Be Differential

What does it really take to become a professional race car driver — especially if you didn’t start young?In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, host Eva Gregory sits down with Nick DeLucia, founder of Rex Racing, to break down the realities of motorsports careers, driver development, sponsorship, and sustainable racing.Nick shares how he entered motorsports later than most, why he built Rex Racing to fill a major industry gap, and what aspiring drivers actually need to succeed — beyond talent alone. From mindset and race strategy to sponsorship acquisition and financial sustainability, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the truths most drivers don’t hear.You’ll learn:What separates drivers who advance from those who plateauThe biggest misconceptions about motorsports sponsorshipHow to fund a racing career realisticallyWhy mindset, branding, and partner value matter as much as lap timesThe skills every aspiring driver should build off the trackHow to create long-term success in a competitive racing industryWhether you’re an aspiring driver, motorsports fan, or industry professional, this episode offers honest insight into what it takes to build a meaningful and sustainable career in racing.Learn More about Rex Racing on instagram at @rex_racing1

The Rolex 24 at Daytona isn’t just the season opener — it’s a reminder.In this Thursday Pitstop episode of the BeDifferential Podcast, we pause on what this year’s Rolex 24 continues to reinforce about endurance racing and the motorsports industry as a whole. Beyond the results, Daytona consistently exposes the things that matter most: preparation, adaptability, alignment, and the ability to stay disciplined when conditions change.This episode reflects on Porsche Penske’s continued success, the impact of weather and extended cautions, and why endurance racing never lets teams hide — eventually, everything you’ve prepared for shows up on track. But more importantly, it connects those lessons to the broader realities many of us are navigating right now: shifting budgets, evolving roles, long-term partnerships, and career sustainability in motorsports and automotive.From building a career to leading a team or representing a brand, endurance racing offers a powerful framework for long-term growth. It rewards consistency over flash, systems over ego, and teams over individuals.If you’re navigating a pivot, feeling stretched thin, or questioning whether steady progress still matters — this episode is your reminder that endurance thinking still wins.

What happens when the version of yourself that once felt safe no longer fits?In this deeply reflective episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, host Eva Gregory sits down with Kristen Angelica Montgomery to explore identity, reinvention, and what it truly means to begin again — especially when the timing doesn’t look “typical.”Kristen opens up about navigating major life pivots, rebuilding her sense of self, and the quiet (and sometimes uncomfortable) realization that she had outgrown a version of herself she once thought was “enough.” She shares what ultimately gave her permission to pursue racing in her mid-30s, how she learned to trust herself amid uncertainty, and the assumptions she had to unlearn about what was “out of reach” — particularly as a woman entering motorsport later in life.Together, Eva and Kristen talk candidly about stepping into a traditionally male-dominated space, the moments when simply showing up feels like a form of resistance, and the unexpected gifts that come with being new — curiosity, presence, and intuition. Kristen also reflects on how creativity and storytelling weave into her racing journey, and when she realized her voice mattered, even if it didn’t sound like anyone else’s.This conversation goes beyond racing. It’s about mental and emotional resilience, protecting your energy while chasing big dreams, redefining success in the present moment, and honoring where you are — not where you think you “should” be.If you’ve ever felt caught between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming, wondered if it’s “too late” to start something new, or needed reassurance that your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s — this episode is for you.Follow Kristen’s journey on Instagram @kristenangelica, and learn more about Foxtecca, her sponsor at https://foxxtecca.com/ Being differential isn’t about arriving; It’s about choosing yourself, again and again.

In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, we sit down with artist Samantha Zimmermann—whose hyper-realistic automotive paintings are so precise they’re often mistaken for photographs—to explore the intersection of art, engineering, and motorsport history.Growing up in a family immersed in creativity, Samantha shares how that early environment shaped both her artistic eye and her deep connection to racing. From sketching horses as a young artist to discovering a defining moment at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, we trace the path that led her to make motorsport art her life’s work.Samantha walks us through her creative process in detail—from selecting reference images to building layers of oil paint—and explains why oil became her “happy place” for storytelling and realism. We dive into the artistic decisions behind composing racing scenes filled with motion, emotion, and historical context, as well as her enduring fascination with the machines, liveries, and culture of 1970s and ’80s racing.She also reflects on creative growing pains, lessons learned the hard way, and how mentors like fellow artist Kelly Telfer helped shape her career. For emerging artists hoping to turn passion into a profession—especially in niche spaces like automotive and motorsport art—Samantha offers candid advice and encouragement.We wrap with a look at what she’s working on now, plus a fun hypothetical: if Samantha were to design her own race-car livery, what story would it tell?You can find more of Samantha’s work on Instagram at @zimmy_arts or visit her website at samanthazimmermannart.com.

In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, host, Eva Gregory shares her top lessons from nearly a decade in the automotive and motorsport industries, giving listeners a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to succeed. From managing high-pressure events, unexpected challenges, and operational chaos to building authentic, lasting brand partnerships, Eva breaks down the strategies and mindsets that have shaped her career.Listeners will gain practical insights into adaptability, communication, expectation management, and credibility — essential skills for anyone navigating operations, sponsorships, or leadership roles in automotive and motorsport. Eva also shares memorable anecdotes, including high-stakes moments that tested her problem-solving and leadership under pressure.Perfect for those already in motorsports, automotive professionals, aspiring industry leaders, and entrepreneurs, this mini episode delivers actionable lessons and inspiration for anyone looking to make an impact in fast-paced, competitive environments. Tune in to learn how preparation, honesty, and collaboration can transform challenges into opportunities — and why real-world experience matters.

What does it really look like to break into motorsports when you’re still in school and figuring it out as you go?In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, we sit down with Brooke Williams, an IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship team intern with Gradient Racing, to talk candidly about navigating the early stages of a motorsports career — without having all the answers yet.Brooke shares how she first discovered motorsports as a viable career path, how she balanced college coursework with gaining real-world experience, and the steps she took to land an internship in one of the most competitive paddocks in racing. We dive into what race weekends look like behind the scenes, the responsibilities that surprised her most, and the moments where she felt out of her depth — and what those experiences taught her.This conversation also explores the importance of asking questions in high-pressure environments, building relationships with mentors and allies, and following up after race weekends to stay connected in a fast-moving industry. Brooke reflects on what success looks like at this stage of her journey, the barriers students still face when trying to break into motorsports, and why hearing stories from people still in it matters just as much as learning from industry veterans.If you’re a student who loves racing but isn’t sure you’re “qualified enough,” this episode is for you. Brooke’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to have everything figured out — you just have to start.Because being differential isn’t about arriving fully formed — it’s about showing up, learning loudly, and growing in real time.

In this Thursday Pit Stop, we take a closer look at Route 66, America’s legendary highway, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026. Before I join The Drive Home to drive a 1967 Pontiac GTO from Tulsa, OK to Detroit, MI, we explore the history, culture, and automotive legacy of the Mother Road.From its beginnings in 1926, stretching nearly 2,500 miles across eight states, Route 66 has shaped American road trips, car culture, and small-town communities. We dive into its iconic stops, classic diners, motels, and roadside attractions — including famous spots like the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX — and examine how this road quietly documented life and mobility in a changing America.Join me as we reflect on the evolution of Route 66, its impact on the automotive world, and what it means to drive a piece of history today. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a road trip lover, or curious about the stories behind America’s highways, this episode offers fun facts, history, and perspective from behind the wheel of a classic GTO.

Few drivers have left a mark on American road racing like Tommy Kendall. A multiple-time Trans-Am champion and one of the most dominant sports-car racers of his era, Kendall joins The BeDifferential Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about what it really takes to build a lasting career in motorsport.We talk about what first pulled him into racing, the mentors who shaped his competitive mindset, and the pivotal moments that defined his path — including the legendary 11-race win streak in 1997. Tommy opens up about handling pressure at a young age, navigating injuries and setbacks, and why sports-car and Trans-Am racing always felt like home.Now a respected broadcaster and voice of the sport, Kendall also shares how motorsport culture has evolved, what excites him about the future of U.S. road racing, and how veteran voices can help make the sport more accessible to women and younger generations.Whether you’re a longtime racing fan or someone curious about how to break into motorsport, this episode offers rare perspective from someone who’s lived it — on and off the track.

Kickoff 2026 with the BeDifferential Podcast! In this special first episode of the year host, Eva Gregory reflects on the lessons, challenges, and wins from 2025 while giving a glimpse into what’s ahead. She introduces the Thursday Pit Stop, a new mini-episode series designed to share quick insights, reflections, and behind-the-scenes lessons from her decade in the automotive and motorsport world. From career takeaways to personal reflections, this episode sets the tone for a year of growth, curiosity, and action. Here’s to a year of BEing Differential.

In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, we sit down with Chelsea Giffin—Motorsport Business Professional, IMSA paddock veteran, Team Manager, performance driving coach, and pastry chef (yes, really!)—for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at life inside professional sports car racing.Chelsea shares how she broke into the motorsport world and climbed her way through roles such as fueller, tire technician, spotter, and team manager, revealing which roles pushed her the most and what a race-weekend “day in the life” actually looks like.We explore the realities of leading a team under pressure, managing logistics and personalities, and mentoring the next generation entering IMSA and North American motorsports. Chelsea offers invaluable advice for young people trying to enter the paddock—and candid insights into what separates the high-performing teams from those that struggle.Beyond the racetrack, Chelsea opens up about her entrepreneurial projects, micro-bakery, coaching background, and how creativity and business ownership unexpectedly complement the intensity of motorsport life. We also discuss work–life balance, burnout, passion, and the importance of building spaces where more women and diverse talent feel welcome in paddock operations.We close with her thoughts on the future of IMSA, industry trends that excite her most, and where she sees opportunities for innovation behind the scenes.Whether you're dreaming of working in motorsports, fascinated by team operations, or passionate about uplifting new voices in racing, this conversation is filled with real stories, practical insights, and inspiration from someone who’s lived every angle of the paddock.

From karting in Australia to competing across Europe, GT racing, and the W Series, Caitlin Wood has built a career defined by courage, adaptability, and determination. In this episode, she shares the pivotal moments that shaped her path, the challenges of moving between racing categories, and the lessons learned through both pressure and perseverance.We also explore her work as a mentor and role model, the importance of STEM in motorsport, and how she uses storytelling and media to make the sport more accessible. Caitlin opens up about misconceptions in racing, the future trends that excite her, and what being “different” truly means in a sport that demands constant evolution.

Go behind the pit wall with Anja Kempermann, Team Coordinator at Porsche Penske Motorsport, whose nearly 30-year career in motorsport has been defined by precision, teamwork, and adaptability. From coordinating global logistics to managing the rhythm of race week, Anja offers a rare glimpse into what it takes to keep one of racing’s most iconic teams performing at its peak.She shares how she fosters a supportive, positive, and efficient atmosphere across the team, what it takes to stay composed under pressure, and how the world of motorsport operations continues to evolve. Through her experience, Anja reflects on building a lasting career as a woman in racing—and how resilience and calm in chaos keep a team moving forward on and off the track.

In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, we sit down with Dillon Shelburn, whose journey through motorsport and the automotive industry is a story of passion, persistence, and evolution. From growing up near Road Atlanta and cutting his teeth in go-karts to launching his own parts-hauling business in his early twenties, Dillon has always had his hands — and heart — in motion. We talk about what it takes to turn a love for cars into a career, his time at Hagerty, and how that path led him to Merit Partners, where he now works closely with some of the world’s most exclusive collectors and rare vehicles. Dillon also shares his perspective on emerging industry trends, the future of EVs and digital marketplaces, and what truly defines success in the evolving car world. Plus, we go under the hood to talk shop, identifying the one car he wishes he could bring back to life. Whether you’re a racer, collector, or simply someone who loves a good car story, this conversation is a reminder that passion and purpose are often found on the same road.

ABB E-mobility’s Rebecca Vollmann sits at the intersection of innovation and accessibility — engineering the future of public charging while helping shape the next generation of STEM leaders.In this episode, Rebecca joins The BeDifferential Podcast to share how her unconventional path into engineering began with limited access to STEM education, and how that experience fuels her mission to make the field more inclusive. She opens up about mentorship through SAE, the lessons learned from bridging technology and people, and what excites her most about the future of electric mobility.From redefining car culture to rethinking how we build opportunity, Rebecca’s story reminds us that the most powerful connections — whether electric or human — are the ones that keep us all moving forward.

For Alex Massey, restoration isn’t just about rebuilding vehicles — it’s about honoring the stories they carry. From his beginnings in Queensland, Australia, to establishing CKD Shop in the UK, Alex has devoted his craft to preserving the spirit of early Land Rovers and the people who shaped them. In this conversation, he shares how CKD began, what makes these vehicles so enduring, and why the heart of preservation lies in both engineering and empathy.

What really happens behind the scenes at a professional racing team? Kristina Giovanis, Director of Operations at Team TGM, joins Be Differential to demystify the inner workings of race weekend logistics, team culture, and strategic leadership. From balancing the family-oriented spirit of Team TGM to carving out her voice in a high-stakes role, Kristina reveals how operational excellence is as crucial as horsepower on the track.Learn more about Team TGM here: https://www.teamtgm.com

For Ted Giovanis, progress on the racetrack and in the lab share the same DNA: data, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. As the owner of Team TGM and founder of the Giovanis Institute for Translational Cell Biology, Ted reveals how lessons from motorsport—precision, adaptability, and collaboration—fuel advancements in medical research. In this episode, he shares his approach to balancing passion and performance, the parallels between engineering and scientific innovation, and why curiosity remains the driving force behind both competition and discovery.Learn more: https://www.teamtgm.com/

In this episode of BeDifferential, we sit down with Gail Longstreth—automotive content creator, style curator, and the voice behind @gailsgarage296. Gail opens up about what first sparked her passion for cars and how that led to launching a platform that blends car spotting, personal style, and community storytelling.We trace her journey from a past career into the fast lane of social media influence, dig into what makes New Haven’s car scene so magnetic, and hear how partnerships like her collaboration with Cars & Bids came to life. Gail shares the high points and hard lessons from growing a 30K+ following, how she stays creative even during slow seasons, and what’s next for Gail’s Garage—from new content formats to dream cities to explore.This episode is about more than just cars—it’s about purpose, perspective, and how authentic passion can build unexpected bridges.

Torsten Gross is proof that limits are meant to be redefined. After a life-changing accident at 15, he refused to let circumstances dictate his story. Today, he’s a competitive adaptive racer, marketing executive, and co-founder of the Just Hands Foundation, where he’s opening doors for adaptive athletes in motorsport. He also happens to be the world’s only quadriplegic Rescue Scuba Diver and has completed 12 marathons in 12 months.In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, Torsten shares how adventure and resilience shaped his life, the adaptations that make racing at the highest level possible, and why he believes “everyone has a wheelchair.” We also dive into the barriers adaptive athletes face, the progress being made in motorsport, and the impact Just Hands is having on the racing community.Whether on track, in the water, or crossing a marathon finish line, Torsten’s story is about more than competition — it’s about resilience, reinvention, and breaking barriers.Learn more about the Just Hands Foundation at https://www.justhands.org/Learn more about Torsten's journey at https://www.torstengross.com/

At just 18 years old, Jordan DaCosta is already making his mark in drag racing. From earning his NHRA license in only three days to clocking a blistering 7.75-second quarter mile, Jordan’s journey is fueled by speed, determination, and resilience.In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, Jordan shares his earliest racing memories, why drag racing became his passion, and the mindset it takes to compete under pressure. He also opens up about securing 20+ sponsorships before turning 20, balancing life on and off the track, and the legacy he hopes to leave in the sport.Follow Jordan’s journey on Instagram: @jordandacostaracingFor more information and to explore other inspiring episodes, visit bedifferentialpodcast.comWhether you’re chasing a career in motorsport or just curious what it takes to rise fast in racing, Jordan’s story offers insight, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of drag racing’s brightest young talents.