The Dirt Parlor

How does a business owner go from local race fan to sponsoring Tim McCreadie, Boone Briggs, the World of Outlaws, and the Lucas Oil Late Model Series? In this episode of the Dirt Parlor Podcast, Dave Warren of Dave Warren Powersports shares the incredible story behind his rise in dirt racing sponsorship and how one powerful "pay it forward" moment with the Briggs family changed everything. We brea...

Tyler Courtney on Defeating Injury & Chasing Championships [EPISODE 46] Tyler "Sunshine" Courtney returns to the Dirt Parlor Podcast for one of the most powerful episodes yet. After suffering a serious injury that put his racing career in question, Sunshine opens up about the mental and physical grind of recovery, the doubt that crept in while sidelined, and what it truly takes to believe you stil...

On this episode of the Dirt Parlor Podcast, Gordy and Don Martin are joined by dirt late model icon Tim McCreadie following a statement win at Volusia Speedway Park. McCreadie opens up about the emotion behind his victory lane celebrations, the pressure of staying competitive at the highest level, and why every win still carries the same weight after decades in the sport. Tim dives deep into what...

In this episode of the Dirt Parlor, the crew sits down with Spencer Bayston to break down his standout Chili Bowl Nationals performance and the momentum carrying into a pivotal 2026 season. Spencer dives into what it takes to charge through one of the toughest fields in dirt racing, detailing the fine line between aggression and mistakes on a constantly changing track. From cushion racing to survi...

In this episode of The Dirt Parlor, Gordy and Don Martin dive headfirst into the chaos, pressure, and magic of the 40th Annual Chili Bowl, breaking down what makes the biggest midget race in the world unlike anything else in motorsports. With nearly 400 entries, passing points, pill draws, and zero room for mistakes, the guys explain why Tulsa separates the elite from the rest and why simply makin...

Keith Kunz is one of the most influential figures in dirt racing history, and in this episode of the Dirt Parlor Podcast, he shares the full story behind building champions and shaping generations of elite drivers. With the Chili Bowl just days away, Keith breaks down what it takes to prepare a powerhouse operation, how Keith Kunz Motorsports became synonymous with success, and why longevity in ra...

This week on the Dirt Parlor, the guys are joined by the 2025 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion, Devin "The Mailman" Moran. Devin breaks down his championship-winning season, from a fast start during Florida Speedweeks to a challenging midseason stretch and a dominant playoff run that sealed the title. He explains what changed behind the scenes, how consistency became the difference-maker,...

This episode of The Dirt Parlor introduces listeners to Brice Shaid, a 14-year-old racer from Ben Wheeler, Texas who is quickly proving he belongs on racing's biggest grassroots stages. With decades of racing influence around him and a championship-level season behind the wheel, Brice represents the next wave of dirt track talent pushing toward the top. Brice joins the show to break down his rapid...

This week on the Dirt Parlor, Gordy Gundaker and Don Martin are joined by one of the greatest drivers in sprint car history, Donny Schatz. Donny sits down to discuss one of the biggest offseason stories in the sport, his decision to join CJB Motorsports full-time in 2026. After 28 seasons at the top level, Schatz explains why this move represents a clean slate and a renewed opportunity to compete...

This week on the Dirt Parlor, it is just the two of us again as we break down one of the wildest Dome weekends we have ever been part of. Gordy walks us through the nonstop grind of running Checker Customs, expanding the booth, printing merch, supporting customers, and trying to prepare to race all at the same time. From setting up booths to hauling boxes to juggling racing duties and business ord...

Welcome to DIRT PARLOR at The Dome hosted by Gordy Gundaker and Don Martin. This is where racers say what they're really thinking. This week, we're live at the Gateway Dirt Nationals. We sat down with some of the biggest names in the sport and talked about the stuff everyone debates in the pits: tires, tracks, setups, payouts, promoters, pressure, and everything in between. We don't all agree, and...

In this episode of the Dirt Parlor, Brandon Overton delivers one of his most candid conversations to date. He opens up about the moments that pushed him to his limits — the on-track tensions, the frustrations that sparked headlines, and the emotional weight of competing when the results aren't matching the effort. Brandon takes listeners inside the reality of a season filled with highs, lows, and...

This week on the Dirt Parlor, we sit down with the visionary who reshaped December racing forever — Cody Sommer, the creator of the Gateway Dirt Nationals and the force behind Dirt December. From launching arena races in Indianapolis to transforming the St. Louis Dome into one of the most electric atmospheres in motorsports, Cody walks us through the passion, risks, failures, and breakthroughs tha...

This week on  The Dirt Parlor , Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker sit down with the one and only Kenny Wallace — racer, storyteller, and true St. Louis icon. With his trademark fire and humor, Kenny opens up about the wild journey that made him "The Herminator." From getting kicked out of class as a hyperactive kid to being nicknamed "Herman the German" by a track promoter and finally rebranded by Dal...

In this week's episode of The Dirt Parlor, Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker sit down with two of the most respected names in dirt racing—Jimmy Owens, the "Newport Nightmare," and Jake O'Neill, one of the sport's rising stars. Jimmy shares an inside look at his recent win, the tough tire decisions that can make or break a race, and the mindset that's kept him a dominant force for decades. He opens up...

In this episode of  The Dirt Parlor , hosts Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker sit down with the one and only Aaron Reutzel for an incredible conversation about resilience, recovery, and racing at the edge. Coming off a major foot injury that could have sidelined his season, Aaron defied the odds and came back stronger—winning races, inspiring fans, and proving that determination always finds a way to...

The dirt is flying and the takes are hotter than ever as Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker dive headfirst into the Trophy Cup controversy that's shaking up sprint car racing. From the wild 24-car invert to the unpredictable outcomes that left fans speechless, the guys deliver their unfiltered thoughts on what makes this event both chaotic and unforgettable. They also take a moment to reflect on Brad S...

In this episode of The Dirt Parlor, Don Martin and co-host Gordy Gundaker welcome Ashton Winger, one of Georgia's finest and most candid voices in dirt late model racing. Broadcasting from his home beside the legendary Atlanta Motor Speedway, Ashton gives fans an inside look at his life, his racing journey, and his honest take on the ups and downs of the sport. From his love for Illinois tracks to...

In this episode of The Dirt Parlor , Don Martin sits down with dirt racing icon Brian Birkhofer for a raw, unfiltered conversation about what makes the sport so powerful and addictive. With co-host Gordy Gundaker on the road, Don and Brian dive into life back in the fast lane—working alongside Ricky Thornton Jr. and Zach, chasing points, and reliving the highs and lows that only dirt racing can de...

On this episode of The Dirt Parlor, Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker sit down to hash out the latest stories shaking up dirt racing. With no guests this week, it's all about raw conversation between two racers who live and breathe the sport. From Dale Blaney's stunning World of Outlaws win at 60 years old in a car built outside the cookie-cutter mold, to the ingenuity it takes to succeed on the track...

On this episode of  The Dirt Parlor , hosts welcome Daison Pursley following his record-setting performance at Eldora Speedway. In one of the most unforgettable nights in dirt racing, Daison captured four feature wins and cemented his place among the sport's elite. He joins the show to share the inside story of how it all came together on the track known as the Big E. Daison opens up about the pre...

In this episode of The Dirt Parlor, Don Martin and the crew sit down with Justin Grant — a driver who refuses to let setbacks keep him out of the race car. Just weeks after breaking his foot at Lawrenceburg, Justin was back on track, pushing through the pain and showing the kind of grit that defines true racers. Justin shares the behind-the-scenes story of how he and his team adapted equipment, re...

This episode of The Dirt Parlor takes you straight into the heart of Eldora Speedway, where Ricky Thornton Jr. captured the prestigious World 100. Joined by car owner Bobby Koehler, Ricky shares the highs, challenges, and defining moments that led to one of the biggest wins of his career. From the tense early laps to the roar of victory lane, Ricky explains the mindset and strategy that kept him f...

This week on The Dirt Parlor, hosts Don Martin and the crew sit down with one of dirt late model racing's all-time greats, Dale McDowell. With the World 100 on deck, there's no better time to revisit Dale's incredible history at Eldora Speedway—where he's conquered both the Dream and the World 100. Beyond the trophies, Dale reflects on his longtime friendship with the late Scott Bloomquist, sharin...

This week on The Dirt Parlor, hosts Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker dive deep into the history of dirt racing with one of the sport's most influential figures, Irish Saunders. With roots that began as a young kid announcing races alongside his father, Irish's path eventually led him to Hoosier Tire, where he helped shape the future of the sport. From the earliest days of sprint car tires to watching...