Speed Secrets Podcast

Did you miss us? We’re back with another episode of No Dumb Questions. Jeff Braun and I sit down to answer your questions, and we promise – there are no dumb questions, maybe just some dumb answers. On this episode, we share the craziest ideas we’ve had that no one thought would work… but ended up working really well. Buckle up, this is a fun one. We also answer a more technical question – with unlimited resources and no rules, would tires or aerodynamics yield the fastest lap times? Tune in for our new series! Jeff is one of the very best race car engineers in the world. He’s engineered cars at every level, and every type: NASCAR, karts, club racing cars, Indy, GT and Prototypes, and even Top Fuel dragsters. But what sets Jeff apart from many engineers is how he can explain what he’s doing, what a car is doing, and even how the best think.

The start of April means… another episode of No Dumb Questions! Jeff Braun and I sit down to answer your questions, and we promise – there are no dumb questions, maybe just some dumb answers. On this episode, we discuss how to start approaching car set-up as an amateur endurance racer. Lots to discuss here. We also address what works best in the rain from a driving and set-up perspective. Tune in for our new series! Jeff is one of the very best race car engineers in the world. He’s engineered cars at every level, and every type: NASCAR, karts, club racing cars, Indy, GT and Prototypes, and even Top Fuel dragsters. But what sets Jeff apart from many engineers is how he can explain what he’s doing, what a car is doing, and even how the best think.

Good news, we have a new episode of No Dumb Questions for you. Jeff Braun and I sit down to answer your questions, and we promise – there are no dumb questions, maybe just some dumb answers. On this episode, we address out-braking someone in a turn. We also dive into whether we’d rather work with a driver with no technical background who doesn’t argue with setup, or a driver with a technical background who is also driver-seat quarterbacking the changes and second guessing setup. Tune in for our new series! Jeff is one of the very best race car engineers in the world. He’s engineered cars at every level, and every type: NASCAR, karts, club racing cars, Indy, GT and Prototypes, and even Top Fuel dragsters. But what sets Jeff apart from many engineers is how he can explain what he’s doing, what a car is doing, and even how the best think.

…And we’re back with a new episode of No Dumb Questions! Jeff Braun and I sit down to answer your questions, and we promise – there are no dumb questions, maybe just some dumb answers. On this episode, we address how to give better feedback to someone helping with the setup, and how we could have called F1 Abu Dhabi for Red Bull, Mercedes, and Race Control. Tune in for our new series! Jeff is one of the very best race car engineers in the world. He’s engineered cars at every level, and every type: NASCAR, karts, club racing cars, Indy, GT and Prototypes, and even Top Fuel dragsters. But what sets Jeff apart from many engineers is how he can explain what he’s doing, what a car is doing, and even how the best think.

Welcome to a new podcast series, No Dumb Questions. Jeff Braun and I sit down to answer your questions, and we promise – there are no dumb questions, maybe just some dumb answers. On this episode, we address how to get comfortable with high speed corners, how to approach a situation where a faster setup is not what makes the driver most comfortable, and what we are most looking forward to in 2022. Tune in for our new series! Jeff is one of the very best race car engineers in the world. He’s engineered cars at every level, and every type: NASCAR, karts, club racing cars, Indy, GT and Prototypes, and even Top Fuel dragsters. But what sets Jeff apart from many engineers is how he can explain what he’s doing, what a car is doing, and even how the best think.

Today’s podcast is a “special” episode… that’s because we just launched the Speed Secrets Sim Racer Academy, and I wanted to have a conversation here with my team who has helped make this happen. Anker Berg-Sonne, Conor Murphy, and Ron Gale are my guests today. Why should you care? Why should you listen in? If you’re a sim racer, you will be interested in hearing about the Sim Racer Academy. If you’re not a sim racer, there’s some things we’ll talk about that will still help you be a better driver. There are things here that apply to motorsport – and maybe outside of motorsport – around teamwork. We’re thrilled to finally be able to share Sim Racer Academy with you all, and we hope you are just as excited as we are!

This week is an important podcast episode with a special announcement. I’m taking a break from the podcast for “a while” to work on some new exciting things… :). How long is “a while?” I don’t know. But I will record a few random episodes here and there when I get an opportunity to record a conversation with someone super interesting, or I’m at a fun event. My Speed Secret: Drive with the end in mind. I’ll still share free information and new content through Ask Ross posts on SpeedSecrets.com, eBooks, and on YouTube (SpeedSecrets1). Keeping sending in your questions and comments by email. And in the meantime, check out Virtual Track Walks, webinars, chalktalks, and Speed Secrets Weekly. Until next time! Keep learning and having fun. Check out Speed Secrets below! SpeedSecrets.com

On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, Brian Ghidinelli, founder of Motorsportsreg.com, joins me to talk about how to make a comeback in racing, focusing on the basics – vision, braking, steering, throttle – first, then racecraft and the track, the importance of focusing on one’s own performance and not the lap times or competition, and how competitive nature can interfere with having fun! Brian also shares his personal experience with preparing to compete in the SCCA Runoffs at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in October 2021, and how Hagerty purchasing MotorsportReg.com has impacted Brian’s life. We also get into how the pandemic has impacted the motorsports. Brian’s Speed Secret: You see in your own performance what you want to see or what you can see - you have to get someone else without your filters to help find the details. Check out Brian below! Hagerty.com MotorsportReg.com @ghidinelli When eight-year old Brian was told he would never curl his tongue because it was hereditary, he practiced in f

On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets podcast, my good friend Tom Long joins me to discuss all things driving styles! We uncover what a driving style is, which driving style is the fastest, and different driving styles for RWD vs. FWD vs. AWD; and for aero versus non-aero cars. Tom also dishes on the importance of “hand speed” – the quickness of turning the steering wheel into a corner. Tom’s Speed Secret: It’s all about quality seat time, not just the amount of seat time. Check out Tom below! Facebook: TomLongRacing @TomLongRacing Tom Long is a professional racer, coach, and development driver. As a Mazda Motorsports factory driver, Tom will continue in his role as the lead development driver and series official for the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup series. The role is not a new one to Tom, who has been the lead development driver for Mazda’s Global MX-5 Cup car since its inception. Racing fans can also cheer for Tom in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Series GS GT4 class this season. Tom will also continue coaching clie

On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, I am joined by Mark Martin (who owns and runs the W2W race team in World Racing League events). We discuss the number one thing that successful teams do to win, what makes the best endurance drivers, the pros and cons of starting your own race team, and how to balance being the team owner and driver. Mark’s Speed Secret: Have and listen to a coach. Check out Mark Martin below! Web: W2W.racing Social media: @w2wracing W2W Racing, aka “The Will to WIN!” is the epitome of what racing is all about and encapsulates the long and arduous path that the majority of drivers take to get to the top of their game. Whether a racer begins karting at the age of 5 or attends his/her first performance driving event at the age of 50, the innate thrill and rush of speed begins to take a chokehold on their life as they become consumed with the need for more of that drug that is known as Racing!  At W2W Racing, we provide the guidance, equipment, and expertise necessary to make the

On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, Andy Pilgrim joins me to discuss how to have a long career driving race cars! We get into the importance of learning how to learn so you can always improve, having a hook or trigger to switch your mind on, and how to think strategically and tactically in races. He also shares about co-driving with Johnny O’Connell, Ron Fellows, and Allan McNish. Andy’s Speed Secret: Make sure your head is in the right place. Andy Pilgrim was born in the U.K., moved to the U.S. in the early 1980s as a computer programmer, and became a U.S. citizen in 1998. He started racing in the mid 1980s and has since won five championships and 69 races so far in his professional driving career. Additionally, Andy has a serious passion for traffic safety. He is a nationally recognized expert and lecturer on the dangers of distracted driving; in 2008, he founded The Traffic Safety Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 entity. During the past 20 years, he has spoken to hundreds of thousands of studen

On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, I am joined by Dr. David Ferguson! Dr. Ferguson runs the Spartan Motorsport Performance Lab at Michigan State University and is the author/editor of The Science of Motorsport book. Topics range from dyslexia and diabetes to heart rate variability and the vision techniques of the very best drivers. We also talk about how equal females are to males in racing, and nature versus nurture. Ultimately, it’s all about how you can perform better as a driver. This is one of my all-time favorite episodes!  Dr. Ferguson’s Speed Secret: Treat your body in the same way as you do your race car. Dr. David P. Ferguson earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Masters Degree from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, PhD from Texas A&M University and has postdoctoral training in cardiovascular physiology, nutrition and pediatrics from Baylor College of Medicine. He has worked in racing for over ten years with the top teams in NASCAR, IndyCa

On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, Johannes van Overbeek joins me to talk about the lessons we learn from racing that apply to other areas of our lives – things like “lazy decision,” having too much money (yes, it’s possible!), the pros and cons of technology, and how to manage one’s passion and enthusiasm for something. Oh, and we talk about our co-experience with the Garmin Catalyst. Johannes’s Speed Secret: Make sure your equipment is the best it can be. Look ahead. Know when and where to release the brakes. Check out Johannes van Overbeek below! IG: @johannesvanoverbeek Johannes has won the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the Sebring 12-hour, Petit LeMans, 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.

It’s time for another special edition of the Speed Secrets Podcast! In a new format, Bill Fischer (of the Garage Heroes In Training podcast) hosts this episode, turning the tables on Ross, who answers Bill’s questions. Specifically, in this episode, Bill asks Ross about how to best drive the Keyhole at Mid-Ohio, Turns 5-7 at Road Atlanta, Turns 2 & 9 at Laguna Seca, and Turn 7 at Portland International. Check out Bill Fischer and Ross Bentley belowhttps://garageheroesintraining.com https://speedsecrets.com

On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, I talk with super-successful driver coach, Jim Kearney, about driver coaching. We discuss when a driver is ready and will get the most out of a coach. We also get into how to trigger a performance state of mind, one that will help you perform at your peak on the track. Jim’s Speed Secret: Simplify! Check out Jim Kearney below https://kearneykdd.com Jim is a 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.

On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, I talk with Jay St. Claire, Colin Pascik, and Aaron Brooks of Ranger Road Motors (a team that competes in LeMons races, giving Vets a chance to start racing). We discuss the start of Ranger Road Motors, what it’s like for an amputee Vet to jump behind the wheel of a race car for the first time, what it’s like to work with a Vet with PTSD, how to adapt a race to drivers missing a limb, and the number one biggest challenge that first-timers face. Ranger Road Motors’ mission is to bring Veterans together through extraordinary experiences and empower the transition to the next chapter in their life. The transition from military life to civilian life can be difficult. Trauma, stress and loss of camaraderie all contribute to a suicide rate well above average. The aim of Ranger Road is to transition veterans to civilian life through high adrenalin team-based events, reengaging their sense of camaraderie and showing them new battles to win and partners to fight alongsi

On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, Brian Bohlander, racer and director of sports marketing for the company that owns PEAK Antifreeze, joins me to discuss what to do (and not do) to land a motorsport marketing partner/sponsor. Want to know the biggest mistake racers make? Tune in to find out! Brian’s Speed Secret: Reach out and ask people in the sport for opportunities. Check out Brian Bohlanderbelow: https://www.brianbohlander.com brianbohlanderracing.com Brian Bohlander is an industry veteran who has successfully led brand sponsorship activation programs within professional motorsports with drivers, teams, and major global series. He also has over three decades as a champion club racing driver, instructor, and grassroots team owner ranging from karting to club road racing. His on-track accomplishments include winning three Thunder Roadster Series championships and 35 series wins in the National Auto Sport Association (NASA). He’s won a WKA Manufactures Cup national event and most recently teame

Bill Fischer (of the Garage Heroes In Training podcast) hosts this episode, turning the tables on me and asking all your burning questions. In this episode the topic of racing jargon is talked about, specifically “talking tires,” “geometric line,” apex angle,” “both feet in,” and “car rotation.” Check out Bill Fischer belowhttps://garageheroesintraining.comhttps://speedsecrets.com

On this week’s episode of Speed Secret Podcast, James Colborn joins me to discuss everything open wheel racing, what it’s like to race during the pandemic, and racing in British Formula Ford. We also offer tips on racing in the rain. James Colborn’s Speed Secret: Get comfortable with what data can do for you. James started racing in 2009. A graduate of the ProFormance Racing School in Seattle Washington, James acquired his first race license from the International Conference of Sports Car Clubs (ICSCC) and raced his novice year in a BMW E30 series called PRO3. From 2009 until 2017 James lived, and raced, in the United States running in a series of both professional and club racing events. Driving predominantly BMWs, James won races in the ICSCC, National Sports Car Association (NASA) and Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). This ranged from winning the 25 Hours of Thunderhill to SCCA and ICSCC sprint races. James also competed in numerous professional races in the Continental Tire Series, Street Tuner (ST) clas

On this week’s episode of Speed Secret Podcast, Loni Unser (yes, of THE Unser family) joins me to talk about her absolute love of the sport. Can you guess what the number one thing is that she’s learned from her family who has a total of 9 Indy 500 wins? She dishes. We also discuss the importance of patience in racing, how important confidence is – especially for a woman in racing, and why “never coast” is bad advice. Loni’s Speed Secret: Dedication and hard work – that’s what it takes, not matter what level or type of racing you’re in. Check out Loni below: All social media: @loniunser Web: www.loniunser.com With an athletic background in downhill skiing and other line-finding sports, Loni Unser recently discovered her talent for racing. With the support of her famous family, she is rapidly becoming a threat on track. She has raced the Spec Miata classes in NASA and the MX- 5 Cup (4 races), as well as a variety of marquees in the World Racing League and ChampCar, among others. The young driver carries her fa