It’s Josef Newgarden, INDYCAR CHAMPION Josef Newgarden, what do you want from us!!?? Josef’s story is not unlike many champions… he found success early, but like so many other the journey up to the higher ranks didn’t go as planned, including literally going to a test where he never got to drive because the sponsor never paid. Yup, those kind of stories. Somehow, it worked out though. After winning the Indy Lights championship, Josef found a great home at Sarah Fisher-turned-Ed Carpenter racing, and eventually driving for Roger Penske where he won a championship in his first year. Yeah, he’s pretty good… and he’s funny… and good looking… we hate him. Dinner was served at Brickhouse Tavern in Davidson, North Carolina, with the music of the Avett Brothers taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.
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A veteran of Formula One, sportscars, and races and categories you may have never even heard of, Brian Redman is part of our great heritage of road racers around the globe. A native of England, Brian began his career in the 1960’s racing whatever he could, eventually grabbing an opportunity to race in Formula 3 and then eventually Formula One, where he landed a podium early in his career and even received an offer from Ferrari. He is most known for being the master of the Targa Florio, a winner at Sebring, and one of the best in the former Formula 5000 series. Dinner was served at the Harbor Cove Bar & Grill in Fort Pierce, Florida, with the music off Rachel Paschket taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.
Joie Chitwood III is part of racing royalty. Born to the famed Chitwood family, Joie’s grandfather (Joie Chitwood) was the creator of the “Joie Chitwood Thrill Show,” which was a traveling car show that went to cities around the country performing a number of driving stunts. An era unlike any other, Joie was exposed at a young age to the traveling circus, which suited him well in understanding the promotional business. After receiving his MBA, it didn’t take Joie long to find racing again, managing tracks including Walt Disney World Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway, and eventually the role of President of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, then Daytona International Speedway, and now as the COO of International Speedway Corporation (ISC), which manages some of the most famed tracks around the country. Lunch was served at the North Turn in Daytona Beach, Florida, with the music of Zentril taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.
Tommy Byrne was considered the greatest Formula One driver you never heard of. Fast but with a fiery temperament, Tommy is a classic example of someone who showed remarkable potential in junior categories, but between opportunities, luck, and arguably perception and reputation, the path to fame and fortune didn’t quite work out. Racing against some of the greats like Ayrton Senna, Thierry Boutsen, etc. he’s a proven talent, but instead of World Championships he has some of the craziest stories of sex, drugs, and racing you might hear. Of course there’s more to the story in his book, which you can read at 
Shane Hmiel’s story is unlike any other. Coming from a racing family, Shane grew up within the scene, but also with the challenge of forging his own way, which he managed successfully early in his career. Immediately seen as a rising star, Shane was an instant contender in the NASCAR Truck and Xfinity ranks, including winning at Las Vegas and asserting himself as fast but also super temperamental, including multiple on-track altercations. Off the track is where Shane’s real story existed, however, battling drug addiction, which eventually led to an indefinite suspension from NASCAR, and eventually sending him to treatment where he would learn of psychological problems likely inciting his addiction. On the road to recovery, Shane would take to the ranks of USAC, instantly winning and on the road to IndyCar, where a tragic qualifying accident would lead to a massive brain and spinal injury, rendering him partially paralyzed and with significant brain damage as well. He keeps in good spirits about the whole thing, however, and despite everything he’s been through he’s extremely funny, engaging, and genuinely someone we liked hanging out with. Dinner was served the 1618 West Seafood Grill in Greensboro, North Carolina, with the music of Fury taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.
Jeremy Mayfield is one of the most unique stories in NASCAR history. Rising through the ranks on the merit of hard work and true grit, Jeremy worked as a mechanic, fabricator, you name it… just to get rides where he could. Eventually it worked, landing himself a ride with the fabled Michael Kranefuss and eventually merging with Penske Racing. Proving his worth, Jeremy eventually moved to a factory-Dodge effort run by the legendary Ray Evernham, and this is where the story would begin. After a tumultuous couple of years, Jeremy would leave and eventually start his own team a couple years later, only to be suspended by NASCAR for failing a drug test. This would eventually lead to multiple tests and failures for methamphetamines, leading to an indefinite suspension. However, to this day Jeremy refutes the tests and allegations, and over the last seven years has been committed to pleading his case with the public on what he believes is the truth behind the story. He tells it all, and it’s like nothing you’ll ever hear. Lunch was served at at the Silver Grill in Denver, NC, with the music of FloTone taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support, and Acura for providing a great MDX.