Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast

This week’s guests on Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast are Erik and Clarissa Votipka of Hot Hatch Racing. Based in Missouri, they started off as spectators, then volunteered at 100 Acre Wood and soon progressed into rally cross and stage rally. We discuss how they started off with purchasing a car and eventually ending up with their current “Blueberry.” They also explain their racing philoso...

This week on Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast, I have a nice casual conversion with Scott Crouch, owner and general manager of Flatirons Subaru in Boulder, Colorado. Scott shares his journey into rally, starting in 2003 when Tanner Foust introduced him to the sport after working together at a dealership. Scott and Tanner competed together for several years before Tanner moved on to X Games a...

I’ve talked a lot about rally cross on this podcast over the last year and a half and how it’s a gateway into stage rally.  Well, finally, I believe it now. My guests this week are RJ Ridgway and Ryan Symancek. We chat about the why and the how-to. I’ve included our discussion before we got started because I feel it is good for you to hear. I left the conversation pretty much unedited. I hope you...

This week, my guests are Zach Arnold and Jack Cuezze, both in their second year studying mechanical engineering at Oregon State University and co-founders of the Oregon State University Rally Club. Zach shares his family's connection to rally. His grandfather was involved in the sport, fueling Zach's lifelong passion for cars. Jack revealed that his father's enthusiasm for automobil...

Welcome. This week on Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast, my guest is Greg Wilcox. Greg is an avid hillclimb competitor as well as part of the 2026 Paul Giblin Memorial Climb to the Clouds organizing committee.  Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com ,  https://www.bradyinstruments.com , https://tunetank.com

Here is my collection of interviews and tidbits from my trip to Olympus for the ARA National event back in April.  Going to start off with the main reason I was there and that was to hang out with and observe the crew of Screech Owl Garage.  I was invited by Screech Owl founder Daniel Quarto to come out to Olympus back in March. Daniel offered to cover my room and board for the weekend. Little did...

This week’s guest is Brian McMahon, a photographer and former rally driver. He began his career shooting night rallies like Press On Regardless, unaware of how the film would turn out. Later, he competed in TSD and stage rallies, starting with a ’69 Camaro before switching to a Datsun. Brian also shares how rally fans have diverse backgrounds and often engage in interesting conversations in the wo...

My guest this week is David Weiman.  David started rallying during the mid-1960s, quickly developing his skills and passion for the sport. In 1970, he achieved a significant milestone by winning a national Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) rally. During the interview, David discusses the history and significance of the "Press on Regardless" rally event. He shares insights into the early years of...

This week on Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast, I welcome rally drivers and brothers, Ryan and James Pryzbylkowski of Vilko Motorsports. We cover a lot of topics including what it’s like to have a two-car rally team, ice racing, hill climbs and more. We even talk Steak-Umm.  Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com ,  https://www.bradyinstruments.com , https://tunetank.com

This week’s episode is a special one for me. My guest is Rusty Campbell. You may not have heard of him, but he was one of the original organizers of the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally. He helped with the inaugural run in 1977 and for the next 15 plus years. Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com ,  https://www.bradyinstruments.com , https://tunetank.com

My guest this week is rally driver Steve Bis. Steve talks about his 22-year journey in rally racing, starting with his first rally at Rally Colorado in the early 2000s.  Steve details his recent acquisition of his 2013 Ford Fiesta N5 rally car and his preparation for the upcoming Rally in the 100 Acre Wood this week in Missouri. We discussed Steve's plans to compete nationally and sponsorship...

This week Mark Huebbe joins me. We cover his early mechanical experience with his father's airplane projects, his progression from autocross to rallycross in Subarus, and his entry into stage rally in 2007. Mark shares how he and his brother “restored” a Volkswagen Beetle and competed at multiple events, including WRC Mexico where they won their class. We also discuss running a bakery, an ice...

Welcome. This week, we are joined by Preston Osborne, who serves as the Series Manager for the American Rally Association (ARA). We begin our conversation by exploring Preston’s background, including how he first got involved in the world of rally racing. The discussion also touches on the history of O.D.D. Racing, providing additional insight into Preston’s journey. Our talk continues with Presto...

Mark Utecht’s journey into motorsports began in Minnesota, where he worked next to a racetrack. One day, he heard the distinctive sound of cars participating in an autocross event. Captivated by the excitement, Mark decided to take the afternoon off work. He borrowed his girlfriend’s Dodge Omni and entered his very first autocross, marking the start of his involvement in competitive driving. Sever...

This week’s guest is DirtFish instructor, rally driver, and co-driver, Michelle Miller. Michelle shares that her struggle with insomnia was the unexpected spark that ignited her passion for rally. During sleepless nights, she found herself watching SpeedVision, where her fascination with rally grew. This interest inspired her to try auto cross, allowing her to gain hands-on experience. Over time,...

Rob Bohn and Rupert Berrington join me for a conversation about Rally Colorado. We cover their backgrounds and how they became involved as organizers of the event. Our discussion also touches on experiences like being hit in the head, the rally's history, and its upcoming designation as an ARA National event in 2026. Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com ,  https://www....

This week, I interview Chris Allen from Chris, Creation Machine, a very talented rally photographer. We discuss his journey into photography, his experience covering American rallies, and his knowledge of both American rally and WRC. Also, we both chat about the Climb to the Clouds Hillclimb coming back in 2026. Chris also works with Mitch Meadows of MeLe Media. This past year, Chris served as the...

This week’s guest is Rafael Ruiz of the Subie & You! Podcast.  Subie & You! is the ultimate Subaru lover’s podcast. On his show, Rafael shares the stories and experiences of Subaru enthusiasts and brands within the Subaru community. Rafael talks about how the podcast started and has evolved into a well-produced, interesting listen.  We chat about his rally guests that have included Rhianon...

This week on Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast, my guest is Matt Gold from Drop A Gear Industries, the Gear Busters Podcast, and the Full Send Foundation. We discuss his work with American Veteran Racing Organization, his foundation’s support for teams and volunteers, his Vivio project car, and his visit to the Ken Block exhibition, and much more.  Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://me...

On this episode I welcome the folks from the Pioneer Rally Company. Welcome Jamie Turner, Taylor Still and Hatcher Still. They talk about their backgrounds and why they started a company to create and organize European style vintage endurance rallies here in the U.S. They talk about what a European style endurance rally is, their inaugural rally, the Rocky Mountain Vintage Rally and future rallies...

This week I welcome Chris Cyr of Team O’Neil. At first, we chat a bit about our thoughts on podcasting before Chris takes us on his motorsports journey starting with attending his first rally at age 16. He then discusses how he tried to balance a career in business together with his rally dream. At one point Chris almost gave up on his rally dream but a tragic event that took place in the city whe...

This week I welcome back Fritz Croy. But, this time he brought his wife and co-driver Brooke with him. I learn about Brooke’s co-driving experience and her training at DirtFish and at OZ Rally Pro. They both discuss their training together through rally cross, their experience at Rally Colorado and more. Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com ,  https://www.bradyinstruments.c...

On this episode, I have a very special guest on the podcast. David Higgins, 10 time American rally champion joins me from Wales. David talks about growing up on the Isle of Man, moving to Wales and sibling rivalry. He also talks about competing in America and working with and competing against Ken Block and Travis Pastrana. Also, find out what David says about losing his Mount Washington Hillclimb...

Up next on the podcast is Mike Youngs of The Firm. Also known as The Florida International Rally and Motorsports Park located in Starke, Florida. Mike talks about what The Firm offers, what it’s like to work at a driving school and about his car projects. Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com ,  https://www.bradyinstruments.com , https://tunetank.com

This week on Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast, I welcome rally driver Mike Carr, founder of the American Veteran Racing Organization. Mike talks about his military service, founding AVRO which supports veterans through motorsports therapy, his racing career and more. Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://meledesignfirm.com ,  https://www.bradyinstruments.com , https://tunetank.com