How Racing Pre-War Bentleys Changed My Life w. Katarina Kyvalova
About this episode
Katarina Kyvalova shares her exhilarating journey into the world of classic car racing, particularly her experiences with pre-war Bentleys. From her first race at the 24 Hours of Portimao to her adventures in the Beijing to Paris rally, she discusses the challenges and thrills of racing vintage cars. Katarina highlights the unique driving dynamics of pre-war vehicles, the camaraderie among historic racers, and the adrenaline rush that comes with racing. Her passion for classic cars and the stories behind them make for an engaging conversation about the beauty and challenges of historic motorsport.
classic car rallies
"...join a rally as a co-navigator, you know, as a passenger in the car simply for classic car rallies. So that was pretty much the start of me, you know, loving classic cars itself."
Classic car rallies are events where old cars are displayed and driven. People who love these cars come together to enjoy the experience and sometimes compete in driving challenges.
Classic car rallies are events where vintage cars are showcased and driven, often in a competitive or celebratory manner. Participants typically navigate through a set route, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts and the beauty of classic automobiles.
Concord d'Elegance
"...just go to Concord d'Elegance. I loved pre-war cars from beginning on, the beautiful 23rd, these coach-built cars..."
The Concord d'Elegance is a fancy car show where classic and vintage cars are displayed. It's a place for car lovers to see beautiful old cars and appreciate their design and history.
The Concord d'Elegance is a prestigious event that showcases classic and vintage cars, often featuring rare and beautifully restored vehicles. It's a celebration of automotive design and history, attracting enthusiasts and collectors from around the world.
pre-war cars
"...I loved pre-war cars from beginning on, the beautiful 23rd, these coach-built cars with beautiful bodies on it."
Pre-war cars are cars made before World War II. They are known for their unique styles and are often considered classic because of their history and design.
Pre-war cars refer to automobiles manufactured before World War II, typically characterized by unique designs and craftsmanship. These vehicles often represent a significant era in automotive history, showcasing the evolution of car design and technology.
Bentley
"...especially for Bentley, as you said. And I love them."
Bentley is a brand that makes very fancy and expensive cars. They are known for being very well-made and luxurious.
Bentley is a luxury automobile manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and exquisite craftsmanship. Founded in 1919, the brand has a rich history in both luxury and motorsport.
Austin Healey 3000
"...it was an Austin Healey, 3,000. So, I love them, you know, light blue or sky blue with white, with cream, the classic..."
The Austin Healey 3000 is a classic car from Britain that was made a long time ago. It's known for being stylish and having a strong engine, which makes it fun to drive.
The Austin Healey 3000 is a classic British sports car produced from 1959 to 1967, known for its powerful engine and distinctive styling. It features a 3.0-liter inline-six engine, which contributes to its reputation for good performance and sound.
Fiat Cinquecento
"It was Fiat Cinquecento, honestly. Oh, nice."
The Fiat Cinquecento is a tiny car made by Fiat, perfect for driving around town. It was made in the 1990s and is known for being easy to park and use in busy areas.
The Fiat Cinquecento is a small city car produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat from 1991 to 1998. Known for its compact size and efficient design, it became popular in urban environments due to its maneuverability and economical fuel consumption.
Austin Healey
"...was the Austin Healy, was it reliable? Did it end up leaving you in certain places?"
Austin Healey is a brand of sports cars from Britain that were popular in the mid-20th century. They are known for being fun to drive but can sometimes have problems because they are older cars.
Austin Healey is a British sports car manufacturer known for its classic models, particularly from the 1950s and 1960s. These cars are celebrated for their design and driving experience, though they can have reliability issues due to their age and the technology used at the time.
Bentley 4.5 liters
"Well, my first race, shockingly, was in the most unusual car you can start racing with. And it was the Bentley 4.5 liters."
The Bentley 4.5 liters is a classic car from the 1920s and 1930s known for being luxurious and fast. It's a favorite among collectors and is often seen in vintage car races.
The Bentley 4.5 liters is a classic British luxury sports car known for its powerful engine and elegant design. It was produced in the 1920s and 1930s and is highly regarded in vintage racing circles.
24 Hours of Portimao
"And it was straight 24 hours and straight in Portimao and Portugal. So, kind of, you know, you want to do like suicide and do that."
The 24 Hours of Portimao is a car race that lasts for 24 hours straight. It takes place on a track in Portugal and is a test of how well cars can perform over a long time.
The 24 Hours of Portimao is a long-distance endurance race held at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal. It is part of the endurance racing calendar and tests both driver skill and vehicle durability over a full day of racing.
Bentley 4.5
"And did you have a 4.5 Bentley at that time? Yes, there was."
The Bentley 4.5 is an old luxury car made by Bentley, famous for being fast and used in races. It was popular in the 1920s.
The Bentley 4.5 is a classic luxury sports car produced by Bentley in the 1920s. It is known for its powerful engine and was often used in motorsport during its time.
motorsport racing
"So, yeah, I was big in my motorsport racing, you know."
Motorsport racing is when people race vehicles like cars or motorcycles against each other. It can happen on tracks or in different types of races, like rallying.
Motorsport racing refers to competitive events involving motorized vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and trucks, on various types of tracks or roads. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines, from Formula 1 to rally racing.
24 hour Le Mans race
"So, was that quite, that must have been or was that quite intimidating, sitting on the start line of a 24 hour Le Mans race?"
The 24 hour Le Mans race is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours straight. Teams compete to see who can cover the most distance in that time, making it a test of speed and endurance.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world, held annually in France. It tests the durability of both cars and drivers over a full day of racing.
Nürburgring
"And I went to the Nürburgring to do my race car license in Germany because I needed it for the 24 hours."
The Nürburgring is a well-known race track in Germany that is famous for being very difficult. Many drivers go there to practice and test their cars.
The Nürburgring is a famous racetrack in Germany known for its challenging layout and elevation changes. It is often used for testing and racing by manufacturers and enthusiasts alike.
crash box
"...they have so-called crash box. And we call it because, you know, when you're not in the right..."
A crash box is a type of transmission that doesn't help you shift gears smoothly. If you try to change gears at the wrong speed, it can make a grinding noise and won't let you shift properly.
A crash box refers to a type of gearbox that lacks synchronization, meaning that the gears do not smoothly engage when shifting. This can lead to grinding or 'crashing' of the gears if the driver does not match the engine speed to the gear speed properly.
Le Mans start
"...we had to run to the cars as a Le Mans start. Close to hood of the car yourself, with no help."
In a Le Mans start, drivers have to run to their cars instead of starting in them. It adds excitement and a unique challenge to the race.
The Le Mans start is a type of race start where drivers begin the race from a standing position away from their cars, running to them to get in and start racing. This method was famously used in the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.
fog lights
"...we did have, oh, I still have, you know, additional lights, fog lights. It's a safety measure."
Fog lights are special lights on cars that help you see better when it's foggy or raining. They shine down low to the ground so the light doesn't bounce back at you, making it easier to see the road ahead.
Fog lights are specialized automotive lights designed to illuminate the road immediately in front of a vehicle, particularly in foggy or low-visibility conditions. They are typically mounted lower on the vehicle and have a wide, flat beam pattern to reduce the amount of light that is reflected back by fog, rain, or snow.
Jaguar Etypes
"...go into e-types and all different cars."
The E-Type is a famous sports car made by Jaguar in the 1960s, known for its sleek looks and fast performance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Jaguar E-Type is a British sports car that was first produced in the 1960s, renowned for its stunning design and performance, often considered one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
3.8 liter
"...I got an e-type 3.8 liter, you know, 365 spec, quite a grown up car. So that was a huge step for me to going from from Healy into e-type racing."
3.8 liters is a measurement of how big the engine is in the Jaguar E-Type. A larger engine usually means more power and better performance.
The 3.8 liter refers to the engine displacement of the Jaguar E-Type, indicating the total volume of the engine's cylinders. This size is significant for performance and power output.
historic racing
"Who is in historic racing?"
Historic racing is when old cars race against each other. It's a way to enjoy and remember classic cars.
Historic racing refers to motorsport events that feature classic cars, often from specific eras. These races celebrate the history of automotive engineering and design.
Goodwood Revival
"So yeah, then I was really looking for car, which is eligible for revival."
Goodwood Revival is a famous racing event where only classic cars can race. It's a fun way to see old cars in action.
The Goodwood Revival is a prestigious annual motorsport event held in the UK, featuring historic cars and races. It attracts classic car enthusiasts and showcases vehicles from the golden age of motorsport.
Jaguar T3
"And on the Koopa Jaguar T3, which I'm racing until today in Goodwood, as well as in Monaco."
The Jaguar T3 is a classic racing car that people often use in historic racing events. It's known for being fast and stylish.
The Jaguar T3 is a model that is often associated with historic racing, known for its performance and classic design. It is eligible for events like the Goodwood Revival, which celebrates vintage racing cars.
Monaco Grand Prix
"When I raced first time in 2016 in Monaco with the Cooper Jaguar, and I was really sort of new racer."
The Monaco Grand Prix is a famous car race that takes place in Monaco. It's known for being very difficult and is a big event in the world of racing.
The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world, held annually on the streets of Monaco. It is known for its challenging circuit and glamorous setting, attracting top drivers and teams from Formula 1.
Radical
"...where I've done a bit of radicals. And I can normally find someone in a radical, very similar to mine on that circuit on that day."
Radical is a brand that makes very fast cars designed for racing on tracks. They are known for being lightweight and powerful, which helps them go really fast.
Radical is a British manufacturer known for producing high-performance sports cars and racing cars, particularly designed for track use. Their vehicles are lightweight and often feature powerful engines, making them popular in motorsport.
GT4
"So the GT4 notes is like different worlds. And I don't even look at them."
GT4 is a type of racing class for cars that are based on regular production models. They are modified for racing but still look and feel like the cars you might see on the road.
GT4 refers to a category of sports car racing that is designed for production-based vehicles. These cars typically have modifications for racing but retain many of their original features, making them more accessible for amateur racers.
Shelby Cobras
"...ini, you might have a E type, there might be some cobras or something in the, like, I think I'm crossing ..."
The Shelby Cobra is a classic sports car that was made in the 1960s and is famous for being very fast. It was designed by a man named Carroll Shelby and is loved by car collectors today. People talk about it because it's a symbol of powerful and stylish cars from that time.
The Shelby Cobra is a high-performance sports car that was produced in the 1960s, known for its powerful V8 engine and lightweight design. It was created by Carroll Shelby and is celebrated for its racing success and classic styling. The Cobra is often discussed for its status as a collector's item and its influence on the muscle car era.
Cobra
"you might have a mini, you might have a E type, there might be some cobras or something in"
The AC Cobra is a classic sports car known for its powerful engine and lightweight body. It's a popular car among car enthusiasts and is often seen in racing events.
The AC Cobra is a British sports car that was produced in the 1960s. It is famous for its powerful V8 engine and lightweight design, making it a formidable performer on the track.
racing line
"...there is only one ID line. Sometimes there are corners, the people sort of, you know, discussing how to do this line..."
The racing line is the best route to take on a racetrack to go as fast as possible. All drivers aim to follow this path, even if their cars are different.
The racing line is the optimal path taken around a racetrack, allowing drivers to maintain the highest speed through corners. It is generally consistent across different vehicles, although some cars may have unique handling characteristics.
chicane
"...I can't take chicane like you do with a, you know, nimble Lotus, right?"
A chicane is a part of a racetrack with a series of sharp turns that drivers must navigate carefully. It helps slow down the cars and makes racing more challenging.
A chicane is a sequence of tight corners in a racetrack designed to slow down cars and increase the difficulty of navigating the course. They are often used to enhance safety and create overtaking opportunities.
downshift
"to downshift to change the gear. So so that requires really, obviously, a long experience compared to modern cars, right?"
When you downshift, you're changing to a lower gear in your car. This helps the car go faster or have more power when you need it, like when climbing a hill.
Downshifting is the process of shifting to a lower gear in a vehicle's transmission, which allows for increased power and acceleration. It's often used when more torque is needed, such as during overtaking or going uphill.
brakes
"...space and time for these kind of unforeseen situations, what could happen. And also clearly in the brakes, I mean, they are big, you have huge wheels, big brakes, they are bad, they're predictably bad, but right..."
Brakes are what help a car slow down or stop. They press against the wheels to create friction, which is how the car slows down.
Brakes are critical components of a vehicle that allow it to slow down or stop. They work by creating friction against the wheels, which can vary in performance based on size and design.
Ford Mustang
"...e pretty much. Yeah. And you were in a, was it a Mustang? Is that right? Yeah, it was, it was a Mustang f..."
The Ford Mustang is a famous sports car that started being sold in the 1960s. It's known for being fast and stylish, making it a favorite for people who love cars. Many people talk about it because it represents a fun and adventurous driving experience.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that was first introduced in 1964. Known for its powerful performance and distinctive design, the Mustang has become a symbol of freedom and rebellion in automotive culture. It is often discussed for its impact on the automotive industry and its enduring popularity among car enthusiasts.
Porsche 911
"..., let's do it together. And he is good at Porsche 911 S rally car. But the organizers said they have a..."
The Porsche 911 is a well-known sports car that has been around for a long time. It's famous for being very fast and having a unique shape. People often talk about it because it's considered one of the best sports cars ever made.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car that has been in production since 1964, renowned for its distinctive design and exceptional performance. It is celebrated for its rear-engine layout and has become a benchmark for sports cars worldwide. The 911 is often discussed for its racing pedigree and its evolution over the decades.
Ferrari 275 GTB
"...r the rest of your life, what would it be? Good. 275 GTB Ferrari. That's, yeah, something that does a lot ..."
The Ferrari 275 GTB is a beautiful sports car that was made in the 1960s and is famous for being very fast and stylish. It's one of the most admired cars from Ferrari, and many people want to own one because of its history and design. People often talk about it because it's a symbol of luxury and performance.
The Ferrari 275 GTB is a classic sports car produced in the 1960s, known for its elegant design and impressive performance. It is considered one of Ferrari's most beautiful models and is highly sought after by collectors. The 275 GTB is often discussed for its historical significance and its role in establishing Ferrari's reputation for luxury and speed.
Jaguar C Type
"... can do so much with it. I could, I always think Jaguar C type ticks so many boxes as a car you can use. It's no..."
The Jaguar C-Type is an old racing car from the 1950s that is famous for being very light and fast. It won many races, including a big one called the 24 Hours of Le Mans. People talk about it because it's an important part of car racing history.
The Jaguar C-Type is a classic racing car produced in the 1950s, known for its lightweight construction and aerodynamic design. It achieved significant success in motorsport, particularly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and is celebrated for its engineering and performance. The C-Type is often discussed for its historical importance in the evolution of sports cars.
Ford Ranger
"...don't know. Maybe, geez, you caught me. I have a ranger over these days, right? I'm driving a drive reall..."
The Ford Ranger is a type of truck that can carry heavy loads and is good for driving on rough roads. It has been around for many years and is popular because it's useful for both work and everyday driving. People like to talk about it because it's a reliable choice for a truck.
The Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck that has gained popularity for its versatility and capability, especially in off-road conditions. Originally introduced in the 1980s, the Ranger has undergone several redesigns, with the latest generation offering modern features and improved performance. It is often discussed for its practicality and value in the truck segment.
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