Victory Lane

Not many 15-year-olds are champions in any major racing series, but Jesse Love can call himself one—the youngest in ARCA Menards Series West history at that. The wise beyond his years Menlo Park, California kid joins Davey this week to discuss his dominant 2020 season that saw him win three times and lead the series in virtually every statistical category. Hear why Love believed he was the favorite to win the title before the season even started with Bill McAnally Racing, and why he fell short of preseason expectations for himself despite being crowned champion. Plus, the two dive deep into his racing upbringing (including the influence from Jeff Gordon and John Bickford), his time spent on dirt with Keith Kunz Motorsports and their incredible stable of talent, why he was always eyeing stock car racing, having the support of Toyota through his development and a speak peek of what he’ll be doing in 2021.

Fresh off the 2020 ARCA Menards Series championship, Bret Holmes joins Davey this week (6:50) for an all-encompassing chat. For a small, family-run team, a series title is beyond belief. In fact, Holmes and company weren’t planning on running a full-time schedule this season. But when their plans changed, so did their expectations, performance and results. Holmes delves into what the turning point in his season was and how he celebrated the title at Kansas. His father has been integral in his racing development. Holmes details sharing the title with him, as well as crew chief Shane Huffman, and why the people associated with his team mean so much to him personally. From Munford, Alabama, Holmes grew up racing on the Talladega Short Track (and eventually broke his father’s track record). His upbringing included competing against NASCAR Hall of Famer Red Farmer, who he developed a familial relationship with. But as time went on, the realistic aspects of racing caught up with him. Holmes explains how he overcam

And with that, the 2020 NASCAR season is over. But not before Chase Elliott etched his name into the history books, earning his first career Cup Series championship at the ripe age of 24. Davey details how Elliott grabbed the victory, got over the hump with some help from crew chief Alan Gustafson and the proverbial passing of the torch at Hendrick Motorsports from the retiring GOAT, Jimmie Johnson, to Elliott. Davey also gives the Xfinity and Truck Series champions Austin Cindric and Sheldon Creed their due, and details how each earned their titles with similar pit strategies at the end of the race. Plus, a team owner wins for the first time since 2012, Bill McAnally Racing keeps on dominating, Brett Moffitt is big mad and an ode to "Herman the German" from Papa Segal.

After becoming the youngest ever NHRA champion, Tanner Gray decided to switch things up. The third generation racer joins Davey (26:45) to discuss his move to circle track racing and stock cars, including why his mind was made up before his championship season, the reason he was so dead set on it for years, whether or not his family legacy in NHRA put any pressure on him and a funny story of the first time he strapped into a dragster. Gray also details growing up in New Mexico, where racing wasn’t very popular, and devoting his focus to baseball, not being so hard on himself and why he wasn’t totally able to enjoy his first K&N Pro Series win at South Boston. The two also chat about a few other memorable moments in his K&N tenure, being a part of the Ford Development Program, the competition difference from K&N to ARCA to Trucks, driving for David Gilliland and working with championship crew chief Shane Wilson in his first full-time season in the Truck Series. Plus, his love of golf (and how good he really i

Fresh off his first career ARCA victory, Taylor Gray stops by (25:20) to discuss his roller coaster weekend out West, from heartbreak to redemption all in a span of three days. The 15-year-old (!) DGR-Crosley wheelman discusses the performance throughout his rookie campaign in ARCA, where he’s finished outside the top 10 only twice. He also reminisces on his flip in a late model at Martinsville and why it felt like nothing compared to doing so in a dirt car, his friendship with Ty Gibbs, including why drivers coming from racing families get bad rap, and his love of the Seattle Seahawks. In addition, he provides his side of the hilarious story involving his brother Tanner getting choked out at the go-kart track way back when. The marathon at Texas has mercifully come to an end, and KFB is indeed back. Davey recaps Kyle Busch’s fuel saving masterclass from the Lone Star State and breaks down the playoff picture for all three national series heading into Martinsville, the final race before championship weekend.

Elijah Burke graduated from college, went viral and got hired by his favorite childhood racing team, Chip Ganassi Racing, in a matter of weeks. Odds are you know his name or have seen his “NASCAR Style” graduation interview, but this week, Davey chats with his longtime friend (24:15) about what went into getting where he is today. From the planning of the 45 seconds that changed his life to it blowing up overnight (literally), Burke shares why he almost didn’t even post the video at all, the whirlwind that followed (including trips to Richmond, Charlotte and into Chip Ganassi’s motorhome) and eventually getting offered a job from CGR. Burke shares what his role as digital media strategist entails, how he gained an appreciation for selling sponsors, where his creativity comes from and more. Plus, he sheds some light on what it was like seeing his childhood hero Kyle Larson, the reason he fell in love with CGR, fall from grace within his own company this year, working closely with IndyCar legend Scott Dixon an

Michael Self has been around the block a time or two, and now he finds himself with grasp of the ARCA Menards Series championship. The Venturini Motorsports driver joins Davey (19:40) to discuss his introduction to racing, including go-karting in Utah, eventually competing in the world championships in Portugal and why his time as a RCR development driver wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Plus, his time in the K&N Pro Series spanning multiple organizations (and winning multiple times), how his relationship with Sinclair Oil began and his passion for coaching the next generation of drivers and road racing. Self candidly discusses the difficulty in racing a revolving door of teenagers while being a veteran of the series, and how the two differing ideologies on track seem don’t mesh, whether or not he’s content to stay in ARCA or gain more national series experience and why getting his business degree at age 30 is one of the smartest things he’s done in his life. The two also share some laughs about getting k

In the second installment of Davey’s chat with Chase Cabre (19:45), the two discuss his brother Collin’s cancer diagnosis, what Chase is doing on his micro sprint to support his him and why nothing in their relationship has changed despite the tough times. Chase also reminisces on his teammates at Rev Racing over the years, including some prior beef with Ryan Vargas, plenty of laughs with Ruben Garcia Jr. and how he’s seen himself change as a person over the last half decade with the team. Chase discusses his new obsession with fitness, why he never has a cheat day (well, except for that ONE time with Chick-Fil-A on the plane home), his newfound Tik Tok fame and why he’s putting so much effort behind it. Lastly, the two get real about the business of the sport and Chase reveals his departure from Rev and NASCAR at season’s end, including the financial and mental challenges associated with this career. But his racing career is far from over, as a more dirt focused path is in his future. Denny Hamlin asserts h

Chase Cabre’s NASCAR career has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but one things has remained constant: his love for racing. In the first installment of this interview (18:45), Davey chats with the Rev Racing driver about his passion for dirt racing and it all beginning with motocross, why he could’ve been on a path to become a prominent soccer player and how his brothers acceptance to the "Drive for Diversity" program sparked his interest in a stock car career. Also, relieving his first K&N Pro Series win at Memphis and the success that followed, injuring his back at Bristol, the subsequent rivalry with Sam Mayer (including wrecking him in a go-kart race at Gateway) and the perks that come with being associated with “NASCAR Next.” Plus, Davey attempts to pronounce his hometown of Thonotosassa, Chase reveals that he peaked in high school (only to Davey, at least) and more. The 2021 schedule has finally been released, and it has multiple shakeups. Davey peruses through the slate with all the the big chang

Almost everyone knows him, but not many know about him. Steve Luvender, one of the funniest people in the NASCAR twitterverse, is this week’s guest (29:00). Davey and Steve discuss his love for sim racing and how that sparked his interest in the sport and how Trading Paints on iRacing has become a staple of the platform, just as Random Fantasy Racing (and other hilarious random generators) have over the years. Plus, calling himself a “field filler” leads to a random discussion about Reed Sorenson (hi if you’re listening, Reed), working with nascarcasm, compiling a gargantuan folder of driver pictures and being an overall meme connoisseur. The two also discuss a myriad of food takes, including the hierarchy of soups, breakfast delicacies, whether it’s “plain” or “cheese” pizza, whoopie pies and more. Michael Jordan is starting a NASCAR team in 2021, and Davey explains why the move is monumental, coming with the possibility for it transcend sports. Also, a recap of the Bristol cutoff race which saw four driver

From creating his own website at the ripe age of 12 to becoming the producer of one of the most successful podcasts in NASCAR, Jason Schultz has accomplished a whole heck of a lot in a short amount of time. Davey gets together with the Dirty Mo Media utility man and “content king” (20:30) to discuss their humble beginnings on Twitter, why being early adopters the platform in the NASCAR world shaped their career paths and how his networking skills at a young age paid dividends. Also, some hilarious stories of how Jason actually gave Davey his start in NASCAR media back in the day, how a rain delay in Dover changed his life, Dale Earnhardt Jr. blessing his Achilles, Danica Patrick teaching him how to give a proper handshake and more. Plus, why achieving his ultimate career goal at 21-years-old was something so important to him, what goes into producing “Door Bumper Clear” (and corralling TJ Majors, Brett Griffin and Freddie Kraft) behind the scenes and what his future career aspirations look like. Davey also c

The playoffs are underway, but Kevin Harvick's winning ways haven't changed. Davey recaps the weekend of racing from Darlington, including the late-race excitement that saw drivers tangle and whether or not the move(s) were clean. He welcomes on Jessie Punch, host of "The Pace Lap" at NASCAR International (19:30) to discuss being a newlywed in quarantine, her love for Clemson and working at the Western Athletic Conference in Denver out of college. Plus, the decision making process on moving back East to join the NASCAR International team, how her father has influenced her personally and professionally and why she gave Bill Elliott the cold shoulder when he wanted to recall a story about her dad. Also, how is her Instagram game so fire? The two discuss it all. With Auto Club Speedway set to turn into a short track, Davey analyzes the bombshell news and why it makes sense, Jimmie Johnson's plans for the next couple years and a brief Richmond preview.

William Byron earned his first career Cup Series victory in the regular season finale at Daytona to vault himself into the playoffs, and boy oh boy did it deliver. Jimmie Johnson won't be able to chase eight, as a late "Big One" sealed his fate. With 26 races down and 10 to go, the NASCAR Playoffs are here. Davey previews the postseason round by round and gives his predictions, including his 2020 champion. Plus, a preview of the Southern 500 from Darlington to kick off the playoffs and "Lug Nuts of the Week" including a couple contract extensions.

Davey welcomes on NASCAR Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, Brandon Thompson (31:10), for an insightful and honest conversation. From getting started as an intern in Nashville 17 years ago to becoming the first diversity intern graduate to join NASCAR’s executive ranks as an officer, BT has done it all. How his time as the managing director of the touring series furthered his love and passion for racing, his time at Rev Racing and how it all came full circle, the significance of Bubba Wallace in today's climate and how the progressive stances NASCAR has taken and continues to take makes him feel as a Black man in the position of leadership at the company. Plus, some fun tales of his family sneaking into Nashville Fairgrounds as a kid, his collection of vinyl records and his favorite race tracks/destinations over the years. In addition, Davey recaps an extremely busy weekend of racing from the Monster Mile, as Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick continue to rack up playoff points. With one race to go in the

The Daytona Road Course made its NASCAR national series debut over the weekend, and the road course king reigned supreme once again. Davey recaps the inaugural event, including why change is good and whether or not returning to the venue should happen. He then welcomes back Heather DeBeaux (22:50) for part two of their extended conversation. Topics include getting into pit reporting, covering the K&N Pro Series and AFT (and how it led her to her boyfriend), working with PRN, reporting on live television versus tape delayed races, her competitive spirit when it comes to bodybuilding competitions and more. Lastly, a preview of the Dover doubleheader with a plea to Jimmie Johnson to git 'er done.

Back from his trip to Acadia, Davey recaps the doubleheader dominated by Kevin Harvick from Michigan, including Rodney Childers’ speed secrets and why wins may mean more than championships in todays NASCAR. He then welcomes on Heather DeBeaux (22:50), pit reporter extraordinaire for NBC and PRN, for part one of a fun chat. From spending time during a pandemic in a hotspot (Arizona) to when she became involved in racing (including how a MySpace advertisement started everything), the two touch on it all. Reminiscing on the SPEED days, stories of the late Steve Byrnes, transitioning to an on-camera role, being a female in motorsports, having her first interview be with the G.O.A.T. and more. Finally, Davey touches on the unpredictability that’ll come with the Daytona Road Course this weekend before tightening some Lug Nuts.

Add Austin Dillon to the list of surprise winners, as a late-race caution spiced things up at Texas, as well as the playoff picture. But the star of the show is Davey's girlfriend, Robin (21:45). The two discuss her indoctrination (whether she liked it or not) to NASCAR, including what she's learned, who she likes (and doesn't), who's cute (and isn't), a story involving Denny Hamlin on one of their first dates and her thoughts on how the championship will play out this year. Don't be too surprised at her knowledge though—she knows her stuff. Finally, Davey briefly previews Kansas and discusses the elimination of practice and qualifying for the remainder of 2020.

Lots to hit on this week, including a first-time winner in a lackluster race (yet incredible finish) from Kentucky, an All-Star Race from Bristol that saw a new some visual experiments and NASCAR's most popular driver becoming $1 million richer. But why didn't we even SEE the choose cone in effect?! Plus, why Kentucky needs to go, the Texas race should be shortened and the announcement of a new racing series, spearheaded by two Hall of Famers, coming next year.

Another week, another race with Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin up front battling for the win. Davey recaps a busy Brickyard 400 from Indianapolis, including numerous tire failures (and rough impacts), the pit road fiasco resulting in an injured crew member and the strategy/on track battle between Harvick and Hamlin. He also touches on why we should sit back and appreciate the battle the two future Hall of Fame drivers and teams are putting on right now, and analyzes whether or not it'll last throughout the season. Plus, the addition of the Daytona Road Course to the 2020 schedule, President Donald Trump's false comments surrounding Bubba Wallace and NASCAR's television ratings, a brief Kentucky preview and more.

The first ever NASCAR Cup Series doubleheader weekend was a success, as Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin both earned victories (and almost swept the events) from the Tricky Triangle. Davey recaps all the racing action from Pennsylvania over the weekend before welcoming on businessman, entrepreneur and photographer extraordinaire: Daylon Barr (28:15). The two friends have an all encompassing conversation, ranging from whether or not birds are real (IYKYK), learning what a chanticleer is to his fascination with memes. The two also discuss how Daylon has built his racing photography company from the ground up, the satisfaction of it turning into one of the premier outlets in the garage, trials and tribulations that have come with owning his own business, life on the road traveling the NASCAR circuit and more. Plus, Davey previews this weekend’s Fourth of July racing festivities from Indianapolis, tightens some Lug Nuts and gives an ode to a former pace car driver and race winner from the great state of Maryland.