Victory Lane

NASCAR legend and avid outdoorsman Ward Burton joins Davey Segal this week (2:45) in advance of the State Water Heaters Krush 250 at South Boston Speedway, benefitting the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation. Burton explains how the idea of the race came together, why and when his passion for the outdoors came into focus and more. Plus, his thoughts on Sam Mayer's suspension after spinning his son Jeb at Martinsville, the state of NASCAR in 2025, the playoff format, the lore of him snatching snakes online, how he got his name (spoiler alert: it's not really Ward), memories of Bill Davis, winning the 2002 Daytona 500 and more. Davey also previews the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway for all 3 national series

All good things come to an end, and 2025 marks the end of an institutional powerhouse in Venturini Motorsports. The patriarch of the organization, Bill Venturini, joins Davey Segal (3:45) to reflect and reminisce on the several decades of ownership in the ARCA Menards Series. From humble beginnings in Chicago to the high banks of Daytona, Big Bill was there every step of the way, with his wife Cathy by his side. He explains why now is the right time to step away from the sport, what made Nick Tucker and Nitro Motorsports the right group to take things over, how proud he is of his son, Billy, who has run day-to-day operations (who makes a surprise appearance!), why the ARCA Menards Series has been the right platform for them all these years, how he feels about the health of the series, the legacy he feels like he's leaving behind and more. Plus, how the patented Victory Lane kiss originated, their relationship with Toyota, his plans in retirement, how the feeling of winning races and developing drivers differ and much more.

2025 and two-time Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series champion Jacob Goede joins Davey Segal (2:05) on the heels of clinching another title in the Midwest. He explains the commitment it's taken for him to forgo a normal life to chase trophies and a championship, how his family-owned team has been all hands on deck, how much pride he takes in representing the Midwest, how the racing scene in that part of the country plays itself out and the championship that he's still fighting for this weekend. Plus, his 25+ year career in racing, whether he'd entertain a CARS Tour or NASCAR opportunity, why running the Snowball Derby remains high on his bucket list and what else there is to accomplish for him professionally in motorsports. Davey also recaps the wild finish at Kansas Speedway and looks ahead to the Round of 12 cutoff race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL.

TRICON Garage crew chief Scott Zipadelli returns to the podcast (9:10) on the heels of the No. 11's series-leading ninth win of the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season. He dives into how successful and fun 2025 has been, their quest for double digit wins and an elusive championship. He also shares his strong opinions on the much discussed playoff format, why he prefers things the old way where more consistency was rewarded and coming to grips with the fact that they *might* only have a 25% chance at winning the championship this year in Phoenix. He also reflects on a special win at Lime Rock Park earlier this year, shares the weak spots for the No. 11 team right now, how good Corey Heim really is, being second on the NCTS all-time wins list as a shot caller and more, including his biggest competition for the title and if they've reflected on their 3+ years together as a group with the writing on the wall that this year may be the final one together. Plus, Davey recaps the Round of 12 opener at New Hampshire, Papa Segal pays homage to John Force and more.

Thomas Annunziata joins Davey Segal this week (2:25) to discuss his racing background and current happenings as a part-time Xfinity Series/Trans-Am driver. He dives into how he got started racing in parking lots in New Jersey, how his dad helped with a racing background of his own, the spec miata success he had and what he learned in that discipline, moving up to Trans-Am, competing against and with drivers he's doing the same with now, like Connor Zilisch, Brent Crews, Connor Mosack and more. Plus, he dives into his runner-up finish over the weekend in Portland, his Lime Rock Park victory in the ARCA Menards Series, improvement on ovals in the Xfinity Series, his 2026 plans, goals for the future and more, including where the nickname "Hollywood" came from, why he doesn't like Italian food and things he's learned now living by himself in North Carolina. Davey also recaps Chase Briscoe's dominating Southern 500 win from Darlington Raceway and looks ahead to Gateway, Race No. 2 of the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Playoffs.