236 - It Costs You Nothing to Make Mistakes (Cole Carson)

“Track Locking” appears to be the show’s name/segment branding. It frames the episode as being about what happens at racetracks and how people learn from driving and racing mistakes.

Racing small motorcycles (often called mini bikes or pocket bikes) changes the dynamics compared to full-size bikes: less mass, quicker acceleration, and different braking/traction behavior. That can make mistakes feel “bigger” because the rider has less margin for error.

Texas Mini Grand Prix is referenced as the racing event where the host met Cole. It’s a specific grassroots venue context that helps listeners understand the type of racing community being discussed.

A “crash count” is a tally of how many times a rider has crashed or gone down. In a track context, it’s often used to talk about learning, risk, and how frequently mistakes happen while improving.

TMGP appears to be the motorcycle racing/track series or organization the hosts and rider are discussing. The context suggests it’s a structured program with rules that require things like safety wire and bike eligibility.

“Cruiser tires” refers to tire types typically designed for cruiser motorcycles, often with different tread patterns and carcass characteristics than track-focused tires. Mounting them “to both ends” suggests they were using what they had to make the bike rideable and legal for the series.

“Denton round” likely refers to a specific event date/location within the TMGP series. Calling it a “round” implies a multi-event season where riders compete at different venues.

“Dirt suspension” refers to suspension setups designed for off-road traction and impacts, typically with more travel and different damping than street setups. On track, suspension choice affects how the bike absorbs bumps and how stable it feels through corners.

Motor Liberty is referenced as the place where the speaker borrowed a riding suit. For listeners, this is a reminder that track learning often involves proper gear and local support from shops or training communities.

“Crashing early” is a learning strategy: you push just enough to find the limit, then back off and adjust. On a track, early mistakes can help you understand braking points, corner entry speed, and traction before you build bad habits.

The Yamaha TTR 125 is a small dirt bike aimed at beginners and younger riders, commonly used for track days and motocross-style practice. In this segment, it’s the bike the speaker crashes while learning track basics, highlighting how approachable the platform can be for learning.

“Three hours of sterling” likely refers to a track session duration (Sterling being a track or event name). Time-on-track is a key factor in learning because it increases repetitions and feedback.

This is describing how off-road riding on a farm can feel more predictable than street riding. On dirt, traction and speed are typically lower, and the rider’s main “forces” to manage are gravity and traction rather than traffic hazards.

TIG, MIG, and ARC are different welding processes used to join metal. TIG (tungsten inert gas) is known for precision, MIG (metal inert gas) is often faster for production-style work, and “ARC” typically refers to arc welding methods; gas welding uses a fuel/oxygen flame.

The segment highlights how building race cars in a student program can function like real-world engineering training. Instead of only taking classes, students do full development work—design, fabrication, sponsorship coordination, and testing—while learning alongside coursework.

Formula SAE (often written FSAE) is a student engineering competition where teams design, build, and race a small formula-style car. It’s a hands-on way to learn the full vehicle development process—everything from chassis and suspension to aerodynamics and powertrain integration.

Chassis design is the process of creating the car’s structural frame so it’s strong, stiff, and safe while also meeting weight and packaging goals. In race cars, chassis stiffness and geometry strongly influence handling and how consistently the suspension can do its job.

Aero (aerodynamics) in race cars is about shaping airflow to generate downforce and reduce drag. Better aero can improve cornering grip and stability, while too much drag can hurt acceleration and top speed.

Composites are materials made by combining fibers (like carbon or fiberglass) with a resin to create strong, lightweight parts. In motorsports, composites are often used for body panels and structural components to reduce weight without sacrificing stiffness.

The Ford Bronco is a rugged off-road SUV known for its body-on-frame design and strong aftermarket support. In the podcast, it comes up as a project vehicle—someone restored an ’85 Bronco and then kept dealing with repairs, which highlights how these trucks can be hands-on ownership experiences. It’s often discussed because it’s a popular platform for restoration and customization.

The Chevrolet Chevelle is a classic American muscle car, and the ’65 mentioned in the podcast is a particularly iconic year. The conversation focuses on rebuilding—someone rebuilt a ’65 Chevelle after earlier experiences with cars—showing how these vehicles are often kept alive through restoration and mechanical work. It’s discussed because the Chevelle has a large enthusiast community and a strong parts/restoration ecosystem.

Formula SE is a motorsports/engineering program that helps participants get hands-on experience in racing-related engineering. In this segment, it’s described as a path that influenced the guest’s interest in motor sports and later motorcycles.

A “lemon’s car” refers to building a car intended for endurance-style racing events that celebrate unreliable, budget builds—commonly associated with the “Worst car” culture. The idea is to compete with a car that’s more about ingenuity and persistence than perfection.

IndyCar is the premier open-wheel racing series in the United States. Here it’s used to describe the guest’s network and career path, including friends working as race engineers and other team roles.

Circle track racing is a form of motorsport where cars run on an oval or circular track, typically turning left for most of the lap. It’s common in series like NASCAR-style racing and often uses specialized setups for traction and tire management.

“One stop shop” refers to a single retailer or supplier that can provide everything you need for a specific racing discipline—parts, fitment help, and returns. In motorsports, fitment uncertainty can be expensive because you may need to order, test, and return items until they fit correctly.

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics, second generation) is the standardized system cars use to report diagnostic trouble codes and sensor data. An “OBD2 sensor” in this context sounds like a device that plugs into the OBD-II port to collect vehicle diagnostic data for monitoring or analysis.

Complex system integration is the work of making many subsystems (like ECU, ABS, and other electronics) function together as one coordinated system. It often involves extensive testing to confirm communication, data integrity, and correct behavior under real operating conditions.

ECU stands for Engine Control Unit, the car’s main computer that manages engine and many related functions. In modern cars, the ECU also has to communicate with other modules (like ABS) so the whole vehicle system works correctly.

ABS modules are the electronic control units responsible for anti-lock braking system operation. They must communicate with the rest of the vehicle electronics to ensure sensor data and control commands are consistent and correctly timed.

ABS testing refers to validating anti-lock braking system behavior both in isolation and as part of the full vehicle network. The key challenge is whether it works when integrated—e.g., whether sensors, timing, and data communication are correct across modules.

This describes integration testing: verifying that multiple vehicle electronic modules communicate correctly once connected into the full system. It includes checking data timing (“right clocks”), interface compatibility, and whether the correct information is transmitted between modules.

In this context, interfaces are the communication links and protocols between different electronic modules. Compatibility means the modules can exchange the expected data in the expected format and timing.

Systems engineering is the approach of designing and managing a complex project so all subsystems work together toward the same requirements. In motorsport, that means coordinating suspension, chassis, powertrain, electronics, and safety so one team’s work doesn’t break another team’s goals.

This is a framing concept: the hosts argue that the enjoyment per dollar of motorcycle racing (“fun on two wheels”) is so high that it beats other spending options. It’s not a technical term, but it’s a recurring way they evaluate racing choices—budget vs. satisfaction.

“Parts availability” is a practical racing concept: even if a bike is fast, it can be hard to maintain or improve if parts are scarce. Here, the hosts say the Benelli TNT135 is limited because there aren’t many parts available compared with the Honda Grom ecosystem.

The Honda Grom is a benchmark mini-bike in this racing context, used for lap-time comparisons. The hosts argue that the Benelli TNT135 is better in some ways, but that the Grom has more available parts and can be faster with hotter engines.

“Hotter motors” refers to engines that are tuned or modified to run at higher performance levels, often producing more power. In racing comparisons, it usually implies more aggressive tuning (and sometimes more heat and wear) than a stock setup.

The Benelli TNT135 is a small-displacement motorcycle used here as the speaker’s race bike. The discussion focuses on how it performs under TMGP rules and how it compares to other mini bikes like the Honda Grom.

Ducati is referenced as a style comparison point for the Benelli TNT135’s aesthetics. The hosts imply the bike’s design language resembles Ducati (and similar European brands) even if the underlying manufacturing approach is different.

Aprilia is mentioned alongside Ducati as another European design reference. The hosts are using these brands to describe the TNT135’s “squint” resemblance in styling, not claiming shared engineering.

Clubman bars are a handlebar style with a wide, low, often rearward-leaning shape, commonly associated with café racer builds. They can alter rider position and braking leverage, and in this segment the speaker argues this particular setup contributed to the crash dynamics.

Clip-ons are handlebars mounted directly to the fork tubes, typically lower and closer to the rider. They’re popular on sport bikes because they can improve aerodynamics and leverage, but they can also change how you brace during hard braking.

Benelli is an Italian motorcycle brand. In this story, the speaker describes how a braking event on a Benelli became dangerous because the handlebar setup didn’t provide a safe bracing position.

The run-off area is the space beside or beyond the roadway intended to reduce injury severity when a vehicle leaves the lane. The speaker describes the crash occurring in a drainage ditch within the run-off area, emphasizing how off-track/off-lane space can still be hazardous.

A “self-ejecting” bike is a rider-centered way of describing a motorcycle that throws the rider off during a crash or sudden maneuver. Here, the speaker links the handlebar height/shape to how the rider’s body position during braking can lead to being launched over the front.

“No plates, no insurance” means the motorcycle wasn’t legally registered and didn’t have active coverage. This matters because it affects liability, recovery of damages, and how incidents are handled after a crash.

A side stand is the kick-out support leg that lets a motorcycle rest upright without being held. The speaker notes the bike didn’t have a side stand because it was cut off, which led to an awkward fall while the rider was already injured.

The speakers describe how vibration from heavy machinery can cause screws that pass through a plate into bone to back out. This is a general mechanical principle: repeated vibration can overcome friction and allow threaded hardware to loosen, which can then contribute to complications like infection or delayed healing.

Loctite is a brand of thread-locking adhesive used to keep threaded fasteners (like screws and bolts) from backing out due to vibration. In orthopedic hardware discussions, people often wonder whether a thread-locker would help prevent loosening.

Safety wire is a method of mechanically securing fasteners (like bolts and screws) so they can’t loosen or back out under vibration. It’s commonly used in motorsports because it provides a redundant, tamper-resistant lock without relying on adhesives.

External fixation is a medical technique where pins or wires are attached to bone and connected to an external frame to hold alignment while healing. In the transcript, it’s discussed as an alternative to screws for stabilizing a broken joint in a difficult location.

External pins refer to pins placed into bone that are held by an external support structure to maintain alignment and stability. In this context, they’re mentioned as a way to apply tension and pull a joint fragment back into place when screws aren’t practical.

Motorcycle racing is a high-vibration, high-load environment where small hardware failures can become dangerous quickly. That’s why practices like safety wiring and other redundant retention methods are common in racing setups.

The speaker is referring to a Honda CBR600F4i, a 600cc sportbike era from the early 2000s. They’re using it as a practical “parking solution” while in college, then discussing its reputation and how it compares to other 600s.

Fuel injection is the system that meters fuel into the engine using electronic controls rather than a carburetor. The host highlights it as the defining difference between the CBR F4 and the CBR F4i, implying smoother operation and easier day-to-day reliability.

The Fiat 600 is a small, early compact car that’s often remembered for being simple and durable. The podcast describes it as widely considered one of the best “600s” made and calls out its reputation for being hard to break. It’s discussed because these cars are frequently restored and used as dependable classics.

The speaker credits the bike’s oiling system for its durability, implying strong lubrication and oil pickup performance. In track and racing contexts, oiling quality is crucial because sustained high RPM and cornering loads can starve the engine of oil.

Rod knock is a serious mechanical noise caused by excessive clearance or bearing damage inside the engine. The host says there was “no rod knock,” using it as evidence the engine internals stayed healthy despite hard use.

A wheelie is when the front wheel lifts off the ground under acceleration. The host says you can “leave them at a 12 o'clock wheelie almost all day,” describing how controllable the bike is for stunt/abuse-style riding.

Oil pickups are the intake screens/tubes inside the engine oil pan that draw oil up to the pump. If they’re clogged or damaged, the engine can lose oil pressure and overheat or fail.

A timing chain synchronizes the crankshaft and camshaft so valves open at the correct time. If it stretches or fails, the engine can run poorly or suffer serious internal damage.

A manual timing-chain adjuster is a service part that lets you set chain tension to restore proper timing. It’s often used when a chain has slack or an automatic tensioner isn’t holding correctly.

The DMV is the government office that handles vehicle titling, registration, and licensing requirements. In this story, the DMV’s decision affects whether the motorcycle can legally be titled and registered.

A safety inspection verifies that a vehicle meets minimum roadworthiness requirements (brakes, lights, tires, etc.). Passing it is often required before a vehicle can be registered or insured.

Temporary plates are short-term registration permits that allow limited legal operation while permanent paperwork is processed. The speaker says they were denied temporary plates, which prevented them from riding the bike legally.

Insurance fraud is illegal deception to obtain a payout or benefits from an insurer. In this case, the motorcycle was allegedly involved in a claim that led to it being recorded as a wrecked vehicle, complicating titling and registration.

An untitled vehicle hasn’t been properly issued a legal title, which can block registration, insurance, and resale. The host’s situation shows how a low purchase price can turn into a long, uncertain process to fix the title status.

“Title issues” means the vehicle’s legal ownership paperwork has problems (for example, missing/incorrect paperwork, liens, or branding). Even if the bike runs great, title problems can make registration, insurance, or resale difficult.

A “track bike” is set up primarily for riding on a racetrack rather than commuting. That often means suspension/brake upgrades, tires meant for track use, and sometimes removing or changing street-legal components.

A “street fighter” is a motorcycle style where the bike is stripped down and modified to look and feel more aggressive—often removing fairings and changing the handlebars/lights. It’s more about aesthetics and attitude than a specific factory model.

“Track bearings” typically refers to higher-performance wheel/steering bearings used for track use. They can reduce friction and improve feel, but they still require correct installation and regular maintenance.

The Suzuki Katana 750 is a classic sport-touring/sportbike model known for its distinctive styling and inline-four character. In this segment, it’s mentioned as a bike the speaker totaled multiple times, highlighting how track/street use can lead to repeated damage.

The BMW R 1200 GS is a popular adventure motorcycle built for long-distance touring and mixed-road riding. The speaker calls it a “big BMW touring bike” and describes it as an adventure-bike archetype, noting high mileage and ongoing use.

A “beater” is a vehicle you don’t baby—something you ride hard because it’s affordable or already has issues. The speaker frames the BMW R 1200 GS as one of the best beater bikes they’ve owned, emphasizing practicality over perfection.

This segment discusses the motivation for owning multiple motorcycles—specifically using marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to find more bikes to ride. It’s less about technical specs and more about the culture of collecting/rotating bikes.

A carburetor is the fuel-mixing device used on many older engines. The episode centers on jetting and tuning—getting the right fuel/air mixture so the engine starts easily and runs correctly.

Premix is the pre-mixed fuel/oil blend used for many two-stroke engines. The story highlights how critical the correct oil content is—running premix incorrectly can cause severe internal damage like a melted piston.

A two-stroke engine completes its power cycle in two strokes of the piston, and it typically relies on oil mixed with the fuel (or oil injection) for lubrication. The host’s mistake—running without adding oil to the premix—led to overheating and piston damage.

The piston is a key internal engine component that transfers combustion force to the crankshaft. In the segment, the host explains the piston was melted due to insufficient lubrication from missing oil in the premix.

The top end refers to the upper portion of a two-stroke engine—typically components like the cylinder and piston assembly. The host says you can buy an entire top end relatively cheaply, and that it included a race-oriented setup.

A race kit is an aftermarket (or performance) cylinder/piston package intended to increase power by changing combustion characteristics and displacement. Here, the host connects the race kit to higher compression and improved charge flow through the two-stroke piston design.

The host specifically references using a 1982 Honda CR80 piston as part of a big-bore build for the scooter. The CR80 is a Honda motocross model, and using its piston (with overboring) is described as the key step to creating a higher-displacement “race motor.”