Send us a text

Calendar Full?

Phone full of text messages to return?

A list of "Things to Do" as long as your arm?

Listen to this episode--- The Art of Slowing Down.

Support the show

Send us a text

A message for busy moms!

Support the show

Send us a text

In this heartfelt and revealing episode, Melinda Russell sits down with Dell Hamilton, a serial entrepreneur, former NASCAR team owner, and longtime supporter of women in racing. Dell shares how he used NASCAR not just for the thrill of the sport, but as a powerful tool to build lasting business relationships, honor the military, and support ethical and talented female drivers.

From humble beginnings watching race traffic from his church parking lot in Charlotte, NC, Dell walks us through his journey into NASCAR—from a curious pit pass guest to sponsoring cars and eventually co-owning teams. With honesty and humor, Dell reflects on working with drivers like Blake Koch, Michael McDowell, and Jennifer Jo Cobb, and the hard realities many racers face when trying to climb the NASCAR ladder without deep pockets or big-name backing.

He talks candidly about the importance of integrity, personality, and relationship-building in motorsports and explains how young women, if given a real chance, can generate massive sponsor value. His passion for mentorship, military outreach, and storytelling shines through as he encourages business owners to take a leap of faith and support emerging female talent in the sport.

Dell also shares lessons learned from years of navigating NASCAR’s business model, the media challenges surrounding branding and video rights, and his latest venture—Cruising Still the One, a YouTube boating channel blending fun, education, and adventure.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the business side of racing, female representation in motorsports, and how one man used racing not just to win, but to inspire and connect.

Support the show

Send us a text

In this inspiring episode, host Melinda Russell sits down with Hailey Unferdorfer, a dynamic force in motorsports marketing and a passionate advocate for women in racing. Hailey shares her journey from growing up in a motorsports family to working behind the scenes with Lucas Oil, MAVTV, and now Racer Network, where she plays a key role in marketing and rebranding efforts. Her love for storytelling and connecting people shines through as she talks about working events, building sponsor relationships, and helping elevate women’s roles in the industry.

Hailey also discusses her involvement with Shift Up Now, an organization committed to funding and supporting female racers. She reflects on how the motorsports community adapted during the pandemic and how today’s digital tools—like streaming and social media—are expanding racing’s reach. With humor, heart, and insight, Hailey encourages listeners to build relationships, stay persistent, and never underestimate the impact of women supporting women in racing.

Support the show

Send us a text

How NASCAR's First-Ever Street Race Transformed a City and Reimagined Fan Engagement

In this inspiring episode, Melinda Russell welcomes NASCAR executive Julie Giese to share her remarkable journey in motorsports and her role in leading the groundbreaking Chicago Street Race. Julie reflects on her 25-year NASCAR career, which started on a Wisconsin dairy farm and led her to leadership roles at iconic tracks like Watkins Glen, Daytona, and Phoenix Raceway.

Julie dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of bringing a street race to downtown Chicago—a first in NASCAR history. She recounts the massive logistical effort, collaboration with city officials, and her commitment to engaging local communities through over 150 meetings in the inaugural year alone. Despite a torrential nine-inch rainstorm during the 2023 race weekend, the event became one of NASCAR’s most-watched races in years, showcasing both the resilience of her team and the beauty of Chicago.

Listeners get a sneak peek at exciting upgrades for 2025, including expanded viewing areas, single-day tickets, kids under 12 admitted free both days, and a Zac Brown Band concert set right on the start/finish line. Julie emphasizes the importance of making the event accessible, fan-friendly, and deeply connected to Chicago’s culture, food, and people.

Throughout the conversation, her love for racing, commitment to diversity, and desire to create unforgettable experiences for fans shine through—reminding us that racing is more than a sport; it’s a community.

Support the show

Send us a text

Episode Summary:
Meet 16-year-old Paiten Burnham, the fearless driver behind the purple quarter midgets lighting up the USAC NASCAR Youth Series. In this episode, Paiten shares how her mom’s racing legacy, her dad’s deployment, and her own fierce determination shaped her path in motorsports. From winning at Charlotte to mentoring younger drivers, Paiten opens up about racing as a girl in a male-dominated sport, what it’s like traveling to national races, and why family is at the heart of her success. Tune in for a fun, heartfelt conversation with one of the rising stars of youth racing!

Support the show

Send us a text

In this powerful episode, Melinda Russell sits down with trailblazer Julie Giese, President of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race and a 25-year veteran of the motorsports industry. From her early days on a Wisconsin dairy farm to her leadership roles at Daytona, Phoenix, and now Chicago, Julie shares how she turned bold ideas into history-making events.

She opens up about the massive effort it took to bring a NASCAR Cup Series race to downtown Chicago—from working with the city, navigating a torrential rainstorm, and overcoming skepticism, to turning it into one of NASCAR's most successful and talked-about races.

Julie also reveals exciting updates for 2025, including:

• More fan-friendly viewing areas
• Lower ticket prices and kids 12 & under free
• A Zac Brown Band concert on the start/finish line
• Enhanced community outreach and inclusivity

Whether you're a race veteran or a first-time fan, this episode offers a rare look behind the scenes of one of NASCAR’s boldest and most innovative events.

🏁 Topics Covered:

• Julie’s path from agriculture to NASCAR leadership
• The vision and logistics behind the Chicago Street Race
• How her team overcame a 100-year rainstorm and still delivered
• What’s new for 2025: seating, tickets, family options, and more
• Why Chicago’s diverse cityscape creates the perfect racing backdrop
• The role of fans in making the event electric
• NASCAR’s commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and community impact

📍 Links & Resources:

• Get tickets: NASCARChicago.com
• Learn more about Julie Giese: NASCAR Official Site

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode, host Melinda Russell welcomes Jacqueline Rumley, a lifelong motorsports enthusiast, educator, and industry professional, to the show. Jacqueline shares her journey from growing up immersed in dirt track racing in Ontario, Canada, to building a successful career in motorsports in North Carolina. Influenced by her parents' deep involvement in racing, Jacqueline developed a love for the sport at an early age, eventually choosing it over her initial interest in veterinary science.

Jacqueline recounts her bold move at age 19 to North Carolina to pursue her dreams, enrolling in the Motorsports Management Program at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College—the same program where she now teaches. She discusses the program’s unique combination of business and technical coursework, the affordable options it offers (especially for North Carolina residents), and how she helps students find their path into the racing industry. Mentorship and connecting students with real-world opportunities are a major focus of her teaching philosophy.

Jacqueline also talks about her personal life, including her marriage to Kevin Rumley, a well-respected dirt racing engineer. Together, they balance work and life around the racing schedule, often traveling to major dirt late model events such as The Dream at Eldora and the Prairie Dirt Classic at Fairbury, which she describes as highlights of their summer.

The episode also touches on the power and pitfalls of social media in racing, advice for managing negative feedback professionally, and Jacqueline’s exciting new project — collaborating with Lionel Racing to develop a high-quality dirt late model die-cast model.

The conversation is filled with heartfelt moments about the importance of community, mentorship, resilience, and the many career opportunities that exist in motorsports beyond driving. Jacqueline’s story showcases how passion, hard work, and a willingness to take risks can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career in racing.

Support the show