Off-Road Racer Podcast

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Andy McMillin, one of the most accomplished drivers of the modern desert racing era. Coming from one of the sport’s most well known families, Andy grew up around off road racing from the beginning, but building his own career meant living up to a name that already carried major expectations. Over the years, he has done exactly that, becoming one of the most consistent and technically skilled drivers in Trophy Truck competition. Matt and Andy get into the evolution of modern desert racing, how the level of competition has changed, and what it takes to stay competitive at the front of the field today. From vehicle setup and race strategy to adapting to changing terrain and conditions, Andy shares the details behind what separates winning programs from everyone else. They also talk about the mental side of racing at the highest level. Managing pressure, staying disciplined over long races, and learning how to balance aggression with consistency when the margins are smaller than ever. More than anything, this episode is about experience. Years of racing at the top level, learning through wins and setbacks, and continuing to evolve in a sport that never stops getting faster.

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Corbin Leaverton, one of the younger drivers making his way through the off road world and building experience across multiple forms of racing. Corbin talks about growing up around the sport, developing as a driver, and the process of learning how to compete at a higher level as the competition keeps getting deeper. From desert racing to short course influences, he shares how different disciplines shape the way he approaches driving and racecraft. Matt and Corbin also get into the modern side of off road racing. The level of preparation now required, how important seat time has become, and the challenge of adapting to different vehicles, terrain, and race formats. There is a lot more expected of drivers today than just raw speed. More than anything, this episode is about progression. Learning from experienced racers, taking opportunities when they come, and putting in the work to keep improving in one of the toughest forms of motorsports there is.

This week on the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with Steve Olliges—longtime racer, Ford off-road program staple, and someone who’s been around the sport through multiple eras. Steve’s career spans everything from Stock Production Full and Class 8 to competing at the highest level in Unlimited Truck. He’s seen the sport evolve firsthand—different vehicles, different rules, and a completely different level of competition than when he first got started. We get into those transitions—what it was like coming up through the more production-based classes, how things changed as trucks got faster and more specialized, and what it takes to stay competitive as the sport keeps pushing forward. There’s also insight into the OEM side of racing, working with Ford, and how manufacturer involvement has shaped the top levels of off-road racing over the years. This episode is a look at a racer who’s been through it all—different classes, different eras, and a front row seat to how off-road racing got to where it is today.

This week on the Off-Road Racer Podcast, we sit down with Josh Daniel—one of the guys who’s built a reputation on being able to get in just about anything and be competitive. Josh has carved out his place in the sport driving for different teams, adapting to different cars, and making the most of every opportunity he gets. It’s a different path than most—less about owning the program, more about proving you can show up, figure it out quickly, and deliver results. We get into what that actually looks like—limited seat time, jumping between platforms, and learning how to be fast in equipment that isn’t always familiar. It’s not just about speed, it’s about adaptability, communication, and making the most of every mile you get. They also talk about how competitive the sport has become. Deeper fields, tighter racing, and fewer easy opportunities. If you want to stay in the mix, you have to be ready when the call comes. Josh is part of that group of drivers who can do exactly that. This episode is a look at what it means to be a hired gun in off-road racing—and what it takes to make it work.

Matt Martelli sits down with Jamie Campbell—fabricator, racer, and the guy behind Raceco USA. From coming up in the Penhall shop days to building dozens of Class 1 cars, Jamie’s path runs through some of the best eras of off-road racing. He gets into working with legends, starting his own program, and what it actually takes to build cars at that level. They also dive into Dakar Rally—from wrenching on Robbie Gordon’s program to racing a hydrogen-powered vehicle in the Mission 1000 class. Plenty in here on fabrication, racing different platforms, and how the sport has evolved—from open wheel cars to trucks to UTVs.