“The Dirt Show” preps for 500th episode
Klane Dushek sits in his show studio at KOWZ. Dushek earned his own studio after turning his idea into a smash hit with a growing audience. Staff photo by Johnnie Phillips
Klane Dushek’s “The Dirt Show” is set to air its 500th episode on Saturday, Aug. 17 marking a major milestone in his career with KOWZ Radio.
After initially pitching the idea for the show to his superiors 17 years ago and starting alongside morning DJs, Dushek has since steadily grown his audience of passionate fans and earned his own studio in the process.
“I think everyone here was pleasantly surprised. I knew how many loyal race fans were out there, so it wasn’t too big of a shock for me that it reached so many people,” said Dushek.
The Owatonna native’s passion for the sport began at a young age, making the rounds between the fairgrounds in Steele and Dodge County, even all the way out to Chateau Speedway in Lansing.
“I grew up in a house literally across the street from the Steele County fairgrounds. My parents bought the house in 1953 and wanted to live in the country. It was right on the edge of town and the only thing out there was the racetrack. My mom told me a story that my dad, at the house's closing, went up on the roof to make sure he could see into the racetrack to watch the races. I think that’s where my love for racing comes from,” said Dushek.
Dushek’s background in racing began at a young age, but when it came to radio, his path to the driver’s seat of the show was more spontaneous.
After starting at KOWZ in the sales department, Dushek saw an opportunity to bring racing to the airwaves and dusted off an old skill he thought he’d retired long ago.
“The funny thing was that in college, I did the Saturday morning radio show in the bottom of Gage Towers at Mankato, and thought, ‘I’ll never use this in my life, but it’s kind of fun,’” said Dushek with a laugh.
Episode No. 500 is a special milestone for Dushek, as it helps him reflect on the memories he’s made over his 17 years in the studio.
“The drivers I grew up watching will always be my heroes. My hopes for the show have always been to get people to go out to the local tracks and check out the races. Along the way, I’ve been able to talk with and interview some amazing people,” said Dushek.
Kicking off episode No. 500 and its three-guest slate is Ed Justice, Jr., a journalist, historian, and award-winning broadcaster.
Justice, Jr. is currently the CEO and photographer for Justice Brothers, Inc., out of Duarte, California and has been a lifelong racing fan.
Doug Miner from Miners Outdoor will be the show’s sponsor guest after having a long affiliation with “The Dirt Show” over the years.
Rounding out the slate will be regular guest Speed “The Sauceman” Herrig from Cookies BBQ Sauces and Seasoning.
At 86 years old, Herrig is a one-of-a-kind entrepreneur whose passion, expertise, and work ethic has long made him a favorite of “The Dirt Show.”
“People would say, ‘What does BBQ sauce have to do with racing?’ Well, a lot of racers and fans tailgate and camp. Speed provides easy foolproof recipes that anyone can make and easily cook or reheat on their grill,” Dushek said. “Speed is 86 years old and works harder than people half his age. He will be at Fareway in Owatonna Aug. 21-23 with his Rib Wagon.”
Episode No. 500 will air on Saturday, Aug. 17 on KRUE Country 92 at 12 p.m. and on KFOW 106.3/1170 AM at noon as well.
The show will also re-air at 11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17 on KOWZ 100.9.