Randy Lanier: How a Weed Smuggler Raced in the INDY500

The Smoking Tire

Randy Thomas Lanier is a man with some seriously incredible stories. He is a professional race car driver and convicted drug trafficker from the United States. Yes, you read that correctly. Two endeavors that grew together to heights few have experienced.

He is best known for his racing efforts in the mid-1980s, including winning the 1984 IMSA Camel GT title for the wholly independent Blue Thunder Racing team, placing 9th in the 1986 INDY 500, and becoming the Rookie of the Year at that same race. In 1988, Randy was arrested for marijuana smuggling and sentenced to life in prison without parole under the Continuing Criminal Enterprise statute (also known as the "Super Drug Kingpin" law).

We talk to Randy about his late start in racing; how he ascended through the ranks so quickly; beating Porsche; a factory ride offer; how it came crashing down; and how he found purpose and happiness.

Recorded August 11, 2022

Buy the book! https://www.amazon.com/Survival-Fastest-Scandal-Shocked-Sports-ebook/dp/B09K7BJZCY

Watch the Netflix episode of "Bad Sport" https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15528088/

SI Interview: https://www.si.com/longform/true-crime/randy-lanier-indycar-drug-smuggler/index.html

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Want your question answered? Want to watch the live stream, get ad-free podcasts, or exclusive podcasts? Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thesmokingtirepodcast

Use Off The Record! and ALWAYS fight your tickets! Enter code TST10 for a 10% discount on your first case on the Off The Record app, or go to http://www.offtherecord.com/TST.

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