Evening With A Legend: William S. Jackson

This episode of The Logbook, our History of Motorsport series, explores the delayed adoption of seat belts in Formula One racing. Preston Lerner discusses the late 1960s and early 1970s safety measures, focusing on Dr. Michael Henderson's role in debunking the myth that escaping a crash unbelted was safer. Henderson's innovative six-point harness design, inspired by aviation, eventually led to universal adoption despite initial resistance from top drivers like Jimmy Clark. The narrative also covers the political and technological barriers to safety improvements in racing, concluding with the tragic deaths that underscored the need for regulatory change. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 The Early Days of Racing Safety 00:41 The Myth of Escaping the Cockpit 00:51 Michael Henderson's Contributions 01:58 The Adoption of Seat Belts in Racing 02:39 Formula One's Safety Evolution 04:50 Technological Advances and Safety 06:55 The Role of Politics in Racing Safety 21:44 The Tragic Deaths and Their Impact 28:00 Conclusion 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 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 - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.

This special Veterans Day edition of Evening With A Legend features 91-year-old William S. Jackson. Jackson, a co-founder of the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), recounts his storied career from a draftee in the Cold War to racing at the 1958 Le Mans Retrospective. The episode explores Jackson's transition from struggling college student to influential motorsport figure, highlighting his time in the military, racing experiences, and profound friendship with German race photographer Ernst Char. Jackson shares vivid memories of racing vintage cars, including his 1935 BMW, and navigating through historical events, culminating in his reflection on how these experiences shaped his life. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Meet William S. Jackson 02:06 Bill's Early Life and Military Draft 03:08 Cold War Soldier Stories 06:22 Racing Beginnings in the USA 10:58 Racing Adventures in Europe & Finding Peace in Germany 19:09 The Search for a Bugatti 20:37 The Vintage German Car Dilemma ... Restoring the BMW 22:22 Racing Aspirations in Europe 25:00 The Le Mans Retrospective Opportunity; Experiencing Le Mans 32:49 Reflections on Racing and Life 35:47 Concluding Thoughts and Legacy ==================== 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.

In this Pit Stop mini-sode, we return to Donald C. Davidson’s storytelling with a nostalgic return to Watkins Glen, reminiscing about his first visit in 1972 and subsequent visits until 1977. Donald shares detailed stories about early experiences at the US Grand Prix, interactions with legendary drivers like Jackie Stewart and Niki Lauda, and the unique culture of the racing community at that time. His anecdotes highlight the camaraderie among drivers and fans, and he vividly recalls the vibrant atmosphere at events such as those held throughout the village and the track. Donald also reflects on the unchanged charm of the area despite the passage of time and shares humorous and poignant incidents from the heyday of Formula 1 at Watkins Glen. This episode was originally recorded in 2012 at International Motor Racing Research Center and has been remastered for this podcast. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Donald C. Davidson's Nostalgic Return to Watkins Glen 00:37 Early Experiences and Legendary Drivers 01:08 Memorable Moments and Racing Culture 04:18 Gatherings and Camaraderie at the Speedway 11:22 The Unique Atmosphere of Watkins Glen 12:12 Encounters with Racing Legends 13:48 Reflections on the Changing Racing Scene 15:39 Personal Anecdotes and Stories 20:09 The Glen Motor Court Experience 32:35 Final Thoughts and Conclusion ==================== 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. 

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. 

Joined by his co-host Mark Gammie, Jon and Mark delve into various topics, including the comparison of the 1970s movie 'Moon Runners' to 'The Dukes of Hazard', car character development, and notable actors. The duo also explores vehicle ownerships like the Ford Fiesta, Mercedes, and the appeal of Range Rovers, detailing personal experiences with repairs, expenses, and the joys of collecting vehicles. They talk about specific car models such as the Ford ST, E 55 AMG, and the legendary Powerstroke Diesel. Additionally, they discuss the environmental impact, reliability, and the market for classic and high-performance cars. The conversation closes with a look into future automobile purchases and the practicality of moped usage in small towns. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Discussing 'Moon Runners' and 'Dukes of Hazard' 09:05 Car Talk: Honda CB 1000 Hornet 10:22 Mercedes Updates and Repairs 24:56 Electric vs. Gasoline Cars 26:27 Exploring Mercedes AMG Models 29:05 The Gentle Use of a CL vs. E Class 29:31 Buying the F250: A Well-Written Ad 32:23 The Rampage Motorcycle Lift 33:48 The Search for a Suitable Truck 35:56 The Appeal of Diesel Vehicles 40:37 The Range Rover Confession 45:32 Audi and the RS6 Launch 50:41 Moped Misadventures 52:38 Moving to a New Place 55:15 Conclusion and Sponsor Message ==================== 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 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