Victory Lane

2023 ARCA Menards Series East champion and Joe Gibbs Racing development driver William Sawalich joins Davey Segal (6:15) to discuss his wildly successful season to date, ending his ARCA season in Victory Lane at Toledo and how big of a change it's been to dip his toe into the Truck Series competition wise. A first generation racer from Minnesota, Sawalich explains what sparked his interest in motorsports in the first place, the pride he takes in being a Minnesotan, how his schooling works while pursuing a career in racing and why he can't wait until he turns 18. He also dishes on how he got hooked up with Toyota, JGR and TRICON Garage, his interesting nickname, the dynamic of his sister dating one of his future competitors, what it's like working with people significantly older than him, his 2024 (and 2025) plans in NASCAR's national series and more, including his outlook on some upcoming late model races to close out the calendar year. Davey also discusses the Round of 12 finale at the Charlotte Motor Spe

You know him, you love him, and you wish you had his hair (at least I wish I do). The legendary Boris Said joins Davey Segal this week (7:30) ahead of his start for Hendrick Motorsports in the Xfinity Series at the Charlotte ROVAL. Said explains how the deal came together as an early Christmas present from Rick Hendrick, his time in the sport spanning multiple decades, how he's seen road course racing evolve and what he thinks the future of road course racing with stock cars looks like. Said also explains why winning at the Nürburgring is one of his top career accomplishments, that famed day in 2010 at Montreal where he earned his first career NASCAR win, the close call at Daytona in 2006, how and why he got started relatively late in racing, and of course, his infamous spat with Greg Biffle at Watkins Glen. Plus, what does he think realistic expectations are for the weekend? If things go well, will this be his last time ever racing in NASCAR? Does he still think Biffle is "the most unprofessional little sc

Crew Chief Dave Elenz joins Davey Segal (7:20) to discuss LEGACY Motor Club's recent uptick in speed, including the No. 43 teams run at Texas. They also discuss how Elenz is re-adjusting to life in the Cup Series, this time as a crew chief, why he waited purposefully for the Next Gen era, why the driver is more important than ever and how the relationship he has with driver Erik Jones works so well. Elenz also reminisces on his early days growing up in Michigan, always surrounded by racing and eventually pursuing it as a career. After graduating from Clemson with an engineering degree, Elenz had stops at Jasper, MB2, Red Bull and Penske before landing at Hendrick Motorsports, where he won the 2013 Cup Series championship with Jimmie Johnson. Elenz explains why that achievement was beyond his wildest dreams and details the celebration (or lack thereof) afterwords. Plus, who calls him David? What's it like to crew chief from the war room while suspended? How did his back-to-back Xfinity Series championships c

LEGACY Motor Club's Joey Cohen joins Davey Segal (6:15) to discuss the teams recent surge of speed with Erik Jones and Carson Hocevar, the recent signing of John Hunter Nemechek and what he can bring to the team in 2024, the impending manufacturer switch to Toyota and how his day-to-day duties changed with his recent title change from Competition Director to VP of Operations. Cohen also relives his racing days as a driver, recalls his college years in Charlotte being classmates with Cliff Daniels, Rudy Fugle and other successful crew chiefs, interning with Hendrick Motorsports, being an early adopter to simulation tools and analytics in NASCAR and explains what it's like answering to two 7-time champions in Jimmie Johnson and Richard Petty. Plus, why he doesn't crew chief much anymore, what LEGACY's goals for the remainder of the season are, his side hustle(s) and why he may need a visit to the infield care center come Talladega weekend. Davey also recaps the Round of 16 finale at Bristol, Kevin Harvick an

Fresh off their first ever playoff berth, Big Machine Racing crew chief Patrick Donahue joins Davey Segal (6:05) to discuss the relief of locking up a postseason spot after their impressive day at Kansas. He explains the satisfaction he's had with building the team from nothing, how he got hooked up with team owner Scott Borchetta in the first place, Parker Kligerman's growth as a driver this season, their technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing and more. Donahue, who's been around the sport for over two decades, recalls his early stops at Hendrick Motorsports where he worked with a young Jeff Gordon and Ray Evernham, building other race teams from nothing to something, some stories from the infamous BK Racing days and more. Plus, would he ever entertain a move back to the Cup Series as a crew chief? And how far does he think Big Machine Racing can realistically go in these playoffs? Davey recaps Tyler Reddick's OT win at Kansas, Martin Truex Jr.'s struggles heading into the Round of 16 cutoff, pr

We've made it: Episode 200 is HERE! And one of the biggest guests in podcast history joins Davey Segal (4:45) celebrate the landmark episode: Kyle Larson. It's "Yung Money" like you've never heard before, as he discusses life on and off the racetrack, including whether he likes his nickname or not, his crew chief Cliff Daniels' competitive spirit (and is he actually a robot?), if he's ever gotten into a fight at the track and being a father of three. Larson also recalls the first time he saw his wife, Kaitlyn, shotgun a beer, what's on his racing bucket list, how Indianapolis 500 preparations are coming along, the next race he really wants (or wanted...) to win, how he feels about being compared to racing legends and how he feels about bringing home Cup Series championship No. 2 in 2023. Davey also reflects on 200 episodes of the pod and shares what lies ahead for the show.

Trackhouse Racing Director of Performance, Project 91 crew chief and Cup Series champion Darian Grubb joins Davey Segal (6:05) to discuss his all-encompassing role at the team and gearing up for the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Grubb explains what his role entails on a daily basis, why he got back stop the pit box for Project 91, the unforgettable weekend in Chicago with Shane van Gisbergen and the feelings of visiting Victory Lane again as a crew chief. Grubb also explains what makes Trackhouse different, what attracted him about the organization, what he's learned after stops along the way at Hendrick, SHR, JGR and more as well as working with Hall of Fame talent like Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin. He also relives the memorable 2011 season that saw him simultaneously lose his job and win a championship with Smoke over Carl Edwards. Plus, what's the latest on SVG's move to NASCAR? Would he entertain a move back to full-time crew chiefing? How much satisfaction does he get from helping build

Daytona International Speedway Track President Frank Kelleher joins Davey Segal (7:30) ahead of the stock car world descending on The World Center of Racing for the Cup Series regular season finale. The two discuss preparations for this weekend compared to February's Daytona 500, all the motorsports events the facility puts on throughout a calendar year and how Kelleher's role has changed dramatically since taking this position. Kelleher also details his racing background as a WKA Karting champion, his humble roots in Scranton, Pennsylvania, racing with fellow NASCAR executives (including Ben Kennedy), why he's worked for one company and one company only over 20+ years in the sport, why he stays in a RV in the track campgrounds during big weekends, his impressive blazer collection, Wawa and Coke Zero Sugar intake and more. Davey discusses the relatively straightforward race at Watkins Glen, previews Daytona and explains why NASCAR's new deal with Netflix is a big deal for all involved. Plus, Papa Segal pays

Winner winner Brickyard dinner! Front Row Motorsports crew chief Travis Peterson joins Davey Segal this week to revel in and discuss the No. 34 teams triumphant and dominant Indianapolis Road Course win (5:55). Peterson explains the satisfaction of dominating the race instead of lucking into a win, the nerves he had before and during the race, how small FRM is comparably to some other large teams he's worked with and where/how Michael McDowell stacks up on the long list of drivers and Hall of Famers he's worked with. Peterson explains the lunch conversation that started it all and why McDowell liked one of his answers to a question, proving himself, doing more with less at Front Row, why the win wasn't a huge surprise, outlook for the playoffs, Watkins Glen this upcoming weekend and more. Davey also discusses the Verizon 200 more in depth, including the length and time of the race, International drivers' performances and the fierce bubble battle with two races to go before the postseason. He also looks ahea

NASCAR's favorite "Gaucho" Miguel Paludo joins Davey Segal ahead of his third and final start this season for JR Motorsports on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course (6:40). Paludo dives into the performance of his first two races this season, the struggle of getting into a rhythm while running a partial schedule and comparisons of the Xfinity car to his Porsche Carrera GT3 Cup car he races overseas. Paludo also dives into why and how he got involved in GT3 racing, the Brazilian racing culture, the influence the great Ayrton Senna had on him and the nation, why he opted to move to the United States to pursue NASCAR full-time, his time with Red Horse Racing and Turner Scott Motorsports in the Truck Series and why adapting to NASCAR was so difficult (and long). Plus, does he have any interest in running the Next Gen car? What does he make of all the international drivers flocking to NASCAR? Why does he still travel overseas multiple times per month? The answers to those questions and more are in this al

Christian Eckes is no stranger to the playoffs, but giving McAnally-Hilgemann Racing their first ever postseason berth is something to be proud of. Eckes joins Davey Segal this week (7:00) to discuss his mindset ahead of the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series playoffs, his two wins this season at Atlanta and Darlington, the ups and downs of his career to get to this point, rebounding after leaving Kyle Busch Motorsports and how the deal to get hooked up with Bill McAnally came together. Eckes also dives into his newfound leadership role at the team, working with crew chief Charles Denike and teammate Jake Garcia, what it's like and what it's going to be like racing good friend Zane Smith for a championship, winning the Snowball Derby as a young teenager and the wild story of why he missed a race during his ARCA championship season. Plus, his timeline for moving up the national series ranks, his physical fitness regimen, a preview of the first round of the playoffs, whether consistency or winning will get you from round

Scott Zipadelli, 2018 Truck Series champion and current TRICON Garage crew chief for Corey Heim, joins Davey Segal this week (6:45) ahead of the NCTS regular season finale and subsequent push for the playoffs. They discuss what sets Heim apart from the countless other drivers Zipadelli has worked with in the past, the adjustment of working with a significantly younger driver, the pressure that comes with performing at such a high level every single week and if he likes entering the postseason as one of the favorites for the championship. Zipadelli also details his first time crew chiefing in NASCAR's national series for Ward Burton in 2000 at Darlington, making the move from Connecticut to North Carolina, why his career as a driver didn't pan out, working with Mike "Magic Shoes" McLaughlin, the countless drivers he's crew chiefed for in the past and who stands out most to him. He also discusses the triumph of winning the 2018 Truck Series championship with Brett Moffitt and Hattori Racing Enterprises, the f

AJ Allmendinger stops by to chat with Davey Segal (6:20) with six races remaining in the NASCAR Cup Series regular season. The Dinger shares how he's feeling ahead of the final push for the postseason, how he'll approach the remaining races, if what those around him in the standings do impact what he does on track, why he's not just looking at the road courses for big gains or victories and if he can point his way in. He also dives into his relationship with crew chief Matt Swiderski, why Chris Rice and Matt Kaulig "saved (him)" and helped revitalize his racing career, preparations for impending fatherhood, his improving golf game, pickleball, provides a Pocono Raceway preview and more. Davey also reviews Martin Truex Jr.'s latest butt-whooping at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, discusses Justin Haley's move to Rick Ware Racing for 2023, Shane van Gisbergen's return to IMS next month, previews Pocono and more. Plus, Papa Segal pays homage to the No. 93 with some two-wheeled trivia.

One of the most interesting women in motorsports, Kim Coon joins Davey Segal this week (10:15) to discuss her career in motorsports and life off the racetrack spanning over a decade. They dive into her background in sports broadcasting, attending college at Miami and grad school at Alabama, her first exposure to NASCAR and how she wound up becoming Miss Sprint Cup in the 2010s. She explains the rigorous interview process for MSC, why it was such a fun and unique job, the roles and responsibilities that came along with it, relationships she cultivated while in the position, memorable Victory Lanes and more. Plus, she touches on joining MRN Radio after her time as MSC ended, the nerves that came along with that, her work with NASCAR Digital, how her preparation differs from job to job, joining The U's dance team as an undergrad, time as a Carolina Panthers cheerleader, passion for art, being a dog mom to Jude, an update on Glass Case of Emotion and if there's anything else on her professional bucket list down

Sports car ace and NASCAR moonlighter Andy Lally joins Davey Segal (6:15) ahead of the inaugural Chicago Street Course race to preview the first-of-its-kind race and event. Having prior street course experience, Lally dishes on whether or not he has an advantage for the weekend, shares his thoughts on NASCAR broadening their horizons lately, how the deal to run limited Cup races for Rick Ware Racing in 2023 came about in the DM’s with Marcus Lemonis and adjusting to the Next Gen car with little to no practice time. Lally also reminisces on his 2011 Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year campaign, first career start at his home track of Watkins Glen back in 2009, running in the rain (and battling for the lead) last year in Portland, balancing a full IMSA schedule with his other motorsports ventures, time in the FOX booth and doing other media work and more. Plus, how and why he became a black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu, his reasons behind going vegan, being a championship street luge racer and why he only has one Ro

Rookie crew chief Ryan Bergenty joins Davey Segal this week (6:10) to discuss his inaugural foray into full-time crew chiefing in the Cup Series. Coming off the first and only off weekend of the year, Bergenty explains what lies ahead for the No. 38 team at Front Row, how his adjustment to being the shot caller of an entire team has been, his comfort level, leaning on teammates like Travis Peterson and Chris Lawson and how him landing the position actually wound up starting as a joke between he and General Manager Jerry Freeze. Bergenty also explains why he famously (literally) cut down the walls int he shop, what “Lion Mode” means to him, his racing background beginning in the Northeast that saw stops at Chip Ganassi Racing and Furniture Row Racing, among others, the tricky situation of Todd Gilliland and Zane Smith sharing the No. 38 ride this season and more, including a preview of Nashville Superspeedway this weekend. Papa Segal pays homage to the No. 90 and Davey briefly previews NASCAR’s trip to the M

ARCA Menards Series competitor and Team Hornaday Development driver Landen Lewis joins Davey Segal this week (6:15) to discuss his short yet prosperous professional career behind the wheel. Lewis explains how he got hooked up with Hall of Fame Ron Hornaday Jr. at a young age, the pressure associated with being a fourth-generation racer and growing up at the racetrack. He also dives into his legends car success, winning the trifecta last season, how difficult it is to transition between pavement, dirt and road courses, how different it is coaching/watching compared to driving, his recent ARCA West win at Portland International Raceway, time driving for Bill McAnally and why it felt like a full circle moment and objectives for the remainder of this season. Plus, why he likes singing, how Hornaday is as a landlord and more. Davey also recaps Sonoma and Papa Segal pays homage to the No. 89.

Josh Williams (the spotter, not the driver) joins Davey Segal this week for a discussion surrounding all things atop the spotters stand (7:25). Williams discusses the tangible momentum he and Ryan Blaney felt coming off their Coca-Cola 600 win snapping a long winless streak, what it meant to win a championship last season with Zane Smith, how the job of spotting has evolved over the years and how/if he does his job differently driver to driver and series to series. A self-described "washed up golfer," Williams explains his history on the links and why the game holds such an importance and impact on his life and career. He also dives into his unique relationship with the late Dale Earnhardt, what his father did for "The Intimidator," the hilarious story of how and why he pissed Big E off and more. Plus, the story behind how he started stop the spotters stand with Scott Speed, when Ryan Blaney came into the picture, how much of a sneaker-head he really is, why Denny Hamlin won't let him in his holf league, ho

Motorsports reporter and broadcaster extraordinaire Georgia Henneberry joins Davey Segal this week (6:10) to discuss all that she covers in racing spanning multiple series and disciplines. From IndyCar, to NASCAR, to winged sprint cars, midgets, IMSA and more. Henneberry has diversified her skillset in a short period of time, and dives into the preparation and challenges associated with covering different disciplines and in different mediums. Henneberry also discusses her background in motorsports, how horses sparked her love for competition and racing, her racing career, decision to go into the reporting side of things, how to navigate dating a competitor that you cover, tips and tricks of the trade for road trips/flights, the secret behind St. Louis pizza and more, including what else she'd like to accomplish in her broadcasting career. Davey also recaps the Coca-Cola 600 won by Ryan Blaney, dives into NASCAR's decision to suspend Chase Elliott, Stewart-Haas Racing's L3 penalty, previews Gateway and Portl

Ryan Preece A.K.A. "Preece Lightning" joins Davey Segal this week (6:00) to discuss NASCAR's return to North Wilkesboro Speedway for the All-Star Race. The two discuss the palpable energy surrounding the event, if this opens the door for future events to be held at smaller tracks and why the Northeast would be a great region to expand. Preece dives into his special relationship with his road and pit crew, crew chief Chad Johnston, assesses the No. 41 team's performance halfway through the regular season, his pole and Stage 1 win at Martinsville, gnarly Talladega crash and more. Plus, throwing back to his father for Darlington, his shifting schedule and focusing more on SHR and the Cup Series, his exciting news on the personal front, farm life and preparations for the Coca-Cola 600 this weekend. Davey also discusses his experience at North Wilkesboro for All-Star weekend, Kyle Larson's dominant butt-whooping, previews NASCAR's longest race and Papa Segal pays homage to the No. 86 from overseas.