Grassroots Motorsports and Classic Motorsports podcast

On this episode of the Grassroots Motorsports Podcast, David and J.G. sit around and talk about stuff. Mostly the subject matter involves great ways to get involved in the more participatory side of the sports car scene: auto crossing and track days. If you've been thinking about taking your sports car enjoyment to the next level, there's some great advice here and some great analysis of the current state of low-commitment sports car fun.

Phil Greden is an automotive journalist, writer, conceptual artist, avant-garde musician, and lunatic. All of which makes him a natural fit to be one of the driving forces behind one of the most enjoyable and kooky race series in America: The 24 Hours of LeMons. Phil brings a unique sensibility to the table, and his creative input has helped LeMons and other crapcan race series rise from the level of motorized curiosity to legitimate force in the US road racing scene.

As automotive journalists, we occasionally get invited to press events put on by manufacturers so we can sample their new vehicles and products. Recently, Subaru invited us to take a drive in the new 2015 Legacy, but they also invited us to bring a guest. We thought that would be a great opportunity to provide an outsider's view of the world we experience every day. On this episode, we talk to Subaru's Dominic Infante about the new Legacy, as well as a few of the other exciting cars in their lineup like the WRX, STi and BRZ. We also talk to Dana Pasterjak, who also happens to be the wife of the host, and who got the rare chance to be a civilian at an automotive media event.

If you've ever seen the familiar Koni Shocks service trailer at a motorsports event, you've probably met Lee Grimes. Although his official title is something like "product specialist," his position is really to be the ambassador for Koni in our world of participant-based racing. Whether he's revolving a set of shocks or writing a press release, Lee Grimes is one of those guys that understands our world and how the performance companies and racers coexist. We chat with Lee about the Koni company, the shock biz, and gets lots of juicy tech info on dialing your car in with adjustable shocks.

David Wallens takes a digital recorder and a press pass to the New York Auto Show and gets the lowdown on some of our favorite models. This edition features a chat with product specialists at Kia, Fiat, Mazda, BMW and Maserati.

David Wallens takes a digital recorder and a press pass to the New York Auto Show and gets the lowdown on some of our favorite models. This edition features a chat with product specialists at Nissan, MINI and a long talk with one of the fathers of the Mazda Miata, Bob Hall.

Mike Skeen's origin story is a lot like those of us mortals. After all, when we first met Mike he was racing a Spec E30 in NASA. But through hard work, determination and talent he's risen through the ranks and is now a busy professional racer. His current gig has him driving the CRP Racing, Hawk Performance Audi R8 in Pirelli World Challenge, but he's also spent time in Trans-Am, IMSA, and even NASCAR. We chat with Mike about his beginnings, his approach to speed, and life as a pro racer.

We'd love to put some sort of classy spin on this, but we can't. J.G. Pasterjak and David Wallens sit around a talk about stupid stuff that's happened over the years while we've been making car magazines. If you've ever wondered what the life of an automotive journalist is really like, prepare to be underwhelmed.

Our own Circulation Manager, Nancy Gomes, has spent eight years here, but never turned a wheel in anger on the autocross course. We fix that by sending her to the SCCA's Starting Line school. We had a quick chat with her the Monday after the school, while her adrenaline was still raging. We also talk with Historic Sportscar Racing's David Hinton about vintage racing in general, and the Upcoming Classic Motorsports Mitty at Road Atlanta.

At the age of 23, Shea Holbrook is not only competing in the Pirelli World Challenge series, but she's turned her love of racing into the family business as a multi-car team owner as well. We talk to Shea about her start in the racing business—at a time when she was barely old enough to drive legally—and how she grew from a club racer into a pro team owner.

You probably know David Wallens as the editor of Grassroots Motorsports magazine and Classic Motorsports magazine, but you may not know he's also the Chairman of the British Motor Trade association.The BMTA is a trade gout for professionals in the field of repairing, restoring and preserving British cars, as well as parts manufacturers serving the scene. Ultimately, the enthusiast derives the most benefit from the organization, as it gives the professionals who keep those cars on the road a tool to better communicate, network, and keep the British sports car scene alive.

BMW Motorsports has a rich and storied tradition, and Jens Marquardt is the latest to helm the division as they take on the rest of the sportscar racing world. We sat down with Jens, and BMW Motorsports PR ace Matt Russell, at a recent intro for the new M235i Racing. We examine BMW's place in racing's history, take an in-depth look at the M235i Racing, and chat with Matt about BMW's relationship to the enthusiasts who own and race the marque.

As one of the namesakes of Riley Technologies, Bill Riley has had a hand in the development and construction of some of the most impressive racing sports cars of the past three decades. And while he loves to see his creations mix it up at Daytona, Sebring, LeMans, and other famous circuits, he also loves trading paint with other weekend warriors in the crapcan racing scene.

Not many 24-year-olds decide to start their own car magazine. Of those that do, we'd say even fewer succeed. But our magazine simply wouldn't exist today if it weren't for a 24-year-old Tim Suddard, his dream, and his determination. On this episode we talk with Tim about some of the early days of the magazine, and what leads to a decision to start a car magazine and, ultimately, define a movement.

Bill Warner took a circuitous path to the Chairmanship of the Amelia Island Concours. A successful businessman, as well as respected photographer and automotive journalist, Bill has always had a love for beautiful machinery, though, and over the past two decades, he's built the Amelia Island show from plucky startup to one of the nation's greatest displays of historically significant automobiles.