The Scene Vault Podcast

Jimmy Makar takes listeners through the turbulent Blue Max Racing era with Rusty Wallace, which means financial trouble, the disappointment of losing the Winston Cup championship, MORE financial trouble, WINNING the Winston Cup championship and … you guessed it … financial trouble that would bring the team to its knees. He stays with Rusty and new owner Roger Penske, but only long enough to face a difficult decision that summer. Hosts Rick Houston and Tony Liberati then tackle the July 21, 1991 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Rusty Wallace gets a little help from a friend to win at Pocono, in Jimmy Makar’s last race with the team, while Ernie Irvan may … or may NOT have triggered an earlier multicar crash that DID lead to his infamous apology at Talladega the very next week. Darrell Waltrip gets TESTY just before going on the air with MRN to talk about getting caught up in the mishap. Benny Parsons makes an emotional return to the track after the loss of his wife Connie. Deb Williams pens a couple of great stories about Stevie Waltrip and Kyle Petty’s goal to return from his broken leg sooner than expected. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week … Jimmy Makar, Part One. And IN Jimmy Makar, Part One, Jimmy talks about being a fan from the second his was born and how his dad Jim’s tenure as a Winston Cup team owner was short-lived but somehow also managed to sow the seeds for a lifetime in the sport. Jimmy takes us along for the ride on the road trip from hell to beat ALL road trips from hell. He tells us about working for Robert Gee, Harry Hyde, Junior Johnson and Raymond Beadle and the transition from Tim Richmond as driver to Rusty Wallace. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and longtime Winston Cup Scene photographer Bryan Hallman leaf through the September 29, 1977 edition of Grand National Scene. This early issue of Scene featured coverage of two Winston Cup races … Benny Parsons won at Dover by holding off a wink-wink challenge from David Pearson, while the UNGRATEFUL Cale Yarborough dominated … and won … at Martinsville. Kenny Brightbill destroys Jim Makar’s Mercury at Dover, while Gene Granger produces a lengthy story on Richard Petty’s record-setting 1967 NASCAR season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NOTE: This episode and all to follow are dedicated to the memory of the late, great Steve Waid. Newly slenderized Michael McSwain joins host Rick Houston to discuss a whopper of an unfiltered Tim Brewer interview. This week, Brewer drops not one … not two … but three MAJOR bombshells about qualifying for the 1992 Daytona 500 and the iconic NASCAR’s Greatest Race … the 1992 Hooters 500. Rick and Michael then break down the February 13, 1992 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Gary Nelson is in his first year with NASCAR as its Winston Cup director in training … and let’s just say that Gary is loaded for bear and swinging from the heels when it came to policing the inspection process. Tim Brewer does NOT get sent to NASCAR’s electric chair after Junior Johnson & Associates teammates Sterling Marlin and Bill Elliott sweep the first two starting spots for the next weekend’s Daytona 500, while Geoff Bodine overcomes ... cough, cough ... handling problems to win the Busch Clash. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Waid, this one's for you.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's not the 400th episode celebration we had planned ... but it's a celebration of life, nonetheless. Hosts Rick Houston and Jeffrey Baker remember the late, great champion driver, iconic broadcaster, NASCAR Hall of Fame, and even better human being ... Ned Jarrett. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NOTE: Co-host Steve Waid is under the weather and won't be on the podcast this week. At this point, we're not quite sure when he might be able to return. Prayers would be sincerely appreciated. This week, in the third and final installment of our interview, Jeffrey Baker tells us about a fuel incident at Talladega, a penalty the very next week at California, an ACRIMONIOUS split with Jeremy Mayfield, and being man enough to apologize to Mike Wallace. Hosts Rick Houston and Tony Liberati then dig into the November 1, 2001, issue of Winston Cup Scene. Mike Wallace has a career day at Phoenix … and in the process … makes a STRONG case to keep his Roger Penske-owned team open for business. But then Jeff Burton INSISTS on ruining the Cinderella story by getting by Mike in the closing laps to win … and give Roush Racing a 1-2-3 sweep of the weekend’s Cup, Busch, and Truck series events. There are actually FOUR big races that weekend. Cup, Busch, Truck … and trying to get from the track to Game One of the World Series. Martinsville Speedway’s Mike Smith shares a FANTASTIC memory of Dale Earnhardt, and … finally … this issue raises an age-old question: Team Dave or Team Sammy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Las Vegas Motor Speedway President and General Manager Chris Powell and Toyota Racing Development's Joe Dan Bailey join hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid to remember the man, the myth, the enigma ... Kyle Busch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the second installment of our interview, Jeffrey Baker gives us an insider’s view of the Tabasco Fiasco, rooting AGAINST Dale Earnhardt in the closing laps of the 1998 Daytona 500 and the best advice he’s EVER received in NASCAR. We then dig into the May 14, 1998 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Teammates Rusty Wallace and Jeremy Mayfield are featured as the cover story in this issue, in a piece in which everybody involved said the right things about how well they were working together. Buckshot Jones wins at New Hampshire in an event that’s notorious to all who listen to and love The Scene Vault Podcast. Bill France Sr takes on Curtis Turner, Tim Flock and the Teamsters, while Randy LaJoie talks to somebody at Winston Cup Scene OTHER than Rick Houston about his seating company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in our first segment … I sat down with Jeffrey Baker in our studio at the Universal Technical Institute in Mooresville … actually … back a few months ago. If you’ve been wondering WHY we asked Jeffrey to join our little family as one of our co-hosts, our conversation during that interview IS WHY. You’re going to hear stories you’ve NEVER heard before … told in a way that you’ve never heard before. From getting an ultimatum about his involvement in the sport from a soon-to-be FORMER girlfriend to a Bobby Hamilton caper that you’ve got to hear to believe … Jeffrey brings the heat. Then in our second segment, we'll dig into the November 19, 1987 issue of Grand National Scene. The cover story in this issue is about the private planes that were coming into vogue at the time, so we did into the recorded archive to share stories about competitors and their planes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the third and final installment of our epic conversation with Ben Leslie, we discuss: Superstar drivers with ego … and DRIVERS with ego Mark Martin’s massive influence at Roush Racing And MORE good ol’ fashioned cheating stories. In our second segment, we'll dive into the September 29, 1983 issue of Grand National Scene. Ricky Rudd and Richard Childress WHUP the field at Martinsville, while Bobby Allison holds off Darrell Waltrip for second place. DW and Junior Johnson aren’t exactly pleased with the day’s effort. Steve Waid’s column discusses the high-school educational pursuits of several folks in the Winston Cup garage. Popular David Ifft recovers from a bad accident on the way home from Dover. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For 25 years, not a single driver in NASCAR's top three national touring divisions has been fatally injured during a race. That isn't luck. That's a legacy written in tragedy. This is the Firestorm finale — the story of the most radical safety transformation in motorsports history, the truth behind the most persistent conspiracy theory in NASCAR, and the enduring question every fan carries: did the sport die with Dale Earnhardt? In this episode: ⚙️ The SAFER barrier in action — Ryan Blaney's 2023 Daytona crash mirrored Dale Earnhardt's fatal impact almost exactly. Watch the wall flex. That flex is the reason he walked away. 🪖 The HANS device — why it took five deaths to mandate the one piece of equipment that changes everything on impact 🚗 The Car of Tomorrow — NASCAR's most ridiculed car, the bolted-on wing, the weird splitter... and the thousands of crash tests that proved none of that mattered 🔩 The Dale Earnhardt seatbelt controversy — definitively addressed — the left lap belt was torn, not cut. There is no photographic evidence, no witness testimony, and no logical motive for a cover-up. The most prevalent theory about that day doesn't survive scrutiny. 🏁 The legacy of the Firestorm 5 — Adam Petty. Kenny Irwin Jr. Tony Roper. Dale Earnhardt. Blaise Alexander. Five deaths. One transformed sport. 🤔 Did NASCAR die with Dale Earnhardt? — If the sport is nothing without him, then what did his 76 wins and 7 championships actually mean? The sport is different today. Stage racing. The Hail Melon. The siren still blaring at the Dawsonville pool room with every Chase Elliott victory. It's different — but it's very much alive. And at 200 miles an hour, the beast is always lurking. Always hungry. That is the lesson of the Firestorm series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blaise Alexander. Adam Petty. Kenny Irwin. Tony Roper. Dale Earnhardt. Five drivers lost in the darkest two seasons in NASCAR history — and only one of them gets the headlines. After 10 episodes and two and a half months, Firestorm is complete. This is where we land. In this series finale, Steve Waid and Rick Houston close the books on the most emotionally demanding project The Scene Vault Podcast has ever produced — a full examination of the 2000–2001 NASCAR safety crisis that claimed five lives and permanently altered stock-car racing. We're talking about the drivers who don't make the anniversary posts. The names that get erased when history gets rewritten. Not anymore. But closing the series doesn't mean closing the conversation. In this episode: Why crediting Dale Earnhardt alone for NASCAR's safety revolution is revisionist history — and who else deserves to share that legacy The listener feedback that made this series worth every painful minute The harshest criticism we received — and why it proves the journalism is working Debunking the biggest conspiracy theory in NASCAR history: the seatbelt myth, dissected with the burden of proof it deserves The safety progress NASCAR has made since 2001 — and why that progress can never become complacency The tracks that still worry us today, and the 1977 story that shows this fear is nothing new What's next on The Scene Vault Podcast — interviews, roundtables and a "big" announcement coming in August "If we remember Dale's part of the story without also recognizing Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin, Tony Roper and Blaise Alexander — it would be a huge disservice to their memories." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The morning after Blaise Alexander died, I walked into the Charlotte Motor Speedway Media Center and watched a member of the NASCAR press corps hold court for anyone who'd listen. Then he bellowed it: "Old Billy France has killed another one." I had never spoken a single word to that man in my life. What happened next was the most unprofessional moment of my career — and I have never regretted it for a single second. In October 2001, a young driver named Blaise Alexander died chasing a win at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Thirteen days later, NASCAR changed its rules forever. Blaise Alexander Jr. was an emerging talent — a prankster with a warrior's heart, a driver who had already won four ARCA races and stood on the verge of a full-time Busch Series ride. Then, on October 4, 2001, during an ARCA race at Charlotte, the sport lost him. His death sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community — and within two weeks, NASCAR mandated head and neck restraint devices across all three national touring divisions. For Alexander's father, Blaise Sr., that mandate was both a painful acknowledgment of what time could not undo and a lasting tribute to the son he lost. In this chapter of Firestorm, we revisit Alexander's remarkable journey: from Pennsylvania go-karts to the national stage, the early friendship with a then-unknown Jimmie Johnson, the gut-punch of losing Kenny Irwin just months before, and the family's quiet fight to make sure his name — and his legacy — would outlast the grief. No driver in NASCAR's top three divisions has died in a race in the 25 years since these safety changes were implemented. That important legacy belongs, in part, to Blaise Alexander Jr. What we cover in this episode: Blaise Alexander Jr.'s racing career and four ARCA wins The October 4, 2001 ARCA race at Charlotte Motor Speedway Jimmie Johnson's personal tribute to his close friend NASCAR's HANS device mandate — announced October 17, 2001 The "Firestorm Five": Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin, Tony Roper, Dale Earnhardt and Blaise Alexander Blaise Sr.'s push for soft walls and lasting safety reforms at NASCAR tracks The Scene Vault · Preserving the greatest stories in stock-car racing history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Blaise Alexander crashed at Lowe's Motor Speedway on October 4, 2001, Jimmy Spencer was watching on the mega-screens from under the Winston hauler. He went to his knees. He knew. In this episode of The Scene Vault Podcast, "Mr. Excitement" Jimmy Spencer sits down with Steve Wade and Rick Houston to share what's never been told — his decades-long personal relationship with the Alexander family, his role as Blaise's mentor, and the moment everything changed. Spencer also reveals a stunning footnote in NASCAR history: he was the first driver to ever test the SAFER barrier — before most of the world even knew it existed. In this episode: 🏁 How Jimmy Spencer first met the Alexander family through a car auction — when Blaise was still a kid dominating go-kart tracks 🔧 The Tuesday Blaise stopped by Spencer's shop in Mooresville to pick up parts — days before the crash that ended his life 😔 Spencer's gut-wrenching firsthand account of watching the crash unfold on the mega-screens 🛡️ The untold story of NASCAR's safety revolution — and why Spencer believes it was already underway before Dale Earnhardt died at Daytona 🚧 Jimmy Spencer's secret role as the first driver to test softer walls and the SAFER barrier following a crash at Richmond 🏆 Why Blaise Alexander was different — a driver who never made the same mistake twice and never walked into the shop "down in the dumps" 💔 The deaths of Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin, and Tony Roper — and why they deserve to be more than footnotes in this story "Blaise affected me a lot. I think it was 20-some years old, and he had the potential. Damn it, it's been 25 years. Where did the time go?" — Jimmy Spencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt's crash at the 2001 Daytona 500 shook NASCAR. What came next nearly destroyed it. Five days after the worst day in NASCAR history, a single announcement lit the sport on fire: the lap belt in Dale Earnhardt's car had failed. In an instant, grief turned to fury — and NASCAR entered the darkest period of controversy the sport had ever known. A safety equipment manufacturer accused of killing a legend. An EMT who claimed the belt wasn't broken — it was cut. A widow forced into court to protect her husband's dignity. A rival driver threatened for simply touching the wrong car at the wrong moment. And an investigation that answered some questions while raising dozens more. This episode of Firestorm goes inside the aftermath nobody saw coming: Mike Helton's bombshell announcement at Rockingham — and the fury it unleashed on Bill Simpson and Simpson Race Products The broken belt vs. the cut belt: two competing claims, one devastating consequence Tommy Probst's testimony: why an EMT's account changed everything The legal battle over Dale Earnhardt's autopsy photos — and the Florida law born from it Sterling Marlin: contact, controversy, and death threats NASCAR's official investigation report (August 21, 2001) — and why Bill Simpson immediately fired back with his own press conference How September 11, 2001 brought the most turbulent NASCAR season to a sudden, sobering close The 2001 Daytona 500 didn't end on February 18th. The real story was only beginning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt walked away. Rick never got a single word on the record — and he never forgot the feeling. Two of the most decorated journalists in NASCAR history sit down with Tony Liberati for a raw, unscored account of what it really cost to cover the sport from the inside — the access, the pressure, the stories that never ran and the ones they wish they'd told differently. What you'll hear in this episode: The Dale Earnhardt interview that wasn't — the post-race moment Rick has never stopped thinking about How Steve built his career not on stars, but on the drivers nobody else was talking to — including the closest friend Wendell Scott ever had The "oh sh*t" moment that almost ended Steve's career after the 1976 Daytona 500 crash between David Pearson and Richard Petty The garage crew member claiming to be a Vietnam POW — Rick investigated, had the documentation and the story still never ran Why Darrell Waltrip was the most entertaining interview in NASCAR and the hardest to actually get A Harry Gant quote that caused a firestorm — and what happened the very next day when he took the checkered flag Favorite tracks that defined careers: Nashville Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Darlington Raceway — and the restaurants that kept them sane on the road What both men would do completely differently if they could go back Two journalists. Decades inside NASCAR history. The stories that didn't make the paper. Rick and Steve didn't spend their careers in the spotlight — they spent it chasing the people who were. From the back rows of the NASCAR garage to the press box at the Southern 500, they watched the sport transform and lived the toll that came with it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Dale Earnhardt died on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500, NASCAR didn't just lose a driver. It lost its Superman. And in the grief that followed, the sport nearly tore itself apart. A broken seat belt. A driver who liked it loose. A manufacturer forced to defend his product. A rival driver who needed protection from his own fans. And a conspiracy theory machine that rivaled the JFK assassination in its intensity — because when the unthinkable happens, someone has to be blamed. In this episode, we go deep into the nuclear fallout of February 18, 2001: The seat belt controversy — what actually happened, why the "dumping issue" matters, and why one popular theory about Dale loosening his own belt is flat-out wrong Bill Simpson under fire — how the seat belt manufacturer fought to protect his reputation, and the evolving explanations that followed Sterling Marlin's nightmare — why Dale Jr. had to step in, and what Marlin meant when he said, quietly, "It was real bad" The one o'clock impact — the biomechanical truth behind the basal skull fractures that killed Earnhardt, Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin and Tony Roper Dr. Bob Hubbard and the HANS device — how one inventor's presence at Speedweeks 2001 changed everything and why drivers from Michael Waltrip to Mark Martin were skeptical before they were sold NASCAR's measured response — why the sport didn't overreact, and why that discipline made the safety revolution stick Did NASCAR die with Dale? — the sentiment, the data and the powerful argument for what his life actually meant This isn't a conspiracy episode. It's a reckoning — with grief, with blame and with the painful, necessary process of turning tragedy into transformation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the #3 went silent on the final lap at Daytona, only one window net came down. From the broadcast booth, Darrell Waltrip was still celebrating his brother Michael's historic win. But on pit road, a thick sense of dread had already begun to spread across the Daytona landscape. Ken Schrader reached the car first. One glance told him everything. Seven-time champion spotter Danny Culler radioed Earnhardt three or four times: "Dale, you okay? Talk to me." The radio never answered. At 5:16 PM, Dale Earnhardt was pronounced dead. Before NASCAR President Mike Helton stepped to the microphone — before the cameras turned, before the world officially knew — Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned to his teammates and said something none of them would ever forget. In this episode, we go inside the hours immediately following the Dale Earnhardt death — through the eyes of Ken Schrader, Richard Childress, Rusty Wallace and Dale Jr. himself. The silence. The shock. The grief. And the single sentence that stopped the world. This episode covers: Ken Schrader's moment at the car Danny Culler's desperate radio calls that went unanswered Michael Waltrip's victory, forever overshadowed by his boss's crash Richard Childress' reaction in the infield care center Rusty Wallace's complicated friendship with The Intimidator — and the water bottle he once threw at him Dale Jr.'s words that became the most heartbreaking quote in NASCAR history The storm had been building for nine months — since Adam Petty's death in May 2000. The 2001 Daytona 500 was where it finally hit land. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before the HANS device. Before the safer barriers. Before NASCAR changed forever — there was someone standing at the fence with a camera, watching drivers die. Bambi Mattila was the staff photographer for Winston Cup Scene and between 2000 and 2001, she was on-site for some of the darkest moments in the sport's history: the deaths of Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin, Blaise Alexander and Dale Earnhardt in the 2001 Daytona 500. This isn't the story the cameras showed you. This is what it felt like to be standing there. In this episode: What Bambi saw — and felt — in the moments after Adam Petty's accident at New Hampshire Why Kenny Irwin's crash left her furious: "I was so mad that nothing had changed." The chilling moment on pit road when she knew Dale Earnhardt wasn't coming back How she kept her composure on the outside while breaking down on the inside: "I'm just so sick of watching people die." Why Dale Earnhardt's death was the turning point — and what she would have done if NASCAR hadn't finally acted The role of the media community in processing collective grief — and the moment one reporter finally snapped About Bambi Mattila: Bambi served as staff photographer for Winston Cup Scene / NASCAR Scene from the late 1990s through the sport's most turbulent era. She was present at more fatal racing accidents than perhaps any other photographer in the sport — and she's never told this story publicly, until now. "If it can happen to Dale Earnhardt — the Intimidator, ten feet tall and bulletproof — it can happen to anybody. That day, our house of cards came tumbling down." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt. 2001 Daytona 500. The final hours of The Intimidator — reconstructed lap by lap, conversation by conversation, from the people who were there. On February 18, 2001, Earnhardt arrived at Daytona International Speedway on a perfect, Chamber of Commerce morning — and left in silence. This is the story of everything that happened before the crash that changed NASCAR history forever. What did Earnhardt say to his spotter two days before the race — and why did that spotter almost not show up on race day? What scripture did Stevie Waltrip press into Earnhardt's hand before the engines fired? What were the last words Dale Earnhardt ever spoke on the radio? And why, during the race itself, did Earnhardt warn Richard Childress that NASCAR's cars were going to kill somebody? In this episode: The Terry Bradshaw promo spin — and the moment Earnhardt deliberately scared him on the apron Danny Culler's explosive falling-out with Earnhardt, and the Sunday morning phone call that brought him back Ward Burton's shoulder-bump on the way to driver introductions — the only way he knew how to say it Earnhardt's final televised interview with Matt Yocum, minutes before the green flag The Proverbs 18:10 scripture, and Max Helton's haunting memory of a handshake that lasted a moment too long "The big one" on Lap 175 — and Earnhardt's chilling radio call to Childress in the aftermath Sterling Marlin, Ken Schrader and the final turn that ended an era Earnhardt's last words: "Tell Michael to run low." This isn't just a Dale Earnhardt crash story. It's a portrait of a man — the seven-time champion, the father, the friend — in the final hours of his life. Every conversation. Every decision. Every fork in the road that didn't change what was coming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2001 Daytona 500 was supposed to be a celebration. Michael Waltrip's first win. Dale Earnhardt Jr. running second. A dynasty moment for Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. Instead, it became one of the darkest days in NASCAR history — and a small group of journalists had hours to tell the world why. This is Firestorm Reaction, Episode 6. In this episode, former Winston Cup Scene staffers go back inside the rooms, the press box, and the all-night newsroom to relive February 18, 2001 — the night everything changed. From Bambi Matilda's chilling radio call ("things didn't look good") to Ken Schrader's reaction at the car that told the whole story before Mike Helton said a word — every detail of that day is pieced back together with raw honesty. What you'll hear in this episode: 🏁 The pre-race atmosphere — Dale Earnhardt, Terry Bradshaw and a sport buzzing with optimism 📻 The moment the press box realized something was terribly wrong 📰 How Winston Cup Scene scrapped their entire race issue and rebuilt it overnight — producing the legendary "Death of a Legend" front page 🖊️ Mark Ashenfelter, Tom Jensen, Deb Williams and Jeff Owens: the unsung journalists who documented history under impossible pressure ⚠️ The safety warnings that came before — Ed Hinton's prophetic reporting on Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin Jr. and Tony Roper 💬 Dale Earnhardt's chilling final quote about the apron — said the day before his fatal crash 😶 The hollow feeling of watching history unfold and not being able to stop it Dale Earnhardt's death didn't just end a career. It forced a reckoning — with safety, with journalism and with what it means to cover a sport you love when the worst happens. This episode captures the human cost of that day through the eyes of the people who had to write the headline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt was The Intimidator on the track — but behind closed doors, he was a father concerned about losing his son, a friend who couldn't find the words to comfort a grieving parent and a man quietly pushing NASCAR to make cars safer just weeks before his death at the 2001 Daytona 500. In this episode, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Petty, Ken Schrader, Steve Waid and Gary Nelson share deeply personal, never-before-heard stories that reveal the real Dale Earnhardt — the side the cameras never captured. Stories you'll hear in this episode: ' 🏆 Dale Jr.'s lifelong quest for his father's approval — and the 1998 Busch Series championship moment that changed everything 💔 Kyle Petty on Earnhardt avoiding him for months after Adam Petty's death — and the emotional Daytona motor coach conversation where Earnhardt finally broke down and admitted, "I didn't know what to say… it hit so close to home" 🤝 The Wilkesboro confrontation where Earnhardt put Petty in a headlock — then taught him the most important lesson of his career 🔧 Gary Nelson reveals Earnhardt's secret December 2000 meeting at DEI where he pushed for NASCAR safety improvements — a stunning reversal from the man who mocked drivers for wearing HANS devices 🏁 The final hug between Earnhardt and Kyle Petty on pit road before the 2001 Daytona 500 — their last moment together This is the Dale Earnhardt his family, friends, and rivals knew. The rags-to-riches NASCAR legend with a heart of gold and walls just as strong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Scene Vault Podcast, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid sit down with Danny Culler, who served as Dale Earnhardt's spotter and close friend, to share incredible behind-the-scenes stories about the real Dale Earnhardt. 🔹 What you'll hear in this episode: How Dale secretly gave away engines, vehicles, and helmets — always with one rule: "Don't tell anyone where you got it" Danny Culler's hilarious first day spotting for Earnhardt at Darlington The time Dale pushed a rental car through a tunnel at Watkins Glen Dale and Teresa flying to Chapel Hill to see Bruce Springsteen — and the only autograph Dale Earnhardt ever asked for Neil Bonnett's unforgettable encounter with a buck deer at Dale's farm pond Steve Waid's personal memories of a pre-fame Earnhardt who asked for advice and offered his basement to a new-in-town journalist Dale's deep conversations about politics, philosophy and religion over Chinese food during a Bristol rain delay 🔹 Plus: Steve and Rick discuss the overwhelming response to last week's Firestorm series episode on Tony Roper, which set a new viewership record for the series. This episode paints a picture of Dale Earnhardt that goes far beyond the black #3 — a man who was deeply generous, fiercely private, and full of surprises. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the year 2000, the NASCAR community was shaken by three heartbreaking fatalities, including the loss of beloved driver Tony Roper. Yet, just four months later, Tony's tragic passing would be largely overshadowed by the devastating loss of Dale Earnhardt. In this episode of The Scene Vault Podcast, we honor Tony’s legacy by looking back at his incredible career and the massive impact he left behind. We dive deep into the personal side of Tony's life, hearing how his passing affected his closest friends, including fellow driver Tony Raines, and his wife, Michelle. We also explore Michelle Roper's powerful journey following the tragedy—from her crucial advocacy for better crisis management in NASCAR to finding hope and starting a new chapter. Relive the history, the heartbreak, and the heroes of stock-car racing. Make sure to subscribe for more untold stories from NASCAR's past! 🏁 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of The Scene Vault Podcast, we honor the life, career and enduring legacy of NASCAR driver Tony Roper. Joined by special guest Tony Raines, we dive deep into the heartbreaking realities of the 2000 NASCAR season. We share untold stories of Roper's fierce personality, his relentless drive in the NASCAR Truck Series and the close-knit personal relationships he forged in the garage. This episode serves as a crucial chapter in our documentary series Firestorm: 2000-2001 -- The Years That Forever Changed NASCAR. It explores the devastating NASCAR deaths of 2000 and 2001—an era that claimed the lives of Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin, Tony Roper, Blaise Alexander and Dale Earnhardt—and ultimately sparked a massive NASCAR safety revolution that saved countless lives. If you are passionate about NASCAR history and the raw, untold driver stories from stock car racing's most turbulent era, hit that play button. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the summer of 2000, NASCAR faced a massive safety firestorm. But while many drivers pleaded for change following the tragic crashes of Adam Petty and Kenny Irwin at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Dale Earnhardt Sr. stood his ground, famously calling out the "candy asses" who wanted to slow the cars down. In this episode of Firestorm: 2000-2001 -- The Years That Forever Changed NASCAR, we dive deep into the intense NASCAR safety debate of 2000. We uncover the behind-the-scenes culture clash between The Intimidator's old-school macho persona and the growing push for safety from drivers like Jeff Burton and Brett Bodine. Why did Earnhardt despise restrictor plates ("Take them damn things off and let her rip!"), refuse to wear full-face helmets, and mock the HANS device? We explore the fierce resistance to modernizing stock car safety, the secret injuries drivers hid to keep racing, and NASCAR's early, desperate attempts to test energy-absorbing walls and Styrofoam blocks before Dean Sicking's game-changing invention of the SAFER barrier. What you'll learn in this episode: • The fallout from the tragic 2000 NASCAR deaths of Adam Petty and Kenny Irwin • Dale Earnhardt’s unfiltered thoughts on restrictor plates, the HANS device, and full-face helmets • The intense garage divide between old-school traditionalists and new safety advocates • NASCAR's experimental (and sometimes rudimentary) soft wall tests • The origin story of the SAFER barrier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Rick Houston, Steve Waid and Jeffrey Baker discuss the third episode of our new documentary podcast series, Firestorm: 2000-2001 -- The Years That Forever Changed NASCAR. In later years, a perception would develop that NASCAR did not react fast enough to accidents that claimed the lives of Adam Petty and Kenny Irwin. We lay out the case that safety in NASCAR in that era wasn't necessarily a question of simply making rules and forcing competitors to change their way of thinking. It was FAR more complicated with unfamiliar new technology and the sport's most influential voice decrying change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slugger Labbe, who served as Kenny Irwin's first Winston Cup crew chief, joins co-hosts Rick Houston, Steve Waid and Jeffrey Baker to remember the promising young driver. In this episode of The Scene Vault Podcast, we dive deep into the heartbreaking "Firestorm" era of the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season. We react to the tragic loss of Irwin at New Hampshire International Speedway—an event that, along with the loss of Adam Petty forever changed the sport. Hear the raw, unfiltered perspective of crew chief Slugger Labbe, who opens up about the immense pressure placed on Irwin to become the "next" Jeff Gordon ... and to uphold the incredible success of Robert Yates Racing's legendary number 28 entry. From his Rookie of the Year battle to his time at Robert Yates Racing and Team SABCO, we explore the talent that was lost too soon. Was the pressure too much? Did mechanical failure seal his fate? Join us as we remember a driver who had all the potential in the world. In this episode, we cover: The eerie similarities between the Kenny Irwin Jr. and Adam Petty accidents Slugger Labbe's emotional recount of the 2000 season The "stuck throttle" controversy at New Hampshire The pressure of driving the #28 for Robert Yates after Davey Allison and Ernie Irvan How these tragedies reshaped NASCAR safety forever Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the summer of 2000, NASCAR faced one of its darkest periods. Just eight weeks after the loss of Adam Petty, the racing world was shattered again by the death of Kenny Irwin at the exact same track. In this episode of Firestorm: 2000-2001 -- The Years That Forever Changed NASCAR, we look back at the incredible talent, the intense pressure, and the tragic end of a driver who had been destined for greatness. Kenny Irwin Jr. was a force of nature in the open-wheel ranks. A USAC standout who went head-to-head with Tony Stewart, Irwin was fast-tracked to the Winston Cup Series, tasked with filling the legendary seat of the #28 at Robert Yates Racing. From his Rookie of the Year battle to his move to Sabco Racing, Irwin's career was defined by raw speed and high expectations. We explore the details of that fateful weekend at the track then known as New Hampshire International Speedway, the eerie similarities to Adam Petty's accident and the devastating impact it had on mentors like Johnny Vance and Bob East. This is the story of a rising star extinguished too soon and the wake-up call that eventually forced NASCAR history toward a safer future. In this episode, we cover: Kenny Irwin's dominance in USAC and his rivalry with Tony Stewart The pressure of replacing Ernie Irvan in the #28 Texaco Havoline Ford His transition to the #42 for Sabco Racing The tragic accident at Loudon and the "stuck throttle" discussion The emotional aftermath for the racing community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He was the first fourth-generation athlete in professional sports history, carrying the most famous surname in NASCAR. But on a dark day in New Hampshire, the future of the Petty legacy—and the sport itself—was changed forever. In this episode of Firestorm, we look back at the brief but bright career of Adam Petty. Known for his infectious youthful exuberance and that signature Petty smile, Adam carried the weight of a dynasty on his shoulders. We go beyond the highlights to explore his hopeful start and the gritty reality of his development in the Busch Series (NASCAR's number-two national series), where he fought to prove he was more than just a name. We revisit the tragic events of May 12, 2000, at New Hampshire International Speedway. What began as a routine practice session ended in a heartbreak that shook the racing world to its core. But the story doesn't end in Turn 3. We also uncover the lasting legacy left behind: how Kyle and Pattie Petty channeled their unimaginable grief into the establishment of the Victory Junction Gang Camp. It’s a story of loss, but also of how a family turned their darkest moment into a beacon of hope for thousands of children. In this episode: The pressure and promise of being the first 4th-generation Petty Adam's learning curve and struggles in the Busch Series The timeline of the tragic accident at New Hampshire How the racing community reacted to the loss of its "Prince" The creation and impact of Victory Junction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful reaction episode to the first episode of Firestorm: 2000-2001 -- The Years That Forever Changed NASCAR, we revisit one of the most heartbreaking moments in NASCAR history ... the tragic loss of Adam Petty. Join hosts Rick Houston, Steve Waid and Tony Liberati as we discuss the events surrounding that fateful day at New Hampshire and explore the two-year period that forever changed safety in stock car racing. What You Can Expect: Deep Dive: A detailed look at the 2000 season and the "Firestorm" that engulfed the sport. Personal Stories: Emotional memories and insights from those who knew Adam best. Historical Context: Understanding how this tragedy sparked a revolution in driver safety. Firestorm: An exclusive re-release of our acclaimed 10-episode series, now with new content and available in video format for the first time. Don't miss the drop of this episode on Wednesday, February 18 ... the 25th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's fatal accident in the 2001 Daytona 500 ... and sure to check out the same-day release of the Firestorm debut. Subscribe to The Scene Vault to relive these and many other moments that defined racing history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Hammond, Darrell Waltrip's longtime crew chief and former Fox Sports commentator, makes his debut as co-host of The Scene Vault Podcast as we drop news of the upcoming re-release of the 10-episode docuseries Firestorm: 2000-2001 -- The Years That Forever Changed NASCAR. Ben Leslie drops some bombshells when it comes to fuel cells and trick noses, one of which helped Mark Martin win the 2002 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. We then dig into the July 15, 1999 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Jeff Burton wins for the third year in a row at New Hampshire, but it’s Tony Stewart who dominates the event until running out of gas with a couple of laps to go … and you just IMAGINE how well that went over with the fresh-faced rookie. Dale Jarrett and Jeff Gordon have a last-lap run-in, which leads to a bit of a POST-RACE confrontation between the two future NASCAR Hall of Famers. Kenny Wallace gets a second-place finish, the best finish of his Winston Cup career. Mark Martin guts his way through a series of injuries he’d sustained at Daytona the week before to finish sixth. We’ve got lug nuts … and talk of franchising … flying all over the place. Finally … a news story and host Rick Houston's column discuss Busch Series driver Jeff Krogh’s career-ending injury and the reaction of his friends and family to the mishap. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the first of what will be three segments, Ben Leslie follows his older brother Tracy up the racing ladder, a path that led them from Michigan to the Busch Series. Ben ends up begging Roush Racing’s Steve Hmiel and Robin Pemberton for a job and eventually lands a gig with the team in September 1994. Once there, he works with Roush drivers Ted Musgrave, Mark Martin and Johnny Benson. We then dig into the September 29, 1994 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Rusty Wallace dominates at Martinsville less than two weeks after one of the most important dates in the history of Winston Cup Scene. Dale Earnhardt comes back from a couple of early-race spins to finish second, while Kenny Wallace captures the best showing of his Winston Cup career to that point. Ernie Irvan surprises EVERYBODY by calling in to a legendary Charlotte radio show after surviving a near-fatal crash at Michigan the month before. There are feature stories on NASCAR memorabilia collector Wayne Keith … a news story about Travis Carter, Hut Stricklin and crew chief Pete Wright going their separate ways ... and early nominations for spots on the coveted Copenhagen/Skoal All Pro team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve got fresh meat sitting in with us today … Penske Racing's own Jeffrey Baker. I sat down a while back with Jeffrey for the podcast … we haven’t run that interview yet … BUT … when we started talking about the third co-host, asking Jeffrey to be a part of all this was a no brainer. This week in the second and final installment of our interview, Bobby Hutchens remembers the Dale Earnhardt he knew and Kevin Harvick’s emotional 2001 victory at Atlanta. He talks about leaving Richard Childress Racing, the loss of his wife to breast cancer and his son taking the family racing legacy … literally … around the world. We then dig into the July 3, 1997 issue of Winston Cup Scene. This issue includes a Photo Bio on the one and only Jeffrey Baker … The greatest public-relations jingle in NASCAR history … A treasure hunt at the shop that once housed Junior Johnson & Associates … Jimmy Spencer … master Monopoly player … And the greatest column in the history of motorsports journalism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first installment of what will be a two-part interview, Bobby Hutchens goes from Bowman Gray Stadium to North Carolina State University and then to Richard Childress Racing, where he helps change the culture on one of the sport’s most successful teams as a mechanical engineer. Along with guest co-host Tony Liberati, we then dig into the April 22, 1993 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Rusty Wallace wins at North Wilkesboro after which he does the Polish victory lap for the second race in a row, in memory of Alan Kulwicki. Sterling Marlin dominates the first half of the event, while Jim Roper pays a visit to the track that weekend. There’s fallout about the announcement that Hooters would be ending its sponsorship of Alan Kulwicki Racing … and hope for the future after it’s announced that NASCAR would be racing at Indy for the first time the following year. Finally … Ricky Rudd wants a word … or a pound of flesh … from Brett Bodine in the North Wilkesboro garage. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the second and final installment of our interview, Darrell Bryant wins at Darlington, this time with Lake Speed. He gets hung with the nickname the Professor after working with drivers early in their career and he joins the ranks of those who’ve had to personally buy tires because their teams are struggling financially. However, that particular team owner once wrote in his autobiography that he would’ve wanted Darrell Bryant right there next to him in a foxhole. We then dig into the April 21, 1988 issue of Grand National Scene. Dale Earnhardt gets black flagged as soon as that year’s spring North Wilkesboro race gets underway, but battles back to lead the most laps before seeing the victory slip away due to a leaky tire. The win goes to Terry Labonte and hometown hero Junior Johnson, whose then-wife Flossie is featured in this issue. Rusty Wallace salvages a fourth-place finish despite getting banged up during a test, his CAR getting banged up during practice after his car's hood pins are left unfastened and getting a hot foot during the race itself. Steve Waid’s commentary focuses on a recent incident between Harry Gant and Dave Marcis. Gary McCreadie has a column on team press kits … did we need ‘em or didn’t we? Finally, Dale Earnhardt discusses his feelings for driving on the highway versus the race track and his daughter Kelley gets HER drivers license. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re going to try something a little different to start off the new year. In addition to the greatness that our listeners have come to expect from Rick Houston and Steve Waid each week, we’re going to have a THIRD voice in the mix as a co-host. And that third voice is going to be a rotation of Tony Liberati, John Dodson, Jeff Hammond and Chris Powell. This week, former driver and longtime crew chief Darrell Bryant takes us from Bowman Gray Stadium in 1951 to working with Buck Baker, Donnie Allison, Jim Paschal. He was there the night BOBBY Allison won that controversial race at Bowman Gray … and yes … he’s always thought Bobby should’ve received credit for the victory. Darrell also remembers calling Terry Labonte to the first Winston Cup victory of his career and a garage-area scuffle with Morgan Shepherd. We then dig into the August 13, 1981 issue of Grand National Scene. Morgan Shepherd gets the heave-ho from team owner Cliff Stewart after a Talladega scuffle with Darrell Bryant. Dale Earnhardt joins Richard Childress Racing for a trial run. Purolator leaves the Wood Brothers. And finally, there’s talk of two of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history becoming teammates … for one race, at least. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the final installment of this intense interview, longtime NASCAR independent driver Frank Warren discusses his own infidelities, working with Marty Robbins and the time Dale Earnhardt told Warren he was once jealous of him. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After some great reaction to the first installment of the Frank Warren interview, he’s back for more this week with a dream deal he turns down on principle … and then finds out the guy was a ghost. We’ve got Maurice Petty doing engine work for Frank on the downlow … Soapy “Gunslinger” Castles gets his point across at Martinsville … the war that Frank waged on chained gates in the garage area and how Frank Warren wound up with the trophy Elvis Presley won in Speedway. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks to listener Daniel Collins, we're able to share an incredible seven-hour interview with longtime NASCAR independent driver Frank Warren. In this installment, Frank gives us trick tires, nitrous oxide, lawn sprinklers in hotel rooms, and one man's opinion of Cale Yarborough. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Stupid redneck." "Ass clown." "Cuck." Under the best of circumstances, they're not terms of endearment. And when they're coming from the highest of high-ranking NASCAR officials about a well-respected team owner, it's bombshell news that might very well mark a turning point in the sport's history. NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin joins host Rick Houston and super-sub Eric Quinn this week for a heartfelt reaction to NASCAR Chairman Steve Phelps' pointed remarks about NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Childress. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the third and final installment of our interview, Donnie Richardson finds himself in the middle of not only NASCAR drama, but family drama as well. He then goes on the road for 18 years with the one and only Ken Schrader. In our second segment, we will be joined by former Winston Cup Scene senior staff writer and associate editor Tom Stinson. Back in the late summer of 1993,Tom wrote a two part essay on the Ken Schrader racing roadshow. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the second installment of our interview, Donnie Richeson goes from Whitcomb to Sabco Racing, where he has a front-row seat for all the goodness that was Kyle Petty and Felix Sabates. He then gets the chance to serve as crew chief for Brett Bodine … and at the time … Donnie and Brett were married to twin sisters. And … there’s talk of Dale Earnhardt going to drive for Kenny Bernstein. We then tackle the December 12, 1991 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Dale Earnhardt celebrates his fifth Winston Cup championship at the banquet in New York City, but even though nobody knows it at the time, crew chief Kirk Shelmerdine’s time with Richard Childress Racing is beginning to wind down. During the banquet, Dale gives a head nod to THE biggest PERSONAL controversy of his career. There’s talk of shortening races beginning in 1992 and a look back on the 1979 championship battle between Richard Petty and Darrell Waltrip. And … Steve Waid proceeds to take pot shots at basically everybody in the garage. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the first of what will be three installments, Donnie Richeson takes us on a journey from Owensboro, Kentucky and Alan Kulwicki’s humble beginnings in Wisconsin to the turmoil of the Darrell Waltrip-Waddell Wilson-Hendrick Motorsports Dream Team. Then in our second segment, we’re going to dig into the July 30, 1981 issue of Grand National Scene. Darrell dominates and then wins at Pocono … and then he doesn’t … and then he does again after a scoring snafu that leaves DW and Cale Yarborough both trying to wedge their cars into victory lane. And Al Loquasto makes his Winston Cup debut in an entry sponsored by Schaefer beer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the final installment of our interview with Lou LaRosa, we’ve got high drama with Lou, Richard Childress, Dale Earnhardt, Larry McReynolds and Joe Gibbs, Lou’s slapstick porta-john incident at North Wilkesboro and what is perhaps the one and only person to ENJOY working with Team III. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lou LaRosa. Drama at DiGard ... what else is new? Smokey Yunick. Osterlund Racing, a young Dale Earnhardt, getting thrown under the bus and coming back for more. This week's episode has plenty of super-charged emotion. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’ve got the first of a three-part interview with the legendary engine builder, Lou LaRosa. The conversation takes listeners from Brooklyn, Ebbetts Field and Vietnam all the way to the DiGard Racing shop in Daytona. We then page through the February 16, 1989 issue of Grand National Scene. It’s a great start to the 1989 edition of Speedweeks at Daytona for Ken Schrader, who captures the pole position for the following week’s Daytona 500 AND wins the Busch Clash from the pole. There's a crazy ARCA race at Daytona. There are features on Ernie Elliott and Betty Jane France, as well as a short item on the intricate work put into the Country Time Lemonade uniforms and finally, master wordsmith Joe Whitlock has another beautiful column. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second and final installment of our interview with Steve Grissom, we discuss one of the greatest paint schemes of all time, his contract squabbles with Diamond Ridge Motorsports team owner Gary Bechtel and a nightmarish accident at Atlanta. We when tackle the February 29, 1996 Winston Cup Scene. Dale Earnhardt wins at Rockingham after a late-race run-in with Bobby Hamilton. Loy Allen receives some serious injuries in a wreck that sideline him for the next several months, and his team is NOT happy about the amount of time it took for help to arrive to the accident site. Finally, Ned Jarrett has a chance encounter with a name from his past. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, in the first of what will be two installments, we talk to Steve Grissom about ignoring SEC football scholarships in order to go racing, a road that eventually led him to winning races … and a championship … in the Busch Series. In our second segment, we’re going to dig into the October 25, 1990 issue of Winston Cup Scene AGAIN. Alan Kulwicki wins the second race of his Winston Cup career at Rockingham after Kyle Petty’s engine doesn’t fare nearly as well as it had that spring at the track. Steve Grissom passes Mark Martin to score the win in Rockingham’s Busch Series race that weekend. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear from veteran NASCAR insider David Lovendahl on the profound loss of his two sons in tragic accidents, sharing raw insights on grief, resilience and life beyond the track. Expect emotional depth, behind-the-scenes NASCAR anecdotes, and reflections on the sport's toughest moments. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, listeners are just gonna have to hear the first of our two-part interview with David Lovendahl to believe it. David was there as Mark Martin was first learning how to drive a race … he was there when Mark first went Winston Cup racing and when that all fell apart. Plus … let’s just say that he’s got some stories about Julian Martin, Mark’s dad. We then dig into the September 17, 1981 issue of Grand National Scene Benny Parsons wins on a terribly hot and humid day at Richmond, after pole-sitter Mark Martin has trouble getting his car started as the field rolls off pit road to start the race. Finally … it’s one of those days where folks just can’t seem to get along and play nice on the race track. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We honor the memories of Steve Bird, the most successful crew chief in the history of the NASCAR Busch Series, and 2002 Daytona 500 winning team owner Bill Davis in this heartfelt episode. In a no-holds-barred interview conducted last year, "Birdie" shared his memories of his time with Race Hill Farms, Rob Moroso and BACE Motorsports drivers Jack Sprague, Johnny Benson and Randy LaJoie. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two-time Busch Series champion Randy LaJoie was diagnosed with prostate cancer in July, and he agreed to sit down with host Rick Houston last week to tell his story. Following the interview with Randy, Rick and co-host Steve Waid respond with some thoughts of their own and then close the episode with a conversation with Deb Williams, former editor of Winston Cup Scene and the recently announced 2026 recipient of the Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the third and final installment of our interview, Derrike Cope talks about his relationship … or lack thereof … with Dale Earnhardt and talk that his win in the 1990 Daytona 500 was nothing more than a fluke. We then tackle the June 7, 1990 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Derrike Cope wins at Dover ... and nobody has anything snarky to say about this one. Larry Pearson’s fledgling Winston Cup career takes a massive hit when the team owned by his dad, the legendary David Pearson, is forced to shut down due to the lack of a sponsor. Finally, Joe Whitlock has his say about the state of journalism. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First up is our conversation with Derrike Cope about his win in the iconic 1990 Daytona 500. We’ll then rearrange this episode a little bit from our normal format. We’re going to go through the February 22, 1990 issue of Winston Cup Scene … and Al Kinney’s archive … first and THEN add several perspectives that we’ve gathered over the years here on The Scene Vault Podcast about the 1990 Daytona 500 from Buddy Parrott … Joe Dan Bailey … and Kirk Shelmerdine. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the first of what will be three installments with Derrike Cope, he talks about his baseball career, the injury that ended that dream … but began another … and how THAT journey was given a huge boost by a good first impression. We then take a look inside the May 1, 1986 issue of Grand National Scene, which carries coverage of Ricky Rudd outlasting Dale Earnhardt, Geoff Bodine, Joe Ruttman and BUDDY ARRINGTON to win at Martinsville. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did the Darrell Waltrip-Waddell Wilson-Hendrick Motorsports Dream Team falter out of the gate in 1987? We answer that question in this special episode. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the second and final installment of our interview, Jerry Nadeau talks about the accident that ended his career and his struggle to find peace and contentment in the years since. We then dig into the May 8, 2003 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Joe Nemechek’s Winston Cup victory at Richmond is overshadowed by Jerry Nadeau’s career-ending accident. Some … including Jeff Burton … are left wondering why SAFER barriers have yet to be installed at the track. Jeff Green and Steve Park have weekends to forget and wind up trading rides the following week. Darrell Waltrip has a story to tell about one of the most controversial incidents of his career while Jimmy Spencer tries to barbeque his brother. Finally … Tony Liberati is fighting for everything he’s worth to keep his race team intact. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode is dedicated to the memory of NASCAR Hall of Famer Rex White, who died July 18. First, we've got a candid interview with Rex and his longtime friend, Donald Johnson, who served as Rex's crew for a year back in the 1950s. Then, we get some perspective on Rex's life and career from Rick Minter, the former Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter who was responsible for bringing Rex back into the public eye. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jerry Nadeau goes from racing in Russia on ice while fighting off a SEVERE case of food poisoning to spotting for Morgan Shepherd and trying to make a go of it with Melling Racing to victory lane with Hendrick Motorsports. We then tackle the November 23, 2000 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Jerry Nadeau dominates at Atlanta, but it’s a late-race caution that gets him back into position to regain the top spot and score the first Winston Cup victory of his career. It’s Darrell Waltrip’s last race and former foes Rusty Wallace and Dale Earnhardt give him some going-away gifts. UPS signs a big-bucks and ugly car deal with Dale Jarrett and Robert Yates Racing, while Kevin Lepage and Jack Roush miss out on a deal with THE all-time home run king … Hank Aaron. Finally, there’s a masterpiece of a column by a certain Winston Cup Scene writer about one of the most memorable moments of his career. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Joe Gibbs Racing's Chris “Spider” Gillin and host Rick Houston make peace over a LONG-ago column on Tony Stewart. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After being interviewed by Rick Houston countless times over the years, Busch Series legend Jason Keller decided to turn the tables and get Rick on the record. This episode is the result! NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our focus this week is on two men who grew up watching their dads race … and then took up the sport themselves as drivers… Kyle Petty and Larry Pearson. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re going to share stories of run-ins that Richard Petty and David Pearson had with OTHER drivers, including Ned Jarrett, Bobby Allison and Tim Richmond. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we share an extraordinary conversation with David Pearson recorded in 2009, and then, we'll remember a conversation between hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid and the late, great South Carolina motorsports journalist Jim McLaurin and none other than Leonard Wood that was recorded not long after David died in November 2018. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we focus on The King ... Richard Petty! We’re sharing our Richard Petty interview and then NOT discussing it. What could WE say about Richard Petty that hasn’t already been said a million time? Instead, we’re going to share some of the stories ABOUT Richard from some of our past interview guests that aren’t quite as common as so many of the accolades he receives. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's show begins with a brief celebration of accomplishing a major task in the life of The Scene Vault project. In our first segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid take a look at the numbers of the Petty-Pearson … SLASH … Pearson/Petty conflict … courtesy of NASCAR Reddit. Then … talk about digitization … we’ve got A TON of clips from races in which these two legends finished in the top-two spots. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Petty vs. Pearson: The Rivalry That Shaped NASCAR is an absolutely spellbinding account of the thirty-year relationship between Richard Petty and David Pearson. It was authored by seven-time National Motorsports Press Association writer of the year and former NASCAR Scene staffer Mike Hembree. In Petty vs. Pearson, Mike chronicles a (mostly) friendly rivalry between Richard and David, who met in 551 races and finished one-two an astounding 63 times You can pick up Petty vs. Pearson TODAY at Barnes and Noble and online at BarnesandNoble.com. It’ll be a fantastic addition to your NASCAR library. And … just for the record … this podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second and final installment of our interview, Greg Zipadelli talks about Tony Stewart’s success when driving angry, his eventual move to Stewart-Haas Racing to oversee operations, the disappointing end of that deal and what he’s doing now. We then take a look at the June 14, 2007 issue of NASCAR Scene. Jeff Gordon wins a rain-shortened race at Pocono, and there’s also a ton of reaction to Bill France Jr’s recent passing and a confrontation the week before between Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first of what will be TWO installments, Greg Zipadelli joins us to talk about his racing roots in Modifieds, his move south to go to work for Roush Racing and driver Jeff Burton due to a breakfast that WASN’T, a dinner that WAS and an awkward phone call. He then takes us through getting started, winning races and then championships with Tony Stewart. We then take a DEEP dive into the May 25, 2000 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid are joined by former Scene executive editor Jeff Owens to discuss one of the most controversial feature stories ever published in the paper … Jeff's piece on Tony Stewart NOT enjoying himself while racing in the glare of the Winston Cup spotlight. Then ... even as Dale Earnhardt Jr wins The Winston all-star race at Charlotte and a bridge collapses after the event, the NASCAR community is reeling from the loss of Adam Petty the week before. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our roundtable discussions are always wildly popular, so it's intimidating to try to come up with a group conversation that lives up to the billing. This time around , we scored another blockbuster session with late 1990s and early 2000s Busch Series stalwarts Randy LaJoie, Tim Fedewa and Jason Keller. They discuss everything from their early careers to Winston Cup regulars invading the Busch Series and how Dale Earnhardt Jr. changed the division forever. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the third and final installment of our interview, Frank Stoddard gives us even more on his split with Jeff Burton and Roush Racing, but adds that his issues were NOT with team owner Jack Roush. And … just for the heck of it … we get a Kurt Busch story or two … or three or four. We then take a look into the September 12, 2002 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Matt Kenseth wins at Richmond, but most of the sport’s focus is on the first anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Tony Stewart is accused of getting into another scrape, while MONGO and his wife are on their way to China to pick up their new daughter. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second installment of our interview, Frank Stoddard gives us an unfiltered, no-holds-barred, take-no-prisoners, damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead, INSIDE look at how his time as Jeff Burton’s Roush Racing crew chief came to an inglorious end. We then take a look inside the March 7, 1996 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Jeff Gordon wins on a COLD weekend in Richmond, while Jack Roush isn’t satisfied with his organization’s results … and just wait until you hear WHERE his teams’ drivers finished. It’s SO cold … heck freezes over and NASCAR doesn’t penalize three of the top-five finishers. AND … there’s SOME reaction to an incident the previous week between Dale Earnhardt and Bobby Hamilton at Rockingham. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first of what will be three jam-packed segments, Frank Stoddard remembers going to work on a farm at an extraordinarily young age and how that played into him getting into racing. We then go Busch North racing … then Busch South … then back to Busch North with Stub Fadden, before finally heading to the Winston Cup circuit with Jeff Burton. We then dive into the January 20, 2005 issue of NASCAR Scene. Everybody else is headed for Daytona, while host Rick Houston is living life as a brand-new teacher and Brian France SAYS he isn’t looking for a new gig himself as an NFL team owner. NASCAR bans the Hutchens device … and Ryan Newman doesn’t like it … a reader REALLY doesn’t like Jeff Gordon … a fan maybe likes Michael Waltrip a little TOO much … and Kyle Petty LIKES Janet Jackson’s Super Bowl performance. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the third and final installment of our interview, Andy Papathanassiou remembers the departure of Ray Evernham from Hendrick Motorsports, the establishment of what amounted to a pit-crew department there, a terrible day in Martinsville and finally, his own departure from the organization he’d served for nearly three decades. We then take a peek at the October 1, 1992 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Geoff Bodine wins a rain-delayed race at Martinsville, while Rusty Wallace, Brett Bodine, Kyle Petty and Alan Kulwicki follow him to the stripe. There’s some movement in the Winston Cup standings … with Alan making up some fairly major ground. Dave Marcis and Michael Waltrip have at it and Mongo makes his way from West Point to pit road. Last but not least, we have reaction from Junior Johnson to a costly call at Dover andTim Brewer’s reaction TO that reaction. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Andy Papathanassiou takes us through the Refuse to Lose mindset established by Ray Evernham at Hendrick Motorsports for budding superstar Jeff Gordon. We then dig into the June 3, 1993 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Dale Earnhardt stages a COUPLE of comebacks in winning the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte, while rookie Jeff Gordon claims the best finish of his young Winston Cup career. Ted Musgrave is hit with a bad case of carbon monoxide exposure, while there’s a great story by Tom Stinson on fathers and sons … not on the track … but back in the garage and on pit road. And finally … Mello Yello signs a BIG sponsorship extension with Team Sabco and Kyle Petty. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the first of what will be three installments of our interview, Andy Papathanassiou takes us through his academics-first, athletics-second upbringing in New Jersey and how that helped land him a football scholarship at Stanford. Andy started all four years of his college career, but a major surgery left him at a crossroads in his athletic career. And THAT’s when NASCAR first came into the picture. We then take a deep dive into the June 14, 1990 issue of Winston Cup Scene. The paper didn’t have anybody on the crime beat, so there was no coverage in this issue of Andy Papa’s first race ever and him sneaking into the garage. Rusty Wallace and Ricky Rudd are back at it at Sears Point, while Joe Whitlock turns in another masterful column … this one about his longtime friend Buddy Parrott. And … sadly … short-track legend Butch Lindley succumbs to injuries he’d sustained in a racing accident five years earlier. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the third and final installment of our interview, Jeff Hensley talks about what it meant to win the 1990 Busch Series championship with his dad Hubert, a parting of the ways with driver Chuck Bown and his passion for the sport that still burns bright. We then tackle the October 21, 1993 issue of Winston Cup Scene. The Unocal/Rockingham pit-crew race is coming up and Scene takes an in-depth look at past winners, while Chuck Bown and Jeff Hensley score what would turn out to be their final win together. Robert Pressley gets a new ride with former foe and future friend Rick Mast after being let go by team owner Dennis Welch … and Bobby Allison does Bobby Allison things. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Hensley remembers how a random conversation at Martinsville led to sponsorship for the next SIX YEARS … AND a Busch Series championship. But before all that can take place … he and driver Chuck Bown nearly freeze to death at a rest stop. Hubert Hensley had told his boy to fix the truck they were in … but did he listen?!? NOOOOOOOOO … We then check out the May 10, 1990 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Dale Earnhardt FINALLY wins at Talladega in a race that saw Greg Sacks come fairly close to pulling off the SECOND major upset of his career. Neil Bonnett announces that he won’t be able to race for another year after he sustained a serious head injury earlier in the year at Darlington. And … it’s a battle of the Hensleys at South Boston. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first of what will be three installments, Jeff Hensley talks about going racing with his dad Hubert and cousin Jimmy … and knowing when to quit as a driver himself. We then take a look at the April 21, 1983 issue of Grand National Scene This issue features coverage of Darrell Waltrip and Junior Johnson’s win at North Wilkesboro … THERE was a shocker … but NOT Tommy Ellis’ Budweiser Late Model Sportsman victory at South Boston, in which Jeff collected the best finish of his career in the series. D.K. Ulrich races against hamburgers and hot dogs, while Steve Waid dives into the safety issues of the day and Mark Martin hits rock bottom at his first attempt to make a go of it in NASCAR. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daytona 500 is NASCAR's biggest and most important race. It's where legends are made and hearts are broken. While waiting for the green flag, check out this very special compilation of Daytona 500 memories straight from The Scene Vault. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.  Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via:  patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast   venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the final installment of our interview, Jamie McMurray not-so-fondly remembers his time with Roush Racing, his victory in the 2010 Daytona 500 and how he wound up parting ways with team owner Chip Ganassi and the contentment it EVENTUALLY brought him. We then take a swing at the July 12, 2007 issue of NASCAR Scene. Jamie McMurray beats Kyle Busch to the checkered flag in a heart-pounding finish at Daytona, in a race that saw Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin not playing nice with each other. Mother Nature does Boris Said dirty and a there’s a feature on the new Roush Fenway Racing alliance. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a quick chat with the soon-to-be retired Chris Powell, president and general manager of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Jamie McMurray tells about that miracle first Winston Cup win at Charlotte and driving as a substitute for the injured Sterling Marlin. He also talks about the mental side of the sport … and if anybody should be talking about being mental … it’s the hosts of The Scene Vault Podcast. We then dig into the October 17, 2002 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Jamie McMurray wins the Winston Cup race at Charlotte … which was a HUGE shock. Jeff Burton wins the Busch Series race at Charlotte … which was anything BUT a shock. Jeff’s mad about racing back to the caution and his Roush Racing teammate is mad about racing … period … while not being able to see out of his windshield. Finally … co-host Steve Waid INSISTS that there was NO WAY that the point system that was in place at the time was going to change. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We start this week with a tribute to the late Bill Baumgardner, the BACE Motorsports team owner who won three consecutive Busch Series championships in 1995-97 with drivers Johnny Benson and Randy LaJoie. Then, in the first of what will be three installments of our interview, Jamie McMurray talks about the perception that he was afraid to race hard, getting hooked up with Winston Cup team owner Chip Ganassi and how he ended up filling in for Sterling Marlin late in the 2002 season. We then take a look at the July 23, 1998 issue of Winston Cup Scene. There’s a massive series of stories in this issue dealing with recent injuries to drivers and what could be done about it safety-wise … and from the seriousness of that topic … we move on to the silliness of a Go Kart race with Buckshot Jones … and Tony Stewart. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the third and final installment of our interview with Tony Liberati, Rambo goes to victory lane with Jimmie Johnson … but NOT before the future NASCAR Hall of Famer has already agreed to go Winston Cup racing with Hendrick Motorsports. Tony sticks with Herzog Motorsports and wins another couple of races with Todd Bodine, before economics forces the team to shut its doors while still in the hunt for the Busch Series championship. We then take a deep dive into the July 19, 2001 issue of Winston Cup Scene. There was a seismic fallout from Jimmy Spencer’s comments that Dale Earnhardt Jr’s recent Daytona win was somehow fixed and Tony Stewart was feeling the heat after HIS Daytona tirade. And … oh yeah … by the way … Kevin Harvick and Jimmie Johnson won at Chicagoland. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second installment of our interview with Tony Liberati, Rambo remembers his time with Michael Waltrip and Bahari Racing, moving over to Roush Racing with … first … Wally Dallenbach and then Jeff Burton in a second go-around with the team. He also discusses helping save Kyle Petty’s keister, his profound respect for Buddy Parrott and going to a Winston Cup victory lane for the first time with Buddy, Jeff and Kim Burton. Then, it’s time for a gamble. He’s approached to join forces with new Busch Series team owners Stan and Randy Herzog, who are planning to bring this kid by the name of Jimmie Johnson into the NASCAR fold. We then dive into the April 30, 1992 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Several competitors have trouble with their rear ends at Martinsville, while Geoff Bodine and Rambo give Kyle Petty a helping hand after a fiery crash. After all that, Mark Martin wins his first race of the 1992 Winston Cup season. Deb Williams digs into the issue of insurance in NASCAR … The King becomes a doctor … and Gary McCredie misspells the name of one of the biggest names in the history of entertainment. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We return this week with a vengeance! Enjoy the first of what will be a three-part series with Tony "Rambo" Liberati. Rambo began his NASCAR career on a whim while still serving in the United States Marine Corps and he's been involved in the sport in one way or another ever since. We then dig into the April 16, 1987 issue of Grand National Scene. Dale Earnhardt wins at Bristol, but not before he has to come back from a flat tire AND a run-in with Sterling Marlin. Richard Petty finishes second, while Harry Gant gets help from the grand ol’ master, Herb Nab on the way to the pole and a top-10 finish that weekend. There’s a fantastic feature on Judy Parrott, Buddy’s wife, and Jack Ingram feels the heat from the long arm of the law. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What better way to celebrate Christmas than to tag along with Morgan Shepherd on his annual charity trip to the PARC Workshop in Stuart, Virginia.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Neil Thompson, author of Driving With the Devil, joins us for an incredible deep dive into the untold stories of NASCAR's earliest days. Discover how moonshiners like Raymond Parks, Red Byron, and others laid the foundation for the sport we know today. Neil shares the lengths he went to earn trust, uncover forgotten legends, and capture the gritty origins of stock car racing. From thrilling tales of moonshine runs to the first NASCAR teams, this episode is packed with fascinating history and unforgettable characters. This is a collaboration between The Scene Vault Podcast and North Carolina’s Department of Cultural and Natural Resources made to spotlight the history of moonshine, motorsports, and the state of North Carolina. For more great Moonshine & Motorsports content, check out the other episodes and videos here: https://dailydownforce.com/moonshine-motorsports/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Enjoy this compilation of the best moments from The Scene Vault Podcast in 2024!   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We talked last week about some thefts that took place in the Atlanta garage and this week in the third and final installment of our interview with Ken Ragan, it gets even more serious with credit card after credit card getting boosted from team members. This time around, we get a high-stakes foot chase and … well … let’s just say some good ol’ fashioned frontier justice.  Ken also remembers getting out of the sport, a near-miss ARCA win at Atlanta and helping his son David get started in the sport. When then tackle the August 2, 1984 issue of Grand National Scene. Barney Hall calls the shot before Dale Earnhardt "strokes" his way to a victory at Talladega. It turns out to be a bad day for Trevor Boys and James Hylton, while things had BEEN stormy for Robert Yates building engines for Richard Petty and Mike Curb. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a chat with NASCAR Mavericks authors Herb Branham and Holly Cain, Ken Ragan talks about coming back from serious injury and then reconsidering his place in the sport after ANOTHER devastating crash.  Ken then discusses his relationship with Tim Richmond, who was slated to drive Ken’s car in the 1988 edition of the Busch Clash. We then dig into the May 15, 1985 issue of Grand National Scene. It’s a superspeedway in 1985 … who do you THINK won that week’s Winston Cup event? If you’re thinking Bill Elliott, you would be absolutely correct … but he DID have to overcome a handful of problems before the halfway point in order to set sail in the FINAL couple hundred miles. Also, fallout continues from "Fuelgate" the month before at Pocono. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of Moonshine and Motorsports features Dan Elliott sharing captivating stories about his family’s legacy and the rich history of Dawsonville, Georgia. Dan reflects on growing up in a small town with deep ties to moonshining and motorsports, recounting how his father’s passion for racing influenced the Elliott family’s career. He vividly describes the mischievous adventures of his youth and the strong community spirit that supported their early racing endeavors. Dan also shares personal anecdotes about his father’s determination, the sacrifices involved in racing, and the pride he takes in preserving his family heritage. The episode is a heartfelt tribute to the intertwining of small-town life, family bonds, and the love of racing. This is a collaboration between The Scene Vault Podcast and North Carolina’s Department of Cultural and Natural Resources made to spotlight the history of moonshine, motorsports, and the state of North Carolina. For more great Moonshine & Motorsports content, check out the other episodes and videos right here on the Daily Downforce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we turn the mic over to Ken Ragan and he proceeds to regale us with one racing story right after another.   Family that goes A LONG way back in the sport.   A promise to his future wife.   Making an offer on an old Bobby Allison race car.   How his brother decided that they should go Winston Cup racing.   It's all here, and more.   Let's go ahead and put this out there ... Ken's Georgian accent is one of the best you've EVER encountered here on The Scene Vault Podcast.    We then dive into the March 31, 1983 issue of Grand National Scene.   Although he had to wait a week, Cale Yarborough wound up in victory lane at Atlanta after grabbing the lead on the final restart and cruising the rest of the way to the checkered flag. Ken Ragan makes the first start of his Winston Cup career, but finds himself in the middle of a late-race, multicar accident.     There’s a reward out for the capture of a thief who struck in the garage area, while a couple of guys go full on redneck in the campground.   We also say goodbye to another member of the Winston Cup Scene and Illustrated family.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We honor the memory of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison in this very special tribute episode. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com. Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Rick meets with UNC Asheville professor Daniel Pierce to get an update on the recovery efforts in western North Carolina after the floods. Dr. Pierce shares his own personal story of how his family was affected, as well as the incredible resilience of local residents in the face of devastation.  This is a collaboration between The Scene Vault Podcast and North Carolina’s Department of Cultural and Natural Resources made to spotlight the history of moonshine, motorsports, and the state of North Carolina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the third and final installment of our interview, Mike Trower talks about his decision to leave Hendrick Motorsports not long after the departure of legendary crew chief Ray Evernham … and how that meant winning another Daytona 500 with Dale Jarrett and Robert Yates Racing.   And, as it turned out with Mike, you CAN go back home again. He returned to Hendrick Motorsports to change tires for Jimmie Johnson. You guessed it … he won ANOTHER couple of championship rings with Jimmie.    We then dive into the September 30, 1999 issue of Winston Cup Scene.   Rumors were running rampant that Ray Evernham was on his way out at Hendrick Motorsports … AND he’d also spoken at a recent NASA awards ceremony at the Cape in Florida.   Mark Martin scores his first win of the Winston Cup season on what was a really good day for MOST of Roush Racing. We’ve got kind of a dubious Rick Mast Report from Dover … and Darrell Waltrip complains about not getting enough provisional starting positions.   Casey Atwood wins at Dover, while Dale Earnhardt Jr and Matt Kenseth have at it on the backstretch … actually, Dale has at it … and Matt pays the price. NASCAR hammers Greg Biffle for a truck series infraction at Las Vegas, a penalty that would eventually cost him that year’s truck championship.   Felix Sabates has a difference of opinion with track president Denis McGlynn on Dover’s facilities. Finally … the more things change, the more they stay the same … the NASCAR family responds to the devastation of a major hurricane that hit eastern North Carolina. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second of three installments of our interview with Mike Trower, he describes moving from Old School Dave Marcis to the decidedly New School Hendrick Motorsports team of driver Jeff Gordon and crew chief Ray Evernham.   We then dig into the November 16, 1995 edition of Winston Cup Scene.   Dale Earnhardt dominates the season finale at Atlanta, but it’s Jeff Gordon who walks away with the Winston Cup championship.   Darrell Waltrip collects what turns out to be the final pole position of his career and Dave Marcis discusses rumors about his NASCAR future. Finally … we talk about this sport’s unbreakable records.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When things this good happen in the world of NASCAR, you'd better believe The Scene Vault Podcast is going to respond!   In this very special episode, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid sit down with Outside the Groove's Eric Estepp to discuss the historic news that NASCAR has officially credited Bobby Allison with a win in the August 6, 1971 event at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.   Which means ... of course ... that Allison will now rightfully be listed with 85 wins at the Cup level, which breaks him out of a tie with longtime rival Darrell Waltrip for fourth on NASCAR's all-time win list.   It's been a long time coming!   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a heartfelt tribute to Gary McCredie, the founding editor of Grand National/Winston Cup Scene , we consider Mike Trower's resume … SEVENTY-THREE points wins with Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett and Jimmie Johnson and FIVE Cup championships.   That’s extraordinarily rarified air … and he did it as the Ultimate WEEKEND Warrior.   In the first of what will be three installments of our interview, Mike talks about his humble beginnings in the sport with Helen Rae and Dave Marcis, the schedule he had to keep between the race track and his full-time job with Duke Energy and the evolution of what it took to compete … and survive … on pit road. We then take a deep dive into the November 1, 1984 issue of Grand National Scene.   There’s a big multicar crash, a flip and one heck of a finish between Bill Elliott and Harry Gant in the Winston Cup event at Rockingham.    The weekend is a sad one for Sam Ard, his friends and family after he was involved in a terrible crash that ended his driving career. This issue also features a story on Junior Johnson and his influence up and down pit road.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wendell Scott was a pioneering African American driver in NASCAR, known for breaking racial barriers in the sport. As the first Black driver to win at NASCAR's highest level, he faced significant challenges and discrimination throughout his career. His perseverance and determination made him a symbol of resilience, helping to pave the way for greater diversity and inclusion in NASCAR. In this episode, Rick sits down with Warrick Scott, Wendell's grandson, to hear stories from growing up with one of the pioneers of motorsports. This is a collaboration between The Scene Vault Podcast and North Carolina’s Department of Cultural and Natural Resources made to spotlight the history of moonshine, motorsports, and the state of North Carolina. For more visit https://dailydownforce.com/moonshine-motorsports/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the third and final segment of our interview, Gary DeHart talks about how having a crappy seat at the Winston Cup awards banquet fueled his determination to win it all that much more.   1996 turned out to be quite interesting with Hendrick Motorsports drivers Terry Labonte and Jeff Gordon and their teams going after each other for the championship. And despite coming out on top in 1996, DeHart opted to step down the following season due to burnout.   Gary concludes the session with a breakdown of his extraordinary work in the field of safety in NASCAR and gives us as close a look at T-Rex as anybody’s going to get. We then took a look at the November 14, 1996 issue of Winston Cup Scene. It’s an extraordinarily good weekend for the Labonte family in Atlanta, with Bobby winning the 1996 season finale and Terry winning the Winston Cup championship.   There are features on the evolution of the NASCAR roll cage and Brett Bodine’s first year as an owner-driver, and coverage of Randy LaJoie’s first Busch Series championship with BACE Motorsports. This issue also features an incredible photo of a fiery crash at Homestead.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!     Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We get things kicked off in a big way this week with the greatest Dave Marcis story you'll ever hear. Then the second installment of our interview, Gary DeHart gives us an inside look at the breakup of Hendrick Motorsports’ Darrell Waltrip-Waddell Wilson Dream Team, his role in the making of Days of Thunder and how that propelled him into a crew chief’s job with NASCAR Hall of Famers Ricky Rudd and Terry Labonte.   We then dig into the June 18, 1987 edition of Grand National Scene.   Tim Richmond wins at Pocono in his return to the sport after a lengthy illness. Richard Petty gets relief help from Joe Ruttman. There are features on Sterling Marlin and Brett Bodine, a photo bio on H.B. Bailey and news … timely for today … of an event honoring a NASCAR disaster relief effort.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode, Rick sits down with the legendary John Dodson to hear about his life in a North Carolina NASCAR family, and working and living alongside other state icons of motorsports. This is a collaboration between The Scene Vault Podcast and North Carolina’s Department of Cultural and Natural Resources made to spotlight the history of moonshine, motorsports, and the state of North Carolina. For more visit https://dailydownforce.com/moonshine-motorsports/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the first installment of our interview, Gary DeHart remembers getting his start in drag racing and his entrance into NASCAR with team owner Billy Hagan and driver Terry Labonte.   The team’s money issues forced Gary to work two jobs in order for him to be able to pay the bills. He eventually left the team when a request for a raise was turned down, but not before winning the 1984 Winston Cup championship.   We then dig into the November 29, 1984 issue of Grand National Scene.   Geoff Bodine takes advantage of Bobby Allison’s late-race flat tire to win the rain-soaked season finale at Riverside, while Terry Labonte overcomes Harry Gant in the battle for the 1984 Winston Cup championship.   Rusty Wallace wins freshman honors, despite enduring a difficult season with team owner Cliff Stewart. Bobby Rahal makes his one and only Winston Cup start for the Wood Brothers. Darrell Waltrip talks about safety in the wake of a fatal accident the week before at Atlanta, and also discusses rumors that he might buy into Junior Johnson & Associates.   And Steve Waid has a column for the ages.   IMPORTANT NOTE: We’re not going to be asking for any support this week for the podcast or YouTube channel. t would be FAR more appropriate to recommend that you make whatever donations you can to your charity of choice to help out in and around western North Carolina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rick sits down with the legendary Robert Pressley to hear his stories about growing up around racing - and moonshiners! - in the 1960's. Not only is he a well known name in the sport of NASCAR, but his father was even before him. Hear his incredible stories from the past on this episode of Moonshine and Motorsports. This is a collaboration between The Scene Vault Podcast and North Carolina’s Department of Cultural and Natural Resources made to spotlight the history of moonshine, motorsports, and the state of North Carolina. For more visit https://dailydownforce.com/moonshine-motorsports/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the third and final installment of our interview, Bill Ingle puts his team to the test in the shop and then gets tattled on by a teammate which leads to a hefty fine at Talladega.   He lets a team owner know in no uncertain terms that he wants the money he’s supposed to have coming his way. Finally, Bill walks away from the sport in favor of family and his love for music. We then dig into the May 4, 1995 issue of Winston Cup Scene.   Mark Martin wins at Talladega after using drafting help from Jeff Gordon to get by Dale Earnhardt as they charged toward the white flag and then it goes from bad to worse for Dale on the last lap.   Ricky Rudd and Bill Ingle get caught with their hands in the cookie jar by NASCAR inspectors, although THEY claim there weren’t any cookies IN the far.    There’s an article on Richie-Rich rich Gary Bechtel, owner of Diamond Ridge Motorsports. SHARON Mast … Rick’s WAY better half … is featured in this week’s Photo Bio.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone knows the drivers and their intensive training regimens, but have you ever thought about the rest of the pit crew? This episode, Rick sits down with Andy Papathanassiou to learn how the modern pit crew team came to be. This is a collaboration between The Scene Vault Podcast and North Carolina’s Department of Cultural and Natural Resources made to spotlight the history of moonshine, motorsports, and the state of North Carolina. For more visit https://dailydownforce.com/moonshine-motorsports/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the second EPIC installment of our interview with Bill Ingle, he and Alan Kulwicki tell each other to take this job and shove it. Bill remembers working with Michael Waltrip at Bahari Racing, THE accident at Bristol and what it was like to be involved in the Jeff Gordon Sweepstakes.    We then tackle the April 30, 1987 issue of Grand National Scene.    Geoff Bodine’s late-race clash with Kyle Petty hands Dale Earnhardt his fourth-straight win of the young Winston Cup season. There are features on Judy Tucker, Bill Ingle and Deb Williams flying on a private plane with Harry Gant, Phil Parsons and Jack Ingram to an appearance at Bristol, as well as news that Dale Jarrett officially landing his first full-time Winston Cup ride.   Finally … letter writers have their say on Dale Earnhardt’s most recent aggressive driving incident.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Moonshine & Motorsports Racing Podcast, host Rick Houston sits down with Bill Blair to talk about some of the undercover and unknown history of racing in the state of North Carolina. This is a collaboration between The Scene Vault Podcast and North Carolina’s Department of Cultural and Natural Resources made to spotlight the history of moonshine, motorsports, and the state of North Carolina. For more visit https://dailydownforce.com/moonshine-motorsports/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the latest stop on the Moonshine & Motorsports trail, Rick visits the Mountain Gateway Museum and Heritage Center. Along the way they talk about the background, heritage, and amazing history hiding in those North Carolina Mountains. This is a collaboration between The Scene Vault Podcast and North Carolina’s Department of Cultural and Natural Resources made to spotlight the history of moonshine, motorsports, and the state of North Carolina. For more visit https://dailydownforce.com/moonshine-motorsports/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We start off this week with an epic challenge from longtime NASCAR crew chief/crew member and friend of the podcast Gio "Tony/Rambo" Liberati.   In the first of what will be three installments, an awkward moment while out on a date as a teenager leads Bill Ingle to a career in NASCAR.   Junior Johnson makes Bill an offer he can’t refuse, so Bill heads to work up in Ingle Hollow. While there, he does work for both Darrell Waltrip and Neil Bonnett’s teams and stays out of the rivalry between the two operations.   How was he able to do that? That's a good question ... with an even better answer.    We then take a look at the October 30, 1986 issue of Grand National Scene.   The Scene Vault Podcast co-host Steve Waid takes on Bill Ingle and Tim Brewer when there’s something written that they don’t like. Alan Kulwicki and "Mike" Waltrip for the Winston Cup rookie-of-the-year award. There are feature stories on Bob Rahilly and Dr. Jim Petty, and an old issue of Grand National Scene takes a look back at an OLDER issue of Grand National Scene.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   JOIN THE RAMBO CHALLENGE VIA EITHER  paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast or venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the third and final installment of our interview, Joe Dan Bailey wins the 1990 Daytona 500 … and then goes to work for Richard Childress Racing, where he proudly shows off his ring for that infamous event.   With RCR, Joe Dan helps Dale Earnhardt win his sixth AND seventh Winston Cup championships. Still, in the topsy-turvy world of NASCAR, Joe Dan isn’t able to find career stability until going to work for Toyota Racing Development, where he’s been for nearly 18 years now.   We then delve into the April 9, 1992 issue of Winston Cup Scene.   Alan Kulwicki has to come back from HIS late pit miscue to race Dale Jarrett HARD for the win at Bristol … and eventually does take the checkered flag. Davey Allison has the first of what would be several hurdles he’d have to clear in 1992. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid do a little race parlay … JUST FOR FUN.   Turns out, Rick, Steve and Buddy Parrott have a hero in common. Barry Dodson and some of his guys move in at Whitcomb Racing … while some former Whitcomb crew members have to move out. Barry was leaving the ill-fated Team III, while Kenny Wallace remembers that effort as one of the worst times in his career. We then unveil a semi-, kinda-sorta, maybe, almost comprehensive list of teams for which legendary crew chief/chassis expert "Suitcase" Jake Elder worked over the years. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Joe Dan Bailey tries his hand at driving, but it doesn’t exactly work out the way he probably hoped. Still … he makes a name for himself as a top-notch crew member and finds himself in the midst of one of the most iconic   We then take a deep look into the July 5, 1990 issue of Winston Cup Scene.   Rob Moroso and Jack Pennington go after the 1990 Winston Cup rookie of the year title in a battle that was very much a case of David and Goliath.   Bobby Hillin doesn’t exactly come out and say it, but he’s on the way out at Stavola Brothers Racing. Reaction to the newly-released Days of Thunder is all the rage in this issue. Co-host Steve Waid makes the case for a comprehensive racing hall of fame … and host Rick Houston then makes the case for Steve to be a NASCAR Hall of Fame voter.   Joe Dan Bailey is featured in Scene’s photo bio, the very same week as the birth of his BABY brother is announced. And … finally … do we EVER have a whopper of a Rick Mast Report!   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We start off this week with our reaction to the BIG news that the 2025 Busch Clash will be run at the Madhouse, Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.   Then, in the first of what will be three installments, Joe Dan Bailey joins the show to remember his dad … the legendary NASCAR independent driver and successful Houston, Texas businessman H.B. Bailey.    We then dig into the June 11, 1987 issue of Grand National Scene.   Davey Allison’s stunning first half of his rookie season is featured on the cover and we’ve got some audio to go along with the story.   Writer Saroyan Humphrey columnizes about H.B. Bailey. Alex Beam is a NASCAR collector extraordinaire … and we’ve got audio on that one, too. Ernie Elliott burns his toe on a hickory nut … and, no … we DON’T have audio for that.   And fans have their say on Dale Earnhardt and Bill Elliott’s scrape during the 1987 edition of The Winston all-star race in the letters to the editor section.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An incredible act of generosity has resulted in us landing complete sets of Winston Cup Scene and Winston Cup Illustrated AND approximately 1,200 cassette tapes containing hundreds of NASCAR radio broadcasts.   Enjoy this first listen to an extraordinary archive, almost certainly one of the largest held in a private collection.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the latest stop on the Moonshine & Motorsports trail, Rick visits with Marcus Neubacher of the North Carolina Transportation Museum. The museum is responsible for preserving some of the earliest history of cars and vehicles, and if it's North Carolina, you know that means motorsports! This is a collaboration between The Scene Vault Podcast and North Carolina’s Department of Cultural and Natural Resources made to spotlight the history of moonshine, motorsports, and the state of North Carolina. For more, visit https://dailydownforce.com/moonshineandmotorsports/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

IMPORTANT NOTE: The audio quality of the David Smith interview in this episode is not up to our usual standards. We feel the importance of preserving David’s story outweighs those imperfections.  Faith was a part of who legendary Richard Childress Racing jackman David Smith was, and that fact comes through in this 1996 interview. Give it a listen ... and be taken straight to church! We then tackle the May 5, 1988 issue of Grand National Scene.   Phil Parsons wins the first and only race of his Winston Cup career at Talladega. His crew chief Andy Petree told us once upon a time that the car Phil was driving that day was … special.   Michael Waltrip endures a wreck that day that leaves him very groggily walking across the track, with the rest of the field not too awfully far away and headed in his direction.   AJ Foyt gets hammered with a suspension and fine after showing out on pit road after being penalized a lap. During qualifying, Bill Elliott’s string of six straight Talladega pole positions is broken by Davey Allison.   Tim Richmond files a $20 million lawsuit against NASCAR.    Scene tries to answer a question for the ages … is it SterLIN or SterLING Marlin? Gene Granger digs into the life and times of LeeRoy Yarbrough. There’s an in-depth article on Richard Childress Racing jackman David Smith.    Finally … we’ve got Dale Earnhardt stories involving stolen souvenirs, whipped-cream pies, chickens, bulls and business trips. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.     Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the final part of our interview, Dan Elliott talks about winning the 1988 Winston Cup championship despite tensions in the shop, the impact Mike Rich’s tragic passing had on his over-the-wall career and what amounted to the Taylor family packing up and moving out of Mayberry.   We then tackle the February 28, 1991 issue of Winston Cup Scene.   Dale Earnhardt and Ricky Rudd race for the win on the last lap at Richmond and they do NOT take each other out. That’s news in and of itself.    Mark Martin comes back from multiple laps twice to finish sixth, but in the fog that was early 1991 for Roush Racing, Jack Roush is not happy with Mark’s effort.   King Racing fabricator Jim Callard throws a little bit of shade at racing mechanics. Dan Elliott announces that he’s no longer going to going over the wall on pit stops, due in no small part to a tragic accident at Atlanta just a few months earlier.   It LITERALLY pay Morgan Shepherd to be nice. And … last … but FAR from least … you could say that this issue had some REACTION to the pit road rules that were in effect for the Daytona 500.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Rick stops by the Ashe County Museum to chat with historians Andrew Cole and Jerry Brown to find out the origins of the moonshiners going all the way back to their immigrant roots, plus a look at some of the other fabulous exhibits on offer at the museum. This is a collaboration between The Scene Vault Podcast and North Carolina’s Department of Cultural and Natural Resources made to spotlight the history of moonshine, motorsports, and the state of North Carolina. You can also listen to every episode of the Moonshine and Motorsports Racing Podcast on all your favorite podcast apps. Find more here: https://dailydownforce.com/moonshine-motorsports/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second installment of our interview, Dan Elliott talks about the polar opposite reactions he had to Melling Racing’s skyrocketing fame and success in the mid-1980s. Let’s just say it was the best of times and it was the worst of times.   He also discusses Darrell Waltrip’s mind games and a disastrous pit stop at Riverside.    We then dive into the November 12, 1987 issue of Grand National Scene.   Three members of Bill Elliott’s pit crew receive serious injuries … and Dan Elliott winds up bruised and sore … as the result of an accident on pit road at Riverside.    Rusty Wallace outlasts Geoff Bodine and Dale Earnhardt to win the event, despite one of the most iconic moves of Dale’s career. Old Guard Benny Parsons and Richard Petty have good days, while team owner Rick Hendrick gets a turn behind the wheel.   Finally, Mark Martin reacts to a dream ride with Roush Racing. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the first of what are three lengthy installments, Dan Elliott talks about the monumental impact of his father George on the family racing business, the desperate early struggles of that operation, Harry Melling coming on board to help stabilize the team, that first win at Riverside and laying the foundation for what took place in 1985.   We then tackle the April 28, 1983 issue of the Grand National Scene.   Darrell Waltrip wins at Martinsville … shocker of all shockers … despite Bobby Allison’s claim that he’d incorrectly passed the pace car. Ricky Rudd goes OFF on Joe Ruttman on the cool-down lap AND on pit road, while Tim Richmond goes OFF on NASCAR in the press box after the race.    Dale Earnhardt takes aim at Ford for not helping his Bud Moore-owned team as much as he thought it should. Mark Martin gets fired by J.D. Stacy team manager Robert “Boobie” Harrington. There’s a feature on Dan Elliott, and Dick May calls himself a professional stroker on the race track.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Rick sits down with Katie Sanford, a park ranger at North Carolina's beautiful Dismal Swamp State Park. One of the most recent additions to the Moonshine & Motorsports Trail, Dismal Swamp is not only smack dab in a neighborhood full of racing, it also hides a secret history of moonshiners who utilized the swamp as a haven for running shine decades ago.  This is a collaboration between The Scene Vault Podcast and North Carolina’s Department of Cultural and Natural Resources made to spotlight the history of moonshine, motorsports, and the state of North Carolina. You can also listen to every episode of the Moonshine and Motorsports Racing Podcast on all your favorite podcast apps. Find more here: https://dailydownforce.com/moonshine-motorsports/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ricky Rudd doesn’t talk about an infamous run-in with Jeff Gordon at Charlotte in this week’s installment of our interview, but WE do. Ricky wins the Brickyard 400, which brings up host Rick Houston's favorite story about him.   Ricky also puts on one of the most memorable exhibitions of bravery … if not outright stubbornness … in winning at Martinsville. We conclude by talking about the difficult decision to shut down the team he and wife Linda built from the ground up … and the avenues he took in continuing to feed his competitive drive.   We then dig into the October 1, 1998 issue of Winston Cup Scene.   Ricky Rudd SURVIVES to win on a brutally hot day in Martinsville. Several other competitors were impacted by the heat, so just imagine how THEY felt after the race. Despite the miserable conditions, Rich Bickle has a career day at the Winston Cup level.   Tom Higgins writes about Dale Sr catching Dale Jr smoking … although Dale Jr himself doesn’t exactly remember the incident. We have stories on Jim Mattei … and clips … from Ryan Pemberton, Matt Kenseth and Danny Culler.   Then … it’s on to the disappearance of Scooby-Doo from the Melling Racing transporter … a case that has not been solved to this day.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com. Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here’s what our listeners need to know about this week’s installment of our interview with Ricky Rudd.   We talk about his Busch CRASH and that astounding win two weeks later at Richmond, as well as his on-again, off-again relationship with Dale Earnhardt that was DEFINITELY off again in the late 80s at North Wilkesboro.   Ricky also discusses one of the most controversial finishes in NASCAR history, when his apparent 1991 Sears Point win was awarded to Davey Allison, as well as his years with Hendrick Motorsports.    We then page through the October 20, 1988 issue of Grand National Scene.    Rusty Wallace comes back from a scrape with Jimmy Means to beat Geoff Bodine to the stripe after a CRAZY last few laps at North Wilkesboro. Geoff bumps Rusty, Rusty bumps Geoff, Ricky Rudd bumps Dale Earnhardt, Dale SPINS Ricky, Ricky PUNTS Dale.    There are features on the debate over a traveling safety team in NASCAR, Lynda Petty and Barbara Nelson, who’d recently found the son she’d given up for adoption.   Rusty Wallace’s recent win at Charlotte is celebrated in quite extravagant style, Harold Kinder gets handcuffed to the fence at Charlotte AND Jack Ingram has a wee bit of a problem with his trailer going TO Charlotte. Finally … we get a chance to not discuss politics on The Scene Vault Podcast! NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available. Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Newly elected NASCAR Hall of Famer Ricky Rudd joins us for an in-depth look at the earliest days of his career, when he went STRAIGHT from motocross to the Winston Cup circuit, with NO in between to get him prepped and ready.   He talks about the struggles he faced with his family owned team; leaving Nelson Malloch for SAFETY reasons; his take-it-or-leave-it salary at DiGard AND going to drive for Richard Childress Racing.   We do something a little different with our issue of the week segment and take a look at a FIVE-PART series Scene ran on Ricky in the summer of 1977 … VERY early in its existence.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast   paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast   venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Rick chats with Todd Johnson of the Johnston County Museum about the secret history of moonshining in Johnston County and what you can discover for yourself at the County Museum. This is a collaboration between The Scene Vault Podcast and North Carolina’s Department of Cultural and Natural Resources made to spotlight the history of moonshine, motorsports, and the state of North Carolina. You can also listen to every episode of the Moonshine and Motorsports Racing Podcast on all your favorite podcast apps. Find more here: https://dailydownforce.com/moonshine-motorsports/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We went BIG with our 300th episode! Joined by legendary pit-road reporter, radio, and TV host Matt Yocum as a guest host, we also sit down with Richard Childress Racing and Dale Earnhardt's Flying Aces/Junkyard Dogs pit crew ... crew chief and NASCAR Hall of Famer Kirk Shelmerdine, Chocolate Myers, Will Lind, and Danny Lawrence. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Rick chats with Gray Garrison about the history - and now future - of racing at Bowman Gray Stadium. One of the most historically significant tracks in North Carolina, Bowman Gray was recently revealed to be coming back to the NASCAR racing schedule in the very near future. Rick talks to Gray about that and of course, what it's like to race at what has affectionately become known as the Mad House. This is a collaboration between The Scene Vault Podcast and North Carolina’s Department of Cultural and Natural Resources made to spotlight the history of moonshine, motorsports, and the state of North Carolina. You can also listen to every episode of the Moonshine and Motorsports Racing Podcast on all your favorite podcast apps. For more, visit https://dailydownforce.com/moonshine-motorsports/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a perfect world, Jocko Maggiacomo would be best remembered for having one of the greatest names in NASCAR history.   But that all changed in a split second … in the time that it took for Jocko to be involved in the crash that ended the driving career of the legendary Bobby Allison.  Today … we know Bobby’s story … we know that he was hurt very badly in a crash at Pocono … and that he never raced again. Yet on the other hand, we know next to nothing about Jocko. And that’s why I wanted to do this interview … because it’s the ultimate other-side-of-the-story feature. We then take a long look into the August 27, 1987 issue of Grand National Scene, Jocko Maggiacomo is featured in the Winston Cup spotlight and in Gary McCreadie’s column about a heartbreaking night in Michigan.  Dale Earnhardt continues his torrid 1987 pace with a dominant win at Bristol, despite lingering effects from a crash the week before. Rusty Wallace TRIES to run Dale down in the closing stages … but winds up run down himself on a brutally hot night. Ken Schrader makes the only choice he can make when it comes to his safety. Benny Parsons suffers through a terrible season and makes things even worse with his choice in headwear.   Everyone in the NASCAR community comes to the aid of BIG Jesse Skyes … except … that is … his team owner. And Joe Whitlock gets the last laugh with a fan. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week … fresh out of host Rick Houston's mini-cassette stash … Ron Bouchard. In this nearly half-hour conversation, Ron talks about his first exposure to the sport, hooking up with car owner Jack Beebe, and that magical 1981 day at Talladega.   He also discusses a couple of opportunities that got away … and a couple that didn’t pan out quite the way he’d hoped. Finally, he takes us through his decision to walk away from the sport once and for all.   We then take a long look into the August 6, 1981, edition of Grand National Scene.   Ron Bouchard stuns the racing world with a three-wide victory over Darrell Waltrip and Terry Labonte at Talladega on a weekend that saw Dale Earnhardt and Morgan Shephard part ways with their respective teams.   Future NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin continues making a name for himself with a win in Talladega’s ARCA event. You wrote about the “RELUCTANT PLAYBOY” Tim Richmond, and a couple of items confirmed once again that there was still a lot of work to do when it came to the issue of women in racing.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a collaboration between The Scene Vault Podcast and North Carolina’s Department of Cultural and Natural Resources made to spotlight the history of moonshine, motorsports, and the state of North Carolina. You can also listen to every episode of the Moonshine and Motorsports Racing Podcast on all your favorite podcast apps. For more, visit https://dailydownforce.com/moonshine-motorsports/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the third and final installment of our interview with Sandy Jones, he discusses the meaning of REAL friendship and remembers an all-out Dukes of Hazzard-style car chase that our listeners will just have to hear to believe.   We then dig into the April 28, 1988 issue of Grand National Scene.   Dale Earnhardt wins at Martinsville after Lady Luck … once again … frowns upon Harry Gant. Sterling Marlin and Bobby Hillin have their day in the sun by finishing second and third, respectively, while Buddy Baker gets a top 10.   You heard that right … Buddy Baker … top 10 … at Martinsville. Kyle Petty has at it with Geoff Bodine … and then NASCAR. There’s a feature story on trailblazing seatmaker Brian Butler and his ButlerBuilt company. Bobby Wawak discusses his career-ending accident earlier in the season at Daytona, and lunch does NOT go well for Darrell Waltrip and members of his Hendrick Motorsports team.   Finally, the letters to the editor section isn’t exactly a meeting of the Dave Marcis fan club after an incident between he and Harry Gant at Bristol.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We get things started off this week with a stunning find ... Rick's old mini-cassette tapes featuring interviews with a number of long-lost members of the NASCAR community.   Sandy Jones then remembers a team divided at Junior Johnson and Associates, Tim Brewer’s jaunt through Ingle Hollow, and parting ways with the team. He remembers his time with Darrell Waltrip and the Tide Ride, their 1989 Daytona 500 win together, and a SHORT-lived stint with DW’s own operation.    We then dig into the December 5, 1985 edition of Grand National Scene.   Bill Elliott … and NOT Darrell Waltrip … is named Driver of the Year. Bobby Allison was unhappy with a two-car situation at DiGard … so he leaves and JOINS a two-car operation with the Stavola Brothers.   Rusty Wallace makes the move from Cliff Stewart to Blue Max. There’s a Sandy Jones photo bio. Mark Martin has a new Cup deal. Michael Waltrip loses his crew chief to a terrible highway accident. Richard Petty undergoes surgery … and … finally … the name Grand National gets dropped from the Cup series and moves to the Busch Grand National division.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast   paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast   venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the first of what will be three installments, Sandy Jones remembers Jimmy "Smut" Means, the LONG road home from Pocono, his stint with D.K. Ulrich, and going to school at Junior Johnson University, where he was the new kid in Ingle Hollow … and treated like it.   We then tackle the April 3, 1980 edition of Grand National Scene.   Dale Earnhardt wins his second race in a row, early in his sophomore season. The win comes at Bristol, where he’d scored the FIRST victory of his Winston Cup career the year before.   Donnie Allison parts ways with Hoss Ellington, and there’s speculation on who might go into the seat. Gene Granger has the scoop on David Pearson and Hoss … and yes … another feature on his friend. Gene also takes aim at ABC’s coverage of the recent Atlanta event, a broadcast anchored by the legendary Al Michaels.   Neil Bonnett talks about Harry Hyde, qualifying, and his quite liberal interpretation of the rulebook. Finally, there are features on Jimmy Means’ "main man" … Sandy Jones … and former boat racer Bill Elswick.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!     Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast     paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast   venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the third and final installment of our interview, Norman Negre remembers the mother of all road trips … and flights … with Bobby Allison … who, by the way … has 85 Grand National/Cup wins, not 84.   After that, we’ve got false teeth flying all over the place, while race cars AREN’T taking flight quite as much, thanks in part to Norman. We then dig into the June 15, 1995 issue of Winston Cup Scene.   Jeff Gordon’s missed shift hands the Pocono win to Hendrick Motorsports teammate Terry Labonte. Ted Musgrave takes second place and does not get PUNCHED this time. Hut Stricklin’s fifth-place showing gives him hope that his Kenny Bernstein-owned team won’t shut down at the end of the season. And Dale Jarrett’s day lasts but a few laps for the second race in a row.   Larry Pearson and Ryan Pemberton win at Myrtle Beach, while little ol’ me does a feature on my hometown of Nashville, Tennessee’s connections to racing. Finally, Junie Donlavey is joined for a cool photo op by several of his former drivers.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available. Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Norman Negre didn't want to talk about whether or not nitrous played a part in Dale Earnhardt making the first start of his Winston Cup career … and I respected that … but we’ve since discussed it a little bit more … and he did admit that there were some things that he wanted to get straight. So … we met AGAIN … and we got the story straight from Norman.   This week in the second installment of our interview, Norman also talks about the lengths to which independents would go to make ends meet, his relationship with Harry Hyde, and how that led to stints with Tim Richmond, Bobby Hillin, and ALMOST Rick Hendrick.    We then take a deep dive into the July 24, 1986 issue of Grand National Scene.    Tim Richmond and Harry Hyde celebrate on the cover of this issue after Tim overcomes Hendrick Motorsports teammate Geoff Bodine and Ricky Rudd in a thrilling last-lap battle at Pocono.   Richard Petty isn’t happy with Tim after the race. Harry Gant takes the pole position during qualifying … but afterward … his crew chief Travis Carter is hammered with a thousand-dollar fine for a piece that was SPIRITUALLY illegal.   There’s a feature on Norman Negre; Gene Granger has the inside look on rising salary demand; and two letters to the editor stand out ... one discusses Janet Guthrie's career stats, while the other mentions rumors(?!?) that Kyle Petty might join the 1960s supergroup The Monkees!   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

in racing as the son of one of NASCAR’s independent drivers and team owners, Ed Negre. Norman remembers how an impromptu chance behind the wheel of his dad’s car in practice settled once and for all the question of whether or not HE would ever drive himself. Norman gives us an inside look at the first Winston Cup start of Dale Earnhardt’s career. We then dig into the April 13, 1978 issue of Grand National Scene. Darrell Waltrip and Benny Parsons swap the first and second positions at Darlington and then Bristol … where Benny got an assist … as usual … from John Utsman. Lennie Pond looks forward to a new ride with team owner Harry Ranier and crew chief Herb Nab. Dave Marcis tries to soothe the savage beast that was Buddy Baker at Darlington and Gene Granger has features on young independent driver Bill Elliott and his boy … David Pearson. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the second and final installment of our interview, Tim Fedewa talks about changing up the game plan at Talladega and how the decision led to some painful injuries. Then … it’s on to his career as a spotter and his relationship with Kevin Harvick.   We then tackle the massive April 25, 2002 issue of Winston Cup Scene.    Dale Earnhardt Jr and Jason Keller win at Talladega, although the fields for both events were decimated by HUGE wrecks. There’s a ton of reaction over Kevin Harvick getting suspended for a race and Jack Roush’s near-fatal airplane crash, as well as features on team owner Travis Carter, Buck Baker, and Dale Inman.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast   paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast   venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mention his name today, and most will recognize Tim Fedewa as the longtime spotter for Kevin Harvick. But like so many other folks up in the spotter’s stand, Tim began his career as a driver in and around his home state of Michigan.   He eventually moved south to go Busch Series racing with Ray and Diane DeWitt, who took him to his first win in 1995 at Nazareth. Tim wound up at BACE Motorsports, where he had a front-row seat to the chaos … and success … of teammates Randy LaJoie, crew chief Steve Bird, and team owner Bill Baumgardner.    Tim then ran into his OWN contractual issues with the team, which prevented him from landing a ride that turned out to be one of the most successful in Busch Series history.    We then tackle the May 25, 1995 issue of Winston Cup Scene.    A bad storm gets things kicked off at Charlotte the weekend of The Winston Select all-star race. Jeff Gordon fires up his Hendrick Motorsports crew before going out and putting it to the rest of the field in the main event.    Kenny Schrader races his way into the all-star race, just a week after losing part of his thumb in a freak accident. And then has a bit of a rough encounter with Mr. Excitement, Jimmy Spencer. Dale Earnhardt and Darrell Waltrip try to make a run on Gordon in the final ten-lap shootout but wind up running into each other and crashing.    Plus, future high-ranking NASCAR official Elton Sawyer gets whacked with a penalty. Tim Fedewa wins the first race of his Busch Series career at Nazareth by stretching his fuel supply and staying out of the carnage in the first half of the event.    Chad Little weighs racing against law school … and racing almost wins, before momma and daddy step in. Finally, Kyle Petty REALLY wants to get to Memphis on time during his annual cross-country motorcycle ride, so he can visit Graceland, home of his hero, Elvis Presley. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We don’t typically cover weekly short-track racing to any great extent … except when it comes to folks getting started out there.   But with Gray Garrison’s LONG family history with Big Bill, Billy, Jim AND Annie France, it’s one of those interviews that we couldn’t NOT do, especially considering the recent announcement of NASCAR acquiring the racing lease at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.   This WASN’T one of those business associations where NASCAR sanctioned races at Bowman Gray for a LONG time.    The France family LIVED with Gray’s maternal grandparents, Alvin and Heloise Hawkins, and Alvin sat just one other person removed from Bill France Sr. in the famous NASCAR organizational meeting at the Streamline Hotel on December 14, 1947.   Gray’s grandmother changed Jim France’s diapers, so, yes, last year was NASCAR 75 … and Gray’s family was there from the VERY beginning.   We then tackle the August 6, 1987 edition of Grand National Scene.   NASCAR puts a strict limit on testing during the offseason and competitors from one end of the garage to the other celebrate. There are features on caterer Jane Hogan; another on the reaction of Cale Yarborough Motorsports to the loss of one of their own; and the luck … or lack thereof … of Blue Max Racing and driver Rusty Wallace.    We have a photo bio on some guy named Tony Liberati, a column by the ticked-off Joe Whitlock ... and … finally … a press release in which Tim Richmond talks about looking forward to the upcoming Southern 500. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the third and final installment of our interview, Shawn Parker describes in heartbreaking detail the loss of his wife, trying to race again and eventually parting ways with Robert Yates Racing just two months or so after the accident. Then … he builds a new life with Deborah Renshaw, whose own racing story was impacted by tragedy. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast   paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast   venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Troy Selberg is most known to NASCAR fans as a crew chief for legends like Todd Bodine and Morgan Shephard, but he also moonlights as an accredited bourbon steward. What all does that entail, and how does it connect to the history of North Carolina's moonshine trade? Find out in this episode of the Moonshine and Motorsports Racing Podcast. This is a collaboration between The Scene Vault Podcast and North Carolina’s Department of Cultural and Natural Resources made to spotlight the history of moonshine, motorsports, and the state of North Carolina. You can also listen to every episode of the Moonshine and Motorsports Racing Podcast on all your favorite podcast apps. For more, visit https://dailydownforce.com/moonshine-motorsports/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FIRST … we’re gonna dig into the January 30, 1997 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Shawn Parker appears on the cover … along with teammate Ken Sapper … as they work on the rear-end housing from Rusty Wallace’s Penske Racing South Ford. We get preseason stories on Rusty and Jimmy Spencer, as well as features on Ned Jarrett and a throwback to Darrell Waltrip's win in the 1989 Daytona 500. Andy Graves doesn't exactly go all out in his photo bio, and "Pappy" Tom Higgins gets a NASCAR-related fact wrong in writing about astronauts. THEN in the second installment of our interview, Shawn Parker talks about protecting his team’s turf on pit road, which led to maybe … just maybe … a scuffle or two with members of OTHER teams. He talks about the wholesale crew changes that were made at the end of every season in and around the Mooresville race shops. He then turns his attention to meeting Tara Howell, her critical health issues and the subsequent heart transplant she endured and … best of all … the adoption of their son, Jagger. FINALLY … we’ll be joined by Xfinity Series driver Joey Gase to talk about HIS passion for getting the word out about organ and tissue donation. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the course of the next three episodes, our listeners will get to know Shawn Parker, who was one of Jeff Gordon’s original Rainbow Warrior pit crew members. Shawn also worked for Penske Racing and Rusty Wallace; Roush Racing and Mark Martin; and Dale Jarrett. He then takes us on a journey that is one of the most emotional that we’ve ever featured here on The Scene Vault Podcast. This week, Shawn talks about getting into NASCAR with Jeff Gordon, where he’s very reluctantly introduced to Jeff’s pet python snake. He gives us his view on what it was like to work for Ray Evernham and go over the wall for the first time in NASCAR’s greatest race. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second and final installment of our interview, Chuck Bown remembers winning the 1990 Busch Series championship, as well as the lengths to which NASCAR went to make sure the title was on the up and up.   Chuck then moved to Winston Cup with Bobby Allison in 1994 but experienced a terrible accident at Pocono that left him with impaired vision for the next several months. He pulled himself from the car while recovering, and subsequently fought the perception that he was damaged goods.   We'll then take a look at the August 16, 1990 issue of Winston Cup Scene.   Ricky Rudd wins at Watkins Glen, just ahead of a battle for second place between the brothers Bodine … Geoff and Brett. Sterling Marlin and team owner Billy Hagan are mad at Tommy Kendall after the race. Mark Martin finishes fifth on a weekend that began with a VICIOUS accident during practice that also involved Dick Trickle and Troy Beebe.   Crew members are injured for the second race in a row. There’s an ad for an international driver search that eventually became the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Kim Wood Hall and her husband Terry celebrate Christmas all year long.   Also … Chuck Bown wins his sixth and final Busch Series race of 1990. Junior Johnson employees/lawyers file a protest in a garage-area cooking competition and … finally … a commentary foreshadows Rajah Carruth’s truck win this weekend at Las Vegas.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast   paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast   venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we welcome Daniel Pierce to the show. He's a UNC Asheville professor who's written a book on the history of moonshiners in professional racing, and he sits down with Rick to clear up some of the fascinating history behind these wheelmen in North Carolina. This is a collaboration between The Scene Vault Podcast and North Carolina's Department of Cultural and Natural Resources made to spotlight the history of moonshine, motorsports and the state of North Carolina. For more info, visit: https://dailydownforce.com/moonshineandmotorsports/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the first of what will be two installments of our interview, Chuck Bown remembers going Cup racing as a YOUNGster, winning championships in Winston West and Busch North, and the momentous move to the Busch Series with team owners Hubert and Jeff Hensley.   We then dig into the January 19, 1978 issue of Grand National Scene.   Chuck Bown parts ways with his Winston West team owner just two years after winning the division championship together. Darrell Waltrip gets a couple of prestigious awards and the writer of a letter to the editor mentions Scene’s extraordinarily humble beginnings.   Daytona announces its purse for the upcoming 1978 Daytona 500 … and it’s less than a half-million dollars. Writer Gene Granger turns in copy on the winner’s circle program, David Pearson … David Pearson AGAIN … and Bobby Allison. Plus, we get a look at NASCAR independent driver J.D. McDuffie.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast   paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast   venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the third and final installment of our interview, Troy Selberg tries to blow up his race car and then makes one of his teammates hide in the garage overnight to repair the damage. He then remembers the job offer that go away before turning his attention to how a very straightforward observation from his wife led to him getting out of the sport altogether.   We then tackle the January 20, 1994 issue of Winston Cup Scene.   Troy Selberg is featured on the cover of this issue along with several other crew chiefs, but he’s nowhere to be found IN the issue. The preseason issue also includes stories on the big-game hunting exploits of Richard Childress and Wally Dallenbach, as well as a piece on Elisa Allison, Clifford’s widow. We also get a column on Rick Mast as well as news that Winston Cup Scene would be sponsoring the Busch Series most popular driver award and on what David Pearson thought of the modern driver.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast   paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast   venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second installment of our interview, Troy Selberg describes a life-changing conversation with a mentor who encouraged him to form his NASCAR exit strategy. He also remembers his Great Phoenix Carburetor Controversy … and how it resulted in the right sponsor … making the right race … at the right time. We then tackle the July 3, 1980 issue of the Grand National Scene. There’s a feature story on Troy Selberg’s dad … Erv … and his young, impressionable teammate and news that Ricky Rudd was replacing Dick Brooks behind the wheel of team owner Nelson Malloch’s cars. And just wait until you hear what Ricky had to say about those cars just a few short weeks later! NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Moonshine & Motorsports podcast. This is a collaboration between Scene Vault and North Carolina's Department of Cultural and Natural Resources made to spotlight the history of moonshine, motorsports, and the state of North Carolina. In this first episode, Rick visits with Winston Kelley at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. For more info, visit: https://dailydownforce.com/moonshineandmotorsports/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the first of what will be three installments of our interview, Troy Selberg talks about his family’s move from its home in California to North Carolina, where both he AND his dad were going to pursue careers in motorsports.     Troy remembers his ingenious method of sneaking into the garage, well before he became a teenager. He worked with D.K. Ulrich and Lake Speed before going to work for Hendrick Motorsports and driver Ricky Rudd.     He also talks about how Mike Rich’s accident at Atlanta changed the course of his life and how, eventually, he returned to Lake Speed’s team and became crew chief.     And … if you’re out there and have experience in the motorsports industry, Troy has some advice that you do NOT want to miss.    We'll then take a deep dive into the April 4, 1991 issue of Winston Cup Scene, which featured coverage of Ken Schrader's early season victory at Atlanta.    We wouldn’t have known anything about Schrader's victory from the broadcast of the race … because there WAS NO broadcast of the event once it resumed following a day’s postponement due to rain.   This issue also carried features on Harry Gant, Alan Kulwicki, and Darlington Raceway legend Elton Odom.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.    Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!    Please consider supporting this show via:    patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast     paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast    venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The somber beginning to 2024 continues this week with the passing of legendary NASCAR scoundrel L.W. Wright. This week's episode is in memory of both Ryan Pemberton and Wright.    NOTE: This podcast is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode is all about perspective ... the disappointment of losing out on a prestigious award just doesn't compare to the devastating loss experienced recently by the Pemberton family.  Rest in peace, Ryan.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our three-part conversation with longtime NASCAR crew member and crew chief Ryan Pemberton was already scheduled to begin this week when word came of his unexpected death on Sunday, January 14.    It is in his honor and memory that we present his interview.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this very special episode, Buddy Arrington talks with crew member and fan-club president Bob Laird about how he got into racing, how he came across his famed number 67, racing against the big boys and his loyalty to Dodge and Chrysler.   Then in our second segment, we’ll discuss Buddy’s arrest for hauling illegal whisky and throw it back to some stories we’ve shared in the past about him … the rumored loss of "Little Buddy," the controversial shenanigans he and Richard Petty pulled off at Dover back in 1975 and … again … Dodge and Chrysler.   Then in our second segment, we’ll discuss Buddy’s arrest for hauling illegal whisky and throw it back to some stories we’ve shared in the past about him … the rumored loss of Little Buddy, the controversial shenanigans he and Richard Petty pulled off at Dover back in 1975 and … again … Dodge and Chrysler. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a true honor to be joined by NASCAR Hall of Famer Waddell Wilson, Lorin Ranier, John Dodson, and Jamie Bishop to discuss the legendary life and times of Cale Yarborough.  NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Enjoy the very best of our AWESOME content from 2023!    NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast   paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast   venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the third and final installment of our interview, Jason Keller talks about his identity as a race-car driver, the struggle he faced when he got out of the sport, and what he’s doing now … which includes taking care of his grandchild! We then take a peek into the June 4, 1998 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Dale Jarrett stretches his fuel supply to sneak a win away from the dominant … and … as it turns out in this issue, controversy magnet … Jeff Gordon. Dale Earnhardt Jr wins the weekend’s Busch Series event over baseball-player-backed Bobby Hillin.   There are features in this issue on the longtime friendship between Busch Series drivers Jason Keller and Shane Hall and team owners Bud Moore and Junie Donlavey, while Steve Park and Kenny Irwin seek to bounce back from injury and a Charlotte DNQ, respectively.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast   paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast   venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dale Earnhardt Jr vows vengeance on Jason Keller, who’s facing pressure to win … Dale Jr or NO Dale Jr.    Jason then gets hooked up with team owner Greg Pollex and winds up twice finishing second in the Busch Series standings. Loyal to Pollex, Jason turns down the offer of a partially limited Winston Cup schedule with legendary team owner Richard Childress.   We then tackle the April 15, 1999 issue of Winston Cup Scene.   Rusty Wallace puts a whuppin’ on the field at Bristol, while several of his competitors are driving hurt after accidents at Texas. After the checkered flag … rather than the donuts that he DETESTED other drivers doing … Rusty honors his late friend Alan Kulwicki with a backward victory lap.   Jason Keller wins for the first time in nearly four years, while his teammate Jeff Green … and Jeff’s wife Michelle … get into a bit of a set with Geoff Bodine. Andy Graves gets help from his dad at Hendrick Motorsports and Richard Petty gets his picture taken with a group of supermodels.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast   paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast   venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After remembering NASCAR broadcast legend Ken Squier, in the first of what will be three installments with Jason Keller, he takes us through his earliest days in the sport. He also remembers his close friendship with future fellow Busch Series driver Shane Hall, how taking a plain white car to Atlanta changed the course of his career and that magical first win in the division. We then tackle the August 10, 1995 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Dale Earnhardt outlasts Rusty Wallace, Dale Jarrett and Mother Nature to win the second running of the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jason Keller visits victory lane for the first time in the Busch Series, Leo Jackson’s machine shop will build basically any part or piece you could possibly want on a race car … or jet fighter and Larry Pearson experiences new life in the Busch Series. A NASCAR PR rep lists two of the greatest television shows in history as his favorites and … finally … Ray Evernham doesn’t like Jeff Gordon’s nickname. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the third and final installment of our interview, Robbie Reiser talks about making it to the top of the mountain with Matt Kenseth in winning their first race together at NASCAR’s highest level and then the sport’s biggest prize itself … the Winston Cup.   Robbie also takes us through his decision to step down as Matt’s crew chief, his turbulent years as the general manager at Roush Fenway Racing, and what he’s doing now in retirement.   We then tackle the June 1, 2000 issue of Winston Cup Scene.   Matt Kenseth outlasts Dale Earnhardt Jr and Bobby Labonte to win the first race of his Winston Cup career at Charlotte. Rain throws a wrench in the works of Robby Gordon’s attempt to do the Indy 500-Coke 600 double, Darrell Waltrip gets a helping hand from Carl Long, and Thee Dixon and Dale Earnhardt return to the track in the hideous Peter Max-designed race car.   Jeff Green gets sick in his car but still finishes third in the Busch Series race behind winner Jeff Burton and runner-up Mark Martin. Barry Dodson and Bobby Allison are there for the Petty family after the recent loss of Adam. Jeff Gordon and Hendrick Motorsports get a HUGE renewal from DuPont AND Tony Stewart deals with the aftermath of a controversial story from the week before in Scene.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast   paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast   venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s installment of our conversation with Robbie Reiser is pretty much all Matt Kenseth, all the time. Robbie gives us the background on hiring Matt, struggling that season to come up with sponsorship for Matt, borrowing money to start the 1998 season out with Matt … and then Matt’s momentous first win in the Busch Series. We then take a look through the newly digitized July 28, 1983 issue of Grand National Scene.   Tim Richmond has a premonition that he’s going to win at Pocono … and that’s exactly what he does. Co-host Steve Waid outs the eating habits of photographer David Chobat and Bill “The Hat Man” Brodrick before discussing a LONG list of places where he liked to dine.   Fellow columnists Jack Flowers and Alexis Leras add their two cents on future superstars and alternate careers for various competitors, and there’s a feature on Bob Laird, who served as Buddy Arrington’s jackman and fan club organizer.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast   paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast   venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks to a listener, we kick off this week's episode with a look at co-host Steve Waid's halfway-decent race lead for the 1976 Daytona 500.   Then, in what will be the first of three installments, Robbie Reiser talks about getting started in racing with a beat-up old Pinto, Alan Kulwicki, and Dale Earnhardt’s involvement in his first Busch Series ride, the uphill climb once he and his family moved South and a terrible accident at Talladega that left him hurting for the next EIGHT years or so.   We also discuss the July 27, 1995 issue of Winston Cup Scene.   Sterling Marlin and Chad Little win on a wickedly hot weekend at Talladega, and no less than three different cars go airborne … including Ken Schrader, whose mishap was captured from start to finish by Scene photographer Bryan Hallman.   Although his car stayed on the ground, Robbie Reiser is seriously injured in the Busch Series event. And I have a feature on Dale Jarrett’s first year with Robert Yates Racing … and then Larry McReynolds lets us know what was REALLY going on behind the scenes.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast   paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast   venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a special appearance by official studio dog Otis, we dive into the third and final installment of our interview with the one and only Harold Holly. He talks about his intense drive for excellence, parting ways with PPC Racing, getting hooked up with gas-masher Bobby Hamilton Jr., and his decision to leave NASCAR and go dirt racing.   We also take a look at the February 3, 1983 issue of the Grand National Scene. This was a preview issue of the upcoming Daytona 500 … and it has absolutely nothing to do with Harold Holly. Why go through this issue this week, you ask? It's all about an important project and the preservation of NASCAR history.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available!   Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast   paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast   venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We start off this week with a reaction to our weekend in Las Vegas and the BEAUTIFUL Rusty Wallace commemorative issue of Grand National Scene.   In the second installment of our interview, Harold Holly gives us the lowdown on Chad Little’s monster 1995 Busch Series season, his incredibly intense expectations and work ethic and, finally, getting hooked up with Jeff Green.   We then dig into the August 3, 1995 issue of Winston Cup Scene.   Sam Bass provides the artwork for a Brickyard 400 preview, which includes a collection of stories on Jeff Gordon’s rise to superstardom, Hendrick Motorsports crew chiefs, and engine builder Randy Dorton.   Chad Little stages a comeback win at South Boston. There’s a review of 43 – The Richard Petty Story and you react to a recent Sports Illustrated cover story proclaiming NASCAR America’s Hottest Sport.   NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand.   Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com!   Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Enter the promo code SASQUATCH for 25 percent off the Past Meets Present and Rick and Steve editions.   Please consider supporting this show via:   patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast   paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast   venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first of what will be three installments of our conversation, Harold Holly talks about the impact of hanging out with his PeeWee football coach … and more importantly … that coach’s race car. Harold breaks into the sport with fellow Alabama native Mickey Gibbs. A break from the sport doesn’t last very long, and Harold winds up doing math on the run for the late, great Alan Kulwicki before going to work for Bahari Racing and driver Michael Waltrip. And Harold was RIGHT THERE as Michael endured a REALLY tough month in the spring of 1990. We then tear into the October 11, 1990 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Davey Allison isn’t quite sure how many laps are left at Charlotte … but goes on to win anyway. Bill Elliott is dominant but falls by the wayside due to a tire issue. Richard Childress Racing crew members escape injury on pit road … and then take matters into their own hands when a tire falls off Dale Earnhardt’s RCR Chevrolet. Mark Martin gains SOME ground on Dale in the Winston Cup standings … but he could have gained a WHOLE lot more. Morgan Shepherd and Michael Waltrip get hosed out of full-page sidebars and Ricky Rudd REALLY gets hosed in the Charlotte Observer. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We hear this week from Bobby Burrell, who was the tire changer for Ricky Rudd who sustained serious injuries when he was hit on pit road at Homestead near the end of the 2001 season. Within a month, NASCAR mandated that ALL over-the-wall crew members would be wearing helmets AND firesuits from there on out. Then in our second segment, we page through the November 15, 2001 issue of Winston Cup Scene Bill Elliott brings a seven-year losing streak at Homestead, and in the process, gives Ray Evernham his first win as a Dodge team owner. Bill talks about racing as he neared retirement while teammate-for-the-time-being Casey Atwood scored the best finish of his Winston Cup career in the event. Bobby Burrell sustains serious injuries in the pit-road accident we mentioned earlier, while two Robert Yates Racing teammates and a NASCAR official are dinged up as well. Michael Waltrip finishes second and talks about getting half nekkid in a pair of Speedos and Dale Earnhardt Jr gives Winston Cup Scene listeners his rules for the PERFECT party. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode kicks off with hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid sitting down with Las Vegas Motor Speedway President and General Manager Chris Powell and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace for a very special announcement. Then, in the third and final installment of our conversation, Archie Kennedy talks about his disappointment at being cut from the Petty Enterprises over-the-wall pit crew and how that might or might not have played into the difficult decision to tell Richard and Lynda Petty that he would no longer be driving their motorhome. After leaving Petty Enterprises, Archie went to work for another ultra-significant figure in NASCAR history … Jeff Gordon. We then take a deep dive into the October 5, 1995 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Mark Martin wins at North Wilkesboro, but it’s Ernie Irvan in the spotlight as he makes his return to competition. Ricky Rudd gets all bitc … sorry … Ricky Rudd is not pleased with NASCAR when he’s forced to return to the pits late in the race to tighten loose lug nuts. It's revealed that Ted Musgrave got REALLY close to Bobby Hamilton in their battle for the 1991 rookie-of-the-year title. Curtis Markham doesn’t let a little thing like blindness hinder HIS attempts to win the 1995 Busch Series freshman title. Archie Kennedy finds himself in Scene’s Photo Bio section. Rusty Wallace talks about his dream vehicle … and it AIN’T on four wheels. Slim Jim moves its sponsorship to Jason Keller’s team … and gives away A LOT of product. Finally, the legendary PR rep Tom Roberts extends an incredible streak of being at the track. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NOTE: This episode may be too emotionally intense for some listeners. Archie Kennedy remembers Bobby Hamilton, John Andretti and the loss of his friend and protege, Adam Petty. As we’ve done in the past … when we deal with such an emotional topic … we do not go through a Scene issue of the week this episode. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first installment of our interview, Archie Kennedy remembers his young and rambunctious Go-Kart racing protégé Adam Petty. He also discusses Richard and Lynda Petty in their motorhome … their home away from home … as well as going to work as the jackman for Petty Enterprises. We then land on the July 17, 1980 issue of Grand National Scene. Dale Earnhardt wins on an extraordinarily hot and humid night at Nashville, after holding off a heated charge from Cale Yarborough.  Several drivers get relief help, although there aren’t really enough substitutes to go around. Herb Nab goes to work for Kenny Childers and Donnie Allison, in a deal where everybody lives happily ever after … or not. Dale Earnhardt is featured in some beefcake photos and Richard Petty reacts to becoming a grandfather for the first time. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the third and final installment of our interview with Danny Lawrence, he discusses the very precise details of what Dale Earnhardt expected in the cockpit of his race car … the three sides to Dale’s personality … and the devastation of the 2001 Daytona 500. We then tackle the packed June 17, 1982 issue of the Grand National Scene. Tim Richmond wins the first race of his Winston Cup career at Riverside in a top five filled with all-time NASCAR greats. As was so often the case for J.D. Stacy, it was a tumultuous week for the team owner SLASH team sponsor after he unceremoniously ended his support of Dave Marcis. Co-host Steve Waid writes about going skinny dipping … Gene Granger rips into Buddy Baker … the France family, Warner Hodgdon AND Bruton Smith ALL go after Darlington Raceway … Rahmoc Racing owners Butch Mock and Bob Rahilly both deny rumors of dirty money funding their team … and DiGard Racing co-founder Mike DiProspero makes it back to the track after a devastating car crash several years earlier. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the second installment of our interview with Danny Lawrence, he talks about Dale Earnhardt, the king of cool … AND freebies. He also recalls Richard Childress’ strict ban against the tricks of the trade that nearly every other team in the garage was using. We then sneak a peek into the April 2, 1981 issue of Grand National Scene. Surprise … surprise … Darrell Waltrip wins at Bristol while driving for Junior Johnson. Benny Parsons and Joe Millikan have a clash of fenders and tempers. Joel Halpern … David Pearson’s car owner at the time … loses his life in a powerboat accident. There are also features on Richard Bostick and George The T-Shirt Man and a column on Pat Allison, the wife of newly elected NASCAR Hall of Famer Donnie Allison. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Childress Racing legend Danny Lawrence joins us this week for the first of what will be three installments of our epic interview. This week, he talks about his time as a high-school wrecker driver, getting the engines he helped build for Dale Earnhardt to last, the magic that happened when they DID find some reliability, and being part of one of the most storied teams in NASCAR history. We did something a little bit different for our second segment … no, forget that. We did something WAY different than anything we’ve EVER done before. If you’re listening to this and want to join in … go to exactly the TWO-HOUR mark of the 1998 Daytona 500 on classics.nascar.com and when I say hit Play, the podcast and the race broadcast will synch up. And since Danny Lawrence built the engine that Dale used to win that race … he joined us for the watch and shared HIS memories of that day. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the final installment of our interview with Bobby Hamilton Jr., he talks about going Cup racing with Cal Wells and the difficulties he faced there, the devastating loss of his dad and attempting to race without him, and his decision to walk away from the sport. We then dig into the October 29, 1987 issue of Grand National Scene. Bill Elliott and Morgan Shepherd win at Rockingham, but it’s Dale Earnhardt and Larry Pearson who win championships. Dale’s team wins the pit crew race for the third season in a row, gets a new primary sponsor in GM Goodwrench AND Dale gets BLASTED by more than a few letter writers. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second installment of our interview, Bobby Hamilton Jr. takes us through his grand master plan to get fired, joining team owner Ed Rensi, partnering up with crew chief Harold Holly, to use traction control or NOT to use traction control, the OTHER tricks of the trade and his plans for winning the 2003 Busch Series championship. Instead of an issue-of-the-week segment this week, I sat down with Deb Williams, who was recently elected to the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame. Deb’s resume as a journalist includes stops at United Press International, Grand National/Winston Cup Scene, USA Today and now Autoweek. She’s also a two-time winner of the prestigious Russ Catlin Award, as well as the Henry T. McLemore Award. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve had interviews here on The Scene Vault Podcast … and then we’ve had INTERVIEWS … and this is the one you didn’t know you needed. In the first of three installments, Bobby Hamilton Jr. takes us through living life as the son of a Nashville racing legend, both on the track and away from it. We learn about him getting bit by the racing bug … and although his parents supported his racing habit … it was only to a certain extent … and after that, Bobby Jr. was on his own. We then take a deep dive into the May 16, 2002 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Bobby Hamilton Jr. wins the first race of his Busch Series career at New Hampshire, despite a couple of botched pit stops. Roush Racing attempts to get back up to speed at the Winston Cup level with drivers Mark Martin, Jeff Burton, Matt Kenseth and Kurt Busch behind the wheel. Anthropologist James Todd does a study on Southern Culture and Stock-Car Racing. And a bunch of racers help get host Rick Houston past his issues with flying commercial in the most hard-core ways possible. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the conclusion to our interview, Jeff Green talks us through making the very most … and then some … out of the opportunity of a lifetime with team owner Greg Pollex and crew chief Harold Holly. Jeff also discusses his rocky relationship with Kevin Harvick and his departure from Richard Childress Racing, his efforts with Dale Earnhardt Incorporated, his tenure with Richard Petty at Petty Enterprises AND the decision to head back home to Kentucky. We then take a look into the July 27, 2000 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Rusty Wallace wins at Pocono after teammate Jeremy Mayfield has a tire go down on the last lap, while a number of competitors blow off steam after their CARS blow off steam at the tricky triangle and Brett Bodine shows up at the track with a HANS Device. Jeff Green holds off his older brother David to land in victory lane at Pikes Peaks and extend his lead in the Busch Series standings even more. Kyle Petty drives his son Adam’s Busch Series car, while Team Sabco puts Ted Musgrave … whose wife Debi had been diagnosed with leukemia earlier in the year … in its entry after the loss of Kenny Irwin. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first of what will be a two-part interview, Jeff Green talks about his high-school days with Michael Waltrip, his roller-coaster years with Dale Earnhardt Incorporated’s new full-time Busch Series program and finally reaching victory lane with Diamond Ridge Motorsports. We then dig into the March 20, 1997 issue of Winston Cup Scene.  Bruton Smith sits down with newly elected National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Famer Deb Williams for an extensive Q&A, while Jeff Green scores the first win of his Busch Series career in the division’s inaugural race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, America’s racing showplace … and a track that truly cares about NASCAR history. Joe Nemechek learns of a devastating crash involving his brother John just before the start of that race at Vegas. There are features on spotters, Buck Baker, the relationship between Busch Series team owner Robbie Reiser and snow-mobile racer Tim Bender AND a look back on Darlington’s history going into its final race on its original configuration. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second and final installment of our interview with Larry Pearson, he talks about the theft of his trophy by the dastardly Mike Alexander, making a statement with his 1987 Busch Series championship, his Winston Cup woes that were followed by redemption at Darlington, teaching teenagers how to drive and his devastating wreck during an old-timer’s race at Bristol. We then dig into the March 30, 1995 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Sterling Marlin gets around Dale Earnhardt to win a wreck-marred race at Darlington. Larry Pearson makes it back to victory lane in the track’s Busch Series race and host Rick Houston gets the scoop ... cough, cough ... on James Hylton’s retirement. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the first of what will be two installments of our interview, Larry Pearson talks about growing up as the son of NASCAR icon DAVID Pearson, racing with his brothers Ricky and Eddie, his move up the ladder from Baby Grand to Busch Series competition, his belief that he would’ve won the 1986 Busch Series championship even if Jack Ingram HADN’T been suspended and his ultra-superstitious ways. We then dig into the September 25, 1986 issue of Grand National Scene. Geoff Bodine has a good day at Martinsville, right up until his last pit stop. Rusty Wallace’s crew got him out first and he went on to capture the victory, much to Geoff’s chagrin. Ricky Rudd is FURIOUS with Kyle Petty, who uses an ambulance to ease out of the track. Jack Ingram misses Martinsville, but is still atop the Busch Series standings afterward and Gene Granger has the scoop on all that ailed the Elliotts that season. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s sum up this week’s interview with Gere Kennon this way … a life-threatening illness, fathers, sons and the Daytona 500. In our second segment, we dive into the June 8, 1988 issue of Grand National Scene.  Bill Elliott wins the Winston Cup race at Dover, with Morgan Shepherd winding up second while substituting for the injured Harry Gant. Bobby Hillin wins Dover’s Busch Series event in what COULD have been a controversial finish. J.D. McDuffie makes his return to competition after being injured in his qualifying race at Daytona. There’s a photo spread on breakfast at Junior and Flossie Johnson’s house. A couple of hoodlums are arrested in the Charlotte Motor Speedway suites for running an illegal betting pool. Clarksville, Tennessee native Bob Clark tries to make a go of it as a Winston Cup team owner and Slender You Figure Salons entrepreneur. Finally, folks write in to support the notion of retiring Richard Petty’s number 43. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 250! We made it! To celebrate our milestone, we put together one of our famous (infamous, maybe?) roundtable discussions. This time around, we've got former crew chiefs Larry McReynolds and Tim Brewer, along with former drivers Robert Pressley and Johnny Benson! NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first of what will be two installments of our interview, Gere Kennon remembers the King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley and the late, great NASCAR 75 driver Sam Ard. Gere was the crew chief for both of Sam’s championships and can testify first hand to his talent behind the wheel of a race car, his strength and his ALMOST ALWAYS gentle demeanor and the terrible accident that ended Sam’s driving career. We then take a deep dive into the March 1, 1984 issue of Grand National Scene.  Cale Yarborough caps off an extraordinarily successful week with a win in the Daytona 500 AND Ricky Rudd comes back from a vicious wreck in the Busch Clash to win at Richmond and in the process, gives co-host Steve Waid a quote for the ages. There’s also coverage of serious Daytona accidents involving three part-time competitors, including one who would go on to be named one of the 75 greatest drivers in NASCAR history. Darrell Waltrip wins Daytona’s Busch Series event after mechanical trouble foils Sam Ard’s bid for the victory and Joe Ruttman’s team taps young Kenny Wallace as its co-crew chief. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second and final installment of our interview, NASCAR Hall of Famer Matt Kenseth talks about winning the 2003 Winston Cup championship and the seismic changes to the title format that might or might not have come about as a result. He also gives us an inside look at his difficult decision to leave Roush Racing, run-ins with Kevin Harvick, Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards and Joey Logano, the disappointment of being cut loose by Joe Gibbs Racing and his election to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. We then dig into the November 13, 2003 issue of Winston Cup Scene.  Matt clinches the final Winston Cup championship ever a week early, and gives car owner Jack Roush his first Cup title in the process. Bill Elliott wins the final race of his career, but afterward faces difficult questions about retirement. Tony Stewart gets a car back from NASCAR … while Kyle Busch has plans to make his first big-league start. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the first of what will be two installments of our interview, we talk to NASCAR Hall of Famer and NASCAR 75 driver Matt Kenseth. Matt discusses going up against rival Robbie Reiser in and around their homes in Wisconsin, and then just a few short years later joining forces in the Busch Series. That deal led to Matt and the team’s first Busch Series win at Rockingham, a victory that Matt to this day calls the biggest of his career. Very early on in his Busch Series career, Matt was befriended by Winston Cup superstar Mark Martin. That relationship led to help from … and a Winston Cup deal with … team owner Jack Roush. Finally, Matt recalls his competitive relationship with Dale Earnhardt Jr. In our second segment, we dive into the February 26, 1998 issue Winston Cup Scene.  Jeff Gordon overcomes an ill-handling Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet to win at Rockingham, after Rick Mast starts from the pole. Matt Kenseth scores the first win of his BUSCH SERIES career, while the NASCAR world is still basking in the glow of Dale Earnhardt and Larry McReynolds’ Daytona 500 victory just the week before. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After this past weekend's celebration of the Cup all-star race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, we share the third and final installment of our interview with Danny Culler. Danny talks about helping Ricky Rudd and Richard Childress Racing win their first race, capturing the 1984 Winston Cup championship with Terry Labonte, getting some flatulent payback on Sterling Marlin and some of the most iconic races of Dale Earnhardt’s career, up to and including their victory in the 1998 Daytona 500. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dive into the June 9, 1983 issue of Grand National Scene Ricky Rudd wins both his and Richard Childress Racing’s first Winston Cup race at Riverside, while Terry Labonte gets caught up in another accident there and wonders if he ever wants to come back to the Southern California road course. Junior Johnson is displeased with a NASCAR rule change he feels is directed at his team, while the Ragan family goes after its place in the sport. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To fully understand and appreciate the return of North Wilkesboro Speedway for this weekend's Cup all-star race, it's important to remember what took place there in the past.  Rescued from the very depths of oblivion, the trace is brimming with memories. We've captured many of them on the show, and to celebrate its return, please enjoy this very special highlight episode!  NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the second installment of our interview with Danny Culler, he talks about coming in contact with NASCAR icons like Bill France Sr, Joe Weatherly, Curtis Turner and Fireball Roberts as a youth; his time in Vietnam and how he was working to get into the sport even then; flying for Piedmont Aviation; and the role he played in getting the company into the sport as a sponsor and helping steer them toward Richard Childress Racing. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the January 14, 1982 issue of Grand National Scene.  This issue featured a jigsaw puzzle and how everything might or might not be falling into place for Richard Childress, Ricky Rudd, Mark Martin, Tim Richmond and Tom Sneva and sponsors Piedmont Aviation, Texaco and Hardee's. Gene Granger gives us his top-10 stories from 1981 and the issue is rounded out by a feature on longtime independent driver H.B. Bailey. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We did something this week we sometimes do with our interviews … when there’s a particularly powerful portion that comes later in the interview, we’ll go with that part first if the situation warrants. There's no other way to put this, but Danny Culler was spotting for Dale Earnhardt during the 2001 Daytona 500. That’s powerful enough, but Danny quit that gig just two days before and was only lured back by an apology the morning of that fateful event. Danny then serves as Kevin Harvick’s spotter and pilot for the rest of the season, doing double duty at both the Winston Cup and Busch Series levels right alongside the rookie driver. And … we get some bonus Harry Gant stories. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid very carefully dissect the July 26, 2001 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Dale Jarrett gets into Robert Yates Racing teammate Ricky Rudd while racing for the lead in the late going at New Hamsphire. DJ wins, but Ricky’s crew chief Michael McSwain is NOT happy about it. Jerry Nadeau is ticked off at Jimmy Spencer … maybe we should come up with a template to use in these cases to save time … BLANK DRIVER is ticked off at Jimmy Spencer. Kyle Petty returns to New Hampshire for the first time since his son’s accident there the year before. Kevin Harvick guts out a Busch Series win at Gateway on a brutally hot night, then hops on a plane for New Hampshire, where he finishes ninth, less than twelve hours or so after the conclusion of the previous night’s event halfway across the country. Deb Williams pounds out FOUR safety-related feature stories … and finally, we’ve got ducks … and plenty of them … in this week’s issue. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the third and final installment of our interview with Slugger Labbe, he remembers his turbulent time with team owner Bobby Ginn, his 2011 Brickyard 400 victory with Paul Menard and Richard Childress Racing, the pressures of working on the RCR 3 car and taking on an entirely new challenge of going drag racing. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig into the March 29, 2007 issue of NASCAR Scene. Kyle Busch wins at Bristol in the debut of the notorious Car of Tomorrow. Mark Martin skips the event, despite being on top of the Nextel Cup point standings. Dale Earnhardt Jr’s contract talks with Dale Earnhardt Incorporated are on hold while his sister and master negotiator Kelly recovers from surgery. Finally, there’s an in-depth feature story on new Cup team owner Bobby Ginn. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the second installment our interview, Slugger Labbe remembers trying to get Kenny Irwin up to speed, rumors over Kenny’s commitment to the sport, moving over the Dale Earnhardt Incorporated to work with Michael Waltrip, running a pitch-black chassis at a Daytona night race (wink, wink) and his bout with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dissect the July 11, 2002 issue of Winston Cup Scene.  It’s an incredibly emotional day for Michael Waltrip, who wins at Daytona for the first time since the 2001 Daytona 500. And … according to Slugger … his crew chief at the time … there was some innovatin’ going on with that car and a pretty nifty trick to mask it. That’s not all. When the race ends under caution, irate fans pelt the backstretch with all manner of debris. Kurt Busch and Dale Jarrett are spun out and half turned over … Kurt with NASCAR and DJ with safety workers reacting at a snail’s pace to a midrace multicar accident. Last but not least, a North Carolina writer takes aim at the greatest NASCAR-related movie of all time. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first of what will be three installments with Slugger Labbe, he talks about not loving racing as a child, getting kidnapped by a bunch of Houstons and being dragged down south, his crew chief mentors and doing double duty at Robert Yates Racing as a tire changer for Dale Jarrett and crew chief for Kenny Irwin. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then dig into the March 12, 1998 issue of Winston Cup Scene. Rain, rain go away … Mother Nature was in a terrible mood at Atlanta and almost everything was postponed … including the Busch and Cup races. When the Winston Cup event WAS run, Bobby Labonte collected his second victory in a row at the track for Joe Gibbs Racing, with Robert Yates Racing teammates Dale Jarrett and Kenny Irwin both enjoying top-five finishes. There were a number of injuries during the weekend at the ARCA and Cup levels. Steve Park was hurt in a brutal crash during practice and was out of the Dale Earnhardt Incorporated car for the next several months. Ford, Chevy and Pontiac teams were STILL bickering over the rules … and Rich Bickle had a one-race deal and a TON of hard work RUINED by the weather. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Rick Houston gives a report on his big debut over the weekend in the Lonesome Pine Motorsports Park pace truck. Then, in the third and final installment of our interview with Butch Hylton, Butch talks about the end of his Winston Cup career, rebirth in the truck series and how he views his legacy in the sport today. Speaking of pace vehicles, we have a BIG announcement for our second segment … you ain’t gonna believe this one! Rick will also be behind the wheel of the pace vehicle April 28-30 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta for The Mitty, an event that will celebrate NASCAR's 75th anniversary.  NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big news this week ... The Scene Vault Podcast host Rick Houston will make his debut behind the wheel of the Lonesome Pine Motorsports Park pace truck Saturday! Plans call for every car in every division to carry a Mighty Mouse decal ... as well as a backward pace lap prior to the first race of the day ... in memory of Alan Kulwicki, who lost his life in a tragic plane crash thirty years ago to the day. In the second installment of our interview, Butch Hylton takes us from the top of the mountaintop by winning the Winston Cup championship with Bobby Labonte to the depths of the valley, after a pretty serious fight with a Kevin Harvick Incorporated teammate. Hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid then take a peek into the December 14, 2000 issue of Winston Cup Scene.  Deb Williams does yeoman’s work in covering Joe Gibbs Racing’s first Winston Cup championship, with coverage of the banquet and features on driver Bobby Labonte, the team owner, crew chief Jimmy Makar and EIGHT employees who’d been with the organization from the very beginning. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Butch Hylton was a longtime crew member and crew chief for drivers like Stanley Smith, Ward Burton, Mark Martin, Bobby Labonte, Tony Stewart, Ricky Rudd, Dale Jarrett, Ron Hornaday and Kevin Harvick.  This week in the first of what will be three GREAT installments of our interview with Butch, he talks about moving from here to there to back again and finally to North Carolina as he tries to make his way up the NASCAR ladder; his friendship with future NASCAR Hall of Famer Chad Knaus; a 212-mph test with Ward Burton; taping his thumb to his air gun in order to keep working after an injury; an all-out scuffle with Roush Racing teammate JEFF Burton and then, finally, his time with brash youngster Tony Stewart. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid check out the May 29, 1997 issue of Winston Cup Scene.  Jeff Gordon wins a rain-shortened Coca-Cola 600, his FIFTH win in just eleven races to that point in the season. Ford teams got a rules concession because of Wonder Boy’s dominance. This all comes just a week after the one and only appearance of Ray Evernham’s infamous T-Rex race car. Joe Nemechek wins Charlotte’s Busch Series race, just two months after losing his brother John as the result of a truck series accident at Homestead and Tony Raines gives Dodge its first major NASCAR win in twenty years in a truck race at I-70 Speedway in Missouri. Dave Marcis keeps right on fishing after injuring his hand and Robby Gordon’s attempt at the Indianapolis 500/Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte same-day double duty gets washed out. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest stories from the world of NASCAR at dailydownforce.com! Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT THIS WEEK! We're now part of The Daily Downforce NASCAR content hub! Be sure to check it out via The Daily Downforce! This week in the third and final installment of our interview, Robin Pemberton talks about how Alan Kulwicki and his business model impacted his tenure at Sabco Racing, his years with Rusty Wallace and Penske Racing, how some of the decisions he made while working with NASCAR played into some of his personal relationships in the garage and, finally, parting ways with the sanctioning body. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid tackle the February 22, 2007 issue of NASCAR Scene. The two big stories? The BIG penalties handed down by NASCAR to five different teams and a controversial finish between Kevin Harvick and Mark Martin in the Daytona 500. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out www.thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Due to the chaos of the mother of all road trips, we’re going with a little bit of an abbreviated episode and eliminating the Scene Issue of the Week segment this week. In the second installment of our interview with Robin Pemberton, he talks us through the hectic early days of Roush Racing and the killer hours he had to keep in the wake of an unexpected announcement of a full schedule in 1988. We then move on to the devastation left by a NASCAR penalty following the team’s win at Richmond in early 1990, a decision to use a Robert Yates Racing car and engine in that year’s season finale and the uproar caused by a botched pit stop at Atlanta early the next season. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first of what will be three installments of our interview with Robin Pemberton, he talks about getting into the sport in upstate New York, and more importantly, getting to know the people who would help guide him down south and into a career in the Winston Cup garage. Once he was there, he found himself at Ground Zero of two of the biggest controversies in NASCAR history. He was Richard Petty’s co-crew chief during the infamous Charlotte race weekend in the fall of 1983, and he was Bobby Allison’s pit boss when their DiGard Racing teammates Greg Sacks and Gary Nelson won at Daytona in the summer of 1985. And then … he gets a phone call from Jack Roush. In our second segment, hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid dig into the October 8, 1981 issue of Grand National Scene. Darrell Waltrip dominates after Richard Petty gets taken out by an idiot at North Wilkesboro and Harry Gant blows an engine. Dale Earnhardt scores a momentous top-five finish for new car owner Richard Childress. Sharon Petty plans her wedding to Terry Farlow around the NASCAR season, a predicament MANY people in the garage are familiar with. Harry Gant fights with a commercial director over proper pronunciation … and checks in with a psychic to see if he can get any help breaking into victory lane … and his sponsor US Tobacco goes to war with Charlotte Motor Speedway and RJ Reynolds. NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out www.thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: www.patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast www.paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast www.venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode in conjunction with Eric Estepp and his Out of the Groove YouTube channel, The Scene Vault Podcast hosts Rick Houston and Steve Waid discuss their two-part breaking news story on the legend of L.W. Wright and his recent arrest.  NOTE: This show is not associated in any way with American City Business Journals, owner of the Scene brand. Interested in The Scene Vault Podcast T-shirts? Check out thescenevault.com and click on SHOP to see what we have available! Please consider supporting this show via: patreon.com/thescenevaultpodcast paypal.me/thescenevaultpodcast venmo.com/thescenevaultpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices