Off-Road Racer Podcast

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Cole Hardin, fresh off his overall win at the Vegas to Reno. Cole talks about what it takes to race at the front of the field in some of the fastest desert races in the country, including the unique challenges of Vegas to Reno and how quickly things can go wrong when you are running 120 plus mph for miles at a time. Matt and Cole also get into the differences between some of the major desert courses, from the high speed terrain of Nevada to the rough and technical sections of Barstow. Cole explains why Barstow is one of his favorite places to race, and why the hardest courses can also be the most rewarding. There is also plenty of discussion about the trucks themselves. Cole breaks down the differences between the Geyser and Herbst trucks, how suspension setup changes the way each truck drives, and what it takes to make an Unlimited Truck work through high speed and rough terrain. The conversation covers the Vegas to Reno win, the mental side of maintaining high speeds for an entire race, the evolution of desert racing, and what Cole wants to see from the sport moving forward. A good look at one of the younger drivers coming through the sport and what it takes to compete at the front of modern desert racing.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Chris Forsberg, three time Formula Drift champion, Nissan driver, and one of the most recognizable names in modern motorsports. While Chris built his career in drifting, his approach has always gone beyond one discipline. From building cars in his own garage to developing a professional racing program, Chris has been involved in every part of the process. That same mindset eventually led him into the desert, taking on a completely different challenge behind the wheel of an off road race truck. Matt and Chris talk about the transition from drifting to desert racing, and the huge differences between precision driving on a short course and managing a vehicle for hours through unpredictable terrain. Chris shares what drew him to off road racing, his first experiences in Baja, and how he approached building a competitive program with the Nissan Frontier. They also get into the similarities between the two worlds. Vehicle control, preparation, car development, and the importance of understanding every part of the program. Chris talks about building his own race truck, working with partners, and why the best drivers are often the ones who understand the entire process behind the wheel. The conversation covers a lot of ground, from the evolution of Formula Drift and the Drift Alliance era, to OEM involvement, marketing, and how motorsports can connect with a wider audience. Chris also shares his perspective on where off road racing fits into the future of his program and why the challenge of desert racing continues to pull him back. More than anything, this episode is about a racer’s mindset. Whether it’s inches from a wall in a drift car or miles into the desert, the pursuit is the same: build something better, keep learning, and find the next challenge.

n this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Justin Bean Smith, one of the most versatile drivers in off road racing today. Whether it's Trophy Truck Spec, Unlimited Truck, or jumping into someone else's program, Justin has built a reputation for being ready when the opportunity comes. Justin shares how his career has evolved from getting early opportunities behind the wheel to becoming one of the sport's most sought after fill in and development drivers. Along the way, he talks about racing for established teams, adapting to different vehicles, and earning the trust of owners who expect results every time he straps in. Matt and Justin also dive into the technical side of modern desert racing. They discuss the differences between Trophy Truck Spec and Unlimited, how today's trucks continue to evolve, and what drivers can learn by experiencing different chassis, suspension packages, and setups. Justin explains how driving Camburg's Kinetik truck gave him firsthand insight into how incremental changes in technology translate into performance on race day. The conversation also covers race strategy, qualifying, managing pace over long races, and the mindset required to compete for wins in increasingly competitive fields. Justin shares the story behind some of his biggest victories, the pressure of delivering for the teams that put their trust in him, and why consistency is often more important than outright speed. More than anything, this episode is about making the most of every opportunity. Justin's career is proof that talent gets you noticed, but preparation, adaptability, and delivering when it matters are what keep the phone ringing.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Steve Barlow, an influential figure in off road racing and a key player in the growth of short course racing during its most successful era. Over the course of his career, Steve has worn just about every hat imaginable. Racer, team owner, promoter, executive, and industry leader. From his early days in off road racing to helping build some of the sport's most recognizable teams and series, Steve has had a front row seat to decades of change across the industry. Matt and Steve dive into the rise of short course racing, the factors that made series like CORR so successful, and why the format proved to be such a natural fit for television, manufacturers, sponsors, and fans. They discuss the business side of racing, how factory involvement transformed the sport, and the challenges that come with growing a racing series while maintaining what made it special in the first place. The conversation also explores the evolution of off road technology, from vehicle development and suspension systems to the way teams prepare, test, and gather information. Steve shares stories from working alongside some of the biggest names in racing and offers a unique perspective on how the sport has changed over the years. More than anything, this episode is about understanding how off road racing grew from a grassroots motorsport into a professional industry. Through Steve's experiences, listeners get a rare look at the people, decisions, and ideas that helped shape the sport we know today.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Andy McMillin, one of the most accomplished drivers of the modern desert racing era. Coming from one of the sport’s most well known families, Andy grew up around off road racing from the beginning, but building his own career meant living up to a name that already carried major expectations. Over the years, he has done exactly that, becoming one of the most consistent and technically skilled drivers in Trophy Truck competition. Matt and Andy get into the evolution of modern desert racing, how the level of competition has changed, and what it takes to stay competitive at the front of the field today. From vehicle setup and race strategy to adapting to changing terrain and conditions, Andy shares the details behind what separates winning programs from everyone else. They also talk about the mental side of racing at the highest level. Managing pressure, staying disciplined over long races, and learning how to balance aggression with consistency when the margins are smaller than ever. More than anything, this episode is about experience. Years of racing at the top level, learning through wins and setbacks, and continuing to evolve in a sport that never stops getting faster.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Corbin Leaverton, one of the younger drivers making his way through the off road world and building experience across multiple forms of racing. Corbin talks about growing up around the sport, developing as a driver, and the process of learning how to compete at a higher level as the competition keeps getting deeper. From desert racing to short course influences, he shares how different disciplines shape the way he approaches driving and racecraft. Matt and Corbin also get into the modern side of off road racing. The level of preparation now required, how important seat time has become, and the challenge of adapting to different vehicles, terrain, and race formats. There is a lot more expected of drivers today than just raw speed. More than anything, this episode is about progression. Learning from experienced racers, taking opportunities when they come, and putting in the work to keep improving in one of the toughest forms of motorsports there is.

This week on the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with Steve Olliges—longtime racer, Ford off-road program staple, and someone who’s been around the sport through multiple eras. Steve’s career spans everything from Stock Production Full and Class 8 to competing at the highest level in Unlimited Truck. He’s seen the sport evolve firsthand—different vehicles, different rules, and a completely different level of competition than when he first got started. We get into those transitions—what it was like coming up through the more production-based classes, how things changed as trucks got faster and more specialized, and what it takes to stay competitive as the sport keeps pushing forward. There’s also insight into the OEM side of racing, working with Ford, and how manufacturer involvement has shaped the top levels of off-road racing over the years. This episode is a look at a racer who’s been through it all—different classes, different eras, and a front row seat to how off-road racing got to where it is today.

This week on the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with Josh Daniel—one of the guys who’s built a reputation on being able to get in just about anything and be competitive. Josh has carved out his place in the sport driving for different teams, adapting to different cars, and making the most of every opportunity he gets. It’s a different path than most—less about owning the program, more about proving you can show up, figure it out quickly, and deliver results. We get into what that actually looks like—limited seat time, jumping between platforms, and learning how to be fast in equipment that isn’t always familiar. It’s not just about speed, it’s about adaptability, communication, and making the most of every mile you get. They also talk about how competitive the sport has become. Deeper fields, tighter racing, and fewer easy opportunities. If you want to stay in the mix, you have to be ready when the call comes. Josh is part of that group of drivers who can do exactly that. This episode is a look at what it means to be a hired gun in off-road racing—and what it takes to make it work.

Matt Martelli sits down with Jamie Campbell—fabricator, racer, and the guy behind Raceco USA. From coming up in the Penhall shop days to building dozens of Class 1 cars, Jamie’s path runs through some of the best eras of off-road racing. He gets into working with legends, starting his own program, and what it actually takes to build cars at that level. They also dive into Dakar Rally—from wrenching on Robbie Gordon’s program to racing a hydrogen-powered vehicle in the Mission 1000 class. Plenty in here on fabrication, racing different platforms, and how the sport has evolved—from open wheel cars to trucks to UTVs.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Bryan Folks, one of the most influential figures behind the scenes in modern off-road racing. From his early involvement in desert racing to helping shape major race organizations, Bryan shares a candid look at how off-road events are actually built, operated, and sustained. Bryan breaks down the realities of running large-scale races, including course design, permitting, safety, logistics, and the constant balance between racer expectations and land-use restrictions. He discusses the evolution of desert racing formats, why certain decisions are misunderstood from the outside, and how promoters are forced to adapt as the sport grows and scrutiny increases. The conversation also dives into the future of off-road racing — what racers want versus what’s feasible, how technology and vehicle performance are changing race operations, and why collaboration between racers, promoters, and land managers is more critical than ever. Bryan offers rare perspective on what it takes to keep desert racing alive in today’s environment, and what the sport must do to survive long term. This is an essential episode for anyone who wants to understand the business, politics, and decision-making that shape off-road racing beyond the start line.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Justin Von Metal — racer, builder, and one of the most outspoken minds in modern UTV racing. From his roots in motocross and factory race teams to building championship-winning Pro Stock UTV programs, Justin breaks down what it actually takes to win at the highest level without unlimited budgets. The conversation dives deep into race course design, class structure, affordability, and the realities of racing rough events like the Mint 400, Barstow, Parker, Laughlin, and Vegas to Reno. Justin explains why preparation, testing, and discipline matter more than hype parts, why Pro Stock is one of the most demanding driver classes in off-road, and how racing experience — not checkbooks — separates contenders from casualties. Justin also shares hard-earned insight on suspension development, the transfer of knowledge from motocross to desert racing, working with partners like King Shocks, SuperATV, BFG, and Diode Dynamics, and why simplicity and reliability still win races in an era obsessed with technology. The episode closes with a candid look at the evolution of UTV racing, factory involvement, safety concerns, and where the sport is headed as competition continues to escalate. This is an unfiltered, technical, and brutally honest conversation about what it really takes to finish, compete, and win in modern off-road racing.

In this episode, Jim Beaver sits down with Matt Martelli for a deep dive into one of the most unconventional careers in modern motorsports. From growing up in Parker surrounded by legends, to grinding his way into trophy trucks, to accidentally becoming one of off-road’s most influential broadcasters and marketers, Jim’s story is a masterclass in hustle, timing, and staying connected to the culture that raised you. Jim talks about building his first trucks from scratch, learning the media game before anyone else was paying attention, launching his own radio show out of thin air, and turning it into a nationally syndicated platform that’s connected off-road to NASCAR, NHRA, IndyCar, Hollywood, and beyond. He breaks down his first big break with Red Bull Global Rallycross, the rise of Star Car, his relationships with icons like Ken Block and Travis Pastrana, and the B2B backbone that actually keeps motorsports alive. This is a wide-open conversation about racing, media, culture, sponsorship, eSports, and the future of off-road — told by someone who’s been in every corner of it. If you care about where the sport is headed, or how to build something from nothing, this episode is required listening.

This week on the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with one of the true originals of our sport: Kevin McGillivray. Kevin might not be the loudest guy in the room or the one chasing cameras, but he’s been shaping off-road racing for nearly five decades—quietly, consistently, and with an authenticity you don’t often see anymore. From growing up exploring the San Bernardino mountains, to hand-fabricating dune buggies, to racing and winning in Class 10, ProTruck, and Trophy Truck, Kevin’s life is the definition of earned experience. But what really stands out is the way his path was shaped by mentors—people like Arnie Gustin, Scott McKenzie, Casey Folks, and countless others who saw something in him, shared their knowledge, and changed the course of his life. Kevin carries those lessons forward today, paying it back by mentoring young racers, building opportunities for the next generation, and reminding us what genuine sportsmanship looks like. We dig into the early days of Class 10, the wild evolution of ProTruck, the rise of modern suspension and shock technology, and how Kevin found himself building machines for the semiconductor industry while helping pioneer ideas still used in race shocks today. We also get into the heart of the culture—why the people matter more than the results, how off-road racing builds character, and why Kevin continues to lead by example through service, humility, and a deep love for the desert. This episode isn’t just a look at Kevin’s career… it’s a masterclass in what off-road racing is supposed to be: community, mentorship, innovation, grit, and the belief that the sport gets better when you help others rise with you.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with one of the most influential builders in off-road racing history — Rick Geiser, co-founder of Geiser Bros Design and Development. From humble beginnings wrenching in his backyard to producing nearly 100 of the most dominant Trophy Trucks ever built, Rick shares the full story of how the Geiser name became synonymous with off-road racing excellence. Rick and Matt dive deep into the origins of the Geiser platform, how they changed the sport by making top-level trucks accessible to privateers, and the hands-on innovation that fueled decades of race wins. They also talk about the evolution of the sport — from paper maps and pit radios to GPS tracking, CAD design, and modern all-wheel-drive platforms — and what it takes to stay on top in today’s rapidly advancing field. It’s a rare look behind the curtain at one of the most successful and respected operations in desert racing — from two brothers with a bold vision and determination to match.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with one of the fastest drivers in desert racing — Kyle Jergensen. From humble beginnings wrenching and learning his craft, to now piloting some of the most advanced trucks in the sport with Camburg Racing’s Kinetik program, Kyle has carved out a name for himself as one of the most precise and composed drivers in the game. Matt and Kyle dig into the details of what makes modern race trucks so capable — from the mid-fuel design of the Kinetik truck to how vehicle balance and setup affect performance at high speeds. Kyle also shares his thoughts on why he prefers the Spec Truck class over Unlimited, and how the challenge of managing traction, weight, and control brings out the best in his driving. But more than anything, this episode is about the mindset behind success in modern off-road racing — staying calm at 120 mph, learning from every race, and evolving with the sport as technology and competition keep pushing the limits.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Chris Blais, one of the most accomplished motorcycle racers to come out of the desert. Before making the jump into UTVs, Chris was among the best moto racers in the world, competing against the toughest riders on the planet and even landing on the podium at the legendary Dakar Rally. That same intensity and focus have carried him into the UTV world, where Chris has built a reputation not just as a talented driver, but also as a builder who understands how to maximize performance. In the episode, he dives into his philosophy on race builds, why weight and balance matter so much, and how years of experience on two wheels gave him a unique perspective behind the wheel of a four-wheel machine. Chris’s story is more than just racing — it’s about resilience, adapting to new challenges, and staying true to the competitive spirit that first pushed him to race dirt bikes at the highest level. His journey shows how the core values of determination and grit can carry a racer from Dakar to the desert UTV wars of today. 🎙 Presented by Dirt Co.

Before Jason Coleman was behind the wheel, he was 'the shop kid' at Terrible Herbst — sweeping floors, cleaning CVs, and learning the sport from the ground up. This is a recurring story that comes up frequently on the show. We always talk about the importance of “sweeping the floor.” It’s a humble start, but it’s how countless racers and industry leaders got their foot in the door. That work builds respect, discipline, and opportunity — Jason’s story proves it. Matt and Jason also touch on the legendary Herbst Truggy and AWD truck, machines that pushed the boundaries of off-road innovation.

This week we sit down with Mike “Otto” Deutsch, co-founder of Biltwell, a brand that has become a cornerstone of motorcycle culture. These days, Otto is best known for helping bring people together—through events like the Biltwell 100 and countless other moto gatherings that celebrate the spirit of two wheels and the garage-built community. In this episode, Otto and Matt dive into everything from the early days of Biltwell to the evolution of grassroots racing, the crossover between moto and off-road, and the importance of keeping the culture authentic. They talk about the lessons learned from building a lifestyle brand, the people who make it thrive, and the stories that keep events like the Biltwell 100 so special. This is a wide-ranging conversation that captures not just Otto’s journey, but the spirit of the community he’s been helping to shape for decades. 🎙 Presented by Dirt Co.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with Dan Roush — a racer with a story unlike any we’ve heard before. Dan isn’t a household name in the off-road world, but his life was forever changed in an instant during a brutal crash in Baja. In the moments after the impact, Dan made the conscious choice to keep breathing, fight through the pain, and survive. From the details of that day to the long road of recovery, Dan shares his journey with honesty and perspective. We talk about how his crash reshaped his outlook on life, what it taught him about resilience, and why the off-road community played such an important role in his healing. This is more than just a racing story — it’s a story about the human spirit, perseverance, and finding strength in the face of overwhelming challenges. 🎙 Presented by Dirt Co.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with David Clay, founder of RacingTrax, the GPS tracking and timing system used by UNLTD and many other off-road racing series. We dive into how a series of frustrating experiences racing in Baja led David to develop one of the most important innovations in modern desert racing. What started as a tool to keep track of race vehicles has evolved into a system that increases safety, improves race management, and provides critical real-time data to teams, officials, and fans alike. We talk about how the technology works, what it takes to run it across thousands of square miles of remote terrain, and what’s next for the future of live tracking and safety in off-road racing. This one’s a deep dive into the tech that keeps our sport moving forward. — Matt Martelli Presented by: @thedirtco – Built for those who go off-road.