In this episode of The Dirt Parlor Podcast, we sit down with a true legend and pioneer of the sport — Mark Richards, owner of Rocket Chassis. Mark opens up about the challenges and triumphs of the 2024 season, including the return of Brandon Sheppard to the Rocket fold and how the team is working to find the right balance in their car setups. From adjusting to changing track conditions to navigating the unique needs of different drivers, Mark shares deep insights into what it takes to stay competitive at the top level of dirt late model racing.

Mark also offers his thoughts on the evolving tire landscape, the ongoing issues with unexpected flats, and how recent tire rule changes have shifted the way teams approach race preparation. He and the crew discuss how tire performance has affected race strategy, driver feedback, and car development. It’s a candid, behind-the-scenes look into the technical side of racing that fans rarely get to hear.

Beyond the tech talk, Mark reflects on the culture of the sport — the respect among top-tier drivers, the importance of clean racing, and the value of having a dedicated, long-standing crew. With over a decade of team chemistry and shared passion, the Rocket Chassis operation remains one of the most respected in the country. Tune in for a thoughtful and passionate conversation about racing, teamwork, and what keeps one of dirt racing’s icons coming back to the track year after year.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels and Checkered Customs for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great! 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

In this episode of The Dirt Parlor Podcast, Don and Gordy sit down with Kendra Jacobs—Marketing Director of the High Limit Racing Series—for an inspiring look at the evolution of sprint car racing and her pivotal role in it. With roots deeply planted in the sport thanks to her legendary father Jack Hewitt, Kendra shares stories of growing up around the track, the unexpected path that led her into motorsports marketing, and why she believes we’re in a golden era for dirt racing.

Kendra opens up about her early disinterest in racing, how a chance experience at a Cleveland CART race opened her eyes to the business side of motorsports, and the journey that took her from NASCAR and Wing Nation to becoming a trailblazing voice in sprint car promotion. She reflects on the growth of opportunities in the sport—not just for drivers, but for professionals across the board, especially women—and how streaming and major broadcast partnerships are reshaping what’s possible.

The conversation dives into the upcoming FS1 live event and why it represents more than just a race—it’s a cultural moment for the dirt racing community. Kendra shares her vision for bringing fans to the track, the importance of creating a true event atmosphere, and how stars like Tony Stewart and Kyle Larson helped elevate the sport’s profile. Whether you’re a longtime sprint car fan or new to the world of dirt, this episode captures the passion, progress, and personality that keep racing alive.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels and Checkered Customs for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great!

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

On this episode of The Dirt Parlor Podcast, Gordy Gundaker and Don Martin sit down with the Modern Day Cowboy himself — John Gill, one of the most respected and recognizable figures from dirt late model racing’s golden era. Known for his signature style, fierce competitiveness, and black-and-green No. 75, Gill helped shape a time when the sport was defined by guts, grit, and garage-built greatness.

From the bullrings of Brownstown to the legendary Tri-City Speedway, the guys dive deep into the era of wedge cars, wild rivalries, and blue-collar brilliance. Gill shares raw, unfiltered stories about the rise of MasterSbilt, the battles with Bloomquist and Pierce, and what it really took to survive and win in one of the toughest eras of racing history. It’s a conversation loaded with laughter, lessons, and old-school truth.

Whether you grew up idolizing the Modern Day Cowboy or you're just learning what made that era so iconic, this episode brings it all to life. No filters. No scripts. Just legends, dust, and the kind of racing that built this sport from the ground up.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels and Checkered Customs for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great!

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.