Paul Crawford | Head of Esports Motorsport UK - S4 EP04

"From Carbon to Caution: The Old-School Truths of F1 with Ian Jackson" In this refreshingly candid episode, Stripping The Dipping sits down with Ian Jackson, a former Formula 1 composite technician who spent years in the heart of the paddock, crafting the very parts that kept championship cars glued to the tarmac. Now retired and far removed from the glitz of the modern grid, Ian offers an unfiltered, old-school perspective on how F1 has evolved from a sport of grit, grease, and raw speed to what some now call a high-speed reality show. We dive into: 🔧 What life was really like behind the scenes in an F1 garage 🏁 Whether modern F1 is still a sport... or just showbiz in overdrive 💭 His thoughts on the direction F1 is heading and what’s been lost in translation 🛠️ The forgotten craftsmanship behind composite work and car building 🚨 The pressures, politics, and real talk no Netflix series dares to show Plus, we throw Ian into a rapid-fire round of sandwich dilemmas, pineapple on pizza philosophy, and one or two curveballs he definitely wasn’t expecting. This is a must-listen for anyone who misses the soul of motorsport and wants to hear what it used to be like before the algorithms, influencers, and helmet cam drama took over.

In this high octane episode of Stripping The Dipping, we step into the fast-paced world of global motorsport events with the incredible Inés Yofre, a seasoned event operations specialist who's worked behind the scenes in both MotoGP and Formula 1. From organizing the chaos of race weekends to navigating the pressure of elite international sporting events, Inés shares her unique perspective on what it really takes to bring a race to life. With experience supporting event logistics across continents and series, she gives us the insider details that fans rarely hear how paddocks operate, what it’s like working so close to teams and riders, and the adrenaline rush that comes without ever stepping into a car or on a bike. We also chat about her career path, the role of women in motorsport, and how she balances life in one of the most demanding industries in the world. Plus don’t miss her answers to our signature rapid-fire questions, including the pineapple on pizza debate and the ever controversial “If you were a sandwich…” Whether you're a MotoGP die-hard, a Formula 1 fanatic, or someone curious about how global sporting events run smoothly behind the velvet ropes, this episode delivers speed, substance, and serious inspiration.

Racing Through Time with Colin Johnston – F1, History & the Mercedes Connection In this thought-provoking episode, we’re joined once again by motorsport historian, researcher, and returning friend of the show—Colin Johnston. A man who bridges the gap between the roaring past and the data-driven present, Colin offers fascinating insights into the evolution of motorsport, both on and off the track. We dive into his experience attending a Formula 1 Grand Prix, what it felt like to witness the action live, and how it compared to the sport’s historic eras. Colin also shares exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses into his involvement with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, giving fans a unique look into what goes on beyond race day. We unpack the role of a motorsport historian in today’s fast-paced digital landscape, discuss the importance of preserving motorsport’s forgotten stories, and reflect on how storytelling—through Netflix, social media, and beyond—has reshaped the fan experience. As always, we wrap up with a hilarious and slightly chaotic rapid-fire segment that includes hypothetical sandwiches, historical hot takes, and a few questions even Colin had to pause and think about! Highlights: The fan experience of attending an F1 race in person Working with Mercedes F1 – what that actually looks like How motorsport history is being preserved and modernized Top underrated stories from racing’s past The historian’s view on Drive to Survive, AI, and sim racing Rapid-fire fun: pineapple pizza, sandwich alter-egos, and ghost teams Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newer viewer hungry for depth, this episode delivers a unique blend of edutainment, nostalgia, and behind-the-scenes revelations.

In this episode, we delve into the world of Australian motorsport with Dean Brooking, the founder and team director of JKD Racing. With over 20 years of racing experience across categories like HQ Holdens, Porsche Challenge, and Hyundai Excels, Dean brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the track. Dean shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of building JKD Racing into a competitive force in the V8 SuperUte Series. We discuss the technical and logistical aspects of team management, the importance of fostering a positive team culture, and the role of fan engagement in motorsport. He also opens up about the personal aspects of racing, including mentoring his stepson, Jensen Engelhardt, who races alongside him. Dean emphasizes the significance of continuous improvement, both on and off the track, and how he navigates the pressures of the racing world. Whether you're a motorsport enthusiast or interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of a racing team, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the dedication and strategy involved in achieving success on the track. 🔗 Connect with JKD Racing: Website: jkdracing.com.au Instagram: @jkdracing Facebook: JKD Racing Australia

At just 19 years old, Aliyyah Koloc is already making waves across some of the toughest racing disciplines on the planet from extreme endurance events to truck racing and the grueling Dakar Rally. But her story goes far beyond speed and trophies. In this episode, Aliyyah opens up about her journey from a teenage racing prodigy to a role model in motorsport, and how she's using her platform as an ambassador for diversity, mental health awareness, and inclusion.We dive into the challenges she’s faced, the pressure of racing at a global level, and how she balances the mental and physical demands of a brutally competitive industry all while advocating for a more open, supportive racing community.Aliyyah’s passion, resilience, and honesty shine through in this powerful conversation that shows there’s much more to motorsport than just winning, it's about purpose, perseverance, and making a difference.

What happens when legal strategy meets motorsport adrenaline? In this episode of Stripping The Dipping, we sit down with John Hand, a UK-based motorsport lawyer and consultant whose journey through the high-speed, high-stakes legal side of racing is nothing short of fascinating. With a background in law and a passion for racing, John gives us an insider’s look into the often-overlooked world of motorsport contracts, disputes, and governance. From FIA regulations and race control issues to how drivers and teams protect their brand and rights, John’s expertise sheds light on what really goes on behind the scenes in the paddock. We also explore: What makes motorsport law so unique Legal gray areas that fans never hear about Memorable cases and controversies John’s take on current challenges in F1 and beyond His surprising motorsport fandom picks! Plus, we put John through our signature rapid-fire round—and yes, we ask the big question: pineapple on pizza? Whether you’re a law nerd, F1 fanatic, or just love great motorsport conversations—this episode is for you. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments. Who would YOU like to see us interview next?

Episode Description – Stripping The Dipping: Season 4, Episode 4 Guest: Paul Crawford – Head of Esports, Motorsport UK In this high-speed episode, we dive headfirst into the fast-evolving world of esports racing with none other than Paul Crawford, the Head of Esports at Motorsport UK. From the early days of GT Academy and World's Fastest Gamer to shaping national-level sim racing platforms, Paul has been a driving force behind the idea that virtual tracks can lead to real-world podiums. He shares eye-opening insights into how sim racing has transformed motorsport accessibility, what it takes for a gamer to go pro, and the challenges of legitimizing esports in a traditional racing world. We also discuss: Sim vs Real Racing – Can esports really produce the next F1 star? The future of digital motorsport, from grassroots programs to global championships Behind-the-scenes stories working with racing legends like Fernando Alonso The launch and vision of Motorsport UK's Esports Hub Plus, Paul faces some of the wildest rapid-fire questions we’ve ever asked—including sandwiches, pineapple on pizza, and racing legends in a taxi dilemma. Whether you’re a hardcore sim racer or just curious about the future of motorsport, this episode is your ultimate pit stop. Buckle up and hit play—because esports just got real. #StrippingTheDipping #EsportsRacing #MotorsportUK #SimRacing #GTAcademy #PaulCrawford #GamingToRacing

Albert Ruiz Gracia, Trackside Energy Management Engineer at Andretti Formula E Get ready for an electrifying start to Season 4 of Stripping The Dipping! In this episode, we dive into the world of Formula E with a true mastermind of energy management—Albert Ruiz Gracia, Trackside Energy Management Engineer at Andretti Formula E. Albert's journey into motorsport is nothing short of inspiring. From his early fascination with racing to his pivotal role in one of the most cutting-edge championships in the world, he has mastered the delicate balance between efficiency, performance, and strategy in all-electric racing. We’ll discuss the challenges of managing energy deployment during a race, the technology behind Formula E powertrains, and how teams strategize to maximize efficiency while maintaining blistering pace. Albert also shares insights into his career path, what it’s like working in the high-stakes world of Andretti Formula E, and the ever-evolving future of electric motorsport. Of course, it wouldn’t be Stripping The Dipping without some rapid-fire fun, where we put Albert to the test with off-the-wall questions—including whether he believes pineapple belongs on pizza! So, charge up your excitement and get ready for a deep dive into the engineering, strategy, and future of electric racing with Albert Ruiz Gracia!

Ever wondered what it takes to bring the world's biggest racing events to life? From crafting mind-blowing race visuals to ensuring motorsport content looks as fast as the cars themselves, Mateusz "Matt" Dajnowski is the creative mastermind behind the scenes. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of motorsport broadcasting, content creation, and the evolving landscape of digital storytelling. Matt has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, bringing races to life with cutting-edge visuals, and he’s here to share the secrets of making motorsport content truly spectacular. We’ll talk about his journey from being a motorsport fan to a leading content creator, the challenges of making high-speed action visually stunning, and whether AI and new tech could change the way we experience racing forever. And of course, it wouldn’t be Stripping The Dipping without some rapid-fire chaos, where we’ll put Matt on the spot with some of our most unpredictable and hilarious questions. So, hit play, buckle up, and get ready for a high-octane ride into the world of motorsport content creation!

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! Welcome back to another thrilling season of Stripping The Dipping. And today we have a guest who's been instrumental in revolutionizing motorsport media. Joining us is Andrew van de Burgt, the visionary CEO and Founder of The Race Media. Andrew's journey through the fast-paced world of motorsport journalism is nothing short of inspiring. From his tenure as Editor-in-Chief at Autosport to co-founding The Race in February 2020, he's been at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge motorsport content. Under his leadership, The Race Media has rapidly become a leading voice in the industry, acquiring platforms like WTF1 and DriverDB, and launching initiatives such as The Race Media Awards. In this episode, we'll delve into Andrew's early motorsport memories, his experiences in founding and expanding The Race Media, and his insights into the evolving landscape of motorsport journalism. We'll also explore his role in the early days of Formula E and discuss his vision for the future of motorsport media. But that's not all! We'll lighten the mood with some rapid-fire questions, including the all-important debate: does pineapple belong on pizza? So, buckle up and get ready for an engaging ride as we strip down the layers of motorsport media with Andrew van de Burgt. As there are a few muted audio errors, please kindly bare with us for the moment. Thank you 💓