The latest of our RE-HEATED series, where we re-issue episodes that might share something with racing stories in the news… Episode 41 featuring Kevin “Rocket” Blanch. Recently in the news as he stepped away from INDYCAR racing mid-season, Rocket’s story is one-of-a-kind and worth a revisit 10-years later. We put his real name because we think we’re supposed to, but no one knows him as Kevin Blanch. He’s Rocket. And he’s badass. A self-described “ol’ hillbilly,” Rocket is a staple of the IndyCar series, serving as a painter-turned-mechanic nearly 30 years ago, and has risen through the ranks of going from mechanic to Crew Chief to now the technical manager of IndyCar, which means he’s “the guy” when cars go through tech inspection. We can see why he has this job. Rocket is as “no BS” as they come, very smart, and a pretty damn good storyteller. He also has a transgender pig, figure that out. Lunch was served at our first-ever repeat restaurant, Tegry Sushi in Indianapolis, with the music of Kari Holmes to rap us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support!

The latest of our RE-HEATED series, where we re-issue episodes that might share something with racing stories in the news… Episode 30 featuring Johnny O’Connell. If you’re going to do a podcast about icons of motorsport, then Johnny O’Connell is a mandatory visit. As one of the most charismatic guys in modern sportscar, Johnny is wicked fast, you’ll know this because he’ll tell you…. having (according to him) been a second faster than every teammate he’s ever had. Beyond speed, however, Johnny brings results. As the winningest driver in GM history, Johnny took four consecutive World Challenge championships to go with his four class wins at Le Mans. One of the funniest and most likable guys in the paddock, we were happy to treat him to lunch at Moonie’s Texas Barbecue in Flowery Branch, Georgia, with the music of Wrecks playing us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support!

The latest of our RE-HEATED series, where we re-issue episodes that might share something with racing stories in the news… Episode 106 featuring Rick Mearsi. With the month of May upon us, we figured it was a good episode to re-visit. It’s Rick Mears, do you really need a description? He grew up in Bakersfield as an amateur off-road racer… then somehow he became a driver for Roger Penske’s IndyCar program…. then somehow won the race 4 times. How did that happen? Well we have the story in two parts. Dinner courtesy of Palomino in Indianapolis, IN.. Thanks to Continental Tire for all of their support!