{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"398: From SEMA to the Speedway: Mike Spagnola on the Future of Performance","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/398-from-sema-to-the-speedway-mike-spagnola-on-the-future-of-performance","audioUrl":"https://pdcn.co/e/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/autosausage/398_SEMA.mp3?dest-id=1205588","description":"Recorded live at the PRI Show in Indianapolis, this episode of The Collector Car Podcast features an in-depth conversation with Mike Spagnola, President & CEO of SEMA, on why PRI remains vital to the performance and racing world, how advocacy protects enthusiast culture, and what the future holds for the next generation of car people. In the second part of the episode, I'm joined by Kevin Darwish of Lost Angels Career Center to discuss the incredible Camaro drift car on display at PRI—designed and built by students. It's a powerful example of how education, mentorship, and hands-on experience are shaping the future of the automotive industry. #TheCollectorCarPodcast #SEMA #PRISHOW #PRI2025 #CarCulture #MotorsportsIndustry #CollectorCars #WhyCarsMatter #CarEnthusiast Do you need help buying or selling your collector car?  Contact Greg directly at Greg@TheCollectorCarPodcast.com or GStanley@RMSothebys.com. A special thank you to our new sponsor, Discover Once, curators of one-of-a-kind automotive adventures you'll never experience twice. Learn more at discoveronce.com/muscle. And as always, huge thanks to RM Sotheby's for their continual support and for making so many of these automotive dreams possible. Listen to the \"Octane FM: Shift, Rev, Repeat\" album on Spotify! Stay connected with The Collector Car Podcast—find us on our Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or reach out to Greg directly via email. Join RM Sotheby's Car Specialist Greg Stanley as he brings over 25 years of experience and keen market analysis to the world of collector cars. Each week, Greg dives into market trends, interviews industry experts, and shares insights—with a little fun along the way. New episodes drop every Thursday and are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more at www.TheCollectorCarPodcast.com or email Greg at Greg@TheCollectorCarPodcast.com. Interested in consigning a car at an RM Sotheby's or Sotheby's Motorsport auctions? Contact Greg directly at GStanley@RMSothebys.com or Greg.Stanley@SothebysMotorsport.com "},"annotations":[{"startTime":152.0,"endTime":158.0,"type":"term","title":"PRRI","url":"/glossary/prri","quote":"Tell us, tell everyone here a little bit what is PRRI and then the connection with SEMA.","canonicalId":"term:prri","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"PRRI stands for Performance Racing Industry, an organization that focuses on the racing sector of automotive manufacturing and track ownership. It serves as a networking hub for racers, engineers, and suppliers involved in motorsports.","simplifiedExplanation":"PRRI is a group that helps people who build and race cars connect with each other. It’s like a club for racing enthusiasts and professionals."}},{"startTime":199.0,"endTime":209.0,"type":"term","title":"SEMA","url":"/glossary/sema","quote":"And it really just specialized on that where SEMA is a lot more, it's got racing, but it's got all sorts of other things.","canonicalId":"term:sema","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.96,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"SEMA is the Specialty Equipment Market Association, a trade organization that represents aftermarket automotive parts and accessories. It hosts an annual show where manufacturers showcase new products for cars, trucks, and SUVs.","simplifiedExplanation":"SEMA is a big trade show where companies sell parts and accessories for cars and trucks. Think of it as a marketplace for car upgrades."}},{"startTime":234.0,"endTime":248.0,"type":"concept","title":"grassroots racing","url":"/glossary/grassroots-racing","quote":"I think a lot of folks realize the perception is as racing is so expensive, the engines are so expensive. But as I walk around, I see a lot of grassroots stuff.","canonicalId":"concept:grassroots-racing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Grassroots racing refers to low-cost, community-based motorsport activities that emphasize participation over professional competition. It often includes local dirt tracks, club events, and amateur drivers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Grassroots racing is when people race cars in local, inexpensive events. It’s all about having fun and learning rather than winning big prizes."}},{"startTime":234.0,"endTime":248.0,"type":"concept","title":"go carts","url":"/glossary/go-carts","quote":"I see some small stuff, I see some dirt track stuff, I see some go carts, I see all sorts of stuff.","canonicalId":"concept:go-carts","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Go carts are small, motorized vehicles used for racing or recreation on tracks. They typically have four wheels and a low seat, offering an entry-level experience into motorsports.","simplifiedExplanation":"Go carts are tiny cars that people race on small tracks. They’re a fun way to get into racing without needing a full-size car."}},{"startTime":325.0,"endTime":337.0,"type":"concept","title":"simulators","url":"/glossary/simulators","quote":"And then on the low end, it's really cool to see all these simulators now where they're going. And it may sound expensive for a $10,000 simulator.","canonicalId":"concept:simulators","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Simulators are computer-based racing setups that replicate the feel of driving a real car, including steering, braking, and throttle response. They allow drivers to practice without the cost or risk of a physical vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"A racing simulator is like a video game that feels very real. You sit in a seat, use a steering wheel and pedals, and the computer shows you how a car would drive on a track."}},{"startTime":359.0,"endTime":363.0,"type":"concept","title":"Formula One","url":"/glossary/formula-one","quote":"I saw an article where some of the Formula One drivers were saying, don't waste your time now. I'm carting just great to sim because it's so real and it gets you into some sort of thing.","canonicalId":"concept:formula-one","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Formula One is the highest class of single-seat, open-wheel racing sanctioned by the FIA. It features cutting-edge technology and attracts top drivers worldwide.","simplifiedExplanation":"Formula One is the fastest and most famous car racing series in the world, with super-fast cars that race on tracks around the globe."}},{"startTime":373.0,"endTime":376.0,"type":"term","title":"carting","url":"/glossary/carting","quote":"I haven't still like carts in my kitchen, but my kids and I still do some amateur racing. And we practice on a sim.","canonicalId":"term:carting","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Carting refers to driving go-karts, small off-road or on-track vehicles used for racing practice and entertainment. 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They use small rollers to make the motion smoother, which can help the engine run better."}},{"startTime":435.0,"endTime":440.0,"type":"part","title":"headers","url":"/glossary/headers","quote":"And I imagine that's very similar here, whether you're talking about, you know, roller cams or exhausts or headers, whatever, because I know there's so much innovation in this industry, right?","canonicalId":"part:headers","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Headers are the first section of an engine's exhaust system that collect gases from each cylinder and merge them into a single pipe, improving flow and performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Headers are the part of the exhaust that takes gases from each cylinder and combines them into one pipe. They help the engine get rid of waste gas more efficiently."}},{"startTime":463.0,"endTime":468.0,"type":"term","title":"CAD data","url":"/glossary/cad-data","quote":"We work with them on CAD data, we work with them on dyno testing and emissions testing and safety rigs and all those sorts of things, depending on what the product is.","canonicalId":"term:cad-data","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"CAD data refers to computer-aided design files that provide detailed 3D models and specifications for parts or assemblies used in manufacturing.","simplifiedExplanation":"CAD data is a digital file that shows exactly how a part should look and fit. Engineers use it to design and test parts before they are made."}},{"startTime":468.0,"endTime":472.0,"type":"term","title":"dyno testing","url":"/glossary/dyno-testing","quote":"We work with them on CAD data, we work on dyno testing and emissions testing and safety rigs and all those sorts of things...","canonicalId":"term:dyno-testing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Dyno testing involves running a vehicle or engine on a dynamometer to measure power output, torque, and performance characteristics under controlled conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Dyno testing is when a car or engine sits on a special machine that measures how much power it makes. 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It helps make sure the vehicle meets government rules for keeping air clean."}},{"startTime":476.0,"endTime":480.0,"type":"term","title":"safety rigs","url":"/glossary/safety-rigs","quote":"We work with them on CAD data, we work on dyno testing and emissions testing and safety rigs and all those sorts of things...","canonicalId":"term:safety-rigs","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Safety rigs are specialized test setups that simulate crash scenarios or other safety-critical events to evaluate vehicle structural integrity and occupant protection.","simplifiedExplanation":"Safety rigs are machines that mimic crashes or other dangerous situations to see how well a car protects its passengers. They help engineers improve safety designs."}},{"startTime":534.0,"endTime":540.0,"type":"part","title":"exterior oil cooler fan","url":"/glossary/exterior-oil-cooler-fan","quote":"you know, exterior oil cooler fan, whatever, but he was talking about how quickly it ramps up in speed and how quiet it is and how much air force, you know.","canonicalId":"part:exterior-oil-cooler-fan","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"An exterior oil cooler fan is a component mounted on the outside of a vehicle’s engine bay that pulls air through an oil cooler to help dissipate heat from the engine oil. It improves cooling efficiency, especially during high-performance or racing conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"This fan sits on the outside of a car’s engine and pulls air through a small radiator‑like unit to keep the engine oil from getting too hot. It’s especially useful when a car is working hard, like in racing."}},{"startTime":749.0,"endTime":750.0,"type":"car","title":"Ferrari","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/Ferrari-Monaco-4071008.jpg","quote":"[749.0s] Oh, it's a Ferrari, what's cool.","canonicalId":"car:ferrari","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Ferrari is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for high-performance racing and road cars, founded in 1947 by Enzo Ferrari.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ferrari makes very fast and expensive cars that many people admire for their style and speed.","imageAttribution":"ermell (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":802.0,"endTime":810.0,"type":"term","title":"Formula SAE","url":"/glossary/formula-sae","quote":"We have Formula SAE which is more college student age where they build a small Formula car or a Baja car.","canonicalId":"term:formula-sae","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Formula SAE is a collegiate engineering competition where students design, build, and race lightweight, high‑performance cars that resemble Formula One vehicles but are scaled down for safety and cost.","simplifiedExplanation":"Formula SAE is a college contest where students make small race cars that look like big racing cars, but are cheaper and safer to drive."}},{"startTime":809.0,"endTime":813.0,"type":"concept","title":"Baja car","url":"/glossary/baja-car","quote":"We have Formula SAE which is more college student age where they build a small Formula car or a Baja car.","canonicalId":"concept:baja-car","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A Baja car is an off‑road vehicle built for the Baja 1000 desert race, featuring a lightweight chassis, high ground clearance, and durable suspension.","simplifiedExplanation":"A Baja car is a rugged off‑road vehicle made to race in desert competitions, with strong suspension and high clearance."}},{"startTime":835.0,"endTime":838.0,"type":"company","title":"PRI","url":"/glossary/pri","quote":"Or you can come to work for SEMA or PRI or one of our companies.","canonicalId":"company:pri","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"PRI (Performance Racing Industries) is an aftermarket automotive parts company known for high‑performance components such as suspension and brakes.","simplifiedExplanation":"PRI is a company that makes performance parts for cars, like better brakes and suspension."}},{"startTime":839.0,"endTime":842.0,"type":"part","title":"supercharger","url":"/glossary/supercharger","quote":"And you can be building a supercharger.","canonicalId":"part:supercharger","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A supercharger is a forced‑induction device that compresses air entering the engine, increasing power output without changing engine size.","simplifiedExplanation":"A supercharger is a machine that squeezes more air into the engine so it can make more power."}},{"startTime":877.0,"endTime":878.5,"type":"car","title":"1967 Camaro","url":"/cars/chevrolet/camaro","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ae/Chevrolet_Camaro_Hirschaid_2022-20220709-RM-111908.jpg","quote":"But it was a Camaro that this local college put together.","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:camaro","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro is the first generation of this iconic American muscle car, introduced in 1966 and produced through 1970.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Camaro is a classic American muscle car that started in the 1960s. 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People sometimes bring them to other countries because they look cool or have special parts."}},{"startTime":1160.0,"endTime":1164.0,"type":"term","title":"LS engine","url":"/glossary/ls-engine","quote":"So a Dotsin has an LS engine, which a Dotsin 510 has an LS engine.","canonicalId":"term:ls-engine","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The LS engine is a family of small‑block V8 engines produced by General Motors, known for their high performance and wide aftermarket support.","simplifiedExplanation":"An LS engine is a type of V8 engine made by General Motors. It’s popular for car upgrades because it can be tuned to produce a lot of power."}},{"startTime":1235.0,"endTime":1241.0,"type":"car","title":"Porsche 240Z","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/1973_Datsun_240Z_GTU_racer_no._33%2C_front_right.jpg","quote":"But seem of the share, we had a full aluminum body 240Z. Series 1, 240Z.","canonicalId":"car:porsche-240z","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Porsche 240Z is a classic sports car produced by Porsche from 1969 to 1973. It’s part of the Z series, known for its lightweight design and rear‑engine layout.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Porsche 240Z is a famous sports car from the early 1970s. It’s known for being fast, lightweight, and fun to drive.","imageAttribution":"Mr.choppers (CC BY-SA 3.0)"}},{"startTime":1250.0,"endTime":1254.0,"type":"concept","title":"restomod","url":"/glossary/restomod","quote":"I might have a modernized 240Z, you know, like a rest of my 240Z.","canonicalId":"concept:restomod","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Restomod refers to a restoration that incorporates modern technology and upgrades while preserving the original appearance.","simplifiedExplanation":"A restomod is a classic car that has been updated with newer parts like better brakes or engines, but it still looks like the original."}},{"startTime":1506.0,"endTime":1511.0,"type":"concept","title":"old muscle cars","url":"/glossary/old-muscle-cars","quote":"So we didn't get to install it. But the angle on these old muscle cars is not sufficient for drifting.","canonicalId":"concept:old-muscle-cars","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"‘Muscle cars’ are high‑performance American muscle vehicles from the 1960s and 1970s, known for large V8 engines and aggressive styling. The term ‘old muscle cars’ refers to these classic models that are now vintage.","simplifiedExplanation":"Muscle cars are big, powerful American cars from the 60s and 70s. They’re famous for their strong engines and bold looks."}},{"startTime":1515.0,"endTime":1520.0,"type":"part","title":"blower","url":"/glossary/blower","quote":"But with the motor and the blower that we're running, it's talking with the tuner.","canonicalId":"part:blower","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.97,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A blower is a type of supercharger that compresses air before it enters the engine, increasing power output. 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