The Creative Drive Audio Podcast

Fresh off her monumental win of the 2025 Women in Motorsports MX-5 Cup Scholarship, 19-year-old Charlotte Traynor joins The Creative Drive podcast from the PRI Show! Charlotte opens up about her unconventional journey into racing—from a family of pilots to a competitive gymnast—and the moment she knew a race car was her calling. She details how a chance encounter led her to the Mazda MX-5 Cup, a highly competitive and strategic series under the IMSA banner. This episode dives into: - What the $100,000 scholarship means for her 2026 season in the Mazda MX-5 Cup. - Dealing with the pressure of racing, battling imposter syndrome, and finding resilience after hearing from trailblazers like Lynn St. James. - Her dedication to intense physical training in the Arizona heat and professional sim racing to achieve her ultimate goal of racing a prototype car in the WeatherTech Championship. - Why she is committed to sharing her real, unvarnished story with fans to break the "robot" race car driver mold and inspire the next generation. - Her drive to become the first female driver to win a Mazda MX-5 Cup race. Follow Charlotte Traynor's journey: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlottetraynor_ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlottetraynor37 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charlottetraynor_ To learn more about Mazda: https://bit.ly/4ax7TrK #racer #podcast #creativedrive #mazda #mx5cup #motorsport #autoracing #charlottetraynor #tarokoki

Join us on Creative Drive as we sit down with Shea Holbrook, owner of BSI Racing and star of the Amazon series First to the Finish. Shea opens up about the raw, behind-the-scenes reality of professional motorsports, the challenges and rewards of being a female team owner, and the journey of creating a team that develops the next generation of talent. From her surprise call to Daytona to candid moments in the MX-5 Cup paddock, Shea shares how grit, authenticity, and perseverance have shaped her career—and how those same principles guide her mentorship of young drivers. In this episode, you’ll learn: - How Shea got involved in the Amazon series and the real story behind the cameras - The importance of authenticity in racing and in life - What it takes to succeed as a female team owner - Insights into driver development and the MX-5 Cup racing scene - The personal philosophy that drives Shea’s creation of BSI Racing To learn more about Mazda: https://bit.ly/49b0DQ3 - Follow BSI Racing: https://www.instagram.com/bsi_racing/ - Follow Shea Holbrook: https://www.instagram.com/sheaholbrook/ #racer #podcast #creativedrive #mazda #mx5cup #motorsport #autoracing #sheaholbrook #tarokoki

Stuntwoman. Drifter. Formula DRIFT Prospe competitor. Content creator. Zandara Zee Kennedy has done it all—and she’s just getting started. From jumping off buildings in blockbuster movies like Deadpool and X-Men to mastering precision drifting on tracks across North America, Zee shares her journey of taking risks, chasing her passion, and building a career in stunts and motorsports. In this episode of Creative Drive, we dive into: How Zandara turned stunt work into a career in drifting The realities of racing, car builds, and self-funded adventures Lessons learned from Formula DRIFT and working in the film industry Her passion project combining travel, cars, and culture Tips for women breaking into motorsports and stunts If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to live life on the edge—on set or behind the wheel—this is your front-row seat. Follow  Zee Kennedy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeedrives/ https://offers.racer.com/subscribe for RACER+ and magazine offer! Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQ Follow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts   Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/ Follow RACER Network on IG:   https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network   Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/ 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow car enthusiasts. #Zeedrive #RACER #stuntwomen #formuladrift #drifting #CreativeDrivePodcast  #CarCulture

Host Taro Koki from the Creative Drive sits down with creative polymath Rod Chong — filmmaker, agency leader, ex-Need for Speed creative director, and partner at Race Service — for a deep, inspiring conversation on creativity, AI, motorsports, and building world-class teams. Rod shares the story of his winding creative journey: from art school to music videos, into video-game culture, to launching the globally influential Speedhunters, and now shaping the future of automotive culture at Race Service. - Why not giving the answer makes teams stronger - How Race Service built its “creative squad” model - The power of authentic community in the car world - The coming wave of AI disruption — and why humans still matter more than ever - The future of motorsport entertainment and augmented reality - The shrinking gap between sim racing and real-world driving - How creatives can stay inspired and avoid burnout - The skills young (and stalled) creatives really need today If you’re a creator, filmmaker, motorsport fan, or someone navigating the fast-changing world of AI and culture — this one is for you. Rod Chong is the former Creative Director for Need for Speed, founder of Speedhunters, and now Partner & Chief Creative Officer at Race Service, where he blends automotive culture with art, fashion, film, and technology. He’s worked with Ferrari F1, Porsche, AMG, McLaren, Michelin, and more. https://offers.racer.com/subscribe for RACER+ and magazine offer! Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQ Follow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/ Follow RACER Network on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/ 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow car enthusiasts. #RACERCreatorAwards #RACER #RACESERVICE #CreativeDrivePodcast #CarCulture

Learn more: awards.racer.com  https://offers.racer.com/subscribe for RACER+ and magazine offer! The Creative Drive Podcast: Inside the F1 Movie with Erich Joiner — Racing, Filmmaking & Coffee Culture** On this episode of *The Creative Drive*, we sit down with **Erich Joiner** — acclaimed commercial director, race car driver, car collector, and founder of Goodboybob Coffee — for an incredible conversation that bridges **motorsports, Hollywood, and creativity**. Erich shares the *untold behind-the-scenes story* of working on the new **Formula 1 movie** with **Brad Pitt**, **Lewis Hamilton**, and **director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick)**. From building and driving an **LMP1 Le Mans car converted into a camera car** to filming during real Formula 1 races at Silverstone and IMSA races at Daytona, Erich reveals how they captured the most realistic racing footage ever put on screen — and what it was like working under tight FIA windows with hundreds of thousands of fans watching. We also dive into his creative journey — from directing iconic car commercials to turning his love of coffee into an award-winning global brand. If you’re passionate about filmmaking, motorsports, or the creative process behind big ideas, this episode is a must-listen. 🎙️ **In this episode:** * How Erich Joiner helped shoot the Brad Pitt F1 movie * Building a 235-mph LMP1 camera car for real racing scenes * Working with Mario Andretti, Lewis Hamilton, and Jerry Bruckheimer * How the FIA gave Hollywood 11-minute windows to film at live F1 events * The art of blending real racing with cinematic storytelling * From director to coffee entrepreneur: the story of GoodboyBob Coffee 🚗 *The Creative Drive* is presented by **RACER** — the home of motorsports culture, creators, and innovation. 👉 **Subscribe** to The Creative Drive for more conversations with the most creative minds in automotive, motorsport, and media. 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. #CreativeDrive #RACER #ErichJoiner #BradPittF1Movie #Formula1 #Filmmaking #Motorsport #JosephKosinski #JerryBruckheimer #CarCulture #BehindTheScenes

Auto shows are evolving — and the LA Auto Show might be leading the charge. In this episode, we sit down with David Fortin, VP of Marketing for the LA Auto Show and Automobility LA, to talk about why the RACER Creator Awards is a perfect fit for the LA Auto Show and how car culture is shifting from static displays to full-blown cultural experiences. From influencer collaborations and immersive experiences to live content and creator partnerships, this is where cars meet culture — and where the next generation of fans and brands connect. 🏁 Learn more: awards.racer.com  https://offers.racer.com/subscribe for RACER+ and magazine offer! Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQ Follow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts   Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/ Follow RACER Network on IG:   https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network   Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/ 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow car enthusiasts. #RACERCreatorAwards #LAAutoShow #CreativeDrivePodcast #Racer #AutoMobilityLA #CarCulture

Rock crawling champion, Monster Jam driver, and YouTube host Nicole Johnson has done it all — literally. She’s flipped, caught fire, and driven off 12-foot cliffs, all in pursuit of mastering every machine she can get her hands on. In this episode of Creative Drive, Nicole joins host Taro Koki to talk about her fearless off-road career, the transition from competition to content creation, and her hit YouTube series https://www.youtube.com/@NicoleJohnsonsDetour. They dive into what it takes to stay authentic, creative, and driven in today’s digital world. How Nicole’s insane off-road skills translate to storytelling on YouTube The real mechanics (and mindset) behind rock crawling Why she believes in driving everything https://offers.racer.com/subscribe for RACER+ and magazine offer! Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQ Follow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts   Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/ Follow RACER Network on IG:   https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network   Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/ 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow car enthusiasts. #NicoleJohnson  #MonsterJam  #CreativeDrivePodcast  #Racer  #OffRoad  #WomenInMotorsport  #CarCulture

Dustin Williams is one of the most recognized creators in the JDM and automotive scene, but his story starts far from Tokyo’s mountains and Fuji Speedway. From growing up in Mississippi and considering a career in law enforcement, to taking the leap into content creation and eventually building his dream R34 GT-R in Japan, Dustin’s journey is all about passion, persistence, and chasing what feels impossible. In this episode of The Creative Drive, host Taro Koki sits down with Dustin to talk about: His early influences from Fast & Furious and Japanese car culture The risks of leaving a stable career path to pursue YouTube full time Building cars at legendary Japanese tuning shops like Midori Seibi Competing in motorsports, from Time Attack to One Lap of America Growing Legends Media and the business side of being a creator The responsibility of influence and advice for the next generation of car YouTubers Whether you’re into drifting, time attack, or just dream of owning a JDM icon, Dustin’s story proves you’re always one video away from changing your life. Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQ Follow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts   Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/ Follow RACER Network on IG:   https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network   Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/ 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow car enthusiasts. #CreativeDrive #DustinWilliams #JDM #CarCulture #Motorsport

From the underground streets of SoCal to the global stage, RJ de Vera has been at the heart of tuner culture’s biggest moments. In this episode of The Creative Drive, we dive into his journey from shaping Super Street magazine, to consulting on the original Fast & Furious, to influencing the industry at SEMA and Meguiar’s. RJ shares untold stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and how tuner culture went mainstream. This conversation is packed with history, strategy, and inspiration from one of the scene’s true pioneers. 0:00 Cold Opening RJ de Vera 0:02:00 RJ and Taro met as RJ was coming off of consulting for The Fast and the Furious? 0:02:50 RACER+ Promotion 0:09:50 No one expected The Fast and the Furious to be the franchise it became 0:11:45 Consulting for brands like American Racing and building Roja Motorsports wheels 0:13:30 First sponsorship from Acura to go racing 0:15:50 Old school racing. We figured it out by blowing up stuff 0:19:00 RJ helped Dai Yoshihara when he was just started out in the US 0:22:00 Consulting for Valvoline and becoming an influencer 0:26:00 How did Keiichi Tsushiya got involved with Drifting 101 Valvoline 0:33:30 Transitioning to a corporate job at Meguires 0:40:00 YouTube, brand deals and being an early brand ambassador 0:44:00 Racecar drivers leveraging social media  0:45:00 How RJ became VP of Marketing at SEMA 0:51:00 SEMA's legislative work 01:05:35 Rapid Fire with RJ de Vera Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the people driving car culture forward. Follow RJ here! https://www.instagram.com/rj_devera/ Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQ Follow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts   Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/ Follow RACER Network on IG:   https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network   Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/ 🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. #CreativeDrive #CarCulture #AutomotivePodcast #fastandfurious #rjdevera #sema #paulwalker #drifting #influencer

From the underground streets of SoCal to the global stage, RJ de Vera has been at the heart of tuner culture’s biggest moments. In this episode of The Creative Drive, we dive into his journey from shaping Super Street magazine, to consulting on the original Fast & Furious, to influencing the industry at SEMA and Meguiar’s. RJ shares untold stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and how tuner culture went mainstream. This conversation is packed with history, strategy, and inspiration from one of the scene’s true pioneers. 0:00 Cold Opening RJ de Vera 0:02:00 RJ and Taro met as RJ was coming off of consulting for The Fast and the Furious? 0:02:50 RACER+ Promotion 0:09:50 No one expected The Fast and the Furious to be the franchise it became 0:11:45 Consulting for brands like American Racing and building Roja Motorsports wheels 0:13:30 First sponsorship from Acura to go racing 0:15:50 Old school racing. We figured it out by blowing up stuff 0:19:00 RJ helped Dai Yoshihara when he was just started out in the US 0:22:00 Consulting for Valvoline and becoming an influencer 0:26:00 How did Keiichi Tsushiya got involved with Drifting 101 Valvoline 0:33:30 Transitioning to a corporate job at Meguires 0:40:00 YouTube, brand deals and being an early brand ambassador 0:44:00 Racecar drivers leveraging social media  0:45:00 How RJ became VP of Marketing at SEMA 0:51:00 SEMA's legislative work 01:05:35 Rapid Fire with RJ de Vera Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the people driving car culture forward. Follow RJ here! https://www.instagram.com/rj_devera/ Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQ Follow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts   Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/ Follow RACER Network on IG:   https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network   Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/ 🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. #CreativeDrive #CarCulture #AutomotivePodcast #fastandfurious #rjdevera #sema #paulwalker #drifting #influencer  

Le Mans class winner and TV host Justin Bell joins Creative Drive to share stories from racing at a high level and making the transition to media. From winning on the track to co-hosting with Tommy Kendall, Justin reveals what it takes to bring personality, humor, and insider knowledge to motorsports coverage. 0:00 Justin Bell Intro 02:00 Formula 1 podcast, Drive to Wynn is on it's 3rd year and going strong.  07:30 Justin Bell pushed Creator Drive podcast host, Taro Koki down the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca 09:50 Justin Bell on the Indy Car Series 17:00 Justin Bell on Pratt Miller's mind blowing abilities and NASA 19:20 Monaco and other favorite races to experience 20:45 Growing up as Derek Bell's son 28:40 Standing on the podium with his father at Le Mans 31:00 Transitioning as a racecar driver to TV talent 37:15 Being an entertaining interviewee as a racing car driver helped  41:30 Starting the Torque Show with Jason Jacobson 46:20 Justin on automotive journalism vs creators 51:50 F1 Gunther Steiner, Drive to Survive and swearing 53:10 Justin Bell should do an alternative cast on RACER 55:35 Rapid Fire with Justin Bell 58:00 Who's Boostin it? with Justin Bell Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the people driving car culture forward. Follow Justin Bell here! https://www.instagram.com/justinbellTV Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQ Follow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts   Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/ Follow RACER Network on IG:   https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network   Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/ 🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. #justinbell  #drivetowynn  #formula1podcast  #formula1  #CreativeDrive  #CarCulture  #racecommentator  #AutomotivePodcast #racing #motorsport #RACERpodcast  

Visit brettkingdesign.com for limited exclusive Brett King Design Canvas Project 01 MERCH In this episode of The Creative Drive with Taro Koki, renowed helmet designer Brett King from Brett King Design reveals the inspiration, process, and philosophy behind the Canvas Project — a groundbreaking approach to helmet art where, for the first time, there's no input from a client. Just pure artistic vision. The Canvas Project 001 is not a commission. It's an art project done on a helmet as the canvas.  We dig into the design, the business, the challenges of working with clients, and how collaborations in motorsport gear are evolving — with appearances from Preston Folkestad of Simpson Performance Products. 0:00 Intro  3:30 What is the Canvas Project by Brett King Design? 5:45 RACER+ and RACER Magazine Ad: Racer.com/bundle 8:00 Breaking boundaries in helmet design 12:37 Inspiration behind the Canvas Project 001 15:50 The revealing of the Canvas Project 001 helmet by Brett King Design 17:08 Process of creating the Canvas Project 001 helmet 24:20 Starting as creative director at Felt Bicycles 27:20 Challenges of the business 30:15 How to handle mpossible clients 32:15 How long did it take to complete the Canvas Project 001 38:02 The new Stilo ST6 helmet 41:07 Canvas Project 01 limited edition merch launch  42:45 Rapid Fire with Brett King 47:07 Who's Boostin' it with Brett King 55:54 Preston Folkestad from Simpson Performance Products 59:15 Working with Stilo, RaceQuip, Hans, Simpson brands at Holley 01:04:30 Stilo Italian high end helmet brand with roots in rally racing 01:07:00 How the collab with Brett King happen?  01:13:30 How do Holley brands think about collaborations? 01:19:50 Who's Boostin' it with Preston Folkestad from Simpson 01:25:20 What's Preston Folkestad's creative drive?    

Note: We experienced some technical difficulties with the audio in this episode. While it may not meet our usual quality standards, we didn’t want to let that stop us from sharing this great conversation. Thanks for your patience—and we appreciate you sticking with us! Amber Bernstein aka Kill.Bambi: The Car Girl DJ Taking Over Twitch & the Streets On this episode of Creative Drive, we sit down with the multi-talented Amber Bernstein, better known as Kill.Bambi—a true force in the worlds of car culture, music, and gaming. From her modified Audi R8 to streaming to thousands on Twitch, Amber has crafted a bold personal brand that’s turning heads and inspiring a new wave of creators. 0:00 Intro 02:50 How Kill Bambi got into cars 04:20 The story behind her Audi R8  How car culture and gaming overlap in her life What fuels her creativity as a DJ and content creator Her approach to audience growth, platform strategy & staying authentic Advice for creators trying to break into cars, gaming, or both Sub to RACER Magazine and RACER+ app at https://offers.racer.com/bundle A rapid-fire round of car vs. culture questions “Who’s Boosting It” — her pick for an underrated creator or brand worth watching Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the people driving car culture forward. Follow Kill Bambi https://www.instagram.com/kill.bambi/ Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQ Follow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts   Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/ Follow RACER Network on IG:   https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network   Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/ 🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. #KillBambi #AmberBernstein #AudiR8 #CreativeDrive #CarCulture #TwitchStreamer #DJLife #WomenInMotorsports #GamingAndCars #CarGirl #AutomotivePodcast

In this episode, The Creative Drive dives into the world of Christopher Bowes, the visionary behind Subaru's Launch Control, the long lasting YouTube series that reshaped how fans experience factory-backed motorsports. From his early inspiration to founding Bowes Media Inc., Chris shares how he blends storytelling craft with emotional authenticity — creating work that goes beyond cars and competition. We explore the evolution of Launch Control, from its original pitch to its current home on the RACER Network, and how Chris navigates the high-stakes balance between access, vulnerability, and compelling narrative. He opens up about the creative battles he’s fought, the pressures of working under tight deadlines, and the moments that nearly broke him — but made the story worth telling. This is an episode about vision, integrity, and building legacy through motorsports storytelling. 0:00 Cold Opening to Chris Bowes Launch Control Producer Interview on The Creative Drive 01:52 Christopher Bowes from Bowes Media on The Creative Drive Podcast 06:14 RACER Network Promo Clip Visit RACER.com to subscribe 07:13 How Launch Control with Subaru started 13:00 Drive to Survive is successful because the non-motorsport fan can get behind the show 14:00 Rally is the hardest motorsports to film and produce 22:25 Subaru gives Chris absolute creative freedom to produce Launch Control 26:50 Biggest challenge of continuing a show for more than a decade 31:30 Launch Control on RACER Network and the impact of the internet 34:35 Bowes Media has expanded as a business working for brands like Red Bull 37:25 Brands and qualitative storytelling  39:00 Subaru and their brand heritage 45:30 Launch Control is created by a small and nimble team 48:00 How to start out as a creative on a rally documentary team 50:50 Subaru's racing cultural project coming up in the future 54:00 Rapid Fire with Chris Bowes 01:00:00 Who's Boost'n it with Chris Bowes 01:06:07 What's Chris Bowes' creative drive? Follow Chris Bowes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bowesmediainc Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQ Follow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts   Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/ Follow RACER Network on IG:   https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network   Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/ 🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. Sub to RACER Magazine and RACER+ app at https://offers.racer.com/bundle #TheCreativeDrive #bowesmedia #rally #CarCulture #launchcontrol #subaru #subarurally #ContentCreators #Motorsports #RACERPodcast #rallycars #rallyracing

In this episode of The Creative Drive, we’re joined by Ryan Millen — off road racer and member of one of America and New Zealand's most iconic racing families. Son of Rod Millen and brother to Rhys Millen, Ryan has forged his own path from formula cars to rally stages, winning in the American Rally Association, working with brands like Toyota along the way and now desert racing in trophy trucks.  We get into Ryan’s unique journey, the pressures and perks of a legendary last name, and how he blends performance with personality in the age of motorsports storytelling. From his take on off-road racing to content strategy for modern drivers, this conversation is packed with insight, humor, and a look into what keeps Ryan creatively driven. Watch or listen now.  0:00 Cold opening 1:00 Host Taro Koki Introduces Ryan Millen 01:45 What the last name Millen means 03:33 Sponsor message 04:27 How Ryan Millen started rally racing 08:00 What's so difficult about desert racing? 12:00 Growing up on Pikes Peak 14:30 Toyota rally sponsorship and Two Roads to Baja 17:10 Racing Porsches in Siberia 18:15 Rally racing Toyota RAV4 25:00 What it was like having a girlfriend as a co-driver 28:33 Creating content and being a racecar driver 30:15 Father Rod Millen lived in the golden era of rally 31:45 Racing with Terrible Herbst spec trophy trucks  37:30 Almost getting run over at Baja 500 39:45 Innovation in desert racing actve dampers and 4 wheel drive  44:40 Difference between Dakar and Baja racing 47:40 Off road racing promotion landscape 52:45 Rapid Fire with Ryan Millen 57:10 Ryan Millen thinks Who's Boost'n It 01:01:20 Ryan Millen's Creative Drive Follow Ryan Millen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan_millen_ Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQ Follow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts  Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/ Follow RACER Network on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network  Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/ 🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. Sub to RACER Magazine and RACER+ app at https://offers.racer.com/bundle #TheCreativeDrive #ryanmillen #rally #CarCulture #desertracing #baja1000 #rodmillen #ContentCreators #Motorsports #toyota #RACERPodcast #trophytrucks #offroadracing #CarBuilders

In this episode of The Creative Drive, host Taro Koki sits down with the one and only Larry Chen. Larry is one of the most iconic and influential automotive photographers and content creators in the world today. Known for his unmistakable style, relentless work ethic, and deep love for car culture, Larry has become the go-to visual storyteller for some of the biggest names in motorsports and the aftermarket world. Starting from humble beginnings shooting cars on the streets of Los Angeles, Larry turned his passion into a career by mastering the craft of automotive photography — capturing not just cars, but the spirit behind them. His work spans every corner of the car world: from grassroots drift events to the global stage of Formula Drift, from SEMA builds to Pikes Peak, from classic JDM icons to electric hypercars. He is the official photographer for Formula Drift, a Canon Explorer of Light (one of the most prestigious honors in the photography world), and a creative force behind brands and countless OEM and aftermarket brands. If you’ve seen a jaw-dropping rolling shot, an epic drift angle frozen in time, or a SEMA build immortalized before it hit the floor — chances are, Larry Chen was behind the lens. 0:00 Cold Open 01:12 Taro Koki intro to Larry Chen on the Creative Drive 02:15 Larry Chen on Air Water Luftgekuhlt and Jeff Zwart 05:05 Nordvpn.com/racer ad Use coupon code:RACER 06:45 Larry Chen on how to shoot Air Water Luftgekuhlt 08:11 Larry Chen on being inducted to the Formula Drift Hall of Fame 14:45 Larry Chen wishes Jeff Zwart was his dad 16:35 Larry Chen on his new book Life At Shutter Speed by Carrara Media carrarabooks.com 22:35 Larry Chen on being in front of the camera and 1M followers on Instagram 25:30 Larry Chen on Asian representation 30:00 BMW E3 M3 7 Eleven race car  31:15 Larry Chen on Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 28:10 Larry Chen on Ken Block 42:30 Getting stopped by cops during a shoot 48:50 Larry Chen on video projects like Hagerty's  51:10 Larry Chen on legacy automotive media and 54:59 Formula 1 Drive to Survive spawning racecar drivers and car enthusiasts 58:00 Driving at Ebisu Circuit Spring Matsuri 01:00:00 Larry Chen on running a media business 01:01:45 Larry Chen on working with brands 01:06:00 Creative Drive Rapid Fire with Larry Chen 01:11:17 Who's Boosting It? with Larry Chen 01:15:00 Larry Chen's Creative Drive is Life Fulfillment  Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQ Follow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts   Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/ Follow RACER Network on IG:   https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network   Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/ 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.  

In this episode of Creative Drive, we sit down with Kenji Sumino from GReddy Performance Inc., the U.S. division of Japan's Trust Company Ltd., based in Irvine, California. Under his leadership, GReddy has become a prominent name in the automotive aftermarket industry, specializing in performance parts for Japanese vehicles, including turbochargers, exhaust systems, and electronics. Sumino has played a pivotal role in adapting GReddy's offerings to the U.S. market, focusing on developing products tailored for left-hand-drive vehicles and popular American models. His efforts have helped GReddy navigate challenges such as the 2008 financial crisis and evolving emissions regulations, ensuring the company's resilience and continued relevance in the tuning community. Sumino is deeply involved in car culture. He has collaborated with notable figures like Fast & Furious Tokyo Drift actor, Sung Kang on his famous Fugu Z(Nissan 240Z), Dai Yoshihara on projects such as an 800-horsepower R33 Nissan Skyline GT-R. Additionally, his meticulously built 1990 Honda Civic hatchback, known for its attention to detail and performance, was even immortalized as a Hot Wheels collectible. Sumino's commitment to the automotive world extends to preserving and promoting tuner culture, ensuring that the passion for performance and customization continues to thrive in the modern era. FFollow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQ Follow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts   Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/ Follow RACER Network on IG:   https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network   Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/ 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen. #GReddy #CreativeDrive #CarCulture #RACER #JDM #tuning #fuguz

In this episode of Creative Drive, we sit down with award-winning motorsport photographer Jamey Price to explore what it takes to freeze speed, emotion, and intensity in a single frame. From F1 paddocks to IMSA and WEC endurance races around the world, Jamey shares his journey into motorsports photography, his creative process under pressure, and what it's like living life behind the lens on the global racing circuit. 📸 Topics we cover: How Jamey got his start in racing photography Techniques for shooting motion, emotion, and pure chaos Life on the road, favorite tracks, and staying creatively sharp How social media and the creator economy are changing photography What it’s really like shooting inside Formula 1 Advice for aspiring motorsport creatives If you love racing, storytelling, or photography—this one’s for you. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. Follow RACER on YT: / @racer.hq Follow RACER.Podcasts on IG: / racer.podcasts Follow RACER.HQ on IG: / racer.hq Follow RACER Network on IG: / racer_network Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/ #JameyPrice #CreativeDrive #MotorsportPhotography #F1 #EnduranceRacing #CarCulture #RACER #DriveToSurvive

Get NordVPN at http://www.nordvpn.com/RACER  Robert Wickens’ return to racing was nothing short of incredible—and behind it was a groundbreaking piece of tech built by Bosch. In this episode of Creative Drive, we sit down with Brooke Bond, Operations & Marketing Lead at Bosch Motorsport North America, to talk about how their team developed tech that helped Wickens get back on track after his life-changing accident at the 2018 Pocono 500. The engineering challenges behind the project Bosch's role in performance and enthusiast car culture How Bosch is connects with the future generation. This is a powerful conversation about innovation, inclusion, and the soul of motorsport—you won’t want to miss it. The Creative Drive is a podcast hosted by RACER's Creator Network President Taro Koki, dedicated to exploring the world of creativity within the automotive industry. Each episode features conversations with a diverse range of creatives, including YouTubers, directors, authors, designers, builders, and photographers, as well as industry journalists and creator economy experts. Together, we delve into what drives these creators, how they got started, their creative process, their inspirations, and their insights on building an audience in today’s digital landscape. From stories of success to overcoming setbacks, The Creative Drive offers listeners a candid look into the minds of automotive creators and their journeys. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping the future of car culture. #RobertWickens #BoschMotorsport #CreativeDrive #MotorsportInnovation #AccessibilityInRacing #CarCulture #RACERpodcast #IMSA

In this episode of The Creative Drive, we sit down with Doug O’Donnell, IMSA Brand & Marketing Communications at IMSA and former marketing leader at the San Antonio Spurs, to talk about what it takes to grow and modernize motorsports for a new generation of fans. Doug shares insights from his NBA days, lessons in brand storytelling, and how IMSA is building emotional connections with fans, manufacturers, and partners. How IMSA is marketing differently from traditional sports The role of creators and digital content in motorsports Brand partnerships and storytelling across racing ecosystems What the NBA taught him about audience engagement Why the future of motorsport is more interactive, inclusive, and digital The Creative Drive is a podcast hosted by RACER's Creator Network President Taro Koki, dedicated to exploring the world of creativity within the automotive industry. Each episode features conversations with a diverse range of creatives, including YouTubers, directors, authors, designers, builders, and photographers, as well as industry journalists and creator economy experts. Together, we delve into what drives these creators, how they got started, their creative process, their inspirations, and their insights on building an audience in today’s digital landscape. From stories of success to overcoming setbacks, The Creative Drive offers listeners a candid look into the minds of automotive creators and their journeys. #CreativeDrive #IMSA #DougODonnell #MotorsportMarketing #NBAtoIMSA #CarCulture #RacingIndustry #SpursMarketing