Andy Wallace on hitting 300mph and the secrets behind speed records | part two
About this episode
Andy Wallace shares captivating stories from his racing career, including his journey to hitting 300 mph and the intricacies of speed records. He recounts his early fascination with cars, his unconventional path to racing, and the challenges he faced in motorsport. The conversation delves into the technical aspects of high-speed driving, the evolution of racing technology, and the unique pressures of being a professional driver. Wallace's anecdotes about testing cars and the thrill of speed provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of automotive performance.
In this episode of the evo podcast, Richard Meaden and John Barker are joined by Andy Wallace for part two of our special on the man behind the most iconic road car speed records of recent times. This week, he speaks about his time behind the wheel of the world's fastest road cars and what it takes to achieve those record numbers.
Mclaren F1
"...McLaren F1 third place at Le Mans in 1995, and then you were already associated with the F1 at that point."
The McLaren F1 is a famous supercar that was made in the 1990s. It has a special design where the driver sits in the middle of the car, and it was one of the fastest cars when it was released.
The McLaren F1 is a supercar designed by Gordon Murray and produced by McLaren Automotive. It is known for its unique design, including a central driving position and a lightweight carbon fiber structure, making it one of the fastest production cars of its time.
Le Mans
"...McLaren F1 third place at Le Mans in 1995, and then you were already associated with the F1 at that point."
Le Mans is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours. Cars race around a track, and the goal is to go as far as possible in that time. It's a big deal in the car racing world.
Le Mans refers to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an annual endurance race held in France. It is one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world, where teams compete to cover the most distance in 24 hours.
Ford Cortina
"... daddy or mummy, it was, oh look, there's a full Cortina, things like that. So I had that, but also, agai..."
The Ford Cortina is an older car that many families in the UK used to drive from the 1960s to the 1980s. It was known for being practical and not too expensive, making it a common choice for everyday use. People remember it because it was a big part of many people's lives back then.
The Ford Cortina was a popular family car produced by Ford in the UK from the 1960s to the 1980s. Known for its practicality and affordability, it became a staple in British motoring and is often remembered fondly for its role in everyday life. The Cortina has a nostalgic significance, representing a simpler time in automotive history.
restomod
"...you buy a really nasty old thing and then you try and do it up. And in the end, it's not cost you very much in money, it's cost you a lot of time in time. But you end up with something, it really means something to you..."
A restomod is when you take an old car and fix it up, adding new parts to make it better while keeping its classic look. It's like giving an old car a new life with modern features.
A restomod is a vehicle that has been restored and modified to improve performance, comfort, or aesthetics while retaining its classic appeal. This often involves upgrading components like the engine, suspension, and interior, making it a blend of restoration and modernization.
Dodge Journey
"...e home again. And it was three hours, three hour journey on a bike. On the 43 again."
The Dodge Journey is a type of SUV that can carry a lot of people and stuff, making it great for families. It has a comfortable interior and is good for long trips. People talk about it because it's a practical choice for those who need space.
The Dodge Journey is a midsize crossover SUV that was produced from 2008 to 2020, designed to offer versatility and family-friendly features. It provides ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a popular choice for families and those needing extra room. Its combination of comfort and practicality makes it a relevant topic in discussions about family vehicles.
Lamborghini
"...you could have the Lamborghini picture on the wall,..."
Lamborghini is a brand that makes very expensive and fast sports cars. They're famous for their flashy designs and powerful engines.
Lamborghini is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and distinctive designs. Models like the Aventador and Huracán are iconic in the automotive world.
Ford Fiesta
"...if I get to a Ford Fiesta,..."
The Ford Fiesta is a small car that's easy to drive and doesn't cost a lot of money to buy or maintain. It's a good choice for people who want something practical.
The Ford Fiesta is a subcompact car known for its affordability and efficiency. It's popular among first-time car buyers and those looking for a reliable, economical vehicle.
synthetic oil
"...when Mobile One brought out their synthetic oil. And I thought, well, it's a really expensive oil, but let's find out if it's any good."
Synthetic oil is a special kind of oil made in a lab, which helps engines run better and last longer than regular oil. It works well in both hot and cold weather.
Synthetic oil is a type of motor oil that is artificially made using chemical compounds. It offers better performance and protection for engines compared to conventional oils, especially in extreme temperatures.
Jim Russell Racing School
"For my 17th birthday, I got the trial lesson at Jim Russell Racing School at Silverstone, which in those days was a series of cones down the hangar straight..."
Jim Russell Racing School is a place where people can learn how to drive race cars. They teach you how to handle the car and improve your driving skills on a racetrack.
Jim Russell Racing School is a well-known driving school that offers training for aspiring race car drivers. Located at various tracks, including Silverstone, it provides lessons on racing techniques and car control.
Van Diemen
"It was a Van Diemen 77 or 76 or something like that."
Van Diemen makes race cars, especially for beginners in racing. The '77 model is one of the cars they made in that year, focusing on helping new drivers learn how to race.
Van Diemen is a manufacturer known for producing Formula Ford racing cars, which are designed for entry-level open-wheel racing. The 77 model refers to a specific year of production, showcasing their commitment to motorsport.
Landyman
"78, yeah, so it would have been a 77 Landyman, most likely, yeah."
The Landyman is a type of Land Rover that was built for tough jobs, often used on farms or for work. It's known for being strong and able to drive on rough ground.
The Landyman is a variant of the Land Rover, known for its rugged utility and off-road capabilities. It was designed for agricultural and commercial use, making it a versatile vehicle for various terrains.
Formula One
"...I wanted to try and get on the ladders for Formula One. This was the thing. So I wasn't looking at touring cars."
Formula One is a top-level racing series where cars compete in races called Grands Prix. It's famous for fast cars and exciting races held in different countries.
Formula One is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, governed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world, and is known for its high-speed competition and advanced technology.
Formula Ford
"there was a series called the pre-74 Formula Ford series. So this would have been 79, yeah."
Formula Ford is a type of race car that is simple and light. It's often where new drivers start their racing careers because it focuses on driving skills rather than fancy technology.
Formula Ford is a single-seater racing category that serves as an entry point for many aspiring race car drivers. It features lightweight cars powered by 1600cc Ford engines, emphasizing driver skill over technology.
Suzuki AP50
"I had a little AP50 Suzuki was my mode of transport. And I went round to all the tracks..."
The Suzuki AP50 is a small motorcycle that is easy to ride, making it great for beginners. It has a tiny engine, which means it's not very fast but is perfect for getting around town.
The Suzuki AP50 is a small, lightweight motorcycle known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a popular choice for beginner riders. It features a 50cc engine and is often used for commuting or as a starter bike.
lap times
"And importantly, what lap times you needed to do on all the tracks to be on the front."
Lap times are how long it takes a car to go around a racetrack once. They help determine how fast a car is compared to others in a race.
Lap times refer to the amount of time it takes a vehicle to complete a single lap on a racetrack. They are crucial for assessing performance and competitiveness in racing.
Hawk DL 11
"...right, okay, I'm going to buy a Hawk DL 11. So looking in the classifieds, there was a guy in Scotland who had..."
The Hawk DL 11 is a type of sports car that is light and fast, often used for racing. It's a kit car, which means you can build it yourself or have someone else do it, and you can make it unique to your style.
The Hawk DL 11 is a lightweight sports car known for its agility and performance, often used in track and racing environments. It's a kit car, meaning it can be assembled by the owner or a builder, allowing for customization.
BMW M6
"... in the middle was this Sandback services on the M6 near Alton Park. So we met there."
The BMW M6 is a fancy sports car that is very fast and has a lot of power. It's designed for people who want a mix of luxury and speed when they drive. People talk about it because it's one of the best cars for those who love driving.
The BMW M6 is a high-performance version of the BMW 6 Series, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. It combines luxury with performance, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate both speed and comfort. The M6 is often discussed for its impressive engineering and driving experience.
Formula 40
"...opened the doors and said, Formula 40, he wheeled it out. We fired it up and he'll,..."
Formula 40 refers to a specific class of race cars used in racing competitions. They are built to be very fast and are designed to perform well on race tracks.
The Formula 40 is a type of race car designed for competition in the Formula racing series. These cars are built for high performance and are often characterized by their lightweight construction and powerful engines, making them suitable for track racing.
Formula 1
"...I did some laps with some of us. In a Formula foot. Bogdale 11. He probably stepped up a lap though."
Formula 1 is a popular car racing series where teams compete with very fast cars. It's known for exciting races and advanced technology.
Formula 1 is a high-level international motorsport series known for its fast cars, advanced technology, and prestigious races held around the world. It features teams competing in a series of races known as Grands Prix, with a focus on speed, strategy, and driver skill.
Donington Park
"...on the club circuit at Donington."
Donington Park is a well-known racetrack in England where many car and motorcycle races take place. It's famous for its challenging layout and exciting races.
Donington Park is a famous motorsport circuit located in the UK, known for hosting various racing events, including motorcycle and car races. It features a mix of fast straights and technical corners, making it a popular choice for drivers and fans alike.
chicane
"...got to the chicane and I was like,..."
A chicane is a part of a racetrack that has a series of sharp turns. It makes drivers slow down and be more careful when racing through that section.
A chicane is a sequence of tight turns in a road or racetrack, designed to slow down vehicles and create a challenging driving experience. They are often used in racing circuits to enhance safety and increase the skill required to navigate the track.
F3 championship
"from 1980 to say, 85 or 86, you win the F3 championship, 88, you win Le Mans..."
F3 is a type of car racing for younger drivers. It's a way for them to gain experience before moving up to bigger races like Formula 1.
The F3 championship refers to the FIA Formula 3 Championship, a junior single-seater racing series that serves as a stepping stone for drivers aiming to reach higher levels of motorsport, including Formula 1.
Formula Four
"actually at one point when I had probably this first Formula Four. And I would be working all the day, either at the college or on the job, and then all night I'd be working on the car..."
Formula Four is a type of car racing for beginners. It uses small, fast cars that help new drivers learn how to race before moving on to faster and more expensive cars.
Formula Four is a category of single-seater racing that serves as a stepping stone for drivers aiming to progress to higher levels of motorsport. It features open-wheel cars that are typically less powerful and less expensive than higher formula categories, making it accessible for young drivers.
horsepower
"...they were a 105 horsepower. So now you got 105 and a quarter of a horsepower."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the more powerful the engine, which usually means it can go faster.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. One horsepower is equivalent to about 746 watts, and it indicates how much work an engine can perform over time.
paddock
"You rush back to the paddock, roll your sleeves up, drain the water out, oil out,..."
The paddock is like a pit area where race teams park their cars and work on them during a race event. It's where they make repairs and adjustments before the next race.
The paddock is an area in a motorsport venue where teams set up their garages and work on their cars between races or practice sessions. It's where mechanics and engineers prepare the vehicles for competition.
Formula Three
"...to do Formula Three. And we never..."
Formula Three is a racing series where drivers use fast single-seater cars. It's an important level for young drivers who want to eventually race in Formula One.
Formula Three is a highly competitive single-seater racing category that serves as a stepping stone for drivers aiming to reach Formula One. It features more powerful cars than Formula Four, with advanced aerodynamics and technology, making it a crucial part of driver development.
Jaguar
"...you were saying about a Jaguar..."
Jaguar is a luxury car brand from Britain that makes elegant and fast cars, like the F-Type sports car.
Jaguar is a British luxury car manufacturer known for its stylish sedans and sports cars, such as the F-Type and the XJ.
TWR
"Yeah, so actually, in the 2020s, I was driving for TWR. And then Tom Wilkinshire said to me..."
TWR stands for Tom Walkinshaw Racing, a company that was involved in car racing and engineering.
TWR, or Tom Walkinshaw Racing, was a British motorsport team and engineering company known for its work in various racing series, including sports car racing and Formula 1.
traction control
"...because there's no traction control or ABS or anything. So between us we had about one bar boost..."
Traction control helps your car maintain grip on the road by stopping the wheels from spinning too fast when you accelerate. This is especially useful when it's wet or slippery outside.
Traction control is a safety feature that helps prevent wheel spin during acceleration by reducing engine power or applying brakes to specific wheels. It enhances vehicle stability, especially in slippery conditions like rain or snow.
Ford Mustang
"...ack car coming, coming, coming, coming. Here's a Mustang with white doors and some lights on the top. The..."
The Ford Mustang is a famous car that many people love because it's fast and looks cool. It has been around for a long time, starting in the 1960s, and is often seen as a fun car to drive. People talk about it because it represents a sense of adventure and excitement.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its powerful performance and distinctive design. First introduced in 1964, it has become a symbol of freedom and rebellion, often celebrated in popular culture. Its combination of style, speed, and affordability makes it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
55 miles an hour limit
"He says, not the point, it's 55 miles an hour limit. He said, I got you 11 miles away on my radar."
A speed limit is the highest speed you can legally drive on a road. In this case, it's 55 miles per hour, which means you shouldn't go faster than that.
The 55 miles per hour speed limit refers to the maximum legal speed allowed on certain roads. Speed limits are enforced to ensure safety and reduce accidents.
Bugatti Veyron
"...I've already done a big speed. He did 431 in the Veyron Super Sport. Yeah. And the DL for any tips?"
The Bugatti Veyron is a super-fast car that is very expensive and known for being one of the fastest cars ever made. It can go really, really fast, faster than most cars you see on the road. People talk about it because it's like a dream car for many and shows what amazing things can be done with cars.
The Bugatti Veyron is a high-performance luxury sports car that was once the fastest production car in the world, capable of reaching speeds over 400 km/h. Launched in the mid-2000s, it combines cutting-edge technology with exquisite craftsmanship, making it a benchmark in the automotive industry. Its extreme performance and price tag have made it a topic of fascination among car enthusiasts.
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