Ep.297 – DINNER BITES, Rising Stars: Alana Carter
About this episode
Alana Carter, a rising star in Canadian motorsports, shares her journey from karting at age 7 to competing in road racing. Hosts Ryan Eversly and Sean Heckman discuss her unique background in a racing family and her determination to market herself effectively in the sport. Alana highlights her experiences in various racing series, including her recent podium finishes and the importance of networking and sponsorships. The episode showcases her infectious personality and the hustle it takes to succeed in motorsports, making it an inspiring listen for anyone interested in the racing world.
SRO
"...opportunities everywhere she can. We've seen her do some stuff in SRO. We've seen a lot of stuff in the WRL."
SRO is a company that runs car racing events. They organize races for sports cars, where both professional and amateur drivers can compete.
SRO stands for Stéphane Ratel Organisation, which is known for organizing various sports car racing series around the world, including the GT World Challenge. It features a mix of professional and amateur drivers competing in GT cars.
WRL
"...We've seen her do some stuff in SRO. We've seen a lot of stuff in the WRL. She's really just taking every opportunity that she can get."
WRL is a racing series where teams compete in longer races. It's designed for amateur drivers and is more accessible than some professional racing leagues.
WRL stands for World Racing League, which is an endurance racing series that allows teams to race a variety of cars over longer distances. It emphasizes accessibility for amateur racers and teams.
ice racing
"He's done ice racing. I think he did a little bit of rally at one point..."
Ice racing is when cars race on ice instead of on regular roads or tracks. They use special tires to help them grip the slippery surface.
Ice racing is a motorsport that involves racing vehicles on a frozen surface, typically a lake or a specially prepared track. It requires specialized tires and techniques to handle the slippery conditions.
rally
"I think he did a little bit of rally at one point, paved oval and then just really stuck it out..."
Rally racing is a type of car racing that takes place on different types of roads, including dirt and gravel. Drivers often have someone with them to help guide them during the race.
Rally racing is a form of motorsport where drivers navigate through a series of stages on various terrains, often with co-drivers providing instructions. It emphasizes speed, control, and precision on both paved and unpaved roads.
dirt late models
"The dirt late models are challenging and complicated enough that he's stayed there for a very long time..."
Dirt late models are special race cars made to drive fast on dirt tracks. They are built to be lightweight and powerful to handle the challenges of racing on dirt.
Dirt late models are a type of race car specifically designed for dirt track racing. They feature a lightweight chassis, high-powered engines, and are built for high-speed performance on loose surfaces.
karting
"First car race, I did like one season of karting"
Karting is a type of racing that uses small go-kart-like vehicles. It's a popular way for new drivers to learn racing skills before moving on to bigger cars.
Karting is a form of motorsport where participants race small, open-wheel vehicles called karts. It's often considered a stepping stone for drivers aspiring to compete in higher levels of motorsport.
Porsche Experience Center
"...like I work at the Porsche Experience Center. I get to work in motor sports"
The Porsche Experience Center is a place where you can drive and learn about Porsche cars. They offer fun driving experiences and events for fans of the brand.
The Porsche Experience Center is a facility where enthusiasts can experience Porsche vehicles through driving experiences, training, and events. It's part of Porsche's efforts to engage with customers and provide immersive experiences with their cars.
endurance race
"...it was really like a lucky dog endurance race. But it was very intimidating at the time."
An endurance race is a long car race where drivers take turns driving for many hours. The team that drives the farthest in that time wins the race.
An endurance race is a motorsport event where teams compete over a long duration, often lasting several hours or even days. The goal is to cover the most distance within the time limit, requiring strategy in driver changes and vehicle management.
600 horsepower
"...if you can drive like a 600 horsepower late model,"
Horsepower measures how powerful an engine is. A car with 600 horsepower has a strong engine that can go really fast.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for engine power. A car with 600 horsepower is considered very powerful and is typically capable of high performance, making it suitable for racing or high-speed driving.
Subaru BRZ
"you can handle a BRZ. You're going to be fine."
The Subaru BRZ is a small sports car that is fun to drive. It's designed to be light and nimble, making it great for handling on the road or track.
The Subaru BRZ is a lightweight sports coupe known for its agile handling and rear-wheel-drive layout. It was developed in collaboration with Toyota, which produces a similar model called the Toyota 86.
transmission problem
"...we had a transmission problem. So then the second day they were like, okay,..."
A transmission problem means there's something wrong with the part of the car that helps it change gears and move. This can make it hard for the car to drive properly.
A transmission problem refers to any issue affecting the vehicle's transmission system, which is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. Common problems can include slipping gears, failure to shift, or fluid leaks.
double stint
"...they were like, okay, we'll double stint her so she can get her seat time. And it was like pouring torrential down pouring rain,..."
Double stinting means that a driver races for two rounds in a row without stopping. This is done to give them more practice time on the track.
Double stinting refers to the practice of a driver racing for two consecutive sessions without a break, often to maximize seat time or due to limited driver availability. This is common in endurance racing where teams have multiple drivers.
auto recycling company
"My dad was the auto recycling company. And my mom was a doctor."
An auto recycling company takes apart old cars to sell their parts and recycle materials. This helps keep the environment clean by reusing what can be used and safely disposing of what can't.
An auto recycling company specializes in dismantling vehicles for parts and materials, allowing for the reuse of components and responsible disposal of hazardous materials. This industry plays a crucial role in sustainability by reducing waste and promoting recycling.
Nissan Quests
"...el like my life has been all of these little side quests that work so well together."
The Nissan Quest is a type of family car called a minivan, which is designed to hold a lot of people and their stuff. It's great for families because it has plenty of space and comfortable seating, making trips easier. People talk about it because it helps with everyday tasks like school runs and family outings.
The Nissan Quest is a minivan that was produced by Nissan from 1992 to 2017. It is known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features, making it a popular choice for those needing a reliable vehicle for transporting multiple passengers. The Quest is often discussed for its unique design and practicality in family-oriented contexts.
Porsche Sport School
"...especially like, for example, the Porsche Sport School,..."
Porsche Sport School is a program where you can learn how to drive Porsche cars better. You get to practice on a track with help from experts, which makes it fun and educational.
Porsche Sport School is a driving experience program offered by Porsche, where participants can learn high-performance driving techniques in various Porsche models. It's designed to enhance driving skills in a controlled environment, often featuring track time and professional instruction.
BOP
"...that doesn't wanna hear griping about BOP or understeer, you know?"
BOP is a rule used in racing to make sure all cars have a fair chance to win by changing things like how heavy they are or how much power they can use.
BOP stands for Balance of Performance, a set of regulations used in motorsport to ensure that different cars compete fairly by adjusting performance parameters like weight and power output.
understeer
"...griping about BOP or understeer, you know? So yeah, hang on to that..."
Understeer happens when a car doesn't turn as much as you want it to, making it feel like it's sliding straight instead of going around a corner.
Understeer is a handling characteristic where a car turns less than the driver intends, often causing the front tires to lose grip and the car to continue straight instead of turning.
all-wheel drive
"...he went faster than me out of the corners cause the all-wheel drive can just kind of launch out."
All-wheel drive means that the car sends power to all four wheels instead of just two. This helps the car grip the road better and can make it faster when starting from a stop or going around corners.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain configuration that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously. This allows for better traction and stability, especially in slippery conditions or during acceleration out of corners.
Toyota Corolla
"...and the Corolla absolutely took off in the rain. I had no chance anymore..."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people drive because it's dependable and doesn't use too much gas. It's a good choice for everyday use.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact car known for its reliability and efficiency. It has been a popular choice for many drivers around the world due to its practicality and affordability.
TC America
"in the TC America class in SRO. And you getting to go over there in your first race out getting a podium is pretty remarkable."
TC America is a type of car racing where different brands of cars compete against each other. It's known for being exciting and competitive.
TC America is a racing series that features touring cars, focusing on competitive racing among various manufacturers. It is part of the SRO Motorsports Group, which organizes multiple racing events worldwide.
pack racing
"and then you went to Indy where I just saw you last and you guys were like pack racing"
Pack racing is when a group of cars race very close to each other. It makes the race more thrilling because drivers have to be careful not to bump into each other while trying to go fast.
Pack racing refers to a style of racing where multiple cars race closely together, often in a tight formation. This can lead to exciting and strategic racing, as drivers must navigate around each other while maintaining speed.
front wheel drive
"I didn't expect to enjoy the front wheel drive stuff as much as I do."
Front wheel drive means that the front wheels of the car are the ones that get the power from the engine. This helps the car handle better in bad weather and makes more room inside the car.
Front wheel drive (FWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is directed to the front wheels. This setup often provides better traction in slippery conditions and more interior space compared to rear wheel drive layouts.
Ford Mustang
"...what was your first car? I had a 2006 Mustang. What's funny about my relationship with street cars..."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that many people love for its speed and style. The 2006 version is known for its powerful engine and classic look.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and iconic design. The 2006 model is part of the fifth generation, which was produced from 2005 to 2014, and features a retro styling that pays homage to earlier models.
blown oil pan
"It had a blown oil pan so we were just gonna do a motor swap..."
An oil pan is a part of the engine that holds the oil. If it's damaged, it can cause oil to leak out, which is bad for the engine.
A blown oil pan refers to a damaged oil pan that can lead to oil leaks and engine failure. It is critical for containing the engine oil and maintaining proper lubrication.
engine swap
"...we were just gonna do a motor swap and he was like, if you do the engine swap..."
An engine swap is when you take out the engine in a car and put in a different one. People do this to make the car faster or because the old engine is broken.
An engine swap involves replacing a vehicle's original engine with a different one, often for performance upgrades or to replace a failed engine. This process can significantly change a car's capabilities.
winter tires
"Do you remember the conditions of the tires? They were rough. I remember my first winter with that car..."
Winter tires are special tires made for driving in cold weather, snow, and ice. They help your car grip the road better when it's really cold outside.
Winter tires are specifically designed to provide better traction and handling in cold weather conditions, particularly on snow and ice. They have a different rubber compound and tread pattern compared to summer tires, which helps them perform better in low temperatures.
sliding through an intersection
"...I would like to start sliding through an intersection"
Sliding through an intersection means that the car is slipping and not stopping properly when going through a stop or turn. This can happen when the road is slippery, like in winter.
Sliding through an intersection typically refers to losing traction while driving, which can occur when a vehicle's tires cannot grip the road surface effectively. This can happen in icy or wet conditions, leading to a loss of control.
AE Victory Racing
"like AE Victory Racing has been a major, major contributor to my career."
AE Victory Racing helps people who want to be professional race car drivers. They provide support and resources that can help someone succeed in racing.
AE Victory Racing is a company involved in motorsports, likely providing support or resources for racing careers. Their contributions can be crucial for drivers looking to advance in the competitive racing scene.
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