INDYCAR’s most recent first-time winner, Christian Rasmussen is coming off an incredible sophomore season as a driver that saw him not only in victory lane, but consistently in the headlines for his bold and aggressive driving. Originally from Denmark and with only modest means to pull himself through the junior ranks, Christian’s story is one of high risk and incredible tenacity, eventually landing him with an incredible opportunity at Ed Carpenter Racing as the team continues to ascend. Dinner was served at Tegry Bistron in Indianapolis, IN, with Loya’s “Happy Like You” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!

“Ziggy” Harcus is one of the most well-known and respected behind-the-scenes figures in modern INDYCAR racing. Originally from New Zealand, a chance opportunity would see him entering the world of racing mechanics during the 1980’s, sending him on a journeyman career that would see him work as a mechanic to some of the biggest names in the sport like Al Unser Jr. and Danny Sullivan, to a team manager to names like Scott Dixon and Tony Renna, and even as a series official in the former ChampCar World Series. Now listed as the Team Manager at Andretti Autosport, it’s hard to find a more well-rounded and experienced figure in the sport. Lunch was served at Dawson’s on Main in Speedway, IN, with Ryan Prewett’s “Affection” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!

Known today as the “the third L” in RLL Racing, Mike Lanigan’s enthusiasm and contribution to the sport has amassed nearly four decades. A businessman-first, his family-owned MiJack Products completely revolutionized the transportation and shipping industry over the last seven decades, eventually expanding out to a family of businesses that are all now held under the Lanco Corporation. Capitalizing on his success in business, Mike has been involved with teams from Newman-Haas-Lanigan to Conquest to now Rahal-Letterman-Lanigan, and befriending names like Paul Newman and Walter Payton along the way. Dinner was served at St. Elmo’s Steakhouse in Indianapolis, IN, with Foxxi’s “How About That” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!

Another drag racing addition to the roster, Tony Pedregon is a one-of-a-kind figure to the NHRA. The son of “Flamin’ Frank” Pedregon and the product of the Southern California drag scene, Tony went from working-class roots to becoming a two-time NHRA champion and working for the legendary John Force before starting his own team with his brother Cruze. Beyond his on-track success, Tony is most known today for his on-air exploits, as a commentator for Fox Sports and their coverage of the NHRA. Lunch was served at Charlie Brown’s Pancake and Steak House, with SOURWAH’s “Mandalas” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!

Mark Dismore, Jr. has one of the most unique and notable careers in the sport. A true racer’s racer, Mark emerged as a karting phenom to navigate his way all the way into IndyCar…. and we managed to get NONE of that story. Instead, here’s Zach Veach. Dinner was served at Dawson’s on Main in Indianapolis, IN, with Sun Way Street’s “Who Said I Cared” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!

Ross Chastain has become one of the most revered names in modern NASCAR, and after listening to this episode you’ll see why. Heavily engrained in his family’s business of water melon farming, Ross’s career has had an endless number of stops and restarts before landing at Trackhouse Racing, where he’s enjoyed a career renaissance and has become a threat at nearly any track he goes to. Dinner was served at China Grove Family House in China Grove, NC, with Ben Bostick’s “No Good Fool” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!

Adding another NASCAR Hall of Fame member to our roster, Ron Hornaday Jr. is one of the most beloved members of the community. A start of the western stock car scene through the 1980’s and 1990’s, Ron’s primary fame came from his success in the NASCAR Truck Series, amassing countless wins en route to three titles, as well as enjoying success in the Cup and Xfinity series. Outside of the car, Ron is also beloved for his support of young drivers coming up through the sport, including the famed “Camp Hornaday,” a spare bedroom and couch in his house made available to promising young talents with limited means. Lunch was served at Scratch Kitchen in Mooresville, NC, with Ben Bostick’s “The Other Side of Wrong” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!

SVG!!! Do we need to write an introduction? It’s Shane van Gisbergen… we’re guessing you’ve heard of him, unless you’ve never heard of NASCAR, Australian V8 Supercars, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, FIA GT racing. Shane has a number of distinctions to his career, such as winning like 100 V8 Supercar championships, winning his first-ever NASCAR race, NASCAR Rookie-of-the-Year, and beyond. SOUP was served at Jeffrey’s in Mooresville, NC, with Rodellos Machine’s “Red Dust” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!