Victory Lane

Like many, he’s experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows in racing. But Jeremy Clements story is about as unique as it gets. From almost losing a body part as a teenager inside the race car to scoring his Xfinity Series win at Road America, Clements has gone through the ringer in his career, and joins Davey this week (18:30) to discuss it all. They discuss the horrific injury he suffered and the recovery that followed, including visiting Victory Lane in an ARCA race only three years later. His time in the Xfinity Series dates back to the early 2000s, allowing him to race at iconic venues such as Pikes Peak, IRP and in Montreal. Clements reflects on being in the series for over a decade and the road to where he is now. He also relives his Road America victory in 2017 and reflects on why that weekend was so special for him and his team. The No. 51 team is off to an incredible start in 2021, sitting firmly inside the top 10 in points ahead of countless powerhouse organizations. Clements explains the

Matt Mills joins Davey this week (15:20) ahead of his Cup Series debut at Kansas. He explains how the opportunity with BJ McLeod Motorsports came about after running Xfinity for the organization the past couple years and the approval process given the drama surrounding it the past couple weeks. Mills also describes why his results in NASCAR don’t tell the full story while driving for an underfunded team. After starting racing motorcycles as a kid, Mills transitioned to stock cars at age 12, but skipped ARCA/K&N before making his national series debut, choosing to focus on late models instead. He details his debut at Bristol of all places, driving for multiple smaller teams and the struggles that come along with it, mentorship from team owner BJ McLeod, his passions away from the track (including a Star Wars obsession) and why starting the Cup race this weekend will mean his childhood dream has been achieved. Davey also recaps Brad Keselowski’s sixth career win at Talladega, Joey Logano’s comments on the sup

Toni Breidinger has and continues to be a trailblazer in motorsports. Being the first female Arab-American in NASCAR and winningest female in USAC history, Breidinger doesn’t pay too much attention to her historic achievements, but rather is focused on the here and now of making it in NASCAR. She joins Davey this week (14:45) to discuss her upbringing in California and getting started go-karting with her twin sister and father. She also recalls how breaking her arm in a crash at a young age didn’t deter her from pursuing her passion. Breidinger details what being the first female Arab-American driver means to her personally, and why she was surprised that nobody came before her. She also explains how being a woman in racing doesn’t occupy her mind as much as it does others as well as her catchphrase: “the car doesn’t know gender.” Hear the coincidental story of how she got the opportunity with Young’s Motorsports, and why she didn’t expect to be moving up the ranks this quickly. She dives into her racing ca

Stefan Parsons has already made a name for himself and is continuing to do so with BJ McLeod Motorsports in the Xfinity Series this season. The latest in line of Parsons to get behind a steering wheel, the 22-year-old joins Davey this week (17:45) to discuss his start in the sport, and how David Ragan’s father, Ken, was influential in him beginning at Charlotte in bandoleros as a youngster. He also explains why starting racing at 12-years-old, relatively late compared to others, was actually a good thing in the long run. Parsons dives into his father Phil’s career and how it’s impacted how he’s helped Stefan in his ascension up the racing ranks, his memories of Phil Parsons Racing in the mid-late 2000s, the cool moment of doing a prerace segment for FOX before his Truck Series debut and more. He also reflects on his uncle Benny’s induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame and why it meant so much for the Parsons family. Stefan also describes the help those in the sport gave him over the years, most notably Carl

Kelly Crandall joins Davey this week (8:30) to discuss and reflect on her impressive motorsports journalism career to date, which includes not one but two NMPA Writer of the Year awards. The industry veteran recalls hilarious (and horrific) stories from covering the NASCAR beat on the road over the years, and whether or not it feels like she’s been covering the sport full-time for almost a decade. The 2001 Pepsi 400 at Daytona had Crandall hooked, and she was racing obsessed from there on out. Getting started writing whatever, wherever and however, she incrementally gained reps and parlayed that into an opportunity to lead Popular Speed’s coverage. After quitting her day job at home, she decided to make the move to Charlotte to pursue a full-time career in the sport, where she received a plethora of help from others in hopes of making it. She explains some tumultuous times while grinding to make it, and why she’s trying to pay it forward today. Hear why she “was gonna throw up” when she realized she’d becom

Amber Balcean made history, becoming the first Canadian female to win a NASCAR sanctioned race in the United States. But she’s now setting her sights on bigger and better things in the motorsports world. She joins Davey this week (17:00) to explain why joining the BMR Drivers Academy was the perfect opportunity for a driver like her and why racing has always been a constant in her life as a third generation driver. She recalls her historic win at Motor Mile in 2016 and the celebratory reception that her hometown of Winnipeg gave her in the aftermath. But the lack of sponsors that followed were the realization that funding would be the biggest hurdle to overcome throughout this journey and she was going to have to grind for it. Balcean also describes the harrowing crash she was involved in at Valley Speedway, which left her with a severe concussion, burns and a collapsed lung. She dives into her two-month recovery and whether or not she had doubts of returning to racing post-recovery and more. Some may recog

The often imitated, never duplicated and distinguished motorsports journalist Jeff Gluck is the highly awaited guest for landmark Episode 100 of the podcast. Davey Segal chats with one of his biggest mentors and names in NASCAR about his illustrious career spanning multiple decades. Growing up out West, Gluck details his upbringing (including being classmates with team owner Justin Marks) and how coming East to study journalism at Delaware kicked the next chapter of his life into high gear. After attending his first NASCAR race at Rockingham Speedway, he was hooked. From that point forward, he began covering the sport “on the side” any way he could while a high school preps reporter, which led to his upward trajectory. Gluck recalls the hilarious way he got introduced to “NASCAR Scene,” which became his employer for some of the best years of his life. The glitz, glamor and glory of the sport in its heyday was stuff of legend, and Gluck shares some stories about NASCAR at its peak in the mid/late 2000s...bef

Hardcore NASCAR fans may not recognize the name, but those in the Washington D.C. area will. Grant Paulsen is a new and avid NASCAR fan, and he joins Davey (14:00) to discuss how the return amid the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated his fandom to levels even he didn't expect. Paulsen, a fixture on D.C. radio and television, describes the process involved in picking Erik Jones as his favorite driver, as well as his purchase of Jones' sheet metal during quarantine (to much apathy of his wife). Plus, why the stances NASCAR took last summer allowed him to dive in fully with his fandom, his unique perspective on the sport as a new, wide-eyed fan and his admiration for Larry McReynolds and NASCAR's broadcast partners. As a child, Paulsen regularly appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman" and attended Super Bowls on behalf of the show. He explains how those opportunities came to be, including an incredible story involving legends Joe Montana and Franco Harris. Davey also touches on Martin Truex Jr.'s Phoenix v

Dillon Welch is back (25:50) for the second and final installment of his chat with Davey, as they cover the professional side of his career. He details the unique skillset required to be a turn announcer for the Motor Racing Network, and recalls some shenanigans with the MRN crew over the years. Welch also works with NBC covering all forms of racing, and explains how that opportunity came about and progressed rapidly. One would think his dad, Vince Welch (play-by-play for Trucks and pit reporter for Xfnity and Cup Series) would have had a big influence on Dillon's career. And that'd be correct, but Dillon explains how his dad pointed him in the right direction, but let him do the dirty work, make connections, gain experience and do the job himself. Vince and Dillon, though, did become the first father/son duo to work the Indianapolis 500, and were on the same telecast once. Dillon relives those memories, and talks about how special it is to have his dad by his side at the track. Welch's girlfriend, Hannah N

Davey welcomes on Dillon Welch (15:45) of MRN, NBC and dirt midget racing for Part 1 of their all-encompassing conversation. Welch explains how he stays organized with his busy schedule, how and why he gravitated towards racing as a kid in basketball rich Indiana. He also explains how he got his start in racing at seven-years-old with Chat Boat, and how it’s come full circle with the Boat’s two decades later at the Chili Bowl. Speaking of the famed event, Welch has competed in it countless times, and recalls tales from Tulsa, including sneaking into the A-main one year and contracting the infamous “Chili Bowl Flu” year after year. Also, why do dirt racing aficionados call it “Chili Bowl” and not “THE Chili Bowl?” Davey was curious, and Dillon provides an answer. Plus, how his connection with the late Bryan Clauson was impactful on and off track, whether or not he had any stock car aspirations, if his dirt racing escapades helps him as a broadcaster, his Emmy-winning production work at Ball State University a

Longtime motorsports journalist Zack Albert of NASCAR.com joins Davey (18:25) this week to discuss his career in the field, overcoming his personal battles, and stories aplenty at the famed North Wilkesboro Speedway. Albert, North Carolina born and bred, has been around racing since his childhood. He recalls his first foray into motorsports, pursuing it as a career, the various stops along the way over two decades and tremendous tales of working at North Wilkesboro, including an appropriate parting gift before its closure. Albert also overcame depression and survived a suicide attempt. He opens up about mental health and why a change in his life was a necessity at that point in time. He also has the honor being on the NASCAR Hall of Fame voting panel, and explains why he doesn't take that lightly. Plus, the two dive into his extreme passion for the outdoors, hiking, collecting typewriters and Davey explains how Zack gave him his start in NASCAR and how he has been a mentor of his for years. Davey also discu

Motorsports broadcasting legend Jamie Little is back for a return visit on the pod (25:30) after her history-making weekend, becoming the first woman to handle play-by-play duties for a national motorsports series. Davey and Jamie discuss why actually calling the ARCA Menards Series race live was easier than practicing in the weeks leading up, her insanely busy week covering all four series at Daytona, including yet another Great American Race. Little had the opportunity to interview the President of the United States last season, something that the White House personally asked her to do. She details what went into chatting with the POTUS and gets real about the important responsibility and struggle in covering death in motorsports, notably when her friend Dan Wheldon lost his life in 2011 at Las Vegas. From owning two Jimmy John's and Nothing Bundt Cakes franchises, Little somehow is in impeccable shape. She discusses entrepreneurship with her husband, Cody, her passion of working with dogs on "America's T

Congratulations, you made it! The off-season is over and the 2021 season is officially here. Davey is on site at Daytona International Speedway in advance of the 63rd running of the Daytona 500. He dives into the Busch Clash, won by Kyle Busch, and the last lap move that saw two best friends wreck each other for the win. Davey also welcomes on Andrew Kurland (12:08) to preview the upcoming season as a whole. From new organizations, new faces in new places, new venues on the Cup Series schedule, the two break down everything on the horizon for the 2021 season. Why is Pitbull so electric, and has NASCAR gotten its swag back?

Not all 24-year-olds are NASCAR Cup Series team owners, but that’s exactly why Matt Tifft is one of the more unique individuals in the garage. The Live Fast Motorsports co-owner joins Davey (6:20) this week to discuss the planning process behind starting the team, why now is the right time to get into ownership and what he can bring to the table from a youth perspective. Plus, Tifft also explains Live Fast’s charter situation and why he actually always had thoughts of becoming a team owner, even in his driving days. He discusses the uniqueness of operating a Cup Series team out of an Xfinity Series shop for 2021, what his wife thinks about this new venture, his longstanding relationship with co-owner and “big brother” B.J. McLeod (despite them looking like polar opposites on the surface) and realistic expectations for the No. 78 in their first year on track. Tifft’s history with seizures is well documented, and coming out publicly as having epilepsy was very important to him. He admits the challenges that c

A satirical success like no other, the famed "nascarcasm" joins Davey for this week's chat. Starting his Twitter account over a decade ago, 'Casm's following has grown from just a few NASCAR fans to almost 200,000, laughing with him along the way (and maybe at him a time or two). The two discuss his upbringing, including graduating with a journalism degree from Indiana University and his graphic design experience, both in which aid him in his current role. He recalls many belly-laughing stories, including when Brad Keselowski shouted him out on SportsCenter in 2012, Will Power's reaction when he realized who 'Casm was, tickling Carl Edwards' palm, his fake feud with Jamie McMurray, getting Jimmie Johnson to wear a custom romper with his face on it and plenty more. And does he really have a job title? Plus, the two discuss who the most memeable driver is, the famed Clint Bowyer tweet, his creative process, "The Sideshow" at Texas, whether or not his drafts are full of golden tweets, why showing his personal

In the second and final installment of Davey’s chat with Julia Landauer, the two dive into how her opportunity to compete in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series came to be, including why she was thrown into the deep end, way behind the eight ball with virtually no track time ahead of her rookie season. In addition to the language barrier and being stuck across the world for three months amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, she had a lot of adjusting to do in little time. Landauer further explains why she embraces being an ambassador for women in motorsports, and where she thinks we are in the road to leveling the playing field for females in racing. She also reveals how she got into her “day job” as a motivational speaker and why she finds empowering others incredibly rewarding, including how she herself is able to stay positive amid these incredibly tough times. Plus, reflecting on being named apart of the “Forbes: 30 Under 30” list, her accomplishments on and off track to this point in her life and why “#BecauseR

She truly is “The Most Interesting Woman in Motorsports.” In the first installment of this two part interview, you’ll learn why. Julia Landauer joins Davey (6:15) to discuss how a young girl from the upper west side of New York City got involved in racing. Not the most common trio out there, is it? But after becoming the youngest female champion in Skip Barber Racing School history (age 14), it was clear she had what it takes. Landauer attended Stanford University while furthering her racing career, and details why the decision was rather pragmatic despite most drivers opting to forgo higher education. While in school, Landauer competed on the popular reality show “Survivor,” but hid an important aspect of her life. After being voted off (and recalling word for word when she was accused of being “too vanilla”), she reflected on why she didn’t show a big part of who she is and learned why embracing who you really are is the best strategy of them all. She’s learned a lot more lessons, specifically ones at the

Another week, another member of Bills Mafia on the pod! Alan Cavanna joins Davey (4:30) for an off-season chat with a lot of laughs. Growing up in New England racing against the likes of Joey Logano, Ryan Preece, Doug Coby and more, Cavanna details why his racing career never took off, despite a championship and over 100 trophies. Cavanna tells the story of how he and his wife, CNN correspondent Dianne Gallagher, met in a courtroom, with a computer, and a friend request. Years later, they’re happily married and finally living together for the first time in Charlotte. A proud Syracuse graduate, he recalls his time on campus for the 2000 national championship run, and how learning the tricks of the trade in journalism during his college years shaped him professionally upon graduating. Amid the infamous Jeremy Mayfield suspension saga, Cavanna was the first (and only) person to speak with Mayfield, and the backstory on how their conversation came to be is truly remarkable. Plus, some incredibly hilarious (and

As one of the up-and-coming NASCAR media members, Dustin Albino is onto his next opportunity at Jayski for 2021. But getting to this point has been a journey filled with trials, tribulations, blood, sweat and tears. Davey and Dustin chat (8:15) about growing up in in New York and why an introduction from his grandmother to Bobby Labonte’s green No. 18 car sparked his interest and love for NASCAR. The two have worked at multiple motorsports blogs together, including Frontstretch for the better part of the last five years. Albino describes the learning experiences while being at the track while credentialed, including cultivating relationships, breaking stories (including freaking out to Davey before doing so), reliving “The Gauldashian” saga that put him on that map and leaning on mentors throughout the process. They also get real about the grind that is trying to make it in the industry, and why achieving success in this media landscape makes the work all the more rewarding. Plus, his love for WWE, proposin

These two go way back, and boy do they have some stories to tell. Davey welcomes on Camping World Truck Series driver Derek Kraus (6:00) for a wide-ranging off-season chat, with multiple appearances from the entire Kraus family (and his girlfriend Stephanie). Fresh off his best ever finish in the Snowball Derby, Kraus details why the enormous super late model event carries the weight it does, and how the winner (and his roommate) Ty Majeski put the iconic trophy in some questionable places. Plus, after officially announcing his 2021 plans, what are his realistic expectations in year two? Kraus relives his dominant K&N Pro Series days, including his initial test with Bill McAnally Racing at Kern County at the age of 15-years-old, his first win a year later at the same track and the interaction he had with Kevin Harvick after the two made contact at, you guessed it, Kern. Plus, his perspective on the infamous Hailie Deegan dump in Colorado, including the aftermath immediately and weeks after, and his champions