About this episode
George Notaras, known as MotoMan, joins the Smoking Tire Podcast to discuss his relaunch of the MotoMan TV YouTube channel and the intricacies of automotive content creation. The conversation dives into the challenges of maintaining audience engagement, the evolution of YouTube algorithms, and the importance of adapting to changes in the digital landscape. They also share personal anecdotes about cars, cigars, and the automotive industry, while reflecting on the journey of becoming successful in automotive journalism. Insights on the future of content creation and the significance of authenticity in storytelling are also highlighted.
George Notaras is an automotive journalist who has been in the YouTube game for over a decade. On this episode we talk about the challengers faced by creators new and old (er, experienced), why his channel moved, algorithms, GT3 ownership, and more.
https://www.youtube.com/motomantv
https://www.youtube.com/@MMTVCars
https://www.instagram.com/motomantv/
Recorded September 19, 2025
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Ford Model T
"...ich was crazy. I feel like that was back when the model T came out. We moved here in 2020. Yeah, in five ye..."
The Ford Model T is one of the first cars that regular people could afford. It changed how people traveled and is important in car history.
The Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, is often regarded as the first affordable automobile, revolutionizing transportation and manufacturing. Its significance lies in its role in making cars accessible to the masses, often discussed in historical contexts.
Toyota Corolla
"Yeah. Yeah. But like a Toyota like Corolla gets 250,000 views. Yeah, man."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people buy because it's very reliable and doesn't use much gas. It's popular because it gets you where you need to go without a lot of problems.
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling cars in the world, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It has a long history, making it a significant model in the automotive industry, often discussed for its value as a dependable daily driver.
Infiniti QX80
"I jumped a QX80. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, that worked out well."
The Infiniti QX80 is a large luxury SUV that can carry many passengers and has a powerful engine. It's built to handle rough terrains as well as city driving.
The Infiniti QX80 is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior and powerful performance. It is designed for both on-road comfort and off-road capability, making it a versatile choice for drivers.
Infiniti G35
"Did you hear infinity's bringing back the G 35 effectively? I don't know if it's the moniker per se, but the fast, a stick shift, a stick shift car."
The Infiniti G35 is a luxury car that was made in the early 2000s. It's known for being fun to drive and has a sporty feel, especially with a manual transmission option.
The Infiniti G35 is a luxury sports sedan that was produced by Infiniti from 2002 to 2007. It is known for its performance, rear-wheel drive layout, and available manual transmission, making it a popular choice among driving enthusiasts.
Nissan Z
"It was an amazing car to drive, but I still would have chosen the Z."
The Nissan Z is a sporty car that many people love to drive. It's known for being fast and looking good.
The Nissan Z is a sports car known for its performance and sleek design. It has a long history of being a favorite among car enthusiasts for its driving dynamics and styling.
BMW 3 Series
"...the G 35 was a legitimate three series competitor and beat the three series in many comparisons."
The BMW 3 Series is a popular car made by BMW that is known for being fun to drive and stylish. It's often compared to other cars in its class.
The BMW 3 Series is a line of compact executive cars produced by BMW since 1975. It is known for its sporty handling and performance, making it a popular choice among driving enthusiasts.
Infiniti G37
"...that's when there was a G 37. So there was like, oh, nine you and I started around the same time."
The Infiniti G37 is a newer version of the G35, made by Infiniti. It has more features and better performance, making it a great choice for those looking for a luxury sports car.
The Infiniti G37 is the successor to the G35, produced from 2007 to 2013. It offered improved performance and technology features, continuing the brand's focus on luxury and sportiness.
Ford Mustang
"...because I would show up in my camd Mustang and just fucking idle outside while they were trying to finish classes."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that many people love for its speed and style. It's been around for a long time and is known for being fun to drive.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and iconic design. It has been in production since 1964 and has undergone several generations of updates.
Mercury Villager
"Was this post mercury villager? Yes. The villager was first. All other cars are post villager."
The Mercury Villager is a type of minivan that families used to drive around. It has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo.
The Mercury Villager is a minivan that was produced from 1993 to 2002. It was known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features.
Honda Odyssey
"Well, I shamelessly love minivans. I had an O9 Odyssey that was an incredible vehicle. Like I truly incredible vehicle that I loved everything about."
The Honda Odyssey is a minivan that many families use because it has a lot of space and is comfortable to drive. The 2009 version is known for being very reliable and practical.
The Honda Odyssey is a popular minivan known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. The 2009 model is part of a generation that emphasized comfort and versatility, making it a favorite among families.
Cadillac El
"Like for me, it's a 1979 to 1985 Cadillac El Dorado. Like I'm going to buy one. They're really hard to find."
The Cadillac El Dorado is a fancy car made by Cadillac, known for being luxurious and stylish. The models from 1979 to 1985 are particularly sought after by collectors.
The Cadillac El Dorado is a luxury coupe that was produced from 1953 to 2002, with the 1979 to 1985 models being part of the ninth generation. Known for its distinctive styling and powerful V8 engines, the El Dorado is often associated with American luxury and comfort.
Landau Roof
"...the thing that I'm looking for is no Landau Roof. Right. No vinyl, but it's got to have the factory Asteroof."
A Landau Roof is a special type of roof covering made of vinyl that makes cars look more luxurious. It's often padded and can have designs on it.
A Landau Roof is a type of vinyl roof treatment that gives a car a classic look, often seen on luxury vehicles. It typically features a padded vinyl covering over the roof area, sometimes with a decorative seam or design.
Asteroof
"...but it's got to have the factory Asteroof. What's Asteroof? The sunroof."
Asteroof is just another name for a sunroof, but it's made of metal instead of glass. It gives a different look and feel to the car.
Asteroof is a term used to describe a specific type of sunroof that is integrated into the car's body design. Unlike traditional sunroofs, an Asteroof is typically made of metal and offers a different aesthetic and structural integrity.
C3
"...you're talking C3s to this thing. You know, he changed General Motors."
C3 is a model of the Chevrolet Corvette, a famous sports car. It was made from 1968 to 1982 and is known for its unique look and speed.
The C3 refers to the third generation of the Chevrolet Corvette, produced from 1968 to 1982. This generation is known for its distinctive styling and performance, and it played a significant role in the Corvette's legacy.
Bring A Trailer
"...this is what I watch at night. And I found on Bring A Trailer. They made it convertible."
Bring A Trailer is a website where people can buy and sell classic cars through auctions. It's popular among car enthusiasts.
Bring A Trailer is an online auction platform that specializes in classic and enthusiast cars. It allows users to buy and sell vehicles in a community-driven environment.
ASC
"...It was a cut job by ASC."
ASC is a company that modifies cars, often turning them into convertibles. They make changes to the original design to create new styles.
ASC, or American Specialty Cars, is a company known for modifying vehicles, particularly for creating convertible versions of cars. They have a history of working on various models to enhance their appeal.
Cupra Born
"So it didn't... Wasn't born convertible. But it was a factory convertible."
The Cupra Born is a new electric car that's designed to be fun to drive. It's sporty and helps the environment by using electricity instead of gas.
The Cupra Born is an electric hatchback from the performance-oriented brand Cupra, known for its sporty design and efficient electric powertrain. It's significant as part of the growing trend towards electric vehicles, appealing to those looking for performance and sustainability.
Cadillac Broham
"...the character played by Jamie Foxx drives a used Cadillac Broham that he refers to as a Merlot Broham."
The Cadillac Broham is a type of Cadillac car that was known for being very comfortable and luxurious. It was popular in the past and is often seen as a symbol of status.
The Cadillac Broham is a luxury sedan variant of the Cadillac fleet, known for its spacious interior and classic design. It was popular in the 1980s and 1990s, often associated with a certain level of prestige and comfort.
Bugatti Turbiana
"Bugatti, we chose the Bugatti Turbiana's our first episode. It took off."
The Bugatti Turbiana is a very high-end sports car that is famous for being extremely fast and luxurious. Bugatti is a brand that makes some of the most expensive cars on the market.
The Bugatti Turbiana is a luxury hypercar known for its exceptional performance and design. Bugatti is renowned for producing some of the fastest and most exclusive cars in the world.
Mercedes-Benz E 63 S
"...He's got an E 63 S wagon. He's got an Aston Martin..."
The Mercedes-Benz E 63 S is a fast and luxurious car that can be used for daily driving. It's known for its powerful engine and comfortable interior.
The Mercedes-Benz E 63 S is a high-performance variant of the E-Class, known for its powerful engine and luxury features. It combines sporty handling with everyday usability, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Chevrolet Suburban
"...kyard. You got to wake her back yard and Detroit, suburban Detroit. And you just sit there and you drink bee..."
The Chevrolet Suburban is a big SUV that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It's great for families or anyone who needs extra space.
The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV that has been in production since 1935, making it one of the longest-running nameplates in automotive history. It's known for its spacious interior and towing capacity, often discussed in the context of family travel and utility.
Volkswagen Golf R
"...I'm crawling out to this Golf R that I was driving could barely get in the car. I drive over to his place..."
The Volkswagen Golf R is a sporty version of the regular Golf car. It has a more powerful engine and is designed for better performance, making it fun to drive.
The Volkswagen Golf R is a high-performance variant of the standard Golf, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. It's part of the Golf lineup and is popular among enthusiasts for its blend of practicality and performance.
Dodge Viper GTS
"...he owns Viper, GTS Coupe, 0-0-2, Vin number two. That's a good car."
The Dodge Viper GTS Coupe is a fast sports car made by Dodge. It has a big engine and is known for its unique look and strong performance.
The Dodge Viper GTS Coupe is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful V10 engine and distinctive styling. It's a classic American muscle car that has a strong following among car enthusiasts.
Mazda Miata
"...ector says, I've got a golfer, but I drove an ND3 Miata and I'm considering getting rid of the golfer for..."
The Mazda Miata is a small sports car that's really fun to drive. It's known for being light and quick, making it a favorite for people who love driving.
The Mazda Miata is a lightweight, two-seat sports car that has garnered a cult following since its introduction in 1989. It's celebrated for its fun driving experience and affordability, making it a popular choice among driving enthusiasts.
Volkswagen Golf
"The golf is close to needing new tires and coming up on a 60,000 mile service."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that many people use for everyday driving. It's known for being reliable and good on gas.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car known for its practicality and performance. It's popular among various drivers for its versatility and efficiency.
60,000 mile service
"The golf is close to needing new tires and coming up on a 60,000 mile service."
The 60,000 mile service is a maintenance check you should do on your car after driving it for 60,000 miles. It helps keep the car running smoothly and can prevent bigger problems later.
The 60,000 mile service is a scheduled maintenance check for vehicles, often including oil changes, fluid checks, and inspections of key components. It's crucial for keeping the car in good condition.
Cars and Bids
"Then look at cars and bids and bring a trailer sold golf bars."
Cars and Bids is a website where people can buy and sell cars through auctions. It's a good place to find special or interesting cars.
Cars and Bids is an online auction platform specifically for enthusiast vehicles. It allows users to buy and sell cars in a bidding format, often featuring unique or collectible models.
low miles
"...let's say it's a seven-year-old, eight-year-old golf bar. It's low miles."
'Low miles' means the car hasn't been driven much compared to other cars of the same age. This is usually a good thing because it means less wear and tear.
'Low miles' refers to a vehicle that has been driven fewer miles than average for its age, which can indicate less wear and tear and potentially higher resale value.
Tartan
"It's not the usual beautiful tartan-like in my car. No tartan? What does it know?"
Tartan is a type of fabric with a checkered pattern. It's often used in car seats to give them a stylish look, especially in some Volkswagen cars.
Tartan is a patterned fabric that features crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors. It's commonly used in car interiors, especially in certain Volkswagen models, adding a distinctive and classic touch.
Volvo station wagon
"Used to be a Volvo guy, by the way. Loves old Volvo station wagons, now drives a Rivian."
A Volvo station wagon is a type of car that has a long body and a large trunk space, making it great for carrying lots of stuff. Volvos are known for being safe and reliable.
Volvo station wagons are known for their practicality, safety, and durability, making them popular choices for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Rivian
"Loves old Volvo station wagons, now drives a Rivian."
Rivian is a company that makes electric trucks and SUVs. Their vehicles are designed for outdoor adventures and are environmentally friendly.
Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its R1T electric pickup truck and R1S electric SUV, both designed for adventure and outdoor activities.
Porsche 911 GT3
"George, if you sold your GT3, what would you trade it for? You know what? I have a vision. If I could do this, I would want to own a GTD for two years."
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a special version of the Porsche 911 sports car that is built for speed and performance on the track. It has a powerful engine and is designed to be very light, which helps it go fast and handle well.
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a high-performance variant of the iconic 911 sports car, known for its track-focused design and powerful naturally aspirated engine. It features advanced aerodynamics and a lightweight construction, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
Ford GT
"I was a huge fan of the also Canadian Ford GT. Yeah."
The Ford GT is a fast and stylish sports car made by Ford. It's famous for its racing history and unique looks, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Ford GT is a high-performance supercar produced by Ford, known for its striking design and advanced technology. It has a rich motorsport heritage, particularly in endurance racing.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
"...le I trust are telling me that it will follow the GT3 RS market. So I..."
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a super-fast version of the 911 sports car made for racing. It's built to be really fun to drive on a track.
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a high-performance variant of the iconic 911, designed for track-focused driving with enhanced aerodynamics and a powerful engine. It's often discussed among enthusiasts for its racing pedigree and exceptional handling.
MSRP
"I think it's very expensive for what it is. Extremely expensive. But I wouldn't feel like I'd be losing money. You know, it's $400,000."
MSRP is the price that car makers suggest you should pay for a new car. It's like a starting point for negotiations when buying a vehicle.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for the vehicle. It serves as a guideline for dealerships and consumers when buying a car.
front-engine rear-drive
"It's currently the only really track-focused front-engine rear-drive car on the market right now. Does it feel like a front-mid-engine kind of deal?"
In a front-engine rear-drive car, the engine is at the front, and the back wheels push the car forward. This setup can help the car handle better, especially in turns.
A front-engine rear-drive layout means the engine is located at the front of the car, while the rear wheels are responsible for propulsion. This configuration is common in sports cars and can enhance handling dynamics by distributing weight more effectively.
Ford Mustang GT500
"it's better than like a dark horse, but it kind of resembles a GT500 from a year or two ago."
The Ford Mustang GT500 is a super-fast version of the regular Mustang. It's designed for high performance and has a lot of power, making it very exciting to drive.
The Ford Mustang GT500 is a high-performance variant of the Mustang, known for its powerful engine and aggressive styling. It represents the pinnacle of Mustang performance and is often compared to other sports cars.
Shelby GT500
"...han like a dark horse, but it kind of resembles a GT500 from a year or two ago. Does it do the GT3 trick,"
The Shelby GT500 is a really fast version of the Ford Mustang that has a powerful engine. It's popular among car lovers who enjoy speed and performance.
The Shelby GT500 is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang, known for its powerful supercharged engine and aggressive styling. It's often discussed for its performance capabilities and status as an American muscle car icon.
Porsche 911
"It's a better ride quality than the regular 911. It's not, though."
The Porsche 911 is a fancy sports car that looks very cool and goes really fast. It's famous for being fun to drive and is loved by car enthusiasts.
The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car that has been in production since 1964, known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It represents a blend of performance and luxury, often discussed for its driving dynamics and status as a symbol of automotive excellence.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...mics of a car like that. More than it does like a Camaro. Sure."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a powerful car that looks sporty and can go really fast. It's a popular choice for people who like muscle cars.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that has been a symbol of performance and style since its debut in 1966. It's often discussed for its powerful engine options and sporty design, appealing to those who enjoy driving fast.
Mazda Flair
"A saco five with the Arabian flair. A black dial,"
The Mazda Flair is a small car that's easy to drive around the city. It's designed to be practical and fit into tight spaces.
The Mazda Flair is a compact car designed primarily for the Japanese market, known for its practicality and efficient use of space. It's often discussed for its unique design and suitability for urban driving.
Honda Stream
"Start finished. And you need to stream or download whatever the song Big Truck Driver by..."
The Honda Stream is a family-friendly car that has lots of space for people and their stuff. It's reliable and good for everyday use.
The Honda Stream is a compact MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) that offers versatility and spaciousness, making it suitable for families. It's known for its reliability and practicality, often discussed for its ability to accommodate passengers and cargo.
Ford F-150 Raptor
"...atever the song Big Truck Driver by Mystical. The Raptor. Why am I gonna be terrified by that?"
The Ford F-150 Raptor is a tough truck that's built for driving on rough roads and trails. It's strong and fast, making it great for outdoor adventures.
The Ford F-150 Raptor is a high-performance version of the popular F-150 pickup truck, designed for off-road capabilities and rugged terrain. It's known for its powerful engine and advanced suspension, often discussed in the context of adventure and outdoor activities.
Cadillac Escalade
"...car guy song. It's an ode to this dude's like big escalade on rims. Yes."
The Cadillac Escalade is a big, fancy SUV that's very comfortable and has lots of features. People like it because it looks nice and feels luxurious.
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior, high-end features, and commanding presence on the road. It's often discussed in the context of luxury and status, appealing to those looking for a premium driving experience.
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