BREAK/FIX the Motorsports & Vehicle Enthusiast Variety Show

This Pit Stop mini-sode offers a detailed conversation with John Kraman discussing the behind-the-scenes aspects of Mecum Auctions, the strategies involved in planning and hosting auctions, and the unique characteristics of various auction events. It highlights key auctions such as the massive Kissimmee auction and the more exclusive Monterey event, illustrating how each auction has its own distinct personality. John emphasizes the importance of 'numbers matching' in the valuation of collector cars, the rising popularity of restomod vehicles, and the pivotal role of the aftermarket industry in supporting the collector car market. The conversation also delves into the impact of visibility and mainstream media on the growth of car auctions, the benefits of no-reserve auction entries, and the evolution of auction practices including absentee bidding. Additionally, the episode covers logistical details for spectators and potential buyers and sellers, while underscoring Mecum's position as a leader in the auction world.

===== (Oo---x---oO) =====

====================

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

This episode has been brought to you by MECUM Auctions the world leader of collector car, vintage and antique motorcycle, and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has specialized in the sale of collector cars for more than 35 years, now offering more than 22,000 lots per year and averaging more than one auction each month. Mecum Auctions is headquartered in Walworth, Wisconsin, and since 2011 has been ranked No. 1 in the world with the number of collector cars offered at auction and is host to the world's largest collector car auction held annually in Kissimmee, Florida, as well as the largest motorcycle auction held annually in Las Vegas. Mecum's Road Art and Mecum On Time divisions offer a wide-variety of collectibles for live and online auctions.

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?

This episode of the Break/Fix features John Kraman, the voice of Mecum Auctions, who shares his fascinating journey in the world of classic cars and broadcasting. Raised in Los Angeles during the 1960s and 70s, Kraman’s early exposure to automobiles at his father’s dealership cultivated a lifelong passion for cars. He discusses his career evolution from a car sales manager to an aircraft mechanic and ultimately joining Mecum Auctions in 2006. John has been a commentator on Mecum Auctions broadcast since 2008 and provides insights into the dynamics of auctioning classic cars, the transitions in his career, and the growth of Mecum Auctions into a leading entity in the collector car industry. Throughout the episode, he reflects on significant cars from his personal collection and provides anecdotes about his experiences in the auction world.

===== (Oo---x---oO) =====

====================

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

This episode has been brought to you by MECUM Auctions the world leader of collector car, vintage and antique motorcycle, and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has specialized in the sale of collector cars for more than 35 years, now offering more than 22,000 lots per year and averaging more than one auction each month. Mecum Auctions is headquartered in Walworth, Wisconsin, and since 2011 has been ranked No. 1 in the world with the number of collector cars offered at auction and is host to the world's largest collector car auction held annually in Kissimmee, Florida, as well as the largest motorcycle auction held annually in Las Vegas. Mecum's Road Art and Mecum On Time divisions offer a wide-variety of collectibles for live and online auctions.

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 this episode of Break/Fix, we interview Keri Weishaar, a seasoned truck driver and mechanical engineer with a Class A CDL. Keri shares her journey from growing up aspiring to be a truck driver in a small community to achieving her goals. She discusses her experiences driving across the country, including challenging routes like Montana's snow-covered passes, and her role at Bosch Automotive proving grounds and the PACCAR Technical Center. Keri also details her thrilling co-drive with Hollywood stunt driver Mike Ryan at the 2010 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Beyond trucking, Keri's passion for motorsports led her to various forms of racing, including desert racing with Best in the Desert series, short course racing, and even a tryout with Monster Jam. She also founded Trophy Girl Designs, creating custom safety equipment and other products. Throughout her story, Keri emphasizes the importance of perseverance, community support, and pursuing one's passions, inspiring a new generation of petrol heads.

===== (Oo---x---oO) =====

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

This episode of GTM's Drive Thru, Episode 38, features a wide range of automotive news and discussions. The episode is sponsored by various automotive-related organizations such as HPDEjunkie.com, AmericanMuscle.com, and others. Highlights include a detailed discussion on Ferrari's vintage and modern cars, including the upcoming auction of a rare Ferrari 250 GTO and trends in Ferrari auction sales. Other topics include the significant price drop of the Audi E-Tron GT, trends in Jeep pricing, and the relevance of EVs in the current market. The episode also touches on legal issues with Tesla, innovative automotive technologies, and unique automotive news from around the world, including an abandoned Ford dealership in Germany and a stunt involving a Dodge Challenger in a canal. Special guest William Ross joins the episode, bringing his expertise from Exotic Car Marketplace.

===== (Oo---x---oO) =====

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

This crossover episode between the 'Tech Transforms' and Break/Fix podcasts, focusing on the crucial issue of cybersecurity in modern vehicles. Hosts Carolyn Ford, Tracy Bannon, and Crew Chief Eric, delve into the alarming vulnerabilities in today's cars, especially with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and interconnected systems. They discuss various cyber threats, from malicious hackers turning off vehicles remotely to the risks associated with connecting personal devices to car systems. The conversation touches on historical car hacks, like the Jeep hack from DEF CON, and explores modern dangers, including data collection by manufacturers and insurance companies. Practical advice is offered to listeners on how to protect their data and vehicles from cyber threats. The episode is packed with insights and real-world examples, making it a Halloween special aimed at raising awareness about the spooky side of automotive technology.

====================

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

Tech Transforms: More Than Meets the Eye. Global technology is changing the way we live. Critical government decisions affect the intersection of technology advancement and human needs. This podcast talks to some of the most prominent influencers shaping the landscape to understand how they are leveraging technology to solve complex challenges while also meeting the needs of today's modern world.

"He's nice. He likes cars, and he's mad about you. I rest my case." - says Tom Branson to Lady Mary about Henry Talbot. Initially, I figured… meh! - Downton Abbey is going to be some stuffy pre-war British soap drama, it’ll be just OK, I’ll give it an episode or two. But I found myself rather enamored by all aspects of it. The show has its moments of exaggerated drama and bits of upstairs/downstairs… but each episode is packed and feels like a separate movie and not a serial or episodic story. Oh yea, and there's lot of interesting cars in there too! 

Articles from the TL:DR mini-series can be found on gtmotorsports.org; and if you'd like early access to these minisodes, be sure to check out our Patreon.

===== (Oo---x---oO) =====

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

In this episode of the Break/Fix, we interview Brian Crider, co-founder of Boulder Camper Vans, an expert custom camper van conversion company based in Boulder, Colorado. The discussion covers Brian's journey from a childhood fascination with modifying vehicles to founding Boulder Camper Vans. Brian emphasizes the importance of creativity, innovation, and the use of cutting-edge technology in their van builds. He shares insights into their detailed build process, which includes an initial consultation, CAD drawings, and customer involvement throughout the build. The conversation also explores the importance of having a four-wheel-drive vehicle for adventurous travels, the integration of advanced electrical systems for off-grid living, and the benefits of using high-quality components. Brian touches on catering to customers with unique requirements, such as mobile tattoo studios and disability accommodations. The episode wraps up with a look at Boulder Camper Vans' future projects and tips for those interested in #VanLife.

===== (Oo---x---oO) =====

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

On this episode of The Logbook, our History of Motorsports series, we present a lecture by Elton 'Skip' McGoun, a finance professor and automotive historian, who explores the term 'sports car' and its evolution from the early 20th century. McGoun discusses how sports cars were initially considered 'sporting cars' capable of both racing and everyday use before World War I. Throughout the 1920s, the term evolved into 'sports models' and finally 'sports cars' by the late 1920s. The lecture explains the gap between racing and touring cars, highlighting that sports cars can embody competition, recreation, and style. McGoun addresses how early advertisements marketed these vehicles and how the term became mainstream in English via translations from German and Italian terminologies. The episode also includes a Q&A session where McGoun answers audience questions about various car types and their classification as sports cars.

===== (Oo---x---oO) =====

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

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 Pit Stop mini-sode the hosts take a deep dive into the world of sim racing, comparing iRacing with other popular simulation platforms like Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC). The discussion covers the pros and cons of each platform, including graphics, menu systems, and the user experience. The hosts also talk about the history and evolution of racing sims, the economics of gear and subscriptions, and the potential future of sim racing with advancements like VR and cross-platform integration. Personal anecdotes and expert opinions provide a rich context for understanding why iRacing and other sims appeal differently to various users.

===== (Oo---x---oO) =====

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

In Part 2 of this Break/Fix podcast, this episode features an in-depth interview with Malcolm Bricklin, a pioneering figure in the automotive industry. The conversation covers Bricklin's career from importing small cars in the 1960s, founding Subaru of America, to creating the Bricklin SV-1 sports car. The discussion delves into his venture with Visionary Vehicles, detailing his experiences with finding a car manufacturer in China, the company's dealings with George Soros, and the challenges faced with Israeli investors. Bricklin also introduces his latest project, the 3EV three-wheel electric vehicle, highlighting its design, safety features, and market positioning. Additionally, Bricklin shares insights on alternative fuel sources, the future of the automotive industry, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. The episode concludes with an open invitation to follow Visionary Vehicles' progress.

===== (Oo---x---oO) =====

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