Hot dogs and hot racin'

By: Melinda Skutnick | Mooresville Tribune
Published: March 11, 2009

Entering Poppa's Hot Dogs on River Highway in Mooresville, you might not guess that the popular eatery with its menu of Chicago-style hot dogs, Polish sausage and grilled bratwurst doubles as a television studio every Monday night.

Filmed from inside the Mooresville restaurant, "Live from Poppa's: The Race Review" airs on MI-Connection's Channel 4 each Wednesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. and features a roundtable discussion on the previous weekend's NASCAR racing as well as an interview with one of the sport's stars.

"Never thought when I bought this place there would be a TV show here," said Poppa's owner Steve Herbert on Monday, only minutes before shooting began. "We've got light men, a sound engineer, it's just like a professional (taping)."

In its fifth week – with the fifth episode to air this evening – Herbert, co-host and race driver Jeff Fultz and producer Michael Guerity have interviewed several individuals already, including Nationwide Series driver Justin Allgaier, Sprint Cup Series driver Travis Kvapil, members of Kyle Busch's race team and several local short-track racers.

Guerity, who is also president of GmG Communications and is an independent production contractor for MI-Channel 4's various programming, said "for a local, community owned cable system," the show was attaining many "big name" guests.

"It's easy to interview them between us," he said, noting that both he and Herbert have a vast knowledge of the racing industry. "It's not such a blind interview."

Their familiarity with the sport as well as their industry connections and friendly demeanors create a comfortable, sociable interview for the guests. The welcoming environment of Poppa's – with race memorabilia lining the walls and framed photos of former guests and restaurant regulars prominently displayed – create an atmosphere guests like NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield enjoy.

Noting how Poppa's "represents the sport" with its obvious race theme – Herbert noted that the eatery is a lunchtime favorite among many local racing teams – Mayfield said he was able to "be myself, be normal" and have "normal conversation" with the guys about a subject they all love: racing.

"It was cool," Mayfield said Monday after filming his interview segment. "We don't do a lot of local stuff. I appreciate the opportunity."

Paul Bamburak – a driver in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series – traveled from New Jersey to Mooresville this week for an appearance on the show Herbert informally dubs "Speed Channel meets the Food Network."

With a new race season just beginning, Bamburak said he was excited to film the episode and take part in this week's roundtable race discussion.

In the hope of continuing this venture, Herbert said they are still slightly working out the kinks – such as tossing out his script for the first episode and talking off the cuff – and eager to interview more talented drivers in the future.

And for MI-Connection subscribers throughout Mooresville, Davidson and Cornelius, this show is just one of several the cable system is introducing to viewers.

"The shows we're doing, we're pretty proud of them," said Guerity.

He added, "We have five hours of unique programming (each week). We're trying to make Channel 4 more live."

Viewers can watch "Live from Poppa's: The Race Review" every Wednesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. on MI-Connection's channel 4.