About this episode

Matt Martelli interviews Justin Von Metal about the realities of modern UTV racing and what it takes to succeed in the sport.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Matt Martelli

Guest: Justin Von Metal

Topics covered

• UTV racing
• race preparation
• suspension development
• motocross
• off-road competition
• race course design

Keywords

• UTV racing
• motocross
• race preparation
• suspension development
• off-road racing
• Pro Stock
• Mint 400
• race course design

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: King Shocks, SuperATV, BFG, Diode Dynamics

More episodes of Off-Road Racer Podcast

• Episode 92: Josh Daniel · April 16, 2026 · 1h 33m
• Episode 91: Jamie Campbell · April 2, 2026 · 1h 29m
• Episode 90: Bryan Folks · January 29, 2026 · 1h 33m
• Episode 88: Jim Beaver · December 4, 2025 · 1h 26m
• Episode 87: Kevin McGillivray · November 20, 2025 · 1h 37m
• Episode 86: Rick Geiser · November 6, 2025 · 1h 36m

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