Aug. 1, 2025

Revving Through the Pits: Kevin Krauss on Racing, Legacy & IndyCar's Future

Revving Through the Pits: Kevin Krauss on Racing, Legacy & IndyCar's Future

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 challenges, and even talk kraut, bratwurst, and the legacy of Roger McCluskey.

Later in the show, motorsports insider Tony Donahue joins to debrief the Brickyard weekend, offer insight into spotting in the Xfinity Series, and celebrate Katherine Legge’s historic finish.

🎯 Whether you're a racing purist or just tuning in for the behind-the-scenes stories, this episode hits full throttle.

🧠 Key Timestamps:

  • 00:00 – Pit stop metaphors and Laguna Seca recap

  • 01:12 – Alex Palou’s domination and championship odds

  • 04:45 – Katherine Legge’s historic finish in NASCAR Cup Series

  • 06:21 – Guest intro: Kevin Krauss of Seventh Gear Overdrive

  • 08:33 – How Kevin coined “The Greatest Spectacle in Podcasting”

  • 11:00 – The legacy of Roger McCluskey & kraut-filled nostalgia

  • 13:02 – Kevin’s driving career: From open-wheel to AMG & Porsche

  • 17:09 – Growing a global podcast and content challenges

  • 21:02 – Kevin and Will critique the health of IndyCar

  • 24:45 – The problem with ovals, Iowa’s poor turnout

  • 27:02 – Schedule gaps and offseason fatigue

  • 30:45 – Is Penske Entertainment missing the mark with fans?

  • 32:20 – Guest switch: Tony Donahue joins the conversation

  • 34:00 – Brickyard weekend recap and sparse attendance

  • 36:00 – Katherine Legge’s performance and future in NASCAR

🎙️ Guests:

  • Kevin Krauss – Racing coach, driver, and host of Seventh Gear Overdrive

  • Tony Donahue – Broadcaster and cohost of the TonyD podcast


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