Dinner with Racers

The latest of our RE-HEATED series, where we re-issue episodes that might share something with racing stories in the news… Episode 222 featuring Chris Pook. With the Long Beach Grand Prix happening this weekend, we figured it was a good episode to re-visit. A known figure for a number of motorsport ventures, including running CART for some time, Chris’s wild idea to hold a street race in the California port city of Long Beach in 1974 was the start of tradition that continued today. Hailing from the UK and working as a long-time Long Beach resident, Chris’s path to creating the event was anything but smooth, with the detailed story in this podcast. This is of course a complimentary episode to our “Dinner with Racers” video series on MotorTrend’s YouTube and MotorTrend+ streaming, where you can see the story unfold in a two-part special. Lunch was served at 555 East Steakhouse in Long Beach, CA, with the song “I Got Me” by Jane & The Boy taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.

The latest of our RE-HEATED series, where we re-issue episodes that might share something with racing stories in the news… Episode 223 featuring Jim Michaelian. One of the pioneers behind the Grand Prix of Long Beach, Jim unfortunately passed on Saturday, March 21, but we were fortunate to spend an extended amount of time with him in 2021 in our “Building Long Beach” video and podcast series. One of the key members since Year One, Jim Michaelian went from a kid with an MBA helping out in finance, to the current President and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. From boots on the ground at the beginning, to steering the ship today, Jim is uniquely qualified to know both the history of the event and the challenges that face the Grand Prix today. This is of course a complimentary episode to our “Dinner with Racers” video series on MotorTrend’s YouTube, where you can see the story unfold in a two-part special. Dinner was served via pizza we ordered into the Grand Prix offices in Long Beach, CA, with the song “Something New” by Castle Heist taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.

The FIRST of our RE-HEATED series, where we re-issue episodes that might share something with racing stories in the news… Episode 150 featured RJ Valentine. RJ Valentine is one of sportscar racing’s greatest characters, and beloved by our hosts. A businessman first, RJ grew up under tough circumstances in South Boston through the 1940’s and 1950’s, building a hugely successful series of businesses which eventually led him down the path of racing. Funding his own way, RJ has driven in Trans-Am, IMSA, and Grand-Am, all in their heyday, ultimately leading to his career highlight, winning the Daytona 500 (listen to episode for details). What makes RJ most entertaining is his complete zero-apologies character, not afraid to share his opinions on politics, people around him, and life at large. Dinner was served at Davios in Burlington, Massachusetts. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.!

One of the most prolific television commentators in the sport, Matt Yocum has made an art of being a pit reporter in an endless series of motorsport categories. Known for a three-decade run in NASCAR, Matt has been everything from pit reporter to show host, eventually transition to a career today in IMSA as one of the stapes of both the NBC broadcast as well IMSA’s “Endurance Hour” podcast. Lunch was served at the famed Brickhouse Tavern in Davison, NC, with Eldar Kedem’s “For the One” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!

One of racing’s most colorful journeymen, Anthony Lazzaro defines character and perseverence. Growing up with little means, Anthony become a phenom of the 1970’s-1990’s karting scene, doing everything he could to break into the car racing scene, and eventually doing so by taking opportunities all over the landscape. His efforts would culminate in not only winning the 1999 Formula Atlantic championship, but also runs in INDYCAR, NASCAR, and eventually become the house driver for the legendary Risi Ferrari dinner. Dinner was served at Culinary Dropout in Atlanta, GA, with La Nata’s “Kutchie” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!