Episodes

This Thanksgiving week, The Pits Are Open celebrates gratitude, legacy, and the heart of motorsports. Host Will Marotti and producer Alex Smith reflect on the growth of the show — now airing weekly on Speed Sport 1 — and welcome two guests who embody racing’s spirit of perseverance and purpose. First, Jessica Trout, second-generation representative for Schaeffer Oil, shares how an eighth-grade science fair project sparked her career in lubrication technology and motorsports outreach. She discus...

This week, The Pits Are Open keeps rolling strong on Speed Sport 1! Host Will Marotti and producer Alex Smith bring you an episode packed with motorsports legends, industry insights, and vintage stories you won’t hear anywhere else. First, driver and entrepreneur Kevin Krauss joins to discuss modern simulator technology, the rise of Trans Am, and why the heart of racing still lives at grassroots tracks. He breaks down the real-world value of simulators, how to build a serious home rig for under...

The Pits Are Open officially debuts on Speed Sport 1! 🎉 Host Will Marotti and producer Alex Smith kick off the new era with an inside look at the upcoming PRI 2025 Trade Show and a conversation with one of IndyCar’s most exciting young drivers. First, Mike Good, President of Performance Racing Industry (PRI), joins to preview what’s shaping up to be the largest PRI show ever — from new exhibits and education sessions to the legendary breakfast with Mario Andretti and emcee Ralph Sheheen. Then,...

This week on The Pits Are Open, host Will Marotti and producer Alex Smith dive into NASCAR’s Phoenix finale, IndyCar nostalgia, and a massive broadcast announcement. First, Will breaks down the drama at Phoenix Raceway and why NASCAR’s playoff format is sparking fresh debate across the paddock. Then, veteran motorsports journalist John Oreovicz joins to discuss his new book “Class of ’99” — a deep dive into the lost generation of IndyCar, the legacy of Greg Moore, and the shifting landscape of ...

This week on The Pits Are Open, host Will Marotti and producer Alex Smith share stories of faith, perseverance, and horsepower. First, Frank Clement, Senior Vice President of America’s Christian Credit Union, joins to talk about how the credit union supports Christian families and businesses nationwide — from ministry financing to motorsports partnerships. He shares how faith drives leadership decisions, how ACCU partners with The Pits Are Open community, and why good stewardship matters in eve...

This week on The Pits Are Open, host Will Marotti and producer Alex Smith explore innovation, technology, and legacy across motorsports. First, Heidi Bandisch, founder and CEO of Racership, joins to unveil her groundbreaking matchmaking platform for racers, sponsors, mentors, and tracks — a first-of-its-kind app designed to connect the racing world through relationship-driven sponsorships. Bandisch shares how her background at PRI and SEMA inspired the idea, what users can expect at launch, and...

In this week’s episode of The Pits Are Open, host Will Marotti and producer Alex Smith deliver another high-octane hour of motorsports conversation — from Silly Season shakeups to stories of courage on and off the track. Will kicks things off with the big news: Rinus VeeKay joins Juncos Hollinger Racing, bringing new energy to the IndyCar grid for 2026. Then, Erica Sietsma, founder and CEO of AutoFluencer, returns to share how her platform helps racers and brands simplify sponsorship reporting ...

This week on The Pits Are Open, host Will Marotti and producer Alex Smith dig into the evolving world of motorsports marketing and history. First, Kelly Pfleiger, President of P1 Web Development, shares how he’s transforming digital strategy for race teams—emphasizing LinkedIn networking, sponsor prospectus pages, and the power of purpose-driven websites. Then, Jason Vansickle, VP of Curation and Education at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, joins to discuss the museum’s stunning renovati...

This week on The Pits Are Open, host Will Marotti and producer Alex Smith welcome two powerhouse guests from opposite sides of the racing world. First up, Brad Zimmerman—former marketing leader at Chip Ganassi Racing and Pratt Miller Motorsports—joins to talk about his unlikely start in motorsports, his time working on the Ford GT Le Mans program, and his candid take on IndyCar’s looming engine crisis if Honda departs after 2026. Later, Pikes Peak legend Loni Unser shares how she overcame her fe...

This week on The Pits Are Open, host Will Marotti and producer Alex Smith dive into the latest IndyCar silly season moves, celebrate new sponsorship partners, and talk legacy, leadership, and racing business with two powerhouse guests. First, Larry Hausetter, President of Schaeffer Oil, shares how the 186-year-old company built its foundation on faith, trust, and generational stewardship. Then, JP Moery, Senior VP at AJ Foyt Racing, breaks down the sponsorship calendar, the power of LinkedIn for...

This week on The Pits Are Open, host Will Marotti and producer Alex Smith break down a packed weekend in racing. From Bristol’s NASCAR drama to Tony Stewart’s terrifying NHRA crash, and the much-debated 2026 IndyCar schedule, there’s no shortage of hot takes. Plus, we welcome Jordan Missig, Indy Next driver with Abel Motorsports, to talk career beginnings, oval racing, and his family’s inspiring Racing for Mental Health initiative. Brought to you by SpeedSport (the oldest motorsports journal si...

This week on The Pits Are Open, brought to you by SpeedSport and America’s Christian Credit Union, we tackle the craziest IndyCar silly season in decades. With shocking rumors about Verizon potentially leaving Penske, NTT departing McLaren, and Honda’s uncertain future beyond 2026, the grid is full of question marks. We sit down with Lochie Hughes, rising Indy Next star with Andretti, fresh off a breakout season with wins at IMS and Gateway. Lochie shares his journey from Australia to the U.S.,...

This week on The Pits Are Open, brought to you by SpeedSport and Redline Ace, we cover a weekend packed with drama—Christian Rasmussen’s crash at Nashville, Joseph Newgarden saving Penske’s season, and the bombshell: Will Power will not return to Penske in 2026 after 17 seasons. We then welcome Nathan Byrd, a versatile young driver whose career spans NASCAR Trucks, Silver Crown, Trans Am, endurance racing, and more. He shares his family’s Indy 500 legacy, recent win over Cody Swanson, and candi...

This week on The Pits Are Open, brought to you by SpeedSport and Redline Ace, we recap one of the most thrilling IndyCar weekends at Milwaukee, celebrate Christian Rasmussen’s fearless first win, and dive into the world of drag racing with our special guest Nitro Allie. We also discuss IndyCar’s new iRacing partnership, grassroots racing’s future, and what it takes to break into motorsports. Later, motorsports attorney Wes Zirkle joins us to give an insider’s perspective on the business of raci...

In this episode of The Pits Are Open, Will Marotti welcomes two incredible conversations from the heart of motorsports. Legendary broadcaster Ralph Sheheen shares the story of Speed Sport’s evolution, the rise of Speed Sport 1 & 2, and his insider perspective on the future of streaming and racing. Later, Jim and Diana Missig, co-founders of Racing for Mental Health, open up about their mission to use motorsports as a platform for awareness and support in mental health—sharing personal stories an...

The Pits Are Open returns with a jam-packed episode that blends on-track drama, behind-the-scenes sponsorship strategy, and a deep dive into IndyCar’s most turbulent era. Fresh off the Portland race weekend, we break down Alex Palou’s championship drive, the fallout from Connor Daly vs. Christian Rasmussen’s aggressive clash, and what the future holds for Will Power as Penske faces tough questions. Then, we shift gears into the business of racing with sponsorship expert Maria Perez, who shares...

In this explosive episode of The Pits Are Open, host Will Marotti is joined by SpeedSport CEO Joe Tripp and AutoFluencer founder Erica Sietsma for a deep dive into the business, broadcasting, and branding of motorsports.They kick off with breaking news about Fox Sports acquiring a 33% stake in Penske Entertainment and what this means for IndyCar’s future. Joe Tripp shares how SpeedSport is revolutionizing motorsport media distribution through FAST channels and content partnerships, offering unpr...

In this jam-packed episode of The Pits Are Open, host Will Marotti is joined by the multifaceted Kevin Krauss—racer, driving coach, and host of Seventh Gear Overdrive, “the greatest spectacle in podcasting.” Together they unpack the highs and lows of recent IndyCar events, including Alex Palou’s dominant run at Laguna Seca, Katherine Legge’s historic NASCAR finish, and the disappointing attendance at Iowa. Kevin shares behind-the-scenes stories from his coaching career with AMG, Lexus, and Porsc...

In this episode of The Pits Are Open, host Will Marotti welcomes returning guest Kevin Krauss—host of Seventh Gear Overdrive and AMG performance instructor—for a wide-ranging conversation that hits everything from pit strategy to the heart of American motorsports. Kevin shares his journey from a kid recording radio broadcasts with a cassette player to a career behind the wheel and in front of the mic. He and Will reflect on the golden days of open-wheel racing, debate IndyCar's current challeng...

On this episode of The Pits Are Open, we sit down with motorsports historian, author, and lifelong Indy 500 fan Jim Frey. From the golden era of IndyCar to World War II heroics, Jim takes us on a journey through the hidden history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the men—and women—who made it legendary. Hear jaw-dropping stories like how chewing gum helped win the 1932 Indy 500, how POW Bud Bardowski made his way back to the Brickyard after surviving the Bataan Death March, and why the 60...

In this exciting episode of The Pits Are Open, host Will Marotti welcomes back motorsports sponsorship expert JP Moery, who shares his incredible news: he’s been named Senior Vice President of AJ Foyt Racing. JP opens up about his journey from the nonprofit association world to the high-octane business of IndyCar sponsorships—and what it takes to deliver value at the top. The team also recaps a wild weekend in Iowa, from Miles Rowe’s historic win in Indy NXT to ratings challenges, racing highs ...

In this high-octane episode of The Pits Are Open, Wil Marotti kicks things off with big news: America’s Christian Credit Union is joining the team as a segment sponsor! Wil sits down with CMO Andrew Casanova to discuss ACCU’s 65-year legacy, high-yield savings options, ministry lending programs, and how faith-based banking meets digital convenience through 30,000+ fee-free ATMs and shared branches nationwide. Plus, get insider motorsports insights with Nathan Brown from the IndyStar. They unpac...

In this special Trans Am-focused episode of The Pits Are Open, host Will Marotti welcomes two motorsports legends: Ralph Shaheen, the iconic broadcaster and current voice of the Trans Am Series, and Adam Andretti, the first Andretti to race in Trans Am, fresh off his 100th career start. Ralph recounts the evolution of Trans Am, why it became America’s premier road racing series, and the future of Speed Sport 1 as the go-to free platform for live racing. Adam Andretti opens up about his love for...

In this episode of The Pits Are Open, hosts Will Marotti and Alex Smith break down the action from Road America, where Alex Palou snagged another win and Santino Ferrucci impressed with another podium. Then, racing legend Johnny Parsons joins the show for a powerful segment full of raw, firsthand insight on the evolution of IndyCar, safety innovations, and his personal stories from over a dozen Indy 500 starts. Later, marketing strategist Theresa Bennick shares expert advice on motorsports spon...