Formula Atlantic Champion Chris Smith continues his deep dive into the business side of motorsports. This episode examines the factors that led to the bankruptcy and closure of the renowned Jim Russell Racing Driver School, including the challenges faced by its original owners and the miscalculations made by subsequent venture capitalists who acquired the operation. Smith offers perspective on why the school's founders, Jacques Couture and Jim Russell, never reached the same public notoriety as contemporaries like Skip Barber and Bob Bondurant. He also provides an updated look at the financial reality of driver training, noting that top-tier three-day driving schools today can cost students $12,000 to $15,000.

Music track: Synergy by Aylex Source: https://freetouse.com/music Free Vlog Music Without Copyright  Creative Commons__Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0 Music promoted by Vlog Music

racing podcast

motorsport podcast

racing history podcast

Formula 1 stories podcast

best racing stories podcast

behind the scenes racing podcast

motorsport legends interviews

racing drivers interviews

Formula 1 racing stories

IndyCar racing history

Le Mans racing stories

endurance racing legends

sports car racing history

historic racing interviews

grassroots motorsport stories

racing mechanics stories

pit lane stories

untold racing stories

behind the wheel stories

legendary motorsport moments

racing heritage and culture

real stories from the racetrack

racing pioneers and innovators

racing garage secrets

forgotten racing history

best motorsport podcast for racing fans

untold Formula 1 and IndyCar stories

racing drivers share their journeys

behind the scenes of racing history

historic motorsport interviews podcast

best podcast about racing mechanics and drivers

racing stories from the golden era of motorsport

classic motorsport podcast episodes

The Mechanicians podcast

The Mechanicians racing stories

The Mechanicians motorsport podcast

Rob Klyver podcast The Mechanicians