BREAK/FIX the Motorsports & Vehicle Enthusiast Variety Show

This Formula Fanatics episode recaps the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka: “Kimi” wins despite a poor start, finishes 14 seconds ahead of Piastri, and the race features Beerman’s major 50G crash after a sudden slowdown ahead, plus a long cleanup that impacts strategy and hurts Russell after a safety-car sequence. They discuss concerns about speed disparity, energy management, and rumored FIA reconsideration of the 50/50 electric split, along with upcoming regulation changes and Ferrari upgrades, noting Miami is likely processional while Canada may better reveal impacts. They criticize Cadillac’s poor performance and debate Audi’s mid-pack results and viability, including talk of leadership rumors. Tania gives her take on the F1 movie: impressive visuals but an unrealistic, overlong storyline, with skepticism about a sequel; they mention interest in a forthcoming Schumacher project focused on 1994.

Break/Fix’s Drive Thru News Episode #67 recaps April’s automotive news and oddities, starting with economic turmoil and fuel changes: extended E15 use, ethanol’s impact on economy, evaporation, water absorption, and rubber seals, plus brake-fluid hygroscopy and the wider impact of diesel shortages on shipping and heating oil. The hosts criticize Volkswagen’s EV strategy (Touareg EV talk, China-only Jetta SUV, ID model struggles, layoffs, potential government aid) while noting nostalgia tie-ins like Hot Wheels R32s. Other topics include Stellantis’ Poissy plant shifting to parts/recycling, a modern Fiat three-wheeler, Morgan’s BMW-powered Supersport pricing, Cadillac Blackwing discontinuation, a C8 Corvette stop-sale over turn-signal software, Toyota RAV4 GR Sport badging, a Pininfarina NSX restomod, Nissan heritage parts, Smart’s new EV concept, Tesla Roadster skepticism, Florida drone speed enforcement, insurance non-payment without collision coverage, a truck climbing a Lamborghini, NASCAR EV plans, Lance Stroll’s GT3 result, sim-racing updates, and a Lemons Focus project update plus upcoming events.

On this episode of The Motoring Historian, Jon Summers summarizes a Western Automotive Journalists recap of CES 2026 led by chair Charlie Vogelheim, arguing that major auto innovation has shifted from traditional auto shows to CES. He frames the industry around electrification, autonomy, connectivity, and shared mobility, noting huge spending since 2010 largely from outside traditional OEMs, and discusses how autonomy remains harder than early forecasts. Highlights include Waymo’s sixth-generation vehicles with 29 sensors and expansion to colder cities; Nvidia’s open AI platform; Uber’s planned 2026 Lucid Gravity-based autonomous rollout; Qualcomm’s single-chip ADAS/infotainment concept enabling cheaper EVs and reinforcing “software-defined” cars like Xiaomi’s ecosystem approach; bolt-on ADAS from comma.ai; Zoox demos; Mercedes “Level 2++”; Sony-Honda’s expensive Afeela; Germany’s remotely driven Vay concept; and standout tech like a hovering flying motorcycle and Donut Lab’s solid-state battery designs.

Break/Fix Podcast hosts Theodore “Ted” Giovanis with returning co-host Tom Newman to trace Ted’s unconventional path into road racing - from autocross and early SCCA club racing to Grand-Am/IMSA endurance competition! Ted discusses how Balance of Performance shapes modern racing strategy, the technical and human factors of endurance racing, and how benchmarking with pro-drivers transformed his driving approach. Ted also details the origin and mission of the Jane Koskinas Ted Giovanis (JKTG) Foundation for Health and Policy - formed after his wife Jane passed from metastatic breast cancer - its focus is funding specific researchers with minimal university overhead, and emerging uses of AI in diagnostics and biopsy analysis. The episode closes with Ted’s continued racing plans and future in pro-racing, even at the age of 80.

This episode of the Logbook, our History of Motorsports Series, discusses the intertwining advancements in motorsports and space exploration in 1965. Dr. Mark D. Howell, a cultural historian, explores the parallels between pioneering figures in motorsports, like Richard Petty and Jim Clark, and space exploration heroes, such as Frank Borman and Jim Lovell. Dr. Howell draws connections between technological innovations and national ambitions that shaped historical milestones in both fields. The narrative highlights Formula One’s 75th anniversary, NASA’s Project Gemini, and competitive advancements in NASCAR, Indy 500, and land speed records at Bonneville Salt Flats. Additionally, the influence of societal and cultural memory in shaping historical understanding is examined. The episode underscores how the accomplishments of 1965 have continued to impact racing, space exploration, and collective cultural identity.