Podcast appearances and mentions of mike carpenter

**THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 425****“SMALL TIRE STORMS & SOUTHERN CHAOS”**SOME PEOPLE SEE BAD WEATHER.WE SEE BOOST WEATHER.This week on The Wes Buck Show, we're diving headfirst into one of the rowdiest weekends on the outlaw racing calendar as we get ready for the **9th Annual Strange Engineering Ronnie Buff Memorial** and the always wild **King of the South** showdown.Joining us are two guys who live in the middle of the madness, Michael Poland and Corey Stamper. And if you know these two, you already know this conversation could go absolutely anywhere.We're talking small tire wars. Outlaw racing. Big personalities. Big money. Big opinions. And yeah, maybe a little weather drama too, because it looks like Mother Nature might have some thoughts about this weekend all across the East Coast.But around here? We stay glass half full. Racers race. Promoters promote. And somehow these outlaw guys always seem to find a way to make it happen.We're gonna break down the event, the classes, the storylines, the chaos, and probably stir the pot a little bit while we're at it.One thing's for sure.This one is gonna be loud.LET'S GET 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.

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 420“420 SMOKE, BIG CHECKS, AND FUTURE STARS”YEAH… IT'S EPISODE 420.YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN JOKES.WE'RE JUST HERE TO BRING THE HEAT.This week on The Wes Buck Show, we've got a lineup that hits every corner of the sport. Nitro, bracket racing, and the future of NHRA all in one place.First up, Buddy Hull, NHRA Funny Car driver and team owner. This dude is out there doing it the hard way. Driving, managing, building something from the ground up, and chasing nitro dreams at the highest level. We're talking Funny Cars, funding, and what it really takes to keep one of these operations alive and competitive.Then we've got Tyler Bohanan, and yeah… the man just went out and won a million dollars. No big deal, right? Bracket racing at its absolute highest level, pressure through the roof, and he came out on top. We're gonna break down the run, the mindset, and what it feels like to cash the biggest check in the game.And then, keep your eyes on this one, Maddi Gordon. NHRA Top Fuel rookie with Ron Capps Racing, and a name you're gonna be hearing a lot more of. Star in the making. Serious talent. The kind of driver who could be the next face of the sport if things click. We're talking opportunity, pressure, and what it's like stepping into that spotlight.Three guests. Three completely different worlds. One hell of a show.LET'S GET 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.

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 421“SMOKE, HORSEPOWER, AND STRAIGHT TALK”SOME WEEKS ARE BIG.SOME WEEKS ARE LOADED.THIS WEEK? WE'VE GOT A FULL-ON POWER MOVE.This week on The Wes Buck Show, we're bringing in a lineup that covers just about every angle of NHRA right now, and we're doing it all at once.First up, Tony “Smoke” Stewart. Fresh off a Top Fuel win in Pomona, and yeah, that makes win number three in Top Fuel for the man, and his first win with this team. Driving for Richard Freeman and Elite Motorsports, Tony is showing early that this deal can win.Joining him is Richard Freeman, the man behind Elite Motorsports. Car owner. Pro Stock powerhouse. And one of the most unapologetic voices in the sport. If he's thinking it, he's saying it. No filter. No backing down. We're gonna hear it straight from him on how this whole deal with Tony is going and what he sees moving forward.And then there's Matt Hagan, Funny Car winner in Pomona, driving for Tony Stewart Racing. Veteran. Champion. And yeah, the dude shows up looking like a modern day cowboy every single race weekend. Game day outfit dialed in. But when that helmet goes on, it's all business. One of the most dangerous guys in the class, and he proved it again last weekend.Three big personalities. Three different roles. One stacked conversation.Top Fuel. Funny Car. Pro Stock brains.This one is gonna have a little bit of everything.LET'S GO.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 422“NITROUS, TWO-WHEELS, AND STREET HEAT”SOME WEEKS ARE ABOUT WINNERS.SOME WEEKS ARE ABOUT MOMENTUM.THIS WEEK? WE'VE GOT BOTH.This week on The Wes Buck Show, we're bringing in a lineup that covers multiple lanes of the sport, and all of them are hot right now.First up, Tommy Franklin, PDRA owner and Pro Nitrous standout. Not only is he helping run one of the baddest series in the country, but he's also out there competing at a high level himself. Fresh off a strong weekend, we're gonna talk PDRA, Pro Nitrous, and what it takes to juggle promoter and racer at the same time.Then we bring in Richard Gadson, one of the top names in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle. Championship pedigree, elite talent, and a guy who has been right in the mix at the highest level. We're gonna talk about last season, how this year is shaping up, and what it takes to compete in one of the most competitive classes in NHRA.And rounding it out, we've got Nate Prater, who by all accounts just threw an absolute banger with Street Car Bragging Rights. The buzz is real, the turnout was big, and people are still talking about it. We're gonna break down what made it hit, what's next, and why this brand is catching fire.Three guests. Three different corners of drag racing. One loaded show.LET'S GO.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 423“OUTLAWS, NITRO, AND FIGHTING FOR THE SPORT”SOME WEEKS YOU TALK RACING.SOME WEEKS YOU TALK BUSINESS.THIS WEEK? WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE WHOLE DAMN THING.This week on The Wes Buck Show, we've got a lineup that hits every angle of what makes this sport tick.First up, Michael Poland. You already know what you're getting here. Energy. Opinions. Stories. The guy lives in the middle of the action and never shies away from it. Whether it's small tire, big personalities, or whatever chaos is brewing, Michael is right there in it and bringing the heat with him.Then we bring in Clay Millican, one of the most respected names in NHRA Top Fuel. Veteran. Fan favorite. And a guy who has seen just about everything this sport can throw at you. From wins to wild rides to grinding it out year after year, Clay is the kind of guy you want in the room when you're talking about what it really takes to survive and succeed at the top level.And rounding it out, Madelyn Marconi, who is fighting for the future of motorsports off the track. Working with local and state government in Florida, she is helping protect, support, and grow racing in a time when that is more important than ever. This is the side of the sport people don't always see, but it matters just as much as what happens on race day.Three guests. Three perspectives. One sport we all care about.LET'S GO.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.

Episode 50: MMIW: Healing Through Policy In Wabanaki territory, our women are the heart of our nations. They are the givers of life, the keepers of culture, and the protectors of our future. Yet, for too long, our sisters have been made invisible by systems that fail to see their worth. Today, we are opening a three-part series on our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) with Maulian Bryant. This is a conversation about love, grief, justice, and the sovereign right to live in safety. Wabanaki Words Used: Apc-oc (again in the future, parting, good-bye, farewell) - https://pmportal.org/dictionary/apc-oc   Topics Discussed:   Maulian Bryant - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maulian_Bryant MMIW - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missing_and_Murdered_Indigenous_Women Oh, Grow Up! - https://www.facebook.com/ohgrowupbangor/ The Rock and Art Shop - https://www.therockandartshop.com/bangor Donna Loring - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_M._Loring Peter Pan (1953) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Pan_(1953_film) 1980's Settlement Act - https://www.mitsc.org/mitsc-narrative-summaries/summary-of-the-maine-indian-land-claims-act-of-1980 VAWA - VAWA Information Janet Mills - https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/ Troy Jackson - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troy_Jackson_(politician) Mike Carpenter - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_E._Carpenter Sara Gideon - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sara_Gideon Rachel Talbot Ross - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachel_Talbot_Ross Chellie Pingree - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chellie_Pingree Mike Simpson - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Simpson IHS - https://www.ihs.gov/ BIA - https://www.bia.gov/ Abigail Echo-Hawk - https://aascu.org/people/abigail-echo-hawk/ Holly Echo-Hawk - https://kauffmaninc.com/team/holly-echo-hawk/ Beverley Polchies - https://darkdowneast.com/beverlypolchies/ Woodstock, First Nations - https://labrc.com/first-nation/woodstock/ Dark Downeast - https://darkdowneast.com/ Wabanaki Alliance - https://wabanakialliance.com/ Harvard Project - https://indigenousgov.hks.harvard.edu/ Zeke Crofton-McDonald - https://www.mitsc.org/commissioners-staff/ezekiel-crofton-macdonald Olympia Snowe Women's Leadership Institute - https://snoweleadershipinstitute.org/ Harvard Project - https://indigenousgov.hks.harvard.edu/ Imelda Perley - https://forcitizenship.ca/people/imelda-perley/   Wabanaki Tribal Nations: Houlton Band of Maliseet Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians | Littleton, ME (maliseets.net) Mi'kmaq Mi'kmaq Nation | Presque Isle, ME (micmac-nsn.gov) Passamaquoddy Tribe Indian Township Passamaquoddy Tribe @ Indian Township | Peskotomuhkati Motahkomikuk Passamaquoddy Tribe Sipayik Sipayik Tribal Government – Sipayik (wabanaki.com) Penobscot Nation Penobscot Nation | Departments & Info | Indian Island, Maine   Special Thanks/Woliwon:  Producer: Gavin Allen Podcast Team: Macy Downs

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 418“ROOKIES, ROCKETS, AND CAROLINA CHAOS”SOME GUYS SHOW PROMISE.SOME GUYS SHOW UP AND TAKE OVER.THIS WEEK WE'VE GOT BOTH.This week on The Wes Buck Show, we are locked in with a lineup that is absolutely rollin' right now.First up, Justin Bond. Fresh off a huge NHRA win in Arizona, and yeah, the man is flat out dangerous. Call him 007 if you want, because he's licensed to win and not afraid to pull the trigger when it counts. Cool under pressure. Fast as hell. We're gonna talk about the weekend, the momentum, and what's next for one of the most unique personalities in the sport.Then we got Spencer Hyde. NHRA Rookie of the Year. Number one qualifier at Phoenix. Head Racing hot shoe. Former DI 30 Under 30. Former World Series of Pro Mod winner. And somehow this dude just keeps leveling up. Ever since that 30 Under 30 nod, it feels like he hit the gas and never looked back. We're gonna talk about the rise, the pressure, and what it's like being one of the hottest names in the sport right now.And to round it out, we've got John Sears joining us ahead of Carolina Gold at Shadyside. This one is shaping up to be a straight-up war. Big fields, big money, and a whole lot of Lil Gangstas cars expected to roll in. If you like chaos, this is your kind of race. We'll talk about what to expect and why this one matters.Three guests. Three storylines. All gas.LET'S GO.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 419“SNOT ROCKET SEASON”SOME GUYS GET HOT.SOME GUYS GO NUCLEAR.THIS DUDE IS DOING BOTH.This week on The Wes Buck Show, we've got one of the most dangerous drivers on the planet right now.Brett LaSala is in the building, and if you've been paying attention, you already know what time it is. The man behind the Snot Rocket has been absolutely wrecking the record books and stacking wins like it's his job. Because right now, it kind of is.We're talking TX2K dominance, record-setting passes, and a car that just laid down a 5.87 at over 240 miles per hour, one of the quickest small tire runs ever recorded . That is not normal. That is freak show fast.Four straight wins at TX2K. Records falling. Checks getting cashed. And the craziest part is it doesn't look like they're slowing down anytime soon.We're gonna get into what's working, how they've built this monster, and how long this heater can last before somebody finally steps up and stops it.One guest. One rocket. A whole lot of problems for the rest of the field.LET'S GO.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.

Illinois basketball's postseason run comes to an end at the hands of UConn. Mike Carpenter discusses Saturday's game, the trip to the Final Four, and what this success in March means for the fanbase and the program itself going forward.

Illinois basketball is back in the Final Four, and it's hat eatin' time for Mike Carpenter. Ahead of Saturday's matchup against UConn, he reflects on the 2025-26 season, the many highlights, the February dip, and the dominant tourney run.

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 417“WHEN THE CAT'S AWAY…”WES IS OUT OF TOWN.AND YOU ALREADY KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS.THE MICE ARE RUNNIN' THE SHOW.This week on The Wes Buck Show, we're handin' over the keys and lettin' it rip. JT Hudson and Mike Carpenter are holdin' it down, and they've brought in some serious backup with Brian Lohnes jumping in to co-host. That's right. The voice of NHRA is in the seat and anything could happen.We're talkin' racing, we're talkin' nonsense, and we're probably gonna stir the pot just a little bit while Wes is away.Then we bring in Chase Lautenbach, the man behind Street Car Takeover, one of the hottest brands in street car racing right now. The season is coming in hot and Chase is here to break down what they've got cookin' for 2026. Big events, big crowds, and a whole lot of fast street cars.Joining him is Michael Poland, who is stepping in to help push Street Car Takeover to another level this year. More structure, more growth, more chaos in the best way possible. These guys are building something real and we're here to talk about it.Fast cars. Big plans. No supervision.YOU KNOW THIS ONE'S GONNA GET INTERESTING.LET'S GO.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 416“FIRST YEAR, FIRST TITLE, AND NITRO FAMILY BUSINESS”SOMETIMES YOU GRIND FOR YEARS FOR A TITLE.SOMETIMES YOU BUY A PRO MOD AND WIN THE WHOLE DAMN THING YOUR FIRST SEASON.This week on The Wes Buck Show we are talking about one of the coolest stories to come out of the DI Winter Series.First up, Peter Norton, your Drag Illustrated Winter Series champion. The wild part? A year ago the guy came to the race as a fan. Got hooked on the madness. Decided to buy a Pro Mod. Fast forward to now and he walks away with the Winter Series points championship in his first year behind the wheel. That is not supposed to happen. But here we are. We are going to talk about the decision to jump in, the learning curve, and what it felt like to pull off one of the most unlikely runs in recent Pro Mod history.Then we bring in the Green family, Chad Green and Hunter Green, one of the coolest father and son duos in NHRA nitro racing. Chad just rolled back into the Gator Nationals and grabbed another Funny Car victory, which makes it back to back wins at Gainesville for the team. Nitro, family, pressure, and the kind of racing that keeps you on the edge of your seat. We are going to dig into what makes that program tick and what the rest of the NHRA season might look like for them.Two great stories. Two teams doing it their own way. One sport that never slows down.LET'S GO.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.

#3 Illinois gets right with a dominant 105-70 win over #14 Penn in the first round at Greenville, SC. Mike Carpenter reacts to the record-setting performance by David Mirkovic, setting the Illini freshman record for points (29) and overall record for rebounds (17) in a tournament game. Keaton Wagler looked himself again, while Kylan Boswell stifled TJ Power. Up next: #11 VCU on Saturday night.

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 415“KINGS CROWNED, CHECKS CASHED, HISTORY MADE”THE DI WINTER SERIES IS A WRAP.THE BIGGEST, BADDEST, RICHEST PRO MOD RACE ON THE PLANET JUST WENT DOWN.AND WE ARE STILL CATCHING OUR BREATH.This week we are fresh off the World Series of Pro Mod and let me tell you, it delivered in every possible way.First up, Fletcher Cox, your Pro 10.5 winner. Big Fletch showed up and showed out. That class was loaded and he stood tallest when it mattered most. We are breaking down the run, the pressure, and what a win like that means on a stage that big.Then we bring in the man of the hour, the winner of the World Series of Pro Mod, Aaron Stanfield. The NHRA Pro Stock standout stepped into the Pro Mod jungle and walked out with the biggest prize in the game. That is not normal behavior. That is superstar behavior. Huge win. Huge statement. We are going to talk about what it took, how it felt, and what this does for his trajectory moving forward.And of course, we've got Red Line Oil's own Mark Beatty in the house. Big supporter of the World Series of Pro Mod. Big supporter of the DI Winter Series. Big supporter of racers across the board. Mark is one of those guys who quietly makes the sport better for everyone involved. We're giving him his flowers and talking about why backing events like this matters more than ever.Three massive guests. One historic weekend.The DI Winter Series just set the bar again.The smoke has cleared. The champions have been crowned.And we are just getting started.LET'S GO.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 Selection Committee places Illinois as the #3 seed in the South Region, kicking things off Thursday against #14 seed Penn in Greenville, SC. Mike Carpenter discusses the opening weekend draw, one that includes a Caleb Wilson-less #6 UNC and a pesky #11 VCU. Tip-off against Fran McCaffery's Penn Quakers is Thursday, 8:25pm CT.

It's like deja vu all over again as the Illini lose in overtime to Wisconsin 91-88. Mike Carpenter reacts after the game, a frustrating affair in which Illinois held 15 point leads in each half, only for each to evaporate thanks to Nick Boyd and John Blackwell's 69 combined points. The discussion with live stream viewers centered around Brad Underwood, and how his performance in March continues to leave many fans wanting more. 

Illinois outlasts a pesky Maryland team with a 78-72 win, their 24th of the year. Mike Carpenter discusses the struggles against the Terps as an Illini team dealing with the flu bug and wear and tear found a way to win. He looks ahead to this weekend's Big Ten Tournament, and what (if anything) Brad Underwood's team needs to do to lock in a 2-seed.

Illinois basketball gets off the schneid with an 80-54 win over the lowly Oregon Ducks. Mike Carpenter reacts to the improved play from Brad Underwood's team, spurred on by a bounce back 21-point game from Andrej Stojakovic and another 19 from David Mirkovic. Next up: the regular season finale at Maryland.

Michigan clinches the outright Big Ten Title at the State Farm Center with an 84-70 win over Illinois. Mike Carpenter reacts to the disappointing loss, one in which the Wolverines proved their national title bona fides while the Illini enter March with some questions. Boswell, Wagler, and Mirkovic were strong, but the rest of the roster struggled mightily. Up next: Oregon on Tuesday.

#3 Michigan rolls into Champaign for a top ten showdown against Illinois at the State Farm Center. Mike Carpenter discusses the matchup, the fallout of the collapse at UCLA, and what a win against Dusty May's Wolverines would mean for Brad Underwood's Illini.

Despite holding a 23-point lead in the first half, Illinois basketball falls in OT for the third time this season. On this night, it was a Tyus Edney-esque game-winner from Donovan Dent, giving UCLA the 95-94 win. Mike Carpenter reacts immediately after the loss and questions the in-game coaching of Brad Underwood. Despite growing Illini basketball into a top-15 caliber program, is his ability to adjust on the fly good enough to win in March?

A fully healthy Illinois begins their west coast swing with a 101-65 rout at USC. Mike Carpenter reacts to the display of offensive firepower, keyed on by Andrej Stojakovic's 22 points in his return from injury. Seven players scored in double-figures in a balanced effort. Up next: at UCLA on Saturday night.

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 412“REDLINE, RESPECT, AND A WHOLE LOTTA FAST”HERE WE GO. THE COUNTDOWN TO THE WORLD SERIES OF PRO MOD IS OFFICIALLY ON.This week on The Wes Buck Show, we are flipping the switch and heating things up with two absolute pillars of the sport.First up, it's Red Line Oil's own Mark Beatty. A racer's racer, a diehard supporter of the sport, and one of the guys who makes the wheels turn behind the scenes. Red Line has been all in with the DI Winter Series and the World Series of Pro Mod, and we're bringing Mark in to talk about what it means to back drag racing at the highest level. Dude never asks for credit, but we're giving it to him today. Because what he's done for this sport and these racers deserves a spotlight.Then it's time for Stevie “Fast” Jackson, and he ain't pulling up soft. Fresh off a huge win at the U.S. Street Nationals, Race 2 of the DI Winter Series, Stevie came in swinging and delivered a statement W. He's won just about everything there is, but this one had eluded him. Not anymore.Now the question is, does that momentum carry into the World Series of Pro Mod? Can Stevie ride this heater all the way to a DI Winter Series championship? You already know the man believes it. We're gonna hear it straight from the source, with all the swagger and fire you'd expect.Big names. Big horsepower. Big stakes.We're back and we're buildin' to something special.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 411“WINTER HEAT AND STREET WARS”NEW YEAR. NEW WEEK. SAME FULL SEND ENERGY.This week on The Wes Buck Show, we are gearing up for one of the most anticipated races of the winter as U.S. Street Nationals takes over Bradenton Motorsports Park. This is race number two of the DI Winter Series, and the pressure is already turned all the way up.Joining us is Victor Alvarez, owner of Bradenton Motorsports Park and partner with Drag Illustrated in the DI Winter Series. Victor hops on to break down everything coming next week, from track prep to class depth to what makes this event one of the most electric stops of the season.And let's talk stakes. There is still one racer alive in the hunt for the Elite Million, and unbelievably that same racer is also still eligible for the Jerry Bickel Pro Mod thanks to number one qualifying at the first race. One weekend can change everything, and this next one might do exactly that.The lineup is stacked. Big names, fast cars, and zero room for mistakes. This thing is about to get wild in a hurry.We are counting it down, breaking it all down, and getting you ready for what's next.LET'S COOK.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 413“MEET SEASON, CHAMPS, AND FORCE MOVES”SOMETHIN'S IN THE AIR THIS WEEK. SMELLS LIKE BURNOUTS, BOOST, AND BRACKET BUSTERS.This week on The Wes Buck Show, we're teein' up a triple-header that stretches across the sport. We're talkin' West Coast history, East Coast horsepower, and NHRA's latest storyline all in one go.First up, Blake Bowser. The man behind the legendary March Meet at Famoso Dragstrip. This ain't just a race, it's a damn time machine on fire. Nostalgia Funny Cars. Blown Fuel Dragsters. The baddest hot rods from every decade. And Blake's been keepin' the flame lit. We're choppin' it up with him ahead of one of the most iconic events in all of drag racing.Then it's time for the champ. Steve King, last year's winner of the World Series of Pro Mod, is back in the building. We are just a week and a half away from this year's throwdown and Steve is out to prove that lightning can strike twice. We're gonna break down what last year's win meant, what the offseason looked like, and what the target on your back feels like when you're the guy.Last up, Jordan Vandergriff. The newest driver to join the juggernaut that is John Force Racing. Big news. Big pressure. Big opportunity. We're talkin' about what it means to suit up for one of the most iconic teams in motorsports, how the deal came together, and what fans can expect as NHRA rolls into 2026.Three guests. Three big stories. One sport that never stops moving.Let's get 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.

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 414“OUTLAWS, GOOD GUYS, AND PRO MOD HEAT”THIS WEEK WE'RE STACKED WITH HORSEPOWER, PERSONALITY, AND A WHOLE LOT OF BOOST.We are rollin' straight toward the World Series of Pro Mod and this lineup feels like a heavyweight fight card.First up, the OG himself, Ryan Martin. Street Outlaws legend. No Prep Kings hammer. And now he's bringin' that swagger into the Pro Mod ranks at the World Series of Pro Mod. You know he's not showing up just to make laps. He's coming to shake the tree. We're gonna talk about the jump, the challenge, and what it means to line up against the baddest doorslammers on the planet.Then we've got Kyle Dvorak, who has quietly turned into one of the most talked about names in Pro Mod. The guy is fast, consistent, and just flat out easy to root for. Everybody in the pits likes him. Everybody respects him. And he's proving he belongs in the deep end of this pool. We'll talk about the rise, the grind, and what's next.And rounding it out, Tommy D'Aprile. Longtime Pro Mod hitter. Longtime Drag Illustrated columnist. Tough as they come and never short on opinions. He's been in the trenches for years and he's still swinging. We're gonna talk racing, writing, and what keeps him coming back for more.Three Pro Mod killers. Three different paths. One massive stage.The World Series of Pro Mod is knocking and the temperature is rising.LET'S GET 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.

With Kylan Boswell back in the fold, Illinois basketball bounces back in a big way with a 71-51 win over Indiana. Mike Carpenter reacts during an impressive second half, in which the Illini - led by David Mirkovic's 25 points, Keaton Wagler's 18, and Tomislav Ivisic's 14. Next up: Brad Underwood's team heads out west to face USC and UCLA.

Illinois basketball loses their second straight in overtime, a 92-90 defeat to Wisconsin at the State Farm Center. Mike Carpenter reacts to the sloppy, slow-footed performance, fatigue setting in as Andrej Stojakovic misses a night with a bum ankle. With the Big Ten title hopes in jeopardy, March becomes the singular focus for Brad Underwood's team.

#5 Illinois falls at #10 Michigan State 85-82 in overtime. Mike Carpenter discusses the loss, the team's first since December 13, and the positives to take away despite the outcome. While Keaton Wagler struggled mightily from the field, David Mirkovic and Andrej Stojakovic picked up the offensive slack. Unfortunately, there was no answer for Jeremy Fears, who dropped 26 points and 15 assists. Next up: Wisconsin on Tuesday.

It's getting real, folks. Illinois basketball looks like not only a contender in the Big Ten, but on the national stage as well. Their 84-44 win over Northwestern in front of a raucous State Farm Center crowd featured a team clicking on all cylinders. Mike Carpenter discusses the 12-game streak, elite offense, improved defense, and why the time to dream big is now.

Illinois basketball grabs their second straight top-five road win, this time a 78-69 triumph at Nebraska. Mike Carpenter reacts after the game, one in which Brad Underwood's team extracted revenge for their home loss in December. Keaton Wagler led the way with 28 points, while David Mirkovic, Jake Davis, and Tomislav Ivisic each scored in double figures.

Aaron Henry's three-year tenure as Illinois' defensive coordinator comes to an end, as he accepts a new position at Notre Dame. Mike Carpenter reacts during an emergency pod and discusses why the move had to happen, and what it says about Bret Bielema and his expectations for Illini football.

#9 Illinois wins their tenth-straight game with a 75-66 victory over a pesky Washington team. Fresh out of eye surgery, Mike Carpenter tries to suppress his annoyance at facing an opposing coach named Danny Sprinkle and a visiting team with "DAWGS" on the chest of their jersey. Fortunately, Keaton Wagler dropped 22, David Mirkovic added 19, and Ben Humrichous had himself a "podium game" with 14 off the bench. Next up: at #5 Nebraska on Sunday afternoon.

#11 Illinois grabs a huge road win at #4 Purdue 88-82 thanks to an all-timer from Keaton Wagler, whose 46 points set the freshman program record. Mike Carpenter reacts after the victory, one in which clutch threes by Tomislav Ivisic, David Mirkovic, and Jake Davis helped seal the deal. He also discusses Brad Underwood's 100th conference win, and the job he's done as the head coach of Illini basketball.

#11 Illinois passes their first test without Kylan Boswell, throttling the lowly Maryland Terrapins 89-70. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half as the Illini put on an impressive display from deep, dropping 15 threes including four each from Jake Davis and Andrej Stojakovic, the star of the show who scored 30 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Up next: a far tougher test on the road at Mackey Arena, as Purdue returns home following a loss at UCLA.

Illinois basketball wins their seventh straight, withstanding a feisty Minnesota team in a 77-67 victory on Saturday at State Farm Center. Mike Carpenter recaps the game, along with the last month-plus of improved play from Brad Underwood's team. Since the Nebraska loss, how have the Illini been able to shore up their defense while continuing to have one of the best offenses in the country?

It wasn't the prettiest, yet Illinois basketball gets a second-straight road win - this time, against always-pesky Northwestern 79-68 at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half, in which Keaton Wagler dropped 20 of his 22 points and Tomi hit two clutch threes on his way to 21. Kylan Boswell provided some much-needed toughness on a night when the Illini struggled on the boards. Brad Underwood's team improves to 14-3 (5-1 B1G) ahead of two home matchups against Minnesota and Maryland.

THE WES BUCK SHOW — EPISODE 410“NEW YEAR, NEW MILLION?”IT'S 2026.WE'RE BACK.AND WE'RE ALREADY TALKIN' BIG MONEY AND BAD FAST HOT RODS.To kick off the new year, we've got a couple of absolute hammers joining us to break it all down and fire it all up.First up, NHRA's own Brian Lohnes, the voice of the sport, the man behind the mic, and the guy who's gonna help us set the tone for a huge season ahead. He's fresh off the mic from the DI Winter Series and bringing the takes, the insight, and probably a few stories from the tower.Then we've got Jason Harris, and the dude is just flat-out on one right now. He rolled into Bradenton for the first leg of the DI Winter Series and left with the win and the number one qualifier spot. That's one race down, and if he wins two more, we're talkin' about a cool million dollars headed his way. Oh, and if he qualifies number one two more times? That's a brand-new Jerry Bickel Pro Mod. Stakes don't get much higher, and Jason is already halfway to the dream.The DI Winter Series is officially underway. The countdown to a million is on. And we're kickin' it all off with the best seat in the house.New year. New season. Same badass show.LET'S FREAKIN' GO.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.

#16 Illinois basketball grabs a huge road win at #19 Iowa 75-69 with a huge game from their backcourt trio. Mike Carpenter reacts as Keaton Wagler drops 19, with Kylan Boswell and Andrej Stojakovic adding 17 apiece, keeping the pesky Hawkeyes at bay despite a furious second half rally. Late free throws helped seal the deal and improve the Illini to 13-3 (4-1 B1G) on the season. Next up: at Northwestern on Wednesday, January 14.

Illinois basketball improves to 12-3 (3-1 B1G) with an 81-55 win over Rutgers at the State Farm Center. Mike Carpenter reacts during a sloppy second half, where the Scarlet Knights kept pace after trailing by 27 at the break. Nonetheless, Brad Underwood's team continued their run of strong defense, while Keaton Wagler continued his stellar play with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Tomislav Ivisic, Andrej Stojakovic, and Jake Davis each scored in double-digits. Next up: at Iowa for an early 11am tip-off on Sunday morning.

Illinois basketball nabs a 73-65 road win against Penn State at the Palestra in Philadelphia. Mike Carpenter reacts as the Illini overcome Keaton Wagler's foul trouble (16 points in 21 minutes) thanks to balanced scoring from Kylan Boswell, David Mirkovic, and Andrej Stojakovic. The victory improves Brad Underwood's team to 2-1 in the Big Ten ahead of a Thursday night home matchup against Rutgers. 

Illinois football wraps up their 2025 season with a 30-28 walk-off win over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl. Mike Carpenter was in Nashville (sitting in the actual 200 level) to watch Luke Altmyer and the offense control the clock and ice the victory, setting up David Olano's second game-winning field goal of the season. It wraps a bow on the best two-season run in Illini football history.

Luke Altmyer will wrap up his three-year stint as Illinois QB with one last rodeo in Nashville. Mike Carpenter discusses the importance of Altmyer in Bret Bielema's rebuilding efforts, how he stacks up with other Illini QBs, and his most memorable moments. Also, a look ahead to the upcoming Braggin' Rights basketball game against Missouri.

#13 Illinois basketball kicks off their Big Ten season with an 88-80 road win at Ohio State. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half as Brad Underwood's team, led on by a star performance from Keaton Wagler and productive games from David Mirkovic and Zvonimir Ivisic, withstood FORTY-EIGHT FOULS CALLED and a red-hot Bruce Thornton. The Illini improve to 8-2 with the win ahead of Saturday's matchup against #23 Nebraska at State Farm Center.

Illinois revenue sports have invaded the city of Nashville! Mike Carpenter discusses #14 Illini basketball's huge 75-62 win over #13 Tennessee, in which Brad Underwood's team turned in their best performance of the year (at least in the second half) Tomislav Ivisic and Keaton Wagler led the way, while Big Z hit two crucial late 3's to help seal the win. Meanwhile, Bret Bielema's squad gets an invite to the Music City Bowl on December 30 to face (who else!) Tennessee.

Illinois football inks the #21 recruiting class in the nation on a successful Signing Day. Mike Carpenter reacts to Bielema's best haul yet, coming on the heels of an 8-4 season and quality bowl game. He also discusses the coaching carousel in college football, and where Illini basketball stands entering Saturday's non-conference showdown with Tennessee.

On a snowy night in Champaign, Illinois hangs on to the Hat with a 20-13 win over Northwestern. Mike Carpenter recaps an all-timer of an evening at Memorial Stadium, where Miles Scott and the Illini defense ended the year on a high note to the tune of four takeaways. While the offense sputtered, they managed just enough to get the win, including two field goals from David Olano on the windy, frozen tundra. Next up: Nashville?

Illinois basketball struggled offensively in a 74-61 loss to UConn at Madison Square Garden. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half as Kylan Boswell balled out, but the rest of the team struggled to score, especially from three-point range (6/29 as a team). With comments from viewers of the stream, a conversation was had about the state of the program under Brad Underwood, and what expectations are going forward. Next up: Tennessee in Nashville on Saturday, December 6. 

Illinois football suffers a humiliating 27-10 loss to Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium. Mike Carpenter discusses what went wrong during the sloppy, lifeless performance, and what must happen in the offseason for the Illini program to take another step under Bret Bielema. Next up: that pesky Northwestern team.

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 409“TRACK BOSSES, PRO MODS & MOTORSPORT MOVERS”THIS WEEK WE'RE DIVING INTO THE MINDS OF THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE THIS SPORT GO, ON THE TRACK AND IN THE BOARDROOM.First up, it's the man behind Bradenton Motorsports Park, Victor Alvarez. Not only is he getting ready to host another killer DI Winter Series, but the guy is also behind the wheel of his own Pro Mod and laying down passes in preparation of the Snowbirds. We're talking about a dude who lives and breathes this stuff. Track owner. Promoter. Racer. All gas, no excuses.Then we're bringing in Doug Cook, the founder of Motion Raceworks and one of the biggest movers in motorsports right now. The guy has been buying up some of the most legendary brands in the game, including Mark Williams Enterprises and TBM Brakes. keeping them alive and thriving. Doug is changing the game for small and big business in racing and we're gonna dig into how and why he's doing it.Wes Buck is holdin' it down solo this week as Mike Carpenter and JT “Murder T” Hudson are both out for doctor's appointments. But don't worry. The takes are still hot and the vibes are still high.Big guests. Big ideas. Big horsepower.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.