Off-Road Racer Podcast

22h ago

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Justin Von Metal — racer, builder, and one of the most outspoken minds in modern UTV racing. From his roots in motocross and factory race teams to building championship-winning Pro Stock UTV programs, Justin breaks down what it actually takes to win at the highest level without unlimited budgets. The conversation dives deep into race course design, class structure, affordability, and the realities of racing rough events like the Mint 400, Barstow, Parker, Laughlin, and Vegas to Reno. Justin explains why preparation, testing, and discipline matter more than hype parts, why Pro Stock is one of the most demanding driver classes in off-road, and how racing experience — not checkbooks — separates contenders from casualties. Justin also shares hard-earned insight on suspension development, the transfer of knowledge from motocross to desert racing, working with partners like King Shocks, SuperATV, BFG, and Diode Dynamics, and why simplicity and reliability still win races in an era obsessed with technology. The episode closes with a candid look at the evolution of UTV racing, factory involvement, safety concerns, and where the sport is headed as competition continues to escalate. This is an unfiltered, technical, and brutally honest conversation about what it really takes to finish, compete, and win in modern off-road racing.

Dec 4

In this episode, Jim Beaver sits down with Matt Martelli for a deep dive into one of the most unconventional careers in modern motorsports. From growing up in Parker surrounded by legends, to grinding his way into trophy trucks, to accidentally becoming one of off-road’s most influential broadcasters and marketers, Jim’s story is a masterclass in hustle, timing, and staying connected to the culture that raised you. Jim talks about building his first trucks from scratch, learning the media game before anyone else was paying attention, launching his own radio show out of thin air, and turning it into a nationally syndicated platform that’s connected off-road to NASCAR, NHRA, IndyCar, Hollywood, and beyond. He breaks down his first big break with Red Bull Global Rallycross, the rise of Star Car, his relationships with icons like Ken Block and Travis Pastrana, and the B2B backbone that actually keeps motorsports alive. This is a wide-open conversation about racing, media, culture, sponsorship, eSports, and the future of off-road — told by someone who’s been in every corner of it. If you care about where the sport is headed, or how to build something from nothing, this episode is required listening.

Nov 20

This week on the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with one of the true originals of our sport: Kevin McGillivray. Kevin might not be the loudest guy in the room or the one chasing cameras, but he’s been shaping off-road racing for nearly five decades—quietly, consistently, and with an authenticity you don’t often see anymore. From growing up exploring the San Bernardino mountains, to hand-fabricating dune buggies, to racing and winning in Class 10, ProTruck, and Trophy Truck, Kevin’s life is the definition of earned experience. But what really stands out is the way his path was shaped by mentors—people like Arnie Gustin, Scott McKenzie, Casey Folks, and countless others who saw something in him, shared their knowledge, and changed the course of his life. Kevin carries those lessons forward today, paying it back by mentoring young racers, building opportunities for the next generation, and reminding us what genuine sportsmanship looks like. We dig into the early days of Class 10, the wild evolution of ProTruck, the rise of modern suspension and shock technology, and how Kevin found himself building machines for the semiconductor industry while helping pioneer ideas still used in race shocks today. We also get into the heart of the culture—why the people matter more than the results, how off-road racing builds character, and why Kevin continues to lead by example through service, humility, and a deep love for the desert. This episode isn’t just a look at Kevin’s career… it’s a masterclass in what off-road racing is supposed to be: community, mentorship, innovation, grit, and the belief that the sport gets better when you help others rise with you.

Nov 6

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with one of the most influential builders in off-road racing history — Rick Geiser, co-founder of Geiser Bros Design and Development. From humble beginnings wrenching in his backyard to producing nearly 100 of the most dominant Trophy Trucks ever built, Rick shares the full story of how the Geiser name became synonymous with off-road racing excellence. Rick and Matt dive deep into the origins of the Geiser platform, how they changed the sport by making top-level trucks accessible to privateers, and the hands-on innovation that fueled decades of race wins. They also talk about the evolution of the sport — from paper maps and pit radios to GPS tracking, CAD design, and modern all-wheel-drive platforms — and what it takes to stay on top in today’s rapidly advancing field. It’s a rare look behind the curtain at one of the most successful and respected operations in desert racing — from two brothers with a bold vision and determination to match.

Oct 9

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with one of the fastest drivers in desert racing — Kyle Jergensen. From humble beginnings wrenching and learning his craft, to now piloting some of the most advanced trucks in the sport with Camburg Racing’s Kinetik program, Kyle has carved out a name for himself as one of the most precise and composed drivers in the game. Matt and Kyle dig into the details of what makes modern race trucks so capable — from the mid-fuel design of the Kinetik truck to how vehicle balance and setup affect performance at high speeds. Kyle also shares his thoughts on why he prefers the Spec Truck class over Unlimited, and how the challenge of managing traction, weight, and control brings out the best in his driving. But more than anything, this episode is about the mindset behind success in modern off-road racing — staying calm at 120 mph, learning from every race, and evolving with the sport as technology and competition keep pushing the limits.

Sep 25

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Chris Blais, one of the most accomplished motorcycle racers to come out of the desert. Before making the jump into UTVs, Chris was among the best moto racers in the world, competing against the toughest riders on the planet and even landing on the podium at the legendary Dakar Rally. That same intensity and focus have carried him into the UTV world, where Chris has built a reputation not just as a talented driver, but also as a builder who understands how to maximize performance. In the episode, he dives into his philosophy on race builds, why weight and balance matter so much, and how years of experience on two wheels gave him a unique perspective behind the wheel of a four-wheel machine. Chris’s story is more than just racing — it’s about resilience, adapting to new challenges, and staying true to the competitive spirit that first pushed him to race dirt bikes at the highest level. His journey shows how the core values of determination and grit can carry a racer from Dakar to the desert UTV wars of today. 🎙 Presented by Dirt Co.

Sep 11

Before Jason Coleman was behind the wheel, he was 'the shop kid' at Terrible Herbst — sweeping floors, cleaning CVs, and learning the sport from the ground up. This is a recurring story that comes up frequently on the show. We always talk about the importance of “sweeping the floor.” It’s a humble start, but it’s how countless racers and industry leaders got their foot in the door. That work builds respect, discipline, and opportunity — Jason’s story proves it. Matt and Jason also touch on the legendary Herbst Truggy and AWD truck, machines that pushed the boundaries of off-road innovation.

Aug 28

This week we sit down with Mike “Otto” Deutsch, co-founder of Biltwell, a brand that has become a cornerstone of motorcycle culture. These days, Otto is best known for helping bring people together—through events like the Biltwell 100 and countless other moto gatherings that celebrate the spirit of two wheels and the garage-built community. In this episode, Otto and Matt dive into everything from the early days of Biltwell to the evolution of grassroots racing, the crossover between moto and off-road, and the importance of keeping the culture authentic. They talk about the lessons learned from building a lifestyle brand, the people who make it thrive, and the stories that keep events like the Biltwell 100 so special. This is a wide-ranging conversation that captures not just Otto’s journey, but the spirit of the community he’s been helping to shape for decades. 🎙 Presented by Dirt Co.