On this episode of The Dirt Parlor Podcast, Don Martin and Gordy Gundaker welcome one of sprint car racing’s most consistent and competitive drivers Tyler “Sunshine” Courtney. Coming off a strong week at Huset’s with $16,000 in winnings, Tyler opens up about what it takes to stay at the front in today’s ultra-competitive field and why every lap matters when racing against the best in the country.

Tyler breaks down the highs and lows of the current race formats, especially at major events where qualifying well can sometimes hurt your chances. He shares his perspective on how the format could be improved without taking away the thrill for fans, and discusses whether drivers ever consider sandbagging during time trials just to avoid starting too deep in stacked heats.

The conversation also shines a light on the overall strength of sprint car racing across the U.S. With packed fields from Pennsylvania to Washington, Tyler talks about the growth of the sport and how deep the talent has become at every level. From racing legends to rising stars, this episode is packed with real talk, behind-the-scenes insight, and a clear picture of what it’s like to compete at the top of the dirt world.

🔥 Shoutout to Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to Hoker Trucking, Nutrien, Bodies by Skinny, Millard Parker-Millard Family Chapels and Checkered Customs for their support. Your commitment fuels the passion, competition, and community that make dirt racing great!

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.