Ep.315 – Zach Veach (is not Mark Dismore)
About this episode
Zach Veach joins the Dinner with Racers crew for a lively dinner conversation at Johnny Rockets in Hollywood. The episode dives into Zach's journey from IndyCar to IMSA racing, his newfound passion for aviation, and the unique challenges of racing in different formats. Listeners will enjoy humorous anecdotes about racing mishaps, including a fiery pit stop incident, and Zach's reflections on personal growth and relationships. The episode also touches on the dynamics of sponsorship in motorsports and the camaraderie that comes with racing, making it a rich and entertaining listen.
IMSA
"...we were both there post IMSA weekend..."
IMSA is a group that organizes car racing events in North America. They have different racing series where teams compete with sports cars.
IMSA stands for the International Motor Sports Association, which sanctions various sports car racing series in North America. It is known for its prestigious events, including the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the Michelin Pilot Challenge.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4
"...e in as well He's in the GS class and it came in GT4 But he's also been working with his dad and doin..."
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is a sporty car that is made for people who really enjoy driving. It has a strong engine and is built to handle well, making it exciting to drive on twisty roads or racetracks.
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is a performance-oriented version of the Cayman sports coupe, featuring a more powerful engine and enhanced handling characteristics. It is designed for driving enthusiasts who seek a thrilling experience on both the road and the track.
Road to Indy
"Crazy you think that was the first year of the road indie now, which was you know the whole ladder system to take young kids up to Indy car and it worked."
The Road to Indy is a series of racing competitions that help young drivers learn and progress towards racing in the IndyCar Series, which is a top-level open-wheel racing series in the United States.
The Road to Indy is a development program designed to guide young drivers through the ranks of open-wheel racing, ultimately leading to the IndyCar Series. It includes various levels of competition, such as F2000, Pro Mazda, and Indy Lights, allowing drivers to gain experience and exposure.
Indy Lights
"...won a lot of Indy lights races, which you know arguably, I think that was some of the most fun I had in my career."
Indy Lights is a racing series where younger drivers compete in open-wheel cars to gain experience and improve their skills, with the goal of moving up to the more prestigious IndyCar Series.
Indy Lights is a developmental racing series that serves as a stepping stone to the IndyCar Series. It features open-wheel cars and is designed for drivers looking to advance their careers in motorsport, providing them with valuable experience and exposure to teams and sponsors.
Andretti Autosport
"...and then got to Indy car hall with Andretti auto sports. So"
Andretti Autosport is a well-known racing team in America, famous for competing in IndyCar racing and has a history of success in the sport.
Andretti Autosport is a prominent American racing team that competes in various motorsport series, including IndyCar. Founded by racing legend Michael Andretti, the team has a rich history and has won multiple championships and races in IndyCar and other series.
IndyCar
"...my last season full-time in Indy car whether I knew it or not depending on..."
IndyCar is a type of car racing that takes place on different kinds of tracks, including famous ones like the Indianapolis 500. The cars are very fast and designed specifically for racing.
IndyCar is a premier open-wheel racing series in North America, known for its high-speed races, including the famous Indianapolis 500. It features a mix of road courses, street circuits, and oval tracks, showcasing the skill of drivers and the performance of specialized racing cars.
power steering
"...I love the racing power steering. Oh, man. That's great..."
Power steering makes it easier to turn the steering wheel in a car. It helps drivers steer without having to use a lot of strength, especially when going slowly.
Power steering is a system that helps drivers steer their vehicles more easily by using hydraulic or electric actuators. It reduces the amount of effort needed to turn the steering wheel, especially at low speeds.
Fiat 500S
"Yeah, yeah, but yeah, so I mean that's the run-up, you know typical open-wheel guy committed his life to Indy car It was very fortunate to get there and run some races got to do for Indy 500's got to you know Check that lifelong dream, but you know getting there is different than staying there. Obviously, it's very difficult to do both"
The Fiat 500 is a tiny car that looks cute and is easy to drive around in the city. It's great for getting around quickly and saves gas, making it a favorite for people who live in crowded places.
The Fiat 500 is a small, stylish city car that has become iconic for its retro design and compact size. It is popular in urban environments for its maneuverability and fuel efficiency.
Indy 500
"...to get there and run some races got to do for Indy 500's got to you know check that lifelong dream..."
The Indy 500 is a famous car race that takes place every year in Indianapolis. It's known for being very challenging and is one of the biggest events in racing.
The Indy 500, officially known as the Indianapolis 500, is an annual automobile race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious events in motorsport, part of the IndyCar Series, and features open-wheel cars racing over 500 miles.
Vassar Sullivan
"...2021 after the podcast we signed with Vassar Selvin. That was my first year racing GT cars racing..."
Vassar Sullivan is a racing team that participates in sports car races. They work with different car brands to compete in events.
Vassar Sullivan is a professional racing team that competes in various sports car racing series, including the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The team is known for its competitive performance and collaboration with manufacturers.
Lexus
"So then I come to the Lexus program and I'm thinking man How's this gonna go?"
Lexus is a brand that makes luxury cars, and it's part of Toyota. They are known for being comfortable and reliable.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Toyota, known for its high-quality vehicles and advanced technology.
Daytona
"But man it was hard to figure out at first because like I remember the first time I was in the car is Daytona And I'm like, okay. Well, it's a race car sitting in it. Like, you know, it's fine"
Daytona is a well-known racetrack in Florida where many car races happen, including the famous Daytona 500. It's a big deal in the racing world.
Daytona refers to the Daytona International Speedway, a famous motorsport track in Daytona Beach, Florida, known for hosting the Daytona 500 and various racing events, including sports car and endurance races.
pit lane
"...I leave Daytona, you know leave pit lane Get on track without hitting the pit wall, which is big..."
Pit lane is where race cars go to get fuel, change tires, or fix problems during a race. It's an important part of racing strategy.
Pit lane is the area of a racetrack where cars stop for refueling, tire changes, and repairs during a race. It's crucial for maintaining a car's performance during a race.
oval racing
"...what I fell in love with indy car is oval racing"
Oval racing means racing on a track that is shaped like an oval. It's different from regular racing tracks because the cars go around in a circle, which can be very fast and exciting.
Oval racing is a type of motorsport where cars race on oval-shaped tracks. This format emphasizes high-speed turns and strategic positioning, making it distinct from road course racing.
McLaren
"...that started a really nice relationship with McLaren. So I did a lot of straight line testing for them..."
McLaren is a company that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They also race cars in Formula 1, which is a popular car racing series.
McLaren is a British automotive manufacturer known for producing high-performance sports cars and supercars. They are also involved in Formula 1 racing, which influences their engineering and design philosophy.
Chevrolet
"...moved over to the sim program with Chevrolet"
Chevrolet is a well-known American car brand that makes many types of vehicles, including cars and trucks. They are popular for their performance cars like the Corvette.
Chevrolet is an American automobile brand known for a wide range of vehicles, from trucks to sports cars. They are part of General Motors and have a strong presence in both the consumer and racing markets.
sim racing
"The thing is like for those that haven't been in the sim. I mean the it's that would be all of us. Well, I mean you've done some sim stuff or no, no, not not that level. Yeah"
Sim racing is when people play racing video games that try to make the experience feel like real-life racing. They use special equipment to make it more realistic, like steering wheels and pedals.
Sim racing refers to racing video games that aim to replicate real-world racing experiences as closely as possible, often using realistic physics and vehicle dynamics. These simulations can include detailed representations of car handling, tracks, and even the cockpit environment.
steering torque
"The only difference is like the steering torque is the same. They've measured that perfectly."
Steering torque is how much force you feel when you turn the steering wheel. It helps drivers know how the car is responding and is important for making the driving experience feel real in video games.
Steering torque refers to the force that is applied to the steering wheel when turning, which gives the driver feedback about the car's handling and road conditions. In racing simulations, accurately replicating steering torque is crucial for a realistic driving experience.
Lamborghini
"...or lamb. Uh, that might have been a lamb..."
Lamborghini is a luxury car brand from Italy that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They are famous for their unique and flashy designs.
Lamborghini is an Italian manufacturer of high-performance sports cars, known for their bold designs and powerful engines. They are often associated with luxury and exclusivity.
BMW
"...Paul Miller racing. I think it was a bmw or lamb. Uh, that might have been a lamb..."
BMW is a well-known car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars. They are famous for their sporty and high-quality vehicles.
BMW is a German automotive brand known for its luxury vehicles and performance-oriented models. The brand has a rich history in motorsports and is recognized for its engineering excellence.
Paul Miller Racing
"...Paul Miller racing. I think it was a bmw or lamb..."
Paul Miller Racing is a racing team that competes in car races. They are known for their involvement in sports car competitions.
Paul Miller Racing is a professional motorsports team that competes in various racing series, primarily known for their participation in sports car racing events.
Nissan Quests
"23 Like forward to Rosen quest's wedding in Sweden and 24 in the fall 24 Yeah, so I've always kept the badge in my backpack because I was like, yeah, you know, that's where I'm gonna put it"
The Nissan Quest is a family van that has lots of room for people and their stuff. It's great for road trips and everyday use because it's comfortable and practical.
The Nissan Quest is a minivan that was designed to provide spacious seating and family-friendly features. It was popular for its versatility and comfort, making it a good choice for families on the go.
Subaru 360S
"...ke little zag beach is like Running whether like 360s or were they 405? Yeah. No, I was doing a winged ..."
The Subaru 360 is a very small and unusual car that was made a long time ago. It's known for being cute and easy to park, but it's not very powerful compared to bigger cars.
The Subaru 360 is a classic microcar produced in the 1960s and 1970s, known for its compact size and quirky design. It was one of the first cars to be mass-produced by Subaru and is often remembered for its unique character.
Acura NSX
"...if you have boot Dude, I did it when I drove the NSX for rick where I was like, no, you guys. Yeah, yo..."
The Acura NSX is a fancy sports car that looks cool and goes really fast. It's made by a Japanese company and is known for being both powerful and comfortable to drive.
The Acura NSX is a high-performance sports car known for its combination of luxury and speed. Originally introduced in the early 1990s, it has become a symbol of Japanese engineering prowess and has a dedicated following among car enthusiasts.
NSX
"...when I drove the NSX for rick where I was like, no, you guys. Yeah, you had it. Yeah"
The Honda NSX is a high-performance sports car that is famous for its speed and handling. It has a sleek design and is made mostly of lightweight aluminum.
The Honda NSX is a mid-engine sports car known for its performance and handling. It features a unique design and was one of the first production cars to use an all-aluminum body.
hot laps
"But the other thing was, you know, for those that don't know, um, I showed up for hot laps... So hot laps just for context. This is effectively what you do as your practice session."
Hot laps are practice runs on a racetrack where drivers drive fast to get used to the track and see how their car performs. It's like a warm-up before the actual race.
Hot laps refer to practice sessions where drivers take a few laps around a track to familiarize themselves with the course and test their vehicles' performance. It's a crucial part of racing preparation, allowing drivers to gauge their speed and handling before qualifying or the main event.
winged sprint cars
"...if you come to Indiana if you have a wing on your car you're not, you know, a real racer to some people. They like to see it without the wing..."
Winged sprint cars are special race cars that have a big wing on top. This wing helps the car stick to the ground when going fast, making it easier to turn without flipping over.
Winged sprint cars are a type of open-wheel racing car that features a large wing on top to provide downforce, enhancing grip and stability at high speeds. They are commonly used in dirt track racing and are known for their lightweight design and powerful engines.
Baja
"I want to do Baja so bad. Oh, oh"
Baja is a famous off-road race in Mexico where drivers compete on rough terrain. It's a big deal for people who love racing and adventure.
Baja refers to the Baja 1000, an off-road race held annually on the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. It's known for its challenging terrain and is a significant event in the off-road racing community.
Ford
"Yeah, oh, okay. We're doing something with Ford. Oh, this is often not not driving."
Ford is a major car company in the United States that makes many types of vehicles, including cars and trucks. They are also involved in racing.
Ford is a well-known American automotive manufacturer famous for producing a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and performance cars. The brand has a rich history in motorsports and is often associated with racing.
180 miles an hour
"And you know, we're going down the back straight away and we're like close to 180 miles an hour. I'm in the passenger seat"
Going 180 miles an hour means driving really, really fast, like in a race. It's much faster than normal driving and can be dangerous without the right safety gear.
Driving at 180 miles an hour is a high-speed scenario often associated with racing or performance driving. It requires advanced vehicle control and safety measures due to the risks involved.
three-point harness
"I'm wearing dress slacks. Yes a polo. Yeah an open faced helmet and a regular street car seat though. Yes, right three-point harness and a radio right and I'm just like damn. We're going fast"
A three-point harness is a safety belt that goes over your lap and across your chest, helping to keep you secure in your seat during fast driving or in case of an accident.
A three-point harness is a type of seatbelt that has three attachment points, providing better restraint for the occupant during a crash. It is commonly used in both racing and street vehicles to enhance safety.
break
"And we're getting to the end of straight away and we're getting to like the 800 and I'm like that's probably a good place to break for you know what we're doing the guy didn't break and we get deeper and guy didn't break and I'm like break break"
To 'break' means to slow down or stop the car by using the brake pedal. It's important for safety, especially when driving fast.
In automotive terms, 'break' refers to the action of slowing down or stopping a vehicle, typically by applying the brakes. It's crucial for controlling speed, especially at high velocities.
190 miles an hour
"I really wanted to see 190 before I broke and I was like"
Going 190 miles an hour is even faster than 180, which is super fast and usually only done in race cars. It requires a lot of skill to control the car at that speed.
Reaching 190 miles an hour is an extreme speed that is typically only achievable in high-performance vehicles. It poses significant challenges for vehicle handling and safety.
Toyota Supra
"...lot town series running a Toyota super gt4 Toyota Supra with shiggy hatori. Yeah, and shiggy man He I wa..."
The Toyota Supra is a popular sports car that many people love because it can go really fast and is fun to drive. It's also known for being customizable, so car fans like to make it even better.
The Toyota Supra is a legendary sports car that has gained a cult following for its performance and tuning potential. Known for its powerful inline-six engine, the Supra has been a favorite in both street racing and motorsports.
Porsche 911 GT3
"...hat I miss is the downforce of even just like the gt3 Because there's been a couple of times where I'm..."
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a super-fast version of a famous car called the 911. It's built for people who love to drive on racetracks and want a car that handles really well.
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a high-performance variant of the iconic 911 sports car, designed for track-focused driving with enhanced aerodynamics and a powerful engine. It is celebrated for its precise handling and thrilling driving experience.
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