1st Gear Podcast

“Negativity, Narratives, and the Dillon Bros Debate”

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:57:55 GMT

Erik and Tanner dive into a fast‑paced breakdown of the latest happenings in NASCAR — from on‑track drama to off‑track storylines shaping the sport right now. But this week, they’re tackling a bigger question too: why does the NASCAR conversation keep drifting toward the negative when there’s so much good happening in the sport?

They unpack how social media, fan expectations, and the sport’s own history fuel the constant cycle of criticism, and they highlight the positives that deserve way more attention — rising talent, tighter competition, and some genuinely great racing.

And then… the spicy topic of the week:

Are the Dillon Brothers becoming the Paul Brothers of NASCAR?

Erik and Tanner break down the comparison — the fame, the backlash, the branding, and whether the narrative is fair or just another case of fans looking for someone to roast.

If you love NASCAR, love the debates, or just want a fresh perspective that cuts through the noise, this episode is for you.

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Why Following The Automotive Trends Isn't Worth It, and Advice Your School Counselor Won't Tell You!

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:45:00 GMT

We're Back! Yes we missed a week, but it doesn't seem like it. Today Tanner and Erik talk about automotive trends and why it's more fun to just do you. Chasing the internet fame has its price and usually it involves dollar signs.

This is less racing and more life lessons we've learned, and we want to pass this onto you! Enjoy the episode and thank you for listening!

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Keyboard Warriors, Building Racecars, The Nameless Nascar Series Deserves A Name, and Much More!

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:45:00 GMT

Racing Season for Tanner is right around the corner! The Monte Carlo nose, and body is on the car, and its about ready to race. Erik, and Tanner discuss what the next generation of stock car should be like, and me modeled after. Then we explain why there are too many keyboard warriors, and come up with a real name for the nameless Nascar series. Ohh for those who read this far the letter C doesn't have it's own sound. Your welcome!

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New Cars, and Why They Literally Don't Make Em' Like They Used To! This Show Is Much More Than Racing!

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 02:04:13 GMT

We are firing on all cylinders and about to embark on a 75 day challenge! Plus we discuss why it's fair and now factual to say they just don't make em' like they used to.

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Tow Rigs, and Why The Right One Makes A Huge Difference, Plus COTA Was Great!

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:30:00 GMT

This week is a little different, we are talking Diesel trucks. Both of us have experience fixing and repairing them, and today we'll talk about some things to watch out for. Along with talk about Duramax trucks, and what years are great! Ohh, and eventually we cover the races this past weekend!

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Daytona Weekend Was Phenomenal, and Our Too Early Predictions On Who Misses The Playoffs

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 02:05:53 GMT

Nascar is ack and in a big way! Hitting on all cylinders from marketing to the energy at the track. The weekend was packed full of great racing and we're excited for the season. Points matter again, and we'll discuss our picks as to who misses the playoffs.

This year is off to a great start and we can't wait to see how it progresses!

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Brian Vickers was in the Epstein Files & We want the shootout back at Daytona!

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 02:18:57 GMT

We're back! This week we'll cover everything from world issue to the ones we all seem to have at home. We said this would also have a lot of life, and the world is in a weird place. Nascar drivers were in the Epstein files, the cost of living is out of hand, and cars have gotten complicated!

Ohh and we want to see the Budweiser Shootout make a comeback!

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The Chase Is Back! Tony Stewart Is Racing Trucks, and We Welcome 750hp!

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The negative bug that has plagued Nascar is starting to change. Great news keeps piling in, like Tony Stewart racing trucks at Daytona! The 750hp package should do better than we thought, and The Chase is Back!

Nascar has started listening to its fans and making changes to keep moving forward. For years fans and podcasters such as ourselves have beat our head against the wall trying to make the sanctioning body hear us.

We all love racing and want the sport as a whole to succeed, and we are pumped for this upcoming race season!

Also, we are officially putting our names in the hat to commentate the truck series! However far that goes we dont know, but we hope you enjoy this episode!

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Why we think Dale Jr should run the sport, and it's time for The Chili Bowl Nationals!

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:00:00 GMT

A lot of great things are happening in the Racing World! Cummins is coming back to Nascar with Ram trucks, and Kaulig Racing. The Tulsa Shootout was epic, and we give you Tanners take on the Chili Bowl Nationals!

We'll discuss who should be the next commissioner of Nascar, Steve Phelps resigning, and much more!

Thank you for listening!

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The Nascar, and Racing World Are Hurting. RIP Dennis Hamlin

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 16:15:00 GMT

Denny Hamlin's family are in our thoughts and prayers right now. A few days after Christmas his parents house burned to the ground, causing severe injuries to his mom, and the loss of his father. It's just been a rough bit for the Racing world, and in times like this we all forget were on different teams. We are a community, we all have the same passion, and love horsepower.

Later in the episode we go off on our random tangents, but non better than the discussion of old vs new cars!

Enjoy the episode, and please share the show!

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Greg Biffle, Cleetus, Go Karts, and Perspective Changes

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 12:30:00 GMT

This one is for "The Biff"! Bad things always seem to happen to the best people. Greg Biffle and Family lost their lives in a place accident. We cover what happened, at least what we know. Plus, past experiences racing go-karts, and much more.

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How Can You Make Money In Racing, Sponsorship Needs To Prioritize Talent, and Ohh Yeah The Lawsuit Is Over!

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:45:00 GMT

Making money is racing is tough, but this week we talk about some new ways you can race without Sponsorship. Patreon in a new way, social, media, and much more! We covered a lot in this episode so buckle up and hold on! You might also wanna get a pen for this!

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Michael Jordan, and Richard Childress On Trial. Plus, Who Said You Can't Have Fun At Work

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:45:00 GMT

This one is going to be a wild ride! Life teaches us a lot and this week isn't so much about racing it's about experiences we share. Jobs, we've worked and some of the things we've learned about people along the way.

Ohh yeah and eventually we get to some Nascar trial updates!

#nascar #racing #motorsports #racecar #becauseracecar #automotive #enthusiast #diesel

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Nascar Anti-Trust Lawsuit, Could This Dismantle Stock Car Racing?

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:45:00 GMT

The Trial has begun. Nascar Vs. Denny Hamlin, and Michael Jordan. As this goes on we will be keeping you up to date on all the latest information as this is going to get spicy! Nascar is being sued by Denny, and Michael for Anti-Trust tactics, and with all the information coming out this looks pretty legit.

Tanner and Erik cover what could happen if Nascar loses, and what it would mean for the sport. The trial goes on from December 1st - December 10th, and this could change everything!

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Is Nascar Completely Screwed?

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:30:00 GMT

There's a lot going on in the world of Nascar, and this week we do our best to dig into everything. Nascar's sanctioning body is under an Anti-Trust Lawsuit, and with the trial coming up Dec 1st evidence is coming out that might help out the teams. This could cause a ripple affect that goes way past the initial suit. We will cover this more in upcoming episodes, but wow this is getting wild. They called Richard Childress a dumb redneck........

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Ram Launches Free Agent Driver Program!

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:30:00 GMT

Ram made a huge announcement this week, launching the Free Agent Driver Program! This will be an amazing opportunity for the people selected! Is lifting weights or going to the gym worth it? We discuss this as well this week on 1st Gear!

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How would you change the Nascar Cup Cars?

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:45:00 GMT

Tanner, and Erik discuss possible changes we would make to the Trucks, Xfinity, and Cup Series Race Cars!

#nascar #racing #racecar #motorsports #becasuseracecar

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No One Is Happy With The Playoff System

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 21:33:25 GMT

Today we'll cover the nascar Championship weekend, and what we think the future of the Nascar playoffs should look like!

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We're Back! 1st Gear Is Back On the Air!

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 17:57:09 GMT

This time on 1st Gear Garage Tanner and Erik will catch you up on everything that's been going on since the last episode! It's been a while and we just appreciate everyone listening!

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There's much more to circle track racing than just turning left!

Wed, 03 May 2023 11:45:57 GMT

We're back again with another episode of 1st Gear! This week Tanner, and Erik are getting in depth with setting up cars, how to race, and etiquette. Ross Chastaining Brendan Poole got us on this topic of how it seems newer drivers in NASCAR don't seem to have the same respect they did when people like Jeff Burton, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, and Dale Earnhardt were racing on Sundays.

Tanner and Erik also break down some differences between dirt track racing classes, such as midgets, and the stock car classes. This is a jam packed episode with a lot of good info, and as always our opinions on why things are the way they are.

We hope you enjoy this one, and as always if you got any value from this please share the show!

-Tanner and Erik- 👊

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The Nascar Cup Series is broken........

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 03:18:06 GMT

Welcome back to another episode of 1st Gear with Tanner, and Erik! In this weeks episode we cover Tanners epic race weekend, and his first podium finish of the season with many more to come! Shoutout to our great friends at Wulff Media Group, our partnership has gotten much stronger over the past 6 months, and we have some really cool stuff in the works (more to come on this in future episodes).

The big discussion this week was about the quality of racing the Nex Gen car has produced, and the potential dangers of continuing to run this car. At Talladega this past week Kyle Larson got extremely lucky that Ryan Preece happened to hit the passenger side of the car during a wild wreck. Not a fault of either driver just typical superspeedway racing. You'll have to look up the wreck on Nascar's youtube page to see the damage to Kyles car.

There was a lot of hype with this car, and it has yet to live up to the noise. Hindered with safety issues, and much more we have to ask is this really worth it? The on track product is what puts the fans in the stands and to be quite honest this car isn't good. We've discussed it on the show for a while now, but after seeing Kyle's door bars break during his accident this week Nascar needs to step up and figure this out so drivers don't get hurt or worse.

As always we appreciate everyone listening and we don't run ads so please share the show if you got something good out of it!

Thank you!

Tanner and Erik 👊

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This isn't your typical racing podcast........

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 02:02:32 GMT

Hey everyone, thank you so much for sticking with us and asking about the show it means a lot to us! We have had a lot going on that is covered in this episode, but we plan to record as much as possible moving forward. This week we get you up to speed on what we've been up to, and eventually start talking racing 😂

Again, we appreciate everyone that takes the time to listen and we hope you enjoy the show!

Have a great day! - Tanner, and Erik - 👊

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The Longest Daytona 500 Ever! What even is ARCA?

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 12:45:00 GMT

We're back again! Getting back into the full swing of things we talk about the Daytona 500......... 530 and how restrictor plate racing has taken a turn in the wrong direction. The NexGen car has hindered the quality of racing at Nascar's most popular tracks but we have faith it will get better.

How many of you know what the ARCA series is, or could name a driver that competes? Chances are very few and thats a problem, these young drivers have a tough road in the series getting sponsorship, and help to be competitive. We give you our opinion and thoughts on how it could be better! It's a series that needs to succeed!

We appreciate you all so much and thank you for helping us grow the show! We've got a long way to go, but we get there one episode at a time 👊

If you got any value from this episode please share the show, thank you for listening!

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We're Back! Winter Break is Over, and It's Podcast Season!

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 12:30:00 GMT

We're Back! After a lot of trial and error fixing our audio problems we have finally found the right combination, and are back on schedule! This week we talk about how much we've been up to. Life has been pretty exciting for both of us, and we have a lot to share!

Plus Nascar is back! The Clash just happened, and there's a ton of new rules this season for the Cup series! All that and much more on this episode of 1st Gear!

Also, thank you all so much for being patient with us. We greatly appreciate it, and will be recording weekly again, bringing on guests, and covering all things racing!

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Motorcycle Land Speed Records At The Bonneville Salt Flats With - Oren Harper!

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 02:03:49 GMT

This week we are joined by a land speed record holder! Oren Harper has been a regular at the Bonneville Salt Flats for years, and was kind enough to join us on the show! We had a blast with Oren, and the man has done a lot. Currently working as a water rescue diver he helps people everyday, and is just a good human. Oren has one wild story, and we appreciate him taking the time come on the show!

As always we appreciate everyone listening to the show, and if you learned anything or laughed we ask that you help us grow and share the show!

Thank you! 👊

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1st Gear Adventures from PRI!

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 01:09:36 GMT

This week we bring you our recap from an epic weekend at the PRI show in Indianapolis! This is the first time in 3 years that we have seen each other in person, and we definitely made the most of it! We had a blast, and in this episode unpack a wild 36 hours of the show, adventures, and all the random things that happened to us this past weekend!

We got to meet some incredible people, catch up with old friends, and had a great time! Thank you so much for listening to the show, and if you learned anything or got value from we ask that you share the show! It's the only way we grow, and keep spreading the message!

Have a great week everyone! 🏁

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Tales from Dirt Racing Icon - Johnny Spaw!

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 19:24:00 GMT

We've mentioned him in every episode, and this week Johnny Spaw sits down with us to talk about his career racing. His career is full of amazing stories, and we definitely have more to cover in a future episode, but this was a ton of fun! From racing Motocross at Arrowhead Stadium to ASA cars with Johnny Sauter the man has done a lot.

Johnny also owns and operates a shop in Iowa called Johnny Spaw Race Cars, Welding, and Metal Fabrication. He loves to give back to the racing community, and has helped a ton of racers! He said it perfectly in the show "Someone has to replace us" meaning the up and coming drivers.

Special thank you to Johnny for taking the time to sit down with us, and he'll be back! Thank you so much for listening, and if you liked this one please share the show!

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Racing at Loretta Lynn's with Motocross legend Dan Albright!

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 02:22:04 GMT

We have another special guest on the show this week Motocross legend Dan Albright! With 50 years of racing, Dan has done a lot. From winning 10+ Championships in Motocross to racing dirt track later in his career. We have a lot to unpack in this episode, and there is no shortage of cool stories! He's even raced at country star Loretta Lynn's place.

Dan is welcome back on the show anytime, and we look forward to the next one with him! As always we hope you enjoy the show, and if you learned anything or we made you laugh please share the show!

Thank you for listening! 🏁

-Erik, and Tanner 👊

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Iowa Dirt Track Racing Legend Flyin' Ryan Dolan!

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 20:30:50 GMT

Dirt track racing legend Fylin' Ryan Dolan joins us this week to talk about his career. This episode is jam-packed full of more than 50 years of racing stories from Ryan. How he got started, the cars he raced, and all the wins! It was a privilege getting to hear all the old stories, and learn some of the history of dirt track racing up in Iowa!

Thank you to Ryan for taking the time to come out and talk with us, we really appreciate it and hope you all do as well! If you learn something or got some value from this please share the show so more people get to hear stories from legends like Ryan!

As always thank you for listening! 🏁

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We Have Our First Guest - Tracey Allen! Nascar Crowns Three Champions In Phoenix!

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 18:59:55 GMT

We have a very special guest this week on the show! Tracey Allen (Tanner's Dad) joins us, to talk about his start in racing. How he got Tanner, and his family involved and moved up through the ranks! Learning about a father's point of view, and just how much Tracey did to keep everyone moving forward is something special. Hearing his stories was a lot of fun, and he will definitely be back on the show!

In this episode, we also cover this weekend's Championship races at Phoenix. There were plenty of highs, and one big blow to the sport as Coy Gibbs passed away this weekend. If you read this go to Ty Gibbs page, or Joe Gibbs Racing, and leave a comment to let them know we the fans care and are thinking about them.

Thank you all as always for listening, and if you liked it we just ask that you share the show! 🏁

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Ross Chastained Denny Again! Ty Gibbs Needs To Chill Out!

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 18:19:54 GMT

In this week's episode, we talk about Ross Chastain's amazing move to get him into the next round of the playoffs! Ty Gibbs spins his teammate to win and then makes a weird comparison. Plus we give you our Championship picks! All that and much more in this episode of 1st Gear!

Thank you for listening!

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Episode 3: Dale Jr's voice is what's saving Nascar! The North Wilkesboro All-Star Race is going to be epic, and Gragson/Larson put on a show at Homestead!

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 02:00:48 GMT

This week we talk about epic All-Star week coming to North Wilkesboro 2023! It's going to be a wild week of racing and you won't want to miss it. Ticket information will be available at https://www.northwilkesborospeedway.com/

We bring light to how much of an impact Dale Jr. is having on Nascar, and how his voice is already bigger than his dad's

Plus Kyle Larson and Noah Gragson put on a show this week at Homestead! All this, and much more on this episode of 1st Gear!

Thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy the show 🏁

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Was Bubba Wallace's penalty harsh enough? Mark Martin gets stiffed by RFK, and Tony Stewart wants a different driver in the 41 car!

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 01:36:02 GMT

This week we talk in-depth about Bubba Wallace vs Kyle Larson and give you our takes on the incident on the track. Mark Martin was at the track with his race-winning car from 1998 and got blown off by his former team owner. Cole Custer is under fire from Tony Stewart and might not be in the 41 car next season? There's a lot to unpack this week in NASCAR, and we hope you enjoy the show!

Thank you for listening! 👊

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Episode 1: Charlotte Roval Recap, Getting to know your hosts, and why we think NASCAR should care more about it's fans.

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 19:45:06 GMT

This week we bring you the pilot episode of the 1st Gear Podcast with your hosts Tanner Allen, and Erik Heitman. In our first episode, we'll recap the Charlotte Roval, bring you our thoughts on how NASCAR could do better at engaging with its fanbase, our picks for Las Vegas, and much more!

Thank you for listening, and please share the show!

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