J.R. Martinez gives the results of a challenge at Andretti's gaming center in Alpharetta on Friday, June 8, 2012. CREDIT: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com

I caught up with war hero, “Dancing With the Stars” winner and former Dalton resident J.R. Martinez last week at Andretti’s Indoor Karting.

He was hosting the Atlanta portion of a Yahoo! original series sponsored by Ford Focus Electric called “PluggedIn.”

Martinez takes three couples through different competitive challenges that showcase the city for a chance to compete in the national show. I watched the portion which involved the Andretti’s tight-rope walking contest. Martinez did not do the tight rope but he did climb to the top and jumped down as his “entrance” as the teams arrived.

Teams compete in cities across the country for a 2012 Ford Focus Electric. Each city is hosted by a different celebrity. Alicia Silverstone’s episode, which is online already, was shot in San Francisco. David Arquette did Los Angeles. Adrian Grenier (”Entourage”) will be taping an episode in New York City.

The Atlanta episode is set to air July 24 on the site.

Here’s my video interview with him, where we discuss his new baby, his upcoming memoir (out in November) and his guest starring role on an upcoming episode of “Army Wives” on Lifetime. He’s a busy man!

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By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk