You've probably seen her post about her cat, Criss Angel, cars and racing, and this week Alanis King joins the podcast to talk about all that and more. Davey and King discuss her current role at Business Insider and time spent at Jalopnik, where she blogged anything and everything from pink splitters to NASCAR to Yu-Gi-Oh! (yes, really). She also dives into how she's handled the countless haters and threats thrown her way over the years, all while learning how to handle and blog on the internet while finishing college. She also discusses why " the cat lady who writes about cars" could not be more accurate, how "Racing Spaces" began on Twitter and asking Denny Hamlin "the question," driving a Monster Truck, drag racing in her moms Hyundai, riding in a Ferrari with Sebastian Vettel and a MotoGP bike around COTA. Nobody is more obsessed with Criss Angel than Alanis, and she explains why/how the fandom began. After she reveals her ridiculous take on pizza (and it is RIDICULOUS), Davey accidentally makes her cry at the thought of Criss Angel in the Times Square Olive Garden. If you couldn't already tell, things got a bit weird in this conversation. But King is busy finishing a book centered around Rich Energy, the infamous Formula 1 sponsor, and shares an excerpt from the book with Davey. Aric Almirola upset the playoff grid with his win at New Hampshire, and NASCAR officiating didn't have the best day. Davey breaks down The Magic Mile and Papa Segal digs deep into his suitcase of courage in this weeks wayback segment.

Victory Lane

Episode 117: Alanis King

Check your mail, because The Postman is here! Davey sits down with Steve Post (19:10) to dive into his career in motorsports, spanning over 30 years. From a young fan attending races on Pennsylvania short and dirt tracks to manning pit road for the Motor Racing Network, Post has done and seen it all, and continues to do so with radiant positivity. He explains how he got into racing, his days working as an announcer locally, how he handled life when he moved to North Carolina and why he always had an eye on joining MRN. Before his time wearing the famed blue shirt, Post was a public relations representative for Kenny Wallace and Ricky Rudd in NASCAR, and shares countless stories of his time on the road/at the track with the two drivers. He also explains how he wound up getting hired by MRN, a job he’s held for almost 20 years, and what it was like to be a part of the sport in its booming years throughout the 2000s. Post also outlines his other jobs and passions, including sprint car racing, diecast cars, the Summer Shootout at Charlotte and more. Plus, what’s up with his wild and wacky hair? Simply better living, that’s what. Davey touches on Kurt Busch’s surprise Atlanta victory and goes into a diatribe about the seeming lack of communication between the drivers, tracks and sanctioning body. What needs to be done to fix things? Papa Segal gives an ode to “The Biff” and a badass car the former Roush driver owns.

Episode 116: Steve Post

The NASCAR garage is full of characters, and Josh Williams is one of the biggest. The Xfinity Series mainstay joins Davey this week (9:00) to reminisce on his racing career, a path that isn't often replicated nowadays. From working on and building his own stuff and cutting his teeth in ARCA with his family team, Williams has scratched and clawed his way to success in motorsports at all levels throughout his career. From his wins in legends and bandoleros, spending time with Chris Buescher while getting scolded by Ken Ragan, participating in "Humpy's Heroes" as a teenager, the four-wheeler accident that put him in the ICU for five days and what made him laugh when he finally woke up, Williams' stories seem to never stop. Plus, additional tales of his first ARCA win, what made pulling all nighters worth it, his time starting and parking in multiple series, crew chiefing in the Xfinity Series on the side while driving, his relationship with team owner Mario Gosselin and more. Why is he confident that he'll not only win an Xfinity race, but also win in the Cup Series one day? "J-Dubb" lets you know, and let's it all fly--just like his patented mullet. Davey also recaps Chase Elliott's victory at Road America, gives his thoughts on Atlanta Motor Speedway's re-profiling project and Papa Segal gives an ode to an American and NASCAR hero.

Episode 115: Josh Williams

We're keeping it ~spicy~ this week, as professional emcee and award-winning speaker Jose Castillo joins Davey this week (16:45) to chat about his career, how he got involved with NASCAR through Bristol Motor Speedway, transforming the big screen experience for fans, when he realized public speaking was the path for him and where the passion came from. He also discusses his eclectic background, why "keeping it spicy" is truly a personality trait of his, how he's pivoted to the virtual world during the pandemic, cultivating relationships with the drivers while having fun, the positivity he radiates and more. Plus, what's the spiciest interview Castillo has ever had over the years? Davey also breaks down the double dose of action from Pocono Raceway, ponders why the racing was so compelling and looks ahead to Road America. In this week's wayback segment, Papa Segal gives an ode to one of the greatest racers of all-time.

Episode 114: Jose Castillo

Canada’s finest, Alex Labbe, joins Davey this week (17:00) to discuss racing north of the border and the culture that comes along with it. Labbe details his career path spanning go-karts, late models and more, before landing in the Pinty’s Series, where he raced against big names and some of his racing heroes. After winning the series championship in 2017, he and his sponsor Can-Am decided to go Xfinity Series racing, where they still compete today for DGM Racing and Mario Gosselin. The two discuss the travel logistics Labbe goes through crossing the border to get to races, how popular motorsports are in Canada, the harsh penalty NASCAR laid down on Labbe and DGM at the Daytona Road course and why it was overturned, why he chose to get a college degree in the U.S. while racing full-time in Canada, his career aspirations and more. Davey recaps another dominant performance from Kyle Larson at Nashville and gives his thoughts on the track’s first weekend hosting races in a decade. He also briefly previews Pocono and Papa Segal gives an ode to one of the most important figures in NASCAR history.

Episode 113: Alex Labbe

One of the best to ever grace the screen, legendary broadcaster Allen Bestwick joins Davey this week (25:00) to discuss his illustrious career and his new venture as the play-by-play voice of SRX. He answers how the opportunity to get back in the booth for the new series initially came about, how he thinks the initial weekend at Stafford went and how his preparation for SRX events differ from calling other forms of motorsports and sports in general. Bestwick is used to local New England short tracks, given that he began calling races at Seekonk Speedway in Massachusetts at 16 years of age. He details his career path from that point forward, including stops at MRN working alongside Barney Hall and Ned Jarrett, NBC with Benny Parsons, ESPN with Rusty Wallace and a plethora of other legendary names on track and behind the microphone in between. He explains why no specific race that he’s called stands out to him, but reveals what does stick with him reflecting on his years traveling the circuit. Davey and Allen also discuss the importance of letting the broadcast breathe and why silence can speak volumes while calling an event. Bestwick also provides an update on what he’s been up to since ESPN exited NASCAR in the mid 2010s, including calling US Opens, college basketball and more. Plus, would he be open to a return to the broadcast booth on a regular basis calling NASCAR races? Davey touches on another victory by Kyle Larson in the All-Star Race, including his thoughts on how the format played out. His girlfriend Robin makes a return appearance to give her thoughts on the race, Kyle Busch gets mad at Davey, a preview of NASCAR’s return to Nashville and Papa Segal gives a lengthy historical deep dive into his favorite driver of all time: Bobby Allison.

Episode 112: Allen Bestwick

You've probably seen her on NASCAR's digital platforms, but Alex Weaver didn't grow up an avid follower of the sport. She joins Davey this week (8:20) to discuss her career path that began at Clemson University covering football and eventually led her to NASCAR. Despite being involved in sports from a young age, she almost pursued a career as a scientist before deciding otherwise. Working behind and in front of the camera at Clemson, she learned the tricks of the trade before trading in her purple and orange. Originally hired to work in the partnership division of the company, Weaver learned the ins and outs of NASCAR before dabbling in on-camera content. As she improved, her time on screen rose. She describes the challenges being a female in female dominated sport present (including when a driver tried to mansplain something to her), how she's leaned on broadcasters like Kaitlyn Vincie, Shannon Spake and Jamie Little among others and what interviews have been her most memorable. Plus, being a cat mom, her Chick-Fil-A obsession, being an Instagram influencer and what her future career aspirations look like. Davey touches on Kyle Larson's dominant performance at Sonoma for the second consecutive week, ponders what has happened to the All-Star Race and Papa Segal gives an ode to the No. 11.

Episode 111: Alex Weaver

Currently full-time in the ARCA Menards Series, Nick Sanchez joins Davey this week (12:05) as the two reminisce and discuss his career to date, which only started seven years ago. After some time go-karting at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Sanchez and his mom searched “how to become a NASCAR driver” on the internet, and the rest is history. After being accepted into NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program, Sanchez began competing in legends and late models for Rev Racing, where he honed his craft in full-bodied stock cars for the first time. He explains why winning the Wendell Scott Trailblazer award was such a big deal to him, and recalls his first couple starts in the K&N Pro Series at South Boston in 2019. Now full-time in ARCA, Sanchez details why Rev upgraded their inventory ahead of the ambitious 20-race slate, how his skillset has improved, what it’s like racing against Ty Gibbs and more. Plus, some stories of karting with Indy 500 champions and Formula 1 winners, his passions away from the track (notably why he now has a “plan B” in the real estate industry if racing doesn’t work out) and more, including the hilarious and ironic story of how Nick and Davey’s two families are connected dating back to school in Miami. Davey also touches on Kyle Larson’s dominant Coca-Cola 600 win and Rick Hendrick’s record-breaking night at Charlotte, previews Sonoma and Papa Segal gives an ode to “The Ironman.”

Episode 110: Nick Sanchez

Dawson Cram is the latest in a long line of racers, and he joins Davey on the podcast this week to dive into his season to date, career in racing and much more. Fresh off missing the show at COTA, Cram details what went wrong and why and touches on the uphill climb that small teams face in today’s landscape of NASCAR. Marcus Lemonis has helped the Camping World Truck Series immensely this season, but Cram and his No. 41 team may have benefitted more than anybody, as the truck adorns Camping World, Good Sam and Overton’s almost every single week. Cram explains why Lemonis’ gratitude and financial assistance has helped him and his team immensely, and provides his thoughts on the Sheldon Creed Twitter exchange with Lemonis, looking at it from both perspectives. As is par for the course, Cram began his racing career at the age of five in mini dwarf cars (he explains what those are) before moving from California to North Carolina to pursue his racing dream further. He recalls his memorable Truck debut that included white knuckles, snow postponements and hitting a pit crew member. They also discuss how his national series career grew from there, including his work with JD Motorsports alongside his driving duties. Plus, his family lineage in racing, who he leans on in the garage for advice and a little about who Dawson is away from the race track. Davey provides his thoughts on the wet and wild race weekend at COTA, briefly previews the longest race of the year at Charlotte and Papa Segal gives an ode to the No. 09.

Episode 109: Dawson Cram

At only 18-years-old, Carson Hocevar has already torn up the short track scene and is making a name for himself in NASCAR. He joins Davey this week (12:50) to discuss his career behind the wheel, starting in Michigan at Berlin Raceway, and why NASCAR had to make a rule change to combat him winning as a 13-year-old. NASCAR champion Johnny Benson has mentored Hocevar over the years, and Carson explains how Johnny’s help has been instrumental to his growth in stock cars. Hocevar details his journey to where he is now: full-time with Niece Motorsports, why he lost some confidence in his time running ARCA, how he regained it and why he’s just now hitting his stride with Niece in the Truck Series. Injuries haven’t stopped Hocevar in his young career, either, as he recalls breaking his wrist in a wreck but finishing the race one handed. Plus, how he powered through the end of a Truck race with heat exhaustion. Despite not being known for dirt racing, the late Bryan Clauson had a profound impact on him. He explains why that is, how the information afforded to him in NASCAR is good to have, yet overwhelming at times and which races are left on his bucket list to win across the country. Davey also recaps Hendrick Motorsports’ dominance at Dover and Alex Bowman’s second victory of the season, previews NASCAR’s inaugural weekend at COTA in Texas and more.

Episode 108: Carson Hocevar

Life as a Truck Series driver/owner for a small, family-run, underfunded team isn't anything like the glitz and glamor of NASCAR racing, but for Cory Roper, it's been more than enough. The Texan joins Davey this week (15:45) to discuss why he decided to get into NASCAR racing, the chance encounters that led to his involvement ramping up, how his construction company factors into the equation and how Roper Racing Team's first event was a memorable (and snowy) one at Martinsville. Roper explains how gaining experience has been a key as a driver, why not practicing is good for an owner but disadvantageous from the driver's perspective, what good runs do financially and morale wise for a small team, and what bad runs/wrecks do and more. Plus, he breaks down his third-place finish at Daytona this year, what bringing Chase Briscoe into the fold has meant to the team and reveals what his family thinks of him pursuing his passion on a grander scale. Davey breaks down Martin Truex Jr.'s dominant win at Darlington and speaks on why performances like that should be appreciated rather than ridiculed. He also gives his thoughts on the 750 horsepower package, previews Dover and Papa Segal pays homage to Coo Coo Marlin.

Episode 107: Cory Roper

Like many, he’s experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows in racing. But Jeremy Clements story is about as unique as it gets. From almost losing a body part as a teenager inside the race car to scoring his Xfinity Series win at Road America, Clements has gone through the ringer in his career, and joins Davey this week (18:30) to discuss it all. They discuss the horrific injury he suffered and the recovery that followed, including visiting Victory Lane in an ARCA race only three years later. His time in the Xfinity Series dates back to the early 2000s, allowing him to race at iconic venues such as Pikes Peak, IRP and in Montreal. Clements reflects on being in the series for over a decade and the road to where he is now. He also relives his Road America victory in 2017 and reflects on why that weekend was so special for him and his team. The No. 51 team is off to an incredible start in 2021, sitting firmly inside the top 10 in points ahead of countless powerhouse organizations. Clements explains the reason for the uptick in performance and why the key is staying up there consistently. Plus, his iconic Darlington Throwback honoring Dale Jarrett, life as the husband of a full-time fashion blogger/social media influencer and whether or not JCR will go Cup racing in the future. Davey recaps Kyle Busch’s win in the Buschy McBusch Race (yes, really) and gives his thoughts on the tire debacle and NextGen car being unveiled this week. He also previews Darlington Throwback weekend and Papa Segal provides an ode to a late legend.

Episode 106: Jeremy Clements

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

Episode 105: Matt Mills

Toni Breidinger has and continues to be a trailblazer in motorsports. Being the first female Arab-American in NASCAR and winningest female in USAC history, Breidinger doesn’t pay too much attention to her historic achievements, but rather is focused on the here and now of making it in NASCAR. She joins Davey this week (14:45) to discuss her upbringing in California and getting started go-karting with her twin sister and father. She also recalls how breaking her arm in a crash at a young age didn’t deter her from pursuing her passion. Breidinger details what being the first female Arab-American driver means to her personally, and why she was surprised that nobody came before her. She also explains how being a woman in racing doesn’t occupy her mind as much as it does others as well as her catchphrase: “the car doesn’t know gender.” Hear the coincidental story of how she got the opportunity with Young’s Motorsports, and why she didn’t expect to be moving up the ranks this quickly. She dives into her racing career on pavement (and a little dirt), the learning process she’s going through and how the pandemic provided her unforeseen opportunities on track. Plus, Breidinger’s appearances on The TODAY Show, The Ellen Show and others have introduced her to a national audience. Hear how Breidinger has navigated being in the national spotlight recently, how she deals with haters thinking she’s not truly a racer. How does she utilize social media (where she has over a combined 1 million followers) to her benefit? She explains, along with her experiences modeling and that leading to sponsorship on track, her struggles while moving to Charlotte and her pet bunny named Fetty Hop. Davey recaps Alex Bowman’s win at Richmond and questions what’s happened to the Virginia short track in recent years. He also briefly previews Talladega and Papa Segal gives an ode to a 93-year-old who stays young behind the wheel.

Episode 104: Toni Breidinger

Stefan Parsons has already made a name for himself and is continuing to do so with BJ McLeod Motorsports in the Xfinity Series this season. The latest in line of Parsons to get behind a steering wheel, the 22-year-old joins Davey this week (17:45) to discuss his start in the sport, and how David Ragan’s father, Ken, was influential in him beginning at Charlotte in bandoleros as a youngster. He also explains why starting racing at 12-years-old, relatively late compared to others, was actually a good thing in the long run. Parsons dives into his father Phil’s career and how it’s impacted how he’s helped Stefan in his ascension up the racing ranks, his memories of Phil Parsons Racing in the mid-late 2000s, the cool moment of doing a prerace segment for FOX before his Truck Series debut and more. He also reflects on his uncle Benny’s induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame and why it meant so much for the Parsons family. Stefan also describes the help those in the sport gave him over the years, most notably Carl Edwards, how his Dogecoin sponsorship (to the moon!) this year came full circle and why getting a college degree was important to him. Plus, his love of the Detroit Red Wings and golf, his friendship with Cup Series driver William Byron and more, including goals for this season in the No. 99 car for BJ McLeod Motorsports. Davey also touches on Martin Truex Jr.’s short track dominance after yet another Martinsville win, explains why Josh Berry stole the weekend by giving hope to hundreds of racers across the country and previews Richmond Raceway.

Episode 103: Stefan Parsons

Welcome to the place everybody wants to be: Victory Lane! Davey Segal hosts your one stop shop for all things NASCAR, including news, discussion, interviews and more.

hubhopper

Victory Lane

hubhopper