Episode 90: Bryan Folks

Episode 90: Bryan Folks

From Off-Road Racer Podcast by JB15 Network

January 29, 2026 · 1h 33m · Episode 90

About this episode

Matt Martelli interviews Bryan Folks about the intricacies of off-road racing and race organization.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Bryan Folks, one of the most influential figures behind the scenes in modern off-road racing. From his early involvement in desert racing to helping shape major race organizations, Bryan shares a candid look at how off-road events are actually built, operated, and sustained. Bryan breaks down the realities of running large-scale races, including course design, permitting, safety, logistics, and the constant balance between racer expectations and land-use restrictions. He discusses the evolution of desert racing formats, why certain decisions are misunderstood from the outside, and how promoters are forced to adapt as the sport grows and scrutiny increases. The conversation also dives into the future of off-road racing — what racers want versus what’s feasible, how technology and vehicle performance are changing race operations, and why collaboration between racers, promoters, and land managers is more critical than ever. Bryan offers rare perspective on what it takes to keep desert racing alive in today’s environment, and what the sport must do to survive long term. This is an essential episode for anyone…

People in this episode

Host: Matt Martelli

Guest: Bryan Folks

Topics covered

  • off-road racing
  • race organization
  • course design
  • safety
  • logistics
  • desert racing
  • future of racing

Keywords

  • off-road racing
  • race organization
  • course design
  • desert racing
  • logistics
  • safety
  • racer expectations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: JB15 Network

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