In this episode of the Dirt Parlor, we sit down with Derek "Suave" Kessinger, one of the most recognizable personalities in dirt late model racing. From his early days discovering Dirt on Dirt to becoming a staple on the Summer Nationals tour, Suave shares how a late-night email and a little bit of luck launched a 13-year career in racing media. His journey is a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build trust, tell authentic stories, and become a fan favorite in one of racing's most passionate communities.

Suave dives deep into the evolution of dirt racing, reflecting on the golden days of traveling the Summer Nationals, the camaraderie in the pits, and how the sport has shifted into a more professional era. He shares unforgettable moments with legends like Billy Moyer and Scott Bloomquist, stories from the road, and what made Dirt on Dirt such a powerful force in the racing world. If you love the culture, personalities, and raw energy of dirt track racing, this episode delivers it all.

We also explore life after full-time racing media, as Suave talks about scaling back his schedule, focusing on family and business, and what races still bring him back today. From hilarious road stories to real insight into the sport's transformation, this conversation captures the heart of dirt late model racing through the eyes of someone who lived it every single day.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs, Hotrod Septic Treatment, Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging and FK Rod Ends 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, Garrett Albertson joins the show to talk about the realities of competing on the Lucas Oil Late Model Series and what it takes to battle through a tough start to the season. Racing at the national level is more competitive than ever, and Garrett breaks down how momentum can make or break your results when every night feels like do-or-die on the track.

Garrett dives into the mental side of dirt late model racing, sharing how drivers handle adversity, bad luck, and mechanical issues while staying focused on long-term success. He explains why consistency, qualifying, and mindset are critical in today's stacked fields, and how even the smallest mistakes can cost you positions against the best drivers in the sport.

The conversation also explores Garrett's journey from grassroots racing in New Mexico to becoming a full-time national touring driver. From working as a crew chief to earning top rides, his path is built on persistence, hard work, and passion for racing. If you're a fan of dirt track racing, the Lucas Oil Series, or want real insight into the mindset of a professional driver, this episode delivers.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs, Hotrod Septic Treatment, Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging and FK Rod Ends for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great!

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Five-time Brad Sweet joins the Dirt Parlor Podcast to talk about the explosive rise of High Limit Racing and what it means for the future of sprint car racing. Fresh off the season opener in Las Vegas, Sweet breaks down the racing, the track conditions, and the strong fan turnout that helped kick off the High Limit season in a big way. With nearly 100 career wins in the World of Outlaws, Sweet shares his unique perspective as both a champion driver and now a key leader helping shape the direction of the sport.

In this episode, Sweet dives into how High Limit Racing evolved from a midweek concept into a full national series and the challenges that came with building something new in sprint car racing. He discusses the importance of improving the fan experience, increasing opportunities for drivers and teams, and how streaming platforms like FloRacing are helping bring dirt racing to a wider audience. The conversation also explores the growing competition between national touring series and how that competition is creating more opportunities across the sport.

Sweet also reflects on his legendary career, including championships with Kasey Kahne Racing, winning some of sprint car racing's biggest events, and the difficult decision to step away from a full-time schedule. After years at the top of the sport, he shares why he's focusing more on promoting, growing the sport, and building the future of dirt racing while still competing behind the wheel when the opportunity is right.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels, Checkered Customs, Hotrod Septic Treatment, Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging and FK Rod Ends for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great!

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.