EV Fires: a Storm in a Teacup

Motoring Historian Jon Summers examines claims that electric vehicles frequently catch fire, drawing on a Society of Automotive Engineers talk in Palo Alto by Dr. Abid Kemal of Exponent, a firm known for major failure investigations. He says vehicle fires have halved since 1980 and usually involve 10–20-year-old cars, while EVs appear 5–10 times less likely to burn than ICE vehicles, though their fires can occur later—on tow trucks or weeks in yards—because stranded battery energy remains after a crash. He explains thermal runaway: a weak cell heats from charge cycles, damages neighbors, melts plastics, boils electrolyte, generates oxygen, and can ignite in milliseconds, with severity influenced by state of charge. Examples include the 2021 Chevy Bolt battery recall and GM’s 80% charge limit, shipping policies under 50% charge, and the need for firefighter and tow-industry training. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 EV Fire Panic 02:36 Conspiracy Claims 04:22 What The Data Says 05:07 Why EV Fires Differ 07:41 Who Is Exponent? 08:24 A Quick EV History 11:53 Inside Battery Packs 14:49 Thermal Runaway Explained 19:53 Charge Level Risks 22:39 Recalls And Real Cases 23:37 Final Takeaways  ==================== 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: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram 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. 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.

This Evening With A Legend welcomes road racing standout Tommy Kendall tracing his long path to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Tommy recounts early racing beginnings, limited U.S.-Europe crossover in his prime, and how a secret pre-Saleen S7 plan led to his 2000 Le Mans debut in a Franz Konrad Porsche, including a spoof “Fumfour” story published during the race. He describes Le Mans’ unmatched speed, endurance-race sleep discipline, international pageantry, and the shift to relentless modern pace. Kendall then details his 2013 return with the factory SRT Viper GTS-R amid heavy rain, long cautions, a fatal early accident, a risky slick-tire stint without traction control, and a right-rear failure that made it his worst stint. He also discusses Corvette-Viper rivalry, broadcasting Le Mans remotely, Daytona vs. Le Mans demands, dream cars, and possible Le Mans Classic interest. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Meet Tommy Kendall 01:49 Early Racing Dreams 03:54 Why Le Mans Took Time and His Secret 2000 Entry 08:55 First Laps Reality Check 11:44 Endurance Sleep Strategy 14:51 Team Chemistry & Pageantry 16:49 American Pride in 2000 and Garage 56 Reaction 20:14 Dream TransAm Choice for Le Mans 21:54 Road Back to 2013 ... the Viper Deal Comes Together 27:10 Viper Corvette Rivalry 30:15 Chasing Le Mans Podium 31:08 Viper versus TransAm? 35:27 The Worst Stint of Tommy's Life: The Night Rain Tire Gamble 42:16 Calling Races From Afar 44:19 Why Endurance Matters 47:50 Dream Cars And Le Mans Classic 49:33 Whats Next? And Farewell ==================== 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: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram 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.

Break/Fix Podcast welcomes Greg Stanley, host of The Collector Car Podcast and author of The Enthusiast’s Guide to Collector Cars, to discuss his path into the collector-car world and how a passion project podcast led to consulting as a car specialist with RM/Sotheby’s, including sourcing cars such as the Ferrari 330 LM/250 GTO that sold for $51.7 million. Greg shares the story behind his rare, unrestored, family-owned Pontiac GTO in Tiger Gold and his multi-year effort to get it featured on Jay Leno’s Garage, including an on-site interview with Leno. He reflects on interview insights, shifting focus away from pure valuations toward stories and experience, and explains why he wrote an entry-level guide to help newcomers and even non-enthusiast partners understand the hobby. We also discuss generational trends, engaging kids at events, the “last analog” era, future collectibles, and Greg’s upcoming Porsche enthusiast guide and book tour schedule. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Meet Greg Stanley! 01:17 Origin Story: Starting a Car Podcast and Breaking Into RM/Sothebys 05:21 Life as Car Specialist 05:55 The Tiger Gold GTO & Getting on Jay Leno 14:53 Interview Surprises 17:45 Market Trends and Values 21:00 Generational Shift in Collecting 22:47 Why Write the Guide? 25:41 Getting Kids Into Classics 29:15 The School Bus Story 31:35 Pitstop: Porsche 959 vs F40? 34:50 Writing the Enthusiast Guide and avoiding Jargon for Newbies 40:37 Inside the new Porsche Book 45:06 Future of Collecting, Top Future Collectibles? 52:06 What's Next for Greg? 52:45 Where to Buy the Book and Farewell ==================== 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: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram

The inaugural episode of Automotive History Live! introduces a new show presented by the Studebaker National Museum and sponsored by the Society of Automotive Historians, with hosts joined by Studebaker archivist Andrew Beckman. Beckman traces Studebaker’s origins from an 1840s South Bend blacksmith shop to the world’s largest wagon builder, its early electric (1902) and gasoline (1904) automobile efforts via partnerships, and its lasting civic and industrial impact on South Bend. He explains the museum’s evolution from Studebaker’s corporate collection to today’s 2005 facility, its archives access and research services, and notable holdings including presidential carriages and the screen-used 1951 “Fozzie Bear” Studebaker. The conversation highlights regional museum collaborations, details the boutique Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm and its rotating classes, and previews the Automotive History Live conference programming and preservation mission. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Show Launch! 02:06 Studebaker Origins: From Wagons to Cars 05:34 South Bend Indiana Legacy 07:17 Supplier Ecosystem 11:02 Museum Founded (2005) 13:27 Archives Return & Preserving Records 19:47 Packard Connections 22:18 A Must See Collection 24:49 Museum Partnerships 28:48 Copshaholm Concours d'Elegance 40:20 Fun Classes and Lemons! 41:55 Automotive History Live Launch 48:01 Preserving Truthful History 49:44 Dream Museum Upgrades 52:01 Thanks and Wrap Up ==================== 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: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram This episode is part of our AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY LIVE! SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The Studebaker National Museum and The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH) and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.

Formula Fanatics is Break/Fix Podcast’s fast F1 news format, recapping a chaotic Canadian GP weekend with a lively sprint, shifting weather, strategy misfires (notably tires), formation-lap delays, multiple retirements and penalties, and a podium of Antonelli, Hamilton and Verstappen, plus commentary on team struggles. Monaco is framed as a “funeral procession” but delivers drama: Verstappen stalls, widespread pit-lane speeding penalties tied to pit-lane measurement/entry issues, Russell’s penalty controversy, late red flag and standing restart, and an Antonelli win. The Spanish GP features more DNFs, Stroll’s gearbox failure, Alonso reaching lap 40, Hülkenberg retiring after a rock triggers the kill switch, McLaren track-limits complaints, and Hamilton winning with a clean Ferrari strategy. The hosts debate Hamilton’s longevity, championship chances, contracts, and upcoming races leading into “silly season.” ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Welcome to Formula Fanatics 00:42 Canada Sprint Recap 02:04 Rainy Race Strategy Chaos 05:31 Hamilton Podium Debate, Points Gap and Upgrades 09:23 Track Talk: Potato or Croissant? 10:53 Why Monaco Still Exists 12:11 Monaco DNFs and Penalties 17:25 Red Flag Sprint Finish 18:15 Le Mans Clash with Spain Conspiracies? 20:59 Who Wins the Title 22:26 Mercedes Reliability Woes 25:28 Hulkenberg Kill Switch Fluke 26:57 Track Limits Radio Wars 28:45 Hamilton Wins in Spain! 32:03 Hamiltons next season, what does that look like? 35:36 Silly Season and Next Races 36:29 Closing Thoughts and Sponsors ==================== Formula Fanatics, is the high-octane sub-series of Break/Fix Podcast’s Drive Thru Motorsports News! This is your pit stop for all things Formula 1 — from breaking headlines and race recaps to insider analysis and paddock buzz. 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/

Drive Thru News Episode #69 marks Break/Fix's six-year anniversary and recaps June’s automotive news, led by a 24 Hours of Le Mans discussion: Toyota’s comeback win, a generally "meh" race, more LMP2 coverage, Corvette’s GT3 win, and a surprising Lexus run amid BOP and marketing criticisms, plus a Simeone Museum viewing-party report with lower attendance due to the race not falling on Father’s Day. The hosts then explain why their Lemons effort never reached the starting line after their Ford Focus entered limp mode, leading to extensive troubleshooting, ECU replacement/programming issues, and plans to replace the engine wiring harness and relocate the ECU. Other topics include rumored Audi TT revival on a Boxster platform, possible US return of the base Golf via Mexico, unusual Audi tech, VW sales via Costco, harsh reactions to Ferrari’s new Luce EV design, Chrysler-Fiat rebadges, Chinese-ownership restrictions affecting Polestar/Volvo, defense-industry tie-ins, Subaru manual rumors, the Slate truck, Toyota’s EV "stall" patent, California tire regulation, book and event plugs, and quirky crime stories. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00:00 Dad Jams and Car Culture 00:02:28 Le Mans 2026 00:07:23 Simeone Viewing Party 00:09:25 Ferrari Frustrations 00:12:52 GT3 Surprise Lexus Run & BOP Politics Explained 00:17:29 Lemons Plans #EpicFail 00:29:59 Volkswagen Audi Rumor Mill - Is the TT Coming Back? 00:34:46 Golf Returns with Tariff Drama 00:36:37 Bonkers Audi Contraption and Projector Turn Signal Debate 00:40:37 Volkswagen Goes Costco 00:42:12 Ferrari Luce EV Design Roast 00:46:45 Chrysler Rebadged Fiats in 2027 00:48:59 Chinese Ownership Car Bans 00:55:04 BMW ///M2 News Spiral 00:56:17 GM Teams With Lockheed 00:58:17 Subaru Manual Rumors 01:03:41 Honda Element Nostalgia 01:06:31 Slate Truck EV Breakdown 01:10:53 Toyota's "EV Stall" Patent 01:14:14 Aftermarket Tire Crackdown 01:19:16 Book Club Pick: Preston Lerner 01:20:22 Concours at Copshaholm Event Plug 01:22:40 Mattel Brick Shop vs Lego 01:25:59 The Florida "Chase Files" 01:39:41 Motorsports Updates 01:42:35 Wrap Up and Sponsors  ==================== 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: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram

Break/Fix Podcast interviews author Jesse Fresco about his pulpy, fast-paced novella Drive Like Hell and the expanding Autumn Frost series, including upcoming sequels Black and Blue (set in Baltimore) and Funland Fury. Fresco discusses his background in the film industry and stagehand work, how writing became his escape, and his inspirations for characters, pacing, and car-centric action while keeping rules like having Autumn drive most of the time and never fire a gun. The conversation also covers his longer, more personal sci-fi novel Skyhawk, inspired by the NES game Captain Skyhawk, his choice of relatable “used future” worldbuilding, and plans for a seven-book arc, plus his self-publishing experience via Ingram-Spark, audiobook plans, and a new AI-themed sci-fi project. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Jesse Fresco's Origins 03:19 Film Industry Burnout & Becoming a Writer 06:21 Who is Autumn Frost? 09:05 Writing Fast Novellas 12:03 Future Books and Villains 13:57 Cars and Chase Craft 20:35 Switching to Skyhawk 24:24 Worldbuilding Choices & Relatable Future Tech 31:18 New AI Film Novel 33:36 Advice For Authors and the Self Publishing Reality 37:24 Audiobook Plans 38:46 Covers, Fonts, and Pricing 40:50 Wrap Up 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: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram

Break/Fix Podcast's mission is to preserve automotive living history and welcomes returning co-host Don Weberg from Garage Style Magazine alongside guest Wallace “Wally” Wyss, a longtime automotive writer turned fine artist. Wally recounts how early exposure to GM design chief Bill Mitchell and a British magazine feature on the Iso Grifo shifted him from poetry and art studies into advertising and then automotive journalism, including stints at Car Life and MotorTrend with vivid Sunset Strip stories. He explains how a chance ride in a 427 Cobra led to meeting Carroll Shelby, and launching a best-selling Cobra book and deep Shelby insights about Shelby’s deal-driven approach. Wyss describes becoming a “barn find” hunter and author, then “accidentally” transitioning into painting exotic and classic cars after selling a Shelby portrait, outlining his process, commissions, design critiques, and ongoing radio show, while reflecting on creativity, reinvention, and concerns about AI’s impact on writing. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Meet Wallace Wyss 01:51 Early Influences Detroit and How Cars Spark Writing Path 05:15 MotorTrend Hustle Stories 07:39 First Cobra Book Breakthrough 12:02 Becoming "The Barn Find" Guy 19:08 Car Design Critiques & Most Beautiful Cars List 22:00 Vector and Jerry Weigert Tales 22:56 Roger Penske Corvette Story 24:53 Pitstop: "The Man In White" Origin Story 27:48 Accidental Art Career 33:55 Wally's Painting Process 36:28 Witnessing Car History 38:49 Advice And AI Fears; Shout Outs and Wrap Up! ==================== 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: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram

In this “Evening With a Legend” episode, we interview Mark Raffauf, IMSA’s Senior Director of Competition, tracing how IMSA’s early relationship with the ACO grew from the 1970s through the creation of GTP, the split from FIA Group C’s fuel-formula approach, and the IMSA-driven development that helped shape cars like the Porsche 962. Mark recounts 1980s GTP’s manufacturer battles and behind-the-scenes antics, then explains the 1990s shift to World Sports Car, Ferrari’s 333 SP, and how rule changes at Le Mans affected competitiveness. He details IMSA’s organizational split that led to ALMS and Grand-Am, the rise of Daytona Prototypes, and today’s cost-control challenges. The conversation culminates in a deep discussion of Balance of Performance, LMDh vs hypercar sustainability, lift-and-coast strategy, and the need for a common future platform beyond 2030, while emphasizing Le Mans as a global mega-event. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Meet Mark Raffauf 02:20 Early IMSA and ACO Ties 04:25 Birth of GTP Rules; Group C vs GTP Debate 09:02 Porsche 956 to 962 Shift 11:26 Golden Era Grid Battles 17:45 Nineties Reset and WSC 20:39 Ferrari 333 SP Moment 23:44 Rule Drift and Audi's Rise 26:19 ALMS & Grand Am Split 30:23 Cost Control Lessons 32:43 How BOP Really Works 33:28 LMDh versus Hypercar Basics 37:56 Why One Rulebook Matters 43:32 "Lift and Coast" Energy Management Explained 46:33 Getting more Hypercars to IMSA 50:35 Endurance Racing As Events 54:58 Future Platform, 2030 and beyond 59:27 Final Thanks And Wrap Up ==================== 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: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram 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.

Break/Fix Podcast returns with co-host Don Weberg from Garage Style Magazine to interview car enthusiast and fundraiser Bob Hammer about using car culture to support A Brighter Day, a nonprofit helping teens and young adults facing stress, depression, and suicidal ideation. Bob shares his automotive roots (including a ’66 Barracuda, a long-owned ’65 Mustang he sold during two bouts of testicular cancer, a ’68 Corvette, and restoring his uncle’s 1957 Chevy stake bed to stock after his uncle’s death) and his fundraising background through the Have a Ball Foundation, which has raised $5.4 million for cancer. Now as A Brighter Day’s development director, Bob is expanding the charity’s car show into downtown Danville, CA on Sunday, June 14, with sponsors, vendors, music, awards, and a goal of growing attendance and fundraising over time. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Meet Bob Hammer 01:43 Car Guy Origins 03:11 Family Truck Tribute 04:00 From Cancer to Foundation 05:54 Danville Car Show Revival 07:08 Joining A Brighter Day 09:32 Car Show Success Tips 12:59 A Brighter Day Mission 14:12 New Downtown Event Details 19:38 Future Growth & Fundraising Goals 25:21 How to Get Involved 27:27 Closing Sponsors Outro ==================== 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: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram