Classic Auto Mall - #225 - Stewart Howden with Guests Jack Baldwin + Keith Martin
About this episode
Stewart Howden hosts an engaging discussion with race car driver Jack Baldwin and automotive expert Keith Martin. Baldwin shares his incredible journey from a young drag racer in Florida to becoming a champion in IMSA, detailing his struggles, triumphs, and the evolution of his racing career. The conversation touches on the challenges of securing sponsorships, the importance of perseverance, and the changing landscape of car ownership and comfort. Martin adds insights on classic car events and the balance between originality and modern conveniences in the automotive world.
CAM Show #225 airdate 12-31-25 Stewart welcomes Jack Baldwin Racecar Driver and so much more as they discuss his diverse career at the beginning of @IMSA, in storied racecars like the #MarchFormulaFord and #ShelbyGT plus what helped him make the money to go racing: designing and selling T-shirts for not only race cars, race products and even #Motorcycle #DareDevil #EvilKnievel but, rock bands like @Aerosmith @AC-DC @BostonBand @Kiss and #TedNugent as well as time with @NissanRacing and @IROC. Also Sportscar Market Magazine's Keith Martin brings his blog to life with a New Years ponder: Resolution or Conundrum?. #FordCortina #RoadAtlanta #OldsmobileCutlass #RCcola #Dodge #Winnebago #Chrysler #ShelbyCharger #MidOhio @CarrollShelby #Goodyear @HotWheels @Ram @SCCA @IMSA @VIR @Chattanoogamotorcar #Tail of the dragon @RoadAtlanta #DriverEducation #TommyKendall
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Recorded in our Showcase Studio just inside the entrance of the Classic Auto Mall in Morgantown, PA, Host Stewart Howden, Classic Auto Mall President and Classic Car Specialist Steve Saffier talk about this unique and amazing place often with amazing guests.
YES...Classic Auto Mall is a REAL former shopping mall that covers almost EIGHT football fields with an average of nearly ONE THOUSAND classic vehicles under one, climate controlled roof and they're all FOR SALE!
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drag racing
"...I was into drag racing, obviously. And that's what, and the way it happened was it's kind of a crazy story. I was drag racing. I was pretty good at driving..."
Drag racing is a fast-paced car race where two cars race in a straight line to see who can go the fastest. It's all about speed and quick starts.
Drag racing is a type of motor racing where cars compete to see who can cover a straight distance in the shortest time, typically a quarter mile. It emphasizes acceleration and speed, often featuring modified vehicles for maximum performance.
hot rod
"...I was pretty good at driving and I was just, you know, a hot rod kid doing what I could..."
A hot rod is a car that has been changed to make it faster and look cooler. People often modify older cars to create hot rods for racing or showing off.
A hot rod is a modified car, typically an older model, that has been enhanced for performance, speed, and style. Hot rodding is a popular automotive hobby that often involves custom modifications to the engine, body, and suspension.
Ford Cortina
"Well, we took, first thing we did is we took my brother's Cortina. He had a G, a little Cortina GT with a little four cylinder motor."
The Cortina GT is a sporty version of a small car made by Ford. It was popular in the UK and is considered rare in the United States.
The Ford Cortina GT is a sporty variant of the Ford Cortina, a compact car produced by Ford of Britain from the 1960s to the 1980s. It is known for its lightweight design and performance-oriented features, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
SCCA
"...back in those days, you know, it was SCCA drivers."
SCCA stands for the Sports Car Club of America. It's a group that organizes car races and events for people who love motorsports, especially at the amateur level.
The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) is an organization that promotes motorsports and organizes amateur racing events across the United States. It is well-known for its role in grassroots motorsports and for providing a platform for drivers to compete.
sway bar
"...Glenn made me a sway bar for it. He just whipped it up. He said, I'm going to make you a sway bar. We set the car..."
A sway bar is a part of a car's suspension that helps keep it stable when turning. It prevents the car from leaning too much to one side, making it safer and more comfortable to drive.
A sway bar, also known as an anti-roll bar, is a suspension component that helps reduce body roll during cornering. It connects opposite wheels and helps maintain stability by distributing weight more evenly across the vehicle.
Daytona
"The car got wrecked at Daytona. A guy from behind just crashed in the car. Well, because yeah, that happened a lot in Daytona with the disparity in the classes."
Daytona is a well-known racetrack in Florida where many car races take place. It's famous for its fast cars and exciting races.
Daytona refers to the Daytona International Speedway, a famous motorsport track in Florida known for hosting various racing events, including NASCAR and sports car races. The track is known for its high speeds and challenging turns, making it a significant venue in the racing world.
IMSA
"And that was the very beginning of IMSA. Wow. Wow. It's kind of amazing how IMSA what IMSA grew into."
IMSA is a group that organizes car racing events, especially for sports cars. They help set the rules and run races where different types of cars compete against each other.
IMSA stands for the International Motor Sports Association, which is known for organizing sports car racing events in North America. It has played a significant role in the development and popularity of endurance racing, featuring various classes of cars competing in events like the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Oldsmobile Cutlass
"...ece of paper, two hundred dollars. And I'm in my cutlass, my sixty six color, sixty seven colors. No. And..."
The Oldsmobile Cutlass is an older car that many people remember fondly. It was popular for being a good mix of style and comfort, making it a favorite choice for families back in the day.
The Oldsmobile Cutlass is a classic American car that was produced from the 1960s until the early 1990s, known for its stylish design and versatility. It was one of the best-selling cars in the United States during its production run and is often celebrated for its combination of performance and comfort. The Cutlass has a nostalgic appeal among car enthusiasts and collectors.
March Formula Ford
"Here's a brand new March Formula Ford. Brand new trailer. Wow. Wow."
The March Formula Ford is a race car made by a company called March. It's used in a type of racing called Formula Ford, which is great for beginners because it helps drivers learn the basics of racing.
The March Formula Ford is a type of race car designed for the Formula Ford series, which is a popular entry-level racing category. March Engineering was known for producing competitive racing cars, and the Formula Ford variant is particularly notable for its lightweight design and focus on driver skill.
Formula Ford
"...I just drove the hell out of it. Just figured it out, right? Wanted a bunch of races, figured it out, went to the went up to Atlanta."
Formula Ford is a type of racing that uses small, fast cars. It's often where new drivers start their racing careers because it's affordable and helps them learn how to drive well.
Formula Ford is a category of single-seater racing that serves as an entry point for many aspiring race car drivers. It features lightweight cars with a focus on driver skill, using a standardized chassis and engine to keep costs down and competition close.
Formula 4
"...they were doing that that race in Branshatch, you know, the world of Formula 4 thing. And every country got to send two or three people, depending on the size of the country."
Formula 4 is a type of car racing for beginners. It's a way for new drivers to learn how to race in a safe and competitive setting before moving on to more advanced racing series.
Formula 4 is a category of single-seater auto racing that serves as an entry-level series for aspiring racing drivers. It is designed to provide young drivers with a platform to develop their skills in a competitive environment, often leading to higher levels of motorsport.
stick shift
"I had a Ford van, a stick shift van with a five liter little V8 Ford motor in it."
A stick shift is a type of car transmission where you have to change gears yourself using a lever. It gives you more control over how the car drives.
A stick shift, also known as a manual transmission, requires the driver to manually change gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. This type of transmission can offer more control over the vehicle's performance compared to automatic transmissions.
V8 motor
"I had a Ford van, a stick shift van with a five liter little V8 Ford motor in it."
A V8 motor is a type of engine with eight cylinders. It usually gives more power to the car, making it faster and stronger.
A V8 motor is an engine configuration that has eight cylinders arranged in a 'V' shape. This design allows for more power and smoother operation, making it popular in performance and heavy-duty vehicles.
Ford V8 Ford
"...d van, a stick shift van with a five liter little V8 Ford motor in it. And I had the van and I had this fl..."
A Ford V8 Sedan is a car that has a powerful engine, which helps it go fast and drive smoothly. It's a good choice if you want a car that feels strong and can handle different driving conditions.
The Ford V8 Sedan refers to a class of vehicles equipped with a V8 engine, which is known for delivering strong performance and power. These sedans are often appreciated for their robust build and capability, making them popular choices for both daily driving and performance enthusiasts. The V8 engine configuration is a hallmark of Ford's performance heritage.
Malibu Grand Prix
"...the opportunity came with the Malibu Grand Prix Master. That's how it all starts. Sure. Without me. And for those of you don't know, Malibu Grand Prix was a go-kart track..."
Malibu Grand Prix was a place where people could race go-karts. It started in Southern California and later had locations in other parts of the country, making it a fun spot for racing fans.
Malibu Grand Prix was a popular go-kart track and entertainment venue that operated in Southern California and expanded to other locations. It provided a fun and competitive environment for racing enthusiasts of all ages.
Chrysler New Chrysler
"...He says, well, I just wondered. He says, I got this brand new Chrysler New Yorker. I said, where the hell did you get that?..."
The Chrysler New Yorker is a big, fancy car that Chrysler made for many years. It was known for being comfortable and having a lot of space inside, which made it a nice choice for people who wanted a luxury vehicle.
The Chrysler New Yorker is a full-size luxury car that was produced by Chrysler from 1940 to 1996. It was known for its spacious interior and advanced features for its time, making it a popular choice among buyers looking for comfort and style.
Dodge
"So I said, wait a minute, you have the factory dogs shall be charger program. He said, yep, I got it."
Dodge is a car brand that makes many types of vehicles, including fast and sporty cars like the Charger. They are known for their powerful engines and performance.
Dodge is an American automotive brand known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including muscle cars like the Charger. The brand has a rich history in performance and sports cars.
Shelby Charger program
"So I said, wait a minute, you have the factory dogs shall be charger program. He said, yep, I got it."
The Shelby Charger program was a project to make the Dodge Charger sports car even faster and more exciting. Carroll Shelby, a famous car designer, worked on this to improve the car's performance.
The Shelby Charger program refers to a collaboration between Carroll Shelby and Dodge to create a performance-oriented version of the Dodge Charger. This program aimed to enhance the Charger’s performance and appeal through modifications and tuning.
Ford Thunderbird
"We're in the Thunderbird. You know, I come drive like, you know, let's go in style."
The Ford Thunderbird is a well-known car that has been around for many years. It's famous for its sleek look and was often seen as a luxury vehicle.
The Ford Thunderbird is a classic American car known for its stylish design and performance. It was produced from 1955 to 2005, with various generations that evolved over the years.
Nissan
"...Clayton ran the Nissan program and get all that stuff. So so it's Clayton."
Nissan is a car company from Japan that makes many different types of vehicles, including cars and trucks. They are known for their reliability and innovation.
Nissan is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to trucks and SUVs. The brand has a strong presence in both the domestic and international markets.
daily driver
"Yeah, what's your daily driver now? My daily driver is a Ram Limited Pickup Truck."
A daily driver is the car you use every day to go to work, run errands, or just get around. It's usually a practical choice that you can count on.
A daily driver refers to a vehicle that someone uses regularly for commuting or everyday tasks. It's typically practical and reliable, rather than a performance or luxury vehicle.
Ram Limited Pickup Truck
"My daily driver is a Ram Limited Pickup Truck. That's the good. That's a good."
The Ram Limited Pickup Truck is a fancy version of the Ram truck, which is designed for people who want a comfortable ride while still being able to haul things. It's popular because it combines luxury with utility.
The Ram Limited Pickup Truck is a high-end trim of the Ram pickup line, known for its luxury features and powerful performance. It's popular among both everyday drivers and those who need a reliable work vehicle.
power steering
"...it's OK to have an automatic. Maybe it's OK to have power steering. Maybe it's OK."
Power steering is a feature in cars that makes it easier to turn the steering wheel. It helps you steer without having to use too much strength, especially when parking or driving slowly.
Power steering is a system that helps drivers steer the vehicle by using hydraulic or electric actuators. It reduces the amount of effort needed to turn the steering wheel, making driving easier, especially at low speeds.
Alfa Romeo S4
"...I want a more comfy car. My Alpha S4 91. We call that car old Weezer, right?"
The Alfa Romeo S4 is a car made by the Italian company Alfa Romeo in 1991. It's known for its stylish look and is considered a classic car.
The Alfa Romeo S4 is a model from the early 1990s known for its unique design and performance characteristics. It represents a blend of classic Italian styling and engineering, appealing to enthusiasts of vintage cars.
air conditioning recharge
"...I spent a couple of grand to have the air conditioning fixed. Oh, you know how it is. Air conditioning just needs a recharge. Yeah, that's all it needs. It works perfectly except a recharge."
An air conditioning recharge is when you add special fluid to your car's AC system so it can cool properly again. Sometimes, the fluid leaks out and needs to be replaced.
An air conditioning recharge involves adding refrigerant to the AC system to restore its cooling efficiency. Over time, the refrigerant can leak out, leading to reduced performance.
AutoZone
"...that's just a can you buy down at the local car part store. And it's like $12, right? AutoZone. Right."
AutoZone is a store where you can buy car parts and accessories. They have everything from batteries to oil and even tools for fixing your car.
AutoZone is a retail chain that specializes in automotive parts and accessories. They offer a wide range of products, including tools, batteries, and fluids for vehicle maintenance.
compressor
"It turned out mine had a bad compressor. Well, yeah, of course, because it's never just it's out of freon or the fluid."
A compressor is a part of the car's air conditioning system that helps cool the air inside the car. If it breaks, the AC won't work properly, and fixing it can be complicated.
An automotive compressor is a critical component of the air conditioning system, responsible for compressing the refrigerant and circulating it through the system. A malfunctioning compressor can lead to inadequate cooling and is often a more complex issue than simply needing refrigerant.
Buick Regal
"...aly. Right. I don't think you pull up in a Buick Regal and be accepted. Well, you you you'd park over i..."
The Buick Regal is a type of car that is known for being comfortable and easy to drive. It's a good option for families or anyone who wants a reliable car that doesn't stand out too much.
The Buick Regal is a mid-size car that has been produced by Buick since the 1970s, known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. It has undergone various redesigns and has been a popular choice among families and older drivers looking for a reliable vehicle. The Regal is often discussed for its blend of performance and comfort.
Mercedes-Benz SL
"...gs he talked about, he said, if you've got a 300 SL and it's too hot and you want air conditioning a..."
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a fancy sports car that's designed to be both stylish and fast. It's been around for a long time and is known for being very luxurious, making it a popular choice for people who want a high-end driving experience.
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a luxury sports car known for its elegant design and high performance. It has a rich history dating back to the 1950s, particularly with the iconic 300 SL model, which was famous for its gullwing doors and advanced engineering. The SL series continues to be a symbol of luxury and innovation in the automotive world.
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