BREAK/FIX the Motorsports & Vehicle Enthusiast Variety Show

On this episode of The Motoring Historian, Jon Summers discusses the shift towards software-defined vehicles and the implications for the automotive industry. As cars become edge-of-cloud devices, their functionalities increasingly rely on cloud connectivity rather than on-board hardware. He critiques this shift, lamenting the loss of driving freedom and the rise of touchscreen interfaces. He also highlights the role of companies like Remotive Labs, which develop scalable digital twins for virtual component testing, allowing earlier and smoother integration in vehicle development. However, this transition brings challenges, especially in organizational change and collaboration between engineering silos. Jon uses historical and contemporary analogies to underscore how traditional car development and engineering practices are being revolutionized by software-centric approaches.

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00:00 The Evolution of Software-Defined Vehicles
02:47 The Impact of Over-the-Air Upgrades
06:25 The Shift from Traditional to Virtual Testing
19:30 Cultural Differences in Automotive Engineering
28:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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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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Jon Summers is the Motoring Historian. He was a company car thrashing technology sales rep that turned into a fairly inept sports bike rider. On his show he gets together with various co-hosts to talk about new and old cars, driving, motorbikes, motor racing, motoring travel. Copyright Jon Summers, The Motoring Historian. This content is also available via jonsummers.net. This episode is part of the Motoring Podcast Network and has been republished with permission.

On this episode of Evening With a Legend we interview Bob Varsha, a renowned motorsport broadcaster, about his extensive career and experiences covering the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Varsha discusses his unconventional path from law to broadcasting, the intricacies of commentating long endurance races, memorable moments at Le Mans, and his broadcasting style. The conversation also touches on the logistics and challenges of broadcasting such a complex event, the evolution of motorsport broadcasting and facilities at Le Mans, and advice for aspiring broadcasters. The interview provides a deep dive into Varsha's contributions to motorsport broadcasting and his love for storytelling.

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00:00 Meet Bob Varsha: The Voice of Motorsport
01:42 Bob Varsha's Journey to Broadcasting
06:23 First Experiences at Le Mans
11:21 Challenges and Stories from the Pit Lane
17:27 Memorable Moments and Interviews
24:46 Balancing Technical Information and Storytelling
25:22 Broadcasting Styles and Audience Engagement
28:20 Influence of Announcers on TV Coverage
32:03 Rivalries and Realities in Racing
33:49 Challenges of Long Races and Nighttime Coverage
35:19 Gentleman Drivers and Business of Racing
40:50 Advice for Aspiring Broadcasters
42:58 Reflections on a Broadcasting Career
45:15 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

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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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To learn more about or to become a member of the ACO USA, look no further than www.lemans.org, Click on English in the upper right corner and then click on the ACO members tab for Club Offers. Once you become a Member you can follow all the action on the Facebook group ACOUSAMembersClub; and become part of the Legend with future Evening With A Legend meet ups.

This episode of The Logbook, our History of Motorsports Series, looks back at a transformative period in American motorsports during the mid-1970s to 1979, guided by Dr. Daniel J. Simone. The episode explores how the OPEC oil embargo challenged and eventually reshaped racing, focusing on the NASCAR Winston West Series. Various significant drivers, such as Ray Elder, Jimmy Insolo, and Herschel McGriff, are highlighted alongside the struggles and triumphs of west coast racing teams. The narrative also covers the impact of the environmental movement on racing and the importance of regional talents in shaping the national scene. The episode concludes with the legacies left by these drivers and the changes in racing dynamics heading into the 1980s.

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00:00 NASCAR Winston West Series: A Turbulent Era
01:55 The 1975 Racing Season: Challenges and Changes
03:31 NASCAR Pacific Coast Late Model Division: Early Days
04:18 Riverside International Raceway: A Hub of Motorsports
04:50 The Evolution of NASCAR Winston West Series
05:26 Key Drivers and Their Legacies
06:19 Ray Elder: A Racing Legend
09:05 Herschel McGriff: The Age-Defying Lumberman
13:03 The 1976 Season: New Challenges and Opportunities
16:32 The Rise of New Champions
26:02 The 1979 Season: A Benchmark Year
35:32 The Legacy of the Winston West Series
39:57 Conclusion and Acknowledgements
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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

Follow us on Social: Instagram

This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.

The Racers Roundtable, is a series sponsored by the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing - where history meets horsepower and legends live on! Each episode brings together voices from across the motorsports world, from grassroots heroes to seasoned veterans, as they share stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes tales that shaped their racing journeys. Whether you're a die-hard fan of dirt tracks, drag strips, or open-wheel icons, The Racers Roundtable is your seat at the table for candid conversations and timeless memories from those who lived it. Strap in tight, because it’s time to talk racing history, one lap at a time.

Jimmy Spencer, better known as 'Mr. Excitement,' shares his colorful and eventful racing career. He candidly recounts his experiences, including his first late model race win at Port Royal Speedway, his forays into NASCAR’s top divisions, and his notable stories driving for Buddy Baker and Bobby Allison. He also shares his interactions with racing legends like Dale Earnhardt and inimitable tales from the racetrack, such as alterations in car setups, rivalries, and his time on television post-racing. Jimmy also speaks on the technical evolution of motorsports, the passion driving racers, and the importance of preserving racing history. The episode illustrates the vibrant and sometimes tumultuous life on and off the track for one of NASCAR’s enduring personalities.

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00:00:00 Please welcome... Jimmy Spencer
00:01:28 Jimmy Spencer's Early Racing Career
00:03:26 Transition to Asphalt Racing
00:04:45 Friendships and Rivalries in Racing
00:09:27 Racing with Legends: Dale Earnhardt & Buddy Baker
00:10:13 The Move to NASCAR's Top Divisions
00:11:34 The Birth of 'Mr. Excitement'
00:30:58 Racing for Bobby Allison
00:36:36 Pit Stop Troubles and Phoenix Race
00:37:59 Racing for the Championship
00:42:29 Dale Earnhardt's Determination
00:50:34 NASCAR Politics and History
00:58:41 Conflicts with Kurt Busch
01:13:57 Memorable TV Moments & Victory Lane Stories
01:17:15 Racing Strategies and Techniques
01:26:35 Cheating in NASCAR
01:38:38 Family and Racing Legacy
01:51:35 Final Thoughts and Reflections
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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

Follow us on Social: Instagram

This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing. The EMMR is a premiere destination for motor racing enthusiasts, showcasing a vast collection of historic racing cars, artifacts and memorabilia. To learn more about the EMMR, or to take part of the next in-person Racers Roundtable - you can plan your visit or support the museum’s mission to preserve and celebrate the legacy of racing by heading to www.EMMR.org. Follow them on social media for the latest news, upcoming events, and exclusive content.  This content in this episode has been remastered and published with the EMMRs consent.

Theme music "Country Rough" by Everet Almond.

In this episode of Formula Fanatics, a subseries of the Drive Thru News podcast, we discuss various aspects of Formula 1, including new car liveries, driver penalties, and the introduction of Audi into the sport. Host opinions range from critical reviews of new team strategies to nostalgic reflections on past legends like Schumacher. The episode also includes discussions on Audi's potential in Formula 1, their engine challenges, and the launch of related merchandise. More to come as we build up to the 2026 livery reveals in February.

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00:00 Introduction to Formula Fanatics
00:40 Casual Banter and Audi F1 Discussion
02:01 F1 Car Deliveries and Design Changes
03:51 Bottas' Return and Penalty Rules
05:25 Predictions for the Upcoming Season
08:42 Audi's Strategy and Challenges
19:55 Lego and F1 Merchandise
21:17 Shoutout to MPN Schumacher Episode and Conclusion

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Formula Fanatics, is the high-octane sub-series of Break/Fix Podcast’s Drive Thru Motorsports News! This is your pit stop for all things Formula 1 — from breaking headlines and race recaps to insider analysis and paddock buzz.

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: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports

Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/