The Also-Ran Broadcast

What does the future of NASCAR look like from the perspective of a 15-year-old racer? In this episode of The Also-Ran Broadcast, we sit down with Everett Larson to talk about his journey from go-karts into Legends Cars and his dream of eventually racing in NASCAR. Everett shares the story of how a lost letter helped lead to his friendship with NASCAR driver Corey LaJoie, how iRacing has helped him...

Derek Nelson and Producer Josh are back for an unscripted episode of The Also-Ran Broadcast. After a break from recording, the guys catch up on what they've been doing away from the show, including Joshua's work with KLAS Motorsports and ARCA, Derek's trip to Ireland, and Josh's recent experiences at Daytona, Kansas and Bristol Motor Speedway. The conversation then turns to NASCAR's current racing...

Mamba Smith is one of the most recognizable and positive personalities in NASCAR—but there’s much more to his story than what fans see on race weekends. On this episode of The Also-Ran Broadcast, Derek Nelson sits down with Mamba for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey through motorsports, his passion for racing, and his mission to make NASCAR a better experience for the fans. Mamba shar...

Derek Daly joins The Also-Ran Broadcast to discuss his incredible journey from Ireland to Formula 1 and INDYCAR, surviving one of motorsport's most terrifying crashes, returning to the Indy 500, and writing his autobiography, Serial Survivor. Along the way, Derek shares unforgettable stories about Ayrton Senna, Formula 1 legends, television broadcasting, and the moments that shaped one of racing's...

Veteran NASCAR journalist Deb Williams joins the Also-Ran Broadcast to remember the life and legacy of Bobby Hamilton. From Bobby's role during Days of Thunder to his breakthrough with Richard Petty, his Talladega victory, and the creation of Bobby Hamilton Racing, Deb shares firsthand stories that reveal why Bobby earned the respect of everyone in the garage. The conversation also explores NASCAR...

Before Chad Chaffin became a NASCAR Truck Series winner, he was another talented racer climbing the ranks at the Nashville Fairgrounds. Then Bobby Hamilton gave him an opportunity that changed everything. Chad joins The Also-Ran Broadcast to discuss his relationship with Bobby Hamilton, winning with Bobby Hamilton Racing, the championship culture inside BHR, and why Bobby's greatest legacy wasn't...

What was it like to help build Bobby Hamilton Racing into one of NASCAR's top Truck Series teams? Tim Horton joins The Also-Ran Broadcast to share incredible stories from his years working alongside the late Bobby Hamilton. From building championship-winning trucks and working with Joe Ruttman to unforgettable shop stories, Bobby's leadership, generosity, and relentless drive to win, this episode...

Former Bobby Hamilton Racing hauler driver Mike Goins shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from one of NASCAR's most respected race teams. Mike reflects on working alongside Bobby Hamilton, Bobby Hamilton Jr., and the crew that helped build a championship-caliber Truck Series organization. From life on the road to unforgettable memories inside the race shop, this episode offers a heartfelt...

David Pepper joins The Also-Ran Broadcast to look back on his years at Bobby Hamilton Racing and the incredible culture Bobby Hamilton built. From championship-winning memories and unforgettable race weekends to hilarious shop stories and lifelong friendships, Pepper shares what made Bobby Hamilton one of NASCAR's most respected team owners and why his legacy continues to influence the sport today...

In this special episode of the Also-Ran Broadcast, Bobby Hamilton Jr. shares heartfelt memories of his father, NASCAR winner Bobby Hamilton. From growing up around race shops to learning life lessons that extended far beyond the racetrack, Bobby Jr. offers an honest, personal perspective on the man fans admired every Sunday. The conversation explores Bobby Hamilton's racing philosophy, parenting s...

This bonus episode features additional conversation with NASCAR driver, entrepreneur, and Navy veteran Jesse Iwuji. Jesse shares stories about his racing career, life after the military, entrepreneurship, faith, overcoming adversity, and the mindset that has helped him build success on and off the racetrack. If you enjoyed our original interview, you won't want to miss this extended conversation.

Kyle Dudley joins the Also-Ran Broadcast to discuss winning the inaugural IHRA Stock Car Series event and what the new series means for grassroots racers. Kyle shares his racing background, the story behind his famous "Betty White" race car, earning his own diecast, competing at Motor Mile Speedway, and why the IHRA Stock Car Series is providing opportunities for racers who may not have the budget...

Producer Josh surprises Derek with a children's book called NASCAR Legends Alphabet, and what starts as a simple alphabet challenge quickly turns into a hilarious discussion about NASCAR history. The guys compare the book's driver selections with Derek's own NASCAR alphabet, debate legendary drivers, discuss forgotten names from the sport's past, and share stories that every racing fan will enjoy....

In this bonus episode, NASCAR Truck Series driver Mini Tyrrell joins us for an honest discussion about Cleetus McFarland's impact on NASCAR and grassroots racing. We talk about social media's growing influence in motorsports, whether non-traditional racers can succeed at the national level, the importance of attracting new fans, and how personalities like Cleetus McFarland and Dale Earnhardt Jr. c...

Veteran NASCAR journalist and historian Rick Houston joins the show for an emotional conversation about Kyle Busch's passing and the impact it has had on the racing world. Drawing on more than three decades covering NASCAR, Rick reflects on some of the sport's most difficult moments, including the deaths of Dale Earnhardt, Adam Petty, Alan Kulwicki, Davey Allison, and others. We discuss how NASCAR...

Tasha Porter Kummer joins the Also-Ran Broadcast to discuss the ongoing fight to save Greenville Pickens Speedway. In this episode, we dive into the history of the legendary South Carolina short track, the ownership struggles that led to its decline, the recent surge of community support, and how racers, fans, and even NASCAR personalities are stepping up to help preserve the speedway. We also tal...

2-time Indy 500 champion Al Unser Jr. joins the Also Ran Broadcast for a deep conversation about the Indianapolis 500, the legendary Unser family legacy, Roger Penske, Pikes Peak, NASCAR, IROC, and his journey of faith and redemption. Al shares stories from racing against legends, turning down Formula 1, running the Daytona 500, and what makes winning the Indy 500 so special. He also opens up abou...

Willy T. Ribbs joins the Also Ran Broadcast to share unforgettable stories from one of the most groundbreaking careers in motorsports history. From becoming the first Black driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 to racing against legends like Mario Andretti, Emerson Fittipaldi, Al Unser Jr., and Nigel Mansell, Willy takes us deep into the world of IndyCar, Formula racing, IMSA, NASCAR, and Tra...

Breaking News! Chrissy Wallace joins The Also-Ran Broadcast with special guest Jeremy Mayfield to discuss the hot start for D2 Motorsports, recent victories in Super Cup competition, and the chemistry that has helped the team become one of the most talked-about programs in short track racing. The conversation also introduces young racer Annaston Bush, whose impressive drive through the field at Lo...

Fresh off a shocking victory at Talladega, Andy Jankowiak joins the show to break down one of the most emotional and unlikely wins in ARCA racing. From a last-lap charge to victory lane to the years of hard work behind a small independent team, this episode dives deep into the reality of chasing racing dreams without factory backing. Alongside his uncle Jake, Andy shares stories of family legacy,...

What’s it like to be part of a race team that finally breaks through? In this episode, we share the full behind-the-scenes story of Andy Jankowiak’s first ARCA win at Talladega—what it felt like on pit road, in victory lane, and everything in between. From the grind of a small team to the chaos after the checkered flag, this is a raw, unfiltered look at one unforgettable race weekend. We also talk...

This bonus episode features additional conversation with Robert Pressley, sharing stories that didn’t make the main show. From his roots in short track racing to his NASCAR career and family legacy, Pressley gives a candid look at the sport across generations. We also get into life after racing, including his well-known hot dog stand and the personal side of his journey. If you enjoy authentic rac...

Chrissy Wallace and Alli Owens join the Also-Ran Broadcast to break down the resurgence of short track racing, share unforgettable stories from their careers, and give an honest look at the state of motorsports today. From Hickory’s massive crowd to the rise of new racing series, this episode explores why many drivers are returning to grassroots racing—and what it means for the future of the sport...

Mini Tyrrell joins the show to share his journey from grassroots racing to earning a NASCAR opportunity. He opens up about the struggles of funding a racing career, the emotional moment that nearly ended it all, and the breakthrough $50,000 win that changed everything. We also dive into his experience with Ram’s Race for the Seat, competing in the Cars Tour, and the inspiring story behind Mini’s M...

NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. joins the show for a deep dive into his racing career—from dirt tracks to the NASCAR Cup Series. We talk sprint car racing, the transition to stock cars, and behind-the-scenes stories from his career, including ARCA battles with Scott Speed and memories of Bryan Clauson. Ricky also shares insight into: Dirt racing vs NASCAR competition Team ownership and sprint ca...