Car Chat

Robin Shute is an engineer and 4x Pikes Peak Champion. He competes in the top class with his Wolf based racer. Robin joins me at home for a chat about Pikes Peak, racing, his engineering background and his upcoming car designed to smash records. A great chat with some real depth. Enjoy,Samhttps://www.instagram.com/robin.shute/?hl=enhttps://www.youtube.com/@thesendyclubShow Notes:Chapters00:00 The Basics of Engineering and Racing00:46 Robin Shute: A Racing Journey04:00 Early Influences and Career Path07:48 Tesla: The Early Days of Innovation11:57 The Evolution of Electric Vehicles16:11 The Importance of Team Size in Racing18:06 The Birth of the Wolf Racing Team21:54 Pikes Peak: The Challenge of the Mountain26:10 The Technical Aspects of Racing Cars30:02 The Development of the Wolf Car33:52 Pushing the Limits of Speed39:12 Engineering Innovations and Challenges43:03 The Decision to Build a New Car49:27 The Case Against Electric Vehicles55:07 Exploring the Future of Race Cars01:08:01 The Future of Autonomous Driving01:10:27 Nitro Rallycross and the Evolution of Racing01:12:52 Electric Vehicles in Motorsports01:14:14 Innovations in Car Design and Engineering01:19:02 The Simplicity of Effective Engineering01:22:51 Driving Experience and Car Weight Dynamics01:29:31 The Unlimited Class and Record-Breaking Aspirations01:35:04 Memorable Journeys and Dream Cars Get Ad Free Listening + Questions For Guests Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dave Cole, Co-Founder and Owner of King of the Hammers. Dave, a former off-road racer himself, has turned the rugged desert of Johnson Valley, California, into the ultimate proving ground for the world’s toughest drivers and machines. Known as the "toughest one-day off-road race on the planet," King of the Hammers combines high-speed desert racing with brutal rock crawling, pushing competitors to their absolute limits.We discuss Dave’s journey from racer to race organiser, the origins of King of the Hammers, and how it grew from a casual challenge among friends into a global motorsports phenomenon. With a mix of adrenaline, innovation, and a die-hard off-road community, Dave shares the magic that makes King of the Hammers more than just a race.Enjoy,Samhttps://kingofthehammers.com/Show Notes:00:00 Introduction to King of the Hammers03:12 The Evolution of Rock Crawling and Off-Road Racing05:59 The Technical Aspects of KOH08:55 The Challenges of Desert Racing11:54 The Dynamics of High-Speed Off-Roading14:48 The Importance of Vehicle Design and Engineering18:13 The Role of Strategy in Off-Road Racing21:09 The Future of Off-Road Racing and Vehicle Innovation23:50 Conclusion and Reflections on the Sport37:46 The Evolution of KOH50:04 Training and Preparing for KOH01:00:20 The Impact of COVID on Off-Road Events01:08:08 Memorable Experiences and Future Innovations Get Ad Free Listening + Questions For Guests Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re joined by Max Banks, one of the key figures behind Alfaholics, the world-renowned specialists in classic Alfa Romeo restorations and performance upgrades. Founded by a family with a deep passion for Alfa Romeo, Alfaholics has earned a global reputation for transforming vintage Alfas into meticulously restored and enhanced machines, blending classic beauty with cutting-edge engineering.Max shares the story of Alfaholics, the way their parts business helps the restomods (and keeps prices down) and we took their Super for a drive.Enjoy,Samhttps://www.alfaholics.com/https://www.instagram.com/alfaholicsltd/Show Notes:00:00 The Thrill of Lightweight Cars02:54 Max Banks and Alfaholics: A Family Legacy06:08 The Evolution of Alfaholics08:58 Racing Heritage and Development11:49 The GTA-R Program: Balancing Performance and Character14:45 Parts Supply and Market Positioning18:05 The Unique Business Model of Alfaholics20:54 The Process of Building a GTA-R24:14 Customer Relationships and Expectations27:05 The Future of Alfaholics and Car Development39:38 Evolution of the GTA-R and Track-Oriented Builds42:30 Memorable Nürburgring Experiences44:51 Driving Dynamics of the GTA-R46:46 The Joy of Driving Lightweight Cars47:15 Daily Drivers and the Appeal of SUVs50:06 Changing Customer Profiles in the Automotive Market52:02 Building and Pricing the GTA-R54:26 Racing Adventures and Championship Wins56:25 Driving the McLaren M6B01:00:12 The Team Behind the Racing01:02:40 Options Beyond the GTA-R01:05:01 Memorable Driving Trips and Car Preferences Get Ad Free Listening + Questions For Guests Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thierry Nardone is the founder and CEO of Nardone Automotive, a French company behind the restomod of the Porsche 928. Thierry’s passion for transaxle Porsches, particularly the 928, inspired him to reimagine this classic grand tourer, blending its original elegance with modern performance and luxury.Nardone Automotive’s reinterpretation features a carbon-fiber body, a meticulously upgraded V8 engine producing approximately 400 horsepower, and a bespoke interior adorned with Foglizzo leather and Alcantara. The vehicle also boasts contemporary amenities like a Porsche Classic Communication Management system with Apple CarPlay. Thierry wants the car to drive like a sports car but also retain and improve upon the 928s ability to serve as a grand tourer with refinement not found in a 911 etc.https://www.nardone-automotive.com/https://www.instagram.com/nardone_automotive/Enjoy,SamShow Notes:00:00 Introduction to Thierry Nardone and Nardone Automotive02:54 The Journey to Restomods: Passion and Experience05:47 The Concept of Restomods and Initial Projects09:10 Building a Network: Collaborations and Partnerships12:05 Designing the Nightweight: Vision and Execution15:01 The Launch of the Gold 928: Marketing and Reception17:56 Defining the 928: Engineering and Aesthetics20:48 Monterey Experience: Feedback and Future Plans24:09 Customer Alignment: Vision and Expectations36:35 Customer Engagement and Company Growth37:30 Performance Goals and Engine Development40:20 Gearbox Innovations and Torque Management42:15 Sound Design: Balancing Comfort and Performance44:44 Weight Management and Vehicle Dynamics46:40 High-End Sound Systems in Resto Mods51:00 Driving Experiences and Road Trips01:01:07 Future Developments and Technology Integration Get Ad Free Listening + Questions For Guests Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.