Why This Ride?

In this episode of Why This Ride?, we sit down with Ed Paez to talk about his 1995 BMW 325is and the journey that made it far more than just a car. Ed is a 30-year automotive industry veteran, former professional race car driver, and lifelong enthusiast whose passion for driving started at a young age with go-karts and autocross before eventually leading him into professional endurance racing.Ed shares how growing up around motorsports and German cars shaped his taste, and why the E36 chassis became such a meaningful platform for him. From autocross events and performance driving schools to competing in professional series like Grand-Am and Rolex racing, Ed explains how seat time, car balance, and driver confidence matter more than raw horsepower. His 325is may not be an M3, but through suspension upgrades, safety equipment, and thoughtful setup, it has become a true street-driven track car that delivers maximum engagement behind the wheel.The conversation also dives into the realities of racing, including how Ed’s professional career was impacted by the events of September 11, 2001, and how his priorities shifted toward teaching, mentoring, and sharing the joy of driving with others. We discuss track days, sim racing, entry points into motorsports, and why older analog cars like the E36 still offer a connection to the road that modern vehicles often lack.This episode is a deep look at what it means to love driving for the sake of driving, why the BMW 325is remains a standout enthusiast car, and how personal history can turn a vehicle into a lifelong companion rather than just another build.If you’re passionate about cars, racing, or the stories that make vehicles special, this episode is for you.Visit our website: https://whythisride.comSubscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@whythisrideFollow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-this-ride/id1870292712Chapters00:00 – Intro & Ed Paez’s racing background01:00 – Childhood go-karting and early love for racing03:00 – Autocross, first cars, and learning car control05:00 – Moving to Houston and working at BMW Performance Center06:45 – Professional racing experiences and endurance events09:00 – Track driving philosophy: handling over horsepower11:00 – Breaking down the 1995 BMW 325is build13:00 – Dream upgrades and the S54 swap discussion14:30 – E36 M3 Lightweight dream car15:30 – Racer X helmet and racing influences17:30 – How to get started in racing today19:30 – MX-5 Cup and affordable racing series21:00 – Sim racing vs real-world track experience24:00 – Mental and physical demands of racing26:00 – Final thoughts on driving passion & the E36 platform

In this episode of Why This Ride?, we sit down with Jason Huckabay, a Texas-based entrepreneur, to hear the story behind his dream car: a stunning 1988 Porsche 930 Turbo. What started as a poster on his childhood wall eventually became a reality decades later—and not by accident, but through patience, discipline, and a lifelong passion for cars.Jason shares what makes the 930 so special, from its raw, visceral driving experience to its reputation as an unforgiving but rewarding machine. We talk about turbo lag, the “Widowmaker” nickname, and why these air-cooled icons feel more like rolling pieces of art than modern performance cars. With just 25,000 original miles and all-original condition, this particular 930 represents both a personal milestone and a smart long-term investment.The conversation also dives into Jason’s background, his journey as a business owner, memories of growing up idolizing 1980s sports cars, and why he believes cars like this are meant to be driven—not hidden away. From Hill Country rallies to weekly drives that keep the car healthy, Jason explains how ownership goes far beyond simply parking it in a garage.If you love classic cars, air-cooled Porsches, or stories about finally buying the car you dreamed about as a kid, this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 – A Raw, Old-School Driving Experience00:18 – Welcome to Why This Ride? & Meeting Jason Huckabay01:11 – Growing Up Loving Sports Cars02:26 – The Porsche 930 Dream Begins03:56 – Why the 1988 Porsche 930 Turbo05:00 – Turbo Lag, Widowmaker Reputation & Driving Respect05:52 – What Makes the 930 So Special07:23 – Driving vs Storing Classic Cars08:04 – Hill Country Rally & Air-Cooled Porsche Culture10:05 – Modifying Cars vs Keeping Them Original11:36 – Then vs Now: Power, Speed & Engagement12:04 – What’s Next on the Porsche Bucket List13:57 – Advice on Buying a Dream Car15:25 – Closing Thoughts & Final Reflections