Podcast Summary: Herm & Schrader – Episode Featuring Doug Coletta: Aviation Business Mogul & NHRA Drag Racing Champion

Podcast Information:

• Title: Herm & Schrader
• Host/Author: SiriusXM, Dirty Mo Media
• Episode: Doug Coletta: Aviation Business Mogul & NHRA Drag Racing Champion
• Release Date: June 26, 2025

Introduction

In this electrifying episode of Herm & Schrader, hosts Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader welcome Doug Coletta, a renowned aviation business mogul and NHRA Drag Racing Champion. The conversation delves deep into Doug's multifaceted career, his family's involvement in racing and aviation, and the challenges and triumphs he's experienced along the way.

Doug Coletta’s Background and Family

Timestamp: [02:38]

Kenny Wallace opens the discussion by introducing Doug Coletta, highlighting his reputation as "hero material" within the racing community. Doug shares insights into his family life, mentioning his marriage to Josie and his two children, Mitchell and Avery, who are both active in sports.

Kenny Wallace ([03:23]): "You're younger than me."

Doug Coletta ([03:27]): "Yeah, you know, 60 was a tough age. 60. But no, it's all good. I'm having fun with it and yeah."

Doug proudly discusses his daughter's recent signing with a professional girls' soccer team and his son's involvement in their family airline business, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and coordination.

Transition from Open Wheel to Drag Racing

Timestamp: [06:03]

Kenny initiates a deeper dive into Doug's racing career, particularly his transition from USAC midgets and sprint cars to Top Fuel NHRA drag racing. Doug elaborates on the challenges and motivations behind this shift, attributing much of his success to building a strong team.

Doug Coletta ([06:03]): "So the trick with this, you know, and being able to race like I've always raced, is to build it, you know, it forces you to build a good team."

He reflects on the legacy of his uncle, Connie Coletta, and how his family's aviation business, Coletta Charters, plays a significant role in supporting his racing endeavors.

Aviation Business and Its Intersection with Racing

Timestamp: [07:59]

The conversation pivots to Doug's aviation business, Coletta Charters, detailing the scale and operations of running 61 airplanes and over 400 employees. Doug highlights the essential role aviation plays in his racing career, providing flexibility and efficiency that commercial airlines cannot match.

Doug Coletta ([18:24]): "It's a convenience. You know, it, you know, even with running our business, you know, and doing what we do here and doing what I do here, you know, having that extra time on Fridays and then back Sunday afternoon, you know, it makes everything work so much easier."

He shares anecdotes about flying to races, supporting military operations, and collaborating with major sponsors like DHL, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between his aviation ventures and racing commitments.

Racing Career Highlights and Challenges

Timestamp: [30:23]

Kenny Wallace enthusiastically outlines Doug's impressive racing accolades, including multiple USAC championships and his eventual triumph in the Top Fuel NHRA championship in 2023 after several near-misses.

Kenny Wallace ([30:24]): "Doug Coletta, 1991 USAC Rookie of the Year... Runner up in Top Fuel 2003-2004-2006-2016, 2019, and finally won the Top Fuel championship in 2023."

Doug candidly discusses the frustrations of coming in second multiple times and the emotional relief and joy upon finally securing the championship.

Doug Coletta ([32:38]): "That was a relief. I mean, there's no..."

He also touches on the evolution of the NHRA point system and how it culminated in his 2023 victory, highlighting the strategic adjustments required to secure the top spot.

Influential Relationships in Racing

Timestamp: [46:46]

Doug reflects on his interactions with legendary figures in racing, including Kenny Irwin and Tony Stewart. He recalls the intense rivalries and mutual respect that define the racing community.

Doug Coletta ([54:37]): "Well, I was racing in that race... they had this rivalry... they were both driving for Steve Lewis and Bobby's cars."

The discussion emphasizes the camaraderie and competitive spirit that fuels the sport, with Doug paying tribute to those he has lost and the lasting impact they've had on his life and career.

Legacy and Future Endeavors

Timestamp: [72:17]

As the conversation winds down, Doug shares his pride in Coletta Air's achievements and his family's continued involvement in both aviation and racing. He mentions the upcoming seasons, the involvement of his son in the business, and the ongoing support from long-time sponsors like Mac Tools and Toyota.

Doug Coletta ([73:25]): "That was another cool thing that... to be on your show... it's another cool thing that I could say I've accomplished was to be on your show."

Kenny and Doug discuss the significance of Coletta Air's branding and its representation of the family's legacy in both industries.

Conclusion

The episode culminates with heartfelt acknowledgments of the people who have shaped Doug Coletta's journey, both in aviation and racing. Kenny Wallace expresses admiration for Doug's accomplishments and dedication, encouraging listeners to engage with Doug's work through various media platforms.

Kenny Wallace ([73:48]): "And that. That's what started getting my... Yeah, that's our newest paint scheme."

Doug expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to share his story, reinforcing the strong bonds within the racing and aviation communities.

Notable Quotes

• Kenny Wallace ([02:53]): "Doug Coletta is hero material. Doug, that's. That's awfully big."
• Doug Coletta ([10:05]): "We're doing a lot of medical work with those. Air ambulance still doing a lot of that."
• Kenny Wallace ([21:53]): "Do you think aviation is a convenience for racing, or is it a necessity?"
• Doug Coletta ([21:51]): "For me, it's a necessity."
• Kenny Wallace ([56:28]): "What pissed you off the most about those second place finishes? Which one?"
• Doug Coletta ([68:13]): "I was in the pits... It was just a huge relief as you can imagine."
• Kenny Wallace ([72:48]): "That logo, that Coletta logo. Did Connie ever tell you where that logo came from?"

Final Thoughts

This episode of Herm & Schrader offers an in-depth look into Doug Coletta's life, blending his passion for racing with his leadership in the aviation industry. Through engaging dialogue and personal anecdotes, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to excel in both high-octane environments. Doug's story is one of perseverance, family legacy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Connect with Doug Coletta:

• YouTube Show: Kenny Wallace YouTube
• Podcast: Dirty Mo Media - Kenny Conversations
• Social Media: Follow Dirty Mo Media on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram for more updates and exclusive content.