BREAK/FIX the Motorsports & Vehicle Enthusiast Variety Show

The Answer Is Always Miata: A What Should I Buy? Deep Dive

In this episode of Break/Fix, the panel discusses the allure and features of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, often celebrated as a top choice for car enthusiasts. The episode features conversations with special guests Dave Peters from hpdejunkie.com, Jim Tramontano from No Money Motorsport, and Bill Snow from the Late to Grid podcast. They share their personal experiences, covering topics from the affordability and design inspiration of the Miata to track day tips and their favorite modifications. The guests also discuss the best and worst aspects of Miata ownership, various racing experiences, and the potential future of the Miata in the evolving automotive market. The episode concludes with lighthearted exchanges about favorite cars and bucket-list tracks.
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00:00:00 Introduction and Panel Setup: The Miata Mystique!00:02:00 Jim's Journey 00:04:44 Dave's Miata Experience 00:07:20 Bill's Motorsport Background 00:10:38 Miata vs. MX-5: What's in a Name? 00:11:50 Making Miatas Faster: Tips and Tricks 00:15:01 Racing Stories and Pet Peeves 00:26:51 Cost of Ownership and Modifications 00:30:18 Best Miata Setups and Life Hacks 00:39:05 Finding Deals and the Best Online Communities for Miata Owners 00:39:59 Best and Worst Parts of Owning a Miata 00:42:44 Racing on a Budget: MythBusters Edition 00:45:24 Alternative Track Cars: Beyond the Miata 00:48:24 Comparing Miata Generations 00:58:03 The Future of Miata: Electric and Beyond 00:58:56 Dream Track Experiences and Car Swaps 01:09:59 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More Information
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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
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Street Cars. Track Performance. The new Civic Si Touring Car!

This Break/Fix episode features a detailed discussion with James Nazarian from Honda Performance Development (HPD) about the new Honda Civic SI designed for the Touring Car America (TCA) series under SRO Motorsports. The episode explores various aspects of the car, including its similarities to the stock Civic SI, the modifications made for racing, and its performance improvements. It highlights the car's features like upgraded brakes, suspension, and stripped-down interior for weight reduction. The discussion also covers how to purchase the car directly from HPD and its price point. Additionally, the episode provides insights into the TCA class's balance of performance and the main competitors in the series.
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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
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This episode is brought to you by SRO Motorsports America and their partners at AWS, Crowdstrike, Fanatec, Pirelli, and the Skip Barber Racing School. 

Come here and hold the light (Father’s Day Special)

There have been several times as I look back over my childhood that I recall vivid experiences in the garage that were actually critical learning moments. If you’d asked me 10 years ago, I probably would have said “My father wasn’t the most learned man, never finished college, smart guy … he did spend 30 years as a mainframe programmer – but he wasn’t into what he would have considered ‘the softer sciences’ like Psychology. If you asked him, he was an Engineer. And a bit of a MacGyver.” – Inevitably, this meant countless hours spent under the hoods of cars, and each one of those encounters starting with the same beck and call “Hey… I need you to come here and hold the light.” 
Our guests brothers Chris Bongiovanni (Senior Director for Grid Dynamics) & Nat Bongiovanni (CIO/CTO of NTT Data Federal) have a similar set of garage stories surrounding a yellow 1973 AMC Gremlin, some of which shaped their careers in Business and Information Technology. And we welcome them to Break/Fix to explore how these “garage moments” can effect change in your life, and pass on some fatherly advice.
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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
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From Miatas to Motorsports PR: The Dean Case Journey

This episode of Break/Fix features an in-depth conversation with Dean Case, the Public Relations Manager for SRO Motorsports America. The show opens with a history of Case's automotive career, including his work on the original Mazda Miata and other notable Mazda projects. Case discusses his transition from engineering at Mazda to public relations at Nissan, where he managed product launches such as the return of the Z and the first Nissan 360 global event. He also touches on his time at Ford, covering electric vehicle projects and working with the Ford Motorsport effort in the SCCA TransAm Championship. Moving forward, Case explains his current role at SRO Motorsports America, aiming to enhance accessibility and interest in GT and touring car races. The episode covers a wide range of topics, from historic collaborations with notable figures in motorsports and media to contributions to distracted driving awareness campaigns and animal welfare. It also delves into the impact of Formula SAE on young engineers' careers and Case's passion for car-themed music.
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00:00 Dean Case's Early Career at Mazda 01:26 Transition to Ford and Electric Vehicles 07:33 Return to Mazda and PR Career 09:22 Mazda Road to Indy and Racing Involvement 18:58 Famous Collaborations and Influences 24:56 Nissan PR and Marketing Insights 29:04 Pete Brock's Call and the BRE Logo Incident 29:27 The Launch of the 350Z and Renault's Influence 30:32 Nissan's Heritage Car Program 32:57 The Resurgence of the Z: 400Z Insights 35:07 Formula SAE: Launching Careers in Automotive Engineering 39:50 Joining SRO America: Plans and Perspectives 44:06 The Vibe at SRO Events 50:38 Dean's Obsession with Car Songs 54:53 Promoting Animal Welfare and Distracted Driving Awareness 56:44 Conclusion and Farewell
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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
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This episode is brought to you by SRO Motorsports America and their partners at AWS, Crowdstrike, Fanatec, Pirelli, and the Skip Barber Racing School. 

Pit Stop: To the Moon and Back! (Patreon Special Re-release)

In this Pit Stop mini-sode we have a lively discussion with guests Mary and Marianne, where they delved into their personal automotive experiences and preferences. The guests discussed their favorite cars, including a strong preference for Bugattis and electric vehicles like the BMW i8. They also touched on the automotive and motorsport collections they've visited, such as the Simeone Foundation and Reno's National Automobile Museum. The episode concluded with a fun segment where the hosts asked their guests to choose the sexiest and ugliest cars, alongside a hypothetical scenario of choosing cars for their dream garage with an unlimited budget.
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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/
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So Many Dynamos: Maureen McVail’s 22-Year Journey to Empower Women in Motorsports

The Break/Fix podcast episode features Maureen McVail, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of MORacing, who shares her 22-year journey in motorsports and her mission to empower women in the field. Maureen recounts her personal experiences as a 'petrolhead,' including purchasing a 1984 Porsche Carrera instead of a minivan and getting hooked on high-performance driving. She emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for women in motorsports through initiatives like MORacing, which aims to inspire, mentor, and facilitate participation in auto racing. Throughout the episode, Maureen discusses her collaborations with notable figures like Pippa Mann and highlights the significance of male allies in her journey. She also addresses challenges in the industry, advocating for inclusion and diversity while sharing her vision for future developments in motorsports education and community engagement.
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00:00 Meet Maureen McVail: Founder of MORacing 01:36 Maureen's Journey into Motorsports 08:41 The Birth of MORacing 14:53 Challenges and Triumphs in Racing 22:21 Women in Motorsports: Coaching and Mentorship 27:22 Encouraging Women in Racing 28:51 Women as Technical Drivers 29:12 Autocross and Driver Clinics 30:47 Making Racing More Inviting for Women 33:03 Transition to Mechanics 36:23 Representation and Role Models 40:49 Daily Drivers in Motorsport 45:34 Future Plans and Shoutouts 50:22 Conclusion and Contact Information
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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
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Drive Thru News #22 - The countdown to legendary 3 spoke steering wheels!

This episode of the Gran Touring Motorsports podcast 'Break/Fix' features the monthly news segment 'Drive-Thru,' where the hosts discuss various automotive and motorsport news. They begin with a light-hearted poem about the seasons changing and delve into an in-depth review of the Nissan 400Z, including its design, colors, and performance insights. The conversation then transitions to Formula 1 news regarding VW, Audi, and Porsche's potential entry into the sport by 2026, as well as other motorsport updates. The hosts also discuss pop culture vehicles such as the upcoming reveal of the new DeLorean, interesting Lego releases, a tragic incident at a dealership involving a Jeep, various recaps of prominent car events, and local news on track side reports. Additionally, there are updates on Formula 1 races, particularly the Miami Grand Prix and Spanish GP, and other domestic automotive updates, including Dodge's plans for the Hornet and the Peugeot's nine X eight lineup for Le Mans. Lastly, they cover some peculiar incidents, such as a Maserati driving down the Spanish steps in Rome and diesel mistakenly being dispensed as gasoline at a station in Glen Burnie, Maryland.
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Showcase: the NISSAN Z
It’s official - Audi & Porsche will join Formula 1
Volkswagen to Bring Back the Scout as an EV Brand
Make us feel old why don't you... The Golf .:R turns 20 and the Toyota 4-runner is now 40! 
The Peugeot 9x8 … it does exist! #lemans2023
Break/Fix guest Annika Carter reviews the 2023 Acura Integra for “A Girls Guide to Cars” - What do we think?
Countdown to the NEW DeLorean, and the big reveal at Pebble Beach!
The best selling cars from the year you graduated High School
Florida man wrecks $700K Ford GT because he doesn’t know how to drive stick, and other craziness.
Community News, brought to us by CollectorCarGuide.net
HPDEjunkie.com Track Day Report
and much, much more! 
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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
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From V6 Mustang to Spec Miata: Annika Carter’s Unconventional Road to Racing

This Break/Fix episode features Annika Carter, a performance driver with a remarkable journey in motorsports. Annika shares how she entered the car world despite not coming from a car-centric family and progressed rapidly through high-performance driving education (HPDE) and competition school with NASA. She details her experience transitioning from a V6 Mustang to racing in Spec Miata, discussing the different driving styles and challenges. Annika also touches on her setup routines, setbacks, and future goals, including a desire to race at Circuit of the Americas. She emphasizes the importance of making motorsports accessible and inviting to women and shares insights on coaching, mentorship, and maintaining the fun in racing. With 68,000 Instagram followers, Annika uses her platform to inspire and engage the racing community.
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00:00 Meet Annika Carter: From HPDE to Professional Racing Aspirations
01:33 Annika's Journey into Cars and Racing
04:30 The Evolution of Annika's Car Collection
07:57 Spec Miata Racing: Close Competition and Techniques
15:01 Transitioning from HPDE to Club Racing
17:01 Navigating the Path to a Competition License
24:12 Exploring Different Motorsports Disciplines
25:38 Dream Tracks and Favorite Circuits
27:02 Reflecting on Bad Weekends
27:26 Preparing for a Race Weekend
27:55 Car Maintenance Routine
29:40 Staying Hydrated and Cool
30:20 Learning New Tracks
32:42 Coaching and Mentoring
34:06 Future Racing Plans
35:21 Charity Events and Projects
36:44 Garage Projects
39:56 Women in Motorsports
45:25 Engaging the Next Generation
49:55 Final Thoughts and Contact Info
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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: Visit Our Website
Become a VIP at: Patreon
Online Magazine: Gran Touring
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Ferrari F40: The Last Enzo-Approved Legend

In this episode of Ferrari Fridays, William Ross from the Exotic Car Marketplace delves into the history and legacy of the Ferrari F40. He discusses the car's origin, including its creation for Group B rallying, and how it evolved into a road car to celebrate Ferrari's 40th anniversary. Ross covers technical aspects such as its carbon Kevlar body, powerful engine, and light weight. He also discusses the F40's market value, the importance of original paint, and the high maintenance costs associated with owning one. Additionally, Ross briefly touches on the F40 LM variant designed for racing and its market value. He ends the episode hinting at a future discussion on the Ferrari F50.
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00:00 Introduction to Ferrari Fridays
00:25 Host's Apology and Updates
01:00 Discussing the 288 GTO and F40
02:06 The Creation of the F40
04:14 F40's Design and Features
07:46 F40's Market Impact and Pricing
14:04 Racing with the F40 LM
16:05 Current Market and Maintenance
22:14 Conclusion and Future Episodes
23:47 Sponsorship and Credits
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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/
On Ferrari Friday's, William Ross from the Exotic Car Marketplace will be discussing all things Ferrari and interviewing people that live and breathe the Ferrari brand. Topics range from road cars to racing; drivers to owners, as well as auctions, private sales and trends in the collector market. Copyright William Ross, Exotic Car Marketplace a division of Sixty5 Motorsports. This episode is part of our Motoring Podcast Network and has been republished with permission.

Remembering James Dean: The Actor Who Drove Flat-Out

In this episode of Break/Fix, we interview Lee Raskin, the leading expert on James Dean, to delve into the lesser-known motorsports accomplishments of the young actor. Lee shares his early passion for racing and his journey to becoming an authority on James Dean. The conversation travels through James Dean's introduction to car racing, his acquisition of a Porsche 550 Spyder, and the tragic accident that claimed his life. Lee offers insight into the myths surrounding James Dean's death, the so-called 'curse' of his car, as well as the subsequent history and restoration efforts behind Dean's Speedster. The episode underscores the importance of safety advancements in racing while paying homage to James Dean's pioneering role in American motorsports.
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00:00:00 Remembering James Dean
00:01:15 Lee Raskin's Early Motorsports Journey
00:04:14 James Dean's Early Life and Acting Career
00:11:34 James Dean's Racing Career Begins
00:23:08 The Story Behind James Dean's Porsche 550
00:34:04 James Dean's Legacy and Influence
00:41:27 A Memorable Encounter with Paul Newman
00:41:44 James Dean's Passion for Racing
00:42:56 The Tragic Crash of James Dean
00:44:12 Analyzing the Crash
00:46:16 The Aftermath and Speculations
01:03:52 The Curse of James Dean's Porsche
01:14:34 The Evolution of James Dean's Porsche
01:15:03 The Impact of 1960s Music Culture
01:15:44 Speculations on James Dean's Car Choice
01:17:08 Porsche's Reaction to James Dean's Death
01:20:00 The Rediscovery of James Dean's Speedster
01:22:15 Lee Raskin's Research and Publications
01:29:46 The Importance of Safety in Motorsports
01:42:56 James Dean's Legacy in Racing and Acting
01:44:10 Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects
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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
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Become a VIP at: Patreon
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From Scrap to Sculpture: The Epic Journey of Barbie the Welder

This episode features "Barbie the Welder," who shares her story of transitioning from an auto mechanic dealing with sexism to becoming a renowned self-taught metal sculptor and welding artist. Barbie describes her journey beginning from a small town outside Watkins Glen, New York. She recounts the pivotal moment that inspired her to take up welding, driven by a scene from the movie Castaway. Despite financial constraints and lacking formal artistic training, she pursued her passion by taking night courses and learning through practice. Her dedication led her to work at a custom fabrication shop and eventually become a full-time artist. Barbie discusses her breakthrough moment with viral hot dog cookers and how social media played a critical role in her success. Additionally, she shares experiences from notable commissions for Harley Davidson and Stanley Black & Decker and highlights her efforts in motivational speaking and advocacy for skilled trades. Barbie underscores the importance of showing her craft, especially to inspire other women in welding. Her story is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the transformative power of art.
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00:00 Meet Barbie the Welder
01:16 Barbie's Early Inspirations
03:35 Learning the Craft
06:40 Transition to Full-Time Artist
12:47 First Art Sales and Breakthrough
15:55 Evolution of Artistic Style
21:56 The Turning Point: From Shows to Online Sales
23:46 Struggles and Breakthroughs in Online Business
25:56 Creating Masterpieces: The Evolution of Sculpting
27:45 Major Commissions and Challenging Projects
30:06 Advocacy and Speaking Engagements
38:08 Empowering Women in Welding
40:55 Advice for Aspiring Welders
41:40 Gratitude and Future Plans
43:19 Conclusion and Contact Information
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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: Visit Our Website
Become a VIP at: Patreon
Online Magazine: Gran Touring
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Why the 288 GTO Is Still the Ultimate Dream Machine

In this episode of Ferrari Fridays, William Ross of the Exotic Car Marketplace dives deep into everything about the iconic Ferrari 288 GTO. William explains the car's history, engineering, and its special place in the Ferrari lineage. He shares his personal connection to the car, details on its design, and why it stands as his all-time favorite. He also touches on the broader world of Ferrari, including his future plans for YouTube content and upcoming episodes focused on other legendary models like the F40. The episode wraps up with insights into the exclusive nature of Ferrari ownership and a brief on related automotive content available through Gran Touring Motorsports.
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00:00 Introduction to Ferrari Fridays
00:30 Host's Update and YouTube Channel Announcement
01:46 Today's Topic: The Legendary 288 GTO
02:44 Design and Engineering of the 288 GTO
07:31 Performance and Driving Experience
09:40 Collectibility and Market Value
23:30 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser
25:05 Credits and Sponsorship Information
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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/
On Ferrari Friday's, William Ross from the Exotic Car Marketplace will be discussing all things Ferrari and interviewing people that live and breath the Ferrari brand. Topics range from road cars to racing; drivers to owners, as well as auctions, private sales and trends in the collector market. Copyright William Ross, Exotic Car Marketplace a division of Sixty5 Motorsports. This episode is part of our Motoring Podcast Network and has been republished with permission.