Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast

I’ve talked a lot about rally cross on this podcast over the last year and a half and how it’s a gateway into stage rally. 

Well, finally, I believe it now. My guests this week are RJ Ridgway and Ryan Symancek. We chat about the why and the how-to. I’ve included our discussion before we got started because I feel it is good for you to hear. I left the conversation pretty much unedited.

I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. I also hope that you can get a chanc...

This week, my guests are Zach Arnold and Jack Cuezze, both in their second year studying mechanical engineering at Oregon State University and co-founders of the Oregon State University Rally Club. Zach shares his family's connection to rally. His grandfather was involved in the sport, fueling Zach's lifelong passion for cars. Jack revealed that his father's enthusiasm for automobiles drew him into rally as well—he drove a WRX throughout high school and even attended a class at DirtFish after graduating from high school.

Zach and Jack talk about how they got started in rally, which began wi...

Welcome. This week on Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast, my guest is Greg Wilcox. Greg is an avid hillclimb competitor as well as part of the 2026 Paul Giblin Memorial Climb to the Clouds organizing committee. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

Here is my collection of interviews and tidbits from my trip to Olympus for the ARA National event back in April. 

Going to start off with the main reason I was there and that was to hang out with and observe the crew of Screech Owl Garage. 

I was invited by Screech Owl founder Daniel Quarto to come out to Olympus back in March. Daniel offered to cover my room and board for the weekend. Little did I know it would involve some fantastic food and being woken up in the middle of the night by...

This week’s guest is Brian McMahon, a photographer and former rally driver. He began his career shooting night rallies like Press On Regardless, unaware of how the film would turn out. Later, he competed in TSD and stage rallies, starting with a ’69 Camaro before switching to a Datsun. Brian also shares how rally fans have diverse backgrounds and often engage in interesting conversations in the woods.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

My guest this week is David Weiman. 

David started rallying during the mid-1960s, quickly developing his skills and passion for the sport. In 1970, he achieved a significant milestone by winning a national Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) rally.

During the interview, David discusses the history and significance of the "Press on Regardless" rally event. He shares insights into the early years of stage rallying, describing the challenges and excitement of the sport during its formative period.

David recounts his experiences competing against notable rally figures such as John Buffum and Tom Grimshaw, among others. 

...

This week on Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast, I welcome rally drivers and brothers, Ryan and James Pryzbylkowski of Vilko Motorsports. We cover a lot of topics including what it’s like to have a two-car rally team, ice racing, hill climbs and more. We even talk Steak-Umm. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

This week’s episode is a special one for me. My guest is Rusty Campbell. You may not have heard of him, but he was one of the original organizers of the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally. He helped with the inaugural run in 1977 and for the next 15 plus years.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

My guest this week is rally driver Steve Bis. Steve talks about his 22-year journey in rally racing, starting with his first rally at Rally Colorado in the early 2000s. 

Steve details his recent acquisition of his 2013 Ford Fiesta N5 rally car and his preparation for the upcoming Rally in the 100 Acre Wood this week in Missouri.

We discussed Steve's plans to compete nationally and sponsorship opportunities. We also talk about the camaraderie and unique experiences within the rally community.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.c...

This week Mark Huebbe joins me. We cover his early mechanical experience with his father's airplane projects, his progression from autocross to rallycross in Subarus, and his entry into stage rally in 2007.

Mark shares how he and his brother “restored” a Volkswagen Beetle and competed at multiple events, including WRC Mexico where they won their class.

We also discuss running a bakery, an ice cream business, and how bittersweet it was selling the Beetle not too long ago. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.br...

Welcome. This week, we are joined by Preston Osborne, who serves as the Series Manager for the American Rally Association (ARA).

We begin our conversation by exploring Preston’s background, including how he first got involved in the world of rally racing. The discussion also touches on the history of O.D.D. Racing, providing additional insight into Preston’s journey.

Our talk continues with Preston detailing his path to becoming the Series Director for the ARA. He shares the experiences and decisions that led to his current role within the organization.

The prim...

Mark Utecht’s journey into motorsports began in Minnesota, where he worked next to a racetrack. One day, he heard the distinctive sound of cars participating in an autocross event. Captivated by the excitement, Mark decided to take the afternoon off work. He borrowed his girlfriend’s Dodge Omni and entered his very first autocross, marking the start of his involvement in competitive driving.

Several years after his initial autocross experience, Mark attended a beer party. During the event, someone encouraged him, saying, “you need to be rallying.” This advice sparked Mark’s interest in rally and set him on...

This week’s guest is DirtFish instructor, rally driver, and co-driver, Michelle Miller.

Michelle shares that her struggle with insomnia was the unexpected spark that ignited her passion for rally. During sleepless nights, she found herself watching SpeedVision, where her fascination with rally grew. This interest inspired her to try auto cross, allowing her to gain hands-on experience. Over time, her dedication and growing enthusiasm led her to meet someone from DirtFish and that connection opened the door to new opportunities for a professional path in instruction. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the sho...

Rob Bohn and Rupert Berrington join me for a conversation about Rally Colorado. We cover their backgrounds and how they became involved as organizers of the event. Our discussion also touches on experiences like being hit in the head, the rally's history, and its upcoming designation as an ARA National event in 2026.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

This week, I interview Chris Allen from Chris, Creation Machine, a very talented rally photographer. We discuss his journey into photography, his experience covering American rallies, and his knowledge of both American rally and WRC. Also, we both chat about the Climb to the Clouds Hillclimb coming back in 2026.

Chris also works with Mitch Meadows of MeLe Media. This past year, Chris served as the still photographer for a gymkhana video featuring Patrick Gruszka and the Green A.P.U. rally car in Kentucky. A must watch if you haven’t yet.

For more about Mi...

This week’s guest is Rafael Ruiz of the Subie & You! Podcast. 

Subie & You! is the ultimate Subaru lover’s podcast. On his show, Rafael shares the stories and experiences of Subaru enthusiasts and brands within the Subaru community. Rafael talks about how the podcast started and has evolved into a well-produced, interesting listen. 

We chat about his rally guests that have included Rhianon Gelsomino, Travis Pastrana, Bucky Lasek, Ethan Curtis, and Lance Smith. He has created over 200 episodes in his journey and offers his podcasting advice. We even talk about breakfast foods.

Send u...

This week on Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast, my guest is Matt Gold from Drop A Gear Industries, the Gear Busters Podcast, and the Full Send Foundation. We discuss his work with American Veteran Racing Organization, his foundation’s support for teams and volunteers, his Vivio project car, and his visit to the Ken Block exhibition, and much more. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

This week I welcome Chris Cyr of Team O’Neil. At first, we chat a bit about our thoughts on podcasting before Chris takes us on his motorsports journey starting with attending his first rally at age 16. He then discusses how he tried to balance a career in business together with his rally dream. At one point Chris almost gave up on his rally dream but a tragic event that took place in the city where he was living made him take a chance and reach out to Tim O’Neil. He talks about how he was hired by Team...

On this episode I welcome the folks from the Pioneer Rally Company. Welcome Jamie Turner, Taylor Still and Hatcher Still. They talk about their backgrounds and why they started a company to create and organize European style vintage endurance rallies here in the U.S.

They talk about what a European style endurance rally is, their inaugural rally, the Rocky Mountain Vintage Rally and future rallies planned and scheduled for 2026. Also, we learn about Project Healing Waters, the charity they support.

You can find out more by visiting https://pioneerrallycompany.com/

Send us...

On this episode, I have a very special guest on the podcast. David Higgins, 10 time American rally champion joins me from Wales. David talks about growing up on the Isle of Man, moving to Wales and sibling rivalry. He also talks about competing in America and working with and competing against Ken Block and Travis Pastrana.

Also, find out what David says about losing his Mount Washington Hillclimb title to Travis Pastrana. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

This week I welcome back Fritz Croy. But, this time he brought his wife and co-driver Brooke with him. I learn about Brooke’s co-driving experience and her training at DirtFish and at OZ Rally Pro.

They both discuss their training together through rally cross, their experience at Rally Colorado and more.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

Up next on the podcast is Mike Youngs of The Firm. Also known as The Florida International Rally and Motorsports Park located in Starke, Florida.

Mike talks about what The Firm offers, what it’s like to work at a driving school and about his car projects.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

This week on Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast, I welcome rally driver Mike Carr, founder of the American Veteran Racing Organization. Mike talks about his military service, founding AVRO which supports veterans through motorsports therapy, his racing career and more.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

This week on Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast, I welcome Ryan Symancek. You may know Ryan from such YouTube channels as My Life as a Rallyist and The Drive. He talks about his amazing journey starting out as a skier to rolling a Ford Bronco in his yard to co-driving and to motorsports media. Ryan learned to be a part of so many things, all by mastering the art of asking. Sit back and enjoy.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

This week my guests are Mike Cessna and Jamie Lambert of FH Motorsports. They talk about how they got their start in rally, finishing heads with an angle grinder, their epic win at STPR and more.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

Greetings, no guests this week, just a quick update and some info about my new project, the Rally Archive of North America. Don't fret. More great guests coming up in the next couple of weeks.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

This week I welcome Ethan Hunter of Really Rally Team base out of Colorado. We talk about growing up in a motorsports family, circle track racing, hillclimbs, rallying and much more. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

This week’s guest is someone you may have seen or met at a number of Rally’s such as Southern Ohio, STPR and Boone. He is what I’d call a “super volunteer.” You can’t miss the pink streak in a sea of black hair on the head of Christian Zoni.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

My guest this week is driver Dan Shirley of War Weasel Racing. We talk about the origin of his team’s name, the Weasel’s build, his co-driver Eric, his epic trip to this year’s Boone Forest Rally and more.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

On this episode of Rallying in America, I welcome Chris & Sara Nonack of ANY% Rally Team. We talk about their rally history, their many car builds and their two four legged crew members. We also discuss the Mudwhale SuperChampio and more. Enjoy.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

Welcome to another Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast episode. Last week I had the pleasure of attending The Boone Forest Rally in Eastern Kentucky. There I set out to do interviews with the drivers, co-drivers, crew and others.

Special thanks to Erik Hubbard, The Boone Forest Rally and Backroads of Appalachia.

If you enjoy these interviews, I'd like to hear your feedback. Enjoy the episode. 

Day one of the rally brought me to Beattyville for the parc exposé. Here I interviewed: Emmons Hathaway, Stefan Trajkov, Alex Gelsomino, Seamus Burke, Claudia Barbera, Betsy Ng...

Welcome to the podcast. This week, I have as my guest, Michael Bodor of Mike’s Media. You’ll have to use your imagination as we review the images from an experiment we did at the Susquhannock Trail Performance Rally (STPR) this past July. If you would like to see the images, check out Rallying in America’s Facebook and Instagram pages. There, I’ve been posting the images in batches. Soon, I will match the audio with the images for my YouTube channel. Hope you enjoy.

Special thanks to all those who participated: SueAnne Carson, Christian “The Rally...

This week I welcome back Erik Hubbard of Backroads of Appalachia. We talk all things Boone Forest Rally, the American Rally Association's future training facility in Eastern Kentucky and more.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

This week I welcome Erin Alberda of The Bluebird Fund. Erin talks about how she went from horses to horsepower, how she started The Bluebird Fund and much more. For more information, visit, https://www.thebluebirdfund.org. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

This week we welcome our guest Betsy Nguyen. A co-driver from Canada competing in both CRC and ARA events. We chat about sports psychology, women in motorsports, co-driving in the upcoming Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally (STPR) and more.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

On this week's episode I welcome SueAnne Carson and Aakash Desai of the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally. We talk about the rally, volunteering and more.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

Our guest this week is Eli Goethel. We chat about meeting Dan & Liz from Radix Racing Collective, the infamous can of beans, pushing the limits and his rally car adventure.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

On this week's episode, I welcome Dan Ring of RingSpeed Rally. We talk photography, RallyCross, why everyone should go to rally school and tips for first time volunteers.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

On this episode I welcome Chris Sladek of HART (Honda of America Rally Team) and driver of the HART Passport. Chris talks about how the rally team works and their return to ARA competition at this year's Southern Ohio Forest Rally.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com

On this episode I welcome Nate Usher, the brains behind www.sneakattackrally.com and The Rally Combiner Thing. We discuss what it takes to maintain the data and his history with rally. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com