RaceCoin Podcast

Podcast with Host: Jai Shukla & Guest: David Cheng

Q1 – How did you get started – back in 2006?

Started in 2001 – a friend used to race semi-professional – David Cheng fell in love with it. I use to go to my friend’s house and convince them to take me go-karting. Mum wasn’t having any of it – she only saw what’s on TV with the cars flipping, cars on fire. She didn’t want me getting involved in motorsports. So I grew up – got my driver’s license – not to take a shot but to
take it to the next level which was Road track karting. Professional karting races. Working 2 jobs, delivering pizzas and stacking shelves. Karting is expensive too – and bought a 2nd hand 1998 track magic chassis. With a decent road track engine – no rear brakes – it was the first go-kart. So much grip and speed and it’s the perfect training tool. Really enjoyed that time. Never picked up any great results. Got some lucky chances and lucky breaks through my friend’s dad – in karting shoot out opportunities. Got invited to the Formula BMW one – and got a spot in the regional championships – Skip harbor racing school.

Q2 – How would you advise someone to get out of that situation?

Convincing my mum came much later. I’d already been doing it for 2 years before she knew. Kept my karts at Dillon’s house – and my friend’s dad supported me. Said he had to come up with the funds myself. Had a comfortable typical living – but go-karts are $200 a weekend – and the expenses motivated me to start working as a 16-year-old. You have to walk in
blind unless you know people. Find people to guide you. In your teens – you always think you know best. But as a kid I was naive. I dived headfirst in – and tried not to drown. That’s one easy way to push yourself beyond your limits. You need guidance – and pointing in the right direction.

Q3 – How do you find guidance?

At the go-kart tracks – speak to people, try and learn everything you can from them. Understand what it takes – ask what it takes. What is the right next steps? There are always people in the know but you have to take the time to speak to them. Looking in hindsight – the ladder is more simplified and clearer. Karting to F4, F3 all the way to F1. There are more ladders – and a lot of sponsorship money.

Q4 How did you get into e-racing?

Electric cars are at the forefront of the industry. With the government backing renewable energy. Especially due to traffic. The government is pushing for e-cars. It’s picking up momentum. Formula E – when it first started, of course, was much easier to get into but now you have some big names coming in. The budgets increases and becomes harder as a privateer. I think it’s the future – racing and industry will go towards zero emissions. Racing industry follows of the auto racing industry. Cars are more equal as it’s newer. Everyone wants to see a good race.

Q5 – How did you become a team owner and get to know Jackie Chan?

David Cheng had a history teacher – he uses to race too. China has a lot of opportunities as it is playing catch up in motorsports in some ways so I wanted to get involved. Jackie Chan – you have to listen to the podcast for this part!

Q6 – What is your strengths and weaknesses?

Tenacity. Never give up. What we don’t show is the hard days. As a business, it’s so hard and if I did anything else I really believe I could really make it. You have to do it because you love it. You have to have the passion to be in the industry.

Podcast with Host: Jai Shukla & Guest: Renger van der Zande Q1 – How did you start your journey and get noticed?

Started in Go-karts by the age of 12-13. After a few years - Renger van der Zandes 's mum agreed to by a go-kart.

Finished 5th in the world championships - when he first started and 2013 when he first started pro.

Q2 – What was it like to be on the podium and experience of it all?

Sometimes you do a race - it’s where you do well and nobody sees it. And sometimes you do ok but someone sees it and it’s a highlight of the website and motorsport news media. LMPC sometimes people didn’t see it, it just depends when you get noticed.    

Q3 – The right team the right people around - how do you find these people?

Finding the right co-drivers you don’t get any say. For example - Honda decides. It really depends on the no. of drivers, the situation, how long you’ve been with them, etc. Sometimes the manufacturer decides.  

Q4 What does it look like behind the scenes when it comes to team building?

Jordan, for example, is great. He and I have a great relationship. We speak on the level, respect, openness. No question of is he going to take it the wrong way. Honesty matters - if somebody feels attacked - you will have big problems.

Q5 - What’s the best advice you ever received?

Believe in yourself. Being clever on track - making the right choices on the track. A 17-year-old Renger van der Zande is coaching atm who is in LMP3 - reminding him - helps to remind me. And you learn from yourself. It’s something that you should always have. Have coaches for various aspects of life. Try to get as much information as you can and then filter it for yourself.

Q6 - How has the industry changed over the last 10 years?

It was about staying with 1 manufacturer and hoping they were nice to you but now with everything being open and information being free to access - from SM and quickly connect with people. It has allowed us to create more chances - so I like to be with different manufacturers, different teams. Of course, if you are in F1 and if you are Fernando Alonso for example. If you want to do as much as you want and as much as you can. Back when I was in F3 I was serious about being in F1.

Q7 - What shifted you off that path?

In 2008, I got a contract with GP2 and a sponsor had to pay for it. And it was a blow to my career. I had to pay debts and with the financial crisis - it made life very tough. I was driving for free, didn’t get paid much in DTM, and in hindsight - it was a bad choice. It was all about marketing there. After that 2012, no drive, no sponsorship I started a company in racing insurance for people to insure their cars. This was a way back into racing as I was speaking to all those teams again about their insurances. They said hey - aren’t you driving anymore? And I said I’ve stopped but I’m happy to try. This way I managed to pay off debts and make money as a race car driver. It’s been a great learning curve.

Q8 – How did you get out of the debts mentally and create opportunity?

Motorsport is a small bubble in a sense. The film Gentlemen driver, really shows what it’s like and many gentlemen drivers show what it’s like to create a business. You can do business with them much more easily if you are part of it.

Q9 - Does this financial security, affect the way you race?

Yes. Now I’m looking at every race and seeing the crashes and assessing how much damage that will be. I had a big crash in Macau and a pile-up and 90% of the field. A lot of claims were going to come in that weekend!

Q10 – What do the next 5 years look like?

With 2 kids - leaving the house it a lot harder. Weeks at a time is hard but I’m passionate about it. I get a lot of offers and I’m already racing - I have a business, and kids, I like to be busy and sometimes I have to say no. I love IMSA for the next 10 years.

Q11 What’s your favorite car?

Cadillac - we won Daytona with it. You need a good car for Sebring.

Q12 - What message would you like to leave the fans?

Thank you for being there. It’s amazing to see no matter the weather condition - it’s just fantastic to see the people involved.

Podcast with Host: Jai Shukla & Guest: Steven Odendaal Q1 – How did you start your journey and get noticed?

It’s been a very long career. It’s been a long road to get to where Steven Odendaal wanted to get to. It hasn’t been easy at all. Especially the transition from South Africa to Europe. You don’t know which teams are worth trusting. But he is very thankful.

Q2 – How do you find people to trust?

A lot of teams mess you up like trying to take your money and steal your sponsors. Steven Odendaal could have cut off 2-3 years off his career path if he knew the right people - but this helps a lot. Steven started on the smaller bikes but kids in Spain start racing from the age of 5.

Q3 – How can someone find the right people?

Start out in Spain. Spain is the hub of racing. It’s literally like one of their school subjects. You will find a better team naturally over there. And maybe South Africa can provide this. There are so many great drivers coming out of there.  

Q4 Are you thinking of this as a business opportunity?

Sticking to racing for now! Maybe for sure, a couple of guys can get together and do this in the future but for now, Steven Odendaal just wants to work on himself. He loves giving back to the community.

Q5 - What kind of projects are you working on with others?

Steven Odendaal helps out on track days. Give people tips/advice. Nothing formal. People do it for money but he helps people out for free. Steven believes it’s the right thing to do.

Q6 - How did you know this was what you wanted to do?

His dad was doing it, and a track day at Darby - he fell with it. Steven has got petrol running through my veins. Very lucky to continue his dream with it?

Q7 - Who were you racing for?

Himself when he started to see what he could achieve, and then for his family too and then his country too. It’s amazing to have the South African support.

Q8 – What is the feeling of winning races?

It’s a fantastic feeling, all the hard effort, all the hard days on the gym and everything makes it worth it. It’s like a drug, the feeling of winning.

Q9 - What does it take to win?

Focus, dedicated and disciplined. Diet, training, can’t be too crazy, the right amount of effort and the other things that matter in life. Steven Odendaal kept his family happy, kept his fitness up and running at 100% of my capabilities.  

Q10 – How do you not be a robot during the process?

You have to change it up every day, if you don’t want to ride a bike - you run. Follow the intervals, but I'm very self-motivated.

Q11 How do injuries like your current bone infection affect your racing?

It happens. This is one of the worst injuries. It wasn’t a simple pain killer. This has been a longer mental hurdle for me. I still have another operation. It puts me out for another month. This makes you think that this is your opportunity and not able to do what you love, it’s hard. But at the same time, it’s motivating. You’ve been given the time off and you want to give it your best. You lose your touch, not your talent. And this injury has been much more difficult. You can’t be back on the track on 2 weeks. It’s already taken 3 months and another month to go. I’ve never wanted to get back on the track this much.

Q12 - How do you redirect your energy and motivation that was used for training?

Being off my feet means I have to work on my mental strength. Trying to give myself the best mental chance and also working with psychiatrists. Focusing mentally. I realized how much I was missing in the past. This time off has given me time to think of that.

Q13 - What can others do if they are finding themselves in a situation where they lose something?

Reading. Being positive. Reading a book called 1 second ahead. Teaches you how to think before you speak. How much more information you can give, instead of giving someone your half-hearted to chat. Talking to your tech guy, if you give him more direct information, he will make better changes and it will affect your performance.   

Q14 - Does this have a negative impact on falling?

Normally he just brushes it off. Steven had one of his biggest crashes in February - and hit one of Stevens fastest times straight after.

Q15 - How has your wife played a role?

She loves what he does. Steven wears a ring around his finger. Not much has changed.

Q16 - The fans play a role - how does it influence you?

You want to give your 100% as a result of that. They make you want to put in that extra effort. Some gestures like clay models, picture frames, it’s so motivating. The people supporting the sport is amazing to have.

Q17 - What’s your closing message for them?

Thank you for all your support. If you put your mind to it, you can achieve it. Your support means the world.

Podcast with Host: Jai Shukla & Guest: Alexandra Schieren Q1 – What got you into motorsports and how did you turn that passion into a business?

It was by accident in the mid-’90s when Alexandra Schieren saw an ad in the newspaper. It was a steep learning curve and that felt it suited her.

Q2 – What was your educational background?

Languages and economics. Alexandra was not made to work in PR, but learned by doing and got additional training over the years. It’s really about common sense.

 

Q3 – How is your PR agency different to others as you recently set one up?

It’s hers and Alexandra Schieren PR has her own personal touch to it. Being in motorsports for long and in media, for long she knew a lot of media and her client typically would like to be better known so it made sense. Or it’s to manage their reputation which are two different aspects to it.

Q4 – As a female in a male-dominated sport - how does it influence the way you work with people?

Alexandra Schieren is not mad about the sport and she has kept a distance - this allows me to keep a neutral eye.
That helped when she worked with FIA. Alexandra kept her favorites to herself.
It’s easy to stand out which is an advantage too.

Q5 - How did you know when it was the right time to start your business?

During the time while I was at FIA. When the time was right was about 5 years ago. I had enough of traveling and being away from home - 6 months at a time. Going in and out of hotels. And then finally the trigger point was during 1 winter I looked at the picture and thought it looked familiar but it was a picture from the previous year and that’s when I knew.

Q6 - How is it different to work for yourself compared to when you are working for others?

Before you certain types of customers with a specific interest. Now it’s more all-rounded types of work for associations, and meeting the needs of the clients.

Q7 - Who are the most troublesome people to work with?

I only work with people I get a good feeling with. This freedom allows me to be picky. I’ve been very lucky.

Q8 – PR has many facets - how do you manage it?

Each client has different needs. It’s about managing their needs. There are different elements - company elements, sponsoring events, SM, etc.

Q9 - Where do you get fulfillment from?

When they are happy. Managing a successful event. And then it’s also about the journalists picking up on your stories. It’s hard to know if the circuit got attention directly because of your work.

Q10 – Who have you worked with and how do they differ?

Pirelli, FIA - they all have different needs. One interesting one was with IndyCar - they wanted to do a push in Europe. This was just very interesting for me - as it was fun to see different countries and events being amalgamated to create something new.

Q11 How does crisis management work?

I’ve been lucky to not have had to deal with that. Not a major one anyway. This may be because of the prevention of them in the first place but when I worked for the FIA - my boss had an issue with women - and that landed on the front page. There is also dealing with accidents...and it’s hard from emotional management. Tires which exploded was a bad one too. This was my job to understand what happened. This was very bad for the tire manufacturer and it’s important.

Q12 - By working in different parts of motorsport - does it help?

In smaller formula - you have to get more media coverage whereas Formula 1 - it’s about managing it. It’s not harder just different. Journalists are hard to sell for lower formulae.

Q13 - Your interview with Will Buxton - two sides of the coin journalism and PR?

They are complementary and help each other in an ideal world. Your side of the story is different from the one they want to hear or write about. The information should never be a lie. As you will be found out.  

Q14 - What can PR do for a client or a company as many may not understand its importance?

Yes, many people don’t understand it and therefore they think I don’t need it.

An example is someone who wants to drive and not be in the limelight. So then it comes down to the fact that 5000 other drivers want your position and why should someone pick you and that’s where PR comes in. It’s about finding your USP and ensure everyone knows it. PR is about making sure what you want people to know about you is what they do know about you.

Podcast Guest: Amber Balcaen & Host: Jai Shukla Q1 – You got into your first go-kart at the age of 10, what was that like? And you grew up around everyone who raced too - what sort of impact did that have?

It was the best ever. At the age of 10 after begging and pleading Amber Balcaen finally got to race. She had to work on the go-kart herself and pay for it herself. So at the age of 10, Amber started knocking on doors to get $100 there and $100 here to support herself. That lasted for about 5 years but the first time she got into a go-kart she knew this is what she wanted to do.

Q2 – It’s rare to find something you love doing so early on, who inspired you?

Grandad, cousins, uncle, dad everyone was racing. It was never pressuring. Driving really fast - it’s so much fun. But as a girl - Amber Balcaen had to push harder to let them give her a go and also she won her first race which was amazing.  

Q3 – What’s the real story behind how you got funding and how’s it been since?

For go-kart racing, you only have to raise a couple of $1000. So initially she called her dad’s friend who sponsored him. And went to swat meats, sold racing stickers, the first job was mowing a lawn. Doing anything and everything.

Q4 – So let’s fast track to now, how do you manage to fund your dream and secure sponsorship?

Now it’s in the millions, so it’s a different industry when you’re in Nascar compared to dirt. It’s a full-blown business, dealing with companies and CEO’s and therefore more pressure. She has to provide value otherwise they won’t want to partner with her.

Q5 - How do you provide value?

ROI. In a lot of different ways. One big thing in SM and business is conveying your story. That is attractive. Being a woman - I have a unique story, so I’m an underdog. Then consider the marketing needs, company needs and your goals and how that can be achieved through your own racing. Find what is special and unique about you as a person and capitalize on that. She does that by using her weaknesses into opportunities. E.g. being Canadian, being a female in a male-dominated sport, not born in a wealthy family. Then you have to dig deep and figure out how to help their company through your racing.

Q6 - Racing wives - how does that work with your dream of racing?

“I get to share my behind the scenes story. This is a way for me to be resourceful. I created a brand and CMT reached out to me but it’s called racing wives. I’m not a wife but I have a business relationship with Samatha Bush, you see how we interact and how it fits into the racing world. So I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’m hoping this helps me get more sponsorship and help boost awareness for my brand. You have to create a brand and exposure that companies realize your impact, you have to call, email everything but nothing beats attracting them. So I’m hoping doing this will help them be attracted to want to partner with me.”

Q7 - What do you do if you don’t have a brand or can’t afford PR agencies?

“My dad was only known locally. So I’ve faced this exact question. I used FB - to let America know about me when I’m racing. Otherwise, no-one would ever know that I’ve raced or won. Posting pictures had a fan page then I created a Youtube channel about dirt, a little bit about my races and then also about dirt track racing. Also did some reporting, I knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do but it’s about networking and you have to be seen to make connections. You have to be real, authentic and I am always myself. “

A mom came up to me after a race saying - you wear makeup and you race?!

That’s who I am - it doesn’t make me any slower when I race?

Walk a fine line of being feminine and classy. I want moms to come up to me and hope they see me as a great role model for their daughters. It does happen - but Nascar was a big change.

Q8 – SM platforms take time, courage. So you are having to a salesperson, marketer, driver, take care of your diet, regiment - how do you split the time?

I wish I could do that. But you have to be resourceful. I read books - a 2-year business degree helped me. 10 years old was when I started, I was an entrepreneur. You have to learn how to do things yourself, I’m editing my own website right now. It’s trial and error. You have to figure it out. My parents knew my dream was crazy but if you have name and money. And unlike football where there are so many teams - there is only a limited no. of spaces in this sport. You have to be willing to be put in the work.  

Q9 - Lot’s of risks involved other than sponsorship - physically speaking like crashing, how does that not deter you from racing?

“Because I love it, racing is such an addictive feeling. We have extremely safe race cars - we can talk away from a 200mph. I always feel safe driving compared to a highway where people are texting. Everyone has roller cages - so this is why it’s so easy to make the decision.”

Q10 – Where do you see yourself and where is the dream lying?

This season Amber Balcaen is racing for Kyle Busch Motorsports. He is just amazing and I’m racing for his team and ideally move up to the trucks next year. My overall goal is to make it into the cup series, but there are quite a few levels. I want to go as far as I can go. And I want to inspire people that if Amber can do it with that little amount of resources and that little funding and basically did the impossible - then what can I do. As a female, I feel like I have a responsibility.

Q11 Has there been a female who’s come up to you and said I want to come under your wing?

She has mentored a girl, gave her tips and tricks. Amber Balcaen went to her races, she encourages anyone out there who is considering it to message Amber - I’m always looking to offer advice. And I do get a lot of DM’s but I want more. There’s a quote: ‘If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it’.

Q12 - What does an average week look like?

8-11am emails. Gym - 2 hours. Meeting and emails - 8 pm on my comp. Sponsorship, merchandise anything to do with racing.

Q13 - Where does training in a sports car fit into this?

Racing costs $10,000-20,000 just to practice. The first part is gym, endurance, strength, cardio is super important. Playing a lot of Nascar video games, to learn the tracks. I-racing which is a racing simulator. Watching videos of past races, other races of other people to learn the lines and reading a book called performance thinking. His book helps with mindset. Also, I do quite a few speaking engagements.

Q14 - What topics do you speak about?

Kids in schools to sports events, dinners. It’s about overcoming obstacles, following your dreams, I’ve learned a lot. It’s built a lot of character.

 

Q15 - What tip do you have to inspire those listening today?

Just never give up. Don’t let bad moment, race, year destroy your future. Everyone goes through adversities in their lives and hardships. They should make you go for it even more and keep a positive mindset. Make sure you be patient through the process.

Podcast Guest: Blake Koch & Host: Jai Shukla Q1 – You started at the age of 22 - why so late?

At the age of 21 - The stepdad Blake Koch asked if he wanted to drive it. He grew up racing dirt bikes which weren’t fun. One test in Orlando and he fell in love with it. He was fast. 2 years later was signed with Nascar 2 years after that made debut at Xfinity. 6 cup races, and 200 Xfinity racers later - Blake Koch started his own company - FilterTime.

Q2 – Talk us through the reality of it?

Lot’s of ups and downs. It was a hobby initially during the last year of college.  

Q3 – How did you transition from hobby to I want to do this seriously?

‘That’s just how I am. I want to be the best. Started watching it on TV, racing and winning. Racing and winning - I can do it. Taking it into his own hands. Firstly - started by calling all the Nascar teams. Everything single one of them - telling them that he was their next driver and they needed to see me and meet me but only a few gave a callback. Mike Dillon gave him the opportunity. Hey, we have an affiliate team and you should talk to them. After speaking to them, he flew out and said if you come up with half the sponsorship you can race with us. Back in 2008. In 2007, that was the first race he watched and by 2008 he was about to race. It was 25,000$ he had to come up with. He’s from palm beach Florida, made some phone calls and dad made some phone calls. Spoke to some successful entrepreneurs. So he was like wow, this is reality and I’m not even ready.

At 22,23 he understood it’s business. Understood why people are looking for it. To make his debut he went and came 4th and then signed him on. Then didn’t win rookie of the year, had a lot of crashes.

Q4 – What did you do for training?

I didn’t.

Q5 - So when did you start training properly?

It’s a broad definition of properly. But I am now a trainer for 2 NASCAR drivers. Using the knowledge he has now to help those who are in his position. 2016, he started training properly. Hired a PT, had a nutrition plan, got a simulator, made the playoff, came 6th - won a pole, made a playoff and then that was the last time driving after losing a sponsor.  

Q6 - How do you deal with the lows and losing sponsors?

Some of the lows - after the first Xfinity start - he had a contract, commitments, a totally different career path - but in 2011 the deal fell apart. Sitting on the couch there is heartbreaking. Telling your friends.

Q7 - How did it follow apart?

New marketing director - changed who they wanted to sponsor. It’s such a humbling experience. It all gets taken away within a moment. Do you feel sorry for yourself? Give up? Not in his blood - started working on sponsors - and found a new sponsor and that’s how he got his full-time ride in Xfinity series in 2011. In 2012 moved teams again, lost the sponsor again in 2012, just bought a house - wife’s pregnant. Working different part-time jobs to pay the bills. In 2013, back on the track behind the car and qualified 2nd. That was a career moment.

Q8 – Why at this point - why did you feel training yourself wasn’t the key if you were coming in around 25th and then losing and getting new sponsors?

Because no matter how much you train, what coach you have if you have a slow race car - you’re not going to be able to show your skillset. So he put his effort into the business part. When the opportunity presented itself - he worked out for a 1 month, preparing, an allergy specialist. Didn’t have the money to hire people for training.

Q9 - What advice you have for someone who was in your shoes?

Blake Koch thought he needed experience. So it’s better to drive a quality car in a winning race car and run up front.

Q10 – How did you come up with FilterTime?

In 2013 - lost a sponsor - and thought, what shall I do? Trying to get big money, 3 weeks of super hard work. But not a single door opened. When he went shopping - he forgot the filters and that’s when he found out there was a need for it. As the ‘aha’ moment came. He didn’t get paid - so started driver coaching, FS 1 was an analyst - while building a business online. The doors that opened were unbelievable.   

Q11 In 2019 you turned down racing?

December 2018 - a once in a lifetime opportunity came - so had to chose that.

Q12 - Where is the time for anything else?

He decided the best thing for his family was filtered time. So he stepped away from racing, for the time being, get the business rolling. Still a driver coach, still an analyst and running filterTime so it was hard finding time for anything else.

Q13 - What similarities are there between FilterTime and driving?

It’s totally different. The downfall is pressure, constantly at the back of your brain, expected to bring in the wins, so take risks but don’t break the car so not too much risk, are you going to have a job next year, is your sponsor happy? A lot of anxiety, very few things under your control, always thinking about racing even when you are with your family, but there are perks to it - you have a PR person, you have your schedule you have press-release, SM, when you come out the car you have a hat, sunglasses, and a cold towel. So you are treated really well. But as a business owner, the results come out of how much work you put in. So now I’m able to put in all this work and not worried about someone firing me. So the effort I put it, especially since I like working, = customers, future for my family. Everything with FilterTime was from scratch, answering emails, SM the website it’s all Blake. It’s pressure - but you can trust yourself. You have a lot more control of the success - here is the similarity - it was all about fans. With filterTime feels like fans. Blake Koch emails them, talks to them and customer interaction.

Q14 - What do you want to leave with the fans?

Being passionate - you can’t worry about the results. Listen to the bible, podcasts, positive people - you can be happier no matter what you are doing. Set goals and chase your dreams.

Podcast Guest: Joao Barbosa & Host: Jai Shukla Q1 – How did you get started in Racing?

Joao Barbosa started at the age of 11 - which was the minimum age. Since then he begged his dad to get him a go-kart. A deal was made to get good grades - for a go-kart which he managed and then got. This was back in 1987.

 

Q2 – How did you get your initial funding?

‘Costs were much lower in those days and my dad helped me buy my first go-kart.’

 

Q3 – 1980s-2019 How has your viewpoint changed?

Grew up watching Formula 1 and wanted to be a driver in that race. Without the funding - it was not really possible.

Q4 – Do you think it’s harder to get sponsorship?

Gamble in a kid, it’s not like you pick someone at the top when you’re a sponsor.

 

Q5 – What goes on behind the scenes?

24 hour Daytona coming up. So much work involved especially endurance racers. There is no offseason

 

Q6 – What is the procedure to prepare?

It’s like lego - everything gets disassembled. Checks being done. All the pieces are analyzed and then with every minute detail, it’s tested. There is a lot of what if’s. Be ready to attack what if and that’s what preparation happens. Strategizing.

 

Q7 – What happens if you don’t get along with a driver or a manager?

Everything is fixed on the inside. The driver is chosen based on being a team player. Needs experience in sharing the car. And Joao has been very fortunate - winning or losing they do it together. Making sure they have good chemistry and share the same goal

 

Q8 – How do you go about getting that chemistry?

Gym, beach, run, workout - fishing trips - team bonding. After races having fun and relaxing. It’s what happens on the outside that allows them to perform on the job.

 

Q9 – How did you overcome your obstacles?

There are a lot of obstacles. When racing in the US - he was trying all over the place and managed to get an opportunity. A lot of sacrifices when you're younger.

 

Q10 – Give me an example of a sacrifice?

Raced in the US - living with the team, traveling with the crew, driving back and forth, living above the shop of the team, helping them in the shop. Helped develop the cars in the US too. It was a sacrifice. He started traveling when he was really young when your 13, 14 or 16-18 you want to spend time with your friends and be able to go clubbing.

 

Q11 – 5-10 years where do you see yourself and career?

It’s a tough decision, it’s not going to last forever. Atm - he’s only focused on the team and doing the best by winning as many competitions as possible. By being in the best possible shape. 3 wins so far and get more.

 

Q12 – How do you stay in shape?

Cadillac speeds are very high, mentally being in the base shape too. It’s a nonstop year-long program. Biking, running, coupling with that a personal trainer - working out shoulders and neck to handle the G forces. Stepping up a lot more this winter and getting in shape a lot faster. And as ready as I can be.

Podcast Guest: Toni Calderon & Host: Jai Shukla Q1 – Tell us about how you got into Motorsport and created this new documentary?

Toni Calderon has been in the motorsport for 17 years. Was a race fan who wanted to be up close and wanted to be a driver but parents didn’t let him. Got lucky by getting friends with a Mexican driver in 2001 - by saving money and going to the races with him- Toni Calderon. This way he got to be behind the scenes and eventually when his friend got moved up to Indy Car - he asked for a job. In 2003 - got to see be part of everything and started Speed Group a few years ago.

 

Q2 – By starting from the bottom and learning the ropes - it must have made a difference to your level of experience?

You have to understand every level - you know what it takes to do those jobs and appreciate how hard they are. It’s not easy without knowing some simple tricks. The little nuances - it’s easy to show them shortcuts with his staff. It gives you legitimacy in the industry - so gives you a sense of community.

 

Q3 – As you’ve progressed into an executive producer, why did you choose to do it about the Gentlemen Driver?

Toni Calderon says: The documentary is about really successful businessmen that race cars at the highest levels of racing. This is something that most people outside of the racing world haven’t heard about. In different types of racing - there are pros vs amateurs, which are endurance races. The amateurs who have millions get to play with the same people. In the documentary, Ed Brown helped to grow a multi-billion dollar brand. They take time off around 70-80 days to play with pros. So you can own a baseball team but you can’t play at the super bowl, whereas in racing you can. Toni was managing a guy called Ricardo Gonzales, a very successful business and when doing a promo video - Toni explained what a Gentleman's Driver is. Which is when he explained the concept to a few people and they said this would be really interesting for ‘other people to make’. They came up with a pseudo-trailer.  

 

Q4 How did you go from a documentary nerd to a producer?

“If I watched a documentary - what would I want to see, the topics, the theme and feel for it”. Then he made a trailer which really ended up with catching the bug for making it. Well maybe there’s a way to make it work, then asked a production company who were friends. Then after getting a budget and figuring out the stakes on it, then they would hire someone to make it. Then with the budget + trailer, they went to friends in the industry to see if someone wants to invest and in 3 days he had the money. If we hire people who can film this and in the racing world using the contacts it was underway. When they were in Austin - a lot of filming was done and hired a director. From then it was just winging it!

 

Q5 - What was the biggest misconception you had prior to completing this documentary?

How long it takes. Underestimating time. The second one was a filming nuisance, underestimated editing. Putting it together is an art and hired an editor. It’s the most important position. Who’s going to take the 100’s hours of the story - turn it into a film. Bunch of mini-stories initially which made no sense. Making sure people are captivated the whole way through.

 

Q6 - How did you manage Speed Group while doing this documentary?

Everything was happening in one place - so a lot of multi-tasking. And at home found off-hours to do it. But managing people and race car drivers is a cool experience but frustrating at times. Dealing with unique personalities. Some of the times you have to babysit.

Starting with someone who can show you the ropes and do it all - be your racing consultant. So you can show up and drive.

 

Q7 - How has it transformed over the last 5 years.

Now changed from drivers to teams. A way to scale. Changed from 1-1, and ‘the drivers are like my little brothers.’ Corporate sponsors - racing teams we are helping with teams and strategy. As an entrepreneur, you figure it out as you go along.

 

Q8 - What advice would you give to someone?

For drivers - there is no right path, it depends on the person as there are so many different routes to take. Depends on age, country, funds, sponsors, personal money. Find somebody you trust and figure out your situation but don’t rush it. It’s very expensive. Don’t spend so much up front, and don’t have the experience and throwing money down the drain. Be fit, ready, mentally, physically, lower formulas before IndyCar

 

Q9 - Find people can you trust - where and how?

‘Talk to us!’ - it’s a small world. Ask around. Don’t be with someone who is jealous. A good reputation is likely to be good.

 

Q10 - What is Speed Group expected to look like in 5 years and the Gentlemen Drivers?

31st Jan the documentary will be released worldwide. He hopes it will inspire people. The guys in the documentary started from scratch. And set up a corporate team that they can run remotely, and some people want to join.

Podcast Guest: Mike Guasch & Host: Jai Shukla Q1 – The Gentlemen's driver movie has come out...how's the reception been?

The recent launch of the documentary has led to great feedback and global launch in February. It’s going to be on Netflix too. Started in 2015 and then just got the cameras rolling and filmed most of the LMS form the 2016 championship. Primarily at Silverstone where he ended up winning.

Q2 – Quote from the movie: To succeed as an entrepreneur, you have to LEARN TO FAIL, which means to learn from those mistakes rather than allow those mistakes to consume you. - How much has this mentality played a part in your achievements?

Mike Guasch has been racing since the age of 17, from dirt track, raced jet ski’s - where he achieved 4th in the world and realized he couldn't make a career out of it. And then became an entrepreneur and in 2005 he wanted to get back to racing. He took a class and thought how he learned how to drive a car properly. You have to learn how to fail. It’s so much harder than it looks. He found himself dead last and had to come back to the basics.

Q3 – As the CEO Molecule Labs what's that journey been like and what sort of parallels does it have to racing?

So similar. It’s just a fight. Business is just the same thing. This is his 10th business in 20 years. You have wins and failures. And you just got to keep digging. Same thing for racing, eating well, preparing and it’s such a discipline. You have to stay disciplined and it will pay off.

Q4 – 2011 British GT Championship - GT3 and 1st in 2016 - European Le Mans Series - LMP3 - many recent victories at such late stages of your career. What's the level of gratification of that?

When in his 20’s he was on a local stage but soon it became national - and the wins were a lot more enjoyable. His business also became international and he was spending 3 years racing in Europe. As far as parallels to business - racing is a business.

Q5 – Where is the pressure and drive stemming from?

What makes him tick - racing drives him. Business is a means to an end. Something you have to do support your family but he NEEDS to race. It takes a lot of time to race.

Q6 – Retirement - is it something you are considering?

Considered retiring in 2008 and thought he was retired but to race properly you need time and money. To have both is really really difficult. You have to be able to train and work. So Mike Guasch was hoping to retire from the company and just take it to the next level in racing.

Jealous of pros who get to do it all the time but they have very little money. Whereas he can afford to live well and practice and training.

Q7 – What does typical week entail for training

Going to the gym is major, trainer, full gym for racing, cardio machines, simulators, weights, neck work. At his age he has to out-train everyone. He has to work a lot harder and he doesn’t mind.

Q8 – Throughout all the things you've done, worked, achieved - what has been the most important to you?

Racing and business that`s all fine but he’s married for 22 years, it’s really having a great family. His wife is a sports freak and his kids come to the races. Daytona 24, they stayed up together. Daughters now 19 - she used a fake ID to get into the pits. They are part of it, watch him on TV.

Q9 – What is the best way to have what you have to pursue their dream?

Just keep digging and the biggest learning just focuses. Mike Guasch thinks he isn’t able to but it’s something to work. Doing one thing at a time. Not trying to train 15 different ways. No distractions for which cannot get you to your goal. All decisions should be towards that goal. It’s easy to say but hard to practice. So easy to say let’s just go out and do this and that, but you have to be disciplined.

It’s about choices especially when you have money and time but it’s not going to be done well if you don’t focus on one thing. Always on time, prepared without that you are just floundering.

Q10 – 2019 plans?

Working hard to secure deals and get back to LMS in 2019.

Podcast with Guest: Marvin Dienst & Host: Jai Shukla Q1 – Let's kick it off with the most important question and what's on everyone's mind - pasta is your favorite food? What's that about...

Pasta is what it’s all about in this biz!

Q2 – 2017 was a great year with a 2nd place in World Endurance Championship - how was that?

Incredible, from traveling, Le Mans, traveling the whole world - it was a dream come true. From there he got a couple of wins and competed as one of the youngest teams while performing so well and by far the best year.

Q3 – Who inspired you and who are your idols?

No parent or family member that raced before. His dad repairs trucks and car tracks and the owner said let’s go into it. Normally you aren’t allowed to drive there and then Marvin started to get into a passion for it, then got into German Championships. And suddenly jumped into a race car when he was 14.

When you are young you only look at formula 1 but as time goes on - your opinion changes. Like crashes change you. For e.g. Alex Zanardi is one of his idols as he is someone who lost both his legs and carries on. Went onto Paralympics and carried on. Showed how much passion he had for the sport.

Q4 – What is your biggest fear?

The biggest fear is not staying healthy. If you have any fear of driving a car your in the wrong business. He trusts the car even more after his crashes. No matter what he does even crashing at 200km/h he still didn’t even break a single rib and removed his fears.

Q5 – How far into the future do you like to make plans...1 year, 6 months, 5 years?

Planning doesn’t work in motorsport. From tomorrow he can have no more cockpit, and you can’t plan. You can only plan 1-2 year at a time, this puts a lot of pressure on your mind and requires mental fitness. Every season you know it can be your last season and as a young driver climbing up the ladder, any mistake you make can be the last mistake you ever make. When you get used to the pressure and withstand it then you can carry on. But it’s quite a major step in the journey.

Q6 - How do you handle the pressure?

You have to be fit in your mind. They think about a crash negatively, rather than thinking about the experience of being alive and learning from it. He’s been to Mclaren MTC, where he learned about his brain and how to remove fear. To look at a different angle at life. In the worst things, find the light. It took a few years to understand when he was really young.

Q7  - If you saw yourself 10 years from now, what would you say?

Never give up. One door closes and another opens. Many times he’s come 2nd and life could have been easier if he came first. He was disappointed and killed him from the inside. So this is when he looked for the million other doors. And this was when he was able to open up. When you think too negatively about small issues, just go ahead and positive things will follow. No matter how bad it looks, just carry on and it will change in your favor.

Q8 - Knowledge action gap between knowing you should move on and actually doing it - how to overcome it?

You have to self analyze, and acknowledge something is wrong. Then step 2 is to think of a way to change.

Q9 – What traits do you think allows any driver to come first and stand on the podium?

You have to recognize something is wrong, then think about a way to change it. His trainer used to work with Usain Bolt before he won. His starts aren’t good - so the trainer's advice is to focus on your strength and turn it into super strength. So find something you are good at - and turn it into the best. It doesn’t have to be at everything. Motorsport has so many aspects like physical strength, mental strength, consistency.

Q10 - What was the key point that changed your life?

A professor walked in and said you can’t control your brain. Some argued and said clearly you don’t believe me. He said ok, please close your eyes and do nothing but breathing but do nothing else. Everyone thought 'Yeah - so easy.' Within 2-3 seconds your mind is distracted. And then your mind is floating all over the place. I was meant to just focus on my breath and here I am not even able to think of what I was meant to. And when traveling at more than 300 km/h in motorsport, 1 second is about 100m gone and this could finish the race, lead to a crash - this changed his perspective on life. Question everything in life and hopefully, it can help to understand yourself better.