Speed Secrets Podcast

Kostas Sidiras & Serxio Veiga join me to talk about… well, anything they want. These guys are so much fun – and we even learn something from them! We talk about driving the Nurburgring, Spa, Mosport, Ring Bananas, Fiat Multiplas, and Porsche GT3s. More importantly, we talk about why we do what we do, and what car people are really like (hint: they might not be normal). Kostas and Serxio (and friends) have a fun YouTube channel called One Lap Heroes, and both work at RSRNurburg and RSRSpa as instructors. Not surprisingly, they are hardcore car people – who love to have fun! You absolutely must watch their One Lap Heroes YouTube videos. Kostas’ Speed Secret: don’t be afraid to be slow and make mistakes. Learn from it. Serxio’s Speed Secret: never stop learning.  If you’re interested in joining our trip to the Nurburging in August, check out the info at https://SpeedSecrets.com/Ring. Follow: YouTube: OneLapHeroes RSRNurburg: www.rsrnurburg.com    

Lawrence Loshak, a leading contender in the Trans-Am championship and five-time SCCA champion, shares invaluable insights from his racing journey. He discusses the essential role of preparation and the impact of simulators on performance. Listeners will learn about advanced braking techniques like trail and left-foot braking, and the art of adapting to different car types. Lawrence also reveals his three Speed Secrets for aspiring racers, emphasizing strategy, careful planning, and the right mindset for success on the track.

James Colborn, a comeback racing driver, talks about his return to racing in open-wheel cars on unfamiliar tracks. They discuss the challenges of racing in the UK, the excitement of Formula Ford, and the importance of data analysis and confidence in improving lap times. They also explore the Race Voice device for real-time instructions and discuss the influence of minimum speed and gear changes on performance. Lastly, they highlight the benefits of combining data with video in driving analysis.

Kevin Boehm, who’s won the SCCA Runoff three times, shares what he’s learned so you can win the Runoffs. Yes, he’s sharing his secrets - from driving and car prep to his overall strategy towards the event, you’ll hear how Kevin has won three out of the four of the Runoffs he’s raced. Kevin is an engineer for Honda R&D, working at the Marysville, Ohio facility, and has raced in SCCA as well as IMSA. In 2019, he’ll be heading to VIR, looking to gather his fourth win at the Runoffs – so look out! Kevin’s Speed Secret: do your homework. Follow Kevin at: Web: www.KevinBoehm.co Instagram: @kevinboehm Facebook: www.facebook.com/kevin.boehm.716 Twitter: @KBoehm_Racing

Jim Mero joins me to talk about the Corvette, his contributions to its development over the past decade-plus, life as a development test driver, lapping the Nurburgring as part of one’s job, and what’s ahead for Corvette. Two things that came out of our conversation that I found especially fascinating was his explanation of “linear versus non-linear driving,” and how test drivers rely on their subconscious to drive the car while the conscious mind is focused on developing the car.  Jim spent 34 years at General Motors, with the last 15 as a Ride & Handling Engineer focused on the Corvette. No doubt, today’s Vette is a direct result of Jim’s engineering and test driving. He retired from GM in September of 2018, and now has his own consulting business, Jim Mero Vehicle Dynamics LLC. Jim’s Speed Secret(s): “Get a go-kart. Driving is a process. Your best friend is your instructor and the laps you drive. Data will set you free.”  For more info about Jim… Web: http://jimmero.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimmerovehicledynamics/ Email: jim@jimmero.com I also mentioned the online Chalktalk I’m doing on May 14, 2019. Yes, it’s free, but to reserve your spot or join in, go to TrackAttack.io/SSChalktalk.

Bill Thomas joins me to talk about… well, lots! All of the various things he does, including his William Thomas Roadsters, Drakan Cars, Performance Garage Club, and importing the CAV GT40. Bill shares his experiences with Ferrari, Lotus, GT40s, and Hellcats. Oh, and we talk about his own track driving experience - specifically, about when and how to experiment with your driving, and why you should do that. Follow: Bill is the/a owner of: William Thomas Roadsters,LLC Drakan Cars East, LLC Performance Garage Club, LLC GT International, LLC (US Importer for the CAV GT40) He can be reached at: www.wtroadsters.com www.drakancarseast.com www.performancegarageclub.com www.gt40usa.com Phone: 908-313-4482  

Steve Spano joins me to talk about how we can use technology to drive faster, and specifically, the RaceVoice device he helped develop. This device plugs into your existing ECU and data system, and then provides auditory information to you – everything from corner entry and minimum speeds to when to upshift or whether your engine is overheating. I used the RaceVoice recently and absolutely love it, so I wanted you to learn about it. After this podcast was recorded, I asked Steve for a discount for listeners, and got a “yes.” So, to get a 10% discount on a RaceVoice unit, use the code “speedsecrets” at www.RaceVoice.com. Steve’s Speed Secret: “Imagine doing what you’re working on with great detail, then go do it.” For more information about RaceVoice, go to www.RaceVoice.com.

Ingrid Steffensen is on the show today, and we talk about expanding our comfort zone, getting into flow, what we learn about ourselves from track driving, writing, learning, and her book Fast Girl: Don’t Brake Until You See the Face of God. Which, by the way, is an absolutely great read! Ingrid started in the HPDE world in a Mini Cooper S, graduated to a Lotus Elise, and is now about to upgrade to an Exige Cup car. She also instructs, both in-car and in the classroom. When she’s not at the track, she’s probably writing her next book – or even another article for Speed Secrets Weekly. Ingrid’s Speed Secret: Look further ahead. Follow: Web: http://www.ingridsteffensen.com    

Johannes van Overbeek and I reminisce about the time we spent together at ESM Patron Racing, and he gives away all of his secrets about winning endurance races. We then compare right-foot with left-foot-braking, how a driver can be a nice laid back guy out of the car and yet be a killer behind the wheel, and why he recently retired from regular race driving. Johannes has won the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the Sebring 12-hour, Petit Le Mans, raced at Le Mans, and won the Thunderhill 25-hour race six times! He knows how to win endurance races...actually, just about any type of racing. He’s driven for ESM Patron Racing, the Flying Lizards, and factory Porsche and BMW teams. Johannes’ Speed Secret: Unclutter your brain. Follow Johannes: Instagram: @johannesvanoverbeek  

Johannes van Overbeek, an experienced endurance race winner, shares his secrets to winning endurance races. They discuss the differences between left foot braking and right foot braking in racing. They also explore the importance of small details in endurance racing such as fuel mileage and being aware of yellow flags. They share their favorite wins and memorable races. Finally, they emphasize the importance of uncluttering your mind and mental preparation for success in endurance racing.