During the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend, I spoke with multiple drivers from April 18-19 as the race marked the second round of the INDYCAR season which was held over a month after the season opener at St. Petersburg. But in between, the series held a made for television race in Palm Springs. Here’s some of my interviews from that weekend in Long Beach.
Scott McLaughlin – No. 3 Team Penske in the NTT INDYCAR Series (April 19)Nolan Siegel – No. 51 Dale Coyne Racing in the NTT INDYCAR Series (April 19)Felix Rosenqvist – No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing in the NTT INDYCAR Series (April 18)Pietro Fittipaldi – No. 30 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in the NTT INDYCAR Series (April 18)
I had the pleasure covering the AMA Supecross race at Lumen Field in Seattle for Motorsports Tribune and asked a question for both the 450SX winner Cooper Webb and 250SX winner Levi Kitchen. Here’s my questions I asked after a cold and wet Saturday night in the Pacific Northwest on March 23, 2024.
Cooper Webb – No. 2 in AMA Supercross (450SX winner)Levi Kitchen – No. 47 in AMA Supercross (250SX winner)
2024 Busch Light Clash Interviews
Daniel Suarez – No. 99 Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series Jose Blasco Figueroa – Trackhouse Racing Engineer
Exclusive Interview with Agustin Canapino (2023)
Agustin Canapino discussed about his rookie season in INDYCAR and the significance of keeping the No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing inside the top-22 in points to as part of the Leader’s Circle bonus money program. This interview took place at the Kenton Station Restaurant and Pub in Portland on August 31, 2023.
Agustin Canapino – No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing in the NTT INDYCAR Series
Exclusive Interview with Michael Cosey, Jr. (2023)
Sim racing and content creator Michael Cosey, Jr. was entering the final races of his rookie season in the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series. As part of a cancelled feature for Activision/Blizzard’s now defunct The Edit, I spoke with him on August 24, 2023 where I focused on the impact of sim racing.
Michael Cosey, Jr. – No. 38 Front Row Motorsports in the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series
Exclusive Interview with Benjamin Pedersen (2023)
INDYCAR Rookie Benjamin Pedersen had two races left to cap off his rookie season. As part of promoting the Grand Prix of Portland, the Seattle native discussed about the upcoming race and his strong Month of May at Indianapolis. This interview took place on August 22, 2023 with the feature being published on August 30, 2023.
Benjamin Pedersen – No. 55 AJ Foyt Racing in the NTT INDYCAR Series
Exclusive Interview with Michael Conti (2023)
Michael Conti was entering the final races of his eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series career. As part of a cancelled feature for Activision/Blizzard’s now defunct The Edit, I spoke with the former series champion on August 18, 2023 where I focused on the impact of sim racing.
Michael Conti – No. 8 JR Motorsports in the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series
Exclusive Interview with Natalie Hess (2023)
As part of my major feature focusing on the Purdue Goldusters, I spoke with head coach Natalie Hess to discuss about her current tenure and what the Indianapolis 500 festivities mean for her and the university. This interview took place on May 24, 2023.
Natalie Hess – Head Coach of the Purdue Goldusters
Exclusive Interview with Bobby Rahal (2023)
During the buildup for the 107th Indianapolis 500, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Katherine Legge was looking to become the first female driver to make the race since 2013. I spoke with team owner and 1986 Indy 500 champion Bobby Rahal about Legge’s quest of coming back to INDYCAR on May 19, 2023.
Bobby Rahal – 1986 Indianapolis 500 champion
Exclusive Interview with Sting Ray Robb (2023)
Idaho’s Sting Ray Robb joins Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing in INDYCAR, completing the grid of 27 full-time entries on January 18, 2023. I spoke with him a day after being confirmed as the latest INDYCAR rookie. This interview was part of feature article that was published by The Podium Finish on January 23, 2023.
Sting Ray Robb – No. 51 Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing in the NTT INDYCAR Series
Exclusive Interview with Brad Perez (2022)
Brad Perez has multiple roles in the world of racing. From crew member to race car driver, “Bread’s” road to Sonoma Raceway was worth telling, especially how his deal with Reaume Brothers Racing came to be. All thanks to his connections with the band, I Set My Friends On Fire. I spoke with him before qualifying and after the DoorDash 250. This interview was part of feature article that was published by The Podium Finish on June 15, 2022.
Brad Perez – No. 43 Reaume Brothers Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Exclusive Interview with Jeff Gordon (2021)
Jeff Gordon – NASCAR Hall of Famer & Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports
Following Kyle Larson’s 2021 NASCAR Cup Series championship, I interviewed Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon at Phoenix Raceway. In our interview, we discussed about Larson’s season, the dynamic chemistry between Larson and crew chief Cliff Daniels, and HMS as a whole.
Exclusive Interview with Jake Drew after Phoenix Finale (2021)
In one of the most cruelest ways to lose a championship, Jake Drew thought he had the title in the bag at Phoenix Raceway. However, both Trevor Huddleston (Drew’s teammate) and Jesse Love changed those plans as their last lap battle decided the title. Love was able to tie Drew in points, but since the latter didn’t win in 2021 compared to Love’s two West wins, that’s all it took to crown Love his second straight title. I spoke with Drew after the heartbreak at Phoenix.
Jake Drew – No. 6 Sunrise Ford Racing in the ARCA Menards Series West (after losing the title)
Exclusive Interview with Dean Thompson (2021)
Wrapping up his first full season in ARCA Menards Series West, Dean Thompson was getting ready to make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut at Phoenix Raceway. With the West finale also at Phoenix, it meant he’ll be running double duty. We talked about both events along with the decision of forgoing Portland to fight for the late model track title at Irwindale Speedway. This interview was part of feature article that was published by The Podium Finish on November 6, 2021.
Dean Thompson – No. 51 High Point Racing in the ARCA Menards Series West
Exclusive Interview with Jack Wood (2021)
After having modest runs in ARCA West from 2019-2020, Jack Wood’s stock car racing career had its changes throughout 2021. From initially competing in ARCA East to being thrusted into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Wood has stayed determined to keep his career going. This interview was part of feature article that was published by The Podium Finish on October 13, 2021.
Jack Wood – No. 24 GMS Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Exclusive Interview with Amber Slagle (2021)
Looking to make most out of any opportunity, Amber Slagle was given a shot to compete in the ARCA Menards Series West at Irwindale Speedway. When she isn’t racing, she had called the shots for Parker Retzlaff in ARCA East. I dove into the racing background of Slagle that’s since grown. This interview was part of feature article that was published by The Podium Finish on July 21, 2021.
Amber Slagle – No. 17 Steve McGowan Motorsports in the ARCA Menards Series West
Exclusive Interview with Greg Ives (2021)
Alex Bowman’s crew chief Greg Ives have established an excellent race team in the NASCAR Cup Series. In my interview with Ives, we talked about Bowman’s win at Dover and how his approach on the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports squad. This interview was part of feature article that was published by The Podium Finish on June 3, 2021.
Greg Ives – No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Crew Chief in the NASCAR Cup Series
Exclusive Interview with Josh Berry (2021)
A few days before the Xfinity Series race at Talladega, I had the pleasure of interviewing new series winner Josh Berry. No stranger to success, Berry is an accomplished late model racer for JR Motorsports. This interview was part of feature article that was published by The Podium Finish on April 23, 2021.
Josh Berry – No. 8 JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series
Exclusive Interview with Bayley Currey (2021)
A seventh place finish at Phoenix marked Bayley Currey’s maiden top-10 in the Xfinity Series. It also marked Mike Harmon Racing’s best ever result. I interviewed the young Texan for a feature article I wrote for The Podium Finish on March 15, 2021.
Bayley Currey – No. 74 Mike Harmon Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series
2021 World Series of Asphalt
Throughout my time at New Smyrna Speedway, I had the task of doing infield reporting after certain racing events. These recordings would be transcribed and later included in Short Track SCENE articles.
Derek Griffith after winning his second straight World Series of Asphalt SLM championship (February 13, 2021)Orange Blossom 100 winner Stephen Nasse (February 13, 2021)Orange Blossom 100 runner-up Jesse Love (February 13, 2021)Orange Blossom 100 third-place finisher Sammy Smith (February 13, 2021)Derek Griffith on incident with Gracie Trotter in the Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona and preparations heading into the Orange Blossom 100, where he was leading the Super Late Model standings (February 13, 2021)Marcello Rufrano – Tour Mods (February 9, 2021)Jon McKennedy on Ryan Preece – Tour Mods (February 8, 2021)
Exclusive Interview with Rajah Caruth (2021)
In this exclusive interview for The Podium Finish, I spoke with ARCA East driver Rajah Caruth on February 4, 2021. We discussed about his upcoming ARCA debut at New Smyrna, iRacing and even Lil Uzi Vert’s diamond.
Rajah Caruth – No. 6 Rev Racing in the ARCA Menards Series East
Exclusive Interview with Jesse Little (2020)
In this exclusive Motorsports Tribune interview, I spoke with Xfinity Series driver Jesse Little following his maiden top-10 finish at Pocono on June 28, 2020. We discussed about his rewarding journey from his breakthrough 2018 Truck Series season to pursuing an education.
Jesse Little – No. 4 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller in the NASCAR Xfinity Series
As COVID-19 has put a massive hold on all sorts of sports, including motorsports, there’s still both optimism and concerns once it’s safe to start racing. The best way for drivers to fill the void is competing on iRacing, such as the INDYCAR iRacing Challenge.
Ed Carpenter – Driver/Owner of Ed Carpenter Racing in the NTT INDYCAR Series
I asked Carpenter about having rookie Dutch driver Rinus VeeKay on his team during a video teleconference on April 24, 2020.
Lando Norris – No. 4 McLaren Renault in Formula One
I asked McLaren Formula 1 driver Lando Norris about how should the 70th season go about when the crisis was ongoing during a video teleconference on April 24, 2020.
Exclusive Interviews w/ Todd and David Gilliland (2020)
Tremendous family ties in the 2020 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series season as not only Todd Gilliland is running for a team his father David once drove, but also bearing the No. 38 that’s been carried on for three generations. I spoke with both about it during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway. Yes, I did Todd about his infamous radio comments following his first Truck Series win at Martinsville the previous season.
Todd Gilliland – No. 38 Front Row Motorsports in the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck SeriesDavid Gilliland – Co-owner of DGR-Crosley and Todd Gilliland’s son
2019 NASCAR at Phoenix Interviews
The penultimate race weekend of the NASCAR calendar took place at ISM Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. One focused on Brett Moffitt’s primary sponsor (Plan B Sales) helping out Griffin Spier come to the track and witness late brother’s name on Moffitt’s truck in person. The other being Brittney Zamora as she looked back at her rookie campaign in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, but also spoke about being a driver from the state of Washington.
Brett Moffitt – No. 24 GMS Racing in Trucks/Griffin Spier – NASCAR YouTuberBrittney Zamora – No. 99 Bill McAnally Racing Toyota in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West
Exclusive Interview with Spencer Boyd (2019)
Prior of heading to ISM Raceway, I had the chance to speak with Talladega Truck Series winner Spencer Boyd about his 2019 campaign. Topics included his maiden series win, how he made the most of an incident with Natalie Decker and more.
Spencer Boyd – No. 20 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series
2019 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West at Sonoma Interviews
Sonoma Raceway was the spot of a stacked field for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, including some who compete on the national tour. I spoke with Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece and Xfinity Series driver Cole Custer about running the Procore 200 as well as their 2019 campaigns up to that point.
Cole Custer – No. 22 Sunrise Ford in K&N West/No. 00 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford in XfinityRyan Preece – No. 47 JTG-Daugherty Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series
2019 NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series at Texas Interviews
The NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series had their standalone race at Texas Motor Speedway on June 7, 2019. Before the action commenced, I spoke with Kyle Benjamin and Cory Roper who have tales of their own.
Kyle Benjamin – No. 45 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck SeriesCory Roper – No. 04 Roper Racing Ford F-150 in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series
2019 IndyCar at Long Beach Interviews
I spoke with Barber Motorsports Park winner Takuma Sato and Michael Shank Racing driver Jack Harvey during Media Luncheon at Long Beach on April 11, 2019. The following day, I also interviewed Harvey’s car owner Michael Shank about their expectations and progress they’ve made in the NTT IndyCar Series.
Takuma Sato – No. 30 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda in the NTT INDYCAR SeriesJack Harvey – No. 60 Michael Shank Racing Honda in the NTT INDYCAR SeriesMichael Shank – Jack Harvey’s car owner in the NTT INDYCAR Series
2019 Speedweeks at Daytona Interviews
During my first trip covering Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway in February 2019, I interviewed seven drivers across both the NASCAR Xfinity and Gander Outdoors Truck Series.
Tyler Ankrum – No. 17 DGR-Crosley Toyota Tundra in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck SeriesChase Briscoe – No. 98 Stewart-Haas Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Xfinity SeriesGrant Enfinger – No. 98 ThorSport Racing Ford F-150 in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series. This audio also includes humorous discussion with Myatt Snider at the very end.Justin Haley – No. 11 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet Camaro in the NASCAR Xfinity SeriesAustin Hill – No. 16 Hattori Racing Toyota Tundra in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck SeriesJohn Hunter Nemechek – No. 23 GMS Racing Chevrolet Camaro in the NASCAR Xfinity SeriesBen Rhodes – No. 99 ThorSport Racing Ford F-150 in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series
Hailie Deegan Race Win Comments at Meridian (2018)
After scoring her first career NASCAR K&N Pro Series West win at Meridian Speedway in Idaho, 17-year-old Hailie Deegan discussed her race-winning move on Cole Rouse and how she’s un-remorseful towards her competitors.
Hailie Deegan – No. 19 Bill McAnally Racing Toyota in the NASCAR K&N Series West
Harding Racing Post-Race Comments at Sonoma (2018)
Indy Lights stars Patricio O’Ward and Colton Herta wrapped up their Verizon IndyCar Series debuts at Sonoma Raceway on September 16, 2018. Alongside Brian Barnhart, they shared their thoughts about their weekend. O’Ward finished ninth while Herta ended up 20th.
Pato O’Ward, Colton Herta and Brian Barnhart – Harding Racing in the Verizon INDYCAR Series
Spencer Pigot Post-Race Comments at Portland (2018)
Ed Carpenter Racing driver Spencer Pigot delivered a fourth-place finish in the Grand Prix of Portland on September 2, 2018. I spoke with him about his performance and what it meant for the entire team as his first full-time IndyCar campaign was coming to a close.
Spencer Pigot – No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet in the Verizon INDYCAR Series
Jordan King Post-Qualifying Comments at Portland (2018)
Jordan King had high hopes of making the Firestone Fast Six at Portland, but it wasn’t meant to be. In this interview, the Ed Carpenter Racing driver reflects on his season up to that point.
Jordan King – No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet in the Verizon INDYCAR Series
Carlos Munoz Post-Practice No. 2 Comments at Portland (2018)
Filling in for the injured Robert Wickens at Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, Colombian Carlos Munoz was making just his second start of the 2018 Indy car season, with Portland being the first road course start with the Universal Aero Kit package. Munoz was let go from AJ Foyt Racing after the 2017 campaign.
Carlos Munoz – No. 6 Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Honda in the Verizon INDYCAR Series
Exclusive Interview with Alfonso Celis, Jr. (2018)
I interviewed former Force India test driver Alfonso Celis, Jr. of Mexico, who was driving for Juncos Racing in the Grand Prix of Portland. In this exclusive discussion that was part of my Motorsports Tribune article, he brought up his struggles of competing a lighter schedule.
Alfonso Solis, Jr. – No. 32 Juncos Racing Chevrolet in the Verizon INDYCAR Series
Exclusive Interview with Justin Marks (2018)
For my first-ever one-on-one interview as part of the Motorsports Tribune staff, I spoke with road racing veteran Justin Marks, driver of the No. 15 Sufferfest Chevrolet Camaro in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The Premium Motorsports driver discussed about the lost art known as “road ringers” in the sport’s highest level and passion for mountain climbing.
Justin Marks – No. 15 Premium Motorsports Chevrolet in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series
KUOI-FM Moscow 89.3 “Stranger Things” Station ID (2016)
For my last-ever radio show at the University of Idaho, I did a 24-hour program and one of my ideas was doing an ad-lib with the opening music of Netflix’s hit show “Stranger Things.” The recording took place on Friday, December 16, 2016 at 6:00 AM.
My ad-lib Station Identification for KUOI-FM Moscow 89.3
Idaho Volleyball Head Coach Debbie Buchanan Interview (2016)
As part of an online-only article for The Blot, I interviewed Idaho volleyball head coach Debbie Buchanan about her journey before becoming the Vandals coach in 2000. This was my only article I’ve written for the magazine publication and was the volleyball beat writer for The Argonaut school newspaper.
Debbie Buchanan – Idaho Vandals Volleyball Head Coach
KRFP Radio Free Moscow “Come Out and Play” Station ID (2016)
A 35-second station ID I recorded during my spring internship at KRFP. The ID focuses on the station’s diverse content from music to local news that makes them stand out over other radio stations in the Palouse.
My station ID creation during my internship at KRFP Radio Free Moscow
