Off The Racing Line

Carlos A. Espitia

Off The Racing Line is the podcast where motorsports gets real. Forget the polished, perfect moments. We dive into the chaos, the mistakes, and the breakthroughs that happen when you stray from the racing line. From racing to HPDE and instructing, host Carlos Espitia sits down with racers and coaches who’ve been there, done that, and lived to tell the story.

We’re talking about the unfiltered side of racing—the lessons you don’t hear about in the driver’s meeting. It’s not just about speed; it’s about the hard truth of pushing limits and facing the unexpected. Get ready for real conversations

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S1 · E34
August 4 · 1 hr 8 min
The Anatomy of a Winning Race Car Driver | Danny Steyn
Danny Steyn joins Off The Racing Line for a powerful conversation about racing, recovery, preparation, and what it really takes to keep winning at the highest level of Spec Miata.In this episode, we take a deep dive into Danny’s frightening 2024 wreck with Jim Drago at Road America, a crash that left both drivers hospitalized and forced Danny into a long, difficult year of recovery. He opens up about what happened, what the recovery process was really like, and what it takes mentally and physically to come back after a major racing accident. But this episode is not just about survival, it’s about the anatomy of a winner. Danny walks us through the habits, systems, and mindset that have helped him remain one of the most competitive drivers in the country at 68 years old. We talk about his massive library of data, how he prepares for every race weekend, how he studies his opponents, and why winning consistently requires far more than raw speed. We also discuss the “Zilisch effect,” the impact Connor Zilisch had on Spec Miata, and how his success helped inspire a new generation of young drivers who now see Spec Miata as a serious pathway in motorsports. This episode is about discipline, preparation, experience, resilience, and the small details that separate good drivers from great ones. If you love Spec Miata, grassroots racing, driver development, race craft, data analysis, and real conversations with people who have lived the sport at a high level, this one is for you. Subscribe to Off The Racing Line for real conversations with racers, instructors, builders, entrepreneurs, and the personalities who make motorsports what it is.https://offtheracingline.com This episode is sponsored by CAE Marketing, the AI visibility and generative search agency. https://www.caemarketing.com About the Host Carlos A. Espitia is the host of Off The Racing Line, founder of CAE Marketing, co-founder of Velocity Track Experience, and creator of The Legal Rainmaker. He is a digital marketing strategist, media builder, motorsports entrepreneur, and driver focused on building brands, stories, and communities that get noticed. #OffTheRacingLine #DannySteyn #SpecMiata #RoadAmerica #JimDrago #ConnorZilisch #GrassrootsRacing #MotorsportsPodcast #RaceCraft #DriverDevelopment #MazdaMiata #RacingLife
S1 · E33
July 14 · 54 min
Inside the 31-Hour Cannonball Run with David Maher
David Maher is back — and this time, we’re going deep into one of the wildest chapters of his motorsports life. In Episode 33 of Off The Racing Line, our very first guest returns as the first repeat guest in the history of the show. The main story: David’s legendary 2006 cross-country Cannonball run with Alex Roy. Together, they drove a heavily modified BMW E39 M5 from New York to Los Angeles in just 31 hours and 4 minutes, setting a transcontinental record that stood for seven years. But this wasn’t just about driving fast. It was a full-scale tactical operation involving fuel cells, police scanners, thermal night vision, spotter aircraft, route planning, legal risk analysis, sleep deprivation, and the kind of mental pressure most drivers will never experience. David takes us inside the run from the co-driver’s seat:• Why Alex Roy chose him for the attempt• How they divided the driving and legal risk• What it was like sustaining extreme speeds across the country• How they managed fatigue without sleep• The close calls, fear, and decision-making behind the wheel• Why David may have been the more aggressive driver• What the record meant then — and how he views it now• How later Cannonball teams pushed the limits even further. We also look beyond the record and into David’s long, colorful life in racing and high-performance driving. With more than 20 years in HPDE and motorsports, David has survived more than a few serious brushes with death — including a motorcycle crash, a violent accident in a Porsche 930 Turbo, and most recently, a skiing accident that left him with a fractured vertebra. This episode is fast, intense, funny, and honest. It’s about speed, risk, preparation, survival, and what drives certain people to keep chasing the edge long after most would have backed away. Buckle up. This one moves quickly. Subscribe to Off The Racing Line for real conversations with racers, instructors, builders, entrepreneurs, and the personalities who make motorsports what it is.https://offtheracingline.com This episode is sponsored by CAE Marketing, the AI visibility and generative search agency.https://www.caemarketing.com About the Host: Carlos A. Espitia is the host of Off The Racing Line, founder of CAE Marketing, co-founder of Velocity Track Experience, and creator of The Legal Rainmaker. He is a digital marketing strategist, media builder, motorsports entrepreneur, and driver focused on building brands, stories, and communities that get noticed. #OffTheRacingLine #DavidMaher #CannonballRun #AlexRoy #BMWM5 #E39M5 #MotorsportsPodcast #CarCulture #StreetRacingHistory #HPDE #PerformanceDriving #RacingStories
S1 · E32
July 1 · 57 min
Is Motorsports Pricing Out the People Who Built It? | Sean Yuksel
Motorsports has never been more visible. Formula 1 is booming, brands are pouring money into premium experiences, and race tracks are becoming high-end destinations. But beneath the glamour, something is breaking. In Episode 32 of Off The Racing Line, creative director, brand strategist, driver coach, and instructor Sean Yuksel joins us for a candid conversation about what he calls motorsports’ “misalignment problem. ”The top of the sport is growing, becoming more exclusive, more polished, and more profitable. At the same time, the grassroots foundation that feeds it is becoming more expensive, more restricted, and increasingly difficult to access. Sean brings a unique perspective to this conversation. He spends real time inside the HPDE, driver-development, and grassroots racing ecosystem, while his professional background gives him a deep understanding of branding, audience behavior, sponsorship value, corporate events, and ROI. Together, we discuss:• Why motorsports may be becoming more popular but less accessible• How money and marketability are replacing talent as the first barrier to entry• The “F1 effect” and the rise of manufactured fandom• Whether brands are confusing social-media attention with real value• Why young drivers are being forced to become influencers before athletes• The disappearance of privateers and traditional grassroots pathways• Race tracks shifting toward private membership and luxury-club models• Whether publicly supported facilities have a responsibility to preserve public access• How tracks can become stewards of a motorsports ecosystem instead of simply renting asphalt• What a healthier hybrid model could look like for premium access and grassroots participation. We also shift from the problem of access to an organization actively working to expand it: the Just Hands Foundation. Sean discusses his involvement in launching the foundation’s Texas division and its mission to help people with disabilities experience performance driving and racing. We also introduce the incredible story of founder Torsten Gross, a C6 quadriplegic racer whose journey deserves an entire future episode. This is not an anti-business or anti-growth conversation. Race tracks need revenue. Brands need measurable returns. Professional drivers need sponsors. The real question is whether motorsports can continue to grow without pricing out the families, instructors, mechanics, engineers, grassroots racers, young drivers, and lifelong fans who built the culture in the first place. Watch the full conversation and tell us what you think: Is motorsports evolving, or is it losing its soul? To appear on the podcast:https://offtheracingline.com Subscribe to Off The Racing Line for honest conversations with the drivers, instructors, builders, entrepreneurs, and personalities shaping the motorsports world. About the Host Carlos A. Espitia is the host of Off The Racing Line, founder of CAE Marketing, co-founder of Velocity Track Experience, and creator of The Legal Rainmaker. He is a digital marketing strategist, media builder, motorsports entrepreneur, and driver focused on building brands, stories, and communities that get noticed. #OffTheRacingLine #SeanYuksel #Motorsports #GrassrootsRacing #Formula1 #F1 #HPDE #TrackDays #DriverDevelopment #MotorsportsPodcast #RacingCulture #JustHandsFoundation #WomenInMotorsports #RaceTracks #CarCulture
S1 · E31
June 9 · 57 min
What It’s Really Like Being a Woman in Grassroots Racing | Nicole Hecker
Nicole Hecker joins EP31 of Off The Racing Line for a raw and honest conversation about what it’s really like being a woman in grassroots racing. From getting started in motorsports to dealing with criticism, confidence, crashes, pressure, and the constant need to prove herself, Nicole shares the realities behind the helmet that most people never see. This episode dives into the culture of grassroots racing, the challenges women face in the paddock, and why passion, resilience, and seat time matter more than anyone’s opinion. We talk racing, mindset, haters, growth, and what it takes to keep showing up when people doubt whether you belong. If you love motorsports, track days, grassroots racing, driver development, and real stories from real racers, this episode is for you. Watch now and subscribe to Off The Racing Line for more conversations from inside the motorsports world. About the Host Carlos A. Espitia is the host of Off The Racing Line, founder of CAE Marketing, co-founder of Velocity Track Experience, and creator of The Legal Rainmaker. He is a digital marketing strategist, media builder, motorsports entrepreneur, and driver focused on building brands, stories, and communities that get noticed. #OffTheRacingLine #NicoleHecker #GrassrootsRacing #WomenInMotorsports #MotorsportsPodcast #RacingLife #TrackDays #HPDE #RaceCarDriver #WomenWhoRace
S1 · E30
May 20 · 55 min
Inside Ferrari Challenge: Money, Status, and the Truth About Amateur Racing | Tony Qian
In Episode 30 of Off The Racing Line, we go inside Ferrari Challenge with Tony Qian — a former professional racing driver and the former leader of Ferrari North America’s motorsports driving programs and racing school. This episode pulls back the curtain on one of the most exclusive forms of amateur racing in the world. We talk about the real cost of competing in Ferrari Challenge, the role of money, status, and access in motorsports, and the truth about how wealthy amateur drivers develop real speed. We also get into: What Ferrari Challenge actually is How the Ferrari racing school works Why some amateur drivers become genuinely fast Whether money can buy speed The role of seat time, coaching, and environment The off-track side of luxury motorsport: hospitality, networking, and customer experience What separates a serious driver from someone just chasing the image Tony has seen this world from both sides — first as a racer in open wheel and GT3, and later from inside Ferrari’s North American motorsports operation. That makes this one of the most honest and insightful conversations we’ve had about luxury motorsport, amateur racing, Ferrari Challenge, driver development, and the business of racing. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really happening behind the scenes in Ferrari Challenge, this episode is for you. About the Host Carlos A. Espitia is the host of Off The Racing Line, founder of CAE Marketing, co-founder of Velocity Track Experience, and creator of The Legal Rainmaker. He is a digital marketing strategist, media builder, motorsports entrepreneur, and driver focused on building brands, stories, and communities that get noticed. If you enjoyed the episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone!🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more.Website: https://offtheracingline.com/Sponsors: https://velocitytrackexperience.com/YT: / @offtheracingline Instagram: / offtheracingline TikTok: / offtheracingline Facebook: / offtheracingline #OffTheRacingLine #HPDE #trackdays #performancedriving
S1 · E29
April 28 · 1 hr 14 min
From Division I Football to Racing Lamborghinis | Mateo Siderman
In Episode 29 of Off The Racing Line, we sit down with Mateo Siderman, a former Division I football wide receiver who made one of the wildest transitions in motorsports: from the football field to racing Lamborghinis in Super Trofeo North America Series.In just a few short years, Mateo has gone from grassroots endurance racing to winning races at legendary tracks like Indianapolis, Laguna Seca, and Watkins Glen, eventually earning a promotion to the Pro class at the Lamborghini World Finals in Italy.In this episode, we dive into:The jump from D1 football to professional racing.How quickly Mateo climbed through ChampCar, WRL, Spec Miata, and Lamborghini Super Trofeo.What the Lamborghini class system actually looks like.The reality of money, sponsors, and what it costs to race at this level.Working at TR3 Performance while chasing the next level.The mental side of racing, crashes, fear, and pressure.Why grassroots racing still matters, even when you’re racing exotic cars on the big stage.This is a conversation about discipline, risk, money, identity, and what it really takes to build a racing career from the ground up. If you enjoy the episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and share... it helps us continue bringing you real stories from the motorsports world.🎙️ Off The Racing Line Podcast https://offtheracingline.com About the Host Carlos A. Espitia is the host of Off The Racing Line, founder of CAE Marketing, co-founder of Velocity Track Experience, and creator of The Legal Rainmaker. He is a digital marketing strategist, media builder, motorsports entrepreneur, and driver focused on building brands, stories, and communities that get noticed.
S1 · E28
April 15 · 40 min
From Wheelchair to Millionaire: The Relentless Mindset of Chip Van Vurst
From a wheelchair to a self-made millionaire — Chip Van Vurst’s story is about one thing: refusing to quit. At 18 years old, Chip was in a devastating motorcycle accident that left him in a wheelchair for three years. Later in life, he faced four brain tumors, multiple surgeries, and moments that would have broken most people. On top of that, he’s built companies… lost companies… and rebuilt again. And through it all, he never stopped moving forward. In this episode, we dive into: The motorcycle crash that changed his life Spending three years in a wheelchair — and the mindset that got him out Facing four brain tumors and what that does to your perspective Building businesses, losing everything, and starting again The relentless optimism that defines him Why helping others matters more than ever And how he became not just successful — but resilient Chip isn’t just a car guy with an enviable collection. He’s living proof that adversity doesn’t define you... your response to it does. If you’re going through something hard, this episode is for you. https://offtheracingline.com/ About the Host Carlos A. Espitia is the host of Off The Racing Line, founder of CAE Marketing, co-founder of Velocity Track Experience, and creator of The Legal Rainmaker. He is a digital marketing strategist, media builder, motorsports entrepreneur, and driver focused on building brands, stories, and communities that get noticed. 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more.Website: https://offtheracingline.com/YT: / @offtheracingline Instagram: / offtheracingline TikTok: / offtheracingline Facebook: / offtheracingline Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-racing-line/id1806756528Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iDQbkts2ggd6aMuN11dbo
S1 · E27
April 1 · 1 hr 1 min
Track Day Secrets Every Beginner Must Know
In Episode 27 of Off The Racing Line, we break down everything you need to know to get started in High Performance Driving Events (HPDE), or "Track Days". If you’ve ever thought: “I’m not ready yet…” “I need more horsepower…” “I don’t want to damage my car…” This episode is for you. We sit down with Chris Howard, who made the jump from autocross to road course driving and was signed off to solo status after his very first track day, to talk about what actually matters when starting HPDE. In this episode, we cover: What HPDE is and how it works How to prepare for your first track day The truth about car mods (what you need vs what you don’t) Why most drivers wait too long to get started Transitioning from autocross to road course driving Understanding the stress your car goes through on track Why almost any modern car (2015+) is capable of doing HPDE This is your no-BS beginner’s guide to getting on track. Stop waiting. Start driving. If you enjoyed the episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who’s been thinking about doing their first track day. 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more. Website: https://offtheracingline.com/ YT: / @offtheracingline Instagram: / offtheracingline TikTok: / offtheracingline Facebook: / offtheracingline Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-racing-line/id1806756528 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iDQbkts2ggd6aMuN11dbo#OffTheRacingLine #HPDE #trackdays #performancedriving About the Host Carlos A. Espitia is the host of Off The Racing Line, founder of CAE Marketing, co-founder of Velocity Track Experience, and creator of The Legal Rainmaker. He is a digital marketing strategist, media builder, motorsports entrepreneur, and driver focused on building brands, stories, and communities that get noticed.
S1 · E26
March 18 · 1 hr 4 min
Motorsport's Hidden Crisis: Raw Talent Left Behind. The Frankie Barroso Story.
In Episode 26 of Off The Racing Line, we sit down with Frankie Barroso, a talented young racer competing in Spec Miata and Pro Spec Miata, to talk about one of the toughest realities in motorsports: being talented… but still overlooked. Many drivers have the speed. Very few get the opportunity. Frankie opens up about the frustration of being nominated multiple times for the Mazda Shootout, yet never being selected, and what it feels like to watch other drivers move forward while you keep grinding. We also dive into the financial reality of racing, where a single MX-5 Cup weekend can cost $25,000–$30,000, and how drivers and teams navigate sponsorships, funding, and the constant search for backing. Topics we cover in this episode: • What it feels like to be overlooked despite having the talent • The real cost of chasing a professional racing career • The Mazda Shootout selection process and what drivers go through behind the scenes • The rookie-status chess game in MX-5 Cup • What teams actually look for when choosing drivers • Mentoring the next generation of Spec Miata racers Frankie also shares insights from competing in MX-5 Cup events, working with teams, and trying to build a path forward in one of the most competitive forms of motorsport. This episode pulls back the curtain on a side of racing most fans never see. Sometimes the difference between racing and watching… isn’t talent. It’s opportunity.
S1 · E25
March 3 · 36 min
The Crash That Almost Finished a Racing Legend: Jim Drago's Story
Jim Drago is a racer’s racer. A Spec Miata legend. A 13-time SCCA National Champion. And a man who nearly didn’t make it back to the track.Owner of East Street Racing, one of the most dominant Spec Miata programs in the country, Jim has built some of the fastest and most technically refined SM cars in America. Known for surgical consistency and deep mechanical knowledge, he’s feared by rivals and respected across the paddock.But in 2024, everything changed.At the SCCA Runoffs at Road America, Jim was involved in one of the most violent crashes in recent memory: a 120 MPH impact that left multiple drivers injured and Jim hospitalized for five weeks, facing the possibility of amputation.Most people would’ve walked away from the sport. Jim didn’t.In this episode, recorded trackside at Homestead-Miami Speedway, we dive into:• His rise to becoming a multi-time national champion• Building East Street Racing into a Spec Miata powerhouse• The brutal reality of the Runoffs crash• The physical and mental recovery process• What it feels like returning to race for the first time after nearly losing it all• Why he refused to let his career end in a hospital bedJim Drago didn’t want his final lap to be the one that nearly killed him.He wanted to finish on his terms. 🚗 Sponsored by GARAGE iD Pro Spec Miata➡️ 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more. Website: https://offtheracingline.com/ YT: / @offtheracingline Instagram: / offtheracingline TikTok: / offtheracingline Facebook: / offtheracingline Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-racing-line/id1806756528 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iDQbkts2ggd6aMuN11dbo About the Host Carlos A. Espitia is the host of Off The Racing Line, founder of CAE Marketing, co-founder of Velocity Track Experience, and creator of The Legal Rainmaker. He is a digital marketing strategist, media builder, motorsports entrepreneur, and driver focused on building brands, stories, and communities that get noticed.
S1 · E24
February 3 · 1 hr 28 min
The "Most Hated Driver" in Motorsports, Charles Espenlaub on Endurance Racing, Survival, and Winning
EP 24 | Charles Espenlaub — Endurance Wins, Survival, and the Cost of Racing at the Highest LevelIn this episode of Off The Racing Line, we sit down with Charles Espenlaub, one of the most accomplished and quietly respected endurance racers in modern motorsports.Charles has won at the highest levels of international endurance racing, including an overall victory in the 24H Series, back-to-back wins at the 12 Hours of Kuwait, and a class victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, one of the most unforgiving races in the world. He’s also a 24H Series GT3-Am champion, with podium finishes across Europe at tracks like Spa, Monza, and Barcelona.But this conversation goes far beyond results.We open with one of the most unexpected stories in motorsports, how Charles was once labeled “the most hated driver in motorsports” after repeatedly filling in for actor Patrick Dempsey, only to disappoint crowds when the helmet came off and it wasn’t who they expected.From there, we dive deep into:What it really takes to win endurance races when speed alone isn’t enoughTeam chemistry, trust, and why certain names, like Shane Lewis, keep showing up in winning programsHis 15-year run as a Mazda factory driver and what factory support actually looks likeJudging the Mazda Shootout and what separates future pros from talented drivers who never make itThe uncomfortable realities of gentleman drivers, money, and modern racingSurviving the infamous Miata fire at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, and why it turned him into a vocal advocate for improved fire safetyWalking away from a safe aviation career to chase racing, and making it workThis is a long-form, unfiltered conversation about longevity, risk, discipline, and survival in a sport that rarely forgives mistakes.If you want the truth about endurance racing, not the highlight reel, this episode delivers. https://offtheracingline.com/ About the Host Carlos A. Espitia is the host of Off The Racing Line, founder of CAE Marketing, co-founder of Velocity Track Experience, and creator of The Legal Rainmaker. He is a digital marketing strategist, media builder, motorsports entrepreneur, and driver focused on building brands, stories, and communities that get noticed.
S1 · E23
January 6 · 55 min
Inside the Mind of a 20-Year-Old Champion: Westin Workman’s Rise Through MX-5 Cup & GR Cup
At just 20 years old, Westin Workman is already one of the most formidable rising stars in American motorsports.A 2x national karting champion, Spec MX-5 scholarship winner, 2023 Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout champion, 2024 MX-5 Cup Rookie of the Year, and 2025 Toyota GR Cup Champion, Westin is proving, fast, that he’s built for the top.Flying in from NC, he joins us trackside at Homestead-Miami Speedway to break down the mindset, discipline, and relentless drive required to compete at the highest levels while also being a full-time college student in North Carolina.We cover:• What it takes to win championships in MX-5 Cup & GR Cup• His path into the Toyota Driver Development Program• Why low-horsepower cars make the best drivers• Training, pressure, sponsors, and the business of becoming a pro• What commitment looks like at this level• Balancing student life with a pro racing career• The real emotional grind behind chasing a factory seatWestin’s story isn’t hype, it's a blueprint for anyone chasing excellence in motorsports.If you want to understand what “built to win” really looks like… this is the episode.🚗 Sponsored by GARAGE iD Pro Spec Miata➡️ https://farausa.com/race-info/fara-pro-spec-miata-class-announced/🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more. Website: https://offtheracingline.com/ About the Host Carlos A. Espitia is the host of Off The Racing Line, founder of CAE Marketing, co-founder of Velocity Track Experience, and creator of The Legal Rainmaker. He is a digital marketing strategist, media builder, motorsports entrepreneur, and driver focused on building brands, stories, and communities that get noticed.
S1 · E22
Dec 24, 2025 · 30 min
Garage iD Pro Spec Miata Series: More Prize Money, More Track Time — The Future of Spec Miata?
SCCA Spec Miata Drivers: Is the Garage iD Pro Spec Miata Series the Next Step?In Episode 22 of Off The Racing Line, we sit down with Todd Buras, Senter Smith, and Trace Hance to unpack what may be the most important structural shift in the Spec Miata ecosystem in years.This conversation breaks down three interconnected pillars shaping the future of grassroots racing:🔧 Garage ID Prospect Miata Series (2026)The Prospect Miata Series is evolving from a single end-of-season payout into a per-event prize money model, with cash distributed across multiple categories — including Overall, Legends (50+), and First Female — at every race weekend.With Trace Hance stepping in as race director, the series emphasizes clean racing, fast decision-making, and accountability through education, not politics. The result? More track time, cleaner racing, and a paddock culture that rewards competition without sacrificing community.🎓 Collegiate Racing Series (CRS)CRS is building a legitimate pipeline from HPDE and academy programs to true wheel-to-wheel racing — powered by universities across the country.With nearly 60 schools involved and growing, CRS teaches far more than racecraft: students learn budgeting, fundraising, program structure, and long-term planning while competing under FARA’s professional infrastructure. Upcoming events at Road Atlanta, NCM Motorsports Park, and a National Championship finale are setting the stage for the next generation of racers.🔑 Why This Episode MattersSpec Miata drivers gain more chances to win money per event.Students and families see a real, affordable path to racing.Teams and programs benefit from structure, clarity, and celebration.The sport itself gets cleaner racing, better drivers, and stronger culture.From podium celebrations to press-box education, this episode makes one thing clear: the FAR ecosystem is building racers, not just race results.As always — everything interesting happens off the racing line.🚗 Sponsored by GARAGE iD Pro Spec Miata➡️ https://farausa.com/race-info/fara-pro-spec-miata-class-announced/🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more.Website: https://offtheracingline.com/YT: / @offtheracingline Instagram: / offtheracingline TikTok: / offtheracingline Facebook: / offtheracingline Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-racing-line/id1806756528Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iDQbkts2ggd6aMuN11dbo#SpecMiata#SCCASpecMiata#SpecMiataRacing#prospecmiata
S1 · E21
Dec 9, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
What It Takes to Become a Pro Driver at 19: The Noah Harmon Story
EP21: What does it really take to become a pro racing driver at just 19? We sit down with Noah Harmon, the 2024 Mazda Shootout winner, IMSA MX-5 Cup rookie standout, Trans Am driver, and full-time UCF student balancing two lives at once.Noah didn’t start karting until age 14, which in motorsports is practically adulthood. But in five short years he went from late starter… to racing wheel-to-wheel with some of the biggest rising names in American motorsports. Noah shares what it’s like to race against Connor Zilisch, Westin Workman, and Jeremy Fletcher, and how those battles shaped him as a driver.We Get Into:0:00 Intro01:14 Starting "Late" in Karting05:22 The Mazda Shootout: losing twice before winning it all18:15 Rookie Season in MX5 Cup19:32 Rookie of The Year... almost21:33 Race Analysis with Noah25:19 The Chick Magnet27:57 Racing at St. Pete31:44 Daytona Crash - Not The Proudest Moment of The Group34:52 Racing Against the Big Names37:56 Racing in The Trans Am Series42:02 How Sponsorships Actually Work in Motorsports53:46 The Double Life: College Student vs. Pro Driver59:13 Dating as a 19 year-old Pro Driver1:01:36 Are Kid Racers Fearless?1:04:56 Rapid Fire Questions1:12:30 Guest ChallengePlus: Noah lets loose about dating, racing superstars, and the moment it finally clicked that he belonged at the top level.FOLLOW NOAH HARMONIG: @noah_harmon 🚗 Sponsored by Velocity Track ExperienceTrack-prepped rentals, full support, expert coaching—all in one arrive-and-drive package.➡️ https://velocitytrackexperience.com🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more.Website: https://offtheracingline.com/YT: / @offtheracingline Instagram: / offtheracingline TikTok: / offtheracingline Facebook: / offtheracingline Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-racing-line/id1806756528Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iDQbkts2ggd6aMuN11dbo#MazdaMX5Cup#IMSA#MazdaShootout#TransAmSeries#NASCAR
S1 · E20
Nov 27, 2025 · 57 min
How I Went From Afghanistan to GT1 Champion After 18 Years of Fighting for It
EP20 with Justin Levine: Army veteran. Paratrooper. Attorney. GT1-B racer. Justin’s story isn’t just about cars, it’s about grit, discipline, and the long road to becoming who you’re meant to be. In this episode, Justin walks us through his journey from combat missions in Afghanistan, to surviving law school on a shoestring budget, to using student loans and VA benefits just to afford seat time at HPDE events. He went from a Nissan 350Z at Palm Beach International Raceway… to a Porsche Cup Car fighting for championships in FARA’s GT1-B class. We cover: • Life as a U.S. Army paratrooper in Afghanistan • How track days became his therapy and second mission • Using whatever money he had — including student loans — just to race • Becoming an instructor with NASA & PDG to earn free track time • The slow climb from broke college racer → respected attorney → GT1-B contender • The difference between NASA, ChampCar, and racing in FARA • How discipline, controlled aggression, and courage translate from the military to the race track This is one of the most relatable and motivational stories we’ve captured — proof that success in racing (and in life) is built over years of sacrifice and small steps forward. Whatever your goal or mission is… keep moving forward. 🚗 Sponsored by Velocity Track Experience Track-prepped rentals, full support, expert coaching—all in one arrive-and-drive package. ➡️ https://velocitytrackexperience.com 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more. Website: https://offtheracingline.com/ YT: / @offtheracingline Instagram: / offtheracingline TikTok: / offtheracingline Facebook: / offtheracingline Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-racing-line/id1806756528 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iDQbkts2ggd6aMuN11dbo #ArmyVeteran #RacingCommunity #PorscheCupCar #MotorsportsPodcast
S1 · E19
Nov 13, 2025 · 1 hr
How I Went From Leukemia to Racing Again in 12 Months - The Jesse Gröse Story
EP19 - Life on Borrowed Time: Racing, Leukemia and Legacy with Jesse Gröse. In this powerful episode, professional racer and coach Jesse Gröse shares how a diagnosis of T-Cell Leukemia in his early 30s changed everything — his health, his career, and his purpose. From hospital beds to podiums, Jesse’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, resilience, and rediscovering what truly matters. Before cancer, Jesse had already competed in over 100 different race cars across 20+ manufacturers, including some of the world’s most demanding prototype chassis — from Radical, Ligier, Wolf, and LMP3 platforms — testing the limits at legendary tracks like Laguna Seca, Sebring, and Thunderhill. But this isn’t just a racing story — it’s a human one. It’s about what happens when the pursuit of speed collides with survival. If you or someone you love is fighting cancer, this conversation is a reminder: you’re not alone. 💙 Support the fight: Learn more, get help, or register as a bone marrow donor below. leukemiarf.org nmdp.org bloodcancerunited.org 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more. Website: https://offtheracingline.com/ YT: / @offtheracingline Instagram: / offtheracingline TikTok: / offtheracingline Facebook: / offtheracingline Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-racing-line/id1806756528 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iDQbkts2ggd6aMuN11dbo #OffTheRacingLine #JesseGrose #RacingStory #CancerSurvivor #Motorsports #RacingLife #LeukemiaAwareness
S1 · E18
Oct 30, 2025 · 56 min
How Drug Money Fueled IMSA Racing in the 1980s
Racing, Cocaine, and the 1980s IMSA Underworld — The Ken Behr StoryIn the 1980s, South Florida’s racing scene was fueled by more than just gasoline.Our guest, Ken Behr, was a race car driver who also ran tons of marijuana and cocaine through the same networks that bankrolled parts of IMSA and Road Atlanta.In this episode, Ken reveals how drug money powered his racing career, the reality of smuggling operations in that era, and what life was like after walking away from it all.👉 Subscribe for more real, unfiltered stories from the world of motorsport — both on and off the racing line.Get Ken's book and listen to his podcast: https://onestepovertheline.com/🚗 Sponsored by Velocity Track ExperienceTrack-prepped rentals, full support, expert coaching—all in one arrive-and-drive package.➡️ https://velocitytrackexperience.com🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more.Website: https://offtheracingline.com/YT: / @offtheracingline Instagram: / offtheracingline TikTok: / offtheracingline Facebook: / offtheracingline Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-racing-line/id1806756528Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iDQbkts2ggd6aMuN11dbo#Racing #Motorsport #TrueCrime #IMSA #DrugSmuggling #KenBehr #OffTheRacingLine #FARA #CocaineCowboys
S1 · E17
Oct 16, 2025 · 55 min
Father & Daughter Racing Together: The Day I Cried at The Track - EP17
Episode 17 – Kaelyn Kinley: The 16-Year-Old Racer Teaching Adults How to Drive In this episode of Off The Racing Line, we sit down with Kaelyn Kinley, a third-generation racer who started driving at just five years old. Now, at sixteen, she’s racing Spec Miata with SCCA and FARA, serving as an HPDE instructor for FARA, and even mentoring other young drivers. We talk about growing up at the track, competing against adults, and what it’s like teaching drivers twice her age how to go faster. Kaelyn shares the ups and downs of racing as a teenager, how the car becomes the great equalizer, and what it’s like balancing high school life with the racing world. Joining us is her father, Marc Kinley, who shares the emotional and financial realities of supporting his daughter’s passion for racing, from nerves to pride and everything in between. 🚗 Sponsored by Velocity Track ExperienceTrack-prepped rentals, full support, expert coaching—all in one arrive-and-drive package.➡️ https://velocitytrackexperience.com 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring racers, instructors, and the motorsports misfits you actually want to hear from. 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more. Website: https://offtheracingline.com/ YT: / @offtheracingline Instagram: / offtheracingline TikTok: / offtheracingline Facebook: / offtheracingline Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-racing-line/id1806756528 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iDQbkts2ggd6aMuN11dbo
S1 · E16
Oct 9, 2025 · 25 min
How I Got My University to Pay for Me to Go Racing - Jack Hobbs
Episode 16 – Jack Hobbs: The Future of College Racing (Victory Lane Edition) Recorded on location at Homestead-Miami Speedway, this Victory Lane Edition of Off The Racing Line features Jack Hobbs, founder of the Collegiate Racing Series (CRS) — the sanctioning body connecting students, universities, and motorsport organizations to shape the future of competitive racing. We dive into Jack’s journey through HPDE, FARA’s Competition and Instructor Schools, and Jzilla Track Days, all leading to the creation of CRS. We also explore how universities like Clemson are building full motorsports programs, merging education and racing into one path. Filmed while battling the elements — with rain trickling down and the crew throwing up tents mid-shoot — this episode proves that passion for racing doesn’t stop when the weather turns. 🎙 Sponsored by FARA – Formula & Automobile Racing Association https://farausa.com/ 📍 Recorded trackside at the iconic Homestead-Miami Speedway as part of our exclusive Victory Lane Edition series. Collegiate Racing Series: https://drivecrs.com/ 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring racers, instructors, and the motorsports misfits you actually want to hear from. 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more. Website: https://offtheracingline.com/ YT: / @offtheracingline Instagram: / offtheracingline TikTok: / offtheracingline Facebook: / offtheracingline Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-racing-line/id1806756528 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iDQbkts2ggd6aMuN11dbo #FARA #ProSpecMiata #Motorsports #VictoryLaneEdition #RacingPodcast
S1 · E15
Oct 2, 2025 · 1 hr
50 Years Wrenching: How The Golden Era of BMW Ended in 2006
Episode 15 – Sebring 12 Hours: When Backyard Builders Could Race Next to Legends, with Rennie Bryant. Rennie Bryant has done it all — from racing SCCA in the ’70s, running the 12 Hours of Sebring, and co-driving with Randy Pobst, to taking 3rd in the BMW Club Racing national championship. He’s also spent 50 years at Redline Bimmer Performance, a BMW shop he now owns and runs, and today serves as president of the BMW CCA Everglades chapter.We dig into the golden years of grassroots racing, the politics holding clubs back, and the lessons Rennie’s learned from half a century in motorsports. 🚗 Sponsored by Velocity Track ExperienceTrack-prepped rentals, full support, expert coaching—all in one arrive-and-drive package. ➡️ https://velocitytrackexperience.com 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring racers, instructors, and the motorsports misfits you actually want to hear from. 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more. Website: https://offtheracingline.com/ YT: / @offtheracingline Instagram: / offtheracingline TikTok: / offtheracingline Facebook: / offtheracingline Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-racing-line/id1806756528 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iDQbkts2ggd6aMuN11dbo

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