Aaron Ross / BMX Legend / Manual Focus Co-Founder
About this episode
Aaron Ross, BMX legend and co-founder of Manual Focus, shares his journey from BMX stardom to building a vibrant car and art community. He discusses the challenges of balancing his busy life, the importance of community, and how art plays a crucial role in car culture. The conversation dives into personal anecdotes, including his experiences with BMX, the significance of unique vehicles, and the joy of creating memorable moments with friends and family. Ross emphasizes the value of enjoying the journey and the connections made along the way.
Aaron Ross is a BMX OG, a builder, driver, and a guy deep in the middle of creating something big. We talk about building Manual Focus with friends, what bikes still give him today, and what it actually takes to stick with something for the long haul.
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Feb 6th and 7th, 2026
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Porsche 911
"...my daughter driving my car. My 9-11 across the desert, I had her sit on my lap and she's driving it. And then I went through this nostalgia hole..."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people admire for its speed and style. It's known for being fun to drive and has been around for many years, making it a classic choice among car enthusiasts.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It has a long history in the automotive world, celebrated for its engineering and driving dynamics.
backdating
"...first of all, we backdated my 9-11 together. I have a 1985 Carrera that we backdated to like a 71 RS, which is finally getting painted..."
Backdating means changing a car to make it look like an older version. It's a way to give a modern car a classic style, like making a newer Porsche look like one from the 1970s.
Backdating in automotive terms refers to modifying a car to resemble an earlier model, often for aesthetic or performance reasons. In this case, the speaker modified a 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera to look like a 1971 911 RS.
Chevrolet Camaro
"He has a, he's had a few at like an old 68 Camaro when I was a kid."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a popular sports car that has been around since the late 1960s. The 1968 version is one of the original models and is known for its powerful engines and sporty design.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and style. The 1968 model is part of the first generation of Camaros, which were introduced to compete with the Ford Mustang.
Volkswagen Beetle
"he's done a handful of bugs or Volkswagen bugs, but the one he has is like a 200 horsepower all tucked away hidden."
The Volkswagen Beetle, often called the Bug, is a small car that has a very unique round shape. It's been around for a long time and many people like to customize them.
The Volkswagen Beetle, also known as the 'Bug', is an iconic car known for its distinctive shape and history. It has been popular for decades and is often modified for performance.
Volkswagen Bugs
"...has, but right now he's done a handful of bugs or Volkswagen bugs, but the one he has is like a 200 horsepower all..."
The Volkswagen Bus is a large, boxy vehicle that people love for its roomy interior and fun design. It's often associated with road trips and has a special place in pop culture.
The Volkswagen Bus, also known as the VW Type 2, is an iconic vehicle that has been in production since the late 1940s. It is celebrated for its unique design, spacious interior, and versatility, making it a favorite among families and travelers. The Bus is often discussed for its cultural significance and its status as a symbol of the counterculture movement.
200 horsepower
"the one he has is like a 200 horsepower all tucked away hidden."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. If a car has 200 horsepower, it means it can go pretty fast and has good acceleration.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the output of engines. A car with 200 horsepower is considered to have a good amount of power for performance.
Hunter Engineering
"...he works in the automotive industry, works for Hunter engineering, which is like one of the top tier, like a line of machines, lifts, uh, all that stuff, like tire changers."
Hunter Engineering makes machines that help fix cars, like lifts to raise them up and tools to change tires. They're well-known in the car repair business.
Hunter Engineering is a leading manufacturer of automotive service equipment, including wheel alignment systems, tire changers, and vehicle lifts. Their products are widely used in the automotive repair industry.
tire changers
"...one of the top tier, like a line of machines, lifts, uh, all that stuff, like tire changers."
Tire changers are machines that help take tires off of wheels and put new ones on. They make changing tires much easier and faster for mechanics.
Tire changers are machines used to remove and install tires on wheels. They are essential for tire shops and automotive service centers to efficiently service vehicles.
lifts
"...like a line of machines, lifts, uh, all that stuff, like tire changers."
Lifts are machines that raise cars up so mechanics can work on the bottom of them easily. They help keep mechanics safe while they fix cars.
Automotive lifts are devices used to raise vehicles off the ground, allowing mechanics to work underneath them safely and efficiently. They come in various types, including two-post and four-post lifts.
project car
"...but I think I'm going to buy, I'm going to buy a project car for us. We need to start a new project."
A project car is a car that someone buys to fix up or make better. It's usually a fun project that takes time and effort to work on.
A project car is a vehicle that an enthusiast buys to restore, modify, or improve over time. It often requires significant work and investment, making it a labor of love for car enthusiasts.
Nokian Tires
"Nokian and tires has officially launched their newest tire and it's one we're especially excited about as a tailor made for the type of driving we like to do here at Overcrest."
Nokian Tires is a company that makes tires for cars and bikes. They are known for their good performance, especially in winter weather.
Nokian Tires is a Finnish tire manufacturer known for producing high-quality tires, particularly for winter conditions. They focus on performance and safety, making them popular among driving enthusiasts.
high performance all season tire
"It's called the surpass ASL one. And what sets it apart is it's a high performance all season tire."
A high performance all season tire is a type of tire that works well in different weather conditions, like rain or dry roads. They are made for drivers who want better control and safety while driving.
A high performance all season tire is designed to provide better handling and grip in various weather conditions, including wet and dry roads. These tires aim to balance performance with versatility for everyday driving.
performance tire
"That's why the new surpass ASL one is so great. It offers the grip of a dedicated performance tire, but won't we be stranded if the road or weather gets rough?"
Performance tires are special tires that help cars handle better and go faster. They grip the road more than regular tires, making them great for sporty driving.
Performance tires are designed to provide enhanced grip, handling, and responsiveness compared to standard tires. They are typically used on sports cars or vehicles that prioritize performance.
Acura NSX
"...everybody else had red lines and, you know, dino NSXs and comps and horror master and all this stuff. ..."
The Acura NSX is a fancy sports car that was made in the 1990s and is known for being fast and fun to drive. It's special because it looks cool and is built to last, which makes it a favorite among car lovers.
The Acura NSX is a high-performance sports car that was first introduced in the early 1990s. It is significant for its combination of exotic styling, advanced engineering, and reliability, making it a standout in the supercar segment. The NSX is often discussed for its influence on the automotive industry and its legacy as a driver-focused vehicle.
Volkswagen Rabbit
"But the car that he bought was a 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit diesel. Rabbit diesel because it only has one wire to turn it on."
The Volkswagen Rabbit diesel is a small car that runs on diesel fuel, which is known for being more fuel-efficient than regular gasoline. It's a simple car that was popular in the 1980s, especially for people who wanted to save on fuel costs.
The Volkswagen Rabbit diesel is a compact car produced by Volkswagen, known for its fuel efficiency and simple mechanical design. The diesel variant is particularly notable for its reliability and longevity, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts and those looking for economical transportation.
injection pump
"It has one wire that goes up there and it sits on the injection pump and it goes 12 volts, you have fuel, no 12 volts, you don't have fuel."
The injection pump is a part of a diesel engine that helps send fuel to the engine so it can run. It makes sure the fuel gets to the engine at the right time and pressure, which is important for the car to work well.
An injection pump is a critical component in diesel engines that delivers fuel to the engine's cylinders at the correct pressure and timing. It plays a vital role in the engine's performance and efficiency.
CV joint
"...I remember changing it a half shaft. The CV died in a gravel driveway in the winter..."
A CV joint helps the car's wheels move smoothly while turning and going over bumps. If it breaks, it can cause problems with how the car drives.
A CV joint, or constant velocity joint, is a component of a vehicle's drivetrain that allows for smooth power transfer while accommodating the up-and-down motion of the suspension. It's crucial for front-wheel drive vehicles.
changing oil
"...and I would have to fix it myself. He taught me how to change my oil on that car..."
Changing oil means taking out the old oil from the car's engine and putting in new oil. This helps keep the engine working well and can make it last longer.
Changing oil is a routine maintenance task that involves draining old engine oil and replacing it with new oil to ensure the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. Regular oil changes help prolong engine life.
four speed transmission
"...it had a four speed transmission with 48 horsepower and first gear, it was really fast."
A four-speed transmission is a system in a car that helps it change gears. It has four different settings to help the car go faster or save fuel.
A four-speed transmission is a type of manual or automatic gearbox that allows the driver to select from four different gear ratios. This affects the vehicle's acceleration and fuel efficiency.
Volkswagen Golf
"...ers from the Midwest and the, like the golf, the golfs was like a big deal. Like that scene in the Midw..."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that people really like because it's easy to drive and has a lot of space inside. It's been around for a long time and is popular in many places, especially in the Midwest.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car that has been in production since the mid-1970s and is known for its practicality, performance, and versatility. It has gained a strong following, especially in Europe and the Midwest, where it is appreciated for its balance of comfort and driving dynamics. The Golf is often discussed for its role in popularizing the hatchback segment.
Volkswagen Passat
"And then once I started, then I was like, oh, I'm going to get this Passat eight valve. And then I go, I wonder if I can make this faster."
The Volkswagen Passat is a larger car made by Volkswagen. It's known for being comfortable and having a lot of space inside.
The Volkswagen Passat is a mid-size car that has been in production since the 1970s. It is known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride.
diesel
"So we love diesel. So that's where my love for diesels comes from."
Diesel is a kind of fuel used in certain types of engines. These engines are often more efficient and can produce more power than regular gasoline engines.
Diesel refers to a type of fuel used in diesel engines, which are known for their efficiency and torque. Diesel engines are commonly found in trucks and some cars.
distributor
"...I'm just like turning the distributor. Now that does not make it faster."
A distributor is a part of a car's engine that helps send electricity to the right place so the engine can run. Changing it can sometimes change how well the engine works.
The distributor is a component in older ignition systems that directs the electrical current from the ignition coil to the correct cylinder in the engine at the right time. Adjusting it can affect engine timing and performance.
chip tuning
"And then also I realized I can chip it."
Chip tuning is when you change the settings in a car's computer to make it go faster or run better. It can help the engine perform more efficiently.
Chip tuning refers to the process of modifying a car's engine control unit (ECU) to improve performance. This can increase horsepower and torque by optimizing fuel maps and other parameters.
car club
"...I found Volksport, this local car club here."
A car club is a group of people who love cars and get together to talk about them, show off their cars, and sometimes go for drives together.
A car club is a group of automotive enthusiasts who come together to share their passion for cars. Members often participate in events, meetups, and discussions about their vehicles and the automotive industry.
Mini Coopers
"...I want mini coopers. I want weird small things that just make no real sense. And the Porsche is the same way..."
The Mini Cooper is a small, stylish car that's fun to drive. It's known for its unique look and is great for city driving.
The Mini Cooper is a small car known for its distinctive design and agile handling. It's popular for urban driving and has a fun, quirky character that appeals to many enthusiasts.
Porsche
"...And the Porsche is the same way. Like I took, we took that road trip with the guys to Bentonville..."
Porsche is a famous car brand from Germany that makes fast and luxurious sports cars. They are known for their quality and performance.
Porsche is a renowned German sports car manufacturer known for high-performance vehicles. The brand is celebrated for its engineering excellence and iconic models like the 911.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
"...I have an old 2002 G-wagon. I drive daily and it has, at times it has a welder in the back..."
The G-Class is a fancy SUV made by Mercedes-Benz that looks tough and can go off-road. The 2002 version is known for being strong and stylish.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, often referred to as the G-Wagon, is a luxury SUV known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. The 2002 model features a boxy shape and is popular among enthusiasts for its blend of luxury and utility.
Volkswagen Manx
"...I want the Manx to just, I want the Manx,..."
The Volkswagen Manx is a fun, lightweight buggy made from parts of the Beetle. It's great for driving on the beach or off-road, and many people enjoy its unique design.
The Volkswagen Manx is a type of dune buggy that was created in the 1960s by Bruce Meyers. It is built on the chassis of a Volkswagen Beetle and is known for its lightweight design and off-road capabilities, making it a fun and versatile vehicle.
Minx
"...when I think of the bug or the minx specifically, like I think the,..."
The Hillman Minx is an older car from Britain that many people remember for its comfortable ride and simple look. It was popular in the mid-20th century.
The Hillman Minx is a classic British car that was produced from the late 1930s to the early 1970s. It is known for its simple design and comfortable ride, making it a popular choice in its time.
Ford Pinto
"...trip I've ever done is with my daughter in a Ford Pinto Squire wagon, which is the slowest thing I've ev..."
The Ford Pinto is a small car that was made in the 1970s and is known for being very affordable. However, it had some problems with safety that people often talk about, which makes it a bit of a controversial car.
The Ford Pinto is a subcompact car that was produced in the 1970s and is often remembered for its controversial safety issues. It became a symbol of the era's automotive challenges, particularly regarding fuel tank safety. The Pinto is frequently discussed in automotive history for its impact on safety regulations and consumer awareness.
Mercury Cougar
"... my buddy Mitchell while he worked on his Mercury cougar at AutoZone. It just not in a beautiful place."
The Mercury Cougar is a car that was made for a long time and is known for being both stylish and comfortable to drive. It started out as a sporty car but changed over the years to be more about luxury.
The Mercury Cougar is a mid-size car that was produced from the late 1960s until the early 2000s, known for its blend of performance and luxury. It was originally based on the Ford Mustang platform and became popular for its stylish design and comfortable ride. The Cougar is often discussed for its role in the muscle car era and its evolution over the decades.
Ford Capri
"... was this creepy lady that showed up in a Mercury Capri that would just like sit there and idle and star..."
The Ford Capri is a cool-looking car that was made a long time ago and is known for being sporty. It was popular because it was a fun car to drive but didn't cost as much as other fancy sports cars.
The Ford Capri is a classic sports coupe that was produced from the late 1960s to the early 1980s, primarily in Europe. It is significant for its stylish design and was marketed as a more affordable alternative to higher-end sports cars. The Capri is often discussed for its nostalgic value and its role in Ford's lineup during that era.
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