1965: When Engines Roared and Rockets Soared

This episode of the Logbook, our History of Motorsports Series, discusses the intertwining advancements in motorsports and space exploration in 1965. Dr. Mark D. Howell, a cultural historian, explores the parallels between pioneering figures in motorsports, like Richard Petty and Jim Clark, and space exploration heroes, such as Frank Borman and Jim Lovell. Dr. Howell draws connections between technological innovations and national ambitions that shaped historical milestones in both fields. The narrative highlights Formula One's 75th anniversary, NASA's Project Gemini, and competitive advancements in NASCAR, Indy 500, and land speed records at Bonneville Salt Flats. Additionally, the influence of societal and cultural memory in shaping historical understanding is examined. The episode underscores how the accomplishments of 1965 have continued to impact racing, space exploration, and collective cultural identity. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Setting the Stage: 1965 in Motorsports and Space Exploration 00:50 The Significance of 1965 04:07 The Space Race: Achievements and Challenges 05:03 Gemini Missions and American EVAs 13:27 NASCAR's Evolution and Controversies 18:52 The 1965 Indianapolis 500 24:37 Ford's Global Racing Ambitions 27:21 Bonneville Salt Flats and Land Speed Records 30:03 Motorsports Legends of 1965 33:25 Societal Logics and Collective Memory 37:12 Q&A Session 47:13 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 - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.

Jon Summers and co-host Mark Gammie discuss the British Touring Car Championship with a focus on its 1990s peak, while placing it in historical context from early British saloon car racing through eras featuring cars like the Ford Galaxie, Lotus Cortina, Vauxhall “Big Bertha/Baby Bertha,” Capris and Rover SD1s. They recall late-1980s/early-1990s battles between Sierra Cosworths and BMW E30 M3s, the excitement of Murray Walker’s commentary, and BTCC’s NASCAR-like contact on narrow UK club circuits such as Brands Hatch, Donington, Thruxton, Cadwell Park, Knockhill, and Snetterton. They cover the two-liter, 8,000-rpm formula, heavy manufacturer involvement, memorable moments involving Tarquini, Mansell, and Plato, the influence of the TOCA Touring Car video game, and how rising costs and aero/regulation changes reduced factory participation and spectator interest after 2000. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 BTCC Origins and NASCAR Parallel 02:54 Jack Sears and the Ford Galaxie 05:56 Jerry Marshall and Vauxhall Berthas 09:38 Capris vs Rover SD1 + TV Era 13:22 First BTCC Memories Sierras and M3s 14:35 Murray Walker  16:27 Club Circuits Brands to Cadwell, Thruxton, and Goodwood 24:11 Nineties Contact and Iconic Crashes 26:12 F1 Cameos Chaos 27:02 TOCA Game Memories 27:33 BTCC Rules and Money: Why It Beat F1 33:47 Favorite Tracks And Cars 35:15 Renault Laguna Road Car Tales 41:20 Drivers And Skill Gap 43:53 Reg Creep And Decline 46:19 Everyman Cars, Taxi Driver, 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 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.

Gran Touring Motorsports and Everything I Learned From Movies team up for a comedic crossover episode reviewing Days of Thunder while opening with an extended tribute to Robert Duvall’s role. The group discusses our nostalgic rewatches and the film’s cast and creators (Tony Scott, Simpson/Bruckheimer, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Michael Rooker, Randy Quaid, Cary Elwes). They recap major plot beats: Cole Trickle’s rough start, Harry’s mentoring and "rubbing is racing," sponsorship, the crash and hospital storyline, romance with Dr. Claire Lewicki, rivalries with Rowdy Burns, Russ Wheeler’s rise, Cole’s fear and comeback, and the Daytona finale - while comparing the movie to NASCAR culture and later parodies like Talladega Nights. They share fun facts, Rotten Tomatoes scores, box office, and wrap with plugs for their podcasts and the Motoring Podcast Network. Steve & Izzy from Everything I Learned from Movies Podcast return to join us in reviewing the 1990 Film "Days of Thunder" starring Tom Cruise and Robert Duvall (1931-2026).  ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00:00 Duvall Tribute 00:02:38 Meet The Crossover Crew 00:05:57 Cast And Filmmaker Roll Call 00:16:16 Opening Montage NASCAR Nostalgia 00:18:30 Rowdy Burns And Race Day Setup 00:21:11 Building The Car And First Races 00:25:50 Rubbing Is Racing Reality Check 00:28:29 Wreck Montage And Ice Cream Scene 00:32:55 Trust Talk At The Bar 00:35:38 Trailer Pullover Chaos 00:37:53 Smoke Cloud Full Throttle 00:38:54 Nicole Kidman Arrives 00:42:21 Wheelchair Hallway Race 00:47:27 Rental Car Road Duel 00:51:08 Russ Wheeler Steps In 00:52:50 Sweet N Low Drafting 00:56:14 Rowdy’s Hidden Injury 01:00:53 Taxi Fight Reality Check 01:02:38 Rowdy’s Daytona Request & Daytona 500 Chaos 01:11:18 Movie Verdict Debate 01:13:50 Commercial Break Promos 01:16:02 Fun Facts vs True Stories 01:25:25 Wild Production Trivia 01:28:54 What We Learned? Segment 01:33:49 Next Movie Picks 01:36:36 Final Sign Off ==================== 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

Our team of “Formula Fanatics” react to the 2026 F1 season as “fake excitement,” criticizing new “hurry up and coast/turbo mushroom” racing that drove Australian GP overtakes from 45 to 120 and feels artificial. They review early team form: Ferrari strong, Red Bull struggling, McLaren unclear, and discuss ESPN’s constructors predictions, focusing on Audi’s reliability issues and why Williams may outperform them, while Aston Martin is labeled the current worst due to car/engine integration problems involving Honda and Adrian Newey, who stepped down from team principal to lead engineer. They note rumors of Audi boss Jonathan Wheatley moving to Aston, discuss driver-market chatter (Bearman/Ferrari, Antonelli), praise the China Sprint and Kimi’s rise to the podium, mention a FIA probe into Mercedes’ front wing timing raised by Ferrari, and make Suzuka picks favoring Hamilton, Ferrari, and Mercedes while expecting Aston retirements. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 What the F1? Chaos! 01:27 Early Team Vibes & ESPN Season Predictions 03:10 Audi Outlook and Reliability 04:54 Aston Martin Meltdown 08:34 Wheatley Moves to Aston? 10:09 Ferrari's Beerman Buzz, Kimi's Future, and and Toto's Dreams 14:13 Australia Overtake Explosion 15:31 Is This Real Racing? 17:43 F1 Team Money Debate 20:09 The Lance Stroll Drinking Game 20:42 Australia Recap 23:23 Mercedes Wing Under Investigation? 25:49 China Sprint Thriller 27:23 Japan GP Predictions  29:17 Max and the Nurburgring Disqualification 34:39 Signoff ==================== 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/

Break/Fix’s monthly Drive-Thru News episode mixes banter with automotive and motorsports headlines: Porsche’s EV plans for Boxster/Cayman remain unclear amid broader VW/Porsche EV backpedaling, while VW faces a U.S. class-action lawsuit over oil consumption in 2018+ EA888 2.0T engines. The hosts react to a new BMW 3 Series reveal, discuss “peak” driver’s cars (largely the ’80s/’90s), and note a court blocking efforts to force BMW and Mercedes to stop selling gas cars by 2030; BMW tuner AC Schnitzer closes citing German bureaucracy. Toyota teases a new Celica, Subaru debuts the Trailseeker EV, rumors swirl about a limited Hyundai N Vision 74, and Alpine may pursue U.S. crash certification for the A110. Other items include a $24k Bugatti bicycle, Austria dropping EV police cars, Florida-man stories, a 2026 Le Mans entry list update, Bob Tullius’ passing, and a Lemons Ford Focus build update that shifts the first race to NJMP Thunderbolt in June while seeking parts and support via Patreon. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00:00 Drive Thru Springtime Banter 00:01:52 Daily Driver Dilemma 00:04:03 Porsche EV Rumors 00:07:58 Lambo CTO To Audi? 00:09:47 VW's "Turbo Gate" Lawsuit 00:15:11 New BMW 3-Series Shock 00:17:13 What was the "Peak Car" Era? 00:25:10 Bimmer & Benz - Gas Car Ban Blocked! 00:26:08 AC Schnitzer Shuts Down 00:27:42 The Celica Returns! 00:29:39 Subaru Trailseeker Roast & Hyundai N74 Rumors 00:33:20 Alpine Coming To US? 00:36:15 Are New Cars Too Expensive? 00:41:44 Autonomous Future and Insurance 00:44:25 Barn Find Saab Stash 00:47:19 F1 Movie and the Bugatti Bike 00:52:34 Florida Man Headlines 00:59:51 Le Mans 2026 Grid Talk 01:04:45 24 Hours of Lemons Focus Build Update! 01:08:37 Signoff ==================== 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

Marci McGuinness, author, historian, and screenwriter, joins the Break/Fix podcast to share her journey of uncovering and preserving the rich history of Uniontown Speedway and Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania. With 45 years of dedication, Marci explores the lives of early motorsport legends like Charlie Johnson and discusses her ongoing work on the Speed King documentary. The discussion delves into the historical context of early 20th-century racing, the impact of prohibition, and the construction of wooden board tracks. Marci also shares her experiences in creating documentaries, gathering historical research, and promoting motorsport heritage to future generations. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Meet Marci McGuinness: Historian and Storyteller 01:42 Marci's Early Inspirations and Projects 04:45 The Discovery of Uniontown Speedway 07:08 The Birth of American Racing: Board Tracks and Hill Climbs 13:40 Challenges and Innovations in Early Motorsports 16:13 Charlie Johnson: The Speed King and Rum Runner 20:05 The Legacy of Charlie Johnson and Early Motorsports 22:02 Honoring Charlie's Contributions 23:30 The Evolution of Racing Tracks 25:06 Creating the Documentary 27:54 Gathering Historical Footage 30:21 Preserving Automotive History 36:07 Future Projects and Reflections 42:51 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgments ==================== 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 sponsored in part by the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing, and the Society of Automotive Historians. 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. Outro theme music "Country Rough" by Everet Almond.

Eleanor “Nelly” Velasco Thornton - long rumored to be the muse for Rolls‑Royce’s Spirit of Ecstasy - led a far richer life than the legend suggests, rising from a struggling London family to become a skilled telegraphist, actress, model, and ultimately a pivotal figure in Britain’s early motoring world. Her work at the Automobile Club and later Car Illustrated brought her into the orbit of John “Monty” Montagu, whose private commission of a small sculpture by Charles Sykes would later evolve, through corporate reinvention and mythmaking, into the famous Rolls‑Royce mascot. Though the evidence linking her to the emblem is largely circumstantial, her true legacy lies in her quiet, class‑defying professional success and the life she built before her death at 35 aboard the torpedoed SS Persia - a story far more compelling than any automotive myth. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Throwback Return: Introducing Keyhole Witness & the Spirit of Every Woman 01:10 Eleanor Poses for Sykes: A Muse, a Name, and a Dream of Reinvention 03:20 Growing Up Thornton: Telegraph Work, Typewriting, and a Working-Class London Home 05:55 Gray Coats to Chelsea: Emma Velasco’s Lessons and Nelly’s Escape Plan 12:48 Bohemian Reality Check: The Pheasant Tree, Barely-Paid Modeling, and Money Trouble 14:56 A Practical Pivot: Sarah Ann’s Advice and the Search for a Real Salary 17:40 The Automobile Club Breakthrough: Meeting Claude Johnson and Landing the Job 21:16 Making the 1000-Mile Trials Happen: Eleanor’s Invisible Genius Gets Noticed 23:15 Monty’s Magazine Offer: Class, Cash Problems, and a New Role at Car Illustrated 27:42 Secret Love & Secret Child: The Affair, Pregnancy, and Joan’s Adoption 29:58 Rolls-Royce Origins: Monty, Claude, and the Rise of the Silver Ghost 31:44 From “The Whisperer” to Spirit of Ecstasy: How the Mascot Was Really Made 36:56 War Years and a Dangerous Voyage: Choosing to Sail on the SS Persia 39:25 Torpedoed in the Med: The Sinking of the SS Persia and Eleanor’s Death 40:41 Aftermath & Legacies: What Happened to the People Around Eleanor? 44:38 Afterword: Separating Urban Legend from the Woman’s Real Story 47:16 Final Tribute, Credits, and How to Support the Show ==================== 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 episode of The Logbook, our History of Motorsports Series, Lauren Goodman - Associate Curator of exhibitions at REVS Institute - discusses her award-winning exhibition on French automotive mascots from the interwar period, exploring their cultural significance and preservation challenges. The talk delves into the history of these mascots, their design processes, and the importance of documentation and collector-institution collaboration for future generations. She emphasizes the need for more cross-disciplinary studies and technological applications in automotive heritage, highlighting significant works and potential research pathways.  ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Meet Lauren Goodman 01:43 The Journey into French Mascots 03:26 Research and Exhibition Insights 04:39 Challenges in Automotive Heritage 08:33 The Role of Collectors and Institutions 15:25 Technological Advances in Research 18:36 The Future of Automotive Mascots 20:48 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: 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 episode of The Logbook, our History of Motorsports Series, delves into the history and community heritage of the Latimore Valley Fairgrounds in Adams County, Pennsylvania. Starting from its inception in the 1920s as a fairground and dirt speedway, the site experienced decline before being revived in the 1980s by the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing (EMMR) as a vintage race car exhibition venue. Led by Alison Kreitzer, director of Collections at EMMR, the narrative details the impact of institutional memory in preserving cultural heritage, highlighting the role of grassroots efforts and the Williams Grove Old Timers. The story encompasses the socio-cultural dynamics of rural America, including moments of innovation, racial exclusion, and revival efforts. The episode also emphasizes the importance of preserving motorsport history through community engagement, oral histories, and the ongoing activities at Latimore Valley and the EMMR, ensuring the legacy and passion of motorsports continue to thrive. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Latimore Valley Fairgrounds: A Historical Overview 02:41 The Emergence of Automobile Racing 03:36 Challenges and Controversies in the 1920s 07:19 Racing and Social Divisions 11:42 The Decline and Revival Efforts 16:18 The Role of Oral Histories 21:25 The Williams Grove Old Timers and EMMR 31:39 The Rebirth of Latimore Valley Fair 32:18 Expansion and Legacy of EMMR 35:24 Q&A Session 41:11 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 - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.

In this episode of Formula Fanatics, a subseries of the Drive Thru News podcast, we get ever closer to the upcoming season and logistics for watching races, including F1 coverage moving to Apple TV. We discuss rumors that drivers dislike their new cars and that driving style is changing due to battery regeneration, coasting into corners, rough first-gear behavior, reduced fuel flow, and the removal of DRS, raising concerns about difficult passing and “parade lap” racing. Our hosts give mixed expectations for the season, speculate who might adapt best, predict the year may become dull after a few races, and discuss potential viewership impacts from the Apple TV move.  ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Race Week Prep: Apple TV, F1 App Access & Getting Subscribed 01:27 Never Miss a Session: Downloading the F1 Calendar + Time Zones 02:35 Max’s Endurance Racing Plans: Schedules Moving for ‘Franz Herman’ 03:36 Preseason Testing Shock: Drivers Say the New Cars Feel Awful 04:42 New Era Racing: Battery Regen, No DRS & ‘Formula E on Steroids’ 07:56 Can Anyone Pass? Slipstream, Dirty Air & Old-School Racecraft 09:49 Who Thrives Now? Best Drivers for Late-Braking, Real Overtakes 10:47 Testing Rumors & Team Noise: Red Bull, Mercedes Sandbagging, Audi Woes? 11:53 Driver Numbers Explained: #1 for Lando, Max’s Number Switch & Etiquette 12:56 Livery Talk: Audi & Cadillac + Williams Details 15:52 Grid Updates: Doohan Back as Haas Reserve 17:52 Quick Season Hype Check ... Will Fans Stick Around? Parade-Lap Fears, Rule Changes & Apple TV Impact 19:53 Predictions Time: Who Wins 2026 and Who Definitely Won’t 20:37 Fun Send-Off: The Safety Car That Was Too Fast (Super Formula Clip) 21:41 Wrap-Up & Sponsor Shoutouts ==================== 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/