Episode 74: Dale Dondel

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with Robert Blanton, a retired Marine, Silver Star recipient, and founder of Warfighter Made — a nonprofit dedicated to helping combat-wounded veterans through off-road racing, fabrication, and community. Blanton takes us through the battles that came after the war — the struggle to adjust, the weight of post-traumatic stress, and the moment he nearly gave up. We talk about how wrenching on a Camaro in his garage became the first step in his recovery, and how Warfighter Made has since given that same opportunity to hundreds of other veterans. This is a conversation about service, identity, recovery — and the power of getting behind the wheel and moving forward.robertblanton, warfightermade, offroadracerpodcast, desertracing, unlimitedoffroadracing, veteransupport, silverstarrecipient, posttraumaticstress, mentalhealthawareness, offroadcommunity, militarystories, offroadtherapy, veteranvoices, racerstories, garagebuilt, dirtcodriven, offroadlife, healingthroughracing, serviceandstrength, motorsportculture

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with Trey Gibbs — one of the most exciting young drivers in off-road right now. Still deep in the short course world and stepping confidently into desert racing, Trey represents the next generation of racers who are fast, focused, and built for both sides of the sport. We talk about how it started, what he’s learning, and where he’s headed — from early wins to big lessons and everything in between. Whether it’s behind the wheel or behind the camera, Trey’s building something real. This one’s about potential, precision, and carving your own path.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with Brice and Justin Allen of Allen Racing Co., two brothers who’ve carved out their own lane in the off-road world through hard work, clean prep, and a relentless drive to improve. From their early days racing UTVs in District 38 to earning respect in the Unlimited Off-Road Racing Series, the Allens share what it takes to run a family-backed race team and finish nearly every race they enter. We dig into the ups and downs of grassroots racing, building their cars at home, the importance of community, and what it's like to race (and argue) with your brother in the car. This is an honest conversation about what it takes to keep showing up, racing smart, and chasing the dream — one finish line at a time.

This special two-part episode features a crossover with the High Octane Hustle Podcast. Part one airs here on the Off-Road Racer Podcast, and part two continues over on their channel. Tune in for a raw, wide-open conversation about tequila, racing, and automotive culture.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with one of the fastest and most innovative minds in off-road racing—Dale Dondel of Racer Engineering. Known for his blistering qualifying runs and relentless drive for performance, Dondel has carved a unique path in the sport as both a racer and elite vehicle builder. We dive into Dale’s roots in dirt bikes and short course, his time learning from legendary fabricator Nye Frank, and how those early influences shaped his philosophy of racing and design. He opens up about the evolution of his trucks, the challenges of chasing AWD performance, and why he continues to tear down and rebuild in pursuit of speed. This episode is a deep look at what it takes to stay ahead in off-road racing—both behind the wheel and in the shop.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Chris Cyr — rally driver, business strategist, and managing partner of the legendary Team O’Neil Rally School. Chris shares his journey from discovering rally as a teenager to helping save one of the most important rally institutions in North America. We dive into how he transitioned from a fan to a leader in the sport, the challenges of scaling Team O’Neil, and his role in founding the American Rally Association (ARA). Chris also discusses the mental discipline of rally driving, why rally is one of the best training grounds for all motorsports, and his vision for the future of rally in the U.S. Whether you're into stage rally, off-road racing, or just love a good underdog story, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

In this episode of The Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with off-road entrepreneurs and vehicle builders Jordan and Johnathan Brenthel. Founders of Brenthel Industries, the Brenthel Brothers run the largest Trophy Truck and Spec Trophy Truck manufacturing facility in the sport. In addition to this, the Brenthel's operate Baja Kits, an off-road suspension kit company, and the Brenthel Trophy Truck School, one of the few Desert-Racing focused schools, and the only one that can get you in a Trophy Truck. Jordan, Johnathan and I talk at length about their entrepreneurial history, working up from a 2-man shop, to the industry giant they are today. The Brenthel Brothers give some insight into the work and mindset is takes to build such a company, and how they leveraged the sport of desert racing to test their products and design, as well as a way to build credibility with potential customers. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with class 10 and class 1 racer Tom Coons. Tom Coons recently won class 10 and got 3rd overall at the 2024 California 300. Tom and I go on a deep dive into the art and skill of racecraft. We talk about Tom’s evolution through various suspension setups, transitioning from manual to sequential gearboxes, and how Tom plans and preps for a race. We also talk about the character it takes to do off-road racing. It is no secret that off-road racing is challenging, and it demands perseverance and ambition, but also an ability to work with people in the industry, who can help you out. For those of us who know, you cannot do this sport alone. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with 2x California 300 Champion Brayden Baker. Despite his young age, Brayden has been making a name for himself in off-road racing, grabbing wins at the 2021 UTV World Championship, the 2022 Laughlin Desert Classic, and the 2023 and 2024 California 300. Brayden’s family started out as casual enthusiasts, having a few play cars. When Brayden turned 16, Brayden started racing in the WORCS series, eventually grabbing the series’ Pro Stock Championship. Since then, Brayden has transitioned to desert racing, and is building and prepping his own cars at Rivershore Motorsports. Brayden and I talk about his rapid progression through the sport, and the work ethic and attitude it takes to get the results Brayden has seen. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, I sit down with vintage off-road racer Eric Pond. Back in 2017, Eric pitted for a friend at the Mint 400, and has been hooked ever since. Now, Eric races a 1969 Bronco called ‘Iron Casket’, with Vigilante Racing and Queen City Off-Road. Eric has been competing in off-road races as a passion, and also as an opportunity to raise funds for the Cancer Research Institute (CRI), as Eric has been battling cancer for the last 3 years. His battle with cancer has given off-road racing a new dimension, serving as a passion and goal when working through treatment, and always something to look forward to. So far, Eric has raised over $14,000 for CRI through racing. Today, Eric has been racing as much as he can, making unforgettable memories and friendships, and leaving cancer in the dust one mile at a time. I’m your host Matt Martelli, and this IS the Off-Road Racer Podcast.Please consider donating to fund cancer research:https://fundraise.cancerresearch.org/fundraiser/5084673