Speed Secrets Podcast
177 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 217 ratingsThe Speed Secrets Podcast is all about high performance and race driving. In it, Ross Bentley has conversations with guests, resulting in tips, advice and inspiration you can take to the track. Digging into topics such as trail braking, cornering lines, race track specific advice, data acquisition and video analysis, upshifting and downshifting, handling and car setup, steering techniques, and the skill of using the throttle - all while driving on track - the goal is to not just entertain you, but also help you learn. Along the way, these conversations will get into why we drive on race tracks, igniting your passion for the sport. Each episode is 30 to 45 minutes in length – just right for listening to while on your way to work, to the track, or while you're working out. Oh, and in each episode - posted weekly - Ross will share one of his quick and effective Speed Secret tips.
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Episodes
168 - Davin Sturdivant: Karting and Sim Racing
November 19, 2020 11:00 - 51 minutes - 41.7 MBOn this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, Davin Sturdivant joins me to discuss all things karting! Why karting is awesome, why karting is a valuable learning tool, how you can use karting to learn to read drivers. We also get into sim racing and eSports! Davin’s Speed Secret: Be open. Davin Sturdivant is a competition go-kart racer, based out of the Pacific Northwest. Davin’s enthusiasm for performance driving and motorsports is highly engaging, encouraging people to become involv...
167 – Ross Bentley: Lessons Learned From a Lifetime in Motorsport
November 12, 2020 11:00 - 57 minutes - 46.9 MBIn this week’s episode of Speed Secret Podcast, I go solo discuss a lifetime in motorsport and the most valuable things I learned along the way. I dive into the story of how I got involved in this wonderful sport, the relationship between driving experience and when you should begin modifying and tuning your car, focusing on performance rather than results, why adaptability is more important than being fast, how you can improve your ability to sense the limits of your car and tires, and the ...
166 – Craig Watkins: Birth of Flying Lizards and Engineering Your Car’s Handling
November 05, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 50.8 MBOn this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, Craig Watkins sits down to discuss how he became a race car engineer, how the Flying Lizards race team came about, the process of engineering and tuning a car’s handling, and the right questions to ask to figure out what your car needs. He also dishes about what it’s like to work with drivers such as Johannes van Overbeek, Patrick Long, Jörg Bermeister, Timo Bernhard, and other factory Porsche drivers. Craig’s Speed Secret: Use a tire gauge ...
165 – Clay Millican: a Mind Boggling 335MPH in 3.7 seconds
October 29, 2020 10:00 - 53 minutes - 43.7 MBIn this week’s episode of Speed Secrets podcast, I am joined by Clay Millican, NHRA Top Fuel drag racer. We discuss the mental game of drag racing, driving 11,000 horsepower, how to steer a Top Fuel dragster, the importance of reaction times, and all that goes into driving a race in less than 4 seconds! Clay Millican is a 6-time World Champion Top Fuel drag racer, having won IHRA championships from 2001 to 2006. He’s won 3 NHRA events, and his top speed is 335.23 MPH, and an ET of 3.628 se...
164 – James Hinchcliffe: the Mayor of Hinchtown on All Things Racing
October 22, 2020 10:00 - 57 minutes - 80.1 MBOn this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, James Hinchcliffe joins me to discuss how “the Major of Hinchtown” came about, where the “fun meter” is pointing these days when you get in a race car, how to regain focus using mental triggers, the importance of being able to adapt (and why one style is not good enough), and using a negative, “cup half empty” approach to winning. James Hinchcliffe is a Canadian race car driver best known for competing in the IndyCar Series. He currently com...
163 – Michael Zimicki: Cranky Old Men Ranting About Driving Myths, Part 2
October 15, 2020 10:00 - 58 minutes - 47.7 MBOn this week’s part 2 episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, Michael Zimicki and I carry on busting myths and ranting about the way too many drivers and coaches get caught up in the thinking that everything something we say should be taken as gospel. Mike’s speed secret: Never stop learning. Mike has coached drivers such as Graham Rahal, Danica Patrick, Jon Fogarty, Ryan Hunter-Reay, and many, many more big names; he’s also coached drivers you’ve never heard of. The bottom line is he’s one of...
162 – Michael Zimicki: Cranky Old Men Ranting About Driving Myths, Part 1
October 08, 2020 10:00 - 56 minutes - 45.9 MBOn this week’s part 1 episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, I sit down with friend and coach, Michael Zimicki, to bust or confirm some of the most common driving myths! Mike has coached drivers such as Graham Rahal, Danica Patrick, Jon Fogarty, Ryan Hunter-Reay, and many, many more big names; he’s also coached drivers you’ve never heard of. The bottom line is he’s one of the best. Check out Mike at: https://www.sliderulemotorsports.com IG: @zimicki Facebook
161 – Peter Krause: How to Drive Fast, Consistently
October 01, 2020 10:00 - 56 minutes - 45.8 MBOn this week’s episode of Speed Secret podcast, Peter Krause (fellow coach and data guru) joins me to talk all things driving fast – consistently! We get into why driving the limit is more important than the line, raising corner entry speed, and leading the throttle existing corners. Peter’s Speed Secret: Drive every corner, every lap, as quickly as you can. Peter specialties include individual and privately tailored analysis and optimization programs for sports car drivers and racers; d...
160 - Adam Spence Explains How the Garmin Catalyst Can Make You a Faster Driver
September 24, 2020 10:00 - 54 minutes - 44.4 MBOn this week’s episode of Speed Secrets podcast, Adam Spence (architect leader at Garmin, and racer) joins me to discuss Garmin’s new data tool, the Catalyst. The Catalyst really is as cool as it sounds, and helped me shave 0.9 seconds off my best lap time. Plus, Adam explains what Area 51 at Garmin is! In addition to his role as Product Architect Leader – Area 51 at Garmin, Adam is a racer and track instructor. Check out the Catalyst here!
159 – Dr. Jerry Lynch: Thinking Body, Dancing Mind
September 17, 2020 10:00 - 58 minutes - 47.7 MBOn this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, I talk with Dr. Jerry Lynch, author of my all-time favorite book, Thinking Body, Dancing Mind. As an expert in Eastern philosophy and sports psychology, his insights and guidance have had a major impact on my life, helping me perform better as a driver and coach. We discuss what being a champion really means, how Jerry’s teachings were used by Phil Jackson when coaching the Chicago Bulls, L.A. Lakers, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant, and his h...
158 - Cathy McCause Fuss: Running a Race Series
September 10, 2020 11:00 - 56 minutes - 45.9 MBOn this week’s Speed Secret Podcast, Cathy McCause Fuss joins me to talk about why she got involved with running a race series, how to make a series popular, how to make endurance racing safe, her sponsors (Hankook and Hawk brakes), and giving back through charitable events. She shares about Lucky Dog races and Heroes Motorsports race teams for veterans. Cathy’s speed secret: Be able to see! Cathy has been involved in endurance racing since driving in the very first Lemons races at Altam...
157 – Samir Abid: Break Into Driving Data & Nike’s Breaking2 and Ineo 1:59 Projects
September 03, 2020 11:00 - 53 minutes - 43.2 MBOn this week’s Speed Secrets Podcast, Samir Abid and I get into how best to use data to help you become an even better driver, managing the driver’s mind when it’s too analytical and focused on data, and how to use the data from another driver to improve your own driving. We also talk about what Samir learned from having Scott Mansell of Driver61 drive his car, and what makes Lewis Hamilton so special. Samir shares about his involvement in Nike’s Breaking2 and the Ineos 1:59 Challenge projec...
156 – Jonatan Jorge: Having an Open Mind to Always Learning More
August 27, 2020 11:00 - 50 minutes - 41 MBOn this week’s Speed Secret Podcast, Jonatan Jorge joins me to discuss what’s made him so successful as a coach, when a coach needs their own coach, and looking outside motorsport (at other sports) to learn how to be a better coach and driver. We also get into the misconception of looking way ahead and through the corner, the value of checkpoints, different references for different drivers, and visual pattern matching. As a bonus, Ross shares his “vision process.” Jonatan’s speed secret: K...
155 – Rob Krider: Racing Insights From a California Highway Patrol officer
August 20, 2020 11:00 - 54 minutes - 44.5 MBOn this week’s Speed Secrets Podcast, Rob Krider joins me to talk about his writing career; his novel, Cadet Blues; his “other” job as a California Highway Patrol officer; and his experience when his car caught fire. Ever wonder the similarities between racing and police driving? We get into that, too! Rob’s speed secret: Drive fast enough to scare yourself once a lap; make micro-improvements; be consistent. Rob Krider is a National Champion racecar driver from the NASA Honda Challenge s...
154 – John Santiago: Learn How to Learn
August 13, 2020 11:00 - 51 minutes - 42.2 MBOn this week’s Speed Secret Podcast, John joins me to discuss some very important things in driving: self reflection, awareness, accountability, ego, and being okay saying “I don’t know.” John breaks down philosophy and teaching, and how “Aha!” moments are rare, but that’s ok because learning is a process! We break down the traits of the best and worst drivers, and explain how having a fixed vs. growth mindset will determine your success.John Santiago: Learn How to Learn John’s speed secre...
153 – Jeff Braun: Race Strategy & Coffee
August 06, 2020 11:00 - 55 minutes - 44.7 MBOn this week’s Speed Secrets Podcast, Jeff and I discuss how to improve your race strategy decisions – what to know, what to ask, what to understand, and having patience. We also dig into his hobby business, Mesa Vista Coffee, and his love of coffee roasting! Jeff is one of the very best race car engineers in the world. He’s engineered cars at every level, and every type: NASCAR, karts, club racing cars, Indy, GT and Prototypes, and even Top Fuel dragsters. But what sets Jeff apart from ma...
152 – Danny van Dongen: Hankook Motorsports and tires, tires, tires.
July 30, 2020 11:00 - 47 minutes - 38.3 MBOn this week’s episode, Danny and I discuss his background as a driver and his motorsport business, Hankook Motorsports. We talk everything tires and tackle how to find the right tire pressure for your car, how to use tire temperature, whether tires are directional or not, heat cycles, and how driving styles affect tires! Danny van Dongen is a Dutch racing driver and entrepreneur, currently competing in the MW-V6 Pickup Series. Danny’s speed secret: Feel what the tires are doing and adap...
151 - Chris Andrews: The Best Car Setup and Driving Styles
July 23, 2020 10:00 - 57 minutes - 47 MBOn this week’s episode, Chris Andrews joins me to discuss how driving styles impact the handling of a car, different car setups for oval and road racing, the best passing zones at Watkins Glen, and the best books to read to learn about the best car setup and engineering. Also, a special treat, Chris shares hilarious stories about Dale Earnhardt (including what he says at a urinal). Chris's speed secret: Never stop learning. Check these out to follow Chris: Web: www.tcaellc.com Facebook...
150 – Adam Jabaay: Gridlife and the Best of the Slip Angle Podcast
July 09, 2020 11:00 - 50 minutes - 40.9 MBOn this week’s episode, Adam Jabaay joins me to discuss the best stories from the Slip Angle podcast, everything Gridlife, and eSports and sim racing. He also shares how he manages time between racing, family, and business – and where to sneak sleep in! Adam is a club racer in SCCA, NASA and Lemons, a HPDE instructor, and one of the organizers of the Gridlife events. He’s also a co-host, along with Austin Cabot, on the Slip Angle podcast; in addition, they have the TrackTuned.com blog. A...
149 – David Williams: How Sim Driving Can Help You
July 09, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 50.2 MBOn this week’s episode, David Williams joins me to talk about how sim racing can make you a better track day driver or racer. We dive deep to discuss Virtual Racing School, how being a pro sim racer works (where does the money come from?!), dealing with a lack of sensory input from the sim, sensing the limit in a sim, the accuracy of car setups in the sim, brain neuroplasticity and adapting to sims and real cars. Oh, and David offers sim coaching services. David’s speed secret: Be deli...
148 – Rob Wilson: Coaching F1 Drivers, the Perfect Way to Turn, and Confidence!
July 02, 2020 11:00 - 50 minutes - 41.4 MBRob Wilson joins us on this week’s episode to share stories about coaching F1 drivers, the importance of weight transfer, why confidence matters, and the perfect technique to turning a steering wheel. He also shares his aha! moment as a driver and a coach. Rob’s speed secret: Always tell the car what’s coming next. Rob Wilson is well-known as a driver coach to many current and past Formula One drivers (Kimi Raikkonen, Nico Rosberg, Valtteri Bottas), as well as working as an instructor wi...
147 – James Chartres: Gaining Confidence and Gaining Speed
June 25, 2020 11:00 - 50 minutes - 70.1 MBOn this week’s episode, James Chartres joins me to talk about how he built his confidence and became one of “the oast Ones” in the competitive world of SCCA, finding the balance between being analytical and just letting go to have fun, making track notes, and turn 5 at Laguna Seca. We also dive into racing sponsorships/partnerships at the grassroots level. James races a Spec Racer Ford in the SCCA San Francisco region, runs his own team – Kanga Motorsport – and in his spare time is an aero...
146 – Tom O’Gorman: Autocross, Simulators, and Those Iconic Blue Sunglasses
June 18, 2020 11:00 - 48 minutes - 39.7 MBIn this week’s episode, Tom O’Gorman joins me to talk about autocross (how it helps and hurts road course driving), simulators and eSports, the ideal corning line, and making a career in racing! We also discuss why driving a bad car in bad conditions can actually be a really good thing! O’Gorman’s Speed Secret: Start with well-known limits, and then push each of them by adapting references. Follow O’Gorman here: Instagram Facebook (racing) Facebook (personal)
145 – Scot Elkins: Motorsport Safety Foundation, IMSA, and ALMS
June 11, 2020 11:00 - 51 minutes - 41.6 MBOn this week’s episode, Scot Elkins joins me to discuss being COO of IMSA/ALMS and managing the merge with Grand-Am. He dishes all about the Motorsport Safety Foundation – the what and why of the HPDE instructor certification program “CERTIFIED,” how the safety standards are set, and why all driving instructors should get CERTIFIED. Scot is the COO of the Motorsport Safety Foundation, as well as the race director for the Formula E series. Having spent years as a race engineer, as well as a...
144 - Dane Cameron: Driving Styles and What Makes Drivers Fast
June 04, 2020 10:00 - 55 minutes - 45.2 MBOn this week’s Speed Secrets Podcast, Dane Cameron joins me to discuss building confidence as a race driver, how to drive a car with aerodynamic down force – how to learn to trust it and manage its traction, and the difference in driving styles between open wheel and sports cars. He also shares what it was like to get the call to drive for Roger Penske! Dane Cameron is the reigning IMSA WeatherTech champion, alongside his co-driver at Team Penske Acura, Juan Montoya. And that’s a title he’...
143 - Andrew Rains: How to Get the Most out of Your Data System
May 28, 2020 14:06 - 48 minutes - 39.1 MBAndrew Rains joins me on this week's episode to discuss all about data systems. We tackle how to best use your data system, the importance of understanding the "why" behind what you see on data, what data can and can't do, and more... Andrew Rains has been going to the track since he was five, has raced in Pirelli World Challenge and club racing, is the marketing director for APEX Pro, races as often as he can, and instructs/coaches drivers of all levels. Andrew's Speed Secret? If you ...
142 – Colin Braun: The Balance Between Conscious and Subconscious Driving
May 19, 2020 16:00 - 52 minutes - 72.2 MBColin Braun joins me to talk about traveling for races, getting the balance between overthinking and not thinking enough when driving, trusting your subconscious programming to drive, and getting into the zone. We also discuss the important of always learning and never getting complacent, and what to do when you can’t do what you want with your driving technique. Colin has raced and won in everything from NASCAR to IMSA. He currently drives in the Weather Tech IMSA series, as well as for C...
141 - Dave Peters: Being a HPDE Junkie
September 12, 2019 10:00 - 53 minutes - 44.3 MBDave Peters joins me to talk about the world of HPDE, driving Miatas, and where driving confidence comes from. Dave founded and runs HPDEjunkie.com, a website devoted to listing HPDE events in the U.S. (and Canada soon). It’s a great resource – and it’s free to event organizers. They just need to contact Dave and let them know of their events. So if you know of an event, or an organizer who needs more participants, make sure it’s listed on HPDEjunkie.com. Dave’s Speed Secret: Build conf...
140 – Travis Okulski: The Future of Road & Track
September 05, 2019 10:00 - 54 minutes - 44.4 MBTravis Okulski joins me to talk about where Road & Track is headed, his racing experience and how that’s contributed to where he is today, what makes drivers like Marco Andretti, Graham Rahal, and Colin Braun so great, and the future of motorsport – including Formula E. Travis is the Editor-in-Chief for Road & Track magazine. He started racing karts when he was 12, but realized that a career in motorsport – something he was committed to – was best achieved from behind the keyboard rather t...
139 – Jim Kearney: How to Win Races
August 29, 2019 10:00 - 46 minutes - 38.8 MBJim Kearney joins me to talk about what it takes to win more races, and we discuss the importance of car prep, mental prep, having triggers to get you in the right state of mind/mood, and track notes. Jim is a super-successful driver coach who raced Formula Vee himself for years before turning his attention to helping other drivers. His drivers have won multiple SCCA Runoffs championships, so he definitely knows how to help drivers win more. Jim’s Speed Secret: It’s all about self-belief...
138 – Ryan Yard: Motorsport Motivation
August 22, 2019 10:00 - 47 minutes - 39.3 MBRyan Yard joins me to talk about everything from using motorsport to motivate you in other areas of your life to the creative puzzle that is driving faster. In our conversation, we talk about getting in flow, car setup, using music to trigger performance, dealing with problems, focus, discipline, and the benefits of journaling and note-taking. Ryan started in HPDE, quickly moved to wheel-to-wheel racing, and currently competes in SCCA and PCA events. He also leads a national championship. ...
137 – CJ Wilson: Pro Baseball Player to Race Driver
August 15, 2019 10:00 - 59 minutes - 49.2 MBCJ Wilson joins me to talk about his transition from pro baseball player to race driver. We talk about the superstitions & routines baseball players rely on and how they apply to motorsport; what he learned from being a Major League Baseball pitcher that he uses in racing; how to practice with intensity; the different techniques required for an aero downforce car versus one without aero; and the overall mindset one needs to succeed. You’ll love this episode – especially his description of fe...
136 – Ryan Staub: Managing Risk on the Track
August 08, 2019 10:00 - 44 minutes - 37 MBRyan Staub is back, and we’re talking about the stuff many drivers don’t want to talk about. You know, the stuff about risk, responsibility, waivers, liability, insurance and so on – for both drivers and instructors. But since Ryan is a racer and chief instructor for his BMW CCA chapter, we also talk about driving. Ryan is serious car/driving geek first, but also an insurance expert, as he runs the Lockton Motorsports insurance program. So, he understands the risks and legal issues associa...
135 – Garth Stein: The Art of Racing in the Rain
August 01, 2019 11:00 - 38 minutes - 32.2 MBGarth Stein joins me to talk about his wildly successful bestselling book, The Art of Racing in the Rain – and how it’s now a major motion picture (premiers August 9th). You’ll love Garth’s stories, and the behind-the-scene look at why the book has become so popular, as well as how he was able to describe so accurately what racing is really like (hint: Garth raced Spec Miata). In addition to The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth has authored three other novels—A Sudden Light, How Evan Broke...
134 - Preston Lerner: Learning From the Best, Ford GT & Driver Ratings
July 25, 2019 11:00 - 52 minutes - 43.4 MBPreston Lerner joins me to talk about what he’s noticed that the best drivers – such as Colin Braun – do that make them so great. As a journalist, that’s what he does – observe things that most people miss. We also talk about his own racing in a Spec Miata (and what you can learn from his strengths and weaknesses), the Ford GTs at Le Mans, and the dreaded Driver Ratings system that is used sports car racing. Preston writes for Road & Track magazine, amongst others, and has written a number...
133 – Dr. Barry Seiller & Ryan Warkins: How to Improve Your Driving Vision
July 18, 2019 11:00 - 47 minutes - 38.9 MBDr. Barry Seiller and Ryan Warkins join me to talk all about a huge topic - vision. We all know that how we use our eyes is critical in performance and race driving, and yet, we mostly take it for granted – we either have it or not. But it can be trained – it can be improved. I’ve been testing and using the Vizual Edge app that Doc Barry developed, and he, Ryan, and I talk about what “vision” is, and how best to train your vision skills. If you’re interested in using the Vizual Edge traini...
132 – Brian Bonner: What’s New in Motorsport Sponsorship
July 11, 2019 11:30 - 52 minutes - 43.4 MBBrian Bonner joins me to talk about motorsport sponsorship. Specifically, we talk about new trends in how motorsport marketing deals are put together, even if you’re not a big pro racing team. Brian shares a couple of great examples, in James Chartres and Kanga Motorsport, and Steve Smith and Big Mission Motorsport, and then gives tips that you can use to land a sponsor. Brian is a former Indy car and IMSA driver who specializes in motorsport marketing. He’s done it all, from prospecting p...
131 – Steve Olsen: NuCalm Yourself to Faster Driving
July 04, 2019 10:00 - 48 minutes - 40.1 MBDr. Steve Olsen joins me to talk about the Corvette Challenge Club, the importance of managing one’s state of mind – particularly being calm – and the NuCalm system (www.nucalm.com). Steve purchased a Corvette when he turned 50 (the first time that ever happened!), and has been tracking ever since. In fact, he has more open track day laps at High Plains Raceway in Denver than anyone else. Recently, he and a partner founded the Corvette Challenge Club, and as a dentist he worked with using ...
130 – Peter Krause: What Have You Learned Lately?
June 27, 2019 10:00 - 58 minutes - 48.3 MBMy friend, fellow coach, and co-conspirator in the Virtual Track Walk videos, Peter Krause and I take time after a couple of days of coaching at VIR to catch up and talk about driving (what else?!). We share thoughts on the “accelerate to” and “EoB” points, the differences between “fast” and “slow” corners, what the “racing line” truly is, what the “best execution of fundamentals” really means, and how to use your data systems “g-Sum,” as well as “references and indexes.” Ultimately, it’s a ...
129 – Davide Tarsitano & Bryce Moore: Dallara Simulator – Amazing Experience!
June 20, 2019 10:00 - 42 minutes - 35.4 MBAfter driving the Dallara simulator at their Indy facility, I talk with sim engineer Davide Tarsitano, and Bryce Moore about how you can use it. We talk about the differences between the typical home sim rig and this multimillion-dollar driver- and car-development tool, as well as how it’s not as expensive as one would think when compared to what you can accomplish with no chance of damaging one’s car. Easily, this is the most realistic sim I’ve ever driven, and I’ve had the chance to drive ...
128 – Andy Hollis: One Lap of America & More
June 13, 2019 10:00 - 50 minutes - 41.7 MBAndy Hollis joins me to talk about everything to do with the One Lap of America. It’s an event that I’m dying to do, so I pick his brain to learn as much as I can. If it’s not on your list of motorsport events to do yet, it will be after listening to Andy. As he says, it’s “the ultimate motorsport vacation of a lifetime,” or “summer camp for gearheads.” Andy is a 13-time SCCA national autocross champ, 20-year SCCA rules-maker, track day junkie, 35 years autocross and track day instructor, ...
127 – Kostas Sidiras & Serxio Veiga: One Lap Heroes & the Nurburgring
June 06, 2019 10:00 - 1 hour - 99.1 MBKostas Sidiras & Serxio Veiga join me to talk about… well, anything they want. These guys are so much fun – and we even learn something from them! We talk about driving the Nurburgring, Spa, Mosport, Ring Bananas, Fiat Multiplas, and Porsche GT3s. More importantly, we talk about why we do what we do, and what car people are really like (hint: they might not be normal). Kostas and Serxio (and friends) have a fun YouTube channel called One Lap Heroes, and both work at RSRNurburg and RSRSpa a...
126 – Lawrence Loshak: How to Win at Racing
May 30, 2019 09:00 - 57 minutes - 47 MBLawrence Loshak joins me to talk about all sorts of really interesting & helpful topics, such as how to prepare for an event, simulators, adapting to your car, trail braking, left-foot-braking, being proactive with your driving, “taking a set,” comparing front-wheel to rear-wheel & open-wheel to closed-wheel, and transmissions. And he shares 3 Speed Secrets with you! You won’t want to miss this show. Lawrence is currently leading the Trans-Am championship, and has won five SCCA championshi...
125 – James Colborn: Making Your Driving Comeback
May 23, 2019 10:00 - 55 minutes - 45.2 MBJames Colborn joins me to talk about making his comeback to racing after taking more than a year off from it. Not only has he made a comeback, but he’s done it in an open-wheel car – not something he’s driven before – and on tracks he’s never seen before. So, it’s been a bit like starting all over again, but with a solid foundation to start from. And that’s provided a very interesting learning experience. James is, as his website suggests, a “gentleman driver.” He started with HPDE events,...
124 – Kevin Boehm: How to Win the SCCA Runoffs
May 16, 2019 10:00 - 55 minutes - 45.9 MBKevin Boehm, who’s won the SCCA Runoff three times, shares what he’s learned so you can win the Runoffs. Yes, he’s sharing his secrets - from driving and car prep to his overall strategy towards the event, you’ll hear how Kevin has won three out of the four of the Runoffs he’s raced. Kevin is an engineer for Honda R&D, working at the Marysville, Ohio facility, and has raced in SCCA as well as IMSA. In 2019, he’ll be heading to VIR, looking to gather his fourth win at the Runoffs – so look ...
123 – Jim Mero: Corvette Handling Engineer & Test Driver
May 09, 2019 10:00 - 58 minutes - 48.2 MBJim Mero joins me to talk about the Corvette, his contributions to its development over the past decade-plus, life as a development test driver, lapping the Nurburgring as part of one’s job, and what’s ahead for Corvette. Two things that came out of our conversation that I found especially fascinating was his explanation of “linear versus non-linear driving,” and how test drivers rely on their subconscious to drive the car while the conscious mind is focused on developing the car. Jim spe...
122 – Bill Thomas: Ferraris, Lotuses, GT40s, Performance Garage & More
May 02, 2019 10:00 - 51 minutes - 42.7 MBBill Thomas joins me to talk about… well, lots! All of the various things he does, including his William Thomas Roadsters, Drakan Cars, Performance Garage Club, and importing the CAV GT40. Bill shares his experiences with Ferrari, Lotus, GT40s, and Hellcats. Oh, and we talk about his own track driving experience - specifically, about when and how to experiment with your driving, and why you should do that. Follow: Bill is the/a owner of: William Thomas Roadsters,LLC Drakan Cars East, ...
121 – Steve Spano: Using the Voices in Your Head to Drive Faster
April 25, 2019 10:00 - 41 minutes - 34.5 MBSteve Spano joins me to talk about how we can use technology to drive faster, and specifically, the RaceVoice device he helped develop. This device plugs into your existing ECU and data system, and then provides auditory information to you – everything from corner entry and minimum speeds to when to upshift or whether your engine is overheating. I used the RaceVoice recently and absolutely love it, so I wanted you to learn about it. After this podcast was recorded, I asked Steve for a disc...
120 – Ingrid Steffensen: Fast Girl… Well, Fast Driver, Instructor & Writer
April 18, 2019 10:00 - 51 minutes - 42.8 MBIngrid Steffensen is on the show today, and we talk about expanding our comfort zone, getting into flow, what we learn about ourselves from track driving, writing, learning, and her book Fast Girl: Don’t Brake Until You See the Face of God. Which, by the way, is an absolutely great read! Ingrid started in the HPDE world in a Mini Cooper S, graduated to a Lotus Elise, and is now about to upgrade to an Exige Cup car. She also instructs, both in-car and in the classroom. When she’s not at the...
119 – Johannes van Overbeek: How to Win Endurance Races
April 11, 2019 10:00 - 49 minutes - 69.2 MBJohannes van Overbeek and I reminisce about the time we spent together at ESM Patron Racing, and he gives away all of his secrets about winning endurance races. We then compare right-foot with left-foot-braking, how a driver can be a nice laid back guy out of the car and yet be a killer behind the wheel, and why he recently retired from regular race driving. Johannes has won the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the Sebring 12-hour, Petit Le Mans, raced at Le Mans, and won the Thunderhill 25-hour race ...