Racing Reborn: The Revival of European Motorsports Post-WWII

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. 

On Ferrari Friday's, William Ross from the Exotic Car Marketplace will be discussing all things Ferrari and interviewing people that live and breathe the Ferrari brand. Topics range from road cars to racing; drivers to owners, as well as auctions, private sales and trends in the collector market. In this episode, William reviews Monterey Car Week 2025 and analyzes the top ten Ferrari sales, providing detailed insights into specific models like the 2010 Ferrari 599 XX Evo, 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari, 1957 250 California Spider, and more. He also comments on auction dynamics, including fees and sale practices, and highlights significant unsold Ferraris.  ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Monterey Car Week Overview 01:30 Auction Insights and Fees 03:21 Top Ferrari Sales at Monterey 04:00 Highlight: 2010 Ferrari 599XX Evo 05:30 Highlight: Ferrari F40 08:05 Highlight: 1958 Ferrari 250 TDF 09:25 Highlight: 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari 13:12 Exploring the Enzo Era: The Cal Spider 14:26 The Roar of the 365 GTB Daytona Comp 15:56 Ralph Lauren's Iconic Yellow F50 18:15 The Legendary F40 LM 20:22 The $23 Million Cal Spider 21:34 Ferrari's Charity Auction Triumph, the SP3 22:52 Market Trends and Unsold Ferraris 24:37 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Shoutouts ==================== 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 William Ross, Exotic Car Marketplace a division of Sixty5 Motorsports. This episode is part of our Motoring Podcast Network and has been republished with permission.

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's co-host is his son Oliver! They discuss their experiences at the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Starting with their arrival during car week, then outlining various activities and notable cars they encountered. They describe seeing high-value cars like a yellow Ferrari F50, a silver McLaren F1, a Ford GT Mark IV, and more. They also touch on topics like motor racing history, observing modern supercars, and the challenges associated with car auctions. Highlights include the Pebble Beach Motor Tour, and exploring several automobile auctions such as RM, Gooding, Mecum, and Bonhams.  ==================== 00:00 Discussing Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 01:35 Exploring RM Sotheby's Auction 06:12 Formula One Cars at Pebble Beach 14:29 The Tour d'Elegance 18:49 Gooding & Company Auction Insights 20:58 Exploring the Pantera 23:04 The Ferrari BB Experience 23:43 Car Alarm Mishap at MECUM 26:13 Bonhams Auction Highlights 28:03 Sim Racing Adventures 37:40 Final Thoughts and Anecdotes ===== (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.

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 discusses the fascinating history of the 1924 Hispano-Suiza "Tulipwood," the recent winner at the Pebble Beach Concours. Despite initially not recognizing the car, he provides an in-depth overview of its background, from its commission by fighter pilot Andre Dubonnet to its construction out of mahogany, contrary to its 'Tulipwood' nickname. He elaborates on its various restorations, particularly by Don Williams and the Blackhawk Museum, highlighting the debate between historical accuracy and aesthetic enhancements in car restoration. Jon also touches on other notable cars at the Pebble Beach event, such as a Jaguar C-Type racer and an XK120, and shares anecdotes about the display and appreciation of classic cars. ==================== 00:00 Overview of Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Winner 01:04 History of the Hispano-Suiza Tulipwood 04:16 Restoration and Presentation at Blackhawk Museum 08:04 Discussion on Car Authenticity and Elegance 10:03 Other Notable Cars at Pebble Beach 11:55 Conclusion and Acknowledgements ===== (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.

Welcome to a very special reunion episode of Break/Fix Podcast, where automotive journalism meets memory lane! Today, we’re bringing together two of the industry’s most respected voices Matt Stone and Preston Lerner for a conversation that’s equal parts insightful, nostalgic, and full-throttle fun. With decades of experience between them, Matt and Preston have chronicled some of the most iconic moments, machines, and personalities in car culture. From glossy magazine pages to bestselling books, their stories have shaped how we see the automotive world. Tune in as they reflect on their journeys, trade tales from the road, and share what still gets their engines revving today.  ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00:00 Meet the Guests: Matt Stone and Preston Lerner 00:01:58 The First Meeting: Matt and Preston's Story 00:04:18 Journalism Journeys: From Newspapers to Magazines 00:05:20 Friendly Competition in Automotive Journalism 00:08:03 The Daily Grind of an Automotive Journalist 00:18:48 Memorable Assignments and Press Trips 00:24:50 Meeting the Legends: Racing Heroes and Industry Executives 00:34:17 Confronting a Critic 00:36:58 The Risks of Automotive Journalism 00:40:58 Co-Authoring Books 00:43:09 Fact-Checking and Editing 00:49:24 The Impact of Self-Publishing 00:51:38 The Evolution of Journalism 00:56:45 Advice for Aspiring Auto Journalists 00:59:36 The Role of AI in Journalism 01:02:08 Reflecting on a Career in Auto Journalism 01:04:12 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts ==================== 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/

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 recalls his mixed emotions about Ozzy Osbourne and the glam rock scene of the 1980s, his nostalgic relationships with certain cars, including a specific Ford Capri he regretted not purchasing, and his early jobs selling aerial photographs door-to-door. He delves into his appreciation for bands like Black Sabbath and discusses heavy metal's evolution. Shifting topics, he talks about the future of major car manufacturers, particularly expressing skepticism regarding Nissan's survival amid increasing competition from Chinese car makers and the rise of electric vehicles. He contrasts Nissan's approach with Toyota and Honda's strategic moves, lamenting a potential loss in Japanese automotive creativity. ==================== 00:00 Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne 01:44 Early Days with Sabbath 03:00 The Blue Ford Cortina Incident 04:39 The Red Ford Capri Temptation 06:57 Bugatti Museum Visit 08:00 Regret Over the Capri 08:38 Nissan's Uncertain Future 11:12 Nissan's Legacy in the Car World 15:05 Conclusion 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.

Welcome back to another episode of the Break/Fix Podcast, where we connect the past, present, and future of automotive and motorsport culture. In this episode, we’re reaching for the stars—literally—as we sit down with the Owner and Director of Operations at Luna Replicas, a brand that blends the spirit of adventure with the precision of history. Known for their meticulously recreated NASA-era flight jackets, watches, and accessories, Luna Replicas celebrates the heroes of the space age through authentic, wearable art. But this isn’t just about fashion - it’s about legacy. We’re joined by Max Kaiserman to explore how his team channels their passion for aerospace (and Motorsports) history into every stitch, and how the automotive and motorsports communities have embraced these designs for their shared love of engineering excellence, exploration, and bold storytelling. So, buckle up for a conversation that’s going to be out of this world! ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Meet Max Kaiserman of Luna Replicas 01:58 Max's Early Passion for Space and Motorsports 03:33 The Origin Story of Luna Replicas 07:03 Involvement in the Ford vs. Ferrari Movie 12:30 The Shelby Cobra Van 18:54 Apollo 15 (Astrovette) Corvette Restoration 25:04 Connections Between Space Exploration and Motorsports 31:03 Customer Stories and Historical Connections 33:58 Challenges in Sourcing and Manufacturing 37:33 Innovative Projects and Future Plans 44:51 Collaborations and Community Engagement 46:48 Final Thoughts and Shoutouts ==================== 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/