Podcasts about automotive historians

While “Studebaker” is rarely the first name one thinks of when discussing motorsports, the company had a strong yet brief presence at the Indianapolis 500 in the early 1930s. Studebaker laid the groundwork with the introduction of the President's inline eight-cylinder engine in early 1928. The advent of the Indianapolis 500's 1930 rule changes opened the door for production-based entries, and the President's rugged eight powered a pair of private entries. These Studebaker-engined specials showed promise and led to the development of Studebaker's corporate team. This program will detail the origins and evolution of Studebaker-powered racers beginning in 1930 with a special emphasis on the company's factory-backed campaigns in 1932 and 1933. Additional focus will also be placed on the technical development of the Studebaker racers as well as the post-Studebaker disposition of the team cars and their present-day status. Sources include Studebaker's corporate archives and image collection at the Studebaker National Museum plus period publications and race accounts. Additional data is drawn from secondary sources profiling the Studebaker team plus owner research compiled during their stewardship of the cars. Andrew Beckman has been with the Studebaker National Museum since 1999 and currently serves as Archivist. He previously worked at the Sheboygan County Historical Society in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and the Wade House State Historic Site in Greenbush, Wisconsin. Mr. Beckman hails from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and holds a BA in History from the University of Wisconsin- Green Bay. In 2004, he completed the Modern Archives Institute at the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, D.C. In 2009, he earned his mid-level certificate in Collections Preservation from the Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies in Mount Carroll, Illinois. Mr. Beckman is the author of The Studebaker National Museum: Over a Century on Wheels, and Studebaker's Last Dance: The Avanti, and is a columnist for the Studebaker Drivers Club magazine, Turning Wheels. In addition to his duties at the Studebaker National Museum, Mr. Beckman is a member and Past President of the Society of Automotive Historians. He also serves as a commentator for The Henry Ford Museum's Motor Muster and Old Car Fest. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Studebaker's Early Motorsports Involvement 01:27 Andrew Beckman's Background 02:51 Studebaker's Racing Philosophy 04:32 Studebaker's Early Racing History 09:50 The President 8 and Racing Innovations 13:19 Studebaker at the Indianapolis 500 17:00 The 1932 and 1933 Racing Campaigns 20:50 The Elusive Studebaker Straight 8 Block 21:01 Studebaker's Racing Legacy 22:29 The 1933 Indianapolis 500 23:14 Privateers and Unique Entries 25:14 Studebaker's Financial Struggles 25:30 The End of Factory-Backed Racing 26:16 Studebaker's Continued Influence 27:03 The Last of the Studebaker Racers 28:55 Restoration and Legacy 32:05 Q&A Session 35:54 Sponsors and Closing Remarks ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.

This International Women's Month, we've been celebrating the fearless, trailblazing women making waves in motorsports—on real-world tracks *and* in the fast-growing world of sim racing. We'll dive into the journeys of Tatiana Calderon, Brenna Schubert, Nina Hahn, and Sally Mott chatting about their challenges, and the adrenaline-fueled passion that keeps them pushing for the podium. From real-life racers breaking barriers to sim drivers redefining the competition from behind the screen, these women are proving that racing isn't just a man's game—it's anyone's race to win! This episode was sponsored by The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians, The ACO USA, Women In Motorsports North America in partnership with The Motoring Podcast Network. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Meet the Panel! 01:12 Origins: How They Got Into Motorsports 03:08 First Sim Racing Experiences 05:35 Preferred Sim Racing Platforms 10:15 Realism in Sim Racing vs. Real Life  18:38 Mental Preparation and Pre-Race Rituals 20:58 Inspirational Women in Motorsports 26:46 Challenges and Misconceptions in Motorsports 32:13 Facing Gender Bias in Racing 36:19 Setbacks and Lessons Learned 38:17 Promoting Women in Motorsports; Sim Racing as a Pathway? 49:43 Advice for Aspiring Female Racers 53:03 Future Goals, Aspirations and Shoutouts ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family. 

Where horsepower meets heart, and speed knows no limits! We're shifting into high gear for a special panel episode in honor of International Women's Month!  From burning rubber on the track to breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport, today we celebrate the fearless women of drag racing. Joining us are Erica Enders, Ida Zetterstrom, Megan Meyer and Maddi Gordon … incredible drivers from around the world—pioneers, champions, and all-around speed demons who prove that racing isn't just for the boys. So buckle up, because we're diving into the thrill of competition, the challenges of the industry, and what it truly means to be a woman in the fast lane. This episode was sponsored by The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians, The ACO USA, Women In Motorsports North America in partnership with The Motoring Podcast Network. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Meet the Panelists 01:18 Getting into Drag Racing 01:50 Role Models and Inspirations 10:35 Challenges and Commitment 21:36 The Thrill of Competition 31:49 The Business Side and Challenges of Drag Racing 37:38 Gender Parity in Drag Racing 41:51 Getting Started in Drag Racing 43:05 Keeping Young Drivers Engaged 46:12 Drag Strip Closures and Their Impact 50:00 Women in Motorsports North America (WMNA) 54:37 Upcoming Season Plans & Closing Thoughts ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/ Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family. 

It's International Women's Month, and we couldn't think of a better way to honor it than by bringing together three phenomenal female drivers who are tearing up the track and rewriting the rules. From late models to sprint cars, these women have proven that racing isn't just a man's game - it's anyone's game if you've got the grit, the guts, and the drive to win! We'll talk with Erin (Crocker) Evernham, Alison Sload and Taylor Ferns about their journeys, the challenges they've faced, and how the sport is evolving for the next generation of female racers. So buckle up, because this conversation is going to be fast, fierce, and full of insight from the best in the business! This episode was sponsored by The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians, The ACO USA, Women In Motorsports North America in partnership with The Motoring Podcast Network. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Meet the Phenomenal Female Drivers: Erin, Taylor and Alison! 01:29 Alison's Journey into Racing 02:11 Taylor's Racing Background 02:54 Erin's Early Racing Days 03:24 Growing Up at the Track; Challenges and Motivation in Racing 10:29 The Winning Mindset 12:19 Memorable On-Track Battles 16:27 Opportunities and the Future of Women in Racing 24:29 Discussing the Financial Aspects of Racing; Sponsorship Challenges in Sprint Car Racing 31:13 What are the commitments and ROI for Sponsors? 36:27 Women in Motorsport North America (WMNA) 39:30 Encouraging Young Women in Racing 45:35 Future Plans and Reflections; Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/ Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family. 

Get ready for an electrifying discussion as we bring together four of the most accomplished women in TransAm and Road racing! Cindi Lux, Michele Abbate, Amy Ruman, and special guest Erin Vogel take the stage for an exclusive panel diving into the highs, the challenges, and the evolution of women in motorsports. From the adrenaline filled battles to the precision of road racing, they'll share their first-hand experiences and their insights on what it takes to compete at the highest levels. Whether you're a die-hard racing fan or just love hearing inspiring stories from trailblazers, this is a conversation you won't want to miss! This episode was sponsored by The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians, The ACO USA, Women In Motorsports North America in partnership with The Motoring Podcast Network. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Meet the Panelists 03:25 Why Trans Am? 06:51 Family Influence and Personal Stories 08:25 Challenges and Opportunities in Racing 11:15 Trans Am Series Structure 16:50 The Importance of Seat Time 19:54 Balance of Performance in Racing 29:53 The Business of Racing 30:27 Inspirations and Role Models; Encouraging the Next Generation 37:11 Women in Motorsports: Opportunities and Challenges 50:34 The Future of Trans Am and Personal Goals 56:58 Final Thoughts and Shoutouts ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/ Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family.   

Join us for PART 1 of "Cup Races that lead to American Road Racing!" The Gordon Bennett Cup, held for cars between 1900 and 1905 was the first international racing series. Stemming from an idea by American newspaper magnate, James Gordon Bennett Jr., the Gordon Bennett Cup was set to champion the international auto industry – by allowing national automobile clubs representing France, Germany, Great Britain, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, the United States and Italy to nominate three entries each. Naturally with the growth of the industry, it became more and more difficult  to find the most suitable candidates. By 1905 the industry became so diverse that it was impossible to hold onto the rules of the Cup, so from 1906 the era of the Grand Prix started. This presentation will provide a short overview of each race, a look at the most important racers and their cars. Dr. Pál Négyesi is an award-winning automotive historian, publisher, editor and museum professional. He is currently the editor of Rare & Unique Vehicles magazine, which won the 2022 Richard Brigham Award from the Society of Automotive Historians, a consultant to the Institute for Digital Culture at the University of Leicester and a lecturer at the Óbuda University in Hungary. Over the years he authored many different books on the history of the Hungarian motoring industry. He's also been the publisher of such books as Thomas Ulrich's 1902 DeDietrich & The Paris-Vienna Race and Alles Mit Motor – Die Standard/Gutbrod Story, which won the 2023 Cugnot Award for books in language other than English from the SAH. He's also an advisor to private collectors and museums in Hungary, Germany and The Netherlands. This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/ Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/

Dave Kunz has been an employee of ABC7 for a quarter-century, becoming the Eyewitness News Automotive Specialist in February 2001. In addition to his duties as a photographer and editor, his on-camera work makes ABC7 the only station in Southern California with a dedicated reporter covering automobiles and related topics. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, Dave always gravitated toward the Southern California car culture that was all around him. His television career started in an unusual way, however. Dave was offered a "temporary, part-time job" at KABC-TV while in college as a business major. Though business would always be something to fall back on (keeping his family happy), broadcasting was continually calling his name. He went on to a formative career in television, first at KTLA and then back at KABC. Eventually, Dave was able to merge his career in television with his passion for things with wheels, and now gets to experience just about anything that runs on gasoline (or increasingly, clean new cars that don't use any), and bring them to Eyewitness News viewers. He is a member of both the Motor Press Guild and the Society of Automotive Historians. Dave also volunteers as an emcee at local vintage car shows such as The Friends of Steve McQueen Car and Motorcycle Show, the Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance, and the Art Center Car Classic. Dave spends his free time with his wife, Suzanne, who helps him keep a small collection of classic cars in (usually) running order. Follow Dave on social media: Facebook.com/abc7davekunz Twitter.com/abc7davekunz Instagram.com/abc7davekunz

Sandra Button has been the Chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance since 2002. She was the Executive Director for decades prior and has helped to inspire and guide the growth of the collector car hobby into a truly global celebration of the automobile. Sandra participates and officiates automotive events from Asia and the Middle East to South America. She and her husband, Martin, have an eclectic collection of automobiles that they drive in events including the Mille Miglia, the 1000 Millas Sport Argentina, the London to Brighten Veteran Car Run and many others. She’s a member of the Royal Automobile Club, the Classic Car Club of America, the Motor Press Guild, along with the Society of Automotive Historians.

Automotive historian John Heitmann joins Tim to discuss the Freedom Car, the Ford Mustang and its  role American lore. John digs into the history of the car, its place in popular culture and recent events surrounding the emergence of the long lost and iconic "Bullitt Mustang." The premise of our podcast is simple. We talk about the people, events and things that have shaped the way we think. In this episode, John tells the story behind the car that some vintage collectors say is an iconic American symbol of freedom, but all describe it in one word – cool. https://traffic.libsyn.com/shapingopinion/Freedom_Car_-_The_Ford_Mustang_Story.mp3   In August, the Ford Motor Company reached a milestone when it produced the 10 millionth Ford Mustang rolled off the assembly line in Detroit. The Mustang has weaved its way int our culture through advertising, music and Hollywood.  It’s largely recognized around the world as one of America’s strongest cultural exports. While sales of the model have decreased in the U.S. in recent years, the car is gaining popularity overseas in places like China and Germany. Over the years the car was dubbed the original “freedom vehicle,” named after a horse that roamed free in the American West. The Ford Mustang was introduced in 1965, but it actually debuted in the Spring of 1964 at the New York World’s Fair.  It wasn’t thought of as a muscle car, but rather a more affordable, sporty but appropriate for young professionals, including female drivers. The Bullitt Mustang This past year, Ford tapped a nostalgic nerve, introducing a new limited edition 2019 "Bullitt Mustang"  alongside one of the original vehicles that appeared in the movie Bullitt, which was released in 1969. While the human star of the movie was Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, a case was made that th real star of the film was the Highland Green 1968 Mustang GT that McQueen drove through the streets of San Francisco. After filming was complete, a New Jersey detective named Frank Marranca bought one of the two or three vehicles used in the production. According to reports, Bob Kiernan had bought the Mustang from Marranca in 1974. Apparently, he found it in the Road and Track magazine classified and paid $6,000 for it back then. It moved around. First it was stored in Tennessee, then it was stored inside a friend’s barn in Kentucky. After that the family moved the car to a garage on their property in Memphis around 1984. In 1977, Steve McQueen approached the family to buy the car and they turned him away.  Bob Kiernan loved the car, and even used it as a family vehicle for a time. According to Bob's son Sean, the two had planned to eventually work to restore the car, but sadly, bob died in 2014. It's been reported that in 2015, Sean approached Ford.  Since then interest in the car has increased as the company prepared to mark the 50th Anniversary of the movie Bullitt and celebrate what is the most famous Ford Mustang ever. Links John Heitman's University of Dayton Bio Ford Mustang Debuts at 1964 World's Fair, History.com Found: The real Bullitt Mustang that Steve McQueen tried (and failed) to buy, Hagerty.com Mustang Sally - Wilson Pickett, YouTube Ford Mustang 2019, Ford Motor Company The Going Thing: A Peek Inside Mustang Marketing in the 1960s on Display at MCACN 2017, Hot Rod Magazine With 2015 Mustang, Ford Puts American Icon on a Global Path, Advertising Age Iacocca, Autobiography, Amazon Bullitt Movie Chase Scene, YouTube (Movieclips) About this Episode's Guest John Heitmann At the University of Dayton since 1984, Professor John Heitmann has taught a wide variety of courses in the history of science and technology and environmental history.  He is a former President and Board Member, Society of Automotive Historians; a member of the Popular Culture Association; a member of the American Historical Association; and a member of the Historic Vehicle Assoc...

His Highness, Rana Manvendra Singh, belongs to the erstwhile royal family of Barwani in Madhya Pradesh, India. Keenly interested in automobiles from an early age, he successfully melded his passionate hobby with work, starting India’s first vintage and classic car restoration workshop in 1978. Today, he is a well-known and respected authority on vintage and classic cars in India. As such, he has been featured on numerous television programs and has written for many publications. He co-authored the book Automobiles of the Maharajas with Sharada Dwivedi. A founding member of the Vintage and Classic Car Club of India, Manvendra Singh serves as Curator for the Cartier Travel with Style Concours d’Elegance and has judged at many other car events including Pebble Beach for the past six years. He is a member of the Society of Automotive Historians and has represented India on the FIA International Historical Commission. He is also a Judge at the Peninsula Best of the Best Awards.

Sandra Button has been the Chairman of the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance since 2002. She was the Executive Director for decades prior and has helped to inspire and guide the growth of the collector car hobby into a truly global celebration of the automobile. Sandra participates and officiates automotive events from Asia and the Middle East to South America. She and her husband, Martin, have an eclectic collection of automobiles that they drive in events including the Mille Miglia, the 1000 Millas Sport Argentina, the London to Brighten Veteran Car Run and many others. She’s a member of the Royal Automobile Club, the Classic Car Club of America, the Motor Press Guild, and the Society of Automotive Historians.

Jonathan Sierakowski is your Passionate, Trusted Advisor at Sierakowski Classic Car Advisors in Raleigh, North Carolina. There he provides a variety of services including acquisitions and sales, collection consulting, historical automotive research, appraisals and estate planning. It all started in his teens when Jonathan worked for Butch Gordon at Manchester Motor Car Company, cleaning up and chasing parts. He began writing auction descriptions, reporting on sales, and much, much, more. He spent time with RM Auctions researching and reporting on cars and today helps clients around the world find their dream automobiles. Jonathan is an active member of the American Society of Appraisers, Society of Automotive Historians, STuTZ Club, Classic Car Club of America, the Marmon Club and a dozen of other organizations and automobile clubs.

Andy Beckman is the Archivist at the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana. He has been with the museum since 1999 where their state-of-the-art, 55,000 square-foot facility, has been open since 2005. The building has three levels and features galleries and storage facilities where they honor and perpetuate the legacy of the rich industrial heritage of the South Bend area and the Studebaker marque. He also serves as President of the Society of Automotive Historians. Andy grew up in a family of Studebaker owners, and drives a 1964 Studebaker Daytona Hardtop. Andrew previously worked at the Sheboygan County Historical Society and Wade House State Historic Site. He’s authored two books: The Studebaker National Museum: Over a Century on Wheels, and Studebaker’s Last Dance: The Avanti.

Steve Contarino and his wife Kim are the owners of Checker Motor Cars in Haverhill, Massachusetts. In addition to buying and selling collectible automobiles of all marques his passion lies with the classic the Checker Automobile. They are a worldwide supplier of parts and restorers of the iconic Checker Automobile. Steve is a member of the Society of Automotive Historians, the Rolls Royce Owners Club, Checker Cars Club of America, and the Tucker Owners Club of America.

Renee Crist is the Collections Manager at the LeMay - America’s Car Museum located in Tacoma, Washington. There she is responsible for over 300 historic automobiles that span over 100 years of automotive history. Renee is a member of the Advisory Board for the Pacific Northwest Concours d’Elegance and is a member of the Classic Car Club of America, the Cadillac LaSalle Club of America and numerous other local and regional automotive clubs. She is also a member of the National Association of Automotive Museums and Registrars Committee Western Region (RCWR), the Society of Automotive Historians, and the Historic Vehicle Association (HVA).

Sandra Button has been the Chairman of the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance since 2002. She was the Executive Director for decades prior and has helped to inspire and guide the growth of the collector car hobby in to a truly global celebration of the automobile. Sandra participates and officiates automotive events from Asia and the Middle East to South America. She and her husband Martin have an eclectic collection of automobiles that they drive in events including the Mille Miglia, the 1000 Millas Sport Argentina, the London to Brighten Veteran Car Run and others. She’s a member of the Royal Automobile Club, the Classic Car Club of America and the Motor Press Guild along with the Society of Automotive Historians

D. Randy Riggs is an award-winning photojournalist and author with 42 years of publishing experience in the automotive and motorcycle fields. He is the former Senior Editor of Cycle World, Editor-in-Chief of Vette and Sports Car International  magazines and has been Editor-in-Chief of Vintage Motorsport magazine since 1997. He is a member of the Society of Automotive Historians, Motor Press Guild, International Motor Press Association, Western Automotive Journalists and American Society of Media Photographers. Randy’s award-winning book, Flat Out Racing, An Insiders Look At The World of Stock Cars, was published in 1995. His automotive photography has appeared in hundreds of books and magazines. In his youth Randy raced flat-track motorcycles and Formula Fords and he began vintage racing in 1999.  The car he most loves to race is a Porsche 935K3.

UP FOR DISCUSSION:- Viper plant shuts down for 15 weeks. Is Corvette the culprit?- First impressions after seat time in the 2015 Chrysler 200.- VW knows diesels, but where are the hybrids?- Chip Ganassi Racing wins Sebring.SPECIAL GUEST: Mose Nowland, Ford Racing Historian- An inside look at 55 years of building race engines for Ford.All that and more with John McElroy, Autoline.tv; Gary Vasilash, Automotive Design and Production; and Jim McCraw, Society of Automotive Historians.