BREAK/FIX the Motorsports & Vehicle Enthusiast Variety Show

This Break/Fix episode features a detailed discussion with James Nazarian from Honda Performance Development (HPD) about the new Honda Civic SI designed for the Touring Car America (TCA) series under SRO Motorsports. The episode explores various aspects of the car, including its similarities to the stock Civic SI, the modifications made for racing, and its performance improvements. It highlights the car's features like upgraded brakes, suspension, and stripped-down interior for weight reduction. The discussion also covers how to purchase the car directly from HPD and its price point. Additionally, the episode provides insights into the TCA class's balance of performance and the main competitors in the series.

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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 brought to you by SRO Motorsports America and their partners at AWS, Crowdstrike, Fanatec, Pirelli, and the Skip Barber Racing School. 

There have been several times as I look back over my childhood that I recall vivid experiences in the garage that were actually critical learning moments. If you’d asked me 10 years ago, I probably would have said “My father wasn’t the most learned man, never finished college, smart guy … he did spend 30 years as a mainframe programmer – but he wasn’t into what he would have considered ‘the softer sciences’ like Psychology. If you asked him, he was an Engineer. And a bit of a MacGyver.” – Inevitably, this meant countless hours spent under the hoods of cars, and each one of those encounters starting with the same beck and call “Hey… I need you to come here and hold the light.” 

Our guests brothers Chris Bongiovanni (Senior Director for Grid Dynamics) & Nat Bongiovanni (CIO/CTO of NTT Data Federal) have a similar set of garage stories surrounding a yellow 1973 AMC Gremlin, some of which shaped their careers in Business and Information Technology. And we welcome them to Break/Fix to explore how these “garage moments” can effect change in your life, and pass on some fatherly advice.

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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 Break/Fix features an in-depth conversation with Dean Case, the Public Relations Manager for SRO Motorsports America. The show opens with a history of Case's automotive career, including his work on the original Mazda Miata and other notable Mazda projects. Case discusses his transition from engineering at Mazda to public relations at Nissan, where he managed product launches such as the return of the Z and the first Nissan 360 global event. He also touches on his time at Ford, covering electric vehicle projects and working with the Ford Motorsport effort in the SCCA TransAm Championship. Moving forward, Case explains his current role at SRO Motorsports America, aiming to enhance accessibility and interest in GT and touring car races. The episode covers a wide range of topics, from historic collaborations with notable figures in motorsports and media to contributions to distracted driving awareness campaigns and animal welfare. It also delves into the impact of Formula SAE on young engineers' careers and Case's passion for car-themed music.

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00:00 Dean Case's Early Career at Mazda

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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 brought to you by SRO Motorsports America and their partners at AWS, Crowdstrike, Fanatec, Pirelli, and the Skip Barber Racing School. 

In this Pit Stop mini-sode we have a lively discussion with guests Mary and Marianne, where they delved into their personal automotive experiences and preferences. The guests discussed their favorite cars, including a strong preference for Bugattis and electric vehicles like the BMW i8. They also touched on the automotive and motorsport collections they've visited, such as the Simeone Foundation and Reno's National Automobile Museum. The episode concluded with a fun segment where the hosts asked their guests to choose the sexiest and ugliest cars, alongside a hypothetical scenario of choosing cars for their dream garage with an unlimited budget.

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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 features Maureen McVail, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of MORacing, who shares her 22-year journey in motorsports and her mission to empower women in the field. Maureen recounts her personal experiences as a 'petrolhead,' including purchasing a 1984 Porsche Carrera instead of a minivan and getting hooked on high-performance driving. She emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for women in motorsports through initiatives like MORacing, which aims to inspire, mentor, and facilitate participation in auto racing. Throughout the episode, Maureen discusses her collaborations with notable figures like Pippa Mann and highlights the significance of male allies in her journey. She also addresses challenges in the industry, advocating for inclusion and diversity while sharing her vision for future developments in motorsports education and community engagement.

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00:00 Meet Maureen McVail: Founder of MORacing

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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 Gran Touring Motorsports podcast 'Break/Fix' features the monthly news segment 'Drive-Thru,' where the hosts discuss various automotive and motorsport news. They begin with a light-hearted poem about the seasons changing and delve into an in-depth review of the Nissan 400Z, including its design, colors, and performance insights. The conversation then transitions to Formula 1 news regarding VW, Audi, and Porsche's potential entry into the sport by 2026, as well as other motorsport updates. The hosts also discuss pop culture vehicles such as the upcoming reveal of the new DeLorean, interesting Lego releases, a tragic incident at a dealership involving a Jeep, various recaps of prominent car events, and local news on track side reports. Additionally, there are updates on Formula 1 races, particularly the Miami Grand Prix and Spanish GP, and other domestic automotive updates, including Dodge's plans for the Hornet and the Peugeot's nine X eight lineup for Le Mans. Lastly, they cover some peculiar incidents, such as a Maserati driving down the Spanish steps in Rome and diesel mistakenly being dispensed as gasoline at a station in Glen Burnie, Maryland.

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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 features Annika Carter, a performance driver with a remarkable journey in motorsports. Annika shares how she entered the car world despite not coming from a car-centric family and progressed rapidly through high-performance driving education (HPDE) and competition school with NASA. She details her experience transitioning from a V6 Mustang to racing in Spec Miata, discussing the different driving styles and challenges. Annika also touches on her setup routines, setbacks, and future goals, including a desire to race at Circuit of the Americas. She emphasizes the importance of making motorsports accessible and inviting to women and shares insights on coaching, mentorship, and maintaining the fun in racing. With 68,000 Instagram followers, Annika uses her platform to inspire and engage the racing community.

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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

In this episode of Ferrari Fridays, William Ross from the Exotic Car Marketplace delves into the history and legacy of the Ferrari F40. He discusses the car's origin, including its creation for Group B rallying, and how it evolved into a road car to celebrate Ferrari's 40th anniversary. Ross covers technical aspects such as its carbon Kevlar body, powerful engine, and light weight. He also discusses the F40's market value, the importance of original paint, and the high maintenance costs associated with owning one. Additionally, Ross briefly touches on the F40 LM variant designed for racing and its market value. He ends the episode hinting at a future discussion on the Ferrari F50.

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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

In this episode of Break/Fix, we interview Lee Raskin, the leading expert on James Dean, to delve into the lesser-known motorsports accomplishments of the young actor. Lee shares his early passion for racing and his journey to becoming an authority on James Dean. The conversation travels through James Dean's introduction to car racing, his acquisition of a Porsche 550 Spyder, and the tragic accident that claimed his life. Lee offers insight into the myths surrounding James Dean's death, the so-called 'curse' of his car, as well as the subsequent history and restoration efforts behind Dean's Speedster. The episode underscores the importance of safety advancements in racing while paying homage to James Dean's pioneering role in American motorsports.

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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 features "Barbie the Welder," who shares her story of transitioning from an auto mechanic dealing with sexism to becoming a renowned self-taught metal sculptor and welding artist. Barbie describes her journey beginning from a small town outside Watkins Glen, New York. She recounts the pivotal moment that inspired her to take up welding, driven by a scene from the movie Castaway. Despite financial constraints and lacking formal artistic training, she pursued her passion by taking night courses and learning through practice. Her dedication led her to work at a custom fabrication shop and eventually become a full-time artist. Barbie discusses her breakthrough moment with viral hot dog cookers and how social media played a critical role in her success. Additionally, she shares experiences from notable commissions for Harley Davidson and Stanley Black & Decker and highlights her efforts in motivational speaking and advocacy for skilled trades. Barbie underscores the importance of showing her craft, especially to inspire other women in welding. Her story is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the transformative power of art.

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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