IndyCar’s Historic Washington, DC Race, Media Power & Rising Stock Car Talent
This episode of The Pits Are Open delivers one of the most thought-provoking and forward-looking conversations of the year. Host Will Marotti and executive producer Alex Smith break down the biggest headlines in racing before welcoming two guests who represent the future of motorsports storytelling and competition.
The show opens with a passionate deep dive into the NTT IndyCar Series announcement of the Freedom 250, the first-ever motor race to be held in Washington, DC, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The discussion covers street-course feasibility, fan access, broadcast impact, and why a free, nationally visible race could be a landmark moment for IndyCar and American motorsports.
Automotive and motorsports broadcaster Kendra Sommer, CEO of CWK Media and creator of Cruisin’ with Kendra, shares her journey from local news reporting to building a nationally respected automotive production company. Kendra discusses working with OEMs, NASCAR, Fox Sports, large-scale shoots, and why authentic storytelling still matters more than algorithms.
Eighteen-year-old fourth-generation stock car driver Kaeden Ballos joins the show to talk about his climb through the racing ranks—from dirt karts at age seven to Legend Cars and now Late Model Stock competition. Kaeden explains his disciplined approach to preparation, simulator work, shop involvement, and brand development.
He also discusses select CARS Tour events, weekly Late Model programs, his upcoming Skip Barber Racing School test at VIR, and how young drivers must now think like entrepreneurs to succeed in modern motorsports sponsorship environments.
Presented by SpeedSport, Redline Ace, Schaeffer Oil, and America’s Christian Credit Union.
Kendra Sommer – Automotive & motorsports broadcaster; CEO, CWK Media
Kaeden Ballos – Fourth-generation stock car driver; Late Model Stock competitor
🎥 Guest 1: Kendra Sommer – Building a Motorsports Media Empire🏁 Guest 2: Kaeden Ballos – Fourth-Generation Racer on the Rise🎧 Featured Guests