Steve Post & Steve Gantt: NASCAR Broadcasting Legends & Kannapolis Roots | EP 71

Steve Post (Motor Racing Network / Charlotte Motor Speedway) and Kannapolis motorsports historian Steve Gantt join the Rough Talk Cousins for a deep dive into NASCAR broadcasting history, local racing roots, and the future of the sport — all from Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage in K-Town.

This episode also marks the official debut of Big Dave’s SportsCenter with David Steele joining the team full-time.

Steve Post shares his journey from a young fan in Pennsylvania listening to races on a transistor radio to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in motorsports. He reflects on lessons from legendary broadcasters Barney Hall, Ken Squier, and Eli Gold, plus behind-the-scenes stories from decades on pit road and the charter flights.

The conversation pays tribute to two recently lost icons — Ned Jarrett and Kyle Busch — including Jarrett’s strong Kannapolis connections through local mechanics, race teams, and community history. The group also covers the evolution of NASCAR, the next wave of talent coming through Millbridge Speedway, and why Kannapolis remains one of racing’s most important hometowns.

Chapters:
0:00 Cold Open / Hilbish Ford
0:36 Welcome to Historic Dayvault’s Garage – Full House
1:56 Big Dave’s SportsCenter Debuts
6:32 Episode 71 – Introducing Steve Post & Steve Gantt
7:30 How the Two Steves Met at Concord Motorsport Park
11:30 Steve Post’s Journey from Pennsylvania to the Booth
15:00 Kannapolis Racing Roots & Local TV Memories
18:40 Path to Motor Racing Network
20:30 Lessons from Barney Hall, Ken Squier & Eli Gold
29:00 Flying with Barney Hall & Garage Ethics
34:30 Remembering Gentleman Ned Jarrett
39:30 Kyle Busch Memories & Lasting Impact
44:20 Next Generation at Millbridge Speedway
52:00 Kannapolis Pride & Community Connections
56:19 Pit Road Pickleball & Funny Road Stories
59:00 Closing Thanks
1:00:03 Episode 71 in the Books + Carolina Pickleball Club

Hosts: Chris Hughes, Ryan Dayvault, Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin & David Steele

📍 Recorded at Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage – Kannapolis, NC

If you love NASCAR history, Kannapolis stories, and conversations with the people who shaped the sport, this one’s for you. Like, subscribe, and share with a fellow racing fan.

Follow K-Town Connection on all platforms and visit ktownconnection.com.

Hardee’s Biscuits Got Him Inside the Mills: Chad Mitchell’s Untold Story | Ep 75

In Episode 75 of the K-Town Connection, lifelong Kannapolis photographer and artist Chad Mitchell opens his archive of more than 25,000 photographs that document the demolition of Cannon Mills — the place that built this town. As the massive mill complex disappeared, Chad decided someone had to record what was being lost. What began as a personal mission became one of the most important visual records of Kannapolis history ever created. He takes us inside the abandoned buildings, shares how he gained access (Hardee’s biscuits helped), and reveals the stories behind some of his most powerful images — including the fall of the iconic water tower, a once-in-a-lifetime balloon ride over the complex, and the unforgettable photograph of his late father standing in the partially demolished mill, looking out at the rubble of the place where he had worked for decades. Chad also looks back at an incredible creative career that includes photographing Appalachian State football during its national championship years, serving as team photographer for Kannapolis professional baseball, working with NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, and creating artwork connected to Dale Earnhardt. His guiding philosophy has always been simple: Tell as much of the story as possible in one shutter click. Today, as a new generation grows up in a Kannapolis that looks nothing like the mill town their parents and grandparents knew, these photographs have become even more valuable. They don’t just preserve buildings — they preserve the people, the work, the memories, and the identity of a community that was forever changed. This episode is exactly what the K-Town Connection is about: preserving Kannapolis history by telling the stories of the people who lived it. 📸 Browse and purchase Chad’s photography and artwork: ChadMitchell.com 📍 Filmed at Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Tune-Up & Brake Service Garage in Kannapolis, North Carolina 🎙️ Hosted by the #RoughTalkCousins Chris Hughes & Ryan Dayvault, along with Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin and David Steele Chapters 0:00 – Intro & Local Updates 5:32 – Welcome to Episode 75 5:52 – Introducing Chad Mitchell 7:02 – Growing Up in Kannapolis 12:00 – How Chad Began Documenting the Mills 14:00 – Getting Access with Hardee’s Biscuits 17:18 – Inside the Abandoned Mill Buildings 19:24 – Over 25,000 Photographs 25:10 – The Darkest Place in the Mill 27:20 – “Lifeline” – The Railroad Light Painting 37:15 – Where to See & Buy the Photos 38:21 – Kiln-Dried Maple Floors & the Sign 39:49 – Baseball Photography Years 43:45 – The Dale Earnhardt Artwork 46:06 – The “Quality Work Means Job Security” Sign 53:45 – The Balloon Ride Over Cannon Mills 56:15 – The Photograph of Chad’s Father 59:48 – Closing Thoughts & Thank You

K-Town Connection Official Home of the K-Town Connection

Steve Post & Steve Gantt: NASCAR Broadcasting Legends & Kannapolis Roots | EP 71

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Hardee’s Biscuits Got Him Inside the Mills: Chad Mitchell’s Untold Story | Ep 75