Drive Thru News #60: Where have all the "good cars" gone?

Jon Summers is the Motoring Historian. He was a company car thrashing technology sales rep that turned into a fairly inept sports bike rider. On his show he gets together with various co-hosts to talk about new and old cars, driving, motorbikes, motor racing, motoring travel. Jon opens the show with an anecdote about his son Ollie's go-karting experiences at both gas and electric karting events. He recounts the ups and downs of Ollie's races and emphasizes the sportsmanship displayed. The discussion then shifts to broader topics: Jon and his co-host Mark Gammie reminisce about memorable driving experiences and classic cars. They debate the concept of 'peak car,' particularly valuing models from the early 2000s for their balance of technology and driving experience. The conversation also meanders through various automotive histories, discussing the evolution of driving aids like traction control, and touching on specific car models such as the Toyota 2000 and Mazda Cosmo. They end by considering auto imports and the market for classic European cars in the U.S. ==================== 00:00 Introduction & Welcome 00:43 Anecdote: Ollie's Karting Adventure 05:11 Discussing Racecraft and Techniques 08:57 Exploring California Roads 11:44 Debating Peak Cars 21:42 Debating Traction Control 24:24 Motorbike Traction Control and Safety Aids 25:43 Exciting New Cars and Tech 27:08 Hot Hatches and European Imports 33:11 Classic Japanese Cars and Their Appeal 37:26 Toyota's Iconic Models 39:10 Conclusion and Credits ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ Copyright Jon Summers, The Motoring Historian. This content is also available via jonsummers.net. This episode is part of the Motoring Podcast Network and has been republished with permission.

Tonight, we have an opportunity to bring a piece of Le Mans to you, sharing in the Legend of Le Mans with guests from different eras of over 100 years of racing.  Butch Leitzinger, best known as an ALMS driver with Dyson Racing, he has also driven for a variety of other teams and race series. He is a three time winner of the Daytona 24 hours in 1994, ‘97 and ‘99. He won two IMSA driver's championship titles in both 1997 and 1998 while driving for Dyson Racing, and was named 2002 Rookie of the Year in the Trans-Am Series; and has raced in both the NEXTEL and Busch NASCAR series. Butch has attempted to conquer the 24 hours of Le Mans 6 times in his career, driving for Panoz in 1997 and ‘99, team Cadillac in 2000, then clinching a podium with Bentley in 2001, and  returning to Bentley in 2002 with a final run with Risi Competizione in 2003; and he’s here with us tonight to share his motorsports journey with us! ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Meet Butch Leitzinger 01:50 Butch's First Encounter with LeMans 03:53 Challenges and Experiences at LeMans 06:37 Comparing Daytona and LeMans 11:53 Racing with Panoz: The Journey Continues 13:13 Switching Teams: From Panoz to Cadillac 16:19 The Bentley Era: High Stakes and Iconic Wins 23:14 Comparing the Bentley to Other Cars 25:10 The 2002 Bentley Campaign 28:14 Bentley's 2003 Victory and Controversy 30:25 Transitioning to Ferrari and GT Racing 32:53 Lessons from LeMans 34:58 Advice for Aspiring LeMans Racers 38:33 Modern Prototypes and Future Prospects 41:51 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgements ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ To learn more about or to become a member of the ACO USA, look no further than www.lemans.org, Click on English in the upper right corner and then click on the ACO members tab for Club Offers. Once you become a Member you can follow all the action on the Facebook group ACOUSAMembersClub; and become part of the Legend with future Evening With A Legend meet ups.

In the 60th episode of The Drive Thru, the team takes a dive into automotive headlines, motorsports, and quirky car stories. They reflect on cars from their childhoods, discuss concepts of 'good cars,' and debate the status of brands like Infiniti and Jaguar. The episode features a segment on the return of classic car parts, mentions dramatic races at VIR, and speculates on the future of sports and endurance racing. They wrap up with news on Max Verstappen's potential F1 championship, modern car news, and various shenanigans involving unusual vehicles. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:02:42 Where Did All the Good Cars Go? 00:03:10 The Rise and Fall of 90s Japanese Cars 00:04:24 The German Car Dilemma; The Volkswagen Journey 00:11:50 To Infiniti and Beyond 00:20:57 Jaguar's Identity Crisis 00:31:53 Resurrecting Old Cars: Brad's New Whip! #PSL 00:34:35 Volkswagen and Audi News 00:39:03 Ferrari's New Testarossa 00:42:36 Mercedes Powered by BMW? 00:49:00 Nissan's Manual Transmission Comeback 00:52:10 BYD's Record-Breaking Electric Car 00:54:49 Remembering the Father of the Miata 01:05:49 Amazon Sells Hertz Cars 01:12:23 Formula One Movie Review 01:16:54 GTM Book Club: Racing Literature Recommendations 01:19:07 Florida Man Stories! 01:27:45 Daniel Ricciardo's Retirement Announcement 01:29:41 Lamborghini's Exit from Hypercar Racing 01:32:17 Max Verstappen's Endurance Racing Journey 01:33:41 Forza Motorsport Cancellation and Racing Games 01:36:58 Alex Taylor's Speed Record 01:38:11 Formula One Season Highlights and Predictions 01:51:18 GTM Trackside Report and Upcoming Events; Closing Remarks and Sponsorship Acknowledgements ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/

Wheels of Time: A Retrospective on Automotive Innovation is a series highlighting the significant developments in both the automotive industry and motorsports, showcasing the rapid advancements in technology, the establishment of notable and iconic brands, and the constant changes in competitive racing as a popular sport. With each lap that the Wheels of Time completes, is another transformative period that laid the groundwork for future innovations in both vehicle manufacturing and racing.  And up next, the Top-50 most significant developments in the Automotive Industry and Motorsports for the year: 1972 ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ This episode is sponsored in part by THE SOCIETY OF AUTOMOTIVE HISTORIANS (SAH); The SAH encourages research into any aspect of automotive history, and actively supports the compilation and preservation of papers, organizational records, print ephemera, and images to safe-guard, broaden, and deepen the understanding of motorized, wheeled land transportation through the modern age and into the future. For further information on the SAH visit www.autohistory.org Voice over by Revel Arroway and music by Ultra Cat, "Disco High"

Jon Summers is the Motoring Historian. He was a company car thrashing technology sales rep that turned into a fairly inept sports bike rider. On his show he gets together with various co-hosts to talk about new and old cars, driving, motorbikes, motor racing, motoring travel. In this episode, Jon Summers is rejoined by his son Ollie to co-host and share their experiences of the Pebble Beach 2025 event. They discuss their time at the Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca, camping adventures, and the main Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance event. Highlights include favorite car categories, memorable encounters at the campsite, and insightful observations about the evolution of the event. They also touch upon the less traditional aspects of the show, such as encountering supercars and unique vehicles like a bedazzled Aston Martin Valkyrie. The episode concludes with reflections on how the event has changed over the years. ==================== 00:00 Pebble Beach 2025 Review 01:26 Camping Adventures at Laguna Seca 02:16 Trackside Fun and Mishaps 10:27 Nighttime Challenges and Rain 13:28 Morning After and Departure 14:17 The Pebble Beach Concours Experience 16:02 Exploring Casa Ferrari 18:00 Concept Cars and Highlights 18:40 On the Lawn: The Main Event 19:48 Cobra Class and Other Features 24:20 Changes at Pebble Beach 25:44 Supercar Sightings and Final Thoughts ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ Copyright Jon Summers, The Motoring Historian. This content is also available via jonsummers.net. This episode is part of the Motoring Podcast Network and has been republished with permission.

In this episode of Screen to Speed, Lyubov welcomes Alessia Dallafontana, a young racer who started her journey in electric karting and is now aiming for Formula One. Alessia shares her passion for racing, inspired by a love-at-first-drive experience at a karting track after watching a Formula One race. She discusses the adrenaline and joy that racing brings, the support and crucial role of her family, and her transition from electric to professional gas-powered karts. Alessia also talks about moving from Mexico to Spain to join a sports academy, the challenges and growth she experienced in a more competitive environment, and her future goals. She emphasizes the importance of mental health in sports, her practices to stay focused, and her aspiration to inspire younger drivers and integrate into the evolving electric racing landscape. Additionally, she extends gratitude to her sponsors and provides advice for young girls aspiring to enter the world of motorsport. So buckle up – Screen to Speed starts now! ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Meet Alessia Dallafontana 01:01 Alessia's Early Racing Journey 03:35 Family Support and Challenges 04:50 Transition to Professional Racing 08:19 Life in Spain and Racing Academy 11:15 Adapting to New Challenges 16:54 Future Goals and Inspirations 20:24 Balancing Life and Racing 27:35 Advice for Aspiring Female Racers 30:33 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ INIT eSports focuses on sim racing events and digital tournaments. They bring eSports content to fans and sponsorship opportunities to brands, while maximizing audience reach across multiple sports, industries, and platforms. INIT eSports is a woman-led company where Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility is in their DNA, and their platform aims to combat bullying and cheating to help make the eSports world as safe and fair as possible. To learn more, be sure to logon to www.initesports.gg today or follow them on social media @initesports, join their discord, check out their YouTube Channel, or follow their live content via Twitch. Copyright INIT eSports. This content originally aired on the INIT Talks livestreams via Twitch. This episode is part of the Motoring Podcast Network and has been republished with permission.

World War II in Europe left both victorious and vanquished countries devastated; yet within weeks of the end of hostilities on September 9, 1945, an automobile race was held in Paris’ Bois de Boulogne. This presentation addresses the questions: where did the financial and material resources for an active post-war racing program come from, and perhaps even more importantly, why were they expended in what many might regard as a non-essential- or perhaps even frivolous - activity? Skip McGoun is the William H. Dunkak Emeritus Professor of Finance at Bucknell University and was a long-term Visiting Professor at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia and at the University of Donja Gorija in Montenegro. He has presented and published on the history and culture of finance as well as automobile history and culture and served as Area Chair of the Vehicle Culture Section of the Popular Culture Association. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Post-War Racing Revival 01:18 The State of Europe Post-WWII; Early Post-War Races 03:28 The Constructors: Britain vs. The Continent 05:29 Financial and Material Resources 13:14 The Influence of Nationalism and Sentiment 15:34 Adrenaline and the Need for Speed 18:53 Conclusion, Reflections and Q&A Session 27:48 Closing Remarks and Credits ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family. 

The new 2.5-liter F1 of 1954 raised the bar for engineering excellence and cost of entry to the pinnacle of motor racing. With Mercedes-Benz leaving the shadows of WWII and becoming an accepted participant in motor racing again, the Grand Prix community had to anticipate a full-out effort of a new generation of Silver Arrows. Indeed, new standards were set with a series of W196 variants born out of vast corporate resources, supported by component suppliers like Continental, Bosch, and Esso. In this story, the imaginary Italian “Unione Automobili,” previously formed of national legacy manufacturers other than Fiat, takes on the role of the Auto Union AG of the 1930s as an antagonist of Mercedes-Benz and promoter of the mid-engine layout. A probabilistic SWAT analysis reveals what it will take to beat the mighty opponent from Stuttgart. This is the start for a motley crew of Austrian and Italian engineers lead by Robert Eberan-Eberhorst to create a victorious challenger. The prescribed engine configuration is a compact V6 in homage to the Lancia brand. Breaking with Italian traditions, emphasis is put on chassis development where innovations in tires, brakes, and aerodynamics will provide decisive competitive advantages. Dr. Karl-Heinz Mertins (“K-H”) holds degrees in mechanical engineering and a doctorate in mechatronics/ag engineering from the Technical University Berlin, Germany. In more than 35 years of engineering and business experience in Europe and the US, he focused on product innovation and new business incubation, applying cross-disciplinary methods with cross-cultural considerations. His work included experimental work on intelligent mobile equipment and wind energy systems in multinational corporations and start-ups. His enthusiasm for F1 goes back to the 1961 season. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 The Challenge of Beating Mercedes-Benz 03:01 Mercedes-Benz's Post-War Comeback; The 300 SL and the Marshall Plan 08:59 The Shift to Mid-Engine Layout 12:28 The Italian Engineering Dream Team 18:45 Mercedes-Benz's Methodical Development 26:43 Lessons from the 300 SL 29:04 Chassis Design, Radial Tires, Space Frame and Aviation Influence 33:26 Innovative Suspension Systems 38:39 Brakes and Aerodynamic Innovations 40:43 Driver Position and Engine Choices 47:20 Fuel Injection and Aerodynamics 50:29 Concluding Thoughts and Acknowledgements ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family. 

Nazi Germany turned the automobile’s high speed into a propaganda tool for its technical and industrial supremacy. With its domestic motor industry having fallen behind the US and France, the political establishment pushed for dominance in Grand Prix racing, launched an automobile for the masses, and developed a wide network of motorways. Connecting racing cars, high speed, and the motorways was the Rekordwoche, an annual event launched in 1936 to conquer the highest speeds on a motorway. The last edition in 1939 was a relatively low-key event, shadowed by the prior year’s sensational Mercedes-Benz speed record and Bernd Rosemeyer’s death. Nevertheless, the propaganda machine aptly broadcast the speeds reached on an arrow-straight, level and wide 10 km motorway stretch north of Leipzig, purpose-built for the Rekordwochen and the conquest of the World Land Speed Record by a German driver on a German car on German soil. Aldo Zana is an Italian motor historian and journalist. He started writing articles for motor magazines in the mid-sixties as a freelance editor of Autosprint and Rombo weeklies, developing an inclination towards history and historic cars and races. Since the late Eighties, he has become a regular contributor to Italian and foreign historic car magazines; his recent automotive books include a history of the Sports-Prototype FIA World Championship; the lives and races of Italian drivers; the motor racing scenario of the Fifties; and the story of the forgotten Milano car shows 1901-1947. Zana is a long-time member of SAH and Aisa (Italian Association of Motor Historians), former member of the History and Museum Commission of ASI (Italian National Historic Car and Bike Association) and Ugis, the Italian guild of science journalists. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Nazi Germany's Speed Propaganda 01:17 Overview of Record Weeks (1936-1938) 03:04 The 1939 Record Week 04:50 Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union Rivalry 06:14 The Final Record Week 15:07 Mysteries and Technical Details 19:46 Conclusion and Q&A; Closing Remarks and Credits ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family. 

This year will mark the 100th anniversary of the iconic Alfa Romeo P2’s debut. Designed by the legendary Vittorio Jano, the P2 went on to dominate Grand Prix racing in the final two years of the 2-Liter formula. In 1925, Alfa won the first World Championship after which the team duly withdrew from the sport. However, privately owned Alfa P2s continued to participate in racing and win races up until 1930. The sporting achievements of the Alfa P2s are well known, as is the role the car played in establishing Alfa Romeo as Italy’s most famous racing marque up until the advent of the Second World War. Less known is the broader significance of the P2 that went well beyond the racetrack. Informed by the history of objects developed by cultural historians, this paper argues that the P2’s significance was industrial, cultural, and ultimately political. The achievements of the P2 and the emergence of the Milanese based Alfa company coincided with the establishment of Mussolini’s dictatorship in Italy. The Fascist regime used the Alfa’s successes to celebrate the rise of Fascist Italy as an industrial and sporting power. Moreover, the unique characteristics of the P2 came to embody the values promoted by fascism such as speed and dominance. Both the design and performance of the car, as well as the men who raced it, came to shape not only Grand Prix racing in the 1920s, but also impacted the role played by the sport in the political and cultural context of Fascist Italy. Paul Baxa is Professor of History at Ave Maria University in Florida. Parts of his most recent book, Motorsport and Fascism: Living Dangerously have been presented at past Argetsinger Symposia. He was privileged to have presented at the first symposium in 2015. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 The Alfa Romeo P2: A Racing Legend 00:53 The P2's Broader Significance: Fascism and Motorsport 03:00 Historical Context: Italy in the 1920s 04:21 The P2's Racing Achievements 05:11 Design and Engineering of the P2 06:40 The P2 and Italian Industrial Culture 07:34 The P2's Impact on Italian Motorsport 22:11 The P2's Legacy and Continued Influence 26:47 Q&A Session; Closing Remarks and Credits ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family.