Inside ChampCar Podcast
Inside ChampCar
Inside ChampCar is the weekly deep dive into the TireRack.com ChampCar Endurance Series. Hosted by veteran sports broadcaster and producer, Brian Bielanski, and ChampCar's director of marketing, Bill Strong. Each week we will discuss the races, the happenings, and talk with team owners, drivers, and crew. Episodes are released every Thursday morning on the Racing Wire Podcast Network on your favorite podcast platform.
You can also listen directly, using the players below!
Season 2
S2 Episode 8
February 23, 2023
On episode 57 of Inside ChampCar we talk with road racing journeyman and the creator of the Vortex of Danger -- Randy Pobst. Beside being a great guy he's the consummate storyteller -- and he's quite willing to share a bit of wisdom.
https://www.randypobst.com/
Click here for the Inside ChampCar Live YouTube Edition
S2 Episode 7
February 16, 2023
On episode 56 of Inside ChampCar we catch up with driver, entrepreneur, car builder, and trailer designer Scott Mann. We had a power outage at our main studio during the live recording of the show. While we were able to soldier on with some quick work from Bill... Brian's audio from the blackout studio was less than ideal. Thanks for your understanding we hope this won't happen again.
https://stacklitetrailers.com/
https://www.renegadehybrids.com/
Click here for the Inside ChampCar Live YouTube Edition
S2 Episode 6
February 09, 2023
This week on episode 55 of Inside ChampCar we catch up with newly minted ChampCar National Champion Eric Rockwell. This was also our first Inside ChampCar VlogCast live!
Click here for the Inside ChampCar Live YouTube Edition
S2 Episode 5
February 02, 2023
Episode 54 of Inside ChampCar is preview of the The TireRack.com National Championship. We also catch up with Sam Minor -- Crew Chief for Nine-Four Motorsports and Photographer at Lowtide Motorsports. Sam is also with Point By Photography Ltd. Co.
Road Atlanta Turn 6 Schmozzle : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBhAt0mgJDo
Tech Tip - Number Panel Templates - LINK
Vinyl Rolls Black - Amazon Link
S2 Episode 4
January 26, 2023
Episode 53 of Inside ChampCar is the first episode of season 2! ChampCar CEO and President Dana Morrison join us to discuss what's ahead for the 2023 season. We talk about some rule changes and the vision for the series, and I even throw in a few pot-stirring questions. This week's tech tip is all about the numbers.
Tech Tip - Number Panel Templates - LINK
Vinyl Rolls Black - Amazon Link
S2 Episode 3
January 19, 2023
In episode 52 of Inside ChampCar, we catch up with Tamara Evans from Atlanta Speedwerks. We take a deep dive into the very important and often overlooked job of team wrangler. Tamara handles many off-the-track logistics for Atlanta Speedwerks, from ensuring drivers are ready to get in the car to cooking up a trackside feast.
Website - https://champcar.org/web/
Atlanta Speedwerks - https://atlspeedwerks.com/
Tech Tip - https://www.bmotorsports.com/shop/static.php/post/miata
S2 Episode 2
January 12, 2023
On Episode 51 of Inside ChampCar -- we talk with Frank Rehnelt about the new ChampCar F-Class. It's a deep dive into the motivation behind the new class, and we talk about some of the cars that are eligible. We also have our tech tip and you'll want to take some notes. Then we look ahead to the National Championship race at Road Atlanta... and there's a pretty solid team that didn't qualify for the big dance.
S2 Episode 1
January 5, 2023
On episode 50 of Inside ChampCar -- The Good, Band and the Ugly win at Sebring. The ChampCar staff takes on the legendary Florida road course... and we trade stories with Matt Harper.
Click for Season 1 - 2022 - 49 episodes
Season 1
S1 Episode 49
December 29, 2022
On episode 49 of Inside ChampCar we preview the New Year's Day Sebring 10.5 Hour Enduro -- and we chat with ChampCar OG Ed Steinhoff.
S1 Episode 48
December 22, 2022
On episode 48 of Inside ChampCar -- what to get your that special racer on your shopping list for the holidays! We caught up with Kevyn Kistner and Chris Elek from Moneyshift Racing for some fun stories and some gift ideas.
Moneyshift Racing email - sales@moneyshiftracing.com
Phone - 440.290.9597
S1 Episode 47
December 13, 2022
On episode 47 of Inside ChampCar Bill catches up on what he found at PRI -- we chat with Rick Broussard from RPM Autoworx Racing about their Mustang program -- and will anyone show up on New Year's eve at Sebring?
ChampCar Endurance Series - https://champcar.org/web/index.php
Lifeline Harnesses - https://www.lifeline-fire.com/harnesses.aspx
S1 Episode 46
December 8, 2022
On Episode 46 of Inside ChampCar -- Co-Host Bill Strong gets back behind the wheel for the VIR North 8 Hour Enduro with his buddy Troy Truglio. Bill talks about a pretty sketchy opening stint... and how discretion is often the better part of valor. Our tech tip deals with electrical gremlins and we take a look ahead to Sebring.
Website: Racing Strong LLC
S1 Episode 45
December 1, 2022
Our guest on episode 45 off Inside Champ Car -- is the one of the founders and CEO of Battle Scarred Motorsports, Brian Czech. Brian is a Marine Corps Veteran. From the Battle Scarred website: "It is Battle Scarred Motorsports’ mission to provide an avenue for these heroes to talk to a family they once trusted with all their hearts. We have all suffered through similar struggles throughout our lives. Our military and first responder communities share a unique bond of brother and sisterhood. A bond that we continue on the racetrack. We share our stories, our memories, our strife. All while crossing that checkered flag."
If you are in immediate crisis, do not give up! Dial 911 Immediately!
For non-urgent support, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, text to 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat .
S1 Episode 44
November 24, 2022
In episode 44 of Inside ChampCar, we recap the "The Big Easy Enduro at NOLA", look ahead to VIR, and catch up with Rob Harvey from Simon Says Racing.
Facebook: Simon Says Racing
Website: Blackstone Laboratories
S1 Episode 43
November 17, 2022
On Episode 43 of Inside ChampCar we catch take a look at this weekend's race at NOLA - "The Big Easy Enduro at NOLA" We also catch up with ChampCar Tech Guru Ray Franck... Ray recently took off his tech hat and pulled on a helmet to get back behind the wheel of a race car too compete at Pitt Race. He share with us what it was like to get back on the track after a long hiatus. We also have two tech tips this week.
S1 Episode 42
November 10, 2022
On episode 42 of Inside ChampCar -- We preview the "The Big Easy Enduro at NOLA" -- and we chat with one of ChampCar's racing families.
S1 Episode 41
November 3, 2022
Episode 41 of Inside ChampCar includes a recap from a great weekend at Atlanta Motorsports Park. We also catch up with Marlene Van Sickle and Patrick Billings from DatZLady Racing and we look ahead to next weekend's race at NOLA.
S1 Episode 40
October 27, 2022
On episode 40 of Inside ChampCar, we preview this weekend's race at Atlanta Motorsports Park... and we look ahead to NOLA. We also go to school and learn about what it takes to race a Maserati with Eric Peterson.
S1 Episode 39
October 20, 2022
Episode 39 of Inside ChampCar features a great conversation with Rodney Earwood -- he takes through his journey from karts and motorcycles to ChampCar. We talk about the upcoming race at Atlanta Motorsports Park... and we give some tips to help you make racing photos look great.
Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in Dawsonville
Wingina, Va
S1 Episode 38
October 13, 2022
Parental Guidance: The interview segment of this episode contains occasional colorful language.
On Episode 38 of Inside ChampCar we chat with former Formula One driver Tommy Byrne. He talks about his time in F1... racing in Europe and here in the US. We also talk about the coaching he does and why he recommends ChampCar to many of his students. Listening him tell his stories with that Irish brogue is something race fans will certainly enjoy.
Here are the links to Tommy's Book and Documentary
Documentary: Crash and Burn
Book: Crashed and Byrned
Website: Crash or Byrne
S1 Episode 37
October 6, 2022
On Episode 37 of Inside ChampCar we take a look back at a soggy Pitt Race race -- and we are joined by ChampCar CEO and President Dana Morrison for the big reveal of the 2023 ChampCar schedule.
S1 Episode 36
September 29, 2022
Bill and Paul talk about Road America and Harris Hill, plus we talk to Timothy Elliot. The chief and racer of 2 Idiots and garage / Sheboygan Auto Helpers
S1 Episode 35
September 23, 2022
Remember that show Seinfeld? The show's tagline was "a show about nothing". That's what I thought this week's Inside ChampCar would be since there was no racing last weekend... but low and behold... our master of ceremonies Bill Strong delivered us a great guest -- and we ever found some things to chat about. Our guest on Episode 35 is Tyler Barban. You might know him as one of the drivers from the CU Boulder race team. Now that he's graduated we catch up with him to see what the future holds. We also talk about his weekend's races at Harris Hill and Road America.
S1 Episode 34
September 15, 2022
In Episode 34 of Inside ChampCar, we look back at a great race weekend at Mid-Ohio. Our guest is the Sunday race winner at Mid-Ohio and one of ChampCar's most successful race strategists... Robin Bank from rbank racing.
https://90racing.com/
ChampCar Podium Podcast with Bill Strong
S1 Episode 33
September 8, 2022
This week on Episode 33 of Inside ChampCar we took a look back at a great race weekend at Thompson. We also preview this weekend's races at Mid-Ohio. Our guest -- ChampCar and IMSA owner/driver Eric Rockwell.
ChampCar Podium Podcast with Bill Strong
S1 Episode 32
September 1, 2022
This week on episode 32 of Inside ChampCar... an update on this weekend's race at Thompson. Our guest is the owner and one of the drivers from the VIR 24 Hour winning Pinkies Out Racing team --- and Champ Car Board Member -- Chris Huggins
Website: https://champcar.org/web/
Tech Tip: Vibra-Tite
S1 Episode 31
August 25, 2022
This week on episode 31 of Inside ChampCar we take a look back a weekend of racing at Gingerman. We also look ahead to the Thompson 12 Hours -- and our guest Greg Kuhn from Two Brothers Racing. We pull back the covers on this week's tech tip.
ChampCar Podium Podcast with Bill Strong
S1 Episode 30
August 18, 2022
This week on episode 30 of Inside ChampCar -- we look back at the Lifeline 24 hour Classic at Virginia International Raceway. We have an update on the Summer of 24s -- and we talk aero with Johnny C.
S1 Episode 29
August 11, 2022
This week on episode 29 of Inside ChampCar... after a short summer recess... we're back to racing with the last race of the summer of 24s at VIRginia International Raceway. Our guest is a guy who has won the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the 24 Hours of LeMans. He also loves racing with ChampCar... Ben Keating. We also have a "cool" tech tip.
S1 Episode 28
August 4, 2022
This week on episode 28 of Inside ChampCar -- we take a look at the work that goes into putting on a ChampCar race weekend. We also catch up with series tech guru Ray Franck. He's a guy with a ton of knowledge and a bunch of stories to tell.
S1 Episode 27
July 28, 2022
This week on Episode 27 of Inside ChampCar, we talk about the first half of the season and are joined by a great guest. He came to ChampCar from Formula SAE. Then he and some friends from Old Dominion University started building cars, and now they are... Clapped Out Racing! He's also an engineer for Flagtronics, so we also snuck in some questions about that. Our guest is... Aleric Sanders.
S1 Episode 26
July 21, 2022
This week on Episode 26 of Inside ChampCar -- The 2022 Longest Day is in the books... we take a look back at a great day of racing... we'll hear from the race winners and a chat with the infamous Troy Truglio.
S1 Episode 25
July 14, 2022
This week on episode 24 of Inside ChampCar -- Reviving an iconic North American endurance classic, the Longest Day of Nelson Ledges. Our guest this week is a team wit a lot of experience at Nelson Ledges... Wittenhaur racing. We also have a tech tip on in-car cameras.
S1 Episode 24
July 7, 2022
On episode 24 of Inside ChampCar a race recap from the Sebring Sevens and we hear from the race winners. We also take a sneak peak at the Longest Day of Nelson Ledges. We talk about Flagtronics in this week's tech tip... and finally our guest is sports car racing icon and ChampCar racer Bill Riley.
S1 Episode 23
June 30, 2022
On episode 23 of Inside ChampCar we take a look back at last weekend's races at Carolina Motorsports Park and a look forward to Sebring. Our guests are Alex Albert and David Haines the run the ChampCar iRacing League and are quite good on regular race tracks too! We also have a sim racing tech tip!
S1 Episode 22
June 23, 2022
On episode 22 or Inside ChampCar -- two tracks -- four days -- 29 hours of racing -- and two dead voices. We recap the race weekends at Autobahn Country Club and the California Grand Prix on Big Willow. We look ahead to this weekend at Carolina Motorsports Park. Our guests are TJ Campbell and Bob Kobayashi -- both members of Tire Rack Motorsports... and Tire Rack employees.
S1 Episode 21
June 16, 2022
Our guest on episode 21 of Inside ChampCar is Race and Event Director -- and Bill Strong Tormentor -- Chelsey Vickery. We also talk about this weekend's races at Autobahn and Willow Springs... and we have a money saving tech tip.
S1 Episode 20
June 09, 2022
On episode 20 of Inside ChampCar -- There's a whole lotta racing in three weeks... It's ChampCar's busiest three weeks of the year. We catch up with a racer who's pulled on the helmet for about 50 ChampCar events! Justin Garvin is our guest. Out tech tip is one that newbies will really want to tune in for.
Justin Garvin YouTube Channel
S1 Episode 19
June 02, 2022
On episode 19 of Inside ChampCar we look back at Sahlen's ChampYard Dog at the Glen. We catch up with race winner Will Nonnamaker and our tech tip will help you from wandering aimlessly.
S1 Episode 18
May 26, 2022
On episode 18 of Inside ChampCar we take a look this weekend's race at Watkins Glen, We also recap the Champ Car Board meeting... and we pull the curtain back on this week's tech tip. Our guest is Joe White from Basil Weenie Racing.
Here's are links to a few of Joe's podcasts.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCnsBWYtMWI1xvnb2FeYAVA
https://youtu.be/F3ZDagsoytw
S1 Episode 17
May 19, 2022
On episode 17 of Inside ChampCar we back at the 8+7 hour at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit... Our tech tip will help you avoid a stinky situation -- and our guests are the dynamic due from Kruger Tuned racing.
Tech Tip - Race suit care
https://www.kangamotorsports.com/blog/how-to-wash-a-race-suit
MOLECULE race suit care Discovery Parts
S1 Episode 16
May 12, 2022
This week on the big show we look ahead to the 8+7 hour at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit. Episode 16 also has a hot tech tip -- and our guest is AJ Jackson from The Follow on Mission... he's a great guy... working with a great non-profit that helps veterans.
The Follow-On Mission would like to express its gratitude to everyone who has supported its mission. Special thanks to Danny & Kelley Crawford from The Auto Shop (Jefferson City, MO) for their time and expertise and the Hill Family for their generosity.
AJ's Phone: 573-690-9557
Click here for more information on The Follow-On Mission.
If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
For more information on protecting yourself from the heat click here.
S1 Episode 15
May 5, 2022
This week on the big show we recap The Championships at the Ozarks... it was a tail of two races... we chat with the owner of the Championship Winning Visceral Racing Porsche 944. We also have a great tech tip and we'll take sneak peak at the next race.
S1 Episode 14
April 28, 2022
It's a big weekend for the ChampCar Endurance Series... In episode 14 of Inside ChampCar, we preview The National Championship in the Ozarks. It's a new track... with a big prize on the line. We fill you in on all you need to know. Our guest... well let's just say he's ChampCar's version of the international man of mystery... We also have a tech tip and a whole lot more! **Note - The BOD meeting was postponed to a later date.***
Kip Sebring : Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kipsebring
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC8-LPzstezgo5SDFUGBvmw/videos
S1 Episode 13
April 21, 2022
In episode 13 of Inside ChampCar, we recap everything from a very special event at Palm Beach International Raceway. We catch up with Kimberlee Hendricks ChampCar driver and President of Hendricks Motorsports. We also have our tech tip and we look ahead to the National Championship in the Ozarks.
S1 Episode 12
April 14, 2022
In episode 12 of Inside ChampCar, we recap the chilly Road America weekend. We talk with the race winners on both Saturday and Sunday JSK Racing. We also have our tech tip and we take a look at next week's race at Palm Beach. Today's tech tip - Dip Sticks.
S1 Episode 11
April 7, 2022
In Episode 11 we recapped a soggy Daytona 14 Hour race and chatted with John Hurley -- the owner and one of the drivers of the race-winning Danger Racing Group. We also preview this weekend's race at Road America.
S1 Episode 10
March 31, 2022
In episode 10 of Inside ChampCar, we go all-in on the Daytona 14 Hour Enduro. Our guest is Kyle Lockrow... he's driven everything from stock cars to IMSA and the ChampCar Endurance Series. He has a ton of laps around Daytona and shared some tips. He also announced a cool new sponsor. You check out Kyle here - https://kylelockrow.com/
S1 Episode 9
March 24, 2022
Episode 9 of Inside ChampCar is a look back at last weekend's races at NCM Motorsports Park. We also talk with two great guys... Ronnie Killion and Kenny Barnett. They built the K&H Motorsports Mustang. This build has very interesting beginnings... and the end result is spectacular. This week's tech tip we talk sound!
S1 Episode 8
March 17, 2022
On Episode 8 of Inside ChampCar we recap all the action at Harris Hill and we hear from race winners Lone Star Rallycross. We also preview this weekend's race at NCM Motorsports Park... and we go bench racing with one of the people instrumental in bringing you ChampCar Live... Paul Veltum.
S1 Episode 7
March 10, 2022
Episode 7 of Inside ChampCar is a big show! We recap VIR and we preview Harris Hill. We have our tech tip and our guest is Justin Andress -- one of the drivers of the RVA Graphics and Wraps E30 BMW #411 that won at VIR. He's also a champ car board member.
S1 Episode 6
March 3, 2022
On Episode 6 of Inside ChampCar we break down what you need to know about this weekend's race at VIR and we chat with former IMSA and Trans Am driver David Kicak. He share's some amazing stories from his pro racing days and talks about why he loves racing with the ChampCar Endurance Series.
S1 Episode 5
February 24, 2022
Joining us on Episode 5 of Inside ChampCar... Team principal of Momo Champ Mazda Miata Hillar Kalda.
S1 Episode 4
February 17, 2022
Bernie Myers of Blue Shells Ford Focus talks IndyCar and the REAL ChampCar. You decide.
S1 Episode 3
February 10, 2022
Road Atlanta Debrief with winning NLS Racing crew chief Cliff Beisler
S1 Episode 2
February 3, 2022
Road Atlanta preview and we speak with rBank driver and car builder Andrew Johnson
S1 Episode 1
January 27, 2022
The premier featuring ChampCar CEO Dana Morrison
About Brian Bielanski
Brian Bielanski has lived a parallel life of motorsports and journalism for more than 30 years. He started in motorsports in 1986 as his father’s 16-year-old “crew chief” on SCCA FV, Sports Renault, and IT Honda CRX efforts. He has also competed in, and plans to compete again, in SCCA Club racing, Autocross and Road Rally. As a journalist he’s worked in news in network staff positions with CNN and CBS and local news in seven markets from LaCrosse, Wisconsin to New York and Los Angeles.
About Bill Strong
Bill Strong started his auto racing adventure while serving in the United States Air Force in the early 1980s. After attending the European Grand Prix at Brands Hatch, he had to get involved in racing. He got back to the USA in the mid-80s and started autocrossing. In 2009, the 24 Hours of Lemons made it easy to go W2W racing. The wild ride began. But when he heard about the ChumpCar World Series in late 2009, he attacked the concept of W2W racing without the pageantry.
In 2016 ChumpCar hired Bill to redesign and run the websites and handle the social media. Bill retired from the University of Virginia in 2017 and took the position of the Director of Marketing at ChumpCar. He was instrumental in rebranding to ChampCar. In addition, Bill attends almost all of the ChampCar events and is the onsite technical engineer, producer, and broadcaster for ChampCar.Live.