Ep.311 – Brian Beierwaltes
About this episode
Brian Beierwaltes, a key figure at Continental Tire, shares his journey from a BMX enthusiast to a marketing leader in motorsports. Over a celebratory lunch, he discusses his pivotal role in the evolution of IMSA, the challenges of merging racing series, and his passion for creating genuine connections with fans. The conversation highlights his commitment to authenticity in marketing and the importance of community engagement. Beierwaltes reflects on his career, the lessons learned, and the value of hard work in achieving success in the automotive industry.
water pump
"...the water pump is fine. And I'm like, well, why are you telling me about the water pump?"
The water pump helps keep the engine cool by moving coolant around. If it breaks, the engine can get too hot and cause big problems.
The water pump is a crucial component in a vehicle's cooling system that circulates coolant to maintain the engine's temperature. If it fails, it can lead to overheating and serious engine damage.
timing belt
"...And the timing belt. Like, why would I care about that?"
The timing belt keeps the engine parts moving in sync. If it breaks, it can cause serious damage to the engine, which is very expensive to fix.
The timing belt is a critical part of an engine that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft. If the timing belt fails, it can cause severe engine damage, often requiring a complete engine rebuild.
Continental Tire
"...ten years in continental tire has been a partner since day one ten years on they're still going maybe they'll be here even ten years from now if we're still alive..."
Continental Tire makes tires for cars and trucks. They are well-known in the racing world for providing tires that help cars perform better on the track.
Continental Tire is a major tire manufacturer known for producing high-quality tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and motorsport applications. Their partnership with racing events highlights their commitment to performance and safety in the automotive industry.
IMSA
"he came there from IMSA so we'd known him prior to his continental tire times"
IMSA is a group that organizes car racing events in North America. They focus on sports cars and have popular racing series.
IMSA, or the International Motor Sports Association, is an organization that sanctions sports car racing events in North America. It is known for its prestigious series, including the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Porsche 911
"...my buddy owns a 9-11. He had a 9-11 SC Cabriolet, and he used to go autocross."
The Porsche 911 SC Cabriolet is a type of sports car that has a soft top you can fold down. It's known for being fast and fun to drive, and it's part of the famous 911 family of cars made by Porsche.
The Porsche 911 SC Cabriolet is a convertible variant of the iconic 911 sports car, produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The 'SC' designation stands for 'Super Carrera', indicating a higher performance version of the 911.
autocross
"...and he used to go autocross."
Autocross is a type of racing where drivers take turns driving through a course marked by cones. It's usually done in parking lots and focuses on skill rather than speed, as each car runs one at a time.
Autocross is a timed competition in which drivers navigate one at a time through a defined course on either a sealed or unsealed surface. It emphasizes precision and car control rather than outright speed.
Porsche Boxster
"...I'm like, I'm going to go buy a Porsche Boxster. Absolutely. I mean, why would you not?..."
The Porsche Boxster is a sporty convertible car that is fun to drive. It's designed to be lightweight and has a powerful engine, making it a favorite for people who love fast cars.
The Porsche Boxster is a mid-engine roadster that combines performance with a convertible design, making it popular among sports car enthusiasts. It is known for its agile handling and distinctive styling.
DE days
"I'd do a couple DE days. And then I was like, well, I want to start doing club racing."
DE days are events where you can learn how to drive better on a racetrack. You get to practice driving in a safe environment with instructors who help you improve your skills.
DE stands for Driver Education, which are events designed to help drivers improve their skills on the track. These sessions are typically non-competitive and focus on learning and safety.
club racing
"And then I was like, well, I want to start doing club racing."
Club racing is a type of car racing that is organized by car clubs for amateur drivers. It's a way for car enthusiasts to compete against each other in a fun and friendly setting.
Club racing refers to amateur racing events organized by car clubs. These races are often more accessible than professional racing and allow enthusiasts to compete in a structured environment.
Porsche 944
"And I'm like, oh, here's this 944. And it's kind of built a little bit. This would be kind of a fun car."
The Porsche 944 is a sports car that was made by the car company Porsche. It was popular because it was fun to drive and less expensive than some of their other models, like the 911.
The Porsche 944 is a sports car produced by Porsche from 1982 to 1991. It is known for its balanced handling and was a more affordable alternative to the Porsche 911.
Mercedes-Benz Gclass
"And like everybody. And so all of us got into what was called G-Class, G-Stock in PCA. And so I was like, all right, I'm going to sell this car."
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a fancy SUV that looks a bit like a big box on wheels. It's known for being very tough and can drive on rough roads, but it's also super luxurious inside. People like it because it combines being fancy with being able to handle tough conditions.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, often referred to as the G-Wagon, is a luxury SUV known for its rugged off-road capability and iconic boxy design. Originally developed as a military vehicle, it has evolved into a status symbol, combining luxury with performance. Its significance in automotive culture often stems from its blend of practicality and opulence, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts and celebrities alike.
G-Class, G-Stock
"...what was called G-Class, G-Stock in PCA. And so I was like, all right, I'm going to sell this car."
G-Class and G-Stock are categories used in Porsche racing events to group cars that are similar in terms of performance and modifications. This helps make races fairer by ensuring that cars compete against others with similar abilities.
G-Class and G-Stock refer to specific classes in the Porsche Club of America (PCA) racing series, where vehicles are categorized based on their modifications and performance capabilities. These classes allow for competitive racing among similar vehicles.
oil sump issues
"...I had no idea about the oil sump issues and all that stuff."
Oil sump issues are problems that can happen with the part of the engine that holds oil. If there's not enough oil or if it gets too hot, it can cause the engine to break down.
Oil sump issues refer to problems related to the oil reservoir in an engine, which can lead to insufficient lubrication and potential engine failure. In performance driving, maintaining proper oil levels and temperatures is crucial to prevent these issues.
connecting rods
"So I go and I'm putting the connecting rods. And I have the caps on the connecting rods. I'm sitting there looking at these things."
Connecting rods are parts inside an engine that help move the pistons up and down. They connect the pistons to another part called the crankshaft, which helps turn the engine's power into movement.
Connecting rods are crucial components in an engine that connect the pistons to the crankshaft. They convert the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion, which ultimately powers the vehicle.
Ford F-250
"...but after we had gotten married. I mean, I had an F-250. I had my race car..."
The Ford F-250 is a strong truck that can carry heavy loads and is often used for jobs like construction or towing trailers.
The Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its towing capacity and rugged performance, often used for work and off-road purposes.
Mini Cooper
"...go to the Mini Cooper dealer to buy a Mini Cooper, so that she had a car."
The Mini Cooper is a small, stylish car that is fun to drive. It's known for its unique look and ability to navigate tight spaces easily.
The Mini Cooper is a small car known for its distinctive design and agile handling. It has a rich history and is popular for both city driving and motorsport.
Road America
"...and we're at Road America for the Club Race Weekend there. And I proceed to come out of Canada Corner..."
Road America is a famous racetrack in Wisconsin where many car races take place. It's known for its long track and challenging turns, making it exciting for both drivers and spectators.
Road America is a renowned road course located in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, known for its long track and various racing events, including club races. It features a mix of high-speed straights and technical corners, making it a favorite among drivers and fans alike.
Grand Am
"...watching an IMSA race, well, Grand Am at that time, going, god, it'd be cool to work in racing."
Grand Am was a racing series in the U.S. for sports cars. It was around until it combined with another series to create a new racing championship.
Grand Am was a sports car racing organization in North America that operated from 1999 until it merged with the American Le Mans Series to form the United SportsCar Championship. It featured various classes of sports cars competing in endurance races.
NASCAR
"...I go on NASCAR's website, and I happen to see that they're hiring for a director of brand for Grand Am."
NASCAR is a big organization that runs car races in the U.S., mostly with cars that look like regular cars but are built for racing. They often race on oval tracks.
NASCAR stands for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, which is a popular motorsport organization in the United States known for its stock car racing series. It features a unique style of racing primarily on oval tracks.
gentleman driver
"...he's sort of in that gentleman driver ilk of the late 2000s in Grand Am GT. But before he had gotten into Grand Am..."
A gentleman driver is someone who races cars for fun and has enough money to do it, but they aren't professional racers. They often join races to enjoy the experience and meet other car enthusiasts.
A gentleman driver is typically an amateur racer who participates in motorsport events, often funded by personal wealth rather than professional sponsorship. They usually compete in events like endurance races, where they can showcase their driving skills alongside professional drivers.
Rolex 24
"...and then one day he's like, oh, I'm going to the Rolex 24."
The Rolex 24 is a famous car race that lasts an entire day. Teams of drivers take turns racing their cars to see who can go the farthest in 24 hours. It's a big event in the racing world.
The Rolex 24, officially known as the Rolex 24 at Daytona, is a prestigious endurance race held annually at Daytona International Speedway. It lasts for 24 hours and features a variety of classes of cars, attracting both professional and amateur drivers.
Chevrolet Avalanche
"...concept of it because he shows up. He's got this avalanche truck that he's driving. And it's not like it's ..."
The Chevrolet Avalanche is a type of vehicle that works like a mix between a truck and an SUV. It has a special feature that lets you make the back area bigger, so you can carry larger things. People talk about it because it's really useful for both driving around with friends and hauling stuff.
The Chevrolet Avalanche is a unique vehicle that combines features of a pickup truck and an SUV, offering versatility for both work and leisure. It features a distinctive mid-gate that allows for an extended cargo area, making it ideal for transporting larger items. The Avalanche is often discussed for its innovative design and practicality, especially for those who need a vehicle that can handle both passenger and cargo needs.
Tudor Championship
"the WeatherTech Championship logo, previously the Tudor Championship logo."
The Tudor Championship was the former name of a sports car racing series that is now called the WeatherTech Championship. It was named after a watch brand that sponsored the races.
The Tudor Championship was the previous name for the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, which was sponsored by Tudor, a luxury watch brand. The name change reflects a shift in branding and sponsorship in the series.
WeatherTech Championship
"And they basically hired me to develop the brand for what was what became Imsa and now the WeatherTech Championship and Tudor and all that stuff."
The WeatherTech Championship is a top sports car racing series in the U.S. It includes different types of races and cars, making it exciting for fans of motorsports.
The WeatherTech Championship is a premier sports car racing series in North America, organized by IMSA. It features a variety of classes, including prototypes and GT cars, and is known for its high level of competition and prestigious events.
Lamborghini
"...like Chris Ward at Lamborghini was a guy that we got along really well..."
Lamborghini is a famous car brand from Italy that makes very fast and stylish sports cars.
Lamborghini is an Italian manufacturer of high-performance sports cars, known for their aggressive styling and powerful engines.
Ford
"...currently Ford performance..."
Ford is a well-known American car company that makes many types of vehicles, from trucks to sports cars.
Ford is an American multinational automaker known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and performance cars.
BMW
"...I met with the BMW car club when I was out in Monterey and I said, you know, we're, you know, we're your official, we're your official tire partner..."
BMW is a well-known car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars and sports cars. Many people love their cars for how they drive and their quality.
BMW is a German automotive manufacturer known for producing luxury vehicles and high-performance sports cars. The brand has a strong following among car enthusiasts and is often associated with driving pleasure and engineering excellence.
SEMA
"So, so when I first got hired to go do SEMA back in like 2014, I think it was."
SEMA is a big car show in Las Vegas where companies show off their custom cars and parts. It's a place for car fans to see the latest in car modifications and accessories.
SEMA stands for the Specialty Equipment Market Association, which hosts an annual trade show in Las Vegas showcasing aftermarket automotive products and custom vehicles. It's a key event for automotive enthusiasts and industry professionals to network and discover new trends.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.