Cold Start

Have you ever wondered what type of car enthusiast puts their fun car online for strangers to borrow? Todd and Sylas look to answer that question as they explore the online world of Turo rentals. What they found was way more than they bargained for, as the descriptions for fun enthusiast cars all seemed to be weirdly grandiose and heavy-handed. Come along for the journey as we survey the odd landscape of how "car enthusiasts" describe their cars to potential renters. Listener warning: some of these are hard to listen to; you have been warned. Cold Start Hint:  A G16, or an 8GC   Answer to Episode 39: Jim Russell F3 Racecar

"Track Days Are the Best Days"® is the official trademark and slogan of Flying Husky Racing, a group we assembled for the first time back in 2020, when going to drive at the racetrack was one of only the activities we were able to do under the heavy restrictions imposed by COVID. This group of track drivers and car nerds evolved into a club of automotive enthusiasts, bringing together elements from racing, track days, car meets, and totally unrelated events to share epic experiences together. This is the story about how we brought world-class driving coaches, programmed themed days on track, a fleet of open wheel racecars to share and spread capability, and a great group of people committed to doing good while having fun, all to make the recipe that make "FHR" events unlike any other track days around. Enjoy this discussion where Sylas and Todd get into the details of how it worked and what makes it all so special.  Cold Start Hint: FHR's not-a-rental-car rental car   Answer to Episode 39:  1985 Chevy Cavalier

There are two different kinds of "first cars" for the car enthusiast: there is the car that was legitimately the first one you had when you freshly turned 16, and then there's the first car that shapes your journey in the automotive community. Todd and Sylas tell the stories of their first cars, and relive what it was like being young car enthusiasts -- and how their early choices may have shaped their taste in cars. Who doesn't love a good story time? Cold Start Hint: It'll get you point A to point B, maybe...   Answer to Episode 38:  Hans Zimmer's BMW M IconicSounds Electric Vehicle

With the growing popularity of cars in pop culture, is the car community going too mainstream? Are cars and motorsports becoming over-popularized? If you ask us, it is quite apparent that car culture and interest in all things automotive has changed dramatically over the last 5-10 years -- and many people are just connecting with that culture as part of the latest fashion trends. However, just like any trend, things becomes more popular... until they don't, and then what's left for the true hardcore fans? The guys discuss and debate some of the warning signs that signal we may be starting to experience the downfall of car culture and the car community as we know it. What does the correction look like where millions of current followers decide to shift their attention elsewhere? While we think there is reason to be optimistic about the future of our hobby and passion, it's a reserved and cautious optimism. Learn more from Sylas and Todd about the nuances of what's happening with cars on a macro level, and how we as fans can remain dedicated to an area that's changing all around us. Cold Start Hint: A film composer's design for the future of cars   Answer to Episode 37:  Porsche 997.1 GT3

Some may think that going on a drive is a fairly simple task that we do every day to get from point A to point B – but there is a fine art to a successful spirited drive, especially when it includes a handful of your buddies. The guys cover some of the basics of how to put on a successful group drive, and what details are often overlooked. With just a little extra attention to detail, you can turn your next fun drive from a good time to a memorable experience. Cold Start Hint: An analog choice for a spirited drive   Answer to Episode 36 Cold Start: 2019 Toro Rosso STR14

Todd and Sylas finally attend their first Formula 1 race, making the trip out to Austin, Texas, to experience the 2025 United States Grand Prix. Hear what it's like to actually see F1 in person, and whether it's really as breathtaking and life changing as people say. How does the F1 experience compare to seeing a NASCAR or IndyCar race? Have we finally made an F1 fan out of Sylas? Cold Start Hint:  Moose Craft Hot Dogs and Italian design   Answer to Episode 35 Cold Start: Porsche 991 GT2RS Weissach

What is the ultimate GT car? The Porsche 991-era GT2RS makes a compelling argument as one of the all time great Grand Touring street cars, not to mention being a more-than-capable track day machine. And it's not all about the fastest 0-60 times (though it'll compete quite admirably in that arena, as the fastest and most powerful road-going Porsche 911). Join Sylas and Todd on a drive to explore this powerful sportcar, complete with its twin turbo soundtrack, departing from Sonoma Raceway to the beautiful Northern California coastal destination of Point Reyes National Seashore. Powerful ocean waves, meet Porsche power on tap. Cold Start Hint: Lighter than usual, because Weissach made it that way   Answer to Episode 34 Cold Start: 2025 Cadillac Escalade V

If you have ever wondered what it takes to drive like James Bond and escape the bad guys, the harsh reality of what it actually means to drive like private security may surprise you. Even though the job of a private security guard may seem like an action packed job, the truth of what it means to be a good driver is a lot more about proper technique and consistency. Sylas shares his insight of working as a chief instructor for security driver trainings and reveals how much overlap there is between racing and security driving, where there are differences, and what sort of mindset it takes to be successful in the executive protection and security industry.  Cold Start Hint: Cool Soccer Practice Car   Answer to Episode 33 Cold Start: 410 Winged Sprint Car

What may be the last true form of motorsports in America, Sprint Car racing is overlooked by so many motorsport fans. Todd watched his first Sprint Car race as they returned to Calistoga Speedway in Napa County, California. Blown away by the spectacle, Todd and Sylas dive deeper into the history of Sprint Cars and how they became such a popular way to get into racing. Keeping its raw grassroots style throughout the years, Sprint Car racing is something every motorsport fan needs to experience once in their life. Cold Start Hint: Can you tell if its a 410 or a 360?   Answer to Episode 32 Cold Start: 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Who would pass on the opportunity to street drive the world's great analog supercar? The guys take the Porsche Carrera GT out for a nice drive in Wine Country and talk about all the things that make it the pinnacle of the analog car experience -- as well as touching on the things that make it scary and intimidating to drive on public roads. The road noise is a little louder in this episode, but what do you expect from a carbon fiber monocoque racecar for the street? Sound deadening would have just added weight.  Cold Start Hint: Descendant of an F1 car and an LMP car, with a V10   Answer to Episode 31 Cold Start: 1957 BMW 507

On today's episode, Todd and Sylas talk about a Seattle Car Show that potentially outclasses The Quail. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, is an annual car show during Monterey Car Week, known for its unbelievable car lineups, beautiful backdrop, and high class amenities -- but what if we told you that a show just popped up in the Pacific Northwest that may rival its exclusivity and aura? Chapter One was an event put on by the same team that hosts Northwest Exotics at Carillon Point in Kirkland, WA, and they turned every dial to 11. Listen to hear Todd and Sylas's experience of attending this incredible event, and why it may be the newest must-attend event for diehard car enthusiasts. Cold Start Hint: Only 252 ever made, all hand built   Answer to Episode 30 Cold Start: 410 Sprint Car (on Dirt)

Tim Barber, an infamous name within the NorCal racing scene, joins the show on today's episode to share his stories of racing up the ranks with sights set on IndyCar and what it took to make it full time in Sprint Car Racing. He also gives his blunt insights on working within the motorsport industry and getting into motorsports as a whole. The hard truth is difficult for a lot of us to hear but Tim has made a career out of giving it how it is, and becoming a motorsport therapist to many.  Cold Start Hint: Stand back or you might get hit by a dirt clod   Answer to Episode 29 Cold Start: BMW E39 M5

The guys hit the road once again, bringing the newly acquired BMW E39 M5 on a short drive around Sonoma County. Listen as Todd and Sylas give their opinions on the driving experience as well as talking about the charm of early 2000's BMWs -- and how the brand has deviated since. Is the E39 M5 the pinnacle of M5's? How does the M5 really fit into the BMW M lineup? Find out the answers to these questions and more on this episode. Cold Start Hint: Manual transmission was standard, no other option offered   Answer to Episode 28 Cold Start: 1989 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9L

After their weekend in Monterey for the historics races at Laguna Seca, the Cold Start team goes on the road once again, visiting the Pacific Northwest to attend the Northwest Exotics car show -- and they bring the Toro Rosso F1 car with them! On this episode, Todd and Sylas bring Cold Start live to the event, where they walk around giving their thoughts of the show and sharing what cars caught their eyes. It's just like being there amidst this stellar collection of automotive history. Cold Start Hint: Small and French   Answer to Episode 27 Cold Start: 1989 Mazda 767B prototype

After their trip to the 2025 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca, Todd and Sylas give you their impressions of the sights and sounds of what is quite possibly one of the best vintage racing events in the world. From seeing all seven generations of IROC racing on the track at the same time to Zak Brown almost writing off an invaluable piece of motorsport history, Car Week in Monterey is always an unforgettable experience for any car enthusiast. Cold Start Hint: Angry Dorito    Answer to Episode 26 Cold Start: 2019 Toro Rosso STR14 Formula 1

This episode tells the incredible story of how a 2019 Formula 1 car found itself in private hands, and not just any F1, but the Toro Rosso STR14 that got Pierre Gasly his first podium at the Brazilian GP. The car was also driven by Alex Albon in the first half of the 2019 season, including to a 6th place finish at the German Grand Prix, before he was promoted to team Red Bull and Gasly demoted. On top of covering the racecar's incredible history, Todd and Sylas also cover the logistics of transporting an invaluable piece of history from Europe to America, as well as, the experience of owning the newest F1 in private hands.   Cold Start Hint: Well when it had an engine, it sounded like this...   Answer to Episode 25 Cold Start: Ferrari 488 Pista

"Up to Temp" is our newest segment on Cold Start, where we take you along on a drive in cars that are worthy of deeper exploration. In our premiere "Up to Temp" episode, Todd and Sylas get out on the road, offering their insight into the behind-the-wheel experience and road-going qualities of the 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista. The Pista is Ferrari's "track-oriented" version of the 488 platform, built to achieve a fine balance of Ferrari luxury and the sport dynamics of a track vehicle for the street. Did the ragazzi from Maranello, Italy, hit the mark? Or could it have been executed better? For a special bonus, we offer you a little Ferrari ASMR. Mamma mia! Cold Start Hint: 2 turbos and sinuous lines... Che bella! 🤌    Answer to Episode 24 Cold Start: 2003 BMW E39 M5

After a long search, Todd achieves off a longstanding dream acquisition: a 2003 BMW E39 M5 (as featured in our Todd's 2015 Dream Garage episode). Sylas, our resident BMW expert and enthusiast, couldn't be more pleased! This was a team effort -- a rollercoaster story of ups and downs and false starts, finally realized thanks to everyone's most talked about auction platform: Bring a Trailer. But did BaT help to deliver on extremely heightened expectations, or did it result in a regretted purchase? Learn about our journey, and what yours might look like if you ever thought about, or have experienced, buying a car online, sight unseen.  Cold Start Hint: It's got 8 ITBs and an S62 Answer to Episode 23 Cold Start: 1973 Porsche RSR 3.0 IROC

Wouldn't you want to know who would be the best driver in the world out of all disciplines: F1, IndyCar, NASCAR, IMSA, WEC, etc? Well there used to be a series to find out just that. IROC, the International Race Of Champions, was a 4 race shoot out that would put the best of the best from all forms of motorsport against one another on equal footing, to determine who was the best driver in the world. Todd and Sylas talk about the history of the incredible series and its very colorful racecars. They also touch on the demise of the series, where the cars are now, and what a IROC 2025 could potentially look like if they were given the reins.  Cold Start Hint: Three liters and a boxy air dam on this racing sports car   Answer to Episode 22 Cold Start: 1967 Porsche 910 prototype racecar

On this week's episode, Huffaker Motorsports Crew Chief, Gary Rubio, joins the show to share his journey in motorsports from being a racer in Indy Lights to becoming a crew chief for teams in IMSA, SRO, and vintage racing. He helps to answer the question of what makes motorsports such an addictive industry, and what it took to climb the ranks of open wheel racing in the late 1980's. What do motorsports legends Wally Parks, Chip Ganassi, Danny Sullivan, Roger Penske, Carl Haas, Jeff and Mario Andretti, Juan Fangio III, Paul Tracy, Tony George, Dale Coyne, and Johnny O'Connell all have in common? Gary Rubio!   Cold Start Hint: German racecar, 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-[this]-[and this]   Answer to Episode 21 Cold Start:  Super Comp dragster