it.DON'T MISS IT! LET'S GOOOOO!⸻Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing.

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 385“THE THROWDOWN & BRAGGIN' RIGHTS EDITION”GRAB YOUR HEADSET, CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULE, AND GET READY—'CAUSE THIS WEEK'S SHOW IS BRINGIN' THE HEAT FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE DRAG RACING WORLD!First up, we've got Nate Prater, the man behind Street Car Bragging Rights, joinin' us just days before the big show. He's got a monster event on deck and you KNOW he's got plenty to say about what's goin' down, who's showin' up, and why this ain't your average street race. This one's gonna be wild, and Prater's leadin' the charge.Then we're headin' back to the track to talk with longtime Midwest Drag Racing Series Pro Mod hitter Aaron Wells, who just went double trouble at the Throwdown at T-Town, takin' the win in Pro Mod AND watchin' his son Tyler grab the W in Top Sportsman. That's a family sweep right there, and we're talkin' all about it, what it took, what it means, and where they're headed next.From the streets to the strip, it's all gas, no brakes.Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter are lockin' in and breakin' it all down like only The Wes Buck Show can.DON'T MISS IT! LET'S GOOOOO!⸻Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing.

The Wes Buck Show | Ep. 386 | Donald "The Duck" Long & Mason Wright!“THE ONE LESS BUCK EDITION”WES IS OUT.THE KIDS ARE RUNNING THE HOUSE.AND YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS, ABSOLUTE CHAOS.With Wes Buck off at a top-secret mission (a.k.a. a conference), it's up to Mike Carpenter and JT “Murder T” Hudson to hold the fort down. And honestly? That might be a terrible idea, but we're doin' it anyway.We're callin' this one “The One Less Buck Edition”, and it's a full-blown family affair. Kayla Zadel is jumpin' in to help steady the ship, toss a few zingers, and try to keep these two in line (good luck with that).First up, Donald “Duck” Long is back for Round Two.Last time, the internet gods pulled the plug mid-rant… but he's back, reloaded, and ready to sound off. Duck's bringin' the fire, radial racing, callouts, controversy, all of it. You know he's got plenty to say, and we're lettin' it fly.Then we've got Mason Wright, fresh off a HUGE NHRA Pro Mod win at the Route 66 Nationals. The guy came out swingin' and left with the W. We're talkin' about the win, the moment, and how it feels to be part of the next generation of killers in Pro Mod.And hey, don't rule out a little happy hour action to close things out. If the wheels fall off, we're just pourin' another round.Wes is gone, but the show must go on.And it's gonna get rowdy.DON'T MISS IT! LET'S GOOOOO!⸻Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing.

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 383“THE WIDE OPEN & WILD EDITION”CANCEL YOUR MEETINGS, GRAB A COLD ONE, AND BUCKLE THE HELL UP—BECAUSE THIS WEEK'S SHOW IS HITTIN' HARDER THAN A HOLESHOT AT ZMAX!We've got winners, wild rides, and a little bit of air time (literally) on this week's episode of The Wes Buck Show, and it's one for the books.First up, J.R. Gray is stoppin' by after throwin' down an absolute statement win in NHRA Pro Mod at the Four-Wide Nationals at ZMAX Dragway. The man showed up to Charlotte and left with the W. We're talkin' all about how he pulled it off and what's next for one of the baddest dudes in the class.Then we've got Matt Smith, a multi-time champ and one of the most dominant forces in Pro Stock Motorcycle, who just added another win to the trophy case. The guy's a beast, and you already know he's gonna bring the fire when he jumps on the mic.And just when you think it couldn't get crazier, we're goin' from dragstrips to the open water.Ryan Olah and his brother Noah Olah are joinin' us after their shootout boat wreck at Lake Havasu went viral. We're talkin' full-blown airborne, a boat that launched like a Funny Car, and somehow they walked away. We'll hear the whole story from the two of the crew guys that make it all happen on that Freedom One rocket.Fast cars, fast bikes, and flying boats.Only on The Wes Buck Show.Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter are bringin' the chaos, the conversation, and a little bit of nonsense—just how we like it.DON'T MISS IT! LET'S GOOOOO!⸻Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing.

One, two, three, four . . . FIVE BALKANS?! Illinois basketball lands its biggest portal addition of the offseason, adding junior wing Andrej Stojakovic to the team. Mike Carpenter discusses the marquee addition, just two days after Serbian point guard Mihailo Petrovic signed with the Illini. Brad Underwood's 2025-26 roster looks to be (nearly?) complete, so how will all these mostly-veteran new faces gel together?

On this episode of Truth Talk Live, host Stu Epperson welcomes Mike Carpenter, founder of Asset Guard, for a compelling conversation at the crossroads of pop culture, current events, and theology. The focus? America's financial health. From Social Security concerns and rising inflation to the growing national debt, they unpack today's most pressing economic challenges. Mike shares practical advice on personal financial preparedness, highlighting the value of smart planning and stewardship. He also dives into the spiritual side of money—encouraging generosity and reminding listeners to seek God's kingdom first.

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 379“THE BARN BURNER EDITION”LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS, DRAG RACING FANS OF ALL AGES… WE'VE GOT A CERTIFIED BANGER FOR YA THIS WEEK!This one's so stacked, we had to call it THE BARN BURNER EDITION—because GOOD LORD, do we have a lineup!Clay Millican is stoppin' by, fresh off his NHRA Top Fuel WIN! This man is on FIRE, and we're gonna talk about how he got it done and where he goes from here. But wait, it gets better....Clay's callin' in LIVE from Jeff Lutz's shop, and if we're lucky, Street Outlaws legend Jeff Lutz himself might just pop in! It's like a two-for-one special in the best way possible.We've got Farmtruck and AZN, the dynamic duo from Street Outlaws, joinin' us to break down their BRAND NEW TV SHOW, Street Outlaws: Locals, that just aired last night. If you missed it, don't worry, we'll get you up to speed on all the madness.Greg Anderson is also in the house! This dude is STACKING WINS in NHRA Pro Stock like it's his damn job (oh wait, it is). Another W in the books for one of the baddest to ever do it, and we're gonna pick his brain on how he just keeps winning.And rounding it all out, we've got Pat Norcia, droppin' in to talk Mountain Motor Pro Stock and PDRA, because you know we gotta cover all the bases.This episode is absolutely LOADED. Fast cars, big personalities, and zero filter. You know the deal, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter are gonna bring the heat, break it all down, and probably talk some shit along the way.DON'T MISS IT! LET'S GOOOOO!⸻Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing.

The Wes Buck Show | Ep.382 | Justin Swanstrom, Scott Lang, Lee White, & Mike Janis Jr.YOU'VE GOT HEADPHONES IN, TURN ‘EM DOWN—BECAUSE THIS ONE'S GONNA BE LOUDER THAN A PROMOD ON THE TWO-STEP!We're stackin' the deck this week on The Wes Buck Show, and it's all killers, no fillers from top to bottom.Scott Lang is comin' in HOT—one of the most talked-about Pro Mod racers in the game right now. The guy is rollin', and we're breakin' down what's behind the momentum.Taggin' in with him is the man behind the magic—tuning wizard Lee White. He's the guy you call when you wanna go fast and not burn the thing to the ground. We're talkin' strategy, setups, and why good tuners are worth their weight in titanium.Then we've got Mike Janis Jr., who's jumpin' on to talk all things Pro Mod. Legacy racer, one of the sharpest minds in the class, and never afraid to say what needs sayin'. You want insight? He's bringin' it.And closing out the show—Lil Country himself, Justin Swanstrom, is stoppin' by! He's got more cars than most people have spark plugs, and he's racin' anything and everything—small tire, big tire, prep, no prep, you name it. Always busy, always outspoken, and never afraid to shake things up. When Swanstrom shows up, sparks fly.This one's a full send from start to finish.Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter are lockin' in and bringin' that signature no-filter, full-throttle flavor that's made this the most talked-about show in drag racing.DON'T MISS IT! LET'S GOOOOO!⸻Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing.

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 381“THE FIGHT CLUB EDITION”LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS, DRAG RACING FANS OF ALL AGES… WELCOME TO THE FIGHT CLUB EDITION OF THE WES BUCK SHOW—AND THIS ONE'S A CERTIFIED SLUGFEST!We're comin' in HOT this week with Murder Nova himself, Shawn Ellington, fresh off a big-time WIN in the Midwest Drag Racing Series over the weekend! The man was on a mission, and we're breakin' it all down with him.Taggin' in alongside is none other than Keith Haney. Car owner, series boss, and all-around big dog behind the Midwest Drag Racing Series. We're talkin' behind-the-scenes, what's next, and how this whole Murder Nova deal came together. It's a Midwest takeover, folks.But wait… it gets even wilder.We've got a freakin' LEGEND joinin' us, Randy Couture is steppin' into the drag racing octagon! UFC Hall of Famer. Actor. Commentator. Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. You name it, he's done it. Now? He's goin' Pro Mod racing in the NHRA with SCAG Power Equipment as his sponsor, and YES, it's as badass as it sounds.This week's show is straight-up STACKED.Fast cars, fight legends, powerhouse personalities, and all the chaos you've come to expect.Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter are firin' on all cylinders, breakin' it all down, stirrin' the pot, and bringin' that same unfiltered energy that's made this the most talked-about show in the sport.DON'T MISS IT! LET'S GOOOOO!⸻Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS, DRAG RACING FANS OF ALL AGES… IT'S WEDNESDAY, AND YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS—TIME FOR ANOTHER HEATER OF AN EPISODE OF THE WES BUCK SHOW!This week? It's THE FAJITA-FREE FRENZY, and you'll see why…First up—Chris “Boosted” Hamilton is stoppin' by to talk shop on No Prep Kings, the state of no prep racing, and what he's got cookin' for this big race. If there's one dude who knows the no prep game inside and out, it's Boosted.Then we've got the duo of Jimmy Dale and Michael Poland, that's Michael with an A-E-L for those playin' along at home, joining us to dive into the red-hot Lil Gangsters scene (that's L-I-L Gangsta with an A, don't get it twisted). Small tire, limited prep, no prep… it's blowin' up, and these two are right in the middle of the madness.Also droppin' in: Melanie Salemi, fresh off her W-I-N in PDRA action this past weekend! She's on a tear, drivin' like a woman possessed, and we're always pumped to cut it up with her. Absolute weapon behind the wheel.And buckle up....Lyle Barnett is back on the show after stirrin' up the socials like only he can. We'll see what's got him fired up this time… and yes, we'll probably ask him about fajitas, which he HATES. (Why, Lyle?!)Last but not least, our guy Elon Werner is checkin' in to talk Drag Race Bracket Bonanza—what to expect this weekend at the NHRA Four-Wides, how to sign up, and some insider nuggets from the legendary Denzy's Deetz. Get your picks in, folks.THIS SHOW'S STACKED.Fast cars. Big personalities. Drag racing's hottest topics. Zero filter. You know the drill—Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter are bringin' the smoke.DON'T MISS IT! LET'S GOOOOO!⸻Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing.

The European Pipeline continues to produce for Brad Underwood's Illini with the addition of Tomi's twin brother Zvonimir and 6'9" David Mirkovic. Mike Carpenter recaps the last week-plus of offseason craziness, including the returns of Kylan Boswell, Ty Rodgers, and Jake Davis. He also discusses some of the general stupidity with the portal era, including Morez Johnson's commitment to Michigan, and how the non-stop player movement impacts fandom.

The Wes Buck Show – Episode 377LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN! Buckle up, because this week's episode of The Wes Buck Show is comin' in HOT!First up, we've got John Salemi—the tuning mastermind who's been makin' waves in the Pro Mod world. This dude's been twistin' wrenches and makin' horsepower for some of the biggest names in the game, and he's jumpin' on to break down what's goin' down in the world of Pro Mod racing a few weeks removed from the DI Winter Series.Then, straight outta Australia, we've got Paul Mouhayet! This guy's an absolute unit in the Pro Mod scene, and we're gonna dive into what's next for him in 2025.We're also hittin' on this weekend's NHRA Arizona Nationals—the SECOND stop on the NHRA tour—and talkin' about what to expect as the best in the business roll into Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park.All that and whatever else comes flyin' outta the mouths of Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter.Don't miss this one—it's gonna be a BANGER! LET'S GOOOOO!⸻Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing.Don't miss out on the action and conversation—hit SUBSCRIBE for the latest in drag racing: @dragillustratedGrab your MERCH here: https://dragillustrated.storeStay connected with The Wes Buck Show: @thewesbuckshow @dragillustratedRACERSCLUB MERCH: http://www.racers.clubWant to sponsor the show? Contact us: wes@dragillustrated.com#dragracing #wesbuck #dragillustrated #NHRA #PDRA #NoPrep #StreetOutlaws #NoPrepKings #Promod #MWDRS #topfuel #funnycar #prostock #radialracing #NPK #WDRA #dragrace #DI #WBS #WSOPM #WorldSeriesOfProMod #FloRacing #FloDragRacing #Stroud #RedLineOil #RacersClub #JohnSalemi #PaulMouhayet #ArizonaNats #ProModRacing

The Wes Buck Show – Episode 378LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN! Buckle up, because this week's episode of The Wes Buck Show is PACKED!First up, fresh off his FIRST EVER NHRA Nitro Funny Car WIN, we've got Paul Lee joining the show! This dude went out to Arizona and got it DONE at the NHRA Arizona Nationals, pickin' up his first W in Funny Car—and man, what a story! We're talkin' about a true underdog moment that's been years in the making. We'll break down what this win means to Paul, his team, and how he finally sealed the deal in one of the wildest classes in drag racing.PLUS — we're diving into all things DRAG RACING! The season's heating up, and we're lookin' ahead to next week's NHRA action in Pomona, where the stars of the sport are gearing up for another showdown.You know how it goes—Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter are gonna break it all down, talk some smack, and keep you in the know on everything happening in the world of drag racing.DON'T MISS IT! LET'S GOOOOO!⸻Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing.Don't miss out on the action and conversation—hit SUBSCRIBE for the latest in drag racing: @dragillustratedGrab your MERCH here: https://dragillustrated.storeStay connected with The Wes Buck Show: @thewesbuckshow @dragillustratedRACERSCLUB MERCH: http://www.racers.clubWant to sponsor the show? Contact us: wes@dragillustrated.com#dragracing #wesbuck #dragillustrated #NHRA #PDRA #NoPrep #StreetOutlaws #NoPrepKings #Promod #MWDRS #topfuel #funnycar #prostock #radialracing #NPK #WDRA #dragrace #DI #WBS #WSOPM #WorldSeriesOfProMod #FloRacing #FloDragRacing #Stroud #RedLineOil #RacersClub #PaulLee #NHRAArizonaNats #FunnyCarWin #PomonaNats

Portal season begins inauspiciously for Brad Underwood's program as Morez Johnson Jr. and Tre White are leaving after just one year. Mike Carpenter discusses the importance of retention as evidenced by three of the Final Four team rosters, and how the lack of a returning core makes the offseason even more consequential. He also talks about the significance of losing Morez Johnson Jr., a highly-touted in-state prospect who stayed committed to the program for three years, and how it raises concerns beyond just the loss of a talented big.

*** This is an excerpt from The 200 Level: An Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball Fan's Journey by Mike Carpenter *** March 26, 2005 is a date etched into Illini basketball lore. Top-seeded Illinois took on a familiar foe in #2 seed Arizona at Allstate Arena in Rosemont. Mike Carpenter reflects on the greatest comeback in program history, a 15-point deficit erased with just four minutes to play in regulation. Dee Brown's steal-and-score to bring it within three points, Deron Williams' game-tying shot, Luther Head's breakaway layup in overtime, Bill Murray's shocked reaction from the stands, James Augustine at church the next morning . . . relive it all with this excerpt from The 200 Level book. The 200 Level: An Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball Fan's Journey is available in CU at Gameday Spirit and Jane Addam's Book Shop, or online at the link below: https://a.co/d/ad3HTRu  

Brad Underwood's 8th season at Illinois was one of tantalizing highs and frustrating lows. Mike Carpenter recaps the season in the aftermath of a 2nd-round loss to Kentucky, as the Illini finish with a 22-13 overall record after a 12-3 start. He discusses the individual seasons of players, lessons to be learned as Underwood constructs his next roster, and other lingering questions going into the offseason.

The 2024-25 Illini basketball season ends unceremoniously in the second round at the hands of #3 seed Kentucky. The 85-74 defeat saw the Wildcats in control for nearly all forty minutes, as sloppy starts to both halves doomed Brad Underwood's team. Mike Carpenter and Kenton Elmore spend much of the second half contextualizing the season, how it will be remembered, and what needs to happen entering the offseason.

Illini basketball not only survives and advances, but does so with style in an 86-73 win over Xavier. Mike Carpenter, Andrew Wilson, and Kenton Elmore react during the First Round victory, setting up a huge matchup against Kentucky on Sunday. Will Riley drops 22, Tomislav Ivisic grabs a 20-10 double double, Kasparas Jakucionis was one rebound away from a triple-double, and Kylan Boswell added another 15. Look out, Big Blue . . . the Illini are comin'. 

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner chats with 247Sports/CBS Sports college basketball writer Isaac Trotter about the Illini's NCAA Tournament draw: a No. 6 seed in the Midwest Region and playing the winner of play-in game Texas/Xavier in Milwaukee with the potential to play No. 3 seed Kentucky. Then Werner gets the pulse of Illini fans by chatting with The 200 Level's Mike Carpenter. Then Joey Wagner joins the show to discuss the Illini women's team's draw of a No. 8 seed playing No. 9 seed Creighton in Austin (Texas). Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8  Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct   Go VIP for 30% OFF: bit.ly/3eGM1NK   To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Illinois basketball lands a #6 seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, awaiting the winner of a play-in game between Xavier and Texas. Mike Carpenter reacts to the Illini's draw, favorable in many respects, and how two wins would completely change how this team is remembered. He discusses the potential matchups against the two #11 seeds and #3 seed Kentucky, and what advantages Brad Underwood's team has in each one.

Illinois basketball finishes the regular season with a 20-11 record (12-8 conference). Up next: the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis. Mike Carpenter discusses the weekend ahead and why the BTT is always one of his favorite parts of each season. He also opens up the listener mailbag to see what fans' expectations are as Brad Underwood's team enters the conference tourney as the #7 seed.

Illini basketball notches their 20th win of the season in epic fashion, riding a 13-1 closing run to take down Purdue 88-80 (their first win over the Boilers since 2021). Mike Carpenter reacts after attending the game at a raucous State Farm Center. For 30+ minutes, Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn got what they wanted offensively. But, Brad Underwood's team kept plugging away, got crucial stops, and started making shots. Will Riley drops 22, Tre White adds 20, Kylan Boswell with another 15, and Kasparas Jakucionis - despite an up-and-down night - nails a dagger three late in the game. Next up: the Big Ten Tournament.

Mike Carpenter and the hosts of The Board Room join up for a crossover podcast. They start by addressing their Twitter kerfuffle before delving into a conversation about this Illini basketball team, Brad Underwood's tenure, adjusting expectations, fan criticism, and much more! Special thanks to Josh, Jon, and Matty for taking the time to record this episode. You can subscribe to The Board Room wherever you get your podcasts!

A mere eight days after a blowout vs. Duke, Illinois basketball wins in emphatic fashion at Michigan 93-73, their ninth straight against the Wolverines. Mike Carpenter reacts after the surprising victory, made even more impressive by how Brad Underwood's team had been struggling the previous month. With two straight wins, the Illini look ahead to their Big Ten finale on Friday night against Purdue in what should be a fantastic home atmosphere. The orange-clad masses are left to ponder . . . are we back?

Illinois basketball bounces back against an old foe, beating Iowa 81-61 and all but assuring a trip to the NCAA Tournament. Mike Carpenter reacts to the impressive win, even against a subpar Hawkeyes team, and discusses if Brad Underwood's team can carry over some of the positives into games at Michigan and vs. Purdue. Also, he talks about Underwood's impressive feat of five straight tournaments (six if not for COVID), and how his success as a coach has led to higher expectations for the program.

Illinois basketball suffers its worst loss in program history, a 110-67 embarrassment against #3 Duke at Madison Square Garden. Mike Carpenter reacts the morning after, reflecting on just how this Illini team has fallen so sharply off a cliff. He discusses the fan base's reaction to the loss, and emerging questions about Brad Underwood. How can the coach address the myriad of issues facing his program entering this offseason?

The Wes Buck Show – Episode 375LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… IT. IS. TIME. We are ONE WEEK AWAY from the biggest, baddest, most talked-about race in the history of drag racing—the World Series of Pro Mod! The grand finale of the DI Winter Series is upon us, and we're breaking it all down on The Wes Buck Show!Joining us this week? None other than Victor Alvarez, the mastermind behind Bradenton Motorsports Park and the man pulling the strings behind this absolute slugfest of a race. He's got the inside scoop on everything going down at WSOPM, and you KNOW it's gonna be spicy.Also, we've got Sean “Murder Nova” Ellington on the show! But this ain't about No Prep—this is about Pro Mod. Sean is stepping into the deep end at WSOPM, and we're gonna see how he's feeling heading into battle. Can he shake things up in the Pro Mod world? We're about to find out.But wait, THERE'S MORE! We're also diving into this weekend's Lights Out race—one of the most chaotic, adrenaline-fueled small-tire throwdowns in the country. The stories, the drama, the absolute madness—it's all on the table.This is a CAN'T-MISS episode as we head into one of the biggest weeks in drag racing. Buckle up, grab a beer (or six), and let's get after it!Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing.Don't miss out on the action and conversation—hit SUBSCRIBE for the latest in drag racing: @dragillustratedGrab your MERCH here: https://dragillustrated.storeStay connected with The Wes Buck Show: @thewesbuckshow @dragillustratedRACERSCLUB MERCH: http://www.racers.clubWant to sponsor the show? Contact us: wes@dragillustrated.com#dragracing #wesbuck #dragillustrated #NHRA #PDRA #NoPrep #StreetOutlaws #NoPrepKings #Promod #MWDRS #topfuel #funnycar #prostock #radialracing #NPK #WDRA #dragrace #DI #WBS #WSOPM #WorldSeriesOfProMod #LightsOut #FloRacing #FloDragRacing #Stroud #RedLineOil #RacersClub #Bradenton #MurderNova #ProModRacing

The Wes Buck Show | Ep. 373 | Tom "Jimmy Dale" Gunner, Matt Deitsch, & Steve King!IT. IS. GO TIME. We are officially in the FINAL STRETCH before the baddest drag race on the planet, THE WORLD SERIES OF PRO MOD! And we've got an absolutely STACKED lineup to break it all down!We've got the man himself, Matt Deitsch, joining the show. This dude is a major player in the drag racing world, and we're gonna get the inside scoop on what's going down as we roll into THE BIGGEST DOORSLAMMER RACE ON EARTH!But wait, there's MORE. Coming in HOT from Lil' Gangsta's, we've got Jimmy Dale jumping on to talk all things small tire, the evolution of the movement, and where it's all headed next. These guys live and breathe the outlaw, no-holds-barred, take-no-prisoners style of drag racing, and you KNOW they're bringing the heat.And rounding out this powerhouse lineup, we've got Pro Mod standout Steve King joining the show! This dude is locked, loaded, and READY for battle at the World Series of Pro Mod. One of the baddest racers in the game, King is set to throw down with the best of the best, and we'll get his take on what it's gonna take to leave Bradenton with that bag of money!This is IT. The DI Winter Series is about to hit its FINAL stop. The World Series of Pro Mod is on deck. And we're here to make sense of the madness. LET'S GET INTO IT.Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing.Don't miss out on the action and conversation—hit SUBSCRIBE for the latest in drag racing: @dragillustratedGrab your MERCH here: https://dragillustrated.storeStay connected with The Wes Buck Show: @thewesbuckshow @dragillustratedRACERSCLUB MERCH: http://www.racers.clubWant to sponsor the show? Contact us: wes@dragillustrated.com#dragracing #wesbuck #dragillustrated #DIWinterSeries #WorldSeriesOfProMod #LilGangsta #SmallTireGangsters #MattDeitsch #JimmyDale #SteveKing #Promod #NoPrep #DI #WBS #WesBuckShow

The Wes Buck Show | Ep. 374 | Wes Buck, JT Hudson, and Mike Carpenter!Alright, folks, this week, we're doing things a little different on The Wes Buck Show! No guests, no interviews—just Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter chopping it up, breaking down EVERYTHING going on in the wild world of drag racing.You got questions? We've got answers. NHRA, No Prep Kings, PDRA, Pro Mod, street racing, big tire, small tire— whatever you wanna talk about, we're hitting it. It's a full-on shoot-the-shit session, and we wanna hear from YOU!So buckle up, grab a drink, and get ready for a wide-open episode of The Wes Buck Show! Let's get into it.Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing.Don't miss out on the action and conversation—hit SUBSCRIBE for the latest in drag racing: @dragillustratedGrab your MERCH here: https://dragillustrated.storeStay connected with The Wes Buck Show: @thewesbuckshow @dragillustratedRACERSCLUB MERCH: http://www.racers.clubWant to sponsor the show? Contact us: wes@dragillustrated.com#dragracing #wesbuck #dragillustrated #NHRA #PDRA #NoPrep #Streetoutlaws #NoPrepKings #Promod #MWDRS #topfuel #funnycar #prostock #radialracing #NPK #WDRA #dragrace #DI #WBS #WesBuckShow #WSOPM #WorldSeriesOfProMod #MMPS #FloRacing #FloDragRacing #Stroud #RedLineOil #RacersClub #racers.club

Things just keep getting worse for Brad Underwood's Illini after a 95-74 beatdown at the hands of Greg Gard's Badgers. Mike Carpenter reacts during a thoroughly depressing second half, as a six-point deficit balloons and Illinois basketball looks downright bad. Game commentary aside, where is this thing going? Not just this team, but what is the plan going forward for Underwood's program? Sadly, there are more questions than answers, and the team is literally and figuratively limping to the finish line.

The Wes Buck Show | Ep. 372 | Ken Quartuccio & Lyle BarnettHoly hell, what a weekend at Bradenton Motorsports Park! The U.S. Street Nationals delivered absolute CHAOS, and we're breaking it all down with the two baddest dudes from the event!We've got Ken Quartuccio, fresh off his massive win, joining us to talk about how he conquered one of the toughest fields in drag racing. From wild eliminations to clutch performances, Ken proved why he's one of the most dangerous guys in the game right now.And right there in the trenches with him was Lyle Barnett, the U.S. Street Nationals runner-up and all-around badass, who gave us some of the most insane side-by-side racing of the weekend. We'll get his take on the event, what's next for him, and how this sets the stage for the rest of the season.We'll also hit all the biggest takeaways from Race #2 of the DI Winter Series, talk shop about what's ahead, and start gearing up for the World Series of Pro Mod! It's all gas, no brakes on this week's episode.Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing.Don't miss out on the action and conversation—hit SUBSCRIBE for the latest in drag racing: @dragillustratedGrab your MERCH here: https://dragillustrated.storeStay connected with The Wes Buck Show: @thewesbuckshow @dragillustratedRACERSCLUB MERCH: http://www.racers.clubWant to sponsor the show? Contact us: wes@dragillustrated.com#dragracing #wesbuck #dragillustrated #DIWinterSeries #USStreetNationals #BradentonMotorsportsPark #KenQuartuccio #LyleBarnett #WorldSeriesOfProMod #Promod #NoPrep #DI #WBS #WesBuckShow

Illinois basketball gets a much-needed 83-78 home win over UCLA, their first back-to-back victories in over a month. Mike Carpenter discusses the game, featuring another superstar turn from Kaspara Jakucionis and strong support from Tomislav Ivisic, Will Riley, and others. The 16-point lead was whittled down in the final few minutes, but Brad Underwood's team held on to set up a huge Saturday night matchup against Tom Izzo's Michigan State Spartans.

Momentum is only good as the next game's opponent, so it's no surprise that Illinois basketball lost to . . . Rutgers? By 9? Mike Carpenter reacts (calmly, then angrily) as Brad Underwood's team again looks like an absolute mess in an 82-73 defeat to the Scarlet Knights in some arena named after oily submarine sandwiches. Will Riley was awesome, but that's about it. Another chance to lose to a Quad 2 opponent awaits on Saturday as the Illini head up to Minnesota. 

After a troubling end to January, Illini basketball responds to kick off February with an 87-79 win over Ohio State. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half, which saw Illinois trailing by as much as 11 before going on a run of their own. A lineup of Tomislav Ivisis, Morez Johnson, Kylan Boswell, Will Riley, and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn sealed the deal on a victory that could have ramifications for the rest of the season. Next up: at Rugers on Wednesday.

Illinois basketball is in a precarious position entering the month of February, losing 4 of their last 6. The nadir of the season so far comes in Lincoln, Nebraska as Fred Hoiberg's Huskers never trailed en route to an 80-74 overtime win. Mike Carpenter reacts with plenty of frustration as the Illini played perhaps their sloppiest game yet, topped off by atrocious end-of-regulation coaching by Brad Underwood. It's enough to make any fan wonder where do they go from here?

Illinois basketball bounces back with an 83-74 win over Northwestern thanks to a dominating first half. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second 20 minutes, as the Illini and Wildcats played mostly even until a late-game rally from the away team made it a single digit game. While there were plenty of positive flashes on defense, and balanced scoring on offense, the game summed up an Illinois basketball season with tantalizing highs and confusing lows. Next up: at Nebraska on Thursday night.

The Wes Buck Show | Ep. 371 | Scott Palmer, Vic Alvarez, & More!!! This week on The Wes Buck Show—we're one week out from the U.S. Street Nationals at Bradenton Motorsports Park, the second stop in the DI Winter Series, and this episode is locked and loaded with heavy hitters! We've got Vic Alvarez, the man behind Bradenton Motorsports Park and the U.S. Street Nationals, joining us to give an inside look at what fans and racers can expect from this massive event. With Bradenton becoming one of the most iconic venues in drag racing, Vic's got stories and insights you don't want to miss. And you know we're bringing the energy with The People's Champ, Scott Palmer! Fresh off a year full of wild runs and fan-favorite moments, Scott's stopping by to talk about his plans for 2025. Plus, we'll break down the latest headlines, team announcements, and everything you need to know as we head into the second race of the DI Winter Series. From the U.S. Street Nationals hype to what's coming down the road for the World Series of Pro Mod, this week's show has it all. Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing. Don't miss out on the action and conversation—hit SUBSCRIBE for the latest in drag racing: @dragillustrated Grab your MERCH here: https://dragillustrated.store Stay connected with The Wes Buck Show: @thewesbuckshow @dragillustrated RACERSCLUB MERCH: http://www.racers.club Want to sponsor the show? Contact us: wes@dragillustrated.com #dragracing #wesbuck #dragillustrated #DIWinterSeries #USStreetNationals #BradentonMotorsportsPark #VicAlvarez #ScottPalmer #WorldSeriesOfProMod #Promod #NoPrep #DI #WBS #WesBuckShow

The Wes Buck Show | Ep.370 | Snowbirds Winner Kye Kelley!!! This week on The Wes Buck Show, we're keeping the momentum rolling from one of the hottest years in drag racing! We've got none other than Kye Kelley joining us, winner of the Snowbirds Outlaw Nationals at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Kye's been on a tear, and we'll sit down with him to talk about that big win, his plans for the upcoming U.S. Street Nationals, and how he's gearing up for the World Series of Pro Mod. From the track to the garage, Kye's got stories, insights, and some bold takes you don't want to miss. We're also diving deep into the DI Winter Series. With just one race left before the World Series of Pro Mod, we'll break down the biggest storylines, top performers, and the must-watch battles as we wrap up this incredible series. Plus, we'll hit on the latest news, team announcements, and more from the drag racing world as the offseason continues to heat up. Strap in folks, this one's gonna be a banger! Each week on The Wes Buck Show, Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter bring their unique insights and analysis to the most electrifying moments and storylines from a packed weekend of drag racing. Don't miss out on the action and conversation—hit SUBSCRIBE for the latest in drag racing: @dragillustrated Grab your MERCH here: https://dragillustrated.store Stay connected with The Wes Buck Show: @thewesbuckshow @dragillustrated RACERSCLUB MERCH: http://www.racers.club Want to sponsor the show? Contact us: wes@dragillustrated.com #dragracing #wesbuck #dragillustrated #NHRA #DIWinterSeries #Snowbirds #USStreetNationals #WorldSeriesofProMod #Promod #KyeKelley #BradentonMotorsportsPark #NoPrep #Streetoutlaws #DI #WBS #WesBuckShow

Illinois loses an 80-78 heartbreaker to Michigan State in East Lansing, falling to 5-3 in Big Ten play. Mike Carpenter was at the Breslin Center and discusses the frustrations of the game, specifically Kasparas Jakucionis being limited to a mere eight minutes due to foul trouble. Brad Underwood's team does have a favorable stretch coming up, during which they can stack wins and potentially get back in the conference race. At the end of the podcast, Mike talks about an Illini Guys publishing a story about an unfounded rumor last week, and how credentialed media need to follow basic journalistic principles.

Kasparas Jakucionis is back, and with him, the good (nay, DOMINANT) side of Illini basketball. They smoke a reeling Indiana Hoosiers team at the Bizarro Assembly Hall 94-69, notching their 13th win of the season. Mike Carpenter reacts during a second half which started off sloppily, but Illinois quickly regained their groove. As the game came towards its conclusion, Tomislav Ivisic had words for Luke Goode after a physical play, leading to a scrum that rekindled some long-lost hatred between the two programs. The dust settled in a half-empty Hoosier arena, as the Indiana faithful were reminded of their two-decades worth of suckitude. Too bad, so sad.

Sorry for the title, but if there was a time to do it . . . an uninspired Illinois basketball team loses at home to USC 82-72. Mike Carpenter reacts during a frustratingly sleepy and sloppy second half, as Brad Underwood's team got outscored, outrebounded, and outhustled by the visiting Trojans. The Quad 3 loss may loom large come Selection Sunday and puts a significant dent in the team's chances of a Big Ten Title. Next up: two road games at Indiana and Michigan State.

No Kasparas Jakucionis, no problem for Illini basketball as they rout Penn State 91-52. Mike Carpenter discusses the phenomenal team effort as three players score 20+ points (Ben Humrichous, Tre White, Morez Johnson) while the defensive side of the ball continues to stifle opponents. Of course, the status of Jakucionis looms large for the team going forward. But, it feels as if Brad Underwood's squad is starting to click at its highest level yet.

The 2024 Illinois Football season was one of the most memorable in program history, a 10-3 campaign capped off with a thrilling Citrus Bowl win over South Carolina. Mike Carpenter reflects on Bret Bielema's fourth year at the helm, and how the successes of this team fundamentally changed the perception of program. He discusses the signature moments of the year, and how the high expectations should be going into the 2025 season.

By the skin of their teeth, Illinois basketball holds on for an 81-77 win at Washington. Mike Carpenter reacts (sometimes angrily) during a tense second half, which saw a double-digit Illini lead evaporate. But, clutch plays from the backcourt trio of Kasparas Jakucionis, Kylan Boswell, and Tre White help save the day. With the victory, Brad Underwood's team finishes their lone west coast trip with a perfect 2-0 record. Next up: Wednesday night vs. Penn State.

Illinois basketball makes history with a 109-77 win over #9 Oregon in Eugene. Mike Carpenter discusses the dominant performance, one of (if not the) best of the Brad Underwood era. The 32-point margin is the largest of any road opponent against an AP top ten team ever. Jake Davis and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn combined for 23 first half points to spur on the Illini, while Kasparas Jakucionis, Kylan Boswell, Tre White, and Ben Humrichous (no, seriously!) keyed on a 64-point second half outburst. Next up: at Washington on Sunday afternoon. 

Illinois football pulls off the upset against South Carolina with a thrilling 21-17 victory, notching the program's fifth-ever 10-win season. Mike Carpenter reacts from his hotel in Orlando after attending the game, an intense evening with some fireworks between Bret Bielema and Shane Beamer. A solid defensive game plan, effective offense, and yet another 4th quarter comeback propel the Illini to their biggest win yet in a 2024 season chock full of them.