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 just getting into Motocross. Brian talks about the balance of supporting his kids while still advancing his career. This is the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

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 that has translated into his desert racing. We also discuss the Dakar Rally, as Brock will be racing next year. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

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 our sport, like the McMillins, the Menzies, TSCO Racing, and more. Craig’s level of craftsmanship and attention to detail has also led to work outside of the vehicle building world, fabricating installations for the Rosa Parks Metro Station, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, to name a few. We talk about Craig’s entire history, his design philosophies, inspirations and more. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

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 future plans as an off-road racing series, putting on more events in the future, and how we plan to increase the production value of our current events moving forward. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

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. Josh and I also talks about other efforts going on right now, from organizations like Tread Lightly and the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), and the clean-up events we host at our own races. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

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 some insight into his design process, and where he gets his inspiration. We also discuss how the art of design has progressed into the modern era, with computers taking over most of the design process, and lowering the barrier of entry for new designers and fabricators. Looking forward, Morgan talks about his future plans and builds, including a mid-engine, AWD Prerunner. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

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 history in martial arts, and how that has cultivated an absolute ‘no quit’ attitude in him. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

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 also talk a lot about the current state of the Jeeping community, focusing a lot on the constant battle to keep public land open to off-road vehicles, and how the release of the 4-door Wrangler has changed the Jeeping scene. Wrapping up, we talk about the effect off-roading has on your psyche and the importance of overcoming challenges. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

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, to running the rally for the first time as an American. Sara and I talk about the difference between the rally format in Europe versus the American Off-Road racing format. We also talk about her experience as a female in the off-road racing culture, being a role-model for other women in the sport, and the advantages she has as a woman on the race course. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

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 athletes in many disciplines, from surfing to motocross to MMA, and how these sponsorships have brought a lot of business for the dealership. We also discuss Dan’s conception of TE Motorsports, an aftermarket shop for Toyotas. Dan has been able to create a unique business model between TE Motorsports and Toyota of Escondido, pre-building trucks for the dealership, and providing a streamlined service for the customer. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

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 safe truck that can handle the ultra-violent crashes we have seen in off-road racing. Neal then also teases at a new truck platform that he is working on, which he believes will be even better than his current AWD platform. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer 

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 Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

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, training clients for years, including military training. We talk about his extensive off-road career and more. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

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 significance of the Magnaflow acquisition, and Camburg's philosophy on designing new products. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

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 off-road racing and the larger motorsports scene have on each other, and what that could mean for off-road racing’s future. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

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 to a job at BFGoodrich, and ultimately, his obsession and contributions in off-road. We also discuss the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame, other ORMHOF inductees and their contributions, and a whole lot more. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

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 year. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

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.

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 Monster Energy.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with Red Bull Athlete Mia Chapman. We talk about the Red Bull Scramble series, Mia's start in off-road at just 6 years old, and the significance of the increase of women on motorsports. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with off-road racing champion Justin Davis. We discuss Justin's start in off-road with his father, the many classes Justin has raced, and how his history has shaped his driving style and career. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with Baja Champion and Off-Road Hall of Fame Inductee Johnny Campbell. The main subject we discuss is the upcoming Dakar Rally, one of the longest and most brutal off-road races on the planet. Johnny talks about his extensive history with the race, and his current involvement training some of the athletes for the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC). We also talk about the current state of Moto Racing in North America, the importance of it, and our ongoing efforts to foster Moto in the Unlimited Off Road Racing series, among other topics. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with Honda Racing Racing Team Principal Jeff Proctor. We discuss the return of the manual transmission in UTV's, Honda's take on the trophy truck platform, and their philosophy on picking up new racers. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

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 relationship between sponsors and their racers. We talk about the current roles events and social media have in these relationships. We also talk about how to develop relationships with potential sponsors, and convert that relationship into a proposal and a deal. We talk about all this and more. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with my partner and brother Josh Martelli as well as my cousin and Unlimited Off-Road Racing event director Kilian Hamlin and we discuss the coming Parker 400 race and new Unlimited Off-Road Racing Series. We shed a little light on the history of off-road racing and our future plans for Unlimited Off-Road Racing. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with successful Australian businessman turned off-road racer Brett Comiskey. We talk about how he got started in off-road racing in Australia and then coming to race in America, winning the UTV World Championship, and moving up to Unlimited Trophy Trucks. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with multi-time engine builder of the year and merchant of horsepower Kevin Kroyer. We talk about Kevin’s humble beginnings and becoming the premiere off-road drivetrain builder. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with Filmer, Editor, Producer, Director, and Parker, Arizona native John Tuba, and talk about how he got started in media, being creative, and what motivates him to this day. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

In this episode, the Off-Road Racer Podcast teams up with Jim Beaver at SEMA 2023, and sits down with Slipknot member Sid Wilson and Drummer BC Vaught. The 4 talk about Sid's participation in the UTV World Championships, Sid's vehicle collection, and some misadventures from live shows and tours.

In this episode, the Off-Road Racer Podcast teams up with Jim Beaver at SEMA 2023, and sits down with Off-Road Racer Christopher Polvoorde. The 3 discuss Chris' early start in racing, his progression through short course into desert racing, and all of the logistics and planning that go into racing the Baja 1000.

In this episode, the Off-Road Racer Podcast teams up with Jim Beaver at SEMA 2023, and sits down with Entrepreneur and vehicle Builder Chloe Yonker. Matt, Jim, and Chloe talk about vehicle culture in Texas, Chloe's start in truck building, and her plans for SEMA 2024.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with young hard charger and off-road racing champion Conner McMullen. We talk about his career, what it has been like moving up the ladder to Unlimited Spec Trucks, working in the off-road industry, the comradery of off-road culture, and making memories of a lifetime. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

In this episode, the Off-Road Racer Podcast teams up with Jim Beaver at SEMA 2023, and sits down with Entrepreneur and recently debuted off-road racer C. J. Faison. The three discuss C. J.'s history in other forms of racing, his recent debut at the Mint400, and getting his family involved in off-road racing.

In this episode, the Off-Road Racer Podcast teams up with Jim Beaver at SEMA 2023, and sits down with master engraving artist Hank "Hanro" Robinson. They discuss Hanro's military background, his transition into engraving, and take a peek into his creative process.

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 host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Famer Marty Fiolka and we discuss his career as a filmmaker, journalist, book publisher, and cheerleader of off-road racing culture. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

In this episode, the Off-Road Racer Podcast teams up with The Jim Beaver Show at SEMA 2023, and sits down with custom truck builder Lacey Blair and talk about her favorite custom truck builds for herself, customers, and for giveaways.

In this episode, the Off-Road Racer Podcast teams up with The Jim Beaver Show at SEMA 2023, and sits down with motorsports maven and SEMA Board of directors Kathryn Reinhardt. Matt, Jim, and Kathryn discuss Kathryn's journey of following her passion from street racer/enthusiast from Atlanta, GA to becoming one of the most influential people leading automotive culture.

In this episode, the Off-Road Racer Podcast teams up with The Jim Beaver Show at SEMA 2023, and sits down with custom truck builder Anthony Morra of Elev8d Motorsports. Matt, Jim, and Anthony talk about Anthony's beginnings, and the lows and highs of truck builds.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Jim Beaver joins me as we sit down with short course off-road champion Keegan Kincaid and we talk about his career, life, what it means to be from the midwest, and what it's like to carry his father's racing legacy forward. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

In this episode, the Off-Road Racer Podcast teams up with The Jim Beaver Show at SEMA 2023, and sits down with competition rock crawler, monster truck driver, YouTube personality Nicole Johnson. Jim and Nicole discuss Nicole's beginnings, her transition from monster truck driving, and the trials of creating online content.

In this episode, the Off-Road Racer Podcast teams up with The Jim Beaver Show at SEMA 2023, and sits down with Off-Road Legend BJ Baldwin for another episode. BJ, Matt, and Jim discuss the impressive builds at SEMA, the role off-road racing plays in the greater motorsports scene, and the importance promotion had in BJ's career, and off-road racing as a whole.

Scott Douglas started in desert racing in the 1980s and after winning 8 Desert Championships he moved to short course where he became a podium threat every time he hit the track. Known for his work ethic and willingness to share his racecraft Scott went on to win Short-Course Championships, 2 BorgWarner Cup Championships, and was the first winner of the AMSOIL Cup. We discuss his career and what it feels like to finally be inducted into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with long-time Technical Director and off-road Hall of Famer Bill Savage. Bill literally wrote the structure for the current rulebook that most off-road race leagues use. We talk about how he originally got involved in off-road racing and what motivates him to stay involved in one of the most difficult, thankless jobs in all of off-road racing. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with off-road champion Brandon Sims. We talk about the ups and downs of off-road racing, getting engaged, the level of competition, the advantage of prepping your own car, and having racing success on limited resources. We also talk about racing on the new Polaris Pro R platform on the FOX Livevalve system. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

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 club. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with off-road racer and race promoter Bryant Blakemore. We talk about off-road racing in Texas, racing Class 8, being diagnosed autistic, and how the adversity of off-road racing progresses us as human beings. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with up-and-coming off-road racer Carson Wernimont. We talk about racing, self-prepping race cars, building race cars, fabricating shocks, RC car racing, and taking advantage of the opportunities life presents you. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with young short-course off-road champion CJ Greaves. We talk about his start in racing, what it’s like carrying his father's championship legacy forward, and helping his cousin climb the ladder in racing. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with multi-time short-course off-road champion Johnny Greaves. We talk about how he originally got into racing, his career lows and highs what it's like to race with his son CJ, and the legacy he wants to continue in short-course off-road racing. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast powered by Monster Energy.