About Us

Team Owners - Russ and Jeannine Darnell

Russ and Jeannine are the proud owners of RJD Racing. Married in 2014 in the race team colors of purple, blue, and yellow, racing is at the center of all that they do.

Russ is retired from the United States Navy and from the University of Colorado. He currently works at Denver International Airport in the Central Utility Plant helping to ensure everyone stays comfortable during their travels through the airport.

Jeannine is a full time student at Front Range Community College in the Multimedia Graphic Design program. She plans to graduate in May, 2026, with certificates in Graphic Design, Web Design, and Video Production and Editing. She is also a ham radio operator, accomplished pianist, and occasional performer of the Star Spangled Banner at Colorado National Speedway.

The Darnell pack

The Darnell’s have three rescue dogs.

Meekah is a 12 year old English Cream Golden Retriever mix that was rescued from Childress, Texas before she could be put in the pound.
Angelina is an 11 year old Pitbull mix that was rescued from the Longmont Humane Society when she was 2 years old.
Reese is a 3 year old Dalmatian–Hound mix that was a foster–fail from Dalmatian Rescue of Colorado.

They also foster Merlin, a 9 year old pure-bred Dalmatian from Dalmatian Rescue of Colorado. Merlin was surrendered with bladder stones that required surgery and started out as a medical foster. After he healed from that surgery, he needed to have several infected teeth removed. While preparing for that surgery, it was discovered that Merlin has high blood pressure. Once that was under control, Merlin had most of his teeth removed. Thinking everything was fine, the Darnell’s began working on helping him lose some weight. The vet discovered that he is now experiencing kidney problems. There is still hope that Merlin can once again be a healthy dog with the correct supports however he is likely unadoptable and will likely remain with the Darnell’s for life.

The Team

Driver - Russ Darnell

A race car driver kneeling next to his race car.

Our driver is team co-owner Russ Darnell. Living just 3 miles from Colorado National Speedway, Russ was a fan before he took the leap into racing. Starting as a brake man in the Trains division, he was able to learn about getting a car put together and how to drive it on the track from Kathy Caulkins, Jared Wall, and Harry Livermore before striking out on his own.

Crew Chief and Engine Builder - Brad Beirle

Brad Beirle has been our crew chief since 2019. Brad is an accomplished dirt track racer in a Modified. He's been building and maintaining Chevy 350 motors since the 70’s. Brad is the father of 3 lovely young ladies — Lizzy, Karra, and Paige — and is engaged to be married to the lovely Annette. He is also the owner of Septic Hotline, Northern Colorado's Premier Septic Installation Service.

General Helper - Paul Green

Usually found with a taco in his hand, Paul Green is our general helper and strong arm. He makes sure that what needs to be done gets done. From making sure the tires are correct to pushing the car across the scales, Paul is there to help. Paul is a proud father and grandfather. He also owns Restoration Support Services.

Delivery Specialist and Scribe - Talea Rose

A woman with glasses sitting in a racing chair.

The lovely Talea is our delivery specialist and scribe. As a former over–the–road truck driver, she brings our truck and trailer to the track and gets them lined up with precision. During the races, she makes sure that all of our statistics are recorded so we have a record of what works and what doesn't. Talea's day job is as a Biomedical Technician for Cheyenne Regional Hospital in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Retired Tire Guy - Shayne Lane

A man kneeling at the tire of a racecar.

Shayne is our retired tire guy. He actually is retired and worked at a tire shop! For us, however, He has done an amazing job making sure the correct tires are on and are filled to the correct psi. The emphasis for Shayne this year is that he is retired. He is now busy training our new tire guy and enjoying the view from the stands.

New Tire Guy - Colton Green

A man kneeling next to a German Shepard.

Paul’s youngest, Colton, is a race car driver in his own right and has graciously agreed to be our new tire guy for the season. Colton is still finding his way in the world and would love to speak with you if you are hiring a Welder's Apprentice.

Team Mom - Jeannine Darnell

A woman leaning over a brick wall taking a picture.

In addition to being a co-owner of the team, Jeannine makes sure everyone is fed and hydrated on race days. She will often have homemade cake for dessert in addition to a decent first–aid kit nearby. Jeannine also takes a ton of pictures, monitors the time, and is taking on the role of keeping our new social-media presence updated. Jeannine also owns and operates Ninthstar Graphics and Design.