Mon, 31 December 2018
Chris Pantani is the Director of Motorsports at Cooper Tires. He has over 29 years in the tire industry and has worked globally for two major manufacturers during his career. Cooper Tires is an American company that dates back to 1914 in Akron, Ohio. Ira J. Cooper developed the Cooper Creed that focused on providing their customers with “Good merchandise, fair play, and a square deal.” Cooper’s Global Technical Center in Findlay is a worldwide center of excellence for tire science and technology. Cooper Tires also has a testing facility near San Antonio, Texas, where safety is their number one priority. I had the pleasure of meeting Chris and past Cars Yeah guest Johnny Unser while at SEMA where they shared the many quality features of Cooper Tires. |
Fri, 28 December 2018
Josh Gifford is the President of Creative Mobile Interiors where he has been since 2006. At CMI they design and build custom, one-of-a-kind vehicle conversions of all types and sizes. Their reputation for high-quality craftsmanship, close attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to customer service makes them unique in the marketplace. They work on motorhomes, executive vans, tailgating vehicles, RVs, mobile offices, family vans, trailers, and much more. Josh is a graduate of the Columbus College of Art & Design and he’s been an automotive enthusiast since birth. Josh’s motto is, “If it ain’t got wheels it don’t matter.” I met Josh at SEMA this year where he was showing an incredible creation that he and his team built, a 1972 Chevrolet C10/C30 truck and camper that took 11 months and over 2,200 hours to complete |
Thu, 27 December 2018
Greg Stanley is an extreme automotive enthusiast who enjoys reaching out to non-car folks through his educational and inspirational podcast called Learn From Others. Greg’s goal is to educate the next generation by sharing career experiences of successful professionals and to ignite interest in the automotive hobby. Greg does this by asking his guest about their first car, their dream car and he then picks a Cool Company Car for them based on their job responsibilities. Past Cool Company Cars range from a McLaren F1 for an F-16 Pilot, to a 1909 Baker Electric for a Registered Nurse, to a 1992 Nissan Skyline for a National Sales Manager of an energy beverage company. Greg is also an author, illustrator and his day job is selling Bazooka Candy Brands in the Convenience Channel. |
Wed, 26 December 2018
Pontus Fontaeus is the Executive Design Director of GAC Advanced Design Center in Los Angeles, California. GAC is one of China’s largest automakers producing FCA vehicles, Toyotas, Hondas, Mitsubishis, and Peugeots under license for the Chinese market. He is an internationally recognized Swedish Car Designer who graduated from Art Center College of Design in Switzerland in 1993. Pontus has lived and worked in eight countries before his current role at GAC. He has nearly 30 years of design experience within the areas of automotive transportation product and graphic design, advertising, illustration, architecture projects, and with the VW Design Studio in Berlin. He served as the Interior Chief for Ferrari and worked at Volvo Car Corporation, Kia Motors Europe, General Motors, Renault, and Volkswagen. Pontus is spearheading the launch of a GAC vehicle for the American market in 2019.
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Tue, 25 December 2018
Paige Bouma is the Vice President of Cycle Trader, an online marketplace designed to connect motorcycle buyers and sellers. Paige has played an integral role in strengthening the Cycle Trader brand while sharing her enthusiasm for motorcycles through speaking engagements, marketing campaigns, and several other media outlets. With over 12 years of industry experience, Paige offers a wealth of knowledge and insight into the world of motorcycles and power sports. Paige also spends her weekends as the pit crew for her two young sons and husband who all race motocross. |
Mon, 24 December 2018
Noah Alexander is the owner of Classic Car Studio and the star of Discovery /Velocity Channel’s hit television show Speed is the New Black. His business specializes in building and restoring high-performance machines that combine classic lines with modern technology. Speed is the New Black showcases the technical aspects of car building where he and his talented team of master craftsmen perform their magic. Some of the automotive builds he’s created include a 1990 Porsche 964, a ’57 Chevrolet Bel Air, a 1962 Chrysler 300, and vintage trucks. An entrepreneur at heart, Noah’s eye for design and mind for innovation doesn’t stop at custom cars. He is also the Founder of Goebel & Co Furniture, one of America’s premier artisan furniture brands and his designs are sold worldwide. |
Fri, 21 December 2018
Jeff Perlman is a Media Relations Specialist and has spent over 25 years pitching journalists for a wide variety of clients in the automotive industry. Jeff has worked with brands including Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, “Voice of the Customer” J.D. Power, and luxury lifestyle authority, Robb Report, to niche entrepreneurial businesses. He’s worked extensively with media in virtually every sector of the automotive world, from the collector car hobby to dealer industry trades to mainstream automotive business and consumer enthusiast outlets. Schooled as a journalist, Jeff leveraged his training by establishing longstanding relationships with reporters, editors, broadcaster, bloggers, and influencers. |
Thu, 20 December 2018
Mariella Mengozzi is the Director of the National Automobile Museum, known at MAUTO, in Turin, Italy. It was established in 1932 on the left bank of the River Po and it is a journey through the history of the automobile. There are over 200 vehicles, 80 different marques all housed in a spectacular and unique building designed by architect, Cino Zucchi. Mariella was born in Forlì, Emilia Romania and earned a law degree and her MBA in Bologna, Italy. She has worked for worldwide brands including Walt Disney, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and others. Her goals with MAUTO are to increase its reach and international visibility and to work with passion building trust and long-term relationships. |
Wed, 19 December 2018
Matt Hankin is the Head of Marketing and Communications at Rhino-Rack Australia where they create the world’s most useful roof racks for work and play. Rhino-Rack designs and builds durable and easy-to-use roof racks, luggage boxes, bike carriers, kayak carriers, load securing accessories, and much more. Matt has been a marketer for over 29 years having worked for many multinational and local Australian businesses in both the wholesale and retail environments. He’s been with Rhino-Rack for about three years supporting their local and global markets with a focus on Australia and the United States, where they have their U.S. Operations in Denver, Colorado. |
Tue, 18 December 2018
Doug Herbert is a nationally recognized top fuel drag racing champion. He is the first driver to run over 300 MPH during NHRA eliminations, and his career-best speed tops 330 MPH. But in 2008 Doug put his racing career aside when he lost his two young sons, Jon and James, in a tragic car crash. After experiencing this tremendous loss and grief, Doug decided to create a driving program that teaches advanced safe driving techniques and founded B.R.A.K.E.S., (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe) which is a non-profit 501 C3 Teen Pro-Active Defensive Driving Program. For over 10 years, Doug and B.R.A.K.E.S. have been traveling to various US cities to help prevent injuries and save lives by training and educating teenage drivers and their parents. |
Mon, 17 December 2018
Martin Grossinger is the Senior Digital Marketing Manager for AutoMobility LA and the Los Angeles Auto Show. In this role, he creates video and social media content for the two events, produces the AutoMobility LA Podcast, wrangles the shows’ photography and videography teams, ideates branded activations and experiences, and liaises with a great community of car lovers all over Southern California and the world. He started with the show one day before it opened in 2014. Before moving to Los Angeles, Martin worked at a group of radio stations in Texas, wrote for Jalopnik in New York, and worked live event television production. Jalopnik’s Editor and Chief, Matt Hardigree, has been a past guest on Cars Yeah. |
Fri, 14 December 2018
Doug Breuninger is the Founder of Notable Rides, which is a blend of his transportation design discipline and his art. He is a graduate of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. He is a rare breed in the automotive car world in that his passion for art blends seamlessly with his love of aftermarket design. He’s known for his Notable Rides, a Post-it series of cars he has been working on since 2013, that was born from his passion and enthusiasm for design, art and the automobiles. He’s created over 220 Post-It car paintings, all of which you can find on his website Notablerides.com. |
Thu, 13 December 2018
Colin Dilley, Ph.D., is the Vice President of Technology at Prestone Products Corporation. He joined the company in 1995 and is a well-recognized technological and commercial leader in the automotive fluids industry. At Prestone, Colin specializes in strategic business management of critical projects, including effectively revising processes, systems, and procedures to facilitate improvements in cost structure, quality, and service. He has been directly responsible for developing and launching several propriety Prestone products, including Prestone’s new Cor-Guard™ Corrosion Inhibitor technology in the industry-leading Antifreeze/Coolant. |
Wed, 12 December 2018
Joey Giordano is a Master Tech with Toyota/Lexus whose passion for automobiles goes back to his childhood where he spent time with his dad working on cars. He is a dedicated Volkswagen fanatic who decided to join Ben Sprints and Lee Stahlecker at Straight Up Dubs as a way to spend his after-work and weekend spare time extending his automotive knowledge to his passion for classic VWs. Through his business Sud Werkstatt, he restores old VWs, drives them whenever possible, and his beloved 1969 Safari Bay has been featured in multiple magazines. He created the Straight Up Dubs brand where VW friends and fans can gather to enjoy cars, hold events, and go on drives. Joey created a line of products around the marque he loves so much. |
Tue, 11 December 2018
Trevor Huiskens is the owner of WFO Concepts located in Auburn, California. He and his talented team are custom automotive fabricators who work on everything from Harleys to hotrods, street trucks, and off-road vehicles. They also design and build a variety of custom components including suspension parts, frames, axles, and suspensions; you name it. They have an in-house machine shop, CNC plasma cutter, water jet, and powder coating. WFO also sells a wide variety of off road parts for trucks and jeeps. Their focus is high quality, professional-looking products that fit their customers' needs and perform above expectations.Trevor has been in business since 2003. |
Mon, 10 December 2018
Paul Rees is a British Racing Driver who is currently driving a McLaren in the European GT Championships. Paul is a multiple Karting Champion, Formula Palmer Audi Rookie Champion, and Race Winner. He was the FIA Formula 2 Rookie Cup Winner and podium finisher and was third overall in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship/Race Winner. Last year, Paul was invited to join the Prestigious British Racing Driver’s Club as a full member. When he’s not racing, Paul is a Driving Coach and Development Driver for numerous clients including McLaren Automotive, Porsche, and Mercedes AMG. He is also a film stunt driver and has appeared worldwide on television and in print media. |
Fri, 7 December 2018
Nick Crouch is an automotive artist from Phoenix, Arizona who has been drawing since 1988. Throughout his art career, he has explored a wide variety of art forms including drawing, painting, graphic design, photography, film, video, welding and fabricating. Nick has been involved in the car scene since 2003 when he started creating digital renderings of automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles, with a preference of hot rods, resto-mods, customs and anything that is down low. He loves to create images of rides nobody has seen before. Nick was part of Artwalk at SEMA this year and you’ll find a wide variety of his art on his website at Surfacenick.com |
Thu, 6 December 2018
Lance Bergstein is a race car driver. Lance's passion for cars existed throughout his entire life but it was not until he was 20 years old and done playing competitive tennis that he realized his passion and talent for racing cars. Lance has competed in VLN endurance races at the Nurburgring, multiple 24-hour races throughout the United States and Europe, as well as being a regular in the SCCA Hoosier Super Tour Spec Miata Field. Lance is also a 28-year-old type 1 diabetic who has to manage his Diabetes 24/7 and that challenge is exponentially greater when racing wheel to wheel at over 150 mph. Lance credits organizations like JDRF and technologies like Dexcom for enabling him to continue to pursue his dream of high-level auto racing. Lance continues to be a car enthusiast on and off the track. When he’s not in a car or on a racing simulator, Lance works as a real estate developer. |
Wed, 5 December 2018
Loni Unser is a full-time college student with an athletic background in downhill skiing and other line-finding sports. She recently discovered her talent for racing. Perhaps this is because her family DNA includes the most winning family in motorsports history and one of America’s premier auto-racing dynasties. Her father is Indy racer, Johnny Unser, a past Cars Yeah guest, and the list of Unser racers is long, indeed. With the support of her famous family, she is rapidly becoming a threat on track. She currently contests the Spec Miata series in the NASA Rocky Mountain Region, while also competing in select World Racing League endurance races. She is targeting the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge as well as the Mazda Global MX-5 Cup. |
Tue, 4 December 2018
Joel LaPalme is the President of the North America IGL Coatings, the premier developer of easy to use, low odor, high solids formulation detailing products for the automotive industry and beyond. Joel previously worked in retail management helping introduce to Canada the Box Store working with companies including Costco, Staples, and Aurora Importing. While in semi-retirement in 2014, he started a small detail shop and in 2015, he opened IGL Canada with his partner. Since then they have expanded IGL in to a worldwide brand providing detailing chemicals and products to professionals and automotive care enthusiasts around the globe. |
Mon, 3 December 2018
Luis Rodriguez lives in New Jersey and he is a weekend warrior when it comes to cars. He is a fabricator and builder whose recent creation earned him the winner of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour. Hot Wheels hit the road with a traveling car show in search of a custom car worthy of being an actual Hot Wheels diecast car. As part of celebrating their legacy, that started in 1968, Hot Wheels scoured the nation, making 15 stops across the USA, in search for that one special car and at SEMA 2018 they found a winner in Luis Rodriguez. Luis designed and built his 2JETZ, an authentic, unique, original ride with a garage made spirit all its own. I got to see his car in person at SEMA this year and all I can say is WOW! |
Fri, 30 November 2018
Chris Rhoad is the Founder and Creative Director at Studio Rhoad, a design and branding agency in Knoxville, Tennessee. He and his team create comprehensive e-commerce websites, digital platforms, brand identity systems, user experience design, and media across multiple touch points for the automotive market. They work with industry leaders including Tequila Patrón, Honda Performance Development, Toyota Racing, Bristol Motorspeedway, and drivers including Indycar Champ, Josef Newgarden and NHRA Top Fuel driver, Alexis Dejoria. |
Thu, 29 November 2018
Zach Adams is from Orlando, Florida and has been racing Monster Trucks for 10 years. At the young age of 4, Zach was introduced to the sport by his father, Greg Adams, and he was hooked. Greg was a successful driver of the Eliminator Monster Truck and when Zach turned 22, it was his turn at the wheel. His talents earned him the MTRA Rookie of the Year in 2009 and today, he pilots the Hy-per-Lube Annihilator. All told he’s amassed 55 wins. Zach also builds custom truck components and parts with his CNC skills. His 2014 Ford Raptor is 10 feet tall, has a height of 12’ -6” and weighs 10,200 pounds. Zach attributes his Ford’s success to Hy-Per-Lube Premium Lubricant, a supplement that was originally formulated by Harold Hilton in the early 1950s. You’ll find a wide variety of their additives at hyperlube.com. |
Wed, 28 November 2018
Robin Grove is the CEO at Classic Automotive Relocation Services, known as CARS in Gardena, California. CARS is a specialist in worldwide car transportation that has been helping enthusiasts for decades. They offer expertise and experience that ensures your vehicles arrive in perfect condition, on time, and with no unexpected costs. Robin has worked in the industry for over 30 years and started with CARS in 2014. She has been a Board member of the Los Angeles Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association for 18 years and is a licensed Customs House Broker and FMC, NVOCC Qualifying Individual who is TSA, CCS, CES, and HazMat Certification. And she has a half dozen plus collector cars of her own. Her colleague, Tony Rackley, was a guest a few days ago here on Cars Yeah and he is responsible for the Specialties Division at CARS. |
Tue, 27 November 2018
Jim Hinckley is an automotive journalist, author, speaker, and the Development Consultant at Jim Hinckley’s America brand. He is the former Associate Editor for Cars & Parts and has published feature articles for Hemmings Classic and Special Interest Auto, Classic Auto Restorer, Old Cars Weekly, as well as nineteen automotive books. His published automotive works are focused on the American auto industry between 1885 and 1945 and he has made presentations on numerous topics in the early automotive road, highways, and the evolution of Route 66 in the USA. Jim’s work has been the subject of interviews on a variety of programs including Jay Leno’s Garage and Travel with Rick Steves. |
Mon, 26 November 2018
Russ Rosenberg is an entrepreneur who has been racing for thirteen years. His racing career began in autocross and quickly grew to club, endurance, and eventually vintage racing. Russ pilots a 1966 Yenko Stinger, a 1976 BMW 2002, and is a member of the board of directors for Corinthian Vintage Auto Racing. He just released his first book titled Racing Under The Illusions of Grandeur, which is a guide for men and women over 40 who want to drive like Mario. The foreword is by past Cars Yeah guest, Ross Bentley, CEO of Sportscar Vintage Racing Association and according to Tony Parella, CEO of Sportscar Vintage Racing Association and a former Cars Yeah guest, Russ’s book is a must-read for anyone who is considering getting involved in racing. One lucky Cars Yeah subscriber will win an autographed copy of Russ’s book, so go to the Cars Yeah website and click on the Free Book button to get your chance to win a copy. |
Fri, 23 November 2018
Tony Rackley is responsible for the Specialties Division of Classic Automotive Relocation Services, known as CARS in Gardena, California. CARS is a specialist in worldwide car transportation that has been helping enthusiasts for over two decades. They offer expertise and experience that ensures your vehicles arrive in perfect condition, on time, and with no unexpected costs. Tony grew up in South London and started working as an automotive mechanic at the age of 16. He earned a mechanical engineering degree in college and set off for the United States where he first worked on a private yacht as an engineer as he traveled the world. He’s worked in the automotive market selling classic cars and managed a 100-car collection before joining Robin Grove, the CEO of CARS. |
Thu, 22 November 2018
David Chapple is an automotive artist who paints and creates sculptures and whose career spans over 30 years. He describes his painting style as a continual development and refinement that has no limits. He uses a vivid color palate and his goal is to present art with a defined continuity of original concepts that spur momentum and expression in his sculptures and canvas compositions. His art has been featured in numerous prominent magazines, he has received many Concours and fine art awards, and David is a member of the Automotive Fine Arts Society. His art has been displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours, in numerous galleries, in commercial settings, and in private collections. |
Wed, 21 November 2018
Stephen Becker is the Founder of Becker Auto Group in Sugar Hill, Georgia. He provides a variety of automotive services including auction services, buying and selling of collector vehicles, valuations, appraisals, and inspections. He works side by side with the Shelby American Automobile Club registrars to ensure authenticity and is one of the most renowned Shelby authorities in the world. He’s dealt with over a thousand GT 350s, FT 500s, and FT 500KR Mustangs and has over 35 years in the automotive sector. Stephen was a business partner with Carroll Shelby from 1977 until Carroll passed in 2012. You’ll find a spectacular collection of cars for sale on his website including many makes, models, and marques. |
Tue, 20 November 2018
Scott Furgiuele is a Partner at 2ndCar, an online auction site, buy it now sales, and an automotive blog for track events, DIY tips, and lots of cool car stories. Along with his business partner Tom Giertz, a past Cars Yeah guest, and Andy Ritt, Scott is a life-long automotive enthusiast who has turned his passion into a business. He has worked in the oil and gas industry for over 15 years and is an avid Porsche enthusiast, having owned many of them throughout his life. On the side when he’s not spending time with his wife and four children, or helping with his wife’s graphic design business, you’ll find Tom at the track racing his Spec Porsche 944. |
Mon, 19 November 2018
Matthew Banach is the Senior Director of Marketing for Gold Eagle Company, a business that was started by Armin Hirsch in 1932. Gold Eagle offers a complete line of protection for cars, boats and more. They offer a wide variety of products for engines plus interior and exterior surface care products. Matt has been with the company for 7 years and has worked in various areas. He has a passion for restoring cars and over the years, he and his father have restored 11 cars ranging from a 1953 Willys CJ3A to a Mercedes 280SL. Matt and I were introduced by another Matt at Digital Third Coast, where they analyzed 100,000 songs to discover a relationship between music and cars. They found more than 13,000 artists and 72,000 songs that mention cars; Mercedes being the most referenced. You can find this fun report on the Gold Eagle website.
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Fri, 16 November 2018
Jonathan Day, better known as JJ Da Boss, is from Memphis where the cars are fast, the pavement is dangerous, and street racing is a family affair. He’s the man on Discovery Channel’s Street Outlaws: Memphis. Back on October 15, they ran a special TV episode titled “The History of JJ,” which exposed a unique glimpse into his life and times. He runs an automotive business buying, selling, and fixing up cars to go really fast, but it’s the racing that gets his juices flowing. JJ and his family have enjoyed racing for five generations and today, with his wife Tricia, known as Midget, his cousin Precious, his son Doughboy, and the entire Memphis Street Outlaw team, they take on challengers from across the country. You can enjoy all of these adventures and fun on Discovery channel’s Street Outlaws Memphis. |
Thu, 15 November 2018
Jay Gillotti is the author of “Gulf 917”, a new book from Dalton Watson Fine Books that tells the story of the Porsche 917s raced by the John Wyer/Gulf Team in 1970 and 1971. Jay has contributed to several automotive books by other authors as well as the Porsche Club of America’s magazine, Panorama. He is an active member and writer for the Pacific NW Region of PCA and has moderated presentations with Brian Redman, John Horsman, Vic Elford, and Derek Bell. Jay has been a student of the golden age of sports car racing for decades and he began the “Gulf 917” project in earnest after retiring from the corporate world at the end of 2016. Jay is also a songwriter and recording artist with music available on CDBaby.com. |
Wed, 14 November 2018
Tom Giertz is the CEO at 2ndCar, an online auction site, buy it now sales, a blog for track events, DIY tips, and lots of cool car stories. Along with his business partners Scott Furgiuele and Andy Ritt, Tom is a life-long automotive enthusiast who has turned his passion into a business. Tom’s father was racing a Fiat Abarth Monza at the Sebring 12-Hour when Tom was still in the womb in 1961. Today, Tom races sports cars from the 60s, 70s, and 80s and he runs a ’64 Saab 96, a ’74 Porsche 914, and an ’84 Porsche 944. You’ll find him on any weekend in the CVAR vintage series, WRL 24 Hours of Lemons, Rallycrossing, Autocrossing and at Porsche Club of America events where he is the PCA, GTG Coordinator for The Lone Star Region. |
Tue, 13 November 2018
Andrei Michailov is the Creative Director for the Romanian edition of Forbes magazine. He is also an accomplished automotive photographer who specializes in scale model car photography. He runs his own Creative Studio in Bucharest titled GB Media. GB stands for Good Business as his focus is on providing clients with great service from a great team with borderless creativity. Andrei started his business 15 years ago working with famous photographers from around the world, honing his craft. Today he is working on a special project titles One Big Small Garage, using highly detailed model cars to create unique photographs. If you step into Andrei’s office, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a huge collection of model cars. |
Tue, 13 November 2018
Andrei Michailov is the Creative Director for the Romanian edition of Forbes magazine. He is also an accomplished automotive photographer who specializes in scale model car photography. He runs his own Creative Studio in Bucharest titled GB Media. GB stands for Good Business as his focus is on providing clients with great service from a great team with borderless creativity. Andrei started his business 15 years ago working with famous photographers from around the world, honing his craft. Today he is working on a special project titles One Big Small Garage, using highly detailed model cars to create unique photographs. If you step into Andrei’s office, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a huge collection of model cars. |
Tue, 13 November 2018
Andrei Michailov is the Creative Director for the Romanian edition of Forbes magazine. He is also an accomplished automotive photographer who specializes in scale model car photography. He runs his own Creative Studio in Bucharest titled GB Media. GB stands for Good Business as his focus is on providing clients with great service from a great team with borderless creativity. Andrei started his business 15 years ago working with famous photographers from around the world, honing his craft. Today he is working on a special project titles One Big Small Garage, using highly detailed model cars to create unique photographs. If you step into Andrei’s office, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a huge collection of model cars. |
Mon, 12 November 2018
John Oates is one half of the best-selling duo of all time, Hall & Oates, as well as an accomplished solo artist. Since their formation in the early 70s, Daryl Hall & John Oates have recorded 21 albums, which have sold over 80 million units. They scored 10 number 1 records, over 20 Top-40 hits, and have toured the world for four decades. All this effort has earned John numerous American Music Awards, MTV Awards, and multiple Grammy nominations. In 2005, he and Daryl were inducted into the American Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2014, Hall & Oates was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. John’s long solo career continues since 1999 and his latest project entitled Arkansas was released this year. So, what does all this have to do with cars? When I met John at Rennsport this past summer, he shared his lifelong fascination with cars and racing. |
Fri, 9 November 2018
William Howard is the Regional Director of the Ferrari Club of America and joined the National Board of the Ferrari Club of America in 2015. He is also an active member of the Classic Car Club of America. William was born in Hong Kong and moved with his family to Bellevue, Washington in 1993. His mother was an actress and his stepfather was a director in the Hong Kong movie industry. While William studied video production with a dream to work in Hollywood, investing became William's prime vocation with an emphasis in real estate. He’s owned over 40 automobiles over the years including Mercedes AMGs, BMW M3s and M5s, Porsche Turbos, Audi S4s, a Ferrari F430, and a 430 Scuderia. Today his garage houses a Maserati Gran Turismo Levante, a Mercedes CLA250, and a Ferrari 458 that he has logged over 80,000 miles in. The Ferrari 458 is his daily driver. How cool is that? |
Thu, 8 November 2018
John Mills is a long time SCCA race car driver and a championship GT3 racer who has held lap records at the Mid-Ohio Sportscar course and Grattan Raceway. John is a seasoned fabricator, which allows him to design and build his own race cars specializing in custom roll cages, which he builds for other racers as well. In 2008, John suffered a traumatic brain injury that had immeasurable effects on his life. After a long rehabilitation, he returned to racing with a focus on helping others. He became a motivational speaker, a Traumatic Brain Injury/TBI Advocate and Survivor, he promotes Brain Injury Awareness, and he is part of the Racing Safety United (RSU), a new driver safety advocacy group with representatives from many areas in motorsports. |
Wed, 7 November 2018
Preston Calvert is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Preston is also a racer who competes in GT and GTS classes and is a Medical Adviser to the Pirelli World Challenge. He currently drives a 2018 Panoz Avezzano GT4, a 2018 Porsche 991.2 GT3 Cup car, a 2010 Chevrolet Corvette SCCA GT2, and a 2012 Ford Mustang SCCA T2. He holds multiple Championships and track records. He’s an Army veteran of 15 years and practiced medicine for 27 years. Preston is part of Racing Safety United (RSU), a new driver safety advocacy group with representatives from many areas in motorsports. |
Tue, 6 November 2018
Anthony Jannarelly is the Co-Founder at Jannarelly Automotive, a Retro-Futuristic sports car manufacturer in Dubai. He has been an automotive designer and engineer since 2008. His past includes time as the Design Director at W Motors where he designed and followed the development of the W Motors Kykan and Fenry with Ruf and Magna Steyr. He is a speaker in the automotive trend industry, known for his expertise in automotive design, furniture design, and conceptual art in video games. Jannarelly Sports Cars targets automotive enthusiasts who love the joy of motoring and owning beautiful objects, with the free spirit of the golden age of the 60s, in its purest form. |
Mon, 5 November 2018
Jim Valentine is an automotive artist who creates spectacular mosaics. He grew up near Watkins Glen Racetrack and so began his passion for auto racing. His education includes a degree in electronic engineering and he worked for McDonald Douglas on jet fighter airplanes. After moving to California, he worked in art including photography, bronze metal sculptures, and stone carving. Jim even made golf putters where the head of the putter was a car. After a trip to Mexico, he got the idea to work in the medium of mosaics and after a trip to Home Depot to get a tile saw, he created his first art piece that sold right away. That was 16 years ago. Today, his Exotic Mosaics business features car marques and automotive images. |
Fri, 2 November 2018
Michael Andrew is the Director of Red Line Oil. Red Line Synthetic Oil began creating lubricants for the racing industry in 1979. Today they manufacture more than 100 quality products including motor oils, gear oils, assembly lubes, fuel additive and their popular WaterWetter cooling additive. Prior to leading Red Line, Michael was Manager of Midstream Business Development and JV’s for Phillips 66. He has been in the Oil & Gas industry for nearly 20 years and has held positions in offshore operations, sales, optimization, strategy and business development. Michael graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY with a BS in Marine Transportation and received a commission as an officer in the US Naval Reserves and a USCG unlimited tonnage merchant mariner license. |
Thu, 1 November 2018
Mark McCracken is founder and CEO of Makemodel.com, an automobile-focused trivia game that challenges players to guess the make and model of the day's featured vehicles based on very closely cropped photos. A seasoned professional, his career in automotive marketing began 20 or so years ago as an executive producer and co-owner of Motorsports Weekly TV, an Emmy-winning regional cable show that looked at the lighter side of racing. Over the years, he’s had the opportunity to work with some of the top companies in the automotive aftermarket industry, inventing new and relevant ways to connect brands to consumers. Like so many of us, he picked up the car hobby from his father who took him to auto shows and taught him how to do basic maintenance on cars. |
Wed, 31 October 2018
Steve Feldman, aka Steve’s POV, is a YouTuber who has taken his passion for cars, more specifically Japanese cars and created a huge following throughout the automotive community. His day job is a Realtor with Keller Williams selling residential, commercial, and investment properties in the Los Angeles area. His Steve’s POV YouTube channel started as a hobby about four years ago, with hopes of making more business contacts but it quickly gained traction, especially in Japan. Steve studied international business, speaks Japanese and lived in Japan in the 90s where he ran his own business. Today, his show has nearly 160,000 subscribers and over 40 million views. Yoku yatta, Steve! |
Tue, 30 October 2018
Tim Frost is the president of Frost Motorsports, consultants to the Motorsports Industry. He has over twenty years in the sports and entertainment industries, performing feasibility studies, market demand studies, economic impact analysis, valuations, and financial consulting of motorsports facilities and motorsports industry participants. Tim has authored articles on a variety of valuation issues and speaks at local and national seminars. He has testified and been qualified as an expert witness in U.S. District Courts for arbitrations, and depositions. He has lectured in the Masters of Arts in Sports Administration Program at the School of Continuing studies of Northwestern University and he is the Publisher of the National Speedway Directory and developer of the Track Guide mobile app. |
Mon, 29 October 2018
Ky ‘Rocketman’ Michaelson battled the government, gravity, a profound learning disability, and dyslexia, to become the first civilian to launch a rocket into space. His adventures are the subject of a documentary titled ‘Rocketman: A Documentary,’ currently in production. Inspired by his love of racing, he was an inventor and designer as a kid bulding a diving bell, a bicycle with wings, and a hot dog cooker dubbed “Ky’s Little Cremator”. He built race rocket-powered snowmobiles, motorcycles, boats, wheelchairs, roller skates, and jet packs. He stunned crowds at Bonneville in his rocket race cars. Ky set 72 state, national, and international records, and worked on over 200 films and TV shows with stuntmen and women. He and his Civilian Space Exploration Team were the first to launch a rocket that reached space. |
Fri, 26 October 2018
Geoff Bolam is an automotive artist who comes from a long line of artists, going back 5 generations with a distant relation to the great William Morris. An early fascination with cars and machines was nurtured by his father Denis, a Marine Engineer, who taught him how to work on cars. Trained as a graphic designer. he was a freelance illustrator and lettering artist who became a creative director and design consultant in central London for nearly 20 years. Geoff started painting for pleasure in 2005 and made the transition to full-time painting in 2014. His unique style is painting oils onto aluminum panels using various surface treatments including etching, polishing, and wire brush techniques. His work has been featured in numerous automotive magazines and for the last 3 years, his art has been selected for the RAC’s ‘Art of Motoring’ exhibition, which showcases the ‘finest artists working in the genre’. I had the pleasure of meeting Geoff and enjoying his art at Automobilia Monterey this past summer. |
Thu, 25 October 2018
Stanislav Kaplan has been a gearhead from the day his family landed in America, having come from Ukraine. He’s raced motorcycles and cars and participated in drifting events. He ran body shops and service shops and served as a service writer and manager at automotive dealerships including Ferrari, Maserati, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Aston Martin, and BMW. Today Stan produces and hosts the Exotic Car podcast and Kaplan Marketing Group, known as KMG where he helps small to medium companies promote, market, and grow their brands. He is also in charge of the public relations for the Porsche Club of America, Los Angeles region. |
Wed, 24 October 2018
Greg Maskell is the owner of Maskell’s Customs and Classics in Shepparton, Australia. Since 2003, Greg, his wife, Julie, and their talented team have shared a “Nothing is Impossible” attitude when it comes to restoring and caring for their customers' cars. Everything is done in-house to ensure quality and they cover repairs, restorations, design, and manufacturing for all things automotive. Greg started working on cars at the age of 17 and has designed and built multiple award-winning vehicles. His first challenge was a full restoration on a 1961 Ford Thunderbird convertible and since then, he’s been creating fantastic restorations for himself and his dedicated and enthusiastic customers. |
Tue, 23 October 2018
Michael Marcangelo is the Marketing Manager at Prestone Products Corporation. Prestone is the number one branded consumer choice for antifreeze and coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid in North American. They offer a wide range of vehicle maintenance products and have been protecting vehicles since 1927. Michael is responsible for driving growth across select retail and traditional channels. His lengthy experience in marketing brings a wealth of knowledge in strategy building, plan development, and implementation, as well as advertising support. |
Mon, 22 October 2018
Johnny Unser is a spokesperson and technical advisor for Cooper Tires. For over 15 years he has worked with various departments within Cooper Tires including design, testing, motorsports, advertising, marketing, and sales. If the Unser name sound familiar, it should. Johnny is the son of the late Jerry Unser, the first Unser to race at the Indianapolis 500. Johnny’s uncles, Bobby Sr., Al Sr., and cousin Al Jr. all continued the tradition compiling nine wins at Indy. Johnny began racing after college and qualified for the Indianapolis 500 in five consecutive years. He is a veteran of five Indy 500’s, has won championships in the American IndyCar series and he won the 12 Hours of Sebring. He competed in the 24 Hours of Daytona eight times and finished second in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He also won the grueling ALCAN 5000 mile rally three times. Johnny recently opened Unser Racing and Entertainment in Denver, a premier indoor karting facility and corporate conference center. |
Fri, 19 October 2018
Jimmy Dinsmore is a nationally syndicated automotive journalist who for years has reviewed new vehicles, offering up a unique look and an interesting voice in his weekly national column titled Driver’s Side. He writes from a consumer viewpoint sharing his real-world view of vehicles. Jimmy has co-authored the book Mustang by Design, published by CarTech and it covers the 40-year career of Gale Halderman, the original designer of the first Mustang. Mustang by Design takes you on a journey from a design standpoint and features many inside stories correcting much of the misinformation surrounding this iconic pony car. One lucky Cars Yeah subscriber will win a copy of Jimmy’s book Mustang by Design compliments of Jimmy and CarTech books. |
Thu, 18 October 2018
Amanda Gutierrez is the Vice-President for Automotive Restoration at McPherson College, offering the only accredited bachelor’s degree in historic automotive restoration in the United States. Amanda leads the team in strategic planning, fundraising, promotion, academics, and career services. Her work takes her around the country engaging with car collectors, restoration specialists, and industry leaders. In 2012, Amanda led the effort to create a strategic plan for the program, engaging automotive experts, alumni, faculty, and administration. The result was a vision to compete at Pebble Beach with a car restored by students. Amanda is a neophyte car enthusiast whose highlights so far include racing a 1963 Corvette in a regional “Run What you Brung” drag race, accepting the 2015 International Historic Motoring Award's Industry Supporter of the Year in London on behalf of the college, and driving the 1953 Hughes-Kircher Special in the Colorado Grand this year. |
Wed, 17 October 2018
Dennis Savage is the Producer of the YouTube channel Bring ‘Em Back to Life. He spends his time traveling around the country interviewing salvage yard owners creating what he calls ‘Memory Candy’ through the old cars and trucks he finds and their caretakers. Dennis was raised riding in Model T’s and A’s, homemade doodlebugs, touring cars including a Pierce Arrow, and his Grandpa’s 1934 Rolls Royce. He and his fiancé Renee eloped in a ’57 Chevy he named ‘The Blue Angel, and that started a 50-year love affair with Tri-Five Chevrolets. Dennis loves the challenge of getting an old car running again and then making it go… and stop! |
Tue, 16 October 2018
Rich Pepe and his best friend Frank DiPaola founded the Carmel Mission Classic, a Concours event that is held during Car Week in August at the 300-year-old Spanish Mission in Carmel, California. He is a retired New York City Police Department officer who has worked as an EMT, in law enforcement and the highway patrol. He caught the car bug early in life and his quest to go fast came in handy while working in the highway patrol. He started organizing car shows in the parking lot of St. Columbanus Church. That lead to the Carmel Mission Classic and they have raised close to a quarter million dollars for the Knights of Columbus and their charities. Pretty cool for two kids from Brooklyn. He also put together the unique Peekskill Vintage Grand Prix on the banks of the Hudson River. Today, Rich works at Deutsche Bank overseeing Health & Safety for all of the bank's offices located throughout the United States, Canada, and Latin America. Rich’s motto is, “Cars are made to be driven.” |
Mon, 15 October 2018
Kevin Williams is the CEO of RGK Innovations, the maker of the Brush Hero, an innovative cleaning tool that is powered by water. Brush Hero was designed to be the best wheel brush ever and it can be used to clean muck off a multitude of surfaces. You’ll also find cleaning and detailing supplies on the Brush Hero website. This is Kevin’s 4th start up and his second in the automotive space. Prior to RGK, Kevin ran the international businesses of the largest canoe and kayak manufacturer in the world, developed environmental training systems in China, built the world’s first hot dog vending machine, and ran a 15 truck mobile tire installation business titled TireVan. RGK is a decentralized company with staff in five states and in five countries. |
Fri, 12 October 2018
Ed Golden is the owner of Golden Customs NY, the East Coast's premier fabrication specialists. Located an hour north from New York City in Pine Island New York, he’s been designing and building custom vehicles for over 30 years. He and his team do all the work from paint and body to custom interiors and audio systems, custom engine and driveline work, and complete automotive electronics. No doubt you’ve seen Ed on many of his television appearances including Overhaulin, with Jay Leno, Mike Rowe’s Returning the Favor, Car Wars with Funkmaster Flex, and on Gold Rush with Dave Turi, where he built a SEMA show truck. |
Thu, 11 October 2018
Mike Furnari is the Chief Business Development Officer at HyreCar. HyreCar is a car sharing marketplace for ridesharing. It’s a company that helps people find a car quickly by renting a vehicle that they can then use to earn income as a hired driver with Uber and or Lyft. The HyreCar motto is ‘Building Roads to Financial Freedom – One Driver, One Vehicle, One Road at a Time’. Mike participated in Seed, Series A, and Bridge fundraising rounds to expand HyreCar and he is also the primary point of contact with fleet operators including Uber and Lyft, and other strategic external relationships for the company. Prior to joining the executive team, Mike managed a fleet of vehicles on the HyreCar platform. |
Wed, 10 October 2018
Patrick Thiele is a co-founder, along with his business partner, Gianni Cabiglio, of Corsa Lusso:The Enthusiast Coffee, an automotive-inspired lifestyle brand. Patrick manages daily operations, retail and e-commerce oversight, and business development opportunities. As a lifelong motorsport enthusiast, Patrick grew up around a variety of cars, motorcycles, and boats, and learned at a very young age that his passion involved driving anything with a motor. Patrick also works as a consultant in the international trade industry, specializing in sales of food, hardware, equipment, and vehicles. When he is not working, Patrick enjoys traveling, snowboarding, drinking great coffee, and driving fun cars! We met at the Revival Road party and Pete Stout’s Rare Shades event at Bruce Canepa’s shop. |
Tue, 9 October 2018
Amber Blonigan founded Gi Automotive in Beverly Hills, California in 2004. Amber is one of the most accomplished females in the high end automotive and aftermarket industry. Her business is a premier automotive repair and service center focusing in high-end marques including BMW, Lamborghini, Mercedes, Porsche, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Bentley, and McLaren catering to both luxury and exotic automobile owners. Amber’s passion for cars pushes her to strive to provide her customers with the best experience possible when caring for their prized automobiles. She owns and drives exotics and at Gi Automotive, they offer maintenance, repairs, plus performance and restyling upgrades. |
Mon, 8 October 2018
Randy Carlson is the owner and founder of Carchaeology.com, Oldbug.com, and Californiacar.com. He has been a very active member of the SoCal automotive scene since the 1980’s providing a platform for buyers and sellers. Randy is an old car, odd car, and Volkswagen know-it-all. He is an appraiser and automotive TV show host and his awards, appearances, and magazine features keep growing. You’ve seen him on Discovery Channel’s Sticker Shock, on Jay Leno’s Garage, the web series Barn Find Hunter, and in The Bug Movie. Randy’s also played a part in Lords of the Car Hoards, Rusted Development, Monster Garage, Herbie Fully Loaded and in numerous magazines as well. |
Fri, 5 October 2018
Alex Ostanin is the Co-Founder and CTO of Hudway. Also joining us today is Nadia Noskova, Chief Operating Officer. They provide hardware and software solutions that enhance driving safety and comfort while staying connected behind the wheel. Products include their Glass, Cast and the Hudway Go app that are used by over 4 million drivers and riders worldwide. Their Hudway Sight is an AR heads-up display for cyclists and motorcyclists that attaches to the rider’s helmet within the drivers’ line of sight and a brain that mounts on the back of the helmet to transmit information to the lens. In addition to his launching the hardware products for Hudway, Alex also founded a legal consulting company in 2004 that specializes in bankruptcy and crisis management. He is a skilled driver who loves to rally race in Europe and Russia. |
Thu, 4 October 2018
Roberto Guerrero is a professional race car driver who started racing at the age of twelve when he captured two Colombian National Championships in the country where he was born. His father, Roberto Guerrero Sr., competed in the 1948 Olympic Games in cycling representing Argentina. Roberto raced Formula Fords, Formula 3, and raced for the German Maurer-BMW Team in European Formula 2. He joined the Morris Nunn Formula 1 Team and raced for two years in the Formula 1 World Championship. In 1984, he started racing Indy Cars and in 1992, he won the Pole Position for the Indianapolis 500 setting the one and four-lap records of 232.618 mph. He’s raced off-road, the Baja 1000, and NASCAR, and today he’s a pro driver, lead driver, product specialist, broadcaster, and instructor in numerous automotive venues and marques. I was fortunate to catch up with Roberto at the Monterey Historic Races this past summer where he was representing Jaguar. |
Wed, 3 October 2018
Bruce Meyers grew up in Southern California during the days of drag racing, surfing, and dune buggies. Bruce designed and built the first lightweight dune buggie and called the Meyers Manx. He built the first 12, all monocoque bodies, in 1964. The first Meyers Manx was named Old Red and Bruce still owns that Manx today. B.F. Meyers & Co. built 5,280 Meyers Manx kits, several hundred Manx II’s and 1,000 Meyers Tow’ds, a few hundred Manx SR’s and 75 Resorters/Turista’s - a total of nearly 7,000 kits. He started a storm that became an icon. Old Red beat the standing Tijuana to La Paz motorcycle record by over five hours culminating in the first Baja off-road race. Old Red was inducted into the Historic Vehicle Register as a car of significant design and construction. Today Bruce and his wife, Winnie, run Meyers Manx Inc. which offers 5 different models of kit cars out of Southern California. |
Tue, 2 October 2018
Tod Warmack and his brother Scott along with partner Jim Dowling in Tallahassee, Florida collaborated with graphic designer Kevin Morgan to bring to life the vision of a modern-day Trans Am. And that’s exactly what this team did building these iconic cars for enthusiasts. Starting as Trans Am Depot in 2011, Tod, his brother, and their team, partnered with legendary Hurst Performance making history as the first ever licensed Hurst Edition Trans Am. Demand grew and their small shop became a full production facility. Today, Trans Am Depot and Trans Am Worldwide builds retro-mods, restores classics as well as offering new technology muscle cars with a classic retro look and feel. You can enjoy Tod on Discovery’s all-new Trans Am TV show that premieres today, Tuesday, October 2 at 10:00 PM ET/PT. If you missed yesterday’s Cars Yeah show with Tod’s brother Scott, you’ll find it on the Cars Yeah website. |
Mon, 1 October 2018
Scott Warmack, his brother Tod, along with partner Jim Dowling of Tallahassee, Florida, collaborated with graphic designer Kevin Morgan to bring to life the vision of a modern-day Trans Am. And that’s exactly what this team did, building cars for enthusiasts. Starting as Trans Am Depot in 2011, Scott, his brother, and their team, partnered with the legendary Hurst Performance making history as the first ever licensed Hurst Edition Trans Am. Demand grew and their small shop has become two full production facilities. Today, Trans Am Depot and Trans Am Worldwide build retro-mods and restore classics as well as offer new technology muscle cars with a classic retro look and feel. You can enjoy Scott and the team on Discovery’s all-new Trans Am TV show that premieres tomorrow, Tuesday, October 2 at 10:00 PM ET/PT. Don’t miss tomorrow’s show when I talk with Scott’s brother, Tod Warmack, here on Cars Yeah.
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Fri, 28 September 2018
Gary Bennett is the Vice President of Consignment for Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers. His career in the collector car industry has spanned over 45 years by actively buying, selling, and participating in the collector industry. Known for his knowledge of cars and extreme honesty, integrity, and credibility, he spent 17 years as Vice President of Barrett-Jackson Auctions. During his time, they grew from $18M to $130M in sales and saw attendance grow from 70,000 to 350,000 for their signature event alone. Gary has been President of Lister North America, Lister Restoration and of Coach Connection. Aside from his love of automobiles, he is also passionate about motorcycles, he’s raced vintage NASCAR, Trans-AM, European sports cars, and open wheel racecars as well. No doubt you’ve seen his writing for the New York Times, Autoweek, Motor Trend, and many other publications and seen him on numerous automotive television shows. |
Thu, 27 September 2018
Muffy Bennett is the CEO at Bennett Automotive Specialists and the Director of New Business Development at Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers in Phoenix, Arizona. Her addiction for all things wheeled began as a child. After a successful 17-year career as a paralegal, she became Operations Director for ASAA Auction Company. She then opened a collector car dealership and in 2013, she was asked to set up a retail dealership division for Barrett-Jackson Auction known as the Barrett-Jackson Collection offering a full-service center, detailing, insurance, sales, and more. Muffy and her husband, Gary, were recruited to spearhead Ritchie Bros. Auction company’s entry into the collector car auction niche. She retains her collector car dealership and specializes in brokering to elite and celebrity clientele. When she’s not chasing cars, Muffy enjoys riding motorcycles, target shooting, being a Professional Ringman for charity auctions, and judging for the annual International Auctioneer’s Championship. |
Wed, 26 September 2018
Steven Aghakhani is a 15-year-old racer who started racing go-karts, when he was just seven years old, after spending time at the racetrack with his father. When Steven was ready to move from go-kart racing to exotics, he began training with Michael Essa, the 2013 Formula Drift Champion. Steven was named US RaceTronics’ development driver at the age of 13 and has set record speeds for his age and he just secured an FIA Pro license scheduled to be active for his 16th birthday next year. His racing this year included first place titles at the NASA and SCCA pro series southern region championship. Steven currently drives the Huracán Super Trofeo Evo. |
Tue, 25 September 2018
Sam Schmidt is a former IndyCar driver and the current co-owner of Schmidt-Peterson Motorsports in Indianapolis, Indiana. He grew up working on racecars and his father was a drag racer. At the age of 32, he embarked on his first season of IndyCar competition and he became a pole and race winner in 1999. Sam was severely injured in a testing accident at Walt Disney World Speedway and was later diagnosed as a quadriplegic due to a severe injury to his spinal cord. Sam was not deterred and he forged on to create The Conquer Paralysis Now Foundation and Sam Schmidt Motorsports, just 14 months after his accident. Despite Sam remaining paralyzed from his chest down, he has been granted a drivers license, the first of its kind, which allows him to drive a semi-autonomous vehicle. |
Mon, 24 September 2018
Peter Higham has been working in the British Motorsport Press since 1986 when he joined Autosport. His time with Autosport spans 28 years and includes running the annual Autosport Awards, a little party for 1,200 guests ranging from Ayrton Senna to Richard Petty, Lewis Hamilton, and Mario Andretti. Peter managed their photographic archives for 17 years and was Autosport and F1 Racing Magazine’s Publishing Director before going freelance in 2014. His first book, The Guinness Guide to Motor Racing came out in 1993 and was updated as the International Motor Racing Guide a decade later. His three-volume World Encyclopedia of Racing Drivers was published in 2013 and he is currently working on a decade-by-decade history of Formula 1–F1 Car-by-Car, with the 1960s and 1970s, already published. |
Fri, 21 September 2018
Chris Corrado is an automotive artist from Boston, Massachusetts. He studied at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and Art Center College of Design and Concept Design Academy in Los Angeles. He loves to draw hot rods and concept cars in a loose and colorful style. |
Thu, 20 September 2018
Jim Osborn, MD, is an orthopedic spine surgeon, Assistant Professor at UT College of Medicine and the Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder at the Austin Hatcher Foundation. The mission of the Austin Hatcher Foundation is to erase the effects of pediatric cancer and to optimize each child’s quality of life through essential, specialized intervention beginning at the time of diagnosis and continuing throughout survivorship. So what does this have to do with cars, hot rods, and racing? Their new Education Advancement Center includes programs available for individuals along with families in which to participate including the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Building Challenge and Driving Performance Improvement Programs in simulators. They are also the Proud Charities recipients of the International Motor Sports Association, (IMSA). |
Wed, 19 September 2018
Ryan Truax is the President and Founder of Advanced Fuel Dynamics, a company that manufactures performance flex fuel systems that bring E85 to the bolt-on world. E85 ethanol is used in engines modified to accept higher concentrations of ethanol. His systems unlock performance that is unattainable when running on gasoline and allow performance enthusiasts to safely and reliably make big power with E85. Ryan has been a gearhead all his life and he was an early pioneer in using E85 as a race fuel. He’s a foremost expert on E85 and flex-fuel technology. |
Tue, 18 September 2018
Tom Perazzo is a Porsche enthusiast who enjoys wrenching on old cars as much as he loves driving them. His passion to share his enthusiasm spurred him to launch a YouTube channel he calls Ahhgaragetime, where he shares his car restoration tips and tricks geared toward DIY’ers. Tom has designed and manufactured a handful of car-related products that support his ongoing restoration addiction which include VW/Porsche engine test stands, custom Porsche 356 toe boards, and some rust repair parts. After tackling a Porsche 356 restoration, he dove into a Porsche 911 and Ahhgaragetime became a weekly restoration vlog. Cars don't need to be a money pit if you’re willing to learn to do it yourself, and as we all know, the journey is often more fun than the destination. |
Mon, 17 September 2018
Her Royal Highness, Vidita Singh of Barwani started her career as a professional automotive artist about 15 years ago. Her passion for automobiles has been passed down for generations from her great-grandfather onward. He was the Maharaja of the state of Barwani in Central India and one of the first people to bring the steam locomotive and paved roadways into Central India. Her father, past Cars Yeah guest, His Royal Highness Rana Manvendra Singh, is a renowned figure in the automobile industry and was responsible for bringing a magnificent collection of the Cars of the Maj to Pebble Beach this summer. Vidita works in a range of mediums including oils, charcoals, and watercolors. She alludes to the novelty automobiles that were in the bygone era and the artistic and mechanical masterpieces they are today. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Vidita at the AFAS event on the lawn at Pebble Beach during the Concours last month. |
Fri, 14 September 2018
Mark Nureddine is the CEO of Bull Outdoor Products, a company that provides grills, islands, and grilling components to over 900 dealers and distributors within North America and an additional 15 other countries and growing. For most people, tinkering, and testing on open flame grills in your garage is not advised but Mark is not most people. His efforts with developing grills in a closed environment led to his success. He grows his own grapes in his vineyard in Lodi, California, and is a hobbyist winemaker along with having a passion for international culinary endeavors. He is a Certified Barbeque Judge for the Kansas City Barbeque Society and served as a judge for Bull Outdoor Products and their Bull Burger Battle. Mark is also an enthusiastic car collector and international auto enthusiast having traveled the world attending car events. His company is also the Ironstone Concours Tour Sponsor for 2018. |
Thu, 13 September 2018
Karl Ludvigsen lives in Suffolk, England, and is respected as a close and knowledgeable observer of, and participant in, the world of motor industry. In addition to his activities as an executive at GM, Fiat, and Ford, and head of a consulting company, he has been active for over 60 years as an author and historian. As an author, co-author or editor, he has some five dozen books to his credit, most concerning cars, drivers, racing, and technology, which is his life-long passion. Many have been garlanded for their high standard of writing and research. His newest book, Reid Railton: Man of Speed, is a two-volume set that tells the story of Cheshire-born, Reid Antony Railton, an engineer par excellence and his life creating an extraordinary range of cars. |
Wed, 12 September 2018
Bob Devlin is a fourth generation Californian having grown up in his family’s native Sacramento prior to moving to Pebble Beach at the age of 14 where he enjoyed the second running of the Pebble Beach Races and Concours d’Elegance. Bob started competing in Sports Car and Formula Junior racecars in 1957 and took to Concours judging some forty years ago. He just completed his 32nd year at Pebble Beach as a Class, Chief of Class, and now Honorary Judge. He has authored or co-authored more than 135 articles for various automotive and travel magazines and event-related programs. Bob authored two books: Pebble Beach, a Matter of Style, in 1980, and Pebble Beach, The Art of the Poster, in 2003. He has begun his third year of teaching at The Academy of Art University: The History of Automotive Design. Bob is also an Ironstone Concours d’Elegance Board Member. |
Tue, 11 September 2018
Louise Noeth is the founder of LandSpeed Productions where she has provided film and TV consulting, photography, writing, graphic design, and more since 1984. She is a storyteller known for taking complicated subjects and making them entertaining and educational. Her award-winning works have been published around the world. Dubbed LandSpeed Louise, she concentrates on land speed racing and the people who do extraordinary feats by designing, building, and driving fast cars, trucks, and motorcycles. She’s one of the few women journalists in the automotive field who’s also comfortable and competent behind the wheel. Today she’s returned to talk about a very important subject, the Bonneville Salt Flats, their condition, and their future. Louise was my 285th guest back on Monday, July 6, 2015. |
Mon, 10 September 2018
Nick Pon has been an associate perpetrator at the 24 Hours of Lemons since 2006. The 24 Hours of Lemons is an endurance road racing series where the drivers are limited to $500 or less to build their cars. Pretty much any four-wheeled machine, that is street legal when made, is eligible. Nick’s past includes being the editor at Corvette Magazine, assistant editor at Excellence Magazine, and he’s written for Sports Car International, a variety of online outlets, and he is a professional photographer having shot for numerous automotive events and publications. Nick’s also a Vespa enthusiast and rider. The 24 Hours of Lemons was founded by past Cars Yeah guest Jay Lamm and other past Lemons guests include Jeff Bloch, known as Speedy Cop, and Eric Rood. |
Fri, 7 September 2018
Jason Rose is the Director of Global Training for RUPES USA. With a total of 40 years in the car care industry, Jason spent 20 years with Meguiar’s in their Professional Division before joining RUPES. RUPES is an Italian company with a 65-year history of designing and producing the finest in innovative machine tools and their reputation in the automotive surface care sector is world renown. RUPES recently built and opened a facility in Colorado as they continue to grow in the US marketplace. Jason is a top industry leader in surface care and correction, product development, and training. His history in car care goes back to detailing cars in high school and that business financed his college education. Today, one of his focuses is training for the RUPES BigFoot as its Car Detailing Academy Director. |
Thu, 6 September 2018
Ralph Sheheen is the FOX Sports Play-by-Play Talent for Monster Energy Supercross and the Host Talent for FOX Sports coverage of Formula E. He is the owner of Speed Sport, the oldest and most trusted brand name in American motorsports journalism. Speed Sport is 84 years old, having started in 1934 and used to be owned by the iconic Chris Economaki. He produces two magazines, Speed Sport and Sprint Car & Midget and they host the website SpeedSport.com. They produce over 30 National TV shows a year including the award-winning Suzuki Presents Speed Sports series for MAVTV. Ralph is a true automotive and motorcycle enthusiast, he is a racer, logging laps in everything from sports cars and Indy cars to karts and Thunder Roadsters. He has also competed in the Baja 1000 and took a second-place finish in Class 7, 4X4. |
Wed, 5 September 2018
Mark Gessler is the President and Founder of the Historic Vehicle Association, known as the HVA, and the National Historic Vehicle Register, a public/private partnership with the U.S. Department of the Interior and Library of Congress. The HVA’s goal is to document and preserve America’s automotive heritage for the next 500 years. A former tech entrepreneur turned social entrepreneur, Mark is focused on preserving the global automotive heritage and he also serves as North American Ambassador, representative, and board member for FIVA since 2008. He is the founder of Scuderia SPORTS Zagato that has achieved two overall victories and seven podium finishes in the Mille Miglia since 2010. Mark is a frequent advisor, speaker, judge, competitor, and participant in historic automobile events including the Amelia Island Concours, Pebble Beach Concours, and many others. |
Tue, 4 September 2018
Nick Skeens is a freelance journalist who lives on a barge that he helped build in Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex, UK. He is an author who started writing about creativity for the UK’s Design Council covering subjects ranging from design education to creative thinking. He is the co-author of Future Present, Creative Island, and Creative Island II, books that celebrated British design genius by focusing on the creative process. His latest book, The Perfect Car, by EVRO Publishing, is a biography of the incredible John Barnard, who revolutionized motorsport across the world. Barnard introduced aerospace technology to the sport and designed game-changing innovations such as the first use of the carbon-fiber monocoque chassis with McLaren, and the paddle-shifted, semi-automatic gearbox with Ferrari. Nick’s past includes time as a news editor and producer in television. |
Mon, 3 September 2018
Eric Rood works for the 24 Hours of Lemons as a Media Stooge, BS Judge, and Special Projects' Puppet for this $500 endurance-racing series. Eric is a latecomer to the car hobby, having delved into the automotive world by helping to build a Lemons car in 2010. After racing Lemons a couple times, he started writing about cars in his spare time, focusing on cheap-car endurance racing and the oft-ignored world of obscure or forgotten Rust Belt junk. That grew into full-time, general automotive and motorsport freelancing work in 2016 with contributions to Roadkill, BangShift, and other outlets. Today, Eric enjoys spending his spare time in junkyards, watching motorsports, and wrenching on his own Lemons-grade project cars. |
Fri, 31 August 2018
Shami Kalra is the founder of Omologato, a British watch brand that was established in 2015. His goal is to create fine motorsport-inspired timepieces designed to celebrate iconic locations, cars, and figures. Shami has more than 25 years of experience in the watchmaking industry and brings his passion for all things motorsports to his brand, Omologato. His focus is to ensure that every timepiece he produces is a real tribute to the sport. The watches are hand assembled using a world-leading chronograph movement, housed in British design cases with bespoke faces, and straps. They offer the broadest and most accessible range of watches designed specifically for the automobile enthusiast in the today's world. |
Thu, 30 August 2018
Lee Stratton is a User Experience Engineer at DriversEd.com, the number one online driving school. Lee’s a passionate and experienced car craftsman who spends much of his days and nights customizing, building, and rebuilding cars and motorcycles. DriversED has courses offered directly through partners including some of the largest schools in the country. It is an industry leader in teaching defensive driving and safety-related tips, news, and strategies. The sight offers comprehensive solutions, online drivers education, in-car driving lessons, traffic school, insurance telematics and more. Lee is a CRO Specialist, analyst and experimental designer with over 10 years of experience in UI Design. He’s also a very talented pinstriper. |
Wed, 29 August 2018
Julia Taylor-Stanley has a demonstrable track record in feature film financing, production, and distribution and she is one of the most well-respected film producers in the UK. Her most recent film, Ferrari: Race to Immortality is a groundbreaking motor racing documentary. It won the prestigious FOCAL Award for the best use of footage in a sports production. Julia began her career as a songwriter and record producer working with artists including Meatloaf, Roger Daltrey, and Diana Ross. She wrote her first novel Mystica as well. Ferrari: Race to Immortality is about racing in the 1950s and the dawn of the iconic Scuderia Ferrari in the Formula One World Championship, which was the deadliest decade in motor racing history. The film tells the story of the loves and losses, triumphs and tragedies of Ferrari’s most decorated drivers. |
Tue, 28 August 2018
Michael Ledwitz is an automotive artist and aspiring TV Host. His professional career in automotive art started after he was in a near fatal car accident in 2005. He was forced to slow down from work in franchising in order to heal. His painting began as a hobby; a way to relax and reflect. Soon after, people started to notice Michael's talent and began requesting commissioned pieces of their own. Since then, Michael's accomplishments include silent auction pieces for Zoo Atlanta, commissioned paintings for Carroll Shelby's 85th birthday in Las Vegas, Shelby Licensee, and he was the featured artist for this year's Atlanta Concours 'd Elegance at Chateau Elan. There is the inception of a TV show titled SPEEDWELL with Michael Ledwitz as well as developing the most amazing network of car enthusiasts; many of which are clients and all of which are now considered friends. |
Mon, 27 August 2018
Theresa Gilpatrick is the Executive Director of the Ferrari Club of America. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, the heart of car culture. Always having the car bug, she collected Matchbox cars, built Revell models and anticipated her driver’s license far too early. After a post-college move, her association with Ferraris grew deeper and she acquired a 308 QV, a 330 2+2 two headlight, a Testarossa, a 250 Cabriolet Series II, among others. She earned a Masters degree in Non-profit Management in 1996 and has served in the non-profit sector for over 25 years. Her position with the Ferrari Club of America allows her to use her education, support the collector car hobby, and give back through a wonderful platform filled with Ferrari tifosi. |
Fri, 24 August 2018
Paul Mathers is the Event Director for Motorclassica, Australia’s most prestigious classic motoring event attracting over 23,000 automotive enthusiasts annually. His passion for cars was realized when Exhibitions & Trade Fairs hired Paul to envision and deliver the first Motorclassica – the Australian International Concours d’Elegance and Classic Motor Show, which has taken place in Melbourne since 2010. Paul’s passion for automobiles goes back to his childhood and he still owns his first classic, a Jaguar Mk II, that he purchased 30 years ago. Paul’s career has seen him manage some of Australia’s largest events and expos. In addition to Motorclassica, his current portfolio also includes Australia’s largest capital city 4x4 outdoors show. |
Thu, 23 August 2018
Brad Phillips is the National Relationship Manager and Brand Ambassador for Hagerty Insurance. Over his lifetime, he’s attempted to restore over 30 vehicles from the Nickel era through the 1990s. Brad’s a road trip fanatic, having been coast to coast and everywhere in between. He is a multi-year veteran of long-distance rallies and tours including the Great Race, and he’s the only person to attempt driving an Amphicar from Tennessee to Vermont. It didn’t go well. He’s in the middle of a two-year project restoring a 1965 Sunbeam Tiger. Brad’s been involved in the collector car insurance business since 2003 helping enthusiasts worldwide to protect their ‘fun stuff’. He is also a speaker, moderator, judge, a regular at The Concours d’Lemons and hosts an annual Amelia Island or Bust caravan. |
Wed, 22 August 2018
Scott Brandt is the owner of MotoExotica in St. Louis, Missouri, where he and his team have been selling collectible, special interest, pre-owned, and exotic automobiles since 1988. You’ll find vehicles from late model sports cars and touring cars to hot rods, muscle cars, replicas, American, and European classics, trucks, jeeps, customs, and race cars. At MotoExocita, you can sell or consign a vehicle. It's one of those destination dealerships that’s like walking through a museum filled with fun, inspiring automobiles and there's no doubt you’ll find something you’ll want to drive home. |
Tue, 21 August 2018
Tanner Foust is a multi-talented driver known for his supreme car control and proven track record of podium finishes, national championships, and world records. He is a three-time U.S. Rallycross Champion, a four-time X Games gold medal winner, and two-time Formula Drift Champion. He has held multiple world records including his incredible Hot Wheels Double Loop Dare and his indoor speed record for TV's Top Gear USA, setting a distance jump record with a Hot Wheels ramp-to-ramp leap of 332 feet. Tanner is the first American driver to win a round of the European Rallycross Championship and he is a dominant driver in Rallycross here in the USA. He’s competed in open wheel, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, SCORE Baja and numerous other racing venues. You’ve seen him on the History Channel’s Top Gear as their on-camera host and he’s completed many stunts for various films, TV shows, and commercials. |
Mon, 20 August 2018
Marshall Buck is the Founder of Creative Miniature Associates, known as CMA Models where he creates and builds some of the world’s finest model cars. His client list is a virtual who’s who of “movers and shakers” in the collectible automotive world. Marshall builds the finest, highly detailed, custom built to order models, one-off models, his own line of limited edition models, represents other top level craftsmen, artists, brokers, and sells some of the rarest one-of-a-kind scratch-built models from around the world. In his latest venture, Marshall is helping launch a new publication titled AutoMobilia: The Collector’s Resource, an all-new publication for lovers of automotive collectibles. He will be the editor of this new publication and website that will surely be an instant resource for all enthusiasts who love to collect anything that is tied to the automotive world. If you’re in Monterey, Carmel, and Pebble Beach during car week, stop by the Automobilia Monterey booth located in the Embassy Suites Seaside on Tuesday and Wednesday. One lucky Cars Yeah subscriber will win a year’s subscription to AutoMobilia. To be eligible, go to the CarsYeah website and click on the Free Book button. |
Fri, 17 August 2018
Samuel Chuffart is the Vice President and Global Design Director for Icona Design Group in Torino, Italy. He was also one of the company’s founding members in 2010. In eight short years, Icona’s client list now reads like the Who’s Who of global and Chinese automakers. The company had a turnover of 18 million Euro in 2017. Samuel manages a team of 74 designers across three continents and dozens of projects simultaneously. Icona has created iconic and successful designs including the revered Fuselage, the Maxus SUB D90 concept, the Nucleus, and the Vulcano Titanium, the world’s first titanium supercar. Samuel is a graduate of Art Center College of Design in California and he’s worked at Nissan’s European design studio. He was also a Senior Designer at Jaguar Land Rover and Chief Designer at Stile Bertone in Turin, Italy. |
Thu, 16 August 2018
Tom McDowell is the President of Concorso Italiano, an annual event that takes place on the Saturday before the Pebble Beach Concours. This annual tradition is celebrating its 35th anniversary and is a key part of the iconic Monterey Automobile Week. You’ll enjoy between 800 and 1,000 vehicles of Italian origin, on the beautiful rolling green lawns of Black Horse Golf Course in Monterey, California.The atmosphere combines cars, people, conversation, style, design, food, music, and art, all with an element of Italian style. I’ve attended Concorso Italiano since it’s inaugural event and it’s a must-do during Car Week, always exciting, always different, and always inspiring. |