224 - Motivated by FOMO (Danny Corliss)
About this episode
A lively debate kicks off the episode as Danny Corliss joins Scott and Seth to discuss the intriguing comparison of tiny motorcycles to an E30. The conversation dives into Danny's ambitious goal of driving in a performance capacity every week for a year, sharing his experiences from autocross to one-lap events. He reflects on the emotional highs and lows of racing, the challenges of competition, and the lessons learned from a whirlwind year filled with car-related adventures. The episode also touches on Danny's unique approach to capturing memories from his racing journey through postcards.
Danny has a lot to thank his dad for... Seth thinks jail can be a great thing... Scott could geek out about Lego, but refocuses...
We talk with Danny Corliss after a remarkable 2025 goal - drive at least once per week for a year. Mechanical failures, unintended contact, a viral video, and some amazing roadtrips later - here we are to talk about it.
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BMW E30
"We have a great debate on how many tiny motorcycles equals one E30 because we have a guest on tonight who's exploits in 2025 or something of legend."
The BMW E30 is a popular model of the 3 Series that was made in the 1980s and early 1990s. It's loved for its fun driving experience and stylish look.
The BMW E30 is a generation of the BMW 3 Series produced from 1982 to 1994. It is well-known for its sporty handling and classic design, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and collectors.
BMW E30M3
"Well, no, there's a couple things like footprint. I mean, six tiny bikes in an E30 M3 footprint is like spacious."
The BMW E30 M3 is a special version of the BMW 3 Series that was made for racing and performance. It's known for being fun to drive and has a classic look that many people love.
The BMW E30 M3 is a high-performance version of the 3 Series, produced from 1982 to 1994. It is renowned for its sporty handling and iconic design, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
BMW X5
"...our E36s, I think. And then the V12, V32, diesel X5. My wife's car is a mini, so that doesn't help."
The BMW X5 is a fancy SUV that can carry a lot of people and stuff while also being fun to drive. It’s known for its comfortable interior and cool features, making it a popular choice for families who want something nice and practical. People talk about it because it’s a good mix of luxury and performance.
The BMW X5 is a luxury midsize SUV that was first introduced in 1999. It is significant for being one of the first luxury SUVs to combine sporty performance with off-road capability, and it has set a benchmark for competitors in the segment. The X5 is often discussed for its blend of comfort, technology, and driving dynamics.
Mini
"My wife's car is a mini, so that doesn't help."
The Mini is a small, cute car that's fun to drive and easy to park, making it perfect for city driving.
The Mini Cooper is a small car known for its distinctive design and fun driving experience. It has a rich history and is popular in urban environments.
autocross
"...includes like go karting, autocross, uh, like skid pad day or something like that."
Autocross is a type of car racing where you drive through a course set up with cones. It's usually done in a parking lot and focuses on how well you can handle your car around tight turns.
Autocross is a timed competition where drivers navigate through a defined course marked by cones, typically held in large parking lots or airfields. It's a great way to test driving skills and vehicle handling in a controlled environment.
track days
"...skid pad day or something like that. Um, track days, HPE and wheel to wheel racing."
Track days are events where you can drive your car on a racetrack. It's a chance to go fast and see how your car handles without worrying about traffic.
Track days are events where car enthusiasts can take their vehicles onto a racetrack to drive at higher speeds in a safe environment. Participants can improve their driving skills and experience their cars' performance capabilities.
wheel to wheel racing
"...HPE and wheel to wheel racing. So which is a lot."
Wheel to wheel racing is when cars race closely together on a track. It's very competitive and involves trying to pass other cars while avoiding collisions.
Wheel to wheel racing refers to competitive racing where cars race closely together, often in a circuit format. It requires skill and strategy to navigate around other competitors while maintaining speed.
American Le Mans series
"...my dad took me to the, uh, American Le Mans series race that they did in, in Baltimore for two years. This is Baltimore Grand Prix."
The American Le Mans Series was a type of car racing in the U.S. where different teams raced cars over long distances, often lasting several hours. It included many different kinds of cars and was very popular.
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was a sports car racing series in North America that featured endurance races. It was known for its diverse classes of cars and attracted many manufacturers and teams.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
"...we were on the PT cruisers."
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a unique car that looks a bit like a classic vehicle but is actually a modern compact car. It's known for having a lot of space inside and a distinctive design.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a compact car that was produced from 2000 to 2010, known for its retro styling and versatile interior space. It combines elements of a hatchback and a wagon, appealing to a wide range of drivers.
IMSA
"...how did your dad know about IMSA races? Was he into the whole race car thing?"
IMSA is a group that organizes car races, especially for sports cars. They have different types of races and are well-known in the racing community.
IMSA stands for the International Motor Sports Association, which is known for organizing sports car racing events in North America. It features various classes of racing, including prototypes and GT cars, and is a prominent series in the world of motorsport.
HPDE
"...He signed me up for a BMW CCA HPD at VIR."
HPDE means High-Performance Driving Experience, where people can drive their cars fast on a racetrack and learn how to handle them better.
HPDE stands for High-Performance Driving Experience, which is an event where drivers can learn advanced driving techniques and push their cars to the limit on a racetrack.
VIR
"...that was my first time ever doing anything like track related. I'd never done any autocross."
VIR stands for Virginia International Raceway, a famous racetrack in Virginia where people can race and take driving classes.
VIR, or Virginia International Raceway, is a popular motorsport facility in the United States known for its road course used for various racing events and driving schools.
suspension setup
"And then we did like a, we did the old specky 30 suspension set up on it. So like the Bilsteins and H and R Springs and like new bushings and ball joints..."
A suspension setup is how the parts that help your car ride smoothly and handle well are arranged and adjusted. It affects how the car feels when you drive it, especially on turns and bumps.
A suspension setup refers to the arrangement and tuning of a vehicle's suspension components to improve handling, ride quality, and performance. This can include the choice of shocks, springs, and other components that affect how the car responds to road conditions.
H and R Springs
"So like the Bilsteins and H and R Springs and like new bushings and ball joints and everything kind of just like went through..."
H and R Springs are special springs that can lower your car and help it handle better when you turn. They make the car look sportier and improve how it drives.
H and R Springs is a brand that manufactures performance springs for vehicles. These springs are designed to lower a car's ride height and improve handling by reducing body roll during cornering.
Bilsteins
"So like the Bilsteins and H and R Springs and like new bushings and ball joints and everything kind of just like went through..."
Bilsteins are a type of shock absorber that helps control how your car moves over bumps and around corners. They make the ride smoother and help the car handle better.
Bilsteins are a brand of shock absorbers known for their performance and durability. They are commonly used in both street and racing applications to improve handling and ride quality.
project car
"So you had a proper project car that you could like dig into. Didn't need to move anywhere immediately."
A project car is a car that someone buys to fix up or make better over time. It's usually a fun hobby where you can work on the car and make it your own.
A project car is a vehicle that an enthusiast buys to restore, modify, or improve over time. It often requires significant work and investment, but it allows the owner to customize the car to their liking.
spec three
"Uh, so the context there was I was working on finishing my spec three. Race car, like NASA wheel to wheel race car, um, which I had been building myself..."
Spec Three is a type of racing class where drivers use similar cars with specific modifications. This helps keep the races competitive and fair.
Spec Three is a class in the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) racing series that allows for a specific set of modifications to a car, promoting close competition among similar vehicles. It typically involves using a production car with certain performance upgrades while maintaining a level playing field.
safety cage
"...I was trying to get the cage installed and then go on and do like the fire system and everything."
A safety cage is a strong frame inside a race car that helps keep the driver safe if the car rolls over or crashes. It makes the car much safer to drive in races.
A safety cage, or roll cage, is a structure installed in a race car to protect the driver in the event of a rollover or crash. It is designed to maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment during an accident.
NASA
"...I signed up for HPD with NASA at Rockingham in my E30..."
NASA is a group that organizes car racing and driving events. They help people learn how to drive their cars better and safely on racetracks.
NASA stands for the National Auto Sport Association, which is an organization that promotes motorsport and provides opportunities for drivers to participate in racing and high-performance driving events.
Toyo
"...11 year old Toyo RA ones on it. They're probably fine."
Toyo is a company that makes tires for cars. They are known for making good quality tires that perform well, especially in racing.
Toyo is a Japanese tire manufacturer known for producing high-performance tires for various applications, including motorsports and everyday driving.
tires
"...I didn't like, I never got good tires or anything. So I wasn't really like competing, but I was, I was trying to do my best."
Tires are the round rubber parts on your car that touch the road. They help your car grip the surface and can change how well your car handles and performs.
In automotive terms, tires are the rubber components that provide traction, support the weight of the vehicle, and absorb shock. The type and quality of tires can significantly affect a car's performance, especially in competitive settings like autocross.
Honda Accord
"Did you see my accord, the full spread of my accord?"
The Honda Accord is a well-known car that many people like because it's dependable and has a lot of room inside. It's also good on gas and has safety features to keep you safe while driving.
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car known for its reliability, spacious interior, and good fuel economy. It's often praised for its comfortable ride and advanced safety features.
horsepower
"In a car that has how much horsepower? The 240 stock, it's just stock."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster the car can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, specifically in the context of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, impacting a car's acceleration and overall performance.
AC compressor clutch
"The only thing I had to do was on the AC compressor clutch seas. So I had to cut the belt."
The AC compressor clutch helps turn the air conditioning system on and off. If it gets stuck, the AC won't work, and you might need to fix or replace it.
The AC compressor clutch is a component that engages and disengages the air conditioning compressor from the engine's drive belt. When the clutch is engaged, the compressor circulates refrigerant, allowing the AC system to cool the vehicle's interior. If the clutch seizes, it can prevent the AC system from functioning properly, requiring repairs or replacement.
comp school
"...at the point when I did comp school, my goal was to do one race weekend..."
Comp school is a training course for people who want to learn how to race. It teaches you the skills you need to compete safely and effectively on the track.
Comp school, or competition school, is a training program for drivers who want to learn the skills necessary for racing. It typically includes both classroom instruction and on-track practice to prepare participants for competitive racing.
clutch fan
"...had to go down to the shop down the hill and like pull a clutch fan off of a parts car and like all this stuff. But, um, I guess that's just how it goes."
A clutch fan helps keep the engine cool by turning on when the engine gets hot. It connects to the engine and can turn off when it's not needed, saving energy.
A clutch fan is a type of cooling fan that is connected to the engine via a clutch mechanism. It engages and disengages based on the engine temperature, helping to regulate airflow and prevent overheating.
parts car
"...pull a clutch fan off of a parts car and like all this stuff. But, um, I guess that's just how it goes."
A parts car is a car that doesn't run anymore, but people keep it to take parts from it to fix other cars. It's like a donor car for spare parts.
A parts car is a vehicle that is no longer roadworthy but is kept for the purpose of salvaging usable parts. This is a common practice among car enthusiasts and mechanics to source components for repairs or restorations.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...I remember there was one clip a long time ago of, I think a Corvette blowing the brake zones..."
The Corvette is a fast sports car made by Chevrolet. It's popular for racing and has a strong engine that makes it exciting to drive.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful engines and agile handling. It's a staple in American automotive culture and often used in racing and performance driving.
head gasket
"So I ended my year by blowing up my engine. So or at least blowing the head gasket."
The head gasket is a part of the engine that keeps oil and coolant from leaking into each other. If it breaks, it can cause serious problems for the engine, like overheating.
The head gasket is a critical component that seals the engine block and cylinder head, preventing coolant and oil from mixing. If it fails, it can lead to significant engine damage, such as overheating or loss of compression.
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