Scott Tucker and his epic “Level 5” sportscar program is the thing of legends. We actually owe a little something to Scott and Level 5 because our own “Level 5 Special” is the most downloaded one in our history. Imagine having a team owner, with a passion for racing, who has the means to fund things properly and really do things “right,” which is code for going big. That’s what Level 5 was, and Scott Tucker was the man behind it. Unfortunately his personal business would meet sharp criticism and controversy as the team went on, eventually folding the team as Scott concentrated on his ongoing legal matters. For the amazing racing stories, tune in to our previous episode. For the business and legal side of the story, as told by Scott, enjoy this one. Dinner was courtesy of the Full Schilling in Wall Street, New York City. Music was provided by Graveler. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.
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Parker Kligerman is a perfect example of resilience ahead of career challenges, and it’s because of that he should have a long career ahead of him. Beginning as a road racer, Parker saw the writing on the wall and went stock car racing, then had a Penske development contract at 18, only to see it all end when things didn’t work out. Recognizing opportunity when he saw it, Parker has since moved on to a broadcasting career with NBC Sports Network, and sure enough that has re-introduced him to driving opportunities, funny how that works!
Do we really need to explain who Mario Andretti is? It’s Mario Andretti. IT’S MARIO ANDRETTI. He gave us so much time that we had to split the episode in two…BECAUSE YOU DON’T EDIT MARIO ANDRETTI. PART TWO
Brian Till is a classic racing tale of a guy who has never stopped working, and in such has carved out his own place in sport. A champion of various junior level categories, Brian enjoyed a brief stint in IndyCar and Trans-Am racing before finding an eventual home as a television broadcaster, and during the entirety of his career has always been a racing instructor at a variety of locations. His ability to relate, tell stories, and be a genuinely likable guy- combined with his work ethic- is what’s kept him around and you can really hear it in this episode.
A special edition for Dinner with Racers, we decided to cut Craig Hampson’s recording in to two parts. While his main episode focused largely on his stories and bigger picture examination, we wanted to focus exclusively on how he cut his teeth as a young engineer, specifically for our large audience of aspiring engineers who are curious about a career in motorsports. If you’re curious about what it takes, involved in Formula SAE, or just want to hear tales of young Craig Hampson, this is the episode for you.
What makes Ryan Lewis such an interesting guest is what his role isn’t in the sport. In a season of holy sh**, Ryan’s career has maybe not gone according to plan, despite being very talented and very articulate, which is why we thought we should sit with him. With a keen mind for evaluation and self diagnosis, we walk through Ryan’s career to look at the good, the bad, and the future. He also didn’t know what he was walking in to, and got drunk as f***.
For fans of historic sportscar racing, Dorsey Schroeder is a true living legend. What makes him amazing is that he’s a legend for his off-track exploits as much as on. Making his biggest name in the golden era of Trans-Am, Dorsey was the key figure in the era of the Roush Mustang, before moving to NASCAR and eventually broadcasting, where he has amazing stories across the board. This episode features no shortage of drunk tales, stories about Dale Earnhardt, and living by a lake.
Love him or hate him, Robin Miller is one of the most entertaining people you could ever meet in the IndyCar scene. A career journalist with multiple accounts of failing at driving or anything mechanical, Robin Miller’s enthusiasm for all things open wheel and IndyCar racing is unparalleled, and it’s because of that passion that he’s endured a five decade career in the sport as a journalist and broadcast for a variety of mediums. We weren’t sure what to expect, but walked away loving the guy… his enthusiasm is real, he’s freakin’ hilarious, and he pulls no punches.
According to his college degree, Doug Boles began his career as a lawyer, yet when you sit down with him, you hear about anything but that. Serving every non-mechanical role that you could in the sport, Doug has gone from team principal, to strategist, to spotter, to somehow ending up as the President of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a job which he takes on with an immense out of passion and enthusiasm. Reflecting on his career, join us for some amazing insight into being the most important man to the sport’s most iconic track.
The “Iceman” has long been known as someone who keeps his personality hidden from the public. Not only is Scott Dixon a three-time IndyCar Series champion, Indy 500 winner, and the winningest active driver out there, but the dude is hilarious and absolutely awesome to have lunch with. We were blown away by how funny he was, and how willing he was to share, including his account of getting robbed at Taco Bell, just how many sheep live in New Zealand, driving with a pillow strapped to yourself, and more.
You think you’ve heard it all, then you hear Dr. Jerry Punch. An MD by profession, a broadcaster by trade, this likable Tennessee-native has created a niche exclusive to him, carving out a four-decade career that has combined his experience as an ER doctor with his love of motorsport and college football to become a true legend of the sport. Dr. Punch has been a pitman reporter in NASCAR since the 1980’s, as well as the Indy 500, but also ran an ER in Daytona Beach for several years, before starting his own practice. Be ready to hear some amazing tales of driver recovery, life on the road and much, much more. Dinner was served at Calhoun’s on the River, located in Knoxville, Tennessee. Music was provided by Freek (available on CD Baby). Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.
You couldn’t ask for a more dream opening to Season Three than with Dario Franchitti. One of the most storied drivers of IndyCar, Dario is a three-time Indy 500 winner, a four-time IndyCar Series champion, and easily regarded as one of the all-time greats. With his soothing Scottish voice, Dario joined us to not just tell tales of IndyCar racing, but life away from the track, his brief stint in NASCAR, the amazing tale of being robbed at gunpoint, getting involved in high speed chases with people breaking in to his home, and life after forced retirement. It’s an amazing listen, and afterward he drove us for the rest of the trip! Dinner was served at Santé a restaurant at the Fairmont Mission Inn in Sonoma, California. We kick off our third season with the music of Desure, a favorite of Patrick Long. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great car.