Podcast appearances and mentions of mike carpenter

#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 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 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 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.

SOME WEEKS YOU GET HIGHLIGHTS.SOME WEEKS YOU GET HEADLINES.THIS WEEK? YOU GET HISTORY.We're comin' in HOT after a barn burner of a weekend out in Las Vegas, and we've got two absolute heavy-hitters joining us on the mic.First up, J.R. Gray, and let me tell you, the man is on FIRE. He took home the Pro Mod win at Vegas, and in the process, with the pressure on and the spotlight bright, locked up his first-ever NHRA Pro Mod Championship. Dude put on a clinic and walked it off like a boss. We're bringing him in to relive the moment and unpack the grind it took to get there.Then it's the one and only Brittany Force. The Top Fuel assassin from John Force Racing snagged a big-time W at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and reminded everyone why she's a world champ. Could this be the last win of her NHRA career? Rumors are flying that this is her final season running full-time, and if so, what a way to go out. A generational talent. A fan favorite. An icon. We're gonna talk wins, legacy, and what comes next.Two big wins. Two massive careers. One hell of a show.Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter are settin' the stage, firing the takes, and poppin' the tops on another WBS classic.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.

A messy second half performance finds the Illini on the wrong side of a 90-86 game against Alabama. Mike Carpenter reacts during the last twenty minutes of game time as the Crimson Tide hit a few too many timely shots, while Illinois struggles to find offensive consistency. Now 1-1 against ranked teams, Brad Underwood's squad has three more marquee non-conference games left: UConn at Madison Square Garden, Tennessee in Nashville, and Missouri in St. Louis.

Illinois football improves to 7-3 with a 24-6 win over Maryland. Mike Carpenter discusses the business-like win spurred on by an inspired defensive performance. No, it wasn't pretty (nor particularly memorable), but this victory gives Bret Bielema the most wins of any Illini coach through their first five seasons. Next up: a trip up to his old stomping grounds in Wisconsin.

Despite JT Toppin's 35 points and an absolutely atrocious flagrant foul call late in the game, a gritty Illinois team finds their way to a huge 81-77 win over Texas Tech. Mike Carpenter reacts happily . . . then angrily . . . then both! . . . during an up-and-down second half. Star turns by Andrej Stojakovic (23 points) and Kylan Boswell (22 points) led the way, while Keaton Wagler looked less like a freshman and more like a seasoned veteran. The Illini get their first non-conference home ranked win since 2011, and a victory that will help them out big time come Selection Sunday.

Illinois basketball scored another emphatic win, this time 113-70 over Florida Gulf Coast. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half as the Illini offense steals the show. Kylan Boswell (31 points, 10 rebounds) and David Mirkovic (17 points, 11 rebounds) each nab double-doubles, while Keaton Wagler drops 22. While Tomislav Ivisic was out for the night, his brother Zvonimir nearly had a triple-double (16 points, 9 rebounds, 7 blocks). Next up: a huge matchup against Texas Tech at the State Farm Center.

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 407“ANNOUNCEMENTS, RECORDS & RADIO ROUNDUP”THIS WEEK WE'RE LOCKED IN ON THREE MASSIVE STORIES IN DRAG RACING.BIG MOVES. BIG NUMBERS. BIG EVENTS.First up we've got Keith Haney on the mic after his major announcement at SEMA Show that he is teaming up with KB Titan Racing, the legendary NHRA Pro Stock team. The buzz says they might be bringing Pro Mod into the mix too. We'll dig into what that alliance means and how it could shake up the sport.Then we're checking in with Jimmy Taylor, fresh off his record‑setting run in a door car. His new eighth‑mile world record has people talking and wondering what's coming next. We're gonna break down the numbers, the machine, the mindset.And to round it out we have Barrett Green and Michael Hollis dropping in ahead of their upcoming event the Texas Radial Roundup this weekend. These guys are friends of the show, friends of the sport, and they never come to play, they come to show. We're giving them the mic and helping spread the word.Three segments. Three unstoppable guests.Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson and Mike Carpenter are on deck.DON'T MISS IT. LET'S GOOOOO!⸻

Illinois basketball kicked off their season in style with a 113-55 win over Jackson State. Mike Carpenter reacts to the undermanned-Illini's dominant debut, featuring a formidable frontcourt duo in Tomislav Ivisic and David Mirkovic, the steady veteran leadership of Kylan Boswell and Jake Davis, and big offensive performances from Ben Humrichous and Keaton Wagler. Next up: Friday night vs. FGCU.

Illinois football bounces back with a dominating 35-13 win over Rutgers. Mike Carpenter discusses the program's third bowl season in four years, an impressive bounce-back by the defense, and the continued excellence of Luke Altmyer. Next up: a bye week to rest up before Maryland comes into town.

After an embarrassing defensive effort at Washington, Illinois football looks to pick up the pieces against Rutgers. Mike Carpenter discusses the fallout of Saturday's loss, including Bret Bielema's quotes on how much he'll be involved with Aaron Henry's gameplan. Can the Illini bounce back with a Dad's Day victory heading into the second bye week?

The Wes Buck Show – Episode 406Buckle up, because Episode 406 of The Wes Buck Show is a heater. We've got a full lineup of heavy hitters joining the program this week, and we're talking about some of the biggest stories in the game right now.First up, the man at the center of the storm, Richard Freeman. Elite Motorsports is on fire after announcing Tony Stewart is joining the team, R+L Carriers is coming aboard, and a new crew chief is stepping in to shake things up. It's a massive power move from Freeman and company, and we're getting the inside story straight from the man himself.Then we're welcoming in Mike Finnegan, one of the most recognizable voices in motorsports and a true YouTube icon. From Roadkill to Finnegan's Garage to the drag-and-drive world, the dude has seen it all. We're picking his brain about what's happening in the scene right now, where drag-and-drive is headed, and what's got him fired up in 2025.And to wrap it up, we're catching up with Chase Lautenbach, co-owner and founder of Streetcar Takeover. Chase and his team are keeping the streetcar movement rolling strong, with big events on deck for next year. The grassroots side of drag racing has never been hotter, and Streetcar Takeover is right in the middle of it.As always, it's real talk about the sport we love, the cars, the people, and the passion that make drag racing the wildest show on earth.⸻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 405“WHEEL MEN, TRACK DOMINATORS & TIN SOLDIER TALES”THIS WEEK IT'S ALL ABOUT DRIVERS WHO CAN FLAT OUT HANDLE ANY MACHINE.First up, Travis Harvey. Whatever you put him in, whatever you line him up in, he delivers. He's a wheel man's wheel man. We'll sit down and break down what's driving him right now and how he keeps making magic happen on every stage.Then we've got Ken Quartuccio Jr., fresh off his win in Radial vs. The World at Duck X's No Mercy 16. He showed up and reminded everyone you do not want to line up against him. He's lethal in small-tire, big-tire, whatever tire you pick. And to round it out, Jason Terrell from Tin Soldier Race Cars. This guy's been building stories along with racecars. He's been carving a path in outlaw and no-prep circles. We're talking shop, grit, what drives him, and what's next for his crew. Big names. Big moves. Big stories.Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter are livin' in the booth, ready to stir the pot and let it rip.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.

Illinois football loses 42-25 to Washington in a game featuring yet another terrible performance from Aaron Henry's defense. Mike Carpenter reacts during the fourth quarter (just after the D gave up a 3rd and 18 - yes, a 3rd and 18) and watched as the Huskies sliced and diced their way down the rain-soaked field with ease. Now 5-3, Bret Bielema's team has to quickly regroup as Rutgers heads into town, while questions about the viability of Henry as defensive coordinator will only get louder.

After a bye week, #23 Illinois heads out west to face Washington. Mike Carpenter discusses the ramifications a win (or loss) would have on Illini football for the rest of the season, and if Luke Altmyer and the offense can outduel the Ryan Walters-led Husky defense.

Illinois basketball kicks things off with an exhibition game against Illinois State. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half as an injury-depleted Illini show off some new toys (David Mirkovic, Big Z, Keaton Wagler, Brandon Lee) and play at the State Farm Center for the first time in the 2025-26 season.

Illinois football can't quite meet the moment, falling 34-16 to #1 Ohio State. Mike Carpenter discusses the frustrating miscues and mistakes, the impressiveness of Ryan Day's Buckeyes, and even some positives to glean from Bret Bielema's team's performance. Next up: a much-needed bye week ahead of a trip to Washington.

THE WES BUCK SHOW – EPISODE 404“NO MERCY, NO FEAR, NO FILTER”THERE'S COMEBACKS…AND THEN THERE'S STRAPPING INTO A TOP FUEL DRAGSTER AND WINNING IT ALL!!This week on The Wes Buck Show, we're locked and loaded for another rip-roarin' ride through the wildest headlines in drag racing.First up, Raul Torres, the boss man at South Georgia Motorsports Park, joins us to preview No Mercy 16, one of the most unpredictable, high-stakes races of the season. Small tire chaos, big-time drama, and a whole lotta horsepower about to hit the track this weekend. Raul's been in the trenches getting SGMP dialed in, and he's bringing the heat.Next, we're talkin' Pro Mod power with Derek Menholt, who's fresh off a massive NHRA win. He's on a mission, and we're checkin' in on what it took to get to the winner's circle and how he plans to keep this momentum rollin'.And then, the comeback story of the month, Shawn Reed joins us after returning to Top Fuel from injury and immediately grabbing himself a Wally. That's not just heart. That's horsepower with a purpose. Dude came back swinging, and we're gonna break it all down.Track owners. Pro Mod killers. Comeback kings.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 403“STAMPEDES, SWANFEST & PRO MOD SPICE”THIS WEEK WE'RE HEADING TEXAS-BOUND AND FULL SENDFOR MUSIC, MOTORING, AND MADNESS AT THE STAMPEDE OF SPEEDWe're bringing Christy Meyer into the mix to talk about one of the coolest weeks on the NHRA calendar, the Stampede of Speed at the Texas Motorplex. It's more than just a race, it's a festival, a celebration, a racetrack party, and we're takin' you behind the scenes of how it all comes together. Then we'll shift gears and bring in Joey Martin for some Pro Mod talk. He might even drop some breaking news, it's that kind of week.Next up is John DeFlorian, a Mountain Motor Pro Stock racer who's been turning heads with recent wins and a rising points lead. We're gonna dig into what's next for DeFlorian and where he's headed in the Pro Stock world.To close it out, Justin Swanstrom joins us ahead of his event Swanfest, putting it all on the line to make this one unforgettable. He's pulling from all corners prep, no prep, small, big, and this thing's gonna be a show.It's race talk, lineup drama, and full-on firepower.Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter are locked in, you don't want to miss this one.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.

Illinois football is faced with a rare opportunity on Saturday: the chance to take down #1 Ohio State in front of a sold-out, orange-clad crowd at Memorial Stadium. Mike Carpenter discusses how Bret Bielema's program-building efforts have led to this moment, one that could be THE signature game in Illini football history.

Illinois football improves to 5-1 after a 43-27 win at Purdue. Luke Altmyer's career-high 390 yards helped lead the way to victory, aided by a monster performance from Hank Beatty and the surefooted David Olano. Mike Carpenter discusses the high-octane offense, shaky defense, and Bret Bielema's 3rd 5-1 start as the Illini head coach. Next up: #1 Ohio State at Memorial Stadium.