{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"214 - Hobby is Too Expensive and Life Too Short (Rory and June Lonergan)","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/214-hobby-is-too-expensive-and-life-too-short-rory-and-june-lonergan","audioUrl":"https://anchor.fm/s/348125fc/podcast/play/110997482/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2025-10-11%2F27d3a597-92e0-53eb-3916-8dd2b7980890.mp3","description":"Mothman doesn't say much... Rory went slower to go faster... June is like Smaug... Seth thinks they're remarkably normal... and Scott invites pauses...We sit down with Rory and June, known as Deadbear Racing, to talk about diy turbo kits, an actual dead bear, their computer collection, and why cars...------Deadbear InstagramDeadbear Racing Merch------⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discord! Where we hang out⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Robertson-Racing.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Track Walking - Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Track Walking - Instagram⁠\n"},"annotations":[{"startTime":150.5,"endTime":156.4,"type":"term","title":"turboed","url":"/glossary/turboed","quote":"For me, I turboed the BRZ in our garage. Sounds bold.","canonicalId":"term:turboed","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"To 'turbo' a car means to add a turbocharger, which forces more air into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. This modification can significantly increase a car's performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"When someone says they 'turboed' a car, it means they added a special device called a turbocharger to make the engine more powerful. This helps the car go faster and perform better."}},{"startTime":216.08,"endTime":217.72,"type":"car","title":"Mazda Miata","url":"/cars/mazda/mx-5-miata","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/2021_Mazda_MX-5_Miata_RF_Club.jpg","quote":"...before our Miata broke. Right. Well, that's how everything became set up. So we did the track day picnic with the Miata","canonicalId":"car:mazda:mx-5-miata","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Mazda Miata is a lightweight two-seater sports car known for its excellent handling and fun driving experience. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts and is often used for track days and driving events.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Mazda Miata is a small sports car that is very popular for driving on tracks and enjoying the open road. It's known for being fun to drive and easy to handle.","imageAttribution":"Yaktatel (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":224.9,"endTime":227.4,"type":"term","title":"1.6 engine","url":"/glossary/1-6-engine","quote":"when it had the 1.6 engine in it. And then that ended up breaking that year.","canonicalId":"term:1-6-engine","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The 1.6 engine refers to an engine displacement of 1.6 liters, commonly found in various compact cars. Engine displacement is a key factor in determining the power output and efficiency of a vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"A 1.6 engine is a type of car engine that has a size of 1.6 liters. This size can affect how powerful the car is and how much fuel it uses."}},{"startTime":341.66,"endTime":343.94,"type":"car","title":"Honda Fit","url":"/cars/honda/fit-ev","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/73/Honda_Fit_EV_%286432286233%29.jpg","quote":"... it's like, you know, right, I bet we could get a Honda Fit for a lot cheaper than we could fix up the Miata ...","canonicalId":"car:honda:fit-ev","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Honda Fit EV is an all-electric version of the popular Honda Fit, known for its practicality and efficient use of space. It offers a zero-emissions driving experience, making it an appealing option for environmentally conscious drivers. The Fit EV is often mentioned for its affordability and versatility in urban settings.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Honda Fit EV is a small electric car that can be charged at home and doesn't produce any pollution while driving. It's great for city driving and is usually cheaper to run than gas-powered cars. People like to talk about it because it's practical and helps save money on fuel.","imageAttribution":"Christian Flores from Carlsbad / Encinitas, United States of America (CC BY-SA 2.0)"}},{"startTime":398.8,"endTime":401.7,"type":"term","title":"ECU","url":"/glossary/ecu","quote":"...maybe it's the ECU, maybe it's this,...","canonicalId":"term:ecu","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The ECU, or Engine Control Unit, is a computer that manages various aspects of an engine's performance, including fuel injection and ignition timing. Issues with the ECU can lead to poor engine performance or failure to start.","simplifiedExplanation":"The ECU is like the brain of the car's engine. It helps control how the engine runs, and if it has problems, the car might not work properly."}},{"startTime":588.46,"endTime":591.84,"type":"car","title":"Subaru Brz","url":"/cars/subaru/brz","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/SUBARU_BRZ_%28ZD8%29_China.jpg","quote":"...but it had fun electronics. So then in 2013, I bought a Subaru BRZ and started doing track days with that.","canonicalId":"car:subaru:brz","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Subaru BRZ is a lightweight sports coupe known for its agile handling and rear-wheel drive layout, making it popular among driving enthusiasts and for track days.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Subaru BRZ is a small sports car that is fun to drive and great for racing on tracks. It's designed to be light and easy to handle.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":612.6,"endTime":616.2,"type":"brand","title":"BMW","url":"/glossary/bmw","quote":"...the BMW club local to us is very nice and very welcoming to any car.","canonicalId":"brand:bmw","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"BMW is a German automotive brand known for its luxury vehicles and performance-oriented cars. The brand has a strong following among car enthusiasts and is often associated with driving pleasure and engineering excellence.","simplifiedExplanation":"BMW is a well-known car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars. They are popular for their sporty and high-quality vehicles."}},{"startTime":732.96,"endTime":735.28,"type":"car","title":"Subaru Outback","url":"/cars/subaru/outback","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/2000-2004_Subaru_Outback_Wagon.jpg","quote":"...didn't we also have the Subaru at some point, the Outback, I mean?","canonicalId":"car:subaru:outback","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Subaru Outback is a crossover SUV known for its all-wheel drive capability and versatility, making it popular for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Subaru Outback is a type of vehicle that combines features of a car and an SUV, making it good for both city driving and off-road adventures.","imageAttribution":"IFCAR (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":884.2,"endTime":885.9,"type":"term","title":"automatic transmission","url":"/glossary/automatic-transmission","quote":"The automatic transmission. But it's so good. Just don't ask it to do things it can't do and it's very happy.","canonicalId":"term:automatic-transmission","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An automatic transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that automatically changes the gear ratios as the vehicle moves, allowing the driver to focus on driving without needing to manually shift gears. It uses a complex system of hydraulics and electronics to manage gear changes based on speed and engine load.","simplifiedExplanation":"An automatic transmission is a system in a car that changes gears for you, so you don't have to do it manually. This makes driving easier, especially in stop-and-go traffic."}},{"startTime":1214.8,"endTime":1215.0,"type":"term","title":"turbo swap","url":"/glossary/turbo-swap","quote":"So how did you have the turbo swap go? It worked. I mean, it took a few months.","canonicalId":"term:turbo-swap","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A turbo swap refers to the process of replacing a vehicle's existing turbocharger with a different one, often to increase performance. This can involve modifications to the engine and exhaust system to accommodate the new turbo.","simplifiedExplanation":"A turbo swap is when you take out the old turbocharger in a car and put in a new one to make the engine more powerful. It's a common upgrade for car enthusiasts looking to boost performance."}},{"startTime":1280.3,"endTime":1286.1,"type":"car","title":"Ford Fiesta ST","url":"/cars/ford/fiesta","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/1981_Ford_Fiesta_GL.jpg","quote":"But at the same time, you had a Fiesta ST. Yes, yes. I love those cars very much.","canonicalId":"car:ford:fiesta","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Fiesta ST is a performance-oriented version of the standard Fiesta, known for its agile handling and turbocharged engine. It's popular among enthusiasts for its fun driving dynamics and compact size.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Fiesta ST is a sportier version of the regular Fiesta. It's designed to be more fun to drive, with a powerful engine and better handling.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1300.6,"endTime":1302.7,"type":"part","title":"rear diffuser","url":"/glossary/rear-diffuser","quote":"We also put a giant wing in the back and it had a rear diffuser at the time.","canonicalId":"part:rear-diffuser","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A rear diffuser is an aerodynamic component located at the rear of a car that helps to manage airflow and increase downforce, improving stability at high speeds.","simplifiedExplanation":"A rear diffuser is a part at the back of a car that helps it stay stable when driving fast by controlling the air that flows underneath it."}},{"startTime":1387.5,"endTime":1391.0,"type":"term","title":"cage","url":"/glossary/cage","quote":"But as soon as I got a cage in the Miata,","canonicalId":"term:cage","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A 'cage' refers to a roll cage, a safety feature in racing and performance cars designed to protect the occupants in the event of a rollover or crash. It adds structural rigidity to the car and is often required for competitive racing.","simplifiedExplanation":"A cage is a safety structure inside a race car that helps protect the driver and passengers if the car flips over or crashes. It makes the car stronger and safer for racing."}},{"startTime":1496.38,"endTime":1501.18,"type":"car","title":"Honda Civic","url":"/cars/honda/civic","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/2022_Honda_Civic_LX_Sedan%2C_front_right%2C_11-02-2022.jpg","quote":"...running TT7 in NASA in a Civic...","canonicalId":"car:honda:civic","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Honda Civic is a compact car known for its reliability and performance. It has been a popular choice for both daily driving and motorsport due to its balance of efficiency and fun driving dynamics.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Honda Civic is a small car that many people drive. It's known for being dependable and fun to drive, making it popular for racing and everyday use.","imageAttribution":"MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1496.4,"endTime":1501.2,"type":"term","title":"TT7","url":"/glossary/tt7","quote":"...until I was running TT7 in NASA in a Civic...","canonicalId":"term:tt7","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"TT7 refers to a specific class in the NASA Time Trials series, which categorizes vehicles based on their performance and modifications. It allows drivers to compete against others with similar performance levels.","simplifiedExplanation":"TT7 is a class in a racing series where cars compete based on how fast they can go. It's like a way to group cars that are similar in speed."}},{"startTime":1503.1,"endTime":1506.4,"type":"car","title":"Miata","url":"/cars/mazda/mx-5-miata","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/1990_Mazda_MX-5_Miata%2C_front_left%2C_06-08-2024.jpg","quote":"...that your Miata would have run in in NASA...","canonicalId":"car:mazda:mx-5-miata","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight two-seater sports car known for its agile handling and fun driving experience. It has a strong following in motorsports and is often used in amateur racing.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Mazda Miata is a small sports car that is very light and fun to drive. Many people enjoy racing it because it handles well and is easy to control.","imageAttribution":"MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1544.5,"endTime":1547.1,"type":"term","title":"roll bar","url":"/glossary/roll-bar","quote":"...require at least a roll bar and definitely a hard top. And there was a shop near us...","canonicalId":"term:roll-bar","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A roll bar is a safety feature in vehicles, particularly in convertibles and race cars, designed to protect occupants in the event of a rollover. It provides structural support and helps prevent the roof from collapsing during an accident.","simplifiedExplanation":"A roll bar is a metal bar installed in a car to keep passengers safe if the car flips over. It helps keep the roof from crushing down on them."}},{"startTime":1587.6,"endTime":1589.5,"type":"concept","title":"Brainerd","url":"/glossary/brainerd","quote":"Yeah, because you guys have Brainerd and what's the next, what's the track situation there?","canonicalId":"concept:brainerd","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Brainerd is known for its motorsports activities, particularly the Brainerd International Raceway, which hosts various racing events including drag racing and road racing.","simplifiedExplanation":"Brainerd is a place where car racing happens, especially at a track called Brainerd International Raceway."}},{"startTime":1601.4,"endTime":1603.7,"type":"concept","title":"Road America","url":"/glossary/road-america","quote":"I think the next closest to Brainerd is Road America basically.","canonicalId":"concept:road-america","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Road America is a renowned road course located in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, known for its long track and diverse racing events, including sports car and motorcycle races.","simplifiedExplanation":"Road America is a famous racetrack in Wisconsin where many different types of car races take place."}},{"startTime":1603.7,"endTime":1606.1,"type":"concept","title":"Blackhawk","url":"/glossary/blackhawk","quote":"Yeah, Blackhawk is another, maybe 10, 15 minutes drive time versus Road America.","canonicalId":"concept:blackhawk","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Blackhawk is likely referring to Blackhawk Farms Raceway, a road course located in South Beloit, Illinois, known for hosting amateur and professional racing events.","simplifiedExplanation":"Blackhawk is another racetrack where cars can race, located not too far from Brainerd."}},{"startTime":1754.3,"endTime":1757.2,"type":"term","title":"lap times","url":"/glossary/lap-times","quote":"I was basically at the same lap times as the Turbo BRZ at Brainer.","canonicalId":"term:lap-times","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Lap times refer to the amount of time it takes for a car to complete a lap on a racetrack. They are often used to measure a car's performance and a driver's skill.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lap times are how long it takes a car to go around a racetrack. Shorter times mean faster cars or better driving skills."}},{"startTime":2396.9,"endTime":2397.5,"type":"term","title":"VVT","url":"/glossary/vvt","quote":"1.8, VVT, 6B transmission, limited slip diff.","canonicalId":"term:vvt","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"VVT stands for Variable Valve Timing, a technology that optimizes engine performance by adjusting the timing of the valve openings and closings based on engine speed and load. This helps improve efficiency and power output across different driving conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"VVT is a system in some car engines that changes when the valves open and close. This helps the engine run better and use fuel more efficiently."}},{"startTime":3022.6,"endTime":3025.32,"type":"car","title":"Audi Tt","url":"/cars/audi/tt-rs","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/31/2013_Audi_TT_RS_%288404407670%29.jpg","quote":"So hard to measure up when somebody's driving an Audi TT and somebody else might just be in a, all, you kn...","canonicalId":"car:audi:tt-rs","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Audi TT RS is a high-performance version of the compact Audi TT sports car, known for its powerful turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system. It combines luxury with impressive speed and handling, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. The TT RS is often discussed for its blend of everyday usability and track-ready performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Audi TT RS is a sporty car that looks great and drives really fast. It's designed for people who love performance and want a fun car that can also be used every day. Many people talk about it because it stands out for its style and speed.","imageAttribution":"Sarah Larson from Ann Arbor, MI, USA (CC BY 2.0)"}},{"startTime":3807.6,"endTime":3810.6,"type":"part","title":"sway bars","url":"/glossary/sway-bars","quote":"We forgot end links for the sway bars. My mom was coming up, so she was able to grab them from her garage. Tell you driving the car with no sway bars is just kind of weird.","canonicalId":"part:sway-bars","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Sway bars, also known as anti-roll bars, are components of a vehicle's suspension system that help reduce body roll during cornering. They connect the left and right wheels, allowing them to work together to improve stability and handling.","simplifiedExplanation":"Sway bars help keep your car stable when turning. They connect the wheels on each side of the car, making it less likely to tip over or roll during sharp turns."}},{"startTime":3833.6,"endTime":3838.6,"type":"term","title":"oil pressure","url":"/glossary/oil-pressure","quote":"...like 13 pounds of oil pressure at 5,500 RPM, probably not how I want to keep the engine alive.","canonicalId":"term:oil-pressure","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Oil pressure is crucial for engine lubrication and performance. Low oil pressure can lead to inadequate lubrication, potentially causing engine damage or failure.","simplifiedExplanation":"Oil pressure measures how well oil is circulating in the engine. If it's too low, it can harm the engine because it won't be lubricated properly."}},{"startTime":4052.6,"endTime":4056.6,"type":"part","title":"brake booster delete kit","url":"/glossary/brake-booster-delete-kit","quote":"Oh, that was the brake booster delete kit, right?","canonicalId":"part:brake-booster-delete-kit","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A brake booster delete kit removes the brake booster from a vehicle's braking system, which can reduce weight and complexity but may also affect braking performance. It is often used in racing or performance applications where weight savings are prioritized.","simplifiedExplanation":"A brake booster helps make it easier to press the brake pedal. A brake booster delete kit takes this part out, which can make the brakes feel different and might require more effort to stop the car."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Scott","role":"host"},{"id":"s2","name":"Seth","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/214-hobby-is-too-expensive-and-life-too-short-rory-and-june-lonergan/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}