005 - Matt Martelli

On this episode of The MF Show, we’re joined by filmmaker, race promoter, and off-road visionary Matt Martelli. As the CEO of Mad Media and the man behind the first Gymkhana’s and The Mint 400, Matt has helped shape modern automotive culture through his unique blend of storytelling, innovation, and pure passion for motorsports. He shares his roots in skateboarding, the origins of the groundbreaking Gymkhana series with Ken Block, and how that viral success lit a fire under the car world. We dive deep into his journey reviving The Mint 400, launching the California 300, and evolving desert racing into a full-blown cultural event. Matt also previews the next chapter—bringing short course racing back to the west and redefining what off-road content means in a digital world. This is The MF Show, hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Richard Waitas, and powered by MagnaFlow.