BREAK/FIX the Motorsports & Vehicle Enthusiast Variety Show

In this episode, the Break/Fix panel dives deep into the world of 1980s cars, engaging in a lively debate about the best vehicles for a first-time collector. The goal is to find a unique car that will either make friends exclaim, 'Where did you get that?' or question, 'What the hell is wrong with you?'. The 80s, a decade known for its greed-is-good mentality, big hair, and revolutionary music and sci-fi, was also a transformative period for the automotive industry. Iconic cars and the juxtaposition of analog and digital technology shaped this era. The panel, comprising veterans Mark Shank, Don Weberg, William Ross, Mountain Man Dan, Jeff Willis, and executive producer Tania, kick things off by sharing their favorite personal 80s vehicles. They debate hot hatches, convertibles, sports coupes, and even delve into the world of obscure, often forgotten 80s cars. The discussions range from European classics like the Porsche 928 and Mercedes G-Wagon to true American muscle cars and quirky imports. Nostalgia, unique body designs, and a range of performance options form the crux of their debate. The episode caps off with each panelist choosing their ultimate 80s car given an unlimited budget, covering everything from Lamborghini Countach to the Saab 900 Turbo.

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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

Jon Summers is The Motoring Historian. He was a company car thrashing, technology sales rep that turned into a fairly inept sports bike rider. Hailing from California, he collects cars and bikes built with plenty of cheap and fast, and not much reliable. On his show, he gets together with various co-hosts to talk about new and old cars, driving, motorbikes, motor racing, and motoring travel.

The conversation spans various topics, including cricket, poker, and memorable car experiences. Jon shares personal anecdotes about driving different cars, particularly Porsche models, and highlights their pros and cons. The discussion transitions into Jon’s recent adventures, including a road trip along Route 66 with his son, visiting historical sites like Coloma and the X15 memorial in the Mojave Desert. They also stop in Las Vegas and explore scenes related to the Cars movie in Seligman, Arizona. The episode touches on classic car restoration challenges and the appeal of small, agile vehicles. Additionally, Jon pays tribute to Bruce Junor, a notable figure in motorsport history.

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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

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.

The script is a detailed recap of GTM's monthly news episode, named 'The Drive Thru,' featuring automotive events and highlights, primarily focusing on Monterey Car Week. Sponsored by organizations like HPDEjunkie.com and Hooked on Driving, the episode covers various car shows, auctions, and events Eric attended in Monterey. Key points include attending Car Week for ten days, exploring 37 events, and taking over 5,000 photographs. Significant mentions are the Classic Motorsports Concours, Mecum Auctions, Laguna Seca Raceway, and Pebble Beach Classic. The episode also delves into automotive news, including Ford's financial challenges, Toyota's hydrogen fuel technology investments, new luxury sedans, and car discontinuations. Additionally, there are updates on EV infrastructure in the EU, the Tesla Cybertruck, and more. The show also commemorates long-term GTM members and provides details on upcoming automotive events and track days.

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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 Break/Fix episode spotlights David Lowe, the ambassador for the ACO USA, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, which organizes the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Lowe recounts his personal journey from a passionate young petrol head to his significant role in the club. He narrates memorable experiences, such as his first visit to Le Mans in 1994 and a serendipitous encounter with his future wife in Thailand, which deepened his connection to Le Mans. The podcast explores the ACO USA's initiatives to enhance member engagement, offering exclusive experiences, such as interactions with motorsport legends and access to live streaming of races. Lowe's efforts aim to expand the ACO USA membership and provide value to motorsport fans unable to attend races in person. The episode underscores the community spirit among ACO members, highlighting events, volunteer contributions, and future plans to grow the club's presence in the U.S.

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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 sponsored in part by: The ACO USA where you can be part of the Legend! Membership in the Automobile Club de l’Ouest - the founder and organizer of the 24 Hours of Le Mans - is open to all! The Club hosts events in Le Mans and around the world, attracting fans who enjoy their shared passion for motoring and motor racing.

This episode of Break/Fix explores the history of motorsports in Watkins Glen, focusing on the pivotal events of 1948 and 1951 that shaped racing in the U.S. Commissioned by various organizations including the International Motor Racing Research Center and the Society of Automotive Historians, the episode delves into Cameron Argetsinger's efforts to bring racing to Watkins Glen and Harley J. Earle's influential visit in 1951. Earle’s experience in Watkins Glen partly inspired the creation of the Chevrolet Corvette. The script highlights key moments such as the arrival of the LeSabre concept car, Earle’s engagement with the racing community, and the birth of the Corvette. It concludes by promoting upcoming Corvette-related events, including the first annual Corvette Festival and the 30th annual Watkins Glen Vintage Festival.

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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 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

In this episode of Break/Fix, Clive Savacool shares his extensive career in motor racing, starting from go-karts as a teenager, transitioning to the West Coast Star Mazda Series by 2003, and later moving into motorcycle racing with the American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM) in 2008. Besides racing, Clive talks about his long-standing role as a paramedic and firefighter, which has influenced his perspective on safety in motorsports. He emphasizes the importance of smooth riding and body positioning, detailing his transition from four wheels to two. Notably, Clive discusses his experience racing in the Pikes Peak hill climb and explores the differences between various racing classes and motorcycles. Currently, Clive is an instructor, imparting his knowledge to new riders and racers. He advocates for the thrill and safety in motorcycle racing, advising on adequate preparation for races and sharing insights into track day logistics and vehicle setup. Clive also touches on the rise of electric motorcycles and their future in racing.

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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

The Break/Fix podcast episode showcases the 25th anniversary of the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) at Watkins Glen, capturing its rich history and contributions to motorsport culture. The center's director, Mark Steigerwald, shares his journey from intern to director, emphasizing the IMRRC's role in preserving racing history through extensive archives and research facilities. The episode also explores the center’s collaborations, fundraising efforts, and future plans for expansion. Special features of the IMRRC, including the annual raffle, center conversations, and international symposium, are highlighted. The 25th anniversary celebration aligns with the 75th anniversary of Watkins Glen's first Grand Prix and incorporates reflections on notable racing events and figures. The discussion underscores the center's importance for racing enthusiasts, historians, and the motorsport community at large.

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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

Our panel of automotive enthusiasts dives into a What Should I Buy? debate, aiming to help a first-time car collector find a unique, attention-grabbing vehicle from the Muscle and Malaise era (1964-1982). With a focus on avoiding typical choices like Camaros, Mustangs, and Challengers, the discussion covers a variety of lesser-known or underappreciated vehicles. They explore options ranging from the AMC Javelin, Ford Fairmont, Chevy Nova, Lincoln Mark IV, to European models like the Porsche 928 and Jaguar XJS. The panel also touches on the potential of these vehicles for modifications, performance upgrades, and overall collectability.

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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 the Break/Fix dives deep into the origins and growth of GridLife, a multi-discipline automotive festival and lifestyle event. The podcast explores how GridLife started in 2014 from humble beginnings and evolved into a nationwide series featuring racing, car shows, drifting, music, and more. Co-founder and motorsports director Adam Jabaay recounts the history, challenges, and unique culture of GridLife, highlighting key events at various tracks across the United States. The discussion also touches on the structure of the GridLife Touring Cup (GLTC), the role of amateur and professional drivers, and how the series has become a unifying platform for diverse automotive enthusiasts. Additionally, the episode outlines the volunteer opportunities, HPDE (High-Performance Driver Education) programs, and the integration of virtual racing through GridLife iRacers. The ultimate message conveys that GridLife transcends the stereotype of being just a festival, portraying it as a comprehensive motorsport movement aimed at inclusivity and community building.

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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

Jon Summers is The Motoring Historian. He was a company car thrashing, technology sales rep that turned into a fairly inept sports bike rider. Hailing from California, he collects cars and bikes built with plenty of cheap and fast, and not much reliable. On his show, he gets together with various co-hosts to talk about new and old cars, driving, motorbikes, motor racing, and motoring travel.

This conversation touches on topics such as the legacy of DJs like Tommy Vance and their intertwining with the music industry, to detailed discussions on heavy metal bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. They also explore the nuances of remastered albums, historic racing events like the TT races, and future perspectives on electric cars including Tesla and Faraday Future models. The script includes reflections on banger racing ethics and personal preferences for historic racing venues. 

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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

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.