Off-Road Racer Podcast Episode 74: Dale Dondel
Chasing Speed: Dale Dondel on the Off-Road Racer Podcast
In the world of desert racing, few names strike fear at the start line like Dale Dondel. Known for his raw pace and relentless pursuit of performance, Dondel has become a benchmark of speed in off-road racing—particularly when it comes to qualifying, where he consistently puts his trucks at the top of the leaderboard. His ability to push the limits of both vehicle and terrain has made him one of the most respected and talked-about drivers in the sport.
On this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Dondel for a deep dive into his career, philosophy, and the evolution of his racing program. It’s a look inside the mind of one of off-road’s most intense competitors—and one of its most technical thinkers.
Learning from Legends
Dale Dondel’s racing roots trace back to dirt bikes. As a kid, he spent his time on two wheels, developing the throttle control and terrain sense that would later translate to high-speed success in the desert.
But it was his fascination with how machines worked that truly shaped his path. That curiosity led him to legendary builder Nye Frank—a pioneer in off-road fabrication. Under Nye’s mentorship, Dale learned more than just how to weld and wrench. He absorbed a philosophy of innovation and precision that became the foundation of his approach to racing.
From custom suspension geometry to experimental design concepts, Nye’s influence helped Dale build a mindset focused on going faster, smarter, and with purpose. That legacy still lives in every truck he builds today.
The Short Course Edge
Before dominating qualifying sessions in the open desert, Dale cut his teeth in the high-pressure world of short course racing. The fast-paced format, tight competition, and unforgiving tracks helped develop a level of precision and aggression that would later translate to desert racing. His time in short course didn’t just make him a better driver—it influenced the way he builds trucks.
From suspension geometry to weight distribution, Dondel’s vehicles are purpose-built for speed. That mindset—refined through thousands of laps and years of testing—has helped him consistently field some of the fastest trucks in the sport.
Building to Go Fast
In the episode, Dale breaks down his approach to design, performance, and pushing limits. He shares insights into the process of cutting and rebuilding his truck—literally hacking off the front end in pursuit of better geometry—and the importance of knowing your equipment inside and out. For Dale, the work is never done. There’s always a faster way, a better setup, a more efficient solution.
While other racers focus on race day, Dale is focused on every day leading up to it—relentless in his testing, building, and refinement. It's not just about being fast. It’s about understanding why you're fast—and what it takes to stay that way.
The Relentless Pursuit
Dale Dondel’s story isn’t about playing it safe—it’s about chasing the edge. From building his own trucks to cutting them apart in search of more speed, he’s always been driven by a need to push limits. His background in short course sharpened his reaction time and vehicle control, and his experience in the desert taught him to think big when it comes to design and durability.
Now, with decades of racing and building behind him, Dale continues to evolve. Whether it's refining geometry, chasing the AWD gap, or dialing in new Gen 3 and 4 platforms, Dondel isn’t slowing down. He’s not just building trucks—he’s building the future of off-road racing, one breakthrough at a time.