Speed Secrets Podcast

On this week’s episode, James Chartres joins me to talk about how he built his confidence and became one of “the oast Ones” in the competitive world of SCCA, finding the balance between being analytical and just letting go to have fun, making track notes, and turn 5 at Laguna Seca. We also dive into racing sponsorships/partnerships at the grassroots level. James races a Spec Racer Ford in the SCCA San Francisco region, runs his own team – Kanga Motorsport – and in his spare time is an aerospace engineer for NASA (or is that the other way around?!). As a club racer, James has put together some amazing marketing partnerships to help support his team, too. James’ speed secret: The little changes and improvement add up. Check these out to follow James! Web: kangamotorsports.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kangamotorsports/ Instagram: @kangamotorsports Twitter: @kangamotorsportsYouTube: kangamotorsports

In this week’s episode, Tom O’Gorman joins me to talk about autocross (how it helps and hurts road course driving), simulators and eSports, the ideal corning line, and making a career in racing! We also discuss why driving a bad car in bad conditions can actually be a really good thing! O’Gorman’s Speed Secret: Start with well-known limits, and then push each of them by adapting references. Follow O’Gorman here: Instagram Facebook (racing) Facebook (personal)

On this week’s episode, Scot Elkins joins me to discuss being COO of IMSA/ALMS and managing the merge with Grand-Am. He dishes all about the Motorsport Safety Foundation – the what and why of the HPDE instructor certification program “CERTIFIED,” how the safety standards are set, and why all driving instructors should get CERTIFIED. Scot is the COO of the Motorsport Safety Foundation, as well as the race director for the Formula E series. Having spent years as a race engineer, as well as a senior official with the American Le Mans and IMSA series, he has a broad perspective on the sport, from HPDE and track day events, to major international racing. Check out MSF and the CERTIFIED program here.

On this week’s Speed Secrets Podcast, Dane Cameron joins me to discuss building confidence as a race driver, how to drive a car with aerodynamic down force – how to learn to trust it and manage its traction, and the difference in driving styles between open wheel and sports cars. He also shares what it was like to get the call to drive for Roger Penske! Dane Cameron is the reigning IMSA WeatherTech champion, alongside his co-driver at Team Penske Acura, Juan Montoya. And that’s a title he’s won in the past, back in 2016, too. Oh, and also the IMSA GTD championship in 2014. And I think a Formula Mazda championship well before that, and… well, you get it. Dane wins a lot. Cameron’s speed secret: focus on the smoothness and not over-driving – build the cornering speed, corner by corner, then lap by lap. Follow Dane Cameron: IG: @danecameron19 Twitter: @danecameron19 Facebook: www.facebook.com/danecameronmotorsports  

Andrew Rains joins me on this week's episode to discuss all about data systems. We tackle how to best use your data system, the importance of understanding the "why" behind what you see on data, what data can and can't do, and more...  Andrew Rains has been going to the track since he was five, has raced in Pirelli World Challenge and club racing, is the marketing director for APEX Pro, races as often as he can, and instructs/coaches drivers of all levels.  Andrew's Speed Secret? If you have a data system, get familiar with how to use it as a tool, and how to read it.  Contact Andrew by email if you have questions about data and/or the APEX Pro: andrew@apextrackcoach.com And follow him at: Web: https://apextrackcoach.com  Facebook: @officialapexpro Instagram: @officialapexpro YouTube: APEXPro

Colin Braun, a professional race car driver with a rich history in NASCAR and IMSA, shares his insights on the delicate balance of conscious and subconscious driving. He discusses the importance of trusting one's instinct while racing and how to get into the zone. Colin emphasizes the necessity of continuous learning to avoid complacency. He also reflects on the challenges of driving techniques, highlighting the interplay between mental preparation and racing performance, making it clear that mastering the art of driving goes beyond just speed.

Dave Peters joins me to talk about the world of HPDE, driving Miatas, and where driving confidence comes from. Dave founded and runs HPDEjunkie.com, a website devoted to listing HPDE events in the U.S. (and Canada soon). It’s a great resource – and it’s free to event organizers. They just need to contact Dave and let them know of their events. So if you know of an event, or an organizer who needs more participants, make sure it’s listed on HPDEjunkie.com.  Dave’s Speed Secret: Build confidence in yourself and your car. For more info on HPDEjunkie.com, go to www.HPDEjunkie.com, or @HPDEjunkie on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Travis Okulski joins me to talk about where Road & Track is headed, his racing experience and how that’s contributed to where he is today, what makes drivers like Marco Andretti, Graham Rahal, and Colin Braun so great, and the future of motorsport – including Formula E. Travis is the Editor-in-Chief for Road & Track magazine. He started racing karts when he was 12, but realized that a career in motorsport – something he was committed to – was best achieved from behind the keyboard rather than the steering wheel. His job is one that most every gearhead would kill to have.  Travis’ Speed Secret: Eyes up. Work hard. Road & Track: Web: www.roadandtrack.comInstagram: @roadandtrack Twitter: @roadandtrackFacebook: RoadandTrack YouTube: RoadandTrack

Jim Kearney joins me to talk about what it takes to win more races, and we discuss the importance of car prep, mental prep, having triggers to get you in the right state of mind/mood, and track notes. Jim is a super-successful driver coach who raced Formula Vee himself for years before turning his attention to helping other drivers. His drivers have won multiple SCCA Runoffs championships, so he definitely knows how to help drivers win more. Jim’s Speed Secret: It’s all about self-belief. Trust the process. You can reach Jim by email at jim@kearneykdd.com, and learn more at his website at https://kearneykdd.com.  

Ryan Yard joins me to talk about everything from using motorsport to motivate you in other areas of your life to the creative puzzle that is driving faster. In our conversation, we talk about getting in flow, car setup, using music to trigger performance, dealing with problems, focus, discipline, and the benefits of journaling and note-taking. Ryan started in HPDE, quickly moved to wheel-to-wheel racing, and currently competes in SCCA and PCA events. He also leads a national championship. He’s taken his tech background and put it to good use with his racing, but most importantly, he’s used racing to motivate him to improve his health – including losing 150 pounds. Ryan’s Speed Secret: focus on the process of what you do to prepare.  Follow Ryan on his blog at www.ryracing.com