OpenPaddock RallyCast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMqtJJMWflo

RallyCast Episode 127 - Myron Georgakopoulos & Alison LaRoza a STPR Press on Regardless Story

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 06:25:45 -0700

In this episode recorded back in September we chatted with Myron Georgakopoulos and Alison LaRoza who's dramatic finish at STPR was one of our favorite Press on Regardless stories of the season. Myron's newer to the stage rally scene but the Georgakopoulos name isn't. Myron tells us about growing up around rally and his dad's influence leading to him rebuilding the family car and getting it back on the stages. We also talk about the love hate relationship with some of STPRs stages, how much the community of Wellsboro celebrates the event, and scraping along to a class victory with cheering fans in tow.

You can follow Myron and his American Truck Repair Rally Team on Instagram at @atr_rallyteam and Alison LaRoza at @alisonlarozaracing

RallyCast Episode 126 - Gabe Jacobsohn and Colin Schulz

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 11:29:27 -0700

In this episode we chatted with Gabe Jacobsohn and Colin Schulz of Flying Finish RallySport. Coming from humble rally beginnings first as fans, then volunteers, to working on cars and competing themselves, they've learned a lot about the sport of rallying from just about every aspect. They're applying that experience to make products available through their Rally.Build brand so new and existing rallyists get all the stuff necessary to pass tech inspection with flying colors. We also get into a bit of inter-team rivalry as they both prepare for the upcoming Lake Superior Performance Rally.

Check out https://rally.build/ for anything from safety harnesses and rally tires to spill kits.

Follow Gabe Jacobsohn at https://www.instagram.com/garbozoom/ and https://www.facebook.com/garbozoom

Follow Colin Schulz at https://www.instagram.com/608rallysport/ and https://www.facebook.com/608Rallysport

RallyCast Episode 125 - Derek James

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 12:46:43 -0700

In this episode we caught up with Derek James soon after his class win at NEFR in July. We talked about how he got started in rallying, sibling rivalries with his brother Matt, being a mechanic and driver, and his work with his alma mater to get young people hands-on involved in rallying. Oh, and we also reviewed the 2022 New England Forest Rally.

You can follow Derek James and his James World Rally Team (JWRT) on these social media channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesworldrallyteam/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/James-World-Rally-Team-1315678675119594

RallyCast Episode 124 - Co-Driver KJ Miller

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 11:03:34 -0700

In this episode recorded back in July, we chatted with young co-driver KJ Miller after his high flying class victory at Rally Baie-des-Chaleurs. We asked about what got KJ interested in motorsports, events he's competed in so far, and what his goals are for the future. With KJ being a bit of a social media master, we also asked about how to get more young people interested in rally.

The Oregon Trail Rally YouTube video can be found here:

Follow KJ Miller on these other social media networks here:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rally.kj

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rally.kj/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB0srhsVW504iYg3Q8ObAgQ

RallyCast Episode 123 - Launch Control’s New Season with Warwick and Chris

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 16:18:09 -0700

If you're a dedicated rally fan like us, then you're probably an avid watcher of the Subaru Launch Control series. The series has always been well produced, beautifully shot, and brought out some of the great stories from the sharp end of the field. However, after 9 successful seasons it was time for a change. We chatted with Warwick Paterson of Formula Photographic and Chris Bowes of Bowes Media about what's going to be different in the new season and why.

RallyCast Episode 122 - Sam Albert on ARA Rules, Ferrari Engines, and More

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 18:04:54 -0700

In this episode we chat with Sam Albert, one of the fastest privateers in the ARA. Sam's always very open about and honest about his thoughts on the championship, so we decided to give him a call to discuss the upcoming ARA Open Class rules for 2023, how it might affect privateer drivers like him, and his goal of putting a Ferrari engine into his Subaru WRX STI. Yes, you heard that right. So grab a cold one and join us for another round at the virtual rally pub we call the RallyCast podcast.

RallyCast Episode 121 - Mark Piatkowski on What It’s Like to Drive a Rally2 (R5)

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 23:06:17 -0700

This episode is another one that was temporarily lost due to technical issues. Back in March we talked in depth with Mark Piatkowski about what it was like transitioning from his NA4 Subaru that he works on mostly himself to a full blown homologated M-Sport Rally2 Ford Fiesta with all the bells and whistles at the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood.

Episode 120 - Talking 100 Acre Wood, WRC Cars, and Dodging Wildlife with Alex Gelsomino, Rhianon Gelsomino, and Leon Jordan

Sun, 29 May 2022 18:27:10 -0700

This is a re-release of an episode from a couple months that had technical issues. We chatted with talked with Alex and Rhianon Gelsomino about their 100 Acre Wood experience, the current top level of competition this year and dodging wildlife. We also chatted with Leon Jordan of McKenna Motorsports about WRC cars and what makes theirs different from the Hyundai i20 used by Hoonigan. This was all recorded before the new ARA 2023 Open 4WD guidelines were released.

RallyCast Episode 119 - The Great Adventures of Bryce Proseus

Fri, 13 May 2022 23:39:46 -0700

In this episode we chatted with one of American rallying's biggest advocates, Bryce Proseus. He tells us about how just going to see his first stage rally was an adventure in itself. The hook was set and it wasn't long before he wanted to get into co-driving which led to a dramatic barn hunt for a working motor having blown the original one in pre event test. But the adventures of Bryce Proseus certainly doesn't stop there. In one of his grandest adventures he chose to take his rallying experience to the next level by competing in Rally Moto at Sandblast earlier this year. In true Proseus style, he had challenges just making it to the start line, let alone getting to the finish.

RallyCast Episode 118 - Women in Motorsports with Josie Rimmer, Leanne Junnila, and Karen Jankowski

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 07:22:17 -0800

This is a special episode in conjunction with Dirtfish and their celebration of Women in Motorsports. In this show your host took a bit of a backseat and let the guests drive the discussion on this important subject. Topics ranged from their personal experiences, ways we as a community can better support and encourage more women to be a part of our rally family, and some of the great things that Dirtfish is doing specifically to expand the coverage of women in our sport.

Don’t forget the Dirtfish Women’s Summit available to attend for free March 10th. Details are here: https://dirtfish.com/womens-month/

For women looking for a career in motorsports, the FIA Women in Motorsports careers booklet Leanne mentioned in the show is here: https://www.fia.com/multimedia/publication/your-career-motor-sport

For those women more specifically interested in the engineering path, the FIA has a program with their touring car championship that can be found here: https://www.fia.com/careers-motor-sport

RallyCast Episode 117 - Voices from Sno*Drift 2022

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 22:51:16 -0800

One of my favorite things at a rally is to get a quick word with competitors as soon as I can after they finished. You get some of that raw emotion of their success, whether that’s just getting to the finish or winning their class. Although I wasn’t physically at Sno*Drift, I called up several competitors to get their reactions from this year's unusually slick event, soon after they slid past the icy finish boards. You’ll hear from overall winner Mark Piatkowski, Regional Overall winner Ivo Draganov, as well as Patrick Gruszka, Al Dantes Jr., Julien Sebot, and Stephen and Katie Gingras.

RallyCast Episode 116 - 2021 ARA Champions Travis Pastrana and Rhianon Gelsomino

Sun, 27 Feb 2022 18:08:44 -0800

In this episode we go to the very sharp end of the ARA field of competitors and chat with Subaru Motorsports USA's Travis Pastrana and Rhianon Gelsomino. Travis gives us a rather long medical list of why he had to miss Sno*Drift, even though he tried to convince his doctors he could still compete. Rhianon tells us about how much extra work she and Travis are doing to keep a competitive advantage as their closest competition switched to top level WRC machinery, and why her dad is both her biggest supporter and her greatest critic. We get into technical insights into the challenges of driving with the aero improvements on the Subaru, what performance level they'd like to see the top class of ARA move to in the future, and somewhere in there elephant poop is mentioned. So join us for another round at the virtual rally pub we call, the RallyCast podcast.

RallyCast Episode 115 - Part 2 of 2022 and Beyond with ARA Competition Director Preston Osborn

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 11:40:59 -0800

In Part 2 of our chat with ARA Competition Director Preston Osborn we move on from the recent rule changes and get into the future of ARA and what it’s goals are in both the short and long term.

RallyCast Episode 114 - Part 1 of What’s New for 2022 with ARA Competition Director Preston Osborn

Sat, 19 Feb 2022 10:14:28 -0800

A few weeks back we had a long call with ARA Competition Director Preston Osborn to talk about what’s new for the 2022 season. We had so much to talk about that we felt it best to split it into two episodes. So in this Part 1 we discussed what was learned over the 2021 season and he detailed the new rule changes for 2022 and the reasoning behind them. So grab a nice Sno*Drift chilled beverage from the virtual rally pub we call, the RallyCast.

RallyCast Episode 113 - East African Safari Classic with Andy Brown of Tuthill Porsche and co-driver Alex Gelsomino

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 11:56:00 -0800

Historic rallying has really taken off in recent years, but the one event on everyone’s bucket list is the East African Safari Classic. In this episode we talk with Andy Brown, the team principal of Tuthill Porsche, and co-driver Alex Gelsomino who will be competing alongside Ken Block in their first Safari Classic. We chat about the the cars, equipment, and preparation for this week long 5,000 kilometer event that starts February 10th.

To get an idea of what the East African Safari Classic is like, check out this documentary video from the 2013 event:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3_yBf4N6IE

Tuthill Porsche

Ken Block

Alex Gelsomino

East African Safari Classic

Hashtags are #eastafricansafariclassic and #eascr

RallyCast Episode 112 - William Petrow and US Rallysport Federation

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 19:20:22 -0800

In this episode we chat with William Petrow, the Marketing and Promotional director of the new US Rallysport Federation sanctioning body. We get into the nitty gritty about what holes this sanctioning body is designed to fill, the different car classes, and we also get a bit of an update of what’s new at the Broken Motorsports shop. I also drop in some of my thoughts from WRC Monte Carlo last weekend and what I think of the new Rally1 hybrid cars.

RallyCast Episode 111 - Kyle Tilley

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 10:17:03 -0800

In this Episode we get to know Era Motorsports’ Kyle Tilley. If you haven’t met Kyle yet, I imagine you soon will. It's hard to imagine a man with this much of a passion for rallying had his first event at Ojibwe Forests Rally just last year. Although he drives everything from LMP2 sports cars at 200MPH and NASCAR Cup cars on circuits, it's rallying that Kyle loves most and is going all in for 2022.

RallyCast Episode 110 - Oregon Trail Rally Clerk of the Course AJ Rossiter

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 09:37:58 -0800

In this episode we chat with Oregon Trail Rally clerk of the course AJ Rossiter. We talk about taking on being a clerk of the course and what it entails, why he’s set aside his helmet and set his sights higher, as well sharing some of our favorite moments from the final round of the ARA championship. You’ll also hear from some of the competitors in this episode that I caught at the end of the first running of the Maryhill Loops stage.

RallyCast Episode 109 - ARA 2021 National Class Champion Mark Piatkowski

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 07:56:07 -0800

We often talk about the rally family, but in this episode the term is much more literal. We talked with Mark Piatkowski and his dad Andy Piatkowski about Mark's road to becoming the new LN4 combined class champion. We discussed his start in rallying, going from NA4 to Super Production and back to NA4, the value of wrenching on your own car, the challenges of getting to rallies across the country while also working a day job, and his decision to go from a regional to a national entry. So grab a cold one and turn up the volume as we warm up by the fire at the virtual rally pub we call the RallyCast.

RallyCast Episode 108 - The Nor‘Wester Experience

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:36:28 -0700

As most of you know, I’ve been around rallying for over a decade, but oddly it wasn’t until last month that I competed in my first ever TSD rally. Fellow Oregon Trail Rally organizer Mike Nagle wrangled me into joining him for the iconic Nor’Wester Auto Rally put on by the Rainier Auto Sports Club. Although I had a general understanding of TSDs, I had no idea just how challenging and enjoyable these regularity rallies could be.

So in this episode we chatted with Ron Sorem, the Routemaster. We talked about the history of the Nor’Wester Auto Rally and how he and his team go about selecting such awesome roads. You’ll also hear more of the “Team Mike” experience from an audio diary we made as we did the event.

RallyCast Episode 107 - Stories from Ojibwe Part 2 with Mark Piatkowski, Steven Harrell, and Ian Holmes

Sat, 02 Oct 2021 07:43:49 -0700

This is part 2 of our stories from the 2021 Ojibwe Forests Rally. After the event we caught up with Mark Piatkowski who explains his crazy 1.8 second win over Ele Bardha and his hopes for a national championship. We then chatted with co-driver Steven Harrell about his 3rd place in the hotly contested regional overall, as well as his earlier adventure in the desert with Ryan Millen. Finally we bring back co-driver and our former co-host Ian Holmes claimed his first regional Open 2WD class win at a national event.

RallyCast Episode 106 - Stephen and Katie Gingras from Ojibwe and Sound Man Derek Johnson Love

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 17:09:47 -0700

This is Part 1 of our chats from the Ojibwe Forests Rally 2021, and in this episode we caught up with Stephen and Katie Gingras about their close fight for the regional overall, and we get a taste of what LSPR is going to look like. I also introduce you to Derek Johnson Love, a longtime supporter of Open Paddock, and now taking on a larger role behind the scenes to make the RallyCast sound better.

RallyCast Episode 105 - Dylan Gondyke Take 2

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 19:45:41 -0700

In this episode we chat with driver Dylan Gondyke. Dylan started out crewing, but that was short lived as once he saw stage rallying with his own eyes, he needed to do it himself. He tells us about learning AWD and crashing his co-driver’s car, his dramatic first event at NEFR 2019 that defined everything we love about the rally community, and how just two years later he and Ben Chuong are regularly fighting for regional podiums.

You can follow Dylan Gondyk’s onboards and build videos here on YouTube

And the team social media on Instagram

RallyCast Episode 104 - Dan Norkus, Santiago Iglesias, and is McKenna's 2021 WRC Car Too Fast for ARA?

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 08:14:27 -0700

In this nearly two months late episode, I chatted with Danny Norkus who’s had a fantastic season so far including his first ever overall win at Colorado earlier this year with Travis Nease as well as a 2nd in class at SOFR with Chris Greenhouse. I also caught up with reigning Eastern Regional Limited 2WD class champion Santiago Iglesias right after his Southern Ohio win, and it turns out he's got quite the regional battle on his hands with a young Patrick Gruszka who’s currently leading the points.

Then I ask the question, "is Barry McKenna’s 2021 Ford Fiesta WRC too fast for the ARA championship and the Vermont Sportscar built WRX STIs he's competing against?" I did some real math to find out. Special shout out to Nathan Usher and his https://sneakattackrally.com site for all the data. So grab a cold one, as it’s going to be blazing hot out west again, and enjoy another round from the virtual rally pub we call the RallyCast Podcast.

RallyCast Episode 103 - Alex and Rhianon Gelsomino Return

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 02:04:17 -0700

We bring back our good friends Alex and Rhianon Gelsomino which is now an all Subaru family. In this episode we discuss their recent vacation travels, review their experiences from the Olympus Rally, and delve into what to expect as challenges at SOFR this weekend. We also take a tangent into the WRC which was in Sardegna last weekend, where Rhianon shares the humorous tale of a long ride on, not in, a tow truck.

RallyCast Episode 102 - Co-Driver Krista Skucas

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 07:36:13 -0700

We caught up with Krista Skucas after a dominant win at the Mike Nagle Regional Rally co-driving for Derik Nelson in the Nordic Motorsports BRZ. We chatted about the event and it's new stages, a dramatic moment that almost ended it all, as well as how she got started co-driving.

RallyCast Episode 101 -Rally in the 100 Acre Wood Part 3 with Ryan and Rachel Rethy, Katie Gingras, and Arek Bialobrzeski

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 07:39:04 -0700

Part 3 of the 100 Acre Wood review, it's all about NA4WD. We kick it off with regional overall winners Ryan and Rachel Rethy who had a fabulous run with some extremely close competition. Then it's Co-Driver Katie Gingras who with driver Chuck Surdyke was battling the Rethy's until they got a little over ambitious into a fast left hander. And finally it's a chat with Arek Bialobrzeski about his killer H6 swapped 2011 Subaru WRX hatchback that was so fast that it was competing with the R5s at the front.

📷 David Cosseboom

RallyCast Episode 100 -Rally in the 100 Acre Wood Part 2 with Barry McKenna, Martin Brady, and Cameron Carr

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 07:24:14 -0700

It's our 100th episode! We start our chat with current ARA champion Barry McKenna who gives us all the details on his World Rally Car and all the changes they did to have it meet ARA regulations. It's always a treat to be joined by Martin Brady. 100 Acre Wood didn't go so well for he and Seamus, but their speed was remarkable. Then it's co-driver Cameron Carr with some stories about recce and what it’s like to compete in an R5 for the first time alongside driver John O'Sullivan.

📷 David Cosseboom

RallyCast Episode 99 - 100 Acre Wood Review Part 1

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 18:26:10 -0700

In this show we chatted with a bevy of 2WD competitors including National 2WD winners Michael Hooper and Kevin Allen, 2nd in National Limited 2WD Ryan Sanders, 2nd overall Regional and 2WD class winner Steve Olona, and 3rd overall Regional 2nd in 2WD Al Dantes Jr.

Be sure to follow these competitors at their social media links below:

River City Rally Team
Tower City Race Team
Verve Racing
GoSPEED Racing

RallyCast Episode 98 - The Rally Race Book Project

Sun, 21 Mar 2021 20:06:20 -0700

In this episode we chatted with Dr. "Koz" - Michele Kozimor, Dr. Barbara Prince, and Emalie Rell about a study they're doing about the culture of rally racing in North America. A long time Subaru fan, Michele had never been to a rally until a friend called about a bunch of Subarus running around Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. That visit to STPR and her interaction with teams, fans, and volunteers inspired the project now in it’s 3rd year of research.

Follow the Rally Race Book Project on Instagram

RallyCast Episode 97 - Sno*Drift 2021 Part 3

Sun, 28 Feb 2021 10:38:15 -0800

In this last segment from Sno*Drift 2021 we chatted with Limited 4WD competitor Travis Nease, Co-Drivers Alex and Rhianon Gelsomino, and finish off with a talk with American Rally Association's Competition Director Preston Osborn about the choice to use RallySafe and how different it is running an event with this new tool.

RallyCast Episode 96 - Sno*Drift 2021 Part 2 - The Young Guns

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 00:53:48 -0800

In this episode we chatted with three of the youngest talents that competed at SnoDrift and all of them had podium results. Cian McCormack comes from a family with a strong rallying history and SnoDrift was his first national event. The youngest of the three at 17, Patrick Gruszka is the son of well known privateer Art Gruszka and is beginning to blaze his own path. We also had Patrick's co-driver Alison LaRoza to get her perspective on working with someone so new to the sport. And finally Andre D'orazio who first caught our attention last season doing amazing times when driving a Fiesta R1 and now in the higher performance Fiesta R2 is beginning to show national championship contending performance.

📸 by David Cosseboom of iHeartFast

RallyCast Episode 95 - 2021 Sno*Drift Rally Interviews Part 1"Winners and Binners"

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 14:29:21 -0800

Okay, maybe Winners and Binners is a bit harsh, but indeed that's what happened with the guests in part 1 of our Sno*Drift rally review. The father daughter team of Stephen and Katie Gingras have shown impressive performance at other events, but unfortunately the icy conditions caught out the #12 NA4WD Subaru. If it was slick for 4WD machinery, just imagine what it was like for a RWD Subaru BRZ! And that's exactly what our next guest Santiago Iglasias of Escudería Boricua Rally drove to a class win in Regional L2WD. Also at the top of their class was National NA4WD class winner Mark Piatkowski who said that the ice in Michigan is chemically different than anywhere else. Adding to the winners circle of this episode is the energetic Fabrizio Mirandola, driver of the fabulous Fiat 500 Abarth that claimed the regional O2WD class win. The car may be small, but it's quick, so quick it even claimed an overall class stage win vs. the nationals! We round out the episode with Ryan Booth's Sno*Drift experience that started out great in a solid 4th overall and leading the class of high performance R5 machinery, but then it all went wrong on the first stage in the second loop.

RallyCast Episode 94 - Sno*Drift 2021 Preview

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 21:19:21 -0800

In this episode we speak with the Marketing Director of ARA Jeremy Meyer about their new changes including the addition of RallySafe and their media partnership with Dirtfish. We also chat with Dirtfish Media's Trevor Wert about their new role, and with Kelsey Steven's of Cooper Autoworks who's also going to be at Sno*Drift with a small media team. This is looking to be one of the best covered Sno*Drift rallies in ages!

And no, your ears do not deceive you. I apparently can't count, because in the intro I state that this is episode 95, when clearly it is episode 94 of the RallyCast!

RallyCast Episode 93 - James and Ryan Pryzbylkowski of Vilko Motorsports

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 12:36:24 -0800

In this episode we talk to a couple of grassroots competitors. Brothers James and Ryan Pryzbylkowski are newer to the sport from the competition side, but have been spectating rallies for several years until they had the opportunity and means to finally build cars of their own. It's a fun chat about how they first learned about rallying and what it's like to do that first event.

Follow Vilko Motorsports on the following social media channels:

RallyCast Episode 92 - DirtFish Media's Colin Clark

Sun, 17 Jan 2021 15:51:24 -0800

In this episode we chat with one of our favorite WRC reporters, Colin Clark. Colin gives us his thoughts on the upcoming Monte Carlo Rally, what it's like to ride in one of the newest generation Hyundai i20 WRC's at speed, and the upcoming 2022 regulations. Be sure to also stick around for the end where we introduce a new segment we're calling "The View From the Right Seat" where this time we have a short chat with Alex Gelsomino about his years of rallying with Ken Block and the Ford relationship that has come to an end after 11 years.

RallyCast Episode 91 - Our Annual Chat with Co-Driver Alex Kihurani

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 18:05:24 -0800

Happy New Year listeners! In this episode Co-Driver Alex Kihurani chats with us about the challenges of their condensed 2020 WRC3 season, working with the FIA's new Rally Star driver program and how sim racing plays a part, getting used to the speeds of Rally2 machinery, and the exciting plans he and Sean have for the 2021 season which starts in just a few weeks. After what we heard, you'll definitely want to renew that WRC+ All Live subscription! We also have a brief chat with Scott Alderson of Scott Alderson Art who's seeking a little bit of sponsorship help to keep those really cool rally coloring books free.

📸 Sainteloc Racing

RallyCast Episode 90 - Alex and Rhianon Gelsomino Return

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 10:33:37 -0800

In this show Alex and Rhianon discuss their pandemic shortened 2020 season and how what started out as quite the blow to their business and livelihood, suddenly opened a new opportunity when Rhianon got the call co-driver for Travis Pastrana in the #199 Subaru. We also talk about how American rally rules encourage good sportsmanship vs. other places in the world, and how Alex and Ken used that to their advantage in their early years competing in an Olsbergs Fiesta. We also chat about the crazy contraption Subaru came up with for Rhianon to use to wipe the windscreen in front of Travis while traveling at high speed, and we even chat a bit about the WRC and their past experiences at the Monza Rally Show. So kick back and grab a cold one while you listen to the latest edition from our virtual rally pub.

RallyCast Episode 89 - Olympus 2020 Part 2

Sun, 06 Dec 2020 07:46:47 -0800

In Part 2 of our Olympus review show, we conclude our interview with Regional overall winner Dave Clark, and then provide some thoughts and insight from our commentary crew which includes our host Mike Shaw, rally photographer Tedrick Mealy, and recently announced 2020 Eastern Regional Open 2WD champion co-driver, Kelsey Stephens of Cooper Autoworks.

RallyCast Episode 88 - Olympus 2020 Part 1 with Regional Overall Winner Dave Clark

Sat, 28 Nov 2020 13:59:43 -0800

In this episode we welcome a man who's smile we didn't think could get any bigger, but then he won the overall regional in his BMW E36 M3. It isn't often a 2WD car can make it to an overall podium, let alone an all out win, especially in the dumping rain and slippery conditions that Olympus 2020 had on offer. Mike Shaw and guests hosts Kelsey Stephens and Tedrick Mealy find out how he was able to pull if off and how he got started doing this crazy little sport that we all love.

RallyCast Episode 87 - ARA’s New Series Competition Director Preston Osborn and Ojibwe Forests Rally Review

Sat, 12 Sep 2020 07:49:03 -0700

In this episode we welcome back friend of the RallyCast Preston Osborn. After toasting to his new role as ARA's new Series Competition Director, we chat about what interested him in taking up the new position, areas he plans on focusing first, and what his recent skills as a team manager and competitor at O.D.D. Racing can bring to the sanctioning body's management team. From there we delve deep into a review of the Ojibwe Forests Rally and learn why everyone should keep an eye on a kid named Andre D'Orazio.

Also, check out our full written review from the event, including fantastic pictures from David Cosseboom of iHeartFast

https://openpaddock.net/2020/09/07/2020-ojibwe-forests-rally-battle-royale-edition/

RallyCast Episode 86 - Rally Colorado Preview with Travis Nease and Dan Norkus

Sat, 15 Aug 2020 08:13:38 -0700

With Rally Colorado this weekend we wanted to get a quick preview out to all of you so you'll know what these competitors will be facing. We called up Travis Nease and Dan Norkus to give us an idea of what the roads are like, what they think of the hefty entry list of competitors, and what their plan of attack is being 3rd on the road in a new car.

RallyCast Episode 85 - The Pub Chat

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 13:39:20 -0700

We didn't have any special guests this week, although we think we're all a little bit special in our own way. In this episode Mike, Ian, Kelsey, and Calvin chat about numerous subjects including socially distanced rallying, dealing with high temps, and what we think of one day rallies for national championship rounds. We also chat about the rest of the world starting to rally again, WRC cars running in national events, schedule changes, whether we'd like to see tarmac rallying as part of ARA's future, and more in a hodgepodge of rally chat at the virtual rally pub we call the RallyCast.

RallyCast Episode 84 - 2020 Southern Ohio Forest Rally Preview with Jeremiah Johnson and Jeremy Meyer

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 07:50:05 -0700

It's rally week!! With the American Rally Association's national championship restarting, we caught up with event Chairman Jeremiah Johnson and ARA Marketing and Media Director Jeremy Meyer. We get a quick preview of the roads, weather, competition, ways to follow, and how they'll be running a socially distanced championship event.

📸 by iHeartfast

RallyCast Episode 83 - Chris Greenhouse

Sun, 28 Jun 2020 06:09:57 -0700

In this episode of the RallyCast presented by Oz Rally Pro we welcome back Chris Greenhouse. Although not seen as frequently on the American rally scene of late, Chris is one of the fastest 2wd competitors out there. We talked about social distanced rallying, his overall win at Central UP, and how he's looking forward to the depth of competition at the upcoming Southern Ohio Forests Rally. We even helped plant the seed of a potential run at the ARA Open 2WD championship. Grab a cold one and enjoy a chat with us at the virtual rally pub we call the RallyCast.

Official Central UP Press Release:

Greenhouse tops field at Central UP Rally

Powers, MI, USA

Chris Greenhouse and Ryan Scott took their Dodge Neon SRT4 to the overall win at their first attempt at Central UP Rally. Heavy rain created treacherous road conditions, but the team was undeterred and took the win not only against the 2-wheel-drive cars, but also against all of the much higher spec all-wheel-drive cars. For Chris, this was his second 2WD victory this season, but also his first ever overall win. Chris has competed exclusively in the 2WD class and scoring an overall victory in a 2WD car is a feat that's almost unheard-of in modern rally.

"Conditions were not favorable at all," said Chris after the event. "Friday was absolutely gorgeous with clear, blue skies, but then the rain started and left a lot of mud and standing water on the stages, which do not drain well. We had to carefully choose our spots to push hard and our spots to be conservative. We had a few mistakes, including one on the last stage where we nearly rolled the car about 11 miles from the end of the event. Luckily for us, we escaped without damage."

Ryan Scott was the recipient of the Diane Sargent Memorial Award, which was given to the fastest 2WD co-driver of the event. "I am honored to have been presented the Diane Sargent Memorial Award. Though, I was not fortunate enough to have met her, everything I have learned about her proves she was not afraid of a challenge and that she embodied the 'press on regardless' spirit we should all diligently work to cultivate in our own lives"

The team would like to thank the organizing committee and volunteers who created new procedures to conduct the event under COVID-19 safety protocols.

Chris and Ryan are now busy preparing for Southern Ohio Forest Rally next month, where they hope to extend their class winning streak to 3-in-a-row.

Chris would like to thank the following:

Adam Brock of 9HIO Motorsports
David Morrisette of Platto Motorports
Angry Sheep Motorsports
A1CVTech
RacersEdge411
Paul Eddleston of Team Illuminata Motorsports
Motodecals.com

RallyCast Episode 82 - Jamie Beliveau of Beliveau Boys Racing

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 20:52:47 -0700

In this episode we welcomed Jamie Beliveau of Beliveau Boys Racing where the whole family seems to be involved. Originally growing up in the Northeast, Jamie is looking to see if he can organize rally events closer to his new home of North Carolina where the sport is notably absent. Growing up running TSDs, driving, co-driving, and even running rally moto, this kid's got the energy and drive to keep on rallying no matter the time or place.

You can follow Jamie and Beliveau Boys Racing at the following links:

http://www.scottaldersonart.com/

RallyCast Episode 81 - Oregon Trail Rally Reflections

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 02:11:07 -0700

In this episode of the Open Paddock RallyCast presented by Oz Rally Pro we reflect on Oregon Trail Rally's past with Chairman Doug Heredos, Clerk of the Course Rebecca Ruston, Volunteer and competitor Dylan Hooker, and driver of the zero car from Team Fugawi? Lee Sorenson.

RallyCast Episode 80 - Steve and Katie Gingras

Fri, 29 May 2020 12:40:04 -0700

In this episode we chatted with Steve Gingras who won the SCCA Production GT class championships in 1997 and 1998. That may have been 20 years ago, but a recent return to the stages showed that he's still quick behind the wheel as the next generation, Katie Gingras, can attest. We talked about rallying then, rallying now, and got a ton of stories in between. So kick back, grab a glass of your favorite local brew and enjoy another round at the virtual rally pub we call the RallyCast presented by Oz Rally Pro.

RallyCast Episode 79 - Subaru Motorsports USA Co-Driver Robbie Durant

Sat, 09 May 2020 09:55:55 -0700

Most of us know Robbie as co-driver to one of the best known talents in American rallying, but he's had another life across the pond as well. Growing up in one of the world's motorsports hubs made racing seem like a normal path to take in life. He's worked with F1 teams, helped restore historics, and even gets behind the wheel himself from time to time. Motorsports has always been simply second nature. So kick back and grab a pint (or a coffee), as we get to know Subaru Motorsports USA's Robbie Durant.

RallyCast Episode 78 - Stories and Spirits with AJ Hakala and Dmitri Alpinsky

Sat, 02 May 2020 10:41:29 -0700

In this episode recorded Tuesday April 21st 2020 we invited two guests to the show by request. Dmitri “Name Dropper” Alpinsky has been rallying in the US and Canada since the late 1990s and AJ Hakala has been co-driving mostly in the western US since 2004. It’s 2 hours of reflections and stories with a pair of competitors from opposite ends of the continent that became close friends through motorsport.

RallyCast Episode 77 - Home School with Oz Rally Pro

Sat, 18 Apr 2020 11:35:34 -0700

In this episode with chatted with Alex and Rhianon Gelsomino of the Oz Rally Pro driver and co-driver training school. The Coronavirus lock-down has forced them to innovate and by doing so have created some new online courses that provide a great value for experienced and new competitors alike. True to their dedication, they even talk about continuing their training even in the middle of a recent earthquake. Alex and Rhianon also give our listeners some training tips that could be hugely valuable at sharpening your skills while cooped up at home.

As is typical with our podcast, we go off the rails and delve into many other subjects including Irish tarmac rallying, Rhianon's test with Subaru Motorsports USA, FIA's 2022 technical regulations, electrification, the value of rally radio, and reflections on heroes like Colin McRae and Sir Stirling Moss. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we do talking!

RallyCast Episode 76 - What Have Some of Our Rally Contributors Been Up To?

Sun, 12 Apr 2020 13:51:48 -0700

It's a bit late, but back on April 1st Mike and Ian invited a whole cadre of Open Paddock's friends to a Skype call to see how they are coping with the current Coronavirus lock down. You'll hear Ian mention Goodwood yet again, and the rally truck is apparently available for Birthday parties. Kelsey and Calvin of Cooper Autoworks have serious issues with procrastination, yet still find a way to add more to their to do list. Adam Bachi of Limitless Studios has seemingly limitless file storage for his videos in contrast to Tedrick Mealy who has a love/hate relationship with his Mac and could really use a job. David Cosseboom of iHeartFast eats too much chili and likes playing with toys in the backyard while Mike talks sim racing (much to the annoyance of Ian) and his cat makes an audible appearance. Finally Jonny Sage (yes, that's a stage name) needs motivation to edit video from Sandblast which just might have been the last race of the year. We hope he's wrong about that.

RallyCast Episode 75 - New Events with Dave Matheson of Bristol Forests Rally and Denise McMahon of Rally Nevada

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 02:09:31 -0700

In this episode we talk about new rallies! Yes, the growth of rallying in North America has brought about new events, so we chatted with organizers Dave Matheson of the new Bristol Forests Rally in Tennessee and Denise McMahon of the new Rally Nevada based out of Tonopah. New events in new places and they tell us why you should come check them out!

Follow the Bristol Forests Rally at these links:

Rally Website: https://www.bristolforestsrally.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/bristolforestsrally/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bristolforestsrally/
Volunteer Info: https://www.bristolforestsrally.com/volunteers

Follow Rally Nevada at these links:

Website: https://rallynevada.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RallyNevada
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rally_Nevada
Volunteer Info: http://rallydata.com

RallyCast Episode 74 - Dan Downey of Downey Dirty Racing

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 08:46:04 -0800

In this episode Mike and Ian had Dan Downey of Downey Dirty Racing join them at the#RallyCast virtual rally pub. Many of you may remember Dan from the pictures of his BMW e30 that flew through the New England Forest Rally’s Concord Pond stage with a Domino’s Pizza delivery sign strapped to the top. We chat about that, why he chose to go “rad wheel drive”, how his first stage rally event got a little hot, and what it’s like being an instructor at Team O’Neil Rally School. As always we encourage you to join the conversation. Please leave us a comment or ask a question.

You can follow Downey Dirty Racing and all their e30 goodness at the following social media links:

Instagram: @downeydirtyracing

Facebook : DowneyDirtyRacing

YouTube: Downey Dirty Racing

📷 by iheartfast

RallyCast Episode 73 - Rally 2020 with Mike and Ian Followed by an Interview with ARA's Jeremy Meyer

Sat, 08 Feb 2020 13:05:53 -0800

It’s been a couple weeks so in this episode Mike and Ian catch up on several topics, including expanding Open Paddock’s media presence, the excitement of Colin Clark and Dirtfish joining forces, and other bits of rally news. Then at about the 1hr mark we have an interview we had a couple of weeks ago with ARA’s head of marketing Jeremy Meyer about the 2020 season. So grab a cold one from the fridge and join us at the virtual rally pub we call the RallyCast podcast. As always, thanks for the downloads!

RallyCast Episode 72 - Sam Albert on VR Gaming and Scott Alderson Art's Rally Coloring Book

Sat, 18 Jan 2020 09:08:27 -0800

This is a double episode where we start off talking with Sam Albert about VR gaming and how it relates to the real world as well as connecting to a new audience of rallyists via Twitch. Then we talk to Scott Alderson about how he’s combined his rally passion and art skills to make some amazing rally coloring books for kids (and lets face it, we adults are all just big kids)! We finish with a short discussion of Dakar and make horrible Monte Carlo predictions.

Follow Sam Albert at these links

www.samalbertrally.com

Follow Scott Alderson and his art at these links below

Part 1 - Setting Off on the Oregon Trail

RallyCast Episode 71 - Mitch Meadows of Mele Design Firm

Sat, 11 Jan 2020 08:39:08 -0800

In this first episode of the new decade we chat with a newcomer to the rally scene, Mitch Meadows. He and his company Mele Design Firm have suddenly popped up everywhere with connections to DirtFish Rally School, O.D.D. Racing, and many other rally teams big and small. We talk with Mitch about taking a childhood fantasy to reality, as he now co-drives for Karen Jankowski, as well as using his company and brand to help promote rallying across the continent.

You can follow Mitch and all their Mele rallying goodness at the links below!

Instagram: @meledesignfirm

YouTube: MeLe Design Firm

Facebook : MeLe Design Firm

Website: www.meledesignfirm.com

RallyCast Episode 70 - Taking on the World's Stages with American Co-driver Alex Kihurani

Fri, 27 Dec 2019 11:45:12 -0800

In this episode we talk with what we've concluded as America's most internationally experienced co-driver, Alex Kihurani. We get a little bit of background on the young man once known to many as "Rally Brat" who now takes on the world's most epic stages. Alex gives us a comparison of rallying overseas vs here in the states as well as how he teamed up with another American in Europe, Sean Johnston. This year the two took on both the Junior WRC and ERC achieving something that hasn't been done by an American since John Buffum, a WRC class podium. The future is the brightest it's been for Americans in the WRC for a long time, as Sean and Alex continue their journey with a move up to the WRC3 class for 2020.

You can follow Sean and Alex as they take on the WRC at the following links:

Sean Johnston

Instagram - Facebook - Twitter

Alex Kihurani

Instagram - Linked-In

Alex also wrote an amazing series about his discovery that he had a rare form of leukemia while heading to the Oregon Trail Rally, and how living in the UK probably saved his life.

Part 2 - Press SPACE BAR to Continue on the Oregon Trail

Part 3 - You Know the Oregon Trail was an Educational Game, Right?

RallyCast Episode 69 - RAC Historic Rally Review with 1st in FIA Class Co-Driver Martin Brady

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 08:51:04 -0800

In this episode host Mike Shaw reviews the Roger Albert Clark historic rally with co-driver Martin Brady. Martin and USA driver Seamus Burke finished an impressive 1st in the FIA class and 17th overall in their period correct Ford Escort MK2 over 5 days, 32 stages, and over 1200 total miles of rallying. It’s a bit of old meets new as Martin tells us what it takes to prepare for and run a proper endurance stage rally, which was not without its challenges.

We encourage you to go back and watch some of the video footage from this historic event on the Roger Alert Rally Facebook page which can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/RogerAlbertClark/videos/

Full results from the RAC can be found here:

http://results.djames.org.uk/results/overall.php?EventID=575&StageID=0&OverallPositions=OverallPositions&e=575&selection=all

RallyCast Episode 68 - Rally of the Tall Pines Live Coverage Preview

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 01:49:15 -0800

In this episode we talk with Formula Photgraphic's Warwick Patterson, Bowes Media's Chris Bowes, and the voice of the Canadian Rally Championship Dean Campbell about their special live coverage event for this weekend's Rally of the Tall Pines. They give us the ins and outs of what we hope to be the dawn of a new era of rally coverage in North America.

Be sure to tune in this Saturday at 8AM Eastern at http://live.crcrally.com

RallyCast Episode 67 - 2019 Lake Superior Performance Rally Review with Al Dantes Jr.

Sun, 27 Oct 2019 13:20:23 -0700

In this episode we grabbed our favorite Yooper, Al Dantes Jr. of Tower City Race Team to help us review the final round of the American Rally Association National Championship.

Check out our final stage end team portraits with driver quotes here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/OpenPaddock/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10157070814113995

You can follow Al Dantes Jr. and his Tower City Race Team at the following social media links:

Twitter

RallyCast Episode 66 - #AmericanInvasion Review of Wales Rally GB with Keanna Erickson-Chang and Ryan Booth

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 02:36:40 -0700

In this show we look back on last week's Wales Rally GB where there was an American invasion of sorts competing in the Junior WRC. We called up Keanna Erickson-Chang and Ryan Booth just after they got home to find out more about what it's like to complete one of the world's most challenging rallies.

In this episode we mentioned several stage-end interviews you may not have heard on WRC All Live. Here's a link to all the interviews conducted by the Wales Rally GB media team: https://eventnewss.ynil.com/events/2019/WRGB/WRC/itinerary-WRC.html

RallyCast Episode 65 - The STPR Review with Regional Overall Winner, Mark Piatkowski

Sun, 29 Sep 2019 16:08:00 -0700

In this episode Mike and rally photographer Tedrick Mealy look back at STPR with special guest Mark Piatkowski of the MAP Rally Team. Mark has been one of the fastest regional competitors in the east having finished 1st overall regional at both the New England Forest Rally and STPR. We discussed several subjects from the weekend event including the controversially rough Waste Management stage, how to handle a Red Cross, and an interesting conversation about why a fast driver like Mark enters as a regional instead of national that lead to an interesting idea from none other than Petter Solberg. It's 2 hours of chatting at the virtual rally pub that we call the RallyCast.

You can follow Mark Piatkowski and his MAP Rally team on Instagram and Facebook

Tedrick Mealy's fantastic rally photos can be found on his web site tmealyphoto.com as well as Instagram and Facebook

As always we appreciate your likes and shares. Thanks for listening!

RallyCast Episode 64 - Ojibwe Forests Rally Review with Special Guest Ryan Booth

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 20:46:45 -0700

In this episode we review the Ojibwe Forests Rally from a couple of weeks ago with special guest and Ojibwe National Open 2WD winner Ryan Booth. Ryan had a stand-out performance in his first outing in a McKenna Motorsports Fiesta R2 while Ian was happy to be back in the right seat of the Three Triangles Rally Truck. Join us for a great discussion about some of the best stage roads in the American Rally Association championship.

RallyCast Episode 63 - Interview with Santiago Daniel Iglesias and a review of Summer Sno*Drift

Sat, 31 Aug 2019 08:54:55 -0700

In this episode we welcome a new guest, driver of the #305 Limited 2WD Subaru BRZ Santiago Daniel Iglesias who won his class at the regional Summer Sno*Drift Rally a few weeks ago. We talked with Santiago about what got him into rallying, why he chose the BRZ platform, and discussed the Summer Sno*Drift event which is done in the classic “blind” style with no recce and only route notes. He also gives us an exclusive on some plans he has for a rally outside the USA.

You can follow Santiago Daniel Iglesias of the Escuderia Boricua Rally team at these links social media links:

https://individual-fundraiser-ongoing.everydayhero.com/au/rallying-for-steve

Twitter

We also mentioned the Rallying for Steve fund for mental health. Below is a link for that worthy cause.

RallyCast Ep. 62 - Christopher Bowes of Bowes Media Discusses Subaru's Launch Control on Amazon Prime

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 08:00:00 -0700

Subaru just announced that Launch Control is now available on Amazon Prime Video. In this episode we bring back Christopher Bowes of Bowes Media, the producers of the highly successful Subaru Motorsports USA video series and discuss being on the new platform and what we can expect in Season 7.

RallyCast Episode 61 - Rally Colorado Review and the Story of Earl with Preston Osborn and Ed McNelly

Sun, 11 Aug 2019 06:40:31 -0700

In this episode we bring back Preston Osborn of O.D.D. Racing along with their Master Technician Ed McNelly to review Rally Colorado. Preston jumped into a new roll as rally organizer and Ed tells the tale of Earl the rally car, one of the first M-Sport Fiestas in the USA who’s long rallying career came to a dramatic end at the event.

Photo: Tedrick Mealy before (Oregon Trail Rally) and Jon Seaton after (Rally Colorado)

Video of Earl's demise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8gJhpiPBgw

RallyCast Episode 60 - NEFR Review with Cooper Autoworks Calvin Cooper and Kelsey Stephens

Sat, 03 Aug 2019 14:36:37 -0700

In this episode we review the 2019 New England Forest Rally with Cooper Autoworks' Calvin Cooper and Kelsey Stephens who pressed on regardless of a cracked oil pan to finish 4th in National Open 2WD driving their "Fun wheel drive" BMW E30.

You can follow Cooper Autoworks at the following social media outlets.

RallyCast Episode 59 - WRC Mid-Season Review with Colin Clark Rally

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 14:29:36 -0700

In this episode we chatted with legendary World Rally Championship stage end reporter and host of Kitchen Table Shakedown Colin Clark to get a mid-season review of the WRC.

Be sure to follow and subscribe to Colin and his Kitchen Table Shakedown on these social media outlets:

RallyCast Episode 58 - Subaru Motorsports USA's Oliver Solberg

Sat, 22 Jun 2019 05:42:00 -0700

In this show we chatted with none other than the young phenom, Oliver Solberg, winner of the Olympus rally and driver over the #70 Subaru Motorsports USA Subaru WRX STI. Oliver tells us what it's like driving for Subaru in America and about his approach to this weekend's Idaho Rally International. Our co-presenter Ian Holmes also gives us a little look back at the Central UP rally that he competed a week ago.

RallyCast Episode 57 - Oregon Trail Rally Part 2 with Karen Jankowski and Preston Osborn

Sat, 15 Jun 2019 13:25:31 -0700

This is Part 2 of our OTR review we recorded last week with Karen Jankowski and Preston Osborn, two of America’s best co-drivers who switched to the driver’s seat for the 2019 DirtFish Oregon Trail Rally. We pick up right where we left off in Episode 56 and discuss what it’s like being farther down the start order, dodging fence posts and rolled cars, the complexities of timing issues, ARA's recent media changes, and the value of regional events including Ian's review from the Headwaters regional rally.

You can follow Karen Jankowski of Jankowski Motorsports on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

You can follow Preston Osborn of O.D.D. Racing on their Facebook and Instagram

RallyCast Episode 56 - Oregon Trail Rally Part 1 with Karen Jankowski and Preston Osborn

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 06:30:23 -0700

This is Part 1 of our 2019 DirtFish Oregon Trail Rally review with guests Karen Jankowski and Preston Osborn. Both are championship class winning co-drivers, but at the Oregon Trail Rally they competed for the first time as drivers. We chatted about what their experience was like from preparation to driving the stages from the other side of the car.

You can follow Karen Jankowski of Jankowski Motorsports on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

You can follow Preston Osborn of O.D.D. Racing on their Facebook and Instagram

RallyCast Episode 55 with Co-Driver Turned Driver, Karen Jankowski

Sat, 11 May 2019 10:37:32 -0700

In this episode we welcomed 5 time National Class Champion Co-Driver Karen Jankowski who is making a big change by moving into the driver’s seat for the upcoming DirtFish Oregon Trail Rally! We chatted about how she got hooked on the sport, favorite moments in the right seat, who she picked to call notes for her first event as a driver, what it's like teaching teens in the B.R.A.K.E.S. driver training program, and she even helped us review the Olympus Rally.

You can follow Karen on these links to Facebook and Instagram

RallyCast Episode 54 - California Rally Series Director Jennifer Stonecipher

Sun, 21 Apr 2019 11:05:56 -0700

In this episode we turn our attention to the desert southwest as we chat with the director of the California Rally Series, Jennifer Stonecipher. California has a rich rallying history that continues on today as a championship within championships. You can follow the CRS on the web, Facebook, and Instagram. Timing and scoring on rallydata.com.

CRS Calendar of events for 2019:

May 4: High Desert Trails (C3) Ridgecrest, CA - NRS Sanctioned

June 22-23: Idaho Rally (C3, C3) Boise, ID - ARA Sanctioned

July 26-27: Rally Colorado (C3) Rangely, CO - ARA Sanctioned

Aug 24: Gorman Ridge Rally (C3) Frazier Park, CA - NRS Sanctioned

Sept 27-28: Prescott Rally (C2, C3) Prescott, AZ - NRS Sanctioned

RallyCast Episode 53 - The 100 Acre Wood Rally Review and an Open Paddock Reunion

Sun, 07 Apr 2019 14:09:32 -0700

Well, we recorded this about 2 week ago and I'm just now getting around to posting it. Apologies for the delay as life kind of got in the way. Anyway, in this episode we had a bit of an Open Paddock reunion where I'm joined by 2 former hosts from the previous version of OpenPaddock, Doug Patterson and John Olsakovsky. Doug is a well known motorsports photographer among his many other exploits, and John "The Race Fan" Olsakovsky has been to many an IndyCar and sportscar race, but this was his first ever stage rally. We didn't have any special guests this week other than our regular co-presenter Ian Holmes who co-drove the 100 Acre Wood in the 3 Triangles Rally Team rally truck. Since it was many of our first times to this event, we discussed our 100 Acre Wood experiences from that of a photographer, a co-driver, media host, and a rally first-timer. Thanks to the awesome volunteers and organizers for putting on such a kick ass rally!

RallyCast Episode 52 - The Return of Savage Dave Wallingford and Ian Holmes Becomes a Professional Co-Driver

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 13:21:24 -0700

This is episode 52 from over a week ago. Apologies on the late post. Anyway, in this episode we welcomed back to the show someone who has become a massive inspiration to us all, Dave Wallingford. After a nasty crash and roll almost exactly a year ago, Dave broke his back and had to re-learn how to walk again, let alone drive. He’s made a remarkable recovery and will be competing in this week's 100 Acre Wood Rally. Ian and I also discussed a few other bits of rally news including his experience from the Oz Rally Pro Co-Driver Development Academy and his transition into becoming a more professional co-driver.

You can follow Savage Dave Wallingford on Facebook and Instagram.

Whether you are a driver or co-driver, you can always learn something new. Find out more about Oz Rally Pro on their Facebook page.

RallyCast Episode 51 with Keanna Erickson-Chang

Sun, 03 Mar 2019 09:15:11 -0800

A bit of a late post as we recorded this back on Tuesday. Anyway, last week we welcomed one of the few women drivers in rallying, Keanna Erickson-Chang to the RallyCast! We talked about how she got hooked on rallying, her work with the Formula 1 in Schools program, women in racing, and her exciting international schedule for 2019!

The best way to follow Keanna is here on Instagram

Photo by Tedrick Mealy

RallyCast Episode 50 - John Buffum Returns to Monte Carlo 50 Years Later

Sat, 23 Feb 2019 07:11:38 -0800

We said we’d do something a bit special for Episode 50 and so we did! We had the honor of having America’s legend in rallying Mr. John Buffum on our show! John recently returned to the legendary Monte Carlo Rally 50 years after his remarkable 12th place finish in 1969. This time he competed in the historique version of the event in a Tuthill Porsche similar to what made him successful so many years ago. Warwick Patterson of Formula Photographic also joins us as he was on the cols of Monte documenting the 50th Anniversary achievement. Epic, simply epic!

Be sure to follow Formula Photographic's Facebook page for information on the Buffum 50th Anniversary of Monte Carlo video.

RallyCast Episode 49 with Michael Hooper of River City Rally

Sun, 17 Feb 2019 17:10:47 -0800

This episode we chat with Michael Hooper of River City Rally out of Chattanooga, Tennessee. He tells us how he got started in rallying and why he decided to choose a Lexus as his vehicle of choice. Hoop also took first place at the inaugural Missouri Ozarks Regional Rally a couple weeks ago where he did a charity raffle for the Fanconi Research Foundation with the winner being rewarded to co-drive.

Photo by MTJ Photography

Follow River City Rally at the following social media links:

River City Rally also races for a great cause. Get more information on Fanconi anemia and the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund here: https://www.facebook.com/fanconianemiaresearchfund/

RallyCast Episode 48 with Cameron Steely & Preston Osborn of O.D.D. Racing

Wed, 06 Feb 2019 19:48:04 -0800

Another episode already you say? We figured you just can't get enough of us! This time we called up our friends Cameron Steely and Preston Osborn of O.D.D. racing. O.D.D. has become one of the preeminent rally teams in America highlighted by their amazing 2WD Rally America Championship win in 2016. Since then they've moved on to Limited 4WD and just won their class a week ago at Sno*Drift 2019. Apologies for some of the audio issues as Cameron’s cell phone kept dropping in and out a few times.

You can follow Cameron and Preston at the following O.D.D. Racing links: