Off-Road Racer Podcast
The Off-Road Racer Podcast covers the world of off-road racing including it's events, personalities, and history. Brought to you by OffRoadRacer.com
Episode 77: Robert Blanton
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with Robert Blanton, a retired Marine, Silver Star recipient, and founder of Warfighter Made — a nonprofit dedicated to helping combat-wounded veterans through off-road racing, fabrication, and community. Blanton takes us through the battles that came after the war — the struggle to adjust, the weight of post-traumatic stress, and the moment he nearly gave up. We talk about how wrenching on a Camaro in his garage became the first step in his recovery, and how Warfighter Made has since given that same opportunity to hundreds of other veterans. This is a co...
Episode 76: Trey Gibbs
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with Trey Gibbs — one of the most exciting young drivers in off-road right now. Still deep in the short course world and stepping confidently into desert racing, Trey represents the next generation of racers who are fast, focused, and built for both sides of the sport. We talk about how it started, what he’s learning, and where he’s headed — from early wins to big lessons and everything in between. Whether it’s behind the wheel or behind the camera, Trey’s building something real. This one’s about potentia...
Episode 75: Allen Racing Co.
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with Brice and Justin Allen of Allen Racing Co., two brothers who’ve carved out their own lane in the off-road world through hard work, clean prep, and a relentless drive to improve. From their early days racing UTVs in District 38 to earning respect in the Unlimited Off-Road Racing Series, the Allens share what it takes to run a family-backed race team and finish nearly every race they enter. We dig into the ups and downs of grassroots racing, building their cars at home, the importance of community, and wh...
Cinco de Mayo with High Octane Hustle
This special two-part episode features a crossover with the High Octane Hustle Podcast. Part one airs here on the Off-Road Racer Podcast, and part two continues over on their channel. Tune in for a raw, wide-open conversation about tequila, racing, and automotive culture.
Episode 74: Dale Dondel
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with one of the fastest and most innovative minds in off-road racing—Dale Dondel of Racer Engineering. Known for his blistering qualifying runs and relentless drive for performance, Dondel has carved a unique path in the sport as both a racer and elite vehicle builder. We dive into Dale’s roots in dirt bikes and short course, his time learning from legendary fabricator Nye Frank, and how those early influences shaped his philosophy of racing and design. He opens up about the evolution of his trucks, the challenges of c...
Episode 73: Chris Cyr
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Chris Cyr — rally driver, business strategist, and managing partner of the legendary Team O’Neil Rally School. Chris shares his journey from discovering rally as a teenager to helping save one of the most important rally institutions in North America. We dive into how he transitioned from a fan to a leader in the sport, the challenges of scaling Team O’Neil, and his role in founding the American Rally Association (ARA). Chris also discusses the mental discipline of rally driving, why rally is one of the best t...
Episode 72: Brenthel Brothers
In this episode of The Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with off-road entrepreneurs and vehicle builders Jordan and Johnathan Brenthel. Founders of Brenthel Industries, the Brenthel Brothers run the largest Trophy Truck and Spec Trophy Truck manufacturing facility in the sport. In addition to this, the Brenthel's operate Baja Kits, an off-road suspension kit company, and the Brenthel Trophy Truck School, one of the few Desert-Racing focused schools, and the only one that can get you in a Trophy Truck. Jordan, Johnathan and I talk at length about their entrepreneurial history, working up from a 2-man shop, to...
Episode 71: Tom Coons
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with class 10 and class 1 racer Tom Coons. Tom Coons recently won class 10 and got 3rd overall at the 2024 California 300. Tom and I go on a deep dive into the art and skill of racecraft. We talk about Tom’s evolution through various suspension setups, transitioning from manual to sequential gearboxes, and how Tom plans and preps for a race. We also talk about the character it takes to do off-road racing. It is no secret that off-road racing is challenging, and it demands perseverance and ambition, but also an...
Episode 70: Brayden Baker
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with 2x California 300 Champion Brayden Baker. Despite his young age, Brayden has been making a name for himself in off-road racing, grabbing wins at the 2021 UTV World Championship, the 2022 Laughlin Desert Classic, and the 2023 and 2024 California 300. Brayden’s family started out as casual enthusiasts, having a few play cars. When Brayden turned 16, Brayden started racing in the WORCS series, eventually grabbing the series’ Pro Stock Championship. Since then, Brayden has transitioned to desert racing, and is building and prepping his own cars at Rivershore Motorsports. Brayden and I talk...
Episode 69: Eric Pond
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with vintage off-road racer Eric Pond. Back in 2017, Eric pitted for a friend at the Mint 400, and has been hooked ever since. Now, Eric races a 1969 Bronco called ‘Iron Casket’, with Vigilante Racing and Queen City Off-Road. Eric has been competing in off-road races as a passion, and also as an opportunity to raise funds for the Cancer Research Institute (CRI), as Eric has been battling cancer for the last 3 years. His battle with cancer has given off-road racing a new dimension, serving as a passion and goal when...
Episode 68: Ryan Arciero
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with Off-Road Champion Ryan Arciero. The Arciero family has been involved in motorsports for over 60 years, starting with Ryan’s grandfather in pavement racing. Ryan has been competing in off-road racing since 1991, starting out with the great Jimmie Johnson. Throughout his entire career, Ryan has been rubbing elbows with the greatest in our sport, getting mentoring from “Baja” Bob Gordon, and Ivan Stewart, and racing alongside Larry Ragland, Brian Stewart, Mark Miller, and Ricky Johnson in the Vortec Factory Racing Program. Now, Ryan is leading the recently rebranded 1 Nine Indust...
Episode 67: Rich Minga
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with off-road racer, tour guide, and Hollywood stuntman Rich Minga. Rich had an unsuspecting start in off-roading, going on camping trips with his family in Baja. After getting hooked on Hot VWs Magazine, Rich started sweeping the floors at a buggy prep shop in El Cajon, and built his own Baja Bug at the young age of 15. Taking what he learned from How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive, Rich would go on to help prep cars for Mark Stahl, Jim Guthrie, and Dan Gurney. After many years of prepping...
Episode 66: Cole Mamer
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with recent Crandon winner Cole Mamer. At only 25 years old, Cole is running a top tier short course race program, running trucks in Pro Lite, Pro 2, and Pro 4. Cole grew up in Imperial County, a region that has spawned many successful racers, including Justin Lofton and Brock Heger. Cole grew up racing, starting in motocross and circle track, and eventually moving over to Trophy Karts. Due to a limited budget, Cole learned how to work on his own vehicles, which gave him the knowledge base to build and...
Episode 65: Mark McMillin
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with off-road racing legend and Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee, as well as Chairman of the Board Mark McMillin. Few families have been as successful in off-road racing for as long as the McMillin’s. Off-roading with his father Corky McMillin in buggies since the 60’s, and racing since the 70’s, Mark has seen and done it all. Mark has had a dominant career in the SCORE series, grabbing multiple San Felipe 250, Baja 500, and 1000 wins, and winning the Mint 400 in 1988. Now, Mark operates as the chairman for the Off-Ro...
Episode 64: Brian Deegan, Jim Beaver, Josh Martelli
This is an old episode pulled out of the Mad Media Archives, recorded back in 2019. Jim Beaver and Josh Martelli sit down with Motocross, X-Games, and Short Course legend Brian Deegan. The three of them discuss Brian’s history, touching on the key moments in his life, talking about his accomplishments in Motocross and X-Games, the start of Metal Mulisha, and more. Moving closer to the present, they talk about Brian’s transition into fatherhood, and his children starting their own careers in motorsports. At the time, Hailie Deegan was starting her career racing in NASCAR, and Haiden and Hudson were...
Episode 63: Brock Heger
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with Polaris Factory Team racer Brock Heger. Brock is part of the next generation of off-road racers, starting at 7 years old in Trophy Kart. Now, only in his early twenties, Brock has over a hundred wins and over a dozen championship wins under his belt, both in short course and desert racing. Now, Brock races for the Polaris Factory Racing Team in the desert, picking up the SCORE Championship the first year he raced with them in 2023. We talk about Brock’s history in short-course racing, and how th...
Episode 62: Ricky Johnson
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with off-road racing legend Ricky Johnson. With 2 Supercross Championships, 5 Motocross Championships, and 4 Shout course championships Ricky is the definition of an off-road champion. Ricky has dedicated his life to off-road, riding mini-bikes at three years old, and racing them at 7. From very early on, Ricky was a dominant force in any form of racing he competed in, from the 250 and 500 classes of Motocross, to Pro 2 and Pro 4 classes in short course, and now the Legends class in desert off-road racing. Ricky has also been a skilled off-road instructor, t...
Episode 61: Alex Striler
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with sponsorship guru Alex Striler. Alex literally wrote the book on Motorsports marketing ”Motorsports Marketing and Sponsorships: How to Raise Money to Race and Give Sponsors What They Really Want”. Alex has been in action sports and motorsports sales and marketing for 30 years, working for major brands and leagues alike. Now host of the Motorsports Sponsorship Summit Alex continues to help major brands connect with appropriate marketing opportunities in motosports. Alex and I talk about the current state of marketing in Off-Road Racing, and how that relates to the...
Episode 60: Patrick Gailey
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with off-road racer Patrick Gailey. Patrick lives and breathes off-road, building, prepping, and racing off-road vehicles. An off-roader his entire life, Patrick started building an Alumicraft 4-seater with his dad at just 13 years old. Since then, Patrick has taken every single chance he has had to go racing and learn about off-road vehicles. He has raced in just about every class from class 11 to Trophy Trucks, now racing in the RPO motorsports Spec Truck with Scott Whipple. We talk about his extensive racing career and more. I’m your ho...
Episode 59: Danny Thompson
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with racer Danny Thompson, son of the late motorsports entrepreneur Mickey Thompson. Danny and I talk about the history of the Mickey Thompson Entertainment Group (MTEG), and Danny gives a unique perspective on his father, the race series he ran, and the culture he ultimately created. We then talk about Danny’s extensive racing history, racing quarter-midget, motocross, sprint cars, off-road, and now races at the Bonneville Speedway. We talk a lot about Bonneville, and Danny’s accomplishments at the Speedway, breaking multiple records and breaking into the 400 mph...
Episode 58: Russ Wernimont
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with Off-Road Hall of Famer Russ Wernimont. Russ is among the most talented engineers/fabricators motorsports have ever seen. Despite never getting a traditional engineering education and never using CAD programs, Russ has had a hand in building some of the most game-changing vehicles in desert and short-course racing. His career started with sweeping the floors at the famed PPI shop, and moving on to being the crew-chief of Michael Nesmith Class 8 truck. Russ would then go on to design and build some of the most dominant vehicles...
Episode 57: Tavo Vildosola
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with racer Tavo Vildosola. Primarily a Baja racer, Tavo and his father became the first Mexican racers to win the Baja 1000 in 2010. Since then, Tavo has been a significant player in the Baja scene, winning many more races and championships. We talk about his career leading up to his most recent placements in his Mason AWD Trophy Truck. We also discuss in depth about his race program, with legendary fabricators and mechanics Dave Clark and Javi Valenzuela. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Ra...
Episode 56: Nestor Beradi
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with vehicle fabricator and Trophykart founder Nestor Beradi. We start the episode talking about Trophykart and its origins, how the first karts were built, and how they opened the door for youth racing. We then talk about Nestor’s introduction to off-road vehicle building, originally starting with aircraft and RC car fabrication. Coming to the present, Nestor talks about his most recent venture, Xtravel suspension, a new 5-link suspension system that has distinct advantages over the traditional A-arm system. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off...
Episode 55: Dave Clark
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with Dave Clark, an incredible fabricator and vehicle builder. Dave Clark has a lengthy history working with the best in our sport. Early on, he worked for the legendary Nye Frank, who together built some of the most dominant cars in our sport, such as Rob Mac’s air suspension Pro 4, a car so dominant it was eventually banned. Dave would then go on to be a part of Glenn Harris’ Mazda Team, Stronghold Motorsports, and now works for the Vildósolas. We discuss Dave’s extensive history and acc...
Episode 54: Craig Stewart
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with legendary fabricator Craig Stewart. Craig Stewart, son of the legendary Ivan “Ironman” Stewart, had a very early introduction into the world of off-road. From a very early age Craig was building cars with his father and worked for the great Johnny Johnson building and maintaining off-road race vehicles. Craig did incredible work there, sharpening his skills becoming a very skilled fabricator. With these skills, Craig would go on to create a whole new genre of off-road vehicle, the ‘luxury prerunner’. Craig’s prerunners are used by the biggest names in o...
Episode 53: Kilian Hamlin
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with my business partner and cousin Kilian Hamlin. We start the episode talking about Kilian’s accidental start in off-road. Kilian planned on visiting California for a concert, and ended up staying for the next 15 years, pursuing a career in off-road media and event promotion. Moving up to the present, we talk about the current state of the Mint 400, both as a race and as a spectated and sponsored event, and give some insight into the inner-workings of the events we put on. We then talk about our fu...
Episode 52: Josh Martelli
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, My Brother and partner Josh Martelli returns to the podcast to talk about his recent appointment to the California BLM Desert District Advisory Council (DAC). This council advises and gives recommendations to the BLM office, on issues such as fire management, land use planning, and what we are obviously interested in, off-highway vehicle use. This appointment is essentially a seat at the table, with direct communication with the BLM offices, to make sure our voice as off-roaders is heard, and another part of the effort to keep land open for OHV use...
Episode 51: Morgan Clarke
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with off-road vehicle fabricator and designer Morgan Clark. Morgan stands out in the fabrication scene because of his dedication to a supercar level of design finish work in his vehicles, stemming from his ‘form follows function’ philosophy. We talk about how he came to embody this philosophy, originally studying design, working through the fabrication industry, and eventually starting his own business. Morgan and I then dive into the importance of aesthetics in a vehicle, often seen in street cars, but often lost in off-road builds. Morgan then gives us s...
Episode 50: Greg Cotrell
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with Greg Cotrell, founder and CEO of Rugged Radios. We start the episode talking about Greg’s start in the communications business, and how he carved out a whole new industry in the off-road world. We talk about the significant effects Rugged Radios’ products have had on how people race and recreate off-road. Talking more about Greg himself, we talk about how his personal experiences have shaped his incredible work ethic, and how that work ethic permeates throughout the work culture at Rugged Radios; Specifically, Greg talks about his...
Episode 49: Pearse Umluaf
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with Pearse Umlauf, CEO and President of Jeep Jamboree USA, a company that hosts 50+ off-road events a year, both domestically and internationally and has been instrumental in keeping the legendary Rubicon trail open for all to enjoy. Pearse and I discuss the company's history and its founder, Mark A. Smith, who was inducted into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1979. Coming into the present, we talk about some of the company’s current projects and the freedom the company maintains as a family-owned business. Pearse and I al...
Episode 48: Sara Price
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with off-road champion and badass Sara Price. We talk about her off-road career starting in motocross, and how her experiences in motocross set her up to excel in every other racing discipline she has done since. We then talk about her most recent accomplishment, winning a stage and finishing the Dakar rally in 4th place. Making here the first American woman to win a stage in the SXS class. Sara talks through step-by-step her road to Dakar, from gathering sponsorships and funding to run the rally as an independent...
Episode 47: Dan Myers
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with off-road racer Dan Myers. The Myers family has been in off-road racing for decades, now spanning three generations. Dan talks about the significance of off-road racing for his family, and how they have stayed in it for so long. Dan also gives a unique perspective on the evolution of off-road from the perspective of being a second-generation off-road racer. We also discuss The Myer’s family business, Toyota of Escondido. Dan and I talk about the dealership’s involvement in action sports, being an avid sponsor of athl...
Episode 46: Neal Mason
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with game-changing off-road builder Neal Mason. Neal and I talk about his history in off-road vehicle building, starting as a self-taught fabricator, and working his way all the way up to building his Mason All-Wheel Drive truck, the most advanced racing machine platform on the planet. We discuss his drive to be constantly developing and moving forward, his work ethic when tackling new projects and problems, and how these aspects of his character show in his builds. We also discuss the responsibilities a car builder has, building a...
Episode 45: Mario Fuentes
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with Class 1 champion and businessman Mario Fuentes. Mario talks about growing up in the off-road scene in the Juarez/El Paso area, and how it has fostered his obsession of off-road racing. Mario and I then talk in depth about class 1, and the significance of a high-level buggy class, compared to the other truck classes. We also discuss Mario’s recent career-defining victory at the 2024 BFGoodrich Tires Mint 400, bringing off-road racing maverick Lalo Laguna aboard his team, and more. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the...
Episode 44: Jerry Zaiden
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with Jerry Zaiden, co-founder of Camburg Engineering. Camburg Engineering is an industry leader in off-road suspension systems for the consumer market, with a history of testing their products in off-road racing. Jerry and I discuss the edge Camburg has gained from their involvement in off-road, and the history of Camburg's own race program. Going deeper, we talk about the newest iteration of their race program, supercharged by Magnaflow's recent acquisition of Camburg, and accomplished off-road racer Kyle Jergensen. Going into the business side, Jerry gives some insight into the...
Episode 43: Ryan Thomas
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I once again am joined by Jim Beaver, and we sit down with the Polaris Factory Race Team general manager, Ryan Thomas. The three of us sit down to talk about the program, some of the members/racers in the program, and their rise to one of the top premier race teams. We also discuss Ryan’s involvement in off-road before the program, at one point being the Director of Wide Open Baja, and at another being the President of Ultra 4 Racing. On a wider scale, we talk about the current impact of...
Episode 42: Bob Bower
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with 2020 ORMHOF Inductee Bob Bower. Bob has participated in nearly every facet of off-road culture, from pit volunteering to co-driving and driving, managing pit and race teams, and TV color commentary. In nearly all of the things Bob has done, he has contributed massively to the off-road culture; His most well-known accomplishment is the inception of the BFGoodrich Pit Support program, possibly the most successful and widely used pit service in Off-Road History. Bob tells of his starts as a member of a Corvette club, how that led...
Episode 41: Larry Heidler
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I get to talk with recent Parker 400 Winner Larry Heidler. Larry talks about his extensive race history leading into the Pro Open UTV Class and his new Lonestar Racing build. We also discuss the evolution of Off-Road technology, such as the UTV's progression into the race-machines they are today, as well as the impressive capabilities of modern suspension systems; And the affect these changes have had on race-craft. Looking forward, we talk about Larry's game plan and competition for the upcoming Mint 400, as well as what he plans on racing later this...
Episode 40: Ricky Brabec
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with two-time Dakar Rally Champion Ricky Brabec. We discuss the differences between the rally format and North American off-road racing, and the importance of American representation within rally. Ricky then shares his personal and gnarly experiences in rally over the past few years. We also discuss what lies in Ricky's future, and what achievements he is still pursuing. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.
Episode 39: Tommy Morris
In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with off-road engineering genius and Off-Road Hall of Fame Inductee Tommy Morris. Tommy's career in off-road motorsports has been nothing short of incredible, spanning decades. He has been the backbone of many culture-shaping off-road programs, most notably Wide Open Baja and the PPI/Toyota Factory off-road race team. Now, he uses his extensive knowledge to help develop off-road vehicles and train special operations forces within the United States military. We discuss all this, and more. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by...
