Curious car guys talking car culture. Lance and Steve share what they know, and explore what they don’t. Message us on Facebook and Instagram: @launchcontrolcars And on Twitter: @launchctrlcars Lance's Insta: @insidetherim Steve's Insta: @gallo24gtr
2020 starts of with a bang (rotary joke)! Lance sits down with Chris Ott, owner of Rotary Performance (RP) in Garland, TX. RP has worked on Lance’s FD for almost 10 years, and together they discuss RP’s story, which rotary perceptions are (and aren’t) true, which RXs are bulletproof, and how recent market trends have changed RX7 owner behaviors. ———————————————- www.rotaryperformance.com Find Launch Control everywhere as @launchcontrolcars Want to hear anything in particular? Email us at launchcontrolcars@gmail.com or DM us!
Everyone wants to be a race car driver. This episode we get a peek into what the business of pro driving is like. Eric Foss, a two time winner of the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, tells us how he became a pro driver (without the silver spoon), his journey in racing, what it’s like coaching other race car drivers, and how private coaching makes you drive differently than group events. ———————————————- Find Eric Foss on Facebook at Eric Foss Racing, and Launch Control everywhere as @launchcontrolcars Want to hear anything in particular? Email us at launchcontrolcars@gmail.com or DM us!
We get to sit down with the fine folks at Baily’s Hyperformance again! This time, we dive into tuning: Off roading: Rezvani (in the shop)and the War wagon (uh, not in the shop). Tuning - what is it really, and why you need it for those parts you bought? What are volumetric, thermal, and mechanical efficiency, and what parts are involved? How do you approach tuning in a way that is financially efficient? How does neural networking/AI affect tuning? Where can tuning go wrong, how do you handle ‘chat room tuners’, and how can you responsibly shop for a tuner yourself? Find Launch Control everywhere as @launchcontrolcars Want to hear anything in particular? Email us at launchcontrolcars@gmail.com or DM us!
In this episode, we discuss: 1) Driving cars that are faster than your reflexes, and others that aren’t any faster than a Camry. 2) Netflix’s Fastest Car 3) Integra Type R - Worth NSX money? 4) How much pickup truck do you need? 5) First year model snags. 6) Should you worry buying modern used cars with turbos? Find Launch Control everywhere as @launchcontrolcars Want to hear anything in particular? Email us at launchcontrolcars@gmail.com or DM us!
You may remember Susan from the service advisor episode, but she currently owns The Tableman Insurance Group, an insurance brokerage firm. So she’s back to talk car insurance for enthusiasts - agent vs. broker, the most important components of a policy, which companies are best-tuned for car people, among other insurance related things. Fair warning - since all three of us are car people, it takes us about 30 minutes to actually get to the insurance talk. So if you just want the insurance info, forward 30 mins. But if you’re interested in drag/boat/circle track racing, Ford Edges, Camaros, selling Benzes, and dealership experiences, just hit play and enjoy! Find Launch Control everywhere as @launchcontrolcars Want to hear anything in particular? Email us at launchcontrolcars@gmail.com or DM us!
Welcome to the Launch Control podcast! We talk about: 1) Monterey car week uh, you should go. 2) The GM strike 3) How to analyze a service quote Yes, the Supra makes an appearance. But you’re not surprised by that. Find Launch Control everywhere as @launchcontrolcars Want to hear anything in particular? Email us at launchcontrolcars@gmail.com or DM us!
In this episode Chris and Marlene Baily (along with their team) give us a primer on their shop history, how tuning a Dodge is different from tuning a GM car, why sticking parts on a car isn’t enough, and what the future might look like. After the episode, Lance got to drive a couple of their cars, and if those are any indication, modern musclecars have their place in this world for a reason. Find Launch Control everywhere as @launchcontrolcars Want to hear anything in particular? Email us at launchcontrolcars@gmail.com or DM us!
In this episode, we got some hot takes! We take some stereotypes and common conceptions and pick them apart. 1. Why the G35 is a Japanese BMW 2. Why Nissans are Japanese, but not really (with a couple of exceptions) 3. Why Tesla should be scared of the Taycan (or maybe not) 4. Chiron breaks the 300+ mph, but does the record count, and is that the best thing about it? Find Launch Control everywhere as @launchcontrolcars Want to hear anything in particular? Email us at launchcontrolcars@gmail.com or DM us!
Lance and Steve discuss: 1) Where exotic cars park in the dirt 2) Giving EVs a voice - literally 3) A realistic approach to manuals 4) Steve’s garage: meeting the Alto, the future of his R35, and could he be coming around on the Supra? Find Launch Control everywhere as @launchcontrolcars Want to hear anything in particular? Email us at launchcontrolcars@gmail.com or DM us!
For enthusiasts, vehicles are a path to adventure. For some, the adventure is speed. For others, like Dustin Sauer, it’s more literal - being able to travel to fantastic locations and not need a hotel when you get there. Even veteran overlanders are going to like hearing about these vans with granite countertops, stand-up showers, heated floors, and hideaway toilets. You know you’re an adventure boss when you don't need Starbucks for a restroom break. Overland Van Project: www.overlandvanproject.com www.instagram.com/overlandvanproject Find Launch Control everywhere as @launchcontrolcars Want to hear anything in particular? Email us at launchcontrolcars@gmail.com or DM us!
It’s our 20th episode! This week Steve and Lance share their plans for what's next in their garages, having sold the Skyline and M3 recently. Then they talk ethanol 101, and then give a first blush impression of the new C8 Corvette. In case you’re wondering, the Supra is discussed. And it is probably in trouble. Find Launch Control everywhere as @launchcontrolcars Want to hear anything in particular? Email us at launchcontrolcars@gmail.com or DM us!
Recorded live at Cars & Coffee in Azle, TX! Husband and wife duo Tim and Rachel Bevan share their journey from full time car enthusiasts to full time automotive parts supplier, and in the process we manage to turn the phrase "Merkur XR4Ti" into a drinking game. What parts should you buy original, and what should you buy aftermarket? What was surprising about building a parts business? What’s next? It's a nice peek behind the curtain from a couple who has managed to make their dream come true. Visit OEM Part Haus at https://oemparthaus.com/ Find Launch Control everywhere as @launchcontrolcars (except on YouTube - we’re working on it!) Want to hear about anything in particular? Email us at launchcontrolcars@gmail.com or DM us!
In this episode we welcome Josh Kryzak and his beautiful 2003 Bentley Arnage Mulliner T-24 to the show. Over the last three years, Josh's grand Bentley experiment has played out on YouTube for the world to see. Good news: you can get the Cliff's Notes version here in 60 minutes, then go watch his channel for the details you want. Find Josh on YouTube @JoshsWorld.com And find us on everywhere @launchcontrolcars (except on YouTube - we’re working on it!) Want to hear about anything in particular? Email us at launchcontrolcars@gmail.com or DM us!
In this episode, both of us celebrate selling our cars, and talk about how we did. You know what’s next - car shopping! We talk about what might be next - an import, bucket list car, a local deal, etc. Steve talks about using launch control in the GT-R for the first time, and Lance reviews the Charger Hemi he rented. Want to hear about anything in particular? Email us at launchcontrolcars@gmail.com or find us on social media @launchcontrolcars
In this episode, we talk about car companies collaborating vs. merging, cars you should get for your high school student/graduate, and Tesla’s plans for an electric pickup truck, and its place in the industry. Email us at launchcontrolcars@gmail.com or catch us on Insta @launchcontrolcars. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to catch the next scheduled live stream of our recording sessions! (@launchcontrolcars on both platforms).
It's the most fun yet the most harrowing decision a car guy can make...what car do you go for next? Lance goes toe to toe with every car guy's dream/nightmare scenario. But first we take another stab at the future of motoring. This time in response to some pretty bold claims by Elon Musk. Is he crazy or a genius? We have our thoughts, but would love to hear what you guys think too. Email us at launchcontrolcars@gmail.com l or catch us on Insta @launchcontrolcars. This recording wasn't broadcast on Facebook Live, but they usually are. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to catch the next scheduled live event. (@launchcontrolcars on both platforms).
In this episode, we hang out with the guys at Texas Track Works. They are a full-service shop including track prep, on-track support, race car build, and all other kinds of shenanigans. In this episode, you get to meet the crew, hear the story of how they came together, and a little peek into where they’re going. Their skill is only surpassed by their sense of family, and we love them for it. Think you have what it takes to work on top-tier projects? Compare notes with the guys who have been there, doing that. Texas Track Works: www.texastrackworks.com www.facebook.com/TexasTrackWorks www.instagram.com/texastrackworks This recording wasn't broadcast on Facebook Live, but they sometimes are. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to catch the next scheduled live event. (@launchcontrolcars on both platforms).
As we crash Steve's Man Cave, we talk Gran Turismo vs. Forza vs real-deal simulators. We then move on to the landscape of selling your car: how should you decide where to put your car for sale? What should you know about selling on BaT? What is BaT? Why is Lance still rockin’ a PS3? This recording wasn't broadcast on Facebook Live, but they usually are. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to catch the next scheduled live event. (@launchcontrolcars on both platforms).
In this episode, Lance and Steve welcome special guest Susan Tableman - a long-time friend, auto insurance expert, NSX enthusiast, and former dealer Service Advisor For Acura, Mercedes, BMW, and Jaguar. Susan gives insight to things you may not know about what goes on at a dealer. How do you know you’re dealing with a good advisor? How do the advisor and mechanic work together? How does the dealer look at service vs. sales? How do they look at 3rd party warranties? Do service teams differ between different makes? And how can servicing your car at the dealer benefit you long-run? We cover all that and more! This recording wasn't broadcast on Facebook Live, but they usually are. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to catch the next scheduled live event. (@launchcontrolcars on both platforms).
In this episode, Lance and Steve talk about some interesting internet finds. Plus, an in-depth recap of the Dallas Auto Show and what we think about the direction some of the automakers are taking. This recording wasn't broadcast on Facebook Live, but they usually are. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to catch the next scheduled live event. (@launchcontrolcars on both platforms).
Is there hope for the future of motoring? Lance and Steve team up with special guest Adam Barrera of @highmileage, we talk about engaging cars, automation, ride sharing and what the next generation of auto enthusiasts may have to look forward to. In case you didn't know, this recording was broadcast on Facebook Live! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to catch the next scheduled live event. (@launchcontrolcars on both platforms).
This is the second of two episodes where we are talking all about overlanding with the founder of Dallas Rigs & Coffee, Jason Criss. Today we're talking vehicles and mods. What rig do you need to get off the grid for a weekend? In case you didn't know, this recording was broadcast on Facebook Live! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to catch the next scheduled live event. (@launchcontrolcars on both platforms).
What's with all the rooftop tents, steel bumpers, and recovery gear on every other 4x4 on the road these days? It's a little thing called "Overlanding" and we're here to learn all about it with the founder of Dallas Rigs & Coffee, Jason Criss. In case you didn't know, this recording was broadcast on Facebook Live! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to catch the next scheduled live event. (@launchcontrolcars on both platforms).
It’s the first episode after the Import a Car series. Lance and Steve discuss their take on car builds - is a project ever really finished? And if it is, what happens next - marry it or move on? By the way, this recording was broadcast on Facebook Live! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to catch the next scheduled live event. (@launchcontrolcars on both platforms).
It’s the finale of our Importing a Car series, where Steve shows Lance how to import a car from Japan under the 25 year rule. This episode takes you through the final steps so you can get the car out on the road and enjoy it. Of special note - insurance! What options are out there to protect your investment? This was the first episode broadcast on Facebook Live! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook so you can catch the curious car guys live in their next recording session. @launchcontrolcars on both platforms.
It’s part 4 of our Importing a Car series, where Steve shows Lance how to import a car from Japan under the 25 year rule. This episode focuses on getting the car from Japan into your garage. Spoiler alert: there is a lot of paperwork, and the broker you selected (in the last episode) is going to be your best friend. They also weigh in on a listener question on which reliable, fun-to-drive, under $30k hatch would be best.
It’s part 3 of our Importing a car series, where Steve shows Lance how to import a car from Japan under the 25 year rule. In this episode, they get into the nuances of working with your exporter (who purchases the car and ships it) and broker (who receives the shipment and helps you clear customs) to get the car to your door. Topics include why you need an exporter, how to find a good exporter and broker, paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork. They also talk about Radwood Austin (2/23/19), Texas Gumball (3/31/19), Steve’s BringaTtailer auction “fail”, and the Supra - it’s not the same car, but is it the same value, and is that ok?
It’s part 2 of our Importing a car series, where Steve shows Lance how to import a car from Japan under the 25 year rule. In this episode, they explore different places to find cars in Japan, focusing on Japanese used car classifieds. Topics include translating the website, currency conversion, and optimizing your search.
In this series, Steve teaches Lance everything he needs to know to import a car from Japan under the 25 year rule. In this episode, they cover self awareness - what kind of car guy should you be to be a successful importer? Then they get practical on how to start the search for your JDM ride.
They met because of a love for small Toyota sports cars. They bonded over a general love for cars and car culture. Welcome to episode 1 of Launch Control! Lance Abraham and Steve Durman of Launch Control Media kick it off with a few answers to your burning questions. What is Launch Control all about and what can you expect over the next several episodes? (Hint - we're going to teach you how to import 25 year old cars from Japan all by yourself....and more!)