BREAK/FIX the Motorsports & Vehicle Enthusiast Variety Show

In this mini-sode, 96-year-old Billy Wentz Sr, recounts his extensive racing career, including memorable races and interactions with notable racers like Jimmy Maguire. Billy shares anecdotes from his early days in racing, constructing his first car, and the camaraderie and challenges faced in the sport.

This episode includes a lively discussion with racing legend: Jimmy Maguire, highlighting his racing journeys filled with challenges and triumphs. Jimmy best known for his ability to continue to win races despite losing an arm in an accident. He recounts humorous and dramatic tales from the racetrack, unique experiences including a film stunt, and a memorable trip to Australia. The discussion is filled with camaraderie, friendly banter, and personal anecdotes, illustrating the rich and vibrant history of motor racing.

On this episode of The Motoring Historian, Jon Summers discusses the shift towards software-defined vehicles and the implications for the automotive industry. As cars become edge-of-cloud devices, their functionalities increasingly rely on cloud connectivity rather than on-board hardware. He critiques this shift, lamenting the loss of driving freedom and the rise of touchscreen interfaces. He also highlights the role of companies like Remotive Labs, which develop scalable digital twins for virtual component testing, allowing earlier and smoother integration in vehicle development. However, this transition brings challenges, especially in organizational change and collaboration between engineering silos. Jon uses historical and contemporary analogies to underscore how traditional car development and engineering practices are being revolutionized by software-centric approaches.

On this episode of Evening With a Legend we interview Bob Varsha, a renowned motorsport broadcaster, about his extensive career and experiences covering the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Varsha discusses his unconventional path from law to broadcasting, the intricacies of commentating long endurance races, memorable moments at Le Mans, and his broadcasting style. The conversation also touches on the logistics and challenges of broadcasting such a complex event, the evolution of motorsport broadcasting and facilities at Le Mans, and advice for aspiring broadcasters. The interview provides a deep dive into Varsha’s contributions to motorsport broadcasting and his love for storytelling.

This episode of The Logbook, our History of Motorsports Series, looks back at a transformative period in American motorsports during the mid-1970s to 1979, guided by Dr. Daniel J. Simone. The episode explores how the OPEC oil embargo challenged and eventually reshaped racing, focusing on the NASCAR Winston West Series. Various significant drivers, such as Ray Elder, Jimmy Insolo, and Herschel McGriff, are highlighted alongside the struggles and triumphs of west coast racing teams. The narrative also covers the impact of the environmental movement on racing and the importance of regional talents in shaping the national scene. The episode concludes with the legacies left by these drivers and the changes in racing dynamics heading into the 1980s.