Dinner with Racers

The latest of our RE-HEATED series, where we re-issue episodes that might share something with racing stories in the news… Episode 223 featuring Jim Michaelian. One of the pioneers behind the Grand Prix of Long Beach, Jim unfortunately passed on Saturday, March 21, but we were fortunate to spend an extended amount of time with him in 2021 in our “Building Long Beach” video and podcast series. One of the key members since Year One, Jim Michaelian went from a kid with an MBA helping out in finance, to the current President and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. From boots on the ground at the beginning, to steering the ship today, Jim is uniquely qualified to know both the history of the event and the challenges that face the Grand Prix today. This is of course a complimentary episode to our “Dinner with Racers” video series on MotorTrend’s YouTube, where you can see the story unfold in a two-part special. Dinner was served via pizza we ordered into the Grand Prix offices in Long Beach, CA, with the song “Something New” by Castle Heist taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.

The FIRST of our RE-HEATED series, where we re-issue episodes that might share something with racing stories in the news… Episode 150 featured RJ Valentine. RJ Valentine is one of sportscar racing’s greatest characters, and beloved by our hosts. A businessman first, RJ grew up under tough circumstances in South Boston through the 1940’s and 1950’s, building a hugely successful series of businesses which eventually led him down the path of racing. Funding his own way, RJ has driven in Trans-Am, IMSA, and Grand-Am, all in their heyday, ultimately leading to his career highlight, winning the Daytona 500 (listen to episode for details). What makes RJ most entertaining is his complete zero-apologies character, not afraid to share his opinions on politics, people around him, and life at large. Dinner was served at Davios in Burlington, Massachusetts. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.!

One of the most prolific television commentators in the sport, Matt Yocum has made an art of being a pit reporter in an endless series of motorsport categories. Known for a three-decade run in NASCAR, Matt has been everything from pit reporter to show host, eventually transition to a career today in IMSA as one of the stapes of both the NBC broadcast as well IMSA’s “Endurance Hour” podcast. Lunch was served at the famed Brickhouse Tavern in Davison, NC, with Eldar Kedem’s “For the One” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!

One of racing’s most colorful journeymen, Anthony Lazzaro defines character and perseverence. Growing up with little means, Anthony become a phenom of the 1970’s-1990’s karting scene, doing everything he could to break into the car racing scene, and eventually doing so by taking opportunities all over the landscape. His efforts would culminate in not only winning the 1999 Formula Atlantic championship, but also runs in INDYCAR, NASCAR, and eventually become the house driver for the legendary Risi Ferrari dinner. Dinner was served at Culinary Dropout in Atlanta, GA, with La Nata’s “Kutchie” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!

A modern day “gentleman driver” and not offended by the word, Ted’s noteworthiness in motorsport doesn’t just come from his achievements on the track, but also his incredible story off of it. With a lifelong career in different facets of hospital operations and medical billing, Ted’s rise to notoriety most notably came in the field of “billing neutrality,” where Ted discovered a massive error in the government policy, and successfully sued to make it right. Turning his fortune to not only motorsport, Ted has also invested heavily in medical research and philanthrophy, notably through the Jayne Koskinas Foundation, named after his late wife. Dinner was served at Folk Art in Atlanta, GA, with Jessie Ried’s “Time Goes By” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!

INDYCAR’s most recent first-time winner, Christian Rasmussen is coming off an incredible sophomore season as a driver that saw him not only in victory lane, but consistently in the headlines for his bold and aggressive driving. Originally from Denmark and with only modest means to pull himself through the junior ranks, Christian’s story is one of high risk and incredible tenacity, eventually landing him with an incredible opportunity at Ed Carpenter Racing as the team continues to ascend. Dinner was served at Tegry Bistron in Indianapolis, IN, with Loya’s “Happy Like You” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!

“Ziggy” Harcus is one of the most well-known and respected behind-the-scenes figures in modern INDYCAR racing. Originally from New Zealand, a chance opportunity would see him entering the world of racing mechanics during the 1980’s, sending him on a journeyman career that would see him work as a mechanic to some of the biggest names in the sport like Al Unser Jr. and Danny Sullivan, to a team manager to names like Scott Dixon and Tony Renna, and even as a series official in the former ChampCar World Series. Now listed as the Team Manager at Andretti Autosport, it’s hard to find a more well-rounded and experienced figure in the sport. Lunch was served at Dawson’s on Main in Speedway, IN, with Ryan Prewett’s “Affection” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!

Known today as the “the third L” in RLL Racing, Mike Lanigan’s enthusiasm and contribution to the sport has amassed nearly four decades. A businessman-first, his family-owned MiJack Products completely revolutionized the transportation and shipping industry over the last seven decades, eventually expanding out to a family of businesses that are all now held under the Lanco Corporation. Capitalizing on his success in business, Mike has been involved with teams from Newman-Haas-Lanigan to Conquest to now Rahal-Letterman-Lanigan, and befriending names like Paul Newman and Walter Payton along the way. Dinner was served at St. Elmo’s Steakhouse in Indianapolis, IN, with Foxxi’s “How About That” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!

Another drag racing addition to the roster, Tony Pedregon is a one-of-a-kind figure to the NHRA. The son of “Flamin’ Frank” Pedregon and the product of the Southern California drag scene, Tony went from working-class roots to becoming a two-time NHRA champion and working for the legendary John Force before starting his own team with his brother Cruze. Beyond his on-track success, Tony is most known today for his on-air exploits, as a commentator for Fox Sports and their coverage of the NHRA. Lunch was served at Charlie Brown’s Pancake and Steak House, with SOURWAH’s “Mandalas” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!

Mark Dismore, Jr. has one of the most unique and notable careers in the sport. A true racer’s racer, Mark emerged as a karting phenom to navigate his way all the way into IndyCar…. and we managed to get NONE of that story. Instead, here’s Zach Veach. Dinner was served at Dawson’s on Main in Indianapolis, IN, with Sun Way Street’s “Who Said I Cared” taking us out. Thanks to Continental Tire for making this all happen!