Off-Road Racer Podcast

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with Dan Roush — a racer with a story unlike any we’ve heard before. Dan isn’t a household name in the off-road world, but his life was forever changed in an instant during a brutal crash in Baja. In the moments after the impact, Dan made the conscious choice to keep breathing, fight through the pain, and survive. From the details of that day to the long road of recovery, Dan shares his journey with honesty and perspective. We talk about how his crash reshaped his outlook on life, what it taught him about resilience, and why the off-road community played such an important role in his healing. This is more than just a racing story — it’s a story about the human spirit, perseverance, and finding strength in the face of overwhelming challenges. 🎙 Presented by Dirt Co.

On this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with rising off-road racer Dave Mason Jr., one of the most versatile drivers in the sport today. From a foundation in karting and open-wheel, to years competing in Pro Buggy, Dave brings a unique perspective and driving style to desert racing — one that blends technical precision with raw speed. We get into his transition into the Unlimited Truck class, the philosophy behind his race program, and how he’s built a competitive team by starting with proven equipment and refining it over time. Dave also shares how his family’s structural steel business plays into the operation, and how they’ve created a shared shop and crew that fuels both sides of their hustle. This episode also touches on the deeper lessons of racing — the grind, the long-term thinking, and the challenges of staying competitive without overextending. Whether you’re a driver, builder, or just a fan of how things come together in the off-road world, this conversation offers insight into what it takes to climb the ladder — and why doing it your own way matters. Presented by Dirt Co. - Clothes for the ones who live off-road. Grab gear that matches your lifestyle at thedirtco.com

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 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.

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, 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 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.