216 - Canyons and Hot-takes (Jaime Garcia)
About this episode
A lively discussion unfolds as Scott, Seth, and Jaime Garcia from the RaceFF podcast share their automotive experiences, including the challenges of driving in different weather conditions and the quirks of car ownership. Jaime recounts his journey into motorsport, the camaraderie found in the canyons of California, and the unique challenges faced at various tracks. The trio dives into personal stories of racing mishaps, the emotional rollercoaster of competition, and the lessons learned from their automotive adventures, all while keeping the conversation light-hearted and engaging.
In the west: canyons are auto crosses, you can boil the brakes on your daily, large rocks are normal, tracks were cheaper, and they measure distance by valleys...
Jaime Garcia, from Race FF Pod, to talk about his transition from canyons to the track, why his Sundae Cup car is kicking his butt, and his hardest time at the track - which was not that long ago...
Also, give him a follow so he can livestream!
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Discord! Where we hang out
Track Walking - Instagram
Lexus GX470
"I have a Lexus GX470. So like the Adam Jabez out there, I have to talk about the deal that I got on it."
The Lexus GX470 is a luxury SUV that is good for off-roading and is built to last. It can carry heavy loads and is known for being tough.
The Lexus GX470 is a mid-size luxury SUV known for its off-road capability and ruggedness. It's built on a truck platform, which contributes to its durability and towing capacity.
Lexus
"comfortable. AC works amazingly with that Lexus Toyota reliability on the AC."
Lexus is a brand of luxury cars made by Toyota, famous for being reliable and comfortable.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Toyota, known for its reliability and comfort.
all-wheel drive
"And it's all wheel drive. So you deal with like just a parasitic loss of..."
All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of a car get power from the engine, which helps it grip the road better, especially in bad weather.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle, enhancing traction and stability, especially in adverse conditions.
Mojave Desert
"...I have gone off-roading in the Mojave Desert with them and not even air down...."
The Mojave Desert is a dry area in California where it's very hot and has lots of sand and rocks. People often go there to drive off-road vehicles and explore nature.
The Mojave Desert is a desert located in southeastern California, known for its harsh conditions and diverse ecosystems. It is a popular location for off-roading and outdoor activities due to its varied terrain.
Toyota Prado
"...it's a Prado essentially a Toyota Prado. It's going to be legit. So let me,..."
The Toyota Prado is a type of SUV that can handle rough roads and off-roading. It's known for being tough and reliable, making it a good choice for adventures.
The Toyota Prado is a mid-size SUV known for its off-road capabilities and reliability. It is part of the Toyota Land Cruiser family and is popular for both urban and rugged terrain driving.
Mazda Miata
"...I've got the very reliable and I'm not lying Miata, which is my GLTC car and it needs nothing..."
The Mazda Miata is a small sports car that is fun to drive. It's known for being reliable and is often used in racing and car clubs.
The Mazda Miata is a lightweight two-seat roadster known for its fun driving dynamics and reliability. It's popular among car enthusiasts for its engaging handling and affordability.
Mazda 3
"...I adore. I love that car so much. Except you've been trying to replace it for like three years."
The Mazda 3 is a small car that is fun to drive and gets good gas mileage. Many people like it because it's reliable and easy to handle.
The Mazda 3 is a compact car known for its sporty handling and efficient fuel economy. It's popular among drivers looking for a reliable daily driver with a fun driving experience.
Mazda 2
"...which is also a Mazda 2, same as her Sunday cup car, but it's bright green."
The Mazda 2 is an even smaller car than the Mazda 3, making it easy to park and great for city driving. It's also known for being economical and reliable.
The Mazda 2 is a subcompact car that offers a balance of efficiency and fun driving dynamics. It's smaller than the Mazda 3 and is often favored for urban driving.
Chevy Express 3500
"So what kind of van is it? Is it a Chevy Dodge? Express 3500 extended. Yeah, those things are huge."
The Chevy Express 3500 is a large van that can carry a lot of stuff and is often used to tow trailers because it has a powerful engine.
The Chevy Express 3500 is a full-size van known for its spacious interior and strong towing capacity, making it a popular choice for commercial use and as a tow vehicle.
Subaru
"Oh, man. Yes, Seth. So what's in your garage? My newish Subaru. So sub one year old Subaru. That's brand new."
Subaru is a car brand that makes vehicles known for being tough and good in bad weather. The speaker has a newer model, which means it's likely packed with the latest features.
Subaru is a Japanese automaker known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles and rugged designs. The mention of a 'newish Subaru' indicates a relatively recent model, likely emphasizing its features and capabilities.
Honda 70
"Yeah, my race bike the last three seasons has been a Honda 70. Oh, 70 cc's. Okay. Yeah. It always makes me laugh."
The Honda 70 is a small motorcycle that's easy to ride, often used by kids or beginners. It's known for being fun and manageable for racing on smaller tracks.
The Honda 70 is a small motorcycle known for its lightweight and user-friendly design, making it popular among younger riders and beginners. It's often used for recreational riding and racing in smaller classes.
Porsche 911
"...the last thing really in my garage is the 9-11 that's been on a lift for like seven years. Okay. So I see like a theme there..."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that has been around for many years. It's known for its unique shape and powerful performance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It has been a staple in the automotive world since its introduction in the early 1960s, with various generations and models that cater to different driving preferences.
rev match
"it was really a friend of mine, uh, John Lindemann, who, uh, showed me essentially how to rev match because I could drive a stick shift vehicle."
Rev matching is when you adjust the engine speed to match the speed of the wheels when changing gears. This makes the car smoother and easier to drive.
Rev matching is a driving technique used to synchronize the engine speed with the wheel speed during downshifting. This helps to prevent the car from jerking and maintains stability when shifting gears.
Honda Challenge
"...when I was in a Honda Challenge Race and like button willow where I was just like strapped in..."
The Honda Challenge is a type of race where people drive Honda cars. It's popular among amateur racers and is a fun way to compete.
The Honda Challenge is a racing series featuring Honda vehicles, where drivers compete in various events. It's known for its grassroots approach and accessibility to amateur racers.
Audi TT
"I remember one of the most like impactful memories of being out on the track was like a NASA event where I saw like a TT like K swap car."
The Audi TT is a small sports car that looks cool and drives fast. It's known for being fun to drive and has a unique design.
The Audi TT is a compact sports car known for its distinctive design and agile handling. It has been popular among car enthusiasts for its performance and styling.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...r or TT, yeah, like a TT four car chasing down a Corvette that was also like race spec. And it was like any..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that many people love to drive. It's famous for being powerful and is often seen racing or at car shows.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful engines and sleek design. It has a long history as an American icon, often celebrated for its speed and handling, making it a popular topic among car enthusiasts.
NASA HPDE
"went through NASA's HPD, um, uh, program, then joined up with their instructors, uh, did the wheel to wheel licensing"
NASA HPDE is a program where drivers can learn to drive their cars better on a racetrack. It's a safe way to practice and improve driving skills with help from instructors.
NASA's High-Performance Driving Events (HPDE) program is designed to provide drivers with the opportunity to improve their driving skills in a safe and controlled environment. It includes instruction and practice on racetracks.
Ford Ranger
"... the Angeles forest areas and you see a forestry ranger in like an F 350, just move out of the way. And ..."
The Ford Ranger is a smaller pickup truck that can carry things in its bed and is good for driving on rough roads. People like it because it's useful for work and fun activities.
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck that has gained popularity for its versatility and off-road capabilities. It is often used for both work and recreation, making it a common choice for those who need a reliable vehicle for various tasks.
Ford F-350
"...if you see a forestry ranger in like an F 350, just move out of the way. And you will be treated to a show that you will not be able to believe..."
The Ford F-350 is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is often used for work. It's built to handle tough jobs and can drive on rough terrain.
The Ford F-350 is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its towing and hauling capabilities. It's often used for commercial purposes and by those who need a robust vehicle for work or off-road activities.
brake fade
"you could definitely see that like with people who aren't sure of themselves or don't have a lot of experience, you could boil brakes and certain runs. Yeah, happy. So yeah, like in daily drivers, it's it's wild to think that brake fade just on a commute could be a thing."
Brake fade is when your car's brakes get too hot and stop working as well. This can happen if you use the brakes a lot, like going down a steep hill.
Brake fade occurs when the brakes overheat due to excessive use, leading to reduced stopping power. This is common during prolonged descents or heavy braking, especially in vehicles not designed for such conditions.
Mazda CX-50
"we rented, I think it was a Mazda CX 50, their SUV, and we had like, you know, three, well, we had four of us including me."
The Mazda CX-50 is a type of SUV made by Mazda. It's good for driving in the city and can also handle outdoor activities.
The Mazda CX-50 is a compact SUV designed for versatility and comfort, featuring a stylish design and advanced technology. It's suitable for both urban driving and outdoor adventures.
Laguna Seca
"...the corkscrew and everything at Laguna and the willows, like you're like, oh, yeah, this is just the terrain..."
Laguna Seca is a well-known racetrack in California where cars race. It has a famous section called the Corkscrew, which is a tricky turn that drivers have to navigate carefully.
Laguna Seca is a famous racetrack located in California, known for its challenging layout, including the iconic Corkscrew turn. It hosts various motorsport events and is a popular venue for both professional and amateur racing.
Grid Life
"...by the time Grid Life went out there, um, which was my best excuse, I didn't have a track card to go out there with anymore..."
Grid Life is an event where car enthusiasts gather to race on tracks, show off their cars, and enjoy music. It's a fun way for people to experience motorsports and meet others who love cars.
Grid Life is a motorsport festival that combines track racing, car shows, and music festivals, focusing on grassroots motorsport culture. It's popular for its inclusive atmosphere and variety of automotive activities.
shitty Hondas
"...you're just going to get your ass handed to you by people in shitty Hondas who really know what they're doing..."
"Shitty Hondas" refers to older or less fancy Honda cars that might not look great but can be really fast because the drivers know how to handle them well.
The term "shitty Hondas" is likely a colloquial way to refer to older or less expensive Honda cars that may not appear impressive but can be surprisingly fast and well-driven on the track. It highlights the skill of the driver over the car's perceived quality.
Toyota Prius
"...ke overtake and, and you'll, you'll see people in Prius is like pass you and go like, dude, what are you..."
The Toyota Prius is a car that uses both gas and electricity to help save on fuel. It's known for being very good on gas and is popular among people who want to be more environmentally friendly.
The Toyota Prius is a hybrid vehicle that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency. It has become synonymous with eco-friendly driving and is often discussed for its innovative technology and environmental benefits.
Honda Challenge H4
"test like my Honda challenge H4 car? And it's like, all right, let's see if maybe we can sneak and swap in the braces."
The Honda Challenge H4 is a type of racing event where modified Honda cars compete against each other. It's a fun way for car lovers to test their driving skills.
The Honda Challenge H4 is a racing class that involves modified Honda vehicles competing in various events. It emphasizes performance and driver skill, making it popular among enthusiasts.
NASA weekend
"you know, like a NASA weekend for me, certainly when I was driving my Cadillac, but even when I was driving a time trial car, a NASA weekend, like I had to budget for"
A NASA weekend is a racing event where people compete in cars. It costs money to enter, travel, and stay overnight, so drivers need to plan their budget.
A NASA weekend refers to a motorsport event organized by the National Auto Sport Association, which includes various racing and time trial activities. Participants often need to budget for expenses like entry fees, travel, and lodging.
time trial car
"but even when I was driving a time trial car, a NASA weekend, like I had to budget for"
A time trial car is a special type of car used in racing events where drivers try to complete a course in the shortest time possible. They are often modified to go faster and handle better.
A time trial car is a vehicle specifically prepared for time trial events, where drivers compete against the clock rather than directly against each other. These cars often have performance modifications to enhance speed and handling.
tire consumable costs
"the ticket and, you know, tire consumable costs, I had to budget for a NASA weekend was going to cost me between a thousand and 1200 bucks"
Tire consumable costs are the money spent on tires that wear out during racing. Since tires can get damaged or used up quickly, drivers need to budget for new ones.
Tire consumable costs refer to the expenses associated with using tires during racing or track events, including wear and tear that requires replacement or maintenance. These costs can add up significantly over a racing weekend.
grassroots motorsports
"...I think it'll have a negative effect for more of the grassroots side. Not me, maybe like your SCCA's or NASA's, but like some of the smaller groups..."
Grassroots motorsports are local racing events where everyday people can compete with their cars. It's a way for car lovers to enjoy racing without needing a lot of money or experience.
Grassroots motorsports refers to amateur racing events that are accessible to the general public, often organized by local clubs or organizations. These events provide an entry point for enthusiasts to participate in motorsports without the high costs associated with professional racing.
SCCA
"...Not me, maybe like your SCCA's or NASA's..."
The SCCA is a group that organizes car racing events for regular people. They help fans of cars and racing to compete and enjoy motorsports together.
The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) is a non-profit organization that promotes motorsports and organizes events across the United States, including road racing, autocross, and rallying. It serves as a key player in grassroots motorsports.
Honda Civics
"...o, you were looking at inexpensive Miata's cheap Civics. Like there was a whole host when I started it, l..."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people like because it's dependable and saves on gas. It's a great option for anyone looking for an affordable and practical vehicle.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has been a staple in the automotive market for decades, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It appeals to a wide range of drivers, making it a common choice for first-time car buyers.
Ford Explorer
"...ese are so much easier. And then I'd do one Ford Explorer and you know, after cutting my hands on those sea..."
The Ford Explorer is a larger vehicle that can carry more people and stuff, making it great for families. It's often used for trips and has plenty of room inside.
The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV that is popular for its spacious interior and versatility, making it suitable for families and outdoor adventures. It has been a significant player in the SUV market since its introduction in the early 1990s.
salvage title
"...but salvage title and it's beat up and it makes a weird clicking noise. And you know, it's never really driving straight because the frame's bad..."
A salvage title means the car was damaged badly enough that an insurance company decided it wasn't worth fixing. These cars can be cheaper, but they might have hidden problems.
A salvage title is a designation given to a vehicle that has been declared a total loss by an insurance company due to damage or theft. Vehicles with salvage titles often have significant issues and may be difficult to insure or sell.
OBD II
"...back before OBD II, we had a flashing light and you would get a paper clip and you would run in there and then you'd count the flashes..."
OBD II is a system in cars that helps you find out what might be wrong with the engine or other parts. It uses codes that tell you about problems when you take your car to a mechanic.
OBD II stands for On-Board Diagnostics II, a standardized system that allows for the monitoring of vehicle performance and emissions. It provides diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that help identify issues with the vehicle's engine and other systems.
oil drain plug
"I'm leaking from the oil drain plug. And I believe the oil pressure switch..."
The oil drain plug is a small part that lets you remove old oil from the engine. If it's not sealed properly, it can cause oil to leak out.
The oil drain plug is a component located at the bottom of the oil pan that allows for the draining of engine oil during an oil change. A faulty or improperly sealed drain plug can lead to oil leaks.
Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG
"...the car was a 2007. And so this would have been like 2015 or something like that. R63 AMG. Are you familiar with that car, the Mercedes big dumb minivan?"
The R63 AMG is a special version of a Mercedes minivan that has a powerful engine and sporty features. It's designed for those who want a family vehicle with some extra performance.
The Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG is a performance-oriented version of the R-Class, a luxury minivan. It features a powerful engine and sporty enhancements, making it unique among typical family vans.
Toyota Corolla
"... also the front wheel drive guy and we were in a Corolla and I've driven that car before and it's decent. ..."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people trust because it runs well and doesn't cost too much to fill up with gas. It's a good choice for anyone looking for a safe and reliable vehicle.
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling cars in the world, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability. It is often recommended for new drivers and those seeking a dependable daily driver.
Honda CRX
"...our head of like, oh, yeah, this is just like my CRX when it's snappy right here. And this is way more..."
The Honda CRX is a small, sporty car that many people loved in the past because it was fun to drive and saved on gas. It's a classic choice for those who like quick and nimble cars.
The Honda CRX is a compact car that gained a cult following in the 1980s and 1990s for its sporty design and excellent fuel economy. It is often celebrated for its lightweight construction and agile handling, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
Holden Caprice
"...kie from the Northeast used a hockey puck on her Caprice tow car to kind of fix something on the intake. S..."
The Holden Caprice is a large and fancy car that was made in Australia. It's known for being comfortable and powerful, and some versions have even been used by the police.
The Holden Caprice is a full-size luxury sedan that was produced in Australia, known for its spacious interior and powerful engine options. It has been used as a police car and for government fleets, making it a notable vehicle in Australian automotive history.
Dodge Aries
"... 17 years old, I was driving around a 1986 Dodge Aries K and the fuel line started leaking cause it was ..."
The Dodge Aries is an older car that people used to drive a lot because it was cheap and got them where they needed to go. It's not very common now, but some people remember it fondly.
The Dodge Aries was a compact car produced in the 1980s and 1990s, known for its affordability and practicality. While not as popular today, it is often remembered for its role in the era of American sedans.
Nissan Altima
"...makes it warranted. Have you ever owned a Nissan Altima or a G35? Bonus points if the G35 was silver. I ..."
The Nissan Altima is a comfortable car that can fit a lot of people and stuff inside. It's known for being a good value and has nice features that make driving easier.
The Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan that offers a balance of comfort, performance, and technology features. It is often discussed for its competitive pricing and spacious interior, making it a popular choice among families.
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