Nov. 21, 2025

Mike Lashmet on IndyCar Glory Days & Kevin Krauss on Sim Racing and Trans Am

Mike Lashmet on IndyCar Glory Days & Kevin Krauss on Sim Racing and Trans Am

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 $10K, and whether a 24-hour endurance race at Indy could be on the horizon.

Then, Mike Lashmet, President of Vintage Indy, takes us deep into IndyCar history — sharing behind-the-scenes stories from his time with George Bignotti, Al Unser Sr., and Mario Andretti, including what it was like chasing a three-peat at the Indianapolis 500.

Presented by SpeedSport, Redline Ace, Schaeffer Oil, and America’s Christian Credit Union.

  • 00:00 – 04:00 | Headlines — Ryan Hunter-Reay joins Arrow McLaren; Louis Foster signs with Rahal Letterman Lanigan

  • 04:00 – 20:00 | Guest: Kevin Krauss — AMG instructor, Trans Am advocate, and host of Seventh Gear Over Rev

  • 20:00 – 30:00 | Simulators, racing realism & Trans Am development series

  • 30:00 – 33:00 | How to build a quality home racing rig

  • 33:00 – 39:00 | Guest: Mike Lashmet — From Vels Parnelli Jones to Vintage Indy

  • 39:00 – 47:00 | Inside stories on Mario, Al Sr., and Indy’s golden era

  • 47:00 – 50:00 | Closing thoughts & upcoming Speed Sport 1 broadcast

  • Kevin Krauss – AMG Mercedes instructor, driver, and host of Seventh Gear Over Rev

  • Mike Lashmet – President, Vintage Indy; former member of Vels Parnelli Jones Racing

🕒 Key Timestamps🔗 Mentioned Links🎧 Featured Guests