Evening With A Legend: Butch Leitzinger

This episode of The Logbook - our History of Motorsports series - features a lecture by Dr. James Miller on the history of Formula One racing at Watkins Glen from 1961 to 1980. Miller argues that the collaboration between sporting gentlemen and local residents made the event possible but that ultimately, their differences led to the event's decline. The episode covers the origins of road racing in Watkins Glen, notable figures involved, the town's socioeconomic context, and the tensions that arose between local organizers and the globalizing forces of Formula One. Miller also speculates on the possible outcomes had different decisions been made. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 The Golden Era of Formula One at Watkins Glen 01:33 The Rise and Fall of Watkins Glen 02:03 The Community Behind the Races 03:36 Sporting Gentlemen vs. Small Town Residents 06:01 The American Small Town Identity 11:01 Key Figures in Watkins Glen Racing 19:21 The Financial Struggles and Final Years 21:41 Reflections and What-Ifs 26:51 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: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram 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. 

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.   ====================   ===== (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: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram 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 Break/Fix podcast episode features Steve Contarino, founder of Automobilia Vintage, as he delves into his journey of collecting automotive memorabilia. Steve discusses his passion for automotive history, rare artifacts, and vintage racing posters, and recounts his experiences with various car companies and collectible items. Alongside his stories, Steve shares insights into the collector market, the evolution of collecting trends, and offers advice for new collectors; highlighting the importance of preserving automotive history and the joy of collecting. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00:00 Meet Steve Contarino: Founder of Automobilia Vintage 00:01:26 Steve's Passion for Automotive History 00:02:56 Owning Checker Cab, The Company 00:06:56 The Birth of Automobilia Vintage 00:08:55 Collecting Rare Automobilia 00:29:16 The Intersection of Automobilia and Motorsport 00:34:37 Understanding Value vs. Worth in Collecting 00:36:19 The Significance of Fisher Craftsman's Guild Cars 00:38:52 Balancing Quality and Quantity in Collections 00:40:27 Evolution of the Collector Community; Generational Shifts in Collecting Trends 00:56:18 Advice for New Collectors 01:01:22 Future of Automobilia Vintage 01:05:44 Closing Remarks and Gratitude ==================== 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 sponsored in part by Garage Style Magazine. Since 2007, GSM has been the definitive source for car collectors, continually delivering information about Automobilia, Petroliana, Events and more... because after all, what doesn't belong in your garage?

In episode #61 of The Drive Thru we kick off with Halloween costumes related to car themes, automotive mishaps, and repair stories involving various vehicles like Volkswagens and Jeeps. We touch on the rising prices of new cars, advocating for keeping older cars on the road. Additionally, the discussion includes Volkswagen's shift away from EVs, Porsche's exit from racing programs, and a test drive review of the Cayman GT4. There's also news from Stellantis, a humorous segment on odd car commercials, and updates from the world of motorsports with a particular focus on Formula One and Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta. The episode wraps up with a behind-the-scenes look at SIM racing, the closure of the Pittsburgh International Raceway (PittRace), and upcoming automotive events. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00:00 Halloween Humor and Costume Talk 00:02:16 Car Troubles and Repairs Discussion 00:25:43 The Cost of Car Repairs vs. Buying New 00:27:03 Future of Car Ownership and Maintenance 00:33:46 Lifetime Warranties on Car Parts 00:35:03 Independent Shops and DIY Repairs 00:37:32 Volkswagen's Racing Investments 00:50:14 Jeep Wrangler Hybrid Review 00:54:06 GM's Struggles with EVs 00:59:45 Lost and Found: Dodge Darts and Time Capsules 01:03:38 The Mystery of the British Guy in the White Suit 01:06:50 Tesla's Latest Controversy 01:08:31 Pumpkin Regatta and Florida Man 01:11:36 Book Club - Racing With Rich Energy 01:14:45 Are You Faster Than an Interceptor? 01:18:34 Motorsports News and Petite Le Mans 01:21:33 Formula One Season Finale Predictions 01:28:18 Sim Racing and Upcoming Games 01:35:16 Trackside Report and Pit Race Closure ==================== 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 Racers Roundtable, is a series sponsored by the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing - where history meets horsepower and legends live on! Each episode brings together voices from across the motorsports world, from grassroots heroes to seasoned veterans, as they share stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes tales that shaped their racing journeys. Whether you're a die-hard fan of dirt tracks, drag strips, or open-wheel icons, The Racers Roundtable is your seat at the table for candid conversations and timeless memories from those who lived it. Strap in tight, because it’s time to talk racing history, one lap at a time. In this episode, panelists Ken & Thelma Hall, Fred Bear, Greg Swenson, and Ken Bingham share personal stories and insights in the Golden Era of Gassers. They discuss their experiences in drag racing and the history behind some famous race cars. Highlights include tales about the origins and evolution of the Gasser class, detailed histories of specific race cars, and anecdotes reflecting the close-knit community and camaraderie among racers. The program concludes with a tribute to the heritage of motorsports and the lasting friendships formed through shared passion. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00:00 Meet the Panelists & Introductions 00:07:13 Ken Hall's Racing Legacy 00:20:21 Greg Swenson's Bracket Racing & Gasser History 00:36:26 Racing Adventures at Beaver Springs 00:39:26 The SNS Team and The Five Rings Story 00:43:52 Memories of Malcolm Durham 00:52:29 The Evolution of Safety in Racing 01:00:51 The Return of the Door 01:07:12 Building Race Cars from Orphaned Foreign Cars 01:14:04 The Surf Brothers' Racing Journey 01:14:46 The Importance of Friendships in Racing 01:21:12 Bracket Racing and Its Challenges 01:26:32 Pork's IRS Career and Musical Sons 01:31:14 The Bad News Car and Its Legacy 01:35:55 Closing Remarks and Thanks ==================== 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 was recorded in front of a live audience at the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing. The EMMR is a premiere destination for motor racing enthusiasts, showcasing a vast collection of historic racing cars, artifacts and memorabilia. To learn more about the EMMR, or to take part of the next in-person Racers Roundtable - you can plan your visit or support the museum’s mission to preserve and celebrate the legacy of racing by heading to www.EMMR.org. Follow them on social media for the latest news, upcoming events, and exclusive content.  This content in this episode has been remastered and published with the EMMRs consent. Theme music "Country Rough" by Everet Almond.

Niagara Dragway was one of the most popular and iconic drag strips in New York State from the early 1960’s to 1974. “SUNDAY…NIAGARA” commercials boomed from superstation WKBW during that period making Niagara THE PLACE TO BE for maximum automotive excitement! During Niagara’s tenure, icons of the sport – Garlits, Muldowney, Prudhomme, McEwen, and many others rocketed down the Niagara quarter-mile. This presentation features track promoter, Dean Johnson and longtime competitor at Niagara - Jim Oddy – who is a member of both the NHRA Division 1 and International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. Sit back as we relive that history with stories, photos, and memories of those wild Sunday’s at Niagara! ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00:00 The Birth of Niagara Dragway 00:04:52 Early Days and Challenges 00:07:23 Memorable Races and Innovations 00:11:49 Sponsorship and Community Involvement 00:23:48 NASCAR and NHRA Sanctioning 00:34:52 The Art of Promotion 00:38:22 Innovations and Safety in Racing 00:44:25 Drag Racing Classes and Competitions 00:51:04 The Business Side of Racing 00:57:08 The Legacy of Niagara Drag Racing 00:59:47 Jim Oddy: The Beginning of a Racing Journey 01:00:43 First Taste of Victory 01:00:56 The Indy Nationals Experience 01:01:30 Building and Racing the Anglia 01:05:04 Transition to Double B Gas Class & The Opel GT Era 01:06:55 Challenges with Funny Cars 01:09:01 Return to Competition Eliminator 01:15:39 Pro Mod Success and Hall of Fame Induction 01:19:43 Reflecting on the Drag Racing Community 01:26:16 Skyline Drag Racing Revival 01:32:10 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/ 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 episode of Break/Fix features Sabre Cook, a trailblazing figure in motorsports, discussing her journey from karting in Colorado to competing in elite racing series like the W Series and USF 2000. Sabre's background in mechanical engineering has complemented her racing career, allowing her to analyze and enhance her performance. Despite motorsports being a male-dominated field, Sabre has successfully navigated its challenges, backed by strong family support and her own perseverance. The episode also highlights her involvement in programs like the Porsche Motorsports North America Female Driver Development Program, emphasizing the importance of sponsorship and mentorship. Sabre shares insights on balancing racing with engineering, her support system, and advice for aspiring female drivers. The show underscores the evolving landscape for women in motorsports and Sabre's role in inspiring the next generation. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Meet Sabre Cook: A Force in Motorsports 01:50 Sabre's Early Racing Journey 04:05 Balancing Racing and Education 07:46 Applying Engineering to Racing 15:43 Sponsorship Challenges and Successes 18:05 Women in Motorsport: Progress and Challenges 19:07 Comparing F1 Academy and W Series 21:50 Joining Porsche Cup Racing & Development Program 27:49 Generations of Porsche Drivers 32:04 Advice for Aspiring Drivers 37:40 Future Plans and Shoutouts 40:32 Closing Remarks ==================== 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

Like most of us, William S. Jackson, became involved with automobiles at an early age. During the early 1950’s, he was a member Penn State University’s hot rod club, and in the mid-50’s he was racing in SCCA events with a Jaguar 120-M and some Morgans. After his military service, he completed his degree at Penn State and began a lifelong career in journalism. His editorship of major vintage car clubs magazines during the 1960’s and 70’s gives Bill credit as one the founders who launched the then-fledgling “old car hobby” turning it into the vibrant community and economic powerhouse that it is today. Bill is a charter member of the Society of Automotive Historians, founded in October of 1969. And during the Annual SAH Awards Banquet in 2023 in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Bill presented his Auto-Biography to the banquet audience, including his recollections of the early days of the SAH; and the following recording was made by Bill, from that same script, in 2024. ===== (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

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.

On this episode of Evening With a Legend, we welcome Butch Leitzinger, a renowned ALMS driver best known for winning the Daytona 24 Hours three times and competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans six times. Butch shares his journey from his first visit to Le Mans in 1994 as a crew member to his near-podium finish with Bentley in 2001. He recounts his transition between different teams and cars, including Panoz, Cadillac, and Bentley, as well as his experiences and challenges in endurance racing. The discussion also touches on the technical aspects of racing, the mental and physical demands of Le Mans, and Butch's advice for aspiring drivers. The episode concludes with reflections on Butch's motorsport career and the significance of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. ===== (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: 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.