The Off-Road Racer Podcast

Off-Road Racer Podcast Episode 73: Chris Cyr

In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with rally driver and business strategist Chris Cyr, the managing partner of the iconic Team O’Neil Rally School. From growing up obsessed with rally and WRC in the early 2000s to helping save and scale one of the most influential rally schools in North America, Chris shares his journey from fan to competitor, educator, and motorsports business leader. We dig into how the Team O’Neil Rally School helped shape generations of drivers — including Ken Block and Travis Pastrana — and the impact it's had on rally and off-road racing alike. We also explore: The challenges of growing rally in America How rally drivers transition into desert racing The creation of the American Rally Association (ARA) What the future of rally looks like in the U.S. Whether you're a fan of WRC, stage rally, or desert racing, this episode connects the dots between disciplines — and shows how passion and persistence can shape the culture.