In this episode, we sit down with Dave Pratte of Speed Academy for an in-depth look at his journey through the automotive media world—from his first car memories and grassroots racing roots to going full-time with Modified Magazine and launching Speed Academy. Dave opens up about building a brand with his co-founder Pete, the challenges of operating in Canada, collaborating with Canadian Tire, and how content creation has evolved in the age of algorithms.

Whether you’re an aspiring creator, a fan of import culture, or just love hearing how passion projects become careers, this episode is packed with valuable insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and real talk about the future of automotive content.

00:00 - Introduction & Reflections on Speed Academy's Impact

07:30 - Speed Academy's 2025 so far

10:50 - Trials of getting a dealer's license

14:18- Dave's first car memory (and where the Celica inspiration came from)

18:06 - Dave's introduction to grassroots motorsports

22:32 - Dabbling with automotive journalism

25:02 - Going full time with Modified Magazine

27:00 - The birth of Speed Academy

36:12 - Division of work between Dave and Pete

42:03 - Moving Speed Academy to the US

43:19 - Partnering with Canadian Tire

44:46 - Looking to other creators for inspiration

46:17 - The impact of the "chicken coop" to shop transition

52:37 - Do subscribers matter?

54:45 - What content would you make if the algorithm didn't matter?

56:30 - Content for content's sake vs. lead generation

1:00:05 - Business opportunities for micro influencers

1:03:21 - Advice for automotive creators starting in 2025

1:10:48 - Did you ever consider quitting?

1:14:19 - Why certain content performs better than others

1:19:29 - Are you still having fun?

1:27:30 - Balancing Speed Academy with home life

1:32:17 - Final thoughts

This week on the 2TRACKMIND Podcast, we're doing something a little different — it's a solo episode from the studio as we get ready for our first endurance race weekend of 2025 at Shannoville Motorsports Park.We’re diving into behind-the-scenes prep for Lucky Dog Racing Canada (now called Endurance Elite), sharing thoughts on the rumored 2.5L NE Miata and how it compares to cars like the BRZ, and breaking down the bold new design direction of the next-gen BMW X5. I also talk about a wild prototype car that can actually drive upside down, and whether installing an oil cooler is really necessary for your build.

Plus, I preview our upcoming episode with Dave Pratte from Speed Academy — one of the best interviews we’ve had yet.Whether you’re a racer, a builder, or just deep into car culture, this episode has something for you. Subscribe so you don’t miss our trackside coverage and deep dives into car tech and motorsports.0:00 - Why I'm solo today & introduction

03:49 - The next generation Miata is getting a 2.5L

10:55 - Porsche Experience Center Toronto

16:02 - New X5 looks...

19:02 - McMurty Speirling drives upside down

22:58 - Are oil coolers always beneficial?

26:59 - Consequential rule changes for Enduro Elite (LDRC)

🏁 Is Track Culture Being Priced Out? | 2TRACKMIND PodcastFrom grassroots grit to luxury circuits—this episode dives into the growing divide in the motorsport world. Are track days still for everyone, or is the sport becoming a playground for the wealthy? We talk about the "country clubification" of driving culture, rising costs, and what it means for the next generation of enthusiasts.

0:00 Introduction

02:44 - Willow Springs has a new owner and what it means for local tracks

15:07 - Is AWD worth the weight penalty?

22:17 - Different AWD systems, Quattro Haldex vs. xDrive

29:35 - How do you get comfortable with catching a sliding car?

39:46 - Q&A

Join us for a special episode of the 2TRACKMIND Podcast featuring Enrique Abad, owner and founder of Driven Autosport. Driven Autosport specializes in performance car tuning while still offering typical automotive maintenance. Enrique shares his unique insights into the evolution of the automotive tuning scene, the challenges and rewards of running a performance shop, and personal stories of his lifelong passion for cars. From childhood memories to behind-the-scenes shop realities, this episode dives deep into car culture, offering a fresh perspective from someone truly immersed in the automotive world.

00:00 - Introduction

02:28 - Enrique's first car memory

05:10 - What do people drive in the Philippines?

10:16 - The high school years

17:15 - Working at a dealership

19:49 - Toyota "unintended acceleration" recalls

34:30 - Getting his first BRZ

37:33 - Crewing in Porsche Cup Car

50:26 - How Driven Autosport got started

1:02:18 - Most memorable cars that have rolled through Driven

1:09:11 - Common misconceptions about running a performance shop

1:14:20 - What are your goals for the future?

1:18:12 - Future drift car?

1:20:00 - How has your relationship changed with cars?

1:26:50 - Advice for people looking to join the automotive trade

1:36:10 - Modest Dream Garage

1:39:54 - Shout-outs & acknowledgements

Jason & Jason talk tariffs for car enthusiasts, Nissan's bold outlook, and how to use tire pressures to manipulate car balance.

00:00 - introduction

01:54 - What tariffs mean for car enthusiasts

12:28 - Nissan promises affordable enthusiast cars

18:10 - Formula Delta pan for 2nd gen 86

27:13 - Using tire pressure to manipulate car balance

35:59 - How does lapping transition into competition

40:24 - What's the best track car under $50K?

Jason & Jason break down the surprising A90 Supra Final Edition, explore Tesla's concerning Cybertruck recall issues, and get the exclusive details on Revozport's exciting new BMW M4 aero kit.

00:00 - New podcast format for weekly updates

03:00 - A90 Supra final edition

10:18 - Tesla Cybertruck total recall

11:54 - Revozport going ham on BMW G Series aero

14:44 - Will the G87 M2 become a forgotten car?

19:27 - G82 M4 lap time predictions at Mosport

23:46 - Tesla's autopilot put to the test... surprising results

28:30 - LIDAR applications in racing?

30:20 - When to use trail braking at the track

36:06 - Q&A

In this episode of the 2TRACKMIND podcast, we sit down with Phil Williams Oliveira, known for his FA24/FA20 hybrid BRZ build. Phil shares his fascinating journey from aviation enthusiast to track day addict, recounting his crash at Mosport, the painstaking rebuild process, and his philosophy on DIY car building. We dive deep into engine swaps, rattle can paint jobs, track day experiences, and Phil's approach to balancing competition with enjoyment in motorsports. Whether you're considering your own project car or just love automotive stories, this candid conversation offers invaluable insights, technical knowledge, and the real human experience behind building a track-focused BRZ from the ground up.

Phil's substack: https://phillipwilliamsoliveira.substack.com/

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro and guest introduction

3:41 - Phil's first car memories and aviation background

4:17 - The transition from aviation to automotive passion

9:58 - Early FRS ownership and track experiences

41:37 - The moment of the crash at Mosport

58:55 - Processing the crash and next steps

1:00:24 The FA24/FA20 hybrid engine build concept

1:12:27 - Body work, paint, and DIY approach

1:39:20 - First track day with the rebuilt car

1:44:25 - Balancing competition with enjoyment in motorsports

1:58:18 - Thoughts on time attack and bracket racing

2:01:27 - The modest dream garage choices

2:07:21 - Final thoughts and acknowledgments

Patrick Alex is back to talk about his first time racing with World Racing League at Sebring.

A special cross-over episode with  @DriversPaddock . Which car will be the track car of the year?

0:00 - Intro

2:33 - How Driver's Paddock got started

6:40 - Cars driven in 2024

9:45 - Interacting with review car owners1

7:08 - Managing owner expectations

18:48 - Feedback from the community

20:35 - Learnings from 2024

25:22 - How has this year affected your relationship with cars

27:58 - Sustainability in reviewing cars

30:04 - Most fun car of 2024

32:13 - Which car would you want to own

37:40 - Most disappointing cars of 2024

43:28 - Driver's Paddock Car of the Year

51:15 - What to expect in 2025

Jason, Patrick, Jay, and Vinh exchange horrible car gifts for each other with a catch...

0:00 - Intro9:56 - White Elephant ground rules11:25 - 2024 retrospective36:32 - Goals for 20251:19:04 - White Elephant gift exchange1:50:58 - A long wrap-up