Off-Road Racer Podcast

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Bryan Folks, one of the most influential figures behind the scenes in modern off-road racing. From his early involvement in desert racing to helping shape major race organizations, Bryan shares a candid look at how off-road events are actually built, operated, and sustained. Bryan breaks down the realities of running large...

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Justin Von Metal — racer, builder, and one of the most outspoken minds in modern UTV racing. From his roots in motocross and factory race teams to building championship-winning Pro Stock UTV programs, Justin breaks down what it actually takes to win at the highest level without unlimited budgets. The conversation dives dee...

In this episode, Jim Beaver sits down with Matt Martelli for a deep dive into one of the most unconventional careers in modern motorsports. From growing up in Parker surrounded by legends, to grinding his way into trophy trucks, to accidentally becoming one of off-road’s most influential broadcasters and marketers, Jim’s story is a masterclass in hustle, timing, and staying connected to the cultur...

This week on the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with one of the true originals of our sport: Kevin McGillivray. Kevin might not be the loudest guy in the room or the one chasing cameras, but he’s been shaping off-road racing for nearly five decades—quietly, consistently, and with an authenticity you don’t often see anymore. From growing up exploring the San Bernardino mountains, to hand-fabri...

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with one of the most influential builders in off-road racing history — Rick Geiser, co-founder of Geiser Bros Design and Development. From humble beginnings wrenching in his backyard to producing nearly 100 of the most dominant Trophy Trucks ever built, Rick shares the full story of how the Geiser name became synonymous with of...

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with one of the fastest drivers in desert racing — Kyle Jergensen. From humble beginnings wrenching and learning his craft, to now piloting some of the most advanced trucks in the sport with Camburg Racing’s Kinetik program, Kyle has carved out a name for himself as one of the most precise and composed drivers in the game. Matt...

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Chris Blais, one of the most accomplished motorcycle racers to come out of the desert. Before making the jump into UTVs, Chris was among the best moto racers in the world, competing against the toughest riders on the planet and even landing on the podium at the legendary Dakar Rally. That same intensity and focus have carr...

Before Jason Coleman was behind the wheel, he was 'the shop kid' at Terrible Herbst — sweeping floors, cleaning CVs, and learning the sport from the ground up. This is a recurring story that comes up frequently on the show. We always talk about the importance of “sweeping the floor.” It’s a humble start, but it’s how countless racers and industry leaders got their foot in the door. That work build...

This week we sit down with Mike “Otto” Deutsch, co-founder of Biltwell, a brand that has become a cornerstone of motorcycle culture. These days, Otto is best known for helping bring people together—through events like the Biltwell 100 and countless other moto gatherings that celebrate the spirit of two wheels and the garage-built community. In this episode, Otto and Matt dive into everything from...

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with Dan Roush — a racer with a story unlike any we’ve heard before. Dan isn’t a household name in the off-road world, but his life was forever changed in an instant during a brutal crash in Baja. In the moments after the impact, Dan made the conscious choice to keep breathing, fight through the pain, and survive. From the details of that...

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with David Clay, founder of RacingTrax, the GPS tracking and timing system used by UNLTD and many other off-road racing series. We dive into how a series of frustrating experiences racing in Baja led David to develop one of the most important innovations in modern desert racing. What started as a tool to keep track of race vehicles has evol...

On this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with rising off-road racer Dave Mason Jr., one of the most versatile drivers in the sport today. From a foundation in karting and open-wheel, to years competing in Pro Buggy, Dave brings a unique perspective and driving style to desert racing — one that blends technical precision with raw speed. We get into his transition into the Unlimite...

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with Bryan Harrold, Motorsports Program Manager at Fox Factory. From growing up in the pits of Plaster City to helping guide one of the most influential brands in off-road racing, Bryan’s path has been built on creativity, consistency, and a deep understanding of the culture. We dig into Bryan’s early days photographing desert races, his cr...

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with Robert Blanton, a retired Marine, Silver Star recipient, and founder of Warfighter Made — a nonprofit dedicated to helping combat-wounded veterans through off-road racing, fabrication, and community. Blanton takes us through the battles that came after the war — the struggle to adjust, the weight of post-traumatic stress, and the mome...

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with Trey Gibbs — one of the most exciting young drivers in off-road right now. Still deep in the short course world and stepping confidently into desert racing, Trey represents the next generation of racers who are fast, focused, and built for both sides of the sport. We talk about how it started, what he’s learning, and where he’s headed...

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with Brice and Justin Allen of Allen Racing Co., two brothers who’ve carved out their own lane in the off-road world through hard work, clean prep, and a relentless drive to improve. From their early days racing UTVs in District 38 to earning respect in the Unlimited Off-Road Racing Series, the Allens share what it takes to run a family-ba...

This special two-part episode features a crossover with the High Octane Hustle Podcast. Part one airs here on the Off-Road Racer Podcast, and part two continues over on their channel. Tune in for a raw, wide-open conversation about tequila, racing, and automotive culture.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with one of the fastest and most innovative minds in off-road racing—Dale Dondel of Racer Engineering. Known for his blistering qualifying runs and relentless drive for performance, Dondel has carved a unique path in the sport as both a racer and elite vehicle builder. We dive into Dale’s roots in dirt bikes and short course, h...

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Chris Cyr — rally driver, business strategist, and managing partner of the legendary Team O’Neil Rally School. Chris shares his journey from discovering rally as a teenager to helping save one of the most important rally institutions in North America. We dive into how he transitioned from a fan to a leader in the sport, th...

In this episode of The Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with off-road entrepreneurs and vehicle builders Jordan and Johnathan Brenthel. Founders of Brenthel Industries, the Brenthel Brothers run the largest Trophy Truck and Spec Trophy Truck manufacturing facility in the sport. In addition to this, the Brenthel's operate Baja Kits, an off-road suspension kit company, and the Brenthel Trophy Truc...

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with class 10 and class 1 racer Tom Coons. Tom Coons recently won class 10 and got 3rd overall at the 2024 California 300. Tom and I go on a deep dive into the art and skill of racecraft. We talk about Tom’s evolution through various suspension setups, transitioning from manual to sequential gearboxes, and how Tom plans and preps for a race...

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with 2x California 300 Champion Brayden Baker. Despite his young age, Brayden has been making a name for himself in off-road racing, grabbing wins at the 2021 UTV World Championship, the 2022 Laughlin Desert Classic, and the 2023 and 2024 California 300. Brayden’s family started out as casual enthusiasts, having a few play cars. When Brayde...

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with vintage off-road racer Eric Pond. Back in 2017, Eric pitted for a friend at the Mint 400, and has been hooked ever since. Now, Eric races a 1969 Bronco called ‘Iron Casket’, with Vigilante Racing and Queen City Off-Road. Eric has been competing in off-road races as a passion, and also as an opportunity to raise funds for the Cancer Res...

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with Off-Road Champion Ryan Arciero. The Arciero family has been involved in motorsports for over 60 years, starting with Ryan’s grandfather in pavement racing. Ryan has been competing in off-road racing since 1991, starting out with the great Jimmie Johnson. Throughout his entire career, Ryan has been rubbing elbows with the greatest in ou...

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with off-road racer, tour guide, and Hollywood stuntman Rich Minga. Rich had an unsuspecting start in off-roading, going on camping trips with his family in Baja. After getting hooked on Hot VWs Magazine, Rich started sweeping the floors at a buggy prep shop in El Cajon, and built his own Baja Bug at the young age of 15. Taking what he lear...