What starts as a conversation on a golf course doesn't usually turn into a race track—but that's exactly what happened in Imperial Valley. In this episode of Checkers & Wreckers on Racer Radio, hosts Dave Stall and Brittany Sandoval sit down with Jeff Dale and Matt Reed, the driving forces behind the brand-new 86th Speedway, a grassroots dirt kart track built by racers, for racers.

What makes this story so compelling is that Jeff and Matt aren't corporate track owners or professional promoters. They're motorsports enthusiasts who saw an opportunity to create something their community needed and decided to make it happen. With a 14-acre property, a lot of determination, and help from friends, family, and volunteers, they transformed an empty piece of land into one of Southern California's newest racing destinations.

The conversation dives into the incredible effort required to build the facility, including a whirlwind construction weekend involving heavy equipment, hundreds of hand-placed hay bales, and countless volunteer hours. What began as a small gathering expected to attract a few dozen participants quickly exploded into a packed event that drew more than 250 spectators and racers.

In This Episode:

• The creation and launch of 86th Speedway
• Building a dirt kart track from the ground up
• Affordable grassroots racing opportunities
• Predator 100 endurance racing format
• Youth racing programs and community outreach
• The "Karts for Kids" initiative
• Imperial Valley motorsports growth
• The upcoming Judd Neves Classic memorial race

One of the most interesting discussions centers on affordability. Jeff and Matt are passionate about lowering the barriers to entry that often keep people away from motorsports. Their goal is simple: make racing accessible to families, young drivers, and first-time racers. The Predator 100 endurance series embodies that philosophy by using sealed engines assigned at random, helping keep competition fair while dramatically reducing costs.

The episode also highlights the "Karts for Kids" program, designed to introduce young people to racing, mechanics, and teamwork. Through partnerships with local organizations and youth programs, the initiative aims to provide hands-on learning opportunities while helping kids develop skills, confidence, and friendships through motorsports.

Another heartfelt segment focuses on the upcoming Judd Neves Classic, a memorial race honoring a beloved Imperial Valley motorsports photographer whose impact on the local racing community is still felt today. The tribute serves as a reminder that grassroots racing is about far more than lap times and trophies—it's about relationships, memories, and the people who help make the sport special.

Key Highlights:

🏁 86th Speedway's rapid construction and successful launch

🏁 A 1/5-mile clay oval designed for close, competitive racing

🏁 Predator 100 endurance racing with randomly assigned engines

🏁 Affordable entry points for new racers and families

🏁 Youth-focused "Karts for Kids" program

🏁 The upcoming Judd Neves Classic memorial event

🏁 Growing motorsports opportunities in Imperial Valley

Whether you're a lifelong racer, a karting enthusiast, or someone looking for a welcoming way to get involved in motorsports, this episode showcases exactly why grassroots racing continues to thrive. It's a story of passion, community, and the belief that if the racing opportunity doesn't exist, sometimes you have to build it yourself.

Watch & Listen

• YouTube: @MrDaveStall
• Website: davestall.com

RACER RADIO 06/14/26 (HR2)

NASCAR is coming to San Diego, and Southern California race fans are gearing up for one of the most unique events in modern motorsports. In this episode of Racer Radio, Dave Stall and the crew break down everything you need to know about the highly anticipated NASCAR San Diego Street Race at Naval Base Coronado, while also covering the latest news from local tracks across the region.

With a 3.4-mile layout featuring 16 turns, the Coronado street course will be the longest track on the NASCAR schedule and promises to challenge drivers in ways they've never experienced before. Dave and the team discuss race weekend schedules, ticket options, parking logistics, security requirements, fan experiences, and the special events surrounding NASCAR's arrival in San Diego.

In This Episode:

• NASCAR San Diego Street Race preview
• Naval Base Coronado street course details
• Race weekend schedules and ticket information
• Driver appearances and fan events
• Updates from Barona Speedway
• Perris Auto Speedway's Night of Destruction
• Imperial Valley Raceway developments
• Southern California grassroots racing news

The crew highlights several opportunities for fans to get closer to the action, including driver appearances, Q&A sessions, and special race-weekend activities. Featured NASCAR stars discussed include Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick, Shane van Gisbergen, and Connor Zilisch.

The conversation also shines a spotlight on hometown talent, including Sheldon Creed, whose success continues inspiring Southern California racers looking to climb the motorsports ladder.

Key Highlights:

🏁 NASCAR's longest circuit at 3.4 miles and 16 turns

🏁 O'Reilly Auto Parts Race and Enduro 250 preview

🏁 Driver meet-and-greets and fan engagement opportunities

🏁 Barona Speedway racing updates

🏁 Perris Auto Speedway's upcoming Night of Destruction

🏁 Imperial Valley Raceway developments and future plans

Beyond NASCAR, the show celebrates the thriving grassroots racing scene throughout Southern California. Updates from Barona Speedway, Perris Auto Speedway, and Imperial Valley Raceway highlight the racers, promoters, and fans keeping local motorsports alive and growing.

The second hour features a look at Imperial Valley Raceway and its role in providing affordable, family-friendly racing opportunities while helping introduce new generations to the sport.

Whether you're a longtime NASCAR fan, dirt-track regular, drag racing enthusiast, or someone simply curious about the biggest racing event to hit San Diego in years, this episode delivers everything you need to know before race weekend arrives.

Featured Tracks & Events

• Naval Base Coronado Street Course
• Barona Speedway
• Perris Auto Speedway
• Imperial Valley Raceway
• San Diego Automotive Museum NASCAR Exhibit

Watch & Listen

• YouTube: @MrDaveStall
• Website: davestall.com

RACER RADIO 06/14/26 (HR1)

If your dog slips out the front door, escapes during a fireworks show, or vanishes unexpectedly, your first instinct may be the very thing that puts them in greater danger. In this eye-opening episode of Dog Tales & More Radio, host Dave Stall and co-host Brittany sit down with renowned lost-dog recovery expert Babs Frye to discuss the proven techniques that help bring missing dogs home safely.

As founder of A Way Home for Dogs, Babs has helped recover countless lost pets and has become one of the nation's most respected voices on canine recovery behavior. Throughout the conversation, she explains why chasing, yelling, or pursuing a frightened dog often drives them farther away, making recovery more difficult and increasing the risk of injury.

The discussion is especially timely as the Fourth of July and other fireworks-heavy holidays continue to be among the busiest times of year for lost pets.

In This Episode:

• What to do immediately after your dog goes missing
• Common mistakes owners make during recovery efforts
• Why chasing a frightened dog often backfires
• Fireworks safety and prevention strategies
• The benefits of martingale collars
• Lost dog behavior and recovery psychology
• Volunteer opportunities with A Way Home for Dogs
• Behind-the-scenes stories from real dog recovery cases

One of the most powerful parts of the episode comes as Babs shares real-world recovery stories, including the successful recovery of a dog after nearly three months of patient, behavior-based fieldwork. Her experiences highlight the importance of understanding how scared dogs think and react when separated from their owners.

Featured Guests:

• Babs Frye
• Coral Brooke
• Cam Lui

The conversation also includes an inside look at Better Call Babs, a documentary following Babs' work recovering lost dogs. Producers Coral Brooke and Cam Lui discuss the filmmaking process, their commitment to authenticity, and what audiences can expect from this emotional and inspiring project.

Beyond recovery techniques, the episode explores the broader world of rescue work, volunteerism, and the incredible transformations that happen when fearful dogs are given patience, consistency, and compassionate care. One especially touching story involves a traumatized rescue dog who slowly learned to trust people again through the dedication of volunteers.

Key Takeaways:

• Stay calm and avoid chasing a frightened dog.
• Understanding canine behavior dramatically improves recovery success.
• Prevention is the best protection during fireworks and stressful events.
• Proper equipment, including secure collars and identification, can save lives.
• Volunteers play a critical role in helping rescue organizations succeed.

Whether you're a dog owner, rescue volunteer, foster parent, or simply an animal lover, this episode offers practical advice, inspiring stories, and valuable insight into the world of lost dog recovery.

Learn More

• A Way Home for Dogs: awayhomefordogs.com

Watch & Listen

• YouTube: @MrDaveStall
• Website: davestall.com

Dog Tails & More Radio 06/14/26