
Episode #70
Racer Radio: Mustang History, Barona Speedway & Sprint Car Racing
This episode of Checkers and Wreckers on Racer Radio brings together Ford Mustang history, grassroots dirt-track action, and sprint car racing from across Southern California. Dave Stall revisits his interview with author Robert M. Kennedy about Mustang Unbridled: The High-Octane History of Ford’s Legendary Pony Car . Kennedy shares how a lifelong passion for cars led to the book, why the often-overlooked Mustang II may have helped keep the Mustang—and arguably the American muscle-car market—alive during the fuel-crisis era, and how the Mustang evolved through generations including the Fox Body, SN95, Dark Horse, and today’s high-performance models. Then it’s time to get dirty with a full Barona Speedway race report. Dirt Dude recaps a strong night of racing with roughly 450 fans in attendance and competition across Junior Sprints, Dwarf Cars, IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Sport Compacts, Lightning Sprints, and Pure Stocks. The conversation also looks ahead to Barona’s August 29 IMCA night and the possibility of bringing affordable 305 sprint car racing to the track. With lower engine costs and more standardized equipment, the 305 class could give racers a more budget-friendly way to enjoy full-size sprint car competition while putting more emphasis on driver skill. Sprint car racer Brody Roa also joins Dave after another night at Perris Auto Speedway. Roa talks about bouncing back after an engine failure, qualifying second, winning his heat race, and finishing third in the main event. He also previews a trip to historic Calistoga Speedway, a track he calls his favorite on the West Coast because of its size and speed. Listen to the full episode of Racer Radio for Mustang history, Barona race results, sprint car talk, and the personalities keeping Southern California’s grassroots motorsports scene alive. YouTube: @MrDaveStall Website: davestall.com RACER RADIO 08/16/26






