K-Town Connection

21/06/2025

Episode 41 of the K-Town Connection is here. This week we spotlight the leadership of Kannapolis City Schools. Check out this outstanding and very informative episode that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the district's vision, groundbreaking initiatives, and the outstanding programs driving the future of education in our community.

In this episode, recorded at the iconic Dayvault's Dyno Garage in Kannapolis, the Rough Talk Cousins—Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault—team up with Chuck "Dr. D...

14/06/2025

In Episode 40 of the K-Town Connection, we sit down with coach Nick Buckwell and members of the A.L. Brown Cross Country team to explore their dedication to athletics, academics, and the Kannapolis community.

Hear firsthand from student-athletes Laney Morton, Megan Fongemy, and Myles Beaver as they share their experiences growing up in Kannapolis, training as competitive runners, and building strong bonds through their sport.

Coach Buckwell discusses the revitalization of the Cross Country program, its history of excellence, and the team’s commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment. Whether it’s training downtown, high-fiving locals, or representing the “K” with pride, this team embodies resilience and spirit.

In Episode 40 of the K-Town Connection, we sit down with coach Nick Buckwell and members of the A.L. Brown Cross Country team to explore their dedication to athletics, academics, and the Kannapolis community. Hear firsthand from student-athletes Laney Morton, Megan Fongemy, and Myles Beaver as they....

13/06/2025

CarolinaPreps.com was in town today to showcase the A.L. Brown Football program.

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. —Summer Football 2025: Kannapolis Brown could pose some challenges in new-look 7A c

12/06/2025

Lunch today at Lee's Sandwich Shop, and Darlene definitely remembered Chris’ silverware. Come get some spaghetti while it lasts.

31/05/2025

Get ready for an unforgettable episode of K-Town Connection! Episode 39 takes you on-location to Dayvault’s Dyno Garage, where the Ryan Dayvault and Chris Hughes sit down with local media legend Steve Gantt.

A U.S. Air Force veteran and long-time journalist, Steve shares captivating stories from his years at The Daily Independent and his two-decade-plus run on local cable channels, covering everything from short track racing to high school football.

In this episode, Steve reminisces about his friendship with Dale Earnhardt, reveals the story behind Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s first-ever resume, and recounts the origins of the iconic SunDrop sponsorship. He even sneaks in some stories about working with Hollywood star, Burt Reynolds.

Don’t miss this treasure trove of local history, sports memories, and behind-the-scenes tales.

So grab an ice-cold SunDrop and settle in for another can't-miss episode of K-Town Connection!

Chris Hughes
Ryan Dayvault
Sun Drop
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Steve Gantt

Get ready for an unforgettable episode of K-Town Connection! Episode 39 takes you on-location to Dayvault’s Dyno Garage, where the Ryan Day...

23/05/2025

Recorded on-location at the historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage in Kannapolis, the ; Chris Hughes & Ryan Dayvault, once again welcomed Joe Farinella of Hazleton, PA. Known as one of the country’s most devoted Dale Earnhardt fans, Joe shared his deep admiration for The Intimidator and his love for Kannapolis.

But the episode took an unexpected turn when a surprise guest walked into the garage. Wessa Brooke Miller, accompanied by her mother Juanita and Dale Earnhardt’s son, Kerry Earnhardt, joined the show, uniting best friends Wessa and Joe in a heartwarming moment.

Wessa and Juanita shared incredible stories of Dale Earnhardt’s kindness and generosity, offering listeners a touching glimpse into a softer side of the NASCAR legend.

Recorded on-location at the historic Dayvault's Dyno Garage in Kannapolis, the ; Chris Hughes & Ryan Dayvault, once again welcomed Joe Farin...

22/05/2025

No better word to describe today’s recording of the K-Town Connection than special. What a special, and at times emotional episode with our dear friend Joe Farinella, and very special guest Wessa Brooke Miller.

If the guests were not a big enough story, this is also our first recording in our new studio at the historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage.

For those not familiar with who Wessa is, shes possibly the most well known, and respected person in Dale Earnhardt’s amazing story. She is the young lady who gave Dale the lucky penny before he won the 1998 Daytona 500.

Dale’s oldest son Kerry Earnhardt also joined us to make this show so incredible.

The episode should come out tomorrow so stay tuned.

18/05/2025

Recorded on location in the heart of downtown Kannapolis at the 3rd Annual Earnhardt Outdoors Day: Full Throttle BBQ & Brews, the Ryan Dayvault and Chris Hughes sit down with Kerry and Rene Earnhardt. Together, they explore the excitement of this lively weekend festival, share incredible stories about Dale Earnhardt—Kannapolis's beloved hometown hero and 7-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion—and dive into the ways the Earnhardt family continues to honor its roots in their hometown.

Chris Hughes
Ryan Dayvault
Earnhardt Outdoors
Kerry Earnhardt

Recorded on location in the heart of downtown Kannapolis at the 3rd Annual Earnhardt Outdoors Day: Full Throttle BBQ & Brews, the Ryan Dayv...

16/05/2025

Recorded on location in North Kannapolis at Moose Pharmacy (formerly Martin Drugs), the Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault, along with Dr. Dave (Chuck Irvin), sat down to hear incredible stories from Bobby Dayvault and current Pharmacist-in-Charge Holli Overcash Yow. They explored the 90-year history of this iconic North Kannapolis pharmacy, highlighting its role as the heart of the community and its legacy as the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in town.

Moose Pharmacy
Moose Pharmacy

Recorded on location in North Kannapolis at Moose Pharmacy (formerly Martin Drugs), the Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault, along with Dr. Dave...

10/05/2025

Recorded on location at the Curb Motorsports Museum and the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in downtown Kannapolis, the , Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault, had an engaging conversation with longtime Kannapolis resident Gene Overcash. They explored the museum’s incredible collection of race cars and priceless music memorabilia, all housed on Dale Earnhardt Blvd.

Chris Hughes
Ryan Dayvault

Recorded on location at the Curb Motorsports Museum and the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in downtown Kannapolis, the , Chris Hughes and...

23/04/2025

Our friends at UNC Nutrition Research Institute asked if we could help spread the word about the NC Science Festival STEM night at the ballpark going on next week! Get your tickets and enjoy learning about what all goes on at the NCRC.

https://uncnri.org/stemnight/?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign_name%7D%7D&utm_content=%7B%7Bad_name%7D%7D_%7B%7Bad_id%7D%7D&utm_term=%7B%7Badset_name%7D%7D_%7B%7Badset_id%7D%7D&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMABhZGlkAasch-M_KhABHnlGGuOAifhiC6Qh8xHIJoiniRzz8dwwl1R-9W8PwhslHj-4r_xMNbHSQa4J_aem_p09kCT9u4MnNQe-3LLmpmw&utm_id=120221184037240368

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11/04/2025

The K-Town Connection team visited Hilbish Ford to explore the latest happenings at the dealership and reconnect with Tim Vaughn, alongside the new General Manager, Josh Forester. Grab an ice-cold SunDrop, sit back, and enjoy this episode!

https://youtu.be/GKjP7aLHcds

Hilbish Ford
Chris Hughes
Ryan Dayvault

The K-Town Connection team visited Hilbish Ford to explore the latest happenings at the dealership and reconnect with Tim Vaughan, alongside the new General ...