Henry Catchpole Reveals The secret competition in car journalism
About this episode
Henry Catchpole shares his journey from a passionate car enthusiast to a prominent motoring journalist, discussing the evolution of his career and the challenges of adapting to video content. He reflects on his early inspirations, including the impact of magazines like Evo, and the importance of authenticity in presenting cars on camera. The conversation touches on the balance between confidence and humility, and how personal experiences, including a significant crash, shaped his approach to driving and journalism. Catchpole's insights offer a unique perspective on the competitive world of automotive media.
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In this episode, I sit down with Henry Catchpole — one of the most respected voices in modern motoring journalism — to unpack what truly separates great drivers, great writers, and great films from the rest.From Evo Magazine to Hagerty, Henry reflects on a 20+ year career that’s taken him from dreaming of being a staff writer to confidently sliding some of the most valuable and significant cars in the world — including the McLaren F1 and GMA T.50.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowlerContact: [email protected]
McLaren T50
"...McLaren F1 versus T50 Video. It's T50F1. It's an in the absolute dream."
The McLaren T50 is a new supercar designed to be very fun to drive, featuring a powerful engine and a lightweight body. It's made for people who love driving and want a thrilling experience.
The McLaren T50 is a modern supercar designed by Gordon Murray, featuring a naturally aspirated V12 engine and a lightweight construction aimed at delivering an engaging driving experience. It's known for its focus on driver involvement and performance.
Mclaren F1
"...you just ring up your mate at McLaren and say, can I borrow F1 Joy? Henry!"
The McLaren F1 is a famous sports car from the 1990s that's known for being very fast and having a unique design with three seats. It's considered one of the best supercars ever made.
The McLaren F1 is a legendary supercar produced in the 1990s, known for its exceptional performance and engineering. It features a lightweight design, a powerful BMW-sourced V12 engine, and a unique three-seat layout.
Mitsubishi Evo 7 Xtreme
"What was that? That was a Mitsubishi Evo 7 Xtreme, and it was like a brunting talk in the wet. When you fill the front slip, lift it off, backwards before you know it."
The Mitsubishi Evo 7 Xtreme is a special version of a sporty car called the Lancer Evolution. It's designed for fast driving and is great for handling corners, making it popular with people who love cars.
The Mitsubishi Evo 7 Xtreme is a high-performance version of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII, known for its rally-inspired design and all-wheel-drive system. It offers exceptional handling and acceleration, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
Renault Clio 182
"Escort Mart 2 rally car, a Clio 182, and a few bicycles. Scribble words for Evo and EI,"
The Renault Clio 182 is a fun and sporty small car that many people enjoy driving. It's known for being quick and responsive, which makes it exciting on the road.
The Renault Clio 182 is a sporty variant of the popular Clio hatchback, known for its agile handling and performance. It features a 2.0-liter engine and is often praised for its driving dynamics, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Evo
"I think he'd be delighted that I was writing for Evo when I started out. That was my goal."
Evo is a popular car magazine that talks about fast cars and racing. It's a favorite among people who love cars and want to learn more about them.
Evo is a well-known automotive magazine that focuses on performance cars, motorsport, and car culture. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts and is recognized for its in-depth reviews and features.
Ferrari F12
"...Lamborghini have entered all versus Ferrari F12, like a versus Aston Martin Vanquish, or the V12..."
The Ferrari F12 is a super-fast sports car made by Ferrari. It has a very powerful engine and is designed for high performance on the road.
The Ferrari F12 is a high-performance sports car that was produced by Ferrari. It features a powerful V12 engine and is known for its speed and handling capabilities.
Aston Martin Vanquish
"...l versus Ferrari F12, like a versus Aston Martin Vanquish, or the V12. Icote every year looking for car of ..."
The Aston Martin Vanquish is a fancy sports car that looks really beautiful and goes very fast. It has a strong engine and is designed for a smooth and comfortable ride, making it a popular choice for those who want both style and performance.
The Aston Martin Vanquish is a luxury grand tourer that combines high performance with elegant design, featuring a powerful V12 engine. It is known for its stunning looks and refined driving experience, making it a symbol of British automotive excellence. The Vanquish is often compared to other high-end sports cars, showcasing its capabilities in terms of speed and luxury.
V12
"...like a versus Aston Martin Vanquish, or the V12. Icote every year looking for car of the year..."
A V12 is a type of engine that has twelve cylinders. It is known for being very powerful and smooth, often used in high-end sports cars.
A V12 engine is a twelve-cylinder internal combustion engine arranged in a V configuration. It is known for its smooth power delivery and high performance, commonly found in luxury and sports cars.
Aston Martin Valhalla
"... I going to do here to sideways in Anastomart in Valhalla so confidently and putting together shots and sce..."
The Aston Martin Valhalla is a high-tech sports car that uses both a regular engine and electric power to go fast while being more efficient. It's built to be really quick and has a sleek design, showing how car companies are starting to mix traditional engines with new technology.
The Aston Martin Valhalla is a hybrid supercar that represents the brand's commitment to performance and innovation, featuring a powerful V8 engine paired with electric motors. It is designed for both speed and efficiency, showcasing advanced technology and aerodynamic design. The Valhalla is part of Aston Martin's future lineup, emphasizing the shift towards hybrid performance vehicles.
OBD-2
"...this is an OBD-11. In fact, I've got one in every single one of my cars. And this small pocket size device plugs into the vehicle's OBD-2 port..."
OBD-2 is a system in cars that helps mechanics and car owners understand what's wrong with the vehicle. It connects to a small device that reads error codes from the car's computer.
OBD-2 stands for On-Board Diagnostics II, a standardized system that allows external devices to communicate with a vehicle's onboard computer. It provides access to diagnostic information and fault codes, helping to identify issues with the vehicle.
VW Crafter
"...this morning I had 15 faults appear on the VW Crafter van. And I was able to just swipe up and clear all those faults."
The VW Crafter is a big van made by Volkswagen. It's often used for businesses because it has a lot of space and can carry heavy loads.
The VW Crafter is a large van produced by Volkswagen, designed for commercial use and known for its versatility and spacious interior.
hybrid batteries
"...it's even able to scan hybrid batteries to check their condition."
Hybrid batteries are special batteries in hybrid cars that help save fuel by using both gas and electricity. They store energy so the car can run more efficiently.
Hybrid batteries are rechargeable batteries used in hybrid vehicles to store energy from both the gasoline engine and regenerative braking. They are crucial for the vehicle's efficiency and performance.
OBD-II
"...you shouldn't be traveling without an OBD-11 and you really shouldn't be, then you can grab one using the link in my description..."
OBD-II is a system in cars that helps you check if everything is working properly. It can tell you if there's a problem with the engine or other parts of the car.
OBD-II stands for On-Board Diagnostics II, which is a standardized system in vehicles that monitors performance and emissions. It allows users to access diagnostic information about their vehicle's engine and other systems, helping to identify issues and ensure proper functioning.
Top Gear
"...I would have read auto car and Top Gear and car magazine as it was then, which was slightly different to what everybody sort of harks back to."
Top Gear is a famous TV show and magazine about cars. It shows car reviews, fun challenges, and interesting stories about vehicles, making it very popular with car fans.
Top Gear is a British television series and magazine that focuses on automobiles, featuring car reviews, challenges, and entertainment segments. It is known for its engaging presentation and has a significant following among car enthusiasts.
traction control
"...It wasn't a traction control at the time. There wasn't that yet."
Traction control is a system in cars that helps them stay on the road when it's slippery. It stops the wheels from spinning too fast, which can help prevent accidents.
Traction control is a safety feature in vehicles that helps prevent wheel spin during acceleration. It works by reducing engine power or applying brakes to specific wheels to maintain grip.
Caterham
"...spending the afternoon down there with our long-term catering, learning to slide it around corner..."
Caterham is a car company that makes small, lightweight sports cars. They are fun to drive and great for racing or just enjoying the road.
Caterham is a British manufacturer known for producing lightweight sports cars, particularly the Caterham Seven. These cars are designed for agility and driving pleasure, often appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy track days and spirited driving.
rallying
"But I think rallying helped a lot. That was, that was a massive help because it just, you know, unfortunately, the fire of competition and all that. And you sort of, you want to be good, you've got to push yourself."
Rallying is a type of car racing that takes place on different kinds of roads, often in the countryside. Drivers race against the clock and have to deal with different surfaces like dirt and gravel, making it a unique and exciting sport.
Rallying is a form of motorsport where drivers navigate through a series of timed stages on public or private roads, often in challenging conditions. It emphasizes skill, precision, and the ability to handle a car in various terrains, such as dirt, gravel, and tarmac.
race license
"...I'd had my race license since university. Again, because I thought I want to be a motion journalist..."
A race license is like a driver's license but specifically for racing. It shows that you have the skills to compete in races.
A race license is a certification that allows an individual to participate in competitive motorsport events. It typically requires passing a test that assesses driving skills and knowledge of racing rules.
Porsche Cayman
"...when I drove a Cayman, it was an entire thing. I wouldn't really be able to pick out, think, really think about the steering and the brakes and how the suspension was..."
The Porsche Cayman is a sports car that is designed to be fun to drive. It has a unique engine placement that helps it handle well on the road.
The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engine sports car known for its balance and handling. It shares many components with the Porsche 911 but is designed as a more affordable option with a coupe body style.
Ferrari Testarossa
"...we did it with the 849 Testarossa film we did yesterday as we're talking now. I like being able to just come back and have that bit of thought about a car..."
The Ferrari Testarossa is a famous sports car from the 1980s. It has a unique look and a very powerful engine, making it a symbol of luxury and speed during that time.
The Ferrari Testarossa is a classic sports car produced by Ferrari from 1984 to 1991. Known for its distinctive design and powerful flat-12 engine, it became an icon of 1980s automotive culture.
Pagani Zonda
"I remember, I don't think the Garni were terribly happy with me because I talked about the Chinquay Zonda, which was one of the five of us. That was the first time they put in a paddle shift in a Zonda."
The Pagani Zonda is a supercar that is very fast and has a unique look. It's made with special materials to keep it light and powerful, which makes it exciting to drive.
The Pagani Zonda is a high-performance sports car known for its unique design and engineering. It features a lightweight construction and powerful engines, making it a standout in the supercar category.
dual clutch
"It wasn't a dual clutch, kind of absolutely super smooth kind of thing. I think they weren't so."
A dual clutch is a type of car transmission that helps change gears very quickly. It makes driving smoother and faster because it can prepare the next gear while you're still in the current one.
A dual clutch transmission (DCT) is an automated manual transmission that uses two separate clutches for odd and even gears, allowing for faster gear shifts and improved performance compared to traditional automatic transmissions.
understeer
"If a car understeers, way more than it should do, that's just what it does. So you report that. And the engineers will know as well."
Understeer happens when a car doesn't turn as much as you want it to. Instead of going around a corner, it goes straight, which can be tricky to handle.
Understeer is a handling characteristic where the front wheels lose grip before the rear wheels, causing the car to continue straight instead of turning. This can make a car feel less responsive and can be a safety concern in certain driving conditions.
Lamborghini Revuelto
"...you drive something like a Rivalto, and you sort of think, hang on a minute, we've kind of, we have got something that's actually better here..."
The Pagani Rivalto is a super-fast and very expensive car made by Pagani, a company known for creating unique and high-quality vehicles. It's a great example of how car technology has advanced over the years.
The Pagani Rivalto is a high-performance hypercar known for its advanced engineering and design. It represents the pinnacle of automotive technology and craftsmanship, showcasing what is possible in modern car manufacturing.
naturally aspirated engine
"...it's got a natural aspirated engine. This is a hybrid, but it's amazing. It's brilliant. But manufacturers are struggling..."
A naturally aspirated engine gets air into the engine without any extra help from devices like turbochargers. This means it uses just the air pressure around it to work, which can make it feel more responsive when you drive.
A naturally aspirated engine is one that relies on atmospheric pressure to draw air into the combustion chamber, rather than using a turbocharger or supercharger. This type of engine typically offers a more linear power delivery and can provide a more engaging driving experience.
restomod
"...I review lots of RESTO mods at the moment. Yeah, we are in the age of the RESTO mod."
A restomod is when someone takes an old car and fixes it up with new parts and technology. This way, the car looks classic but drives like a modern vehicle, making it more fun and reliable.
A restomod is a classic car that has been restored and modified with modern components, such as updated engines, brakes, and technology, while retaining its original aesthetic. This trend allows enthusiasts to enjoy the style of vintage cars with the performance and reliability of contemporary vehicles.
Renault 5
"...Does that would be like comparing the new Renault 5, which is electric to the Renault 5 of old, wouldn't it? Because they are completely different things..."
The Renault 5 is a small car that was made a long time ago and was very popular in Europe. Now, there's a new electric version of it that looks different but carries the same name.
The Renault 5 is a compact car produced by the French manufacturer Renault from 1972 to 1985. It was known for its distinctive design and was popular in Europe, especially in urban settings. The newer electric version retains the name but features modern technology and design.
F1 car
"...with the and Scarbo F1 and the Dan Gurney Eagle and sort of Carl, that's sort of the F1 car from the road, 60s F1 car from road, mad car..."
An F1 car is a special type of race car built for Formula 1 racing. These cars are very fast and use the latest technology to perform well in races.
An F1 car, or Formula 1 car, is a high-performance racing vehicle specifically designed for the Formula 1 racing series. These cars are known for their advanced technology, speed, and agility on the racetrack.
supercar
"...I'm driving a super car, kind of, you know, even if it's not my favorite one, I'm still learning about it..."
A supercar is a very fast and expensive sports car. These cars are designed for high performance and often have unique and stylish designs.
A supercar is a high-performance sports car that typically offers extreme speed, advanced technology, and luxury features. They are often produced in limited quantities and are known for their exceptional design and engineering.
BMW
"...the only bit I disagree with, which is going to upset a lot of people, probably even, is I'm not really a BMW person..."
BMW is a well-known car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars. They are famous for their sporty designs and good handling.
BMW, or Bayerische Motoren Werke, is a German automotive manufacturer known for producing luxury vehicles and high-performance sports cars. The brand is recognized for its engineering excellence and driving dynamics.
Porsche 911
"cars are incredibly fast, incredibly quick. They're also, tires are better now than they ever were before. You know, in early 9-11, we'll get you into trouble. If you turn it all off, you're going to, you're on your own."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that has been around for a long time, known for being very fast and fun to drive. It's recognized for its unique shape and powerful engine, and many people love it for how well it handles on the road.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has been in production since 1964, known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It is celebrated for its exceptional handling, speed, and engineering, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and a benchmark in the sports car segment. The mention of its early models highlights the evolution of its performance and driving dynamics over the years.
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