There are two different kinds of "first cars" for the car enthusiast: there is the car that was legitimately the first one you had when you freshly turned 16, and then there's the first car that shapes your journey in the automotive community. Todd and Sylas tell the stories of their first cars, and relive what it was like being young car enthusiasts -- and how their early choices may have shaped their taste in cars. Who doesn't love a good story time?

Cold Start Hint: It'll get you point A to point B, maybe...

Answer to Episode 38:  Hans Zimmer's BMW M IconicSounds Electric Vehicle

With the growing popularity of cars in pop culture, is the car community going too mainstream? Are cars and motorsports becoming over-popularized? If you ask us, it is quite apparent that car culture and interest in all things automotive has changed dramatically over the last 5-10 years -- and many people are just connecting with that culture as part of the latest fashion trends. However, just like any trend, things becomes more popular... until they don't, and then what's left for the true hardcore fans? The guys discuss and debate some of the warning signs that signal we may be starting to experience the downfall of car culture and the car community as we know it. What does the correction look like where millions of current followers decide to shift their attention elsewhere? While we think there is reason to be optimistic about the future of our hobby and passion, it's a reserved and cautious optimism. Learn more from Sylas and Todd about the nuances of what's happening with cars on a macro level, and how we as fans can remain dedicated to an area that's changing all around us.

Cold Start Hint: A film composer's design for the future of cars

Answer to Episode 37:  Porsche 997.1 GT3

Some may think that going on a drive is a fairly simple task that we do every day to get from point A to point B – but there is a fine art to a successful spirited drive, especially when it includes a handful of your buddies. The guys cover some of the basics of how to put on a successful group drive, and what details are often overlooked. With just a little extra attention to detail, you can turn your next fun drive from a good time to a memorable experience.

Cold Start Hint: An analog choice for a spirited drive

Answer to Episode 36 Cold Start: 2019 Toro Rosso STR14

Todd and Sylas finally attend their first Formula 1 race, making the trip out to Austin, Texas, to experience the 2025 United States Grand Prix. Hear what it's like to actually see F1 in person, and whether it's really as breathtaking and life changing as people say. How does the F1 experience compare to seeing a NASCAR or IndyCar race? Have we finally made an F1 fan out of Sylas?

Cold Start Hint:  Moose Craft Hot Dogs and Italian design

Answer to Episode 35 Cold Start: Porsche 991 GT2RS Weissach

What is the ultimate GT car? The Porsche 991-era GT2RS makes a compelling argument as one of the all time great Grand Touring street cars, not to mention being a more-than-capable track day machine. And it's not all about the fastest 0-60 times (though it'll compete quite admirably in that arena, as the fastest and most powerful road-going Porsche 911). Join Sylas and Todd on a drive to explore this powerful sportcar, complete with its twin turbo soundtrack, departing from Sonoma Raceway to the beautiful Northern California coastal destination of Point Reyes National Seashore. Powerful ocean waves, meet Porsche power on tap.

Cold Start Hint: Lighter than usual, because Weissach made it that way

Answer to Episode 34 Cold Start: 2025 Cadillac Escalade V

If you have ever wondered what it takes to drive like James Bond and escape the bad guys, the harsh reality of what it actually means to drive like private security may surprise you. Even though the job of a private security guard may seem like an action packed job, the truth of what it means to be a good driver is a lot more about proper technique and consistency. Sylas shares his insight of working as a chief instructor for security driver trainings and reveals how much overlap there is between racing and security driving, where there are differences, and what sort of mindset it takes to be successful in the executive protection and security industry. 

Cold Start Hint: Cool Soccer Practice Car

Answer to Episode 33 Cold Start: 410 Winged Sprint Car

What may be the last true form of motorsports in America, Sprint Car racing is overlooked by so many motorsport fans. Todd watched his first Sprint Car race as they returned to Calistoga Speedway in Napa County, California. Blown away by the spectacle, Todd and Sylas dive deeper into the history of Sprint Cars and how they became such a popular way to get into racing. Keeping its raw grassroots style throughout the years, Sprint Car racing is something every motorsport fan needs to experience once in their life.

Cold Start Hint: Can you tell if its a 410 or a 360?

Answer to Episode 32 Cold Start: 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Who would pass on the opportunity to street drive the world's great analog supercar? The guys take the Porsche Carrera GT out for a nice drive in Wine Country and talk about all the things that make it the pinnacle of the analog car experience -- as well as touching on the things that make it scary and intimidating to drive on public roads. The road noise is a little louder in this episode, but what do you expect from a carbon fiber monocoque racecar for the street? Sound deadening would have just added weight. 

Cold Start Hint: Descendant of an F1 car and an LMP car, with a V10

Answer to Episode 31 Cold Start: 1957 BMW 507

On today's episode, Todd and Sylas talk about a Seattle Car Show that potentially outclasses The Quail. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, is an annual car show during Monterey Car Week, known for its unbelievable car lineups, beautiful backdrop, and high class amenities -- but what if we told you that a show just popped up in the Pacific Northwest that may rival its exclusivity and aura? Chapter One was an event put on by the same team that hosts Northwest Exotics at Carillon Point in Kirkland, WA, and they turned every dial to 11. Listen to hear Todd and Sylas's experience of attending this incredible event, and why it may be the newest must-attend event for diehard car enthusiasts.

Cold Start Hint: Only 252 ever made, all hand built

Answer to Episode 30 Cold Start: 410 Sprint Car (on Dirt)

Tim Barber, an infamous name within the NorCal racing scene, joins the show on today's episode to share his stories of racing up the ranks with sights set on IndyCar and what it took to make it full time in Sprint Car Racing. He also gives his blunt insights on working within the motorsport industry and getting into motorsports as a whole. The hard truth is difficult for a lot of us to hear but Tim has made a career out of giving it how it is, and becoming a motorsport therapist to many. 

Cold Start Hint: Stand back or you might get hit by a dirt clod

Answer to Episode 29 Cold Start: BMW E39 M5