The Also-Ran Broadcast

Mamba Smith is one of the most recognizable and positive personalities in NASCAR—but there’s much more to his story than what fans see on race weekends.
On this episode of The Also-Ran Broadcast, Derek Nelson sits down with Mamba for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey through motorsports, his passion for racing, and his mission to make NASCAR a better experience for the fans.
Mamba shares the story of being adopted from Haiti and growing up in Vermont, his early days as a mechanic and racer, and how he found his place in NASCAR after realizing that being part of the sport mattered more than simply being behind the wheel.
We talk about his work with drivers including Kyle Larson, Bubba Wallace, Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Danica Patrick, Ryan Newman and Kurt Busch, his ARCA racing experiences, his relationship with AJ Allmendinger, his memorable race cars and die-casts, and his connection with Ram and Dodge.
But at the heart of the conversation is the fans.
Mamba explains why connecting with people, creating memorable experiences and simply making NASCAR fans happy are so important to him. His infectious positivity and genuine love for the racing community have helped make him a unique presence in the sport.
This is the story behind the hype man—and a conversation about racing, perseverance, family, fandom, friendship and finding your place in NASCAR.
🏁 Listen to Mamba Smith on The Also-Ran Broadcast.

Derek Daly joins The Also-Ran Broadcast to discuss his incredible journey from Ireland to Formula 1 and INDYCAR, surviving one of motorsport's most terrifying crashes, returning to the Indy 500, and writing his autobiography, Serial Survivor. Along the way, Derek shares unforgettable stories about Ayrton Senna, Formula 1 legends, television broadcasting, and the moments that shaped one of racing's most remarkable careers.

Veteran NASCAR journalist Deb Williams joins the Also-Ran Broadcast to remember the life and legacy of Bobby Hamilton.
From Bobby's role during Days of Thunder to his breakthrough with Richard Petty, his Talladega victory, and the creation of Bobby Hamilton Racing, Deb shares firsthand stories that reveal why Bobby earned the respect of everyone in the garage. The conversation also explores NASCAR's evolution, old-school racing culture, and the personalities that helped shape the sport we know today.
If you love NASCAR history and the people who built it, you'll enjoy this conversation.

Before Chad Chaffin became a NASCAR Truck Series winner, he was another talented racer climbing the ranks at the Nashville Fairgrounds. Then Bobby Hamilton gave him an opportunity that changed everything.
Chad joins The Also-Ran Broadcast to discuss his relationship with Bobby Hamilton, winning with Bobby Hamilton Racing, the championship culture inside BHR, and why Bobby's greatest legacy wasn't just the trophies—it was the people whose lives he changed.
This is an unforgettable conversation about friendship, perseverance, and one of NASCAR's greatest underdog team owners.

What was it like to help build Bobby Hamilton Racing into one of NASCAR's top Truck Series teams?
Tim Horton joins The Also-Ran Broadcast to share incredible stories from his years working alongside the late Bobby Hamilton. From building championship-winning trucks and working with Joe Ruttman to unforgettable shop stories, Bobby's leadership, generosity, and relentless drive to win, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of NASCAR's most beloved organizations.
Whether you're a longtime NASCAR fan or simply love hearing untold racing stories, you'll enjoy this conversation celebrating Bobby Hamilton's legacy on and off the track.

Former Bobby Hamilton Racing hauler driver Mike Goins shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from one of NASCAR's most respected race teams.
Mike reflects on working alongside Bobby Hamilton, Bobby Hamilton Jr., and the crew that helped build a championship-caliber Truck Series organization. From life on the road to unforgettable memories inside the race shop, this episode offers a heartfelt look at the leadership, friendship, and legacy of one of NASCAR's most beloved drivers.
If you enjoy NASCAR history, untold racing stories, and conversations with the people who helped shape the sport behind the scenes, you'll love this episode.

David Pepper joins The Also-Ran Broadcast to look back on his years at Bobby Hamilton Racing and the incredible culture Bobby Hamilton built. From championship-winning memories and unforgettable race weekends to hilarious shop stories and lifelong friendships, Pepper shares what made Bobby Hamilton one of NASCAR's most respected team owners and why his legacy continues to influence the sport today.

In this special episode of the Also-Ran Broadcast, Bobby Hamilton Jr. shares heartfelt memories of his father, NASCAR winner Bobby Hamilton. From growing up around race shops to learning life lessons that extended far beyond the racetrack, Bobby Jr. offers an honest, personal perspective on the man fans admired every Sunday.
The conversation explores Bobby Hamilton's racing philosophy, parenting style, NASCAR's golden era, and the legacy he left behind. Whether you're a lifelong NASCAR fan or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind the sport's greatest personalities, this episode offers a rare look inside one racing family's journey.

This bonus episode features additional conversation with NASCAR driver, entrepreneur, and Navy veteran Jesse Iwuji. Jesse shares stories about his racing career, life after the military, entrepreneurship, faith, overcoming adversity, and the mindset that has helped him build success on and off the racetrack.
If you enjoyed our original interview, you won't want to miss this extended conversation.

Kyle Dudley joins the Also-Ran Broadcast to discuss winning the inaugural IHRA Stock Car Series event and what the new series means for grassroots racers.
Kyle shares his racing background, the story behind his famous "Betty White" race car, earning his own diecast, competing at Motor Mile Speedway, and why the IHRA Stock Car Series is providing opportunities for racers who may not have the budget to compete on larger touring circuits.
It's an honest conversation about short track racing, family, racing dreams, and the future of stock car racing.