Tommy Kendall, a racing icon and champion in IMSA and TransAm, shares his journey from a car-loving childhood in Southern California to a successful racing career. He discusses his early influences, including his father, and the evolution of his passion for cars, racing, and commentary. The conversation touches on his experiences with iconic vehicles like the RX-7 and Beretta, as well as insights into the nuances of stock car racing and the camaraderie of the motorsport community. Kendall's authentic storytelling and reflections on racing culture make for an engaging listen.
In Episode 101 of the BaT Podcast, Alex sits down with multidsiciplinary racing legend Tommy Kendall to discuss the dangers of the BaT Daily Mail; an argument for the '74 Carrera as the first Southern California SUV; a fortuitous version of the classic "someone else's race car/boat/RV" story; his particularly well-timed upbringing by an enthusiastic new racer; coming up in karting and Formula Mazda; meeting compatriot Max Jones; the eye-watering costs of going racing in the early '80s; the value of a Showroom Stock education; his stewardship of the winningest IMSA car in history (with many of said wins coming with him at the wheel); a two-hour peripheral-port rotary rebuild under duress; water-cooled brake calipers; an untimely realization concerning NASCAR brakes at Willow Springs; nascent Chili Bowl plans; his move into commentatorship through no effort of his own; sage advice for anyone pushing the boundaries; a predilection for giant American land yachts, including but not limited to those masquerading as chickens; and their mutual affection for gold-flake Sanger powerboats.
Follow along! Links for the listings discussed in this episode:
"...to go to the NASCAR race anyways Martin turned me on..."
NASCAR is a type of car racing that happens on tracks, usually in a circle. The cars used are specially made to look like regular cars but are much faster and more powerful.
NASCAR stands for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, and it is a popular motorsport organization in the United States known for its stock car racing events. NASCAR races are held on oval tracks and feature modified production cars.
"...Martin turned me on to Bring a Trailer used to send me little links about you know what it was..."
Bring a Trailer is a website where people can buy and sell special cars, especially older or unique ones. It works like an auction where you can bid on cars you like.
Bring a Trailer is an online auction platform specializing in classic and enthusiast vehicles. It allows users to buy and sell unique cars through a bidding process, often attracting car enthusiasts and collectors.
"...the only thing he's ever invited me to drive was his lemon's car so I don't know what that says he's keeping you out of the good stuff"
A 'lemon's car' is a cheap car used in a fun racing series called 24 Hours of LeMons. The goal is to race cars that are not very valuable, making it a lighthearted event.
A 'lemon's car' refers to a vehicle that is part of the 24 Hours of LeMons, a series of endurance races for cars that cost $500 or less. The races are known for their humorous themes and the emphasis on fun rather than serious competition.
"uh the one with the Paxton Supercharger on it was a 56 or a 57 I think I did not"
A Paxton Supercharger is a device that helps an engine produce more power by pushing in extra air. This extra air allows the engine to burn more fuel, making it stronger and faster.
A Paxton Supercharger is a type of centrifugal supercharger that increases an engine's power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This results in improved performance and efficiency, especially in modified engines.
"and then uh you know he he built a building was in the real estate business he built a building I think it was Dotson's first Warehouse in America and so he got a 240Z when they came out and"
The Datsun 240Z is a classic sports car made by Nissan. It was popular for its stylish look and good performance, and many people love to restore and drive them today.
The Datsun 240Z is a sports car produced by Nissan from 1969 to 1973. It is known for its sleek design, lightweight construction, and strong performance, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
"...he ran Bob Smith Porsche AI in North Hollywood oh yeah and sold cars to Newman uh Redford McQueen and basically"
Bob Smith Porsche is a dealership that sells Porsche cars. It's known for selling to famous people and car enthusiasts.
Bob Smith Porsche is a car dealership located in North Hollywood that specializes in selling Porsche vehicles. It has a reputation for catering to high-profile clients and enthusiasts.
"...my dad doesn't go to Baron buy the car anyways we go to Sears Point 1980 Summer of 80 and I go to my first imsa race and my entire world and life changed that..."
IMSA is a group that runs car races, especially for sports cars. These races are exciting and have different types of cars competing against each other.
IMSA stands for the International Motor Sports Association, which organizes sports car racing events. IMSA races feature a variety of classes and are known for their high-performance vehicles and competitive atmosphere.
"...my first time seeing a Nitro car...you know it's Earth shattering when you see you know two Top Fuel cars or two nitro..."
Top Fuel cars are super-fast racing cars used in drag racing. They can go from zero to very high speeds in just a few seconds, thanks to their powerful engines that run on a special fuel called nitromethane.
Top Fuel cars are a class of drag racing vehicles that are known for their incredible speed and acceleration, often exceeding 330 mph in just a few seconds. They are powered by supercharged nitromethane engines, which allow them to produce over 10,000 horsepower, making them some of the fastest accelerating vehicles on the planet.
The Porsche RSR is a race car version of the Porsche 911. It's built to be faster and more powerful for racing events.
The Porsche RSR is a high-performance variant of the Porsche 911, designed for racing. It features enhancements in aerodynamics, weight reduction, and engine performance, making it a popular choice in motorsport.
Ren Sport is an event where Porsche fans and racers meet to show off their cars and celebrate Porsche racing history.
Ren Sport is a gathering or event focused on Porsche cars, where enthusiasts and racers come together to showcase and celebrate Porsche's motorsport heritage.
"...then he bought an M1 Pro car and then um and to..."
The BMW M1 Procar is a special racing car based on the BMW M1. It was made for racing competitions and is known for being fast and lightweight.
The BMW M1 Procar is a racing version of the BMW M1, developed for the Procar series in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It features a lightweight design and powerful engine, making it a significant car in BMW's motorsport history.
"...he always kind of bought similar to how he bought that first Carrera he'd buy and so he bought a 935 when everybody was going to the..."
The Porsche 935 is a special race car that was built to compete in racing events. It has a unique design and a very powerful engine, which helped it win many races during its time.
The Porsche 935 is a racing car based on the Porsche 911, developed for Group 5 racing in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is known for its distinctive wide body and powerful turbocharged engine, making it a dominant force in endurance racing.
"...I found a loophole that the Jim Russell School series if you'd been through their school you could race in their school Series..."
The Jim Russell School is a place where people can learn how to drive race cars. They teach students how to race safely and effectively.
The Jim Russell School is a well-known racing school that offers training and education for aspiring race car drivers. It provides various programs, including open wheel racing, to help students develop their skills on the track.
"...I was already into a car by the time I was 17 and was Jim Russell Open Wheel cars back in the in the 80s too yes that was right when they..."
Open wheel cars are race cars where the wheels are not covered by the body of the car. This design helps them go faster and handle better on the track.
Open wheel cars are a type of racing vehicle where the wheels are outside the car's body. This design allows for better aerodynamics and handling, making them popular in various racing series, including Formula 1 and IndyCar.
"...my dad bought an older RX-7 for my older brother and I to do he said we'll do four races this year and you guys can"
The Mazda RX-7 is a sports car that uses a special type of engine called a rotary engine. It's known for being light and fun to drive, making it popular with car fans.
The Mazda RX-7 is a lightweight sports car known for its rotary engine and agile handling. It was produced from 1978 to 2002 and has become a favorite among car enthusiasts for its unique design and performance characteristics.
"...back then it was the Playboy endurance series and the fireo series..."
The Playboy Endurance Series was a type of car racing where teams raced for long periods of time, often taking turns driving. It was about endurance, meaning the cars and drivers had to last through the race.
The Playboy Endurance Series was a racing series that featured endurance races, where teams compete over a set duration, often involving multiple drivers. These races test not just speed, but also strategy and vehicle reliability.
"he drove it one time and he says to me you drive it so I got to do those three races with Max... we won three 24-hour races we won the fir Hawk championship in a 300ZX turbo in 86"
The Nissan 300ZX Turbo is a fast sports car from the 1980s that was designed for performance. It has a turbocharger, which helps the engine produce more power.
The Nissan 300ZX Turbo is a sports car that was part of the Z-car family, known for its performance and technology during the 1980s. The Turbo variant offered enhanced power and acceleration compared to its naturally aspirated counterpart.
"...great times show stock back when the cars weren't GT4 cars like they are now and you know"
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is a sporty car that is built for people who love to drive fast and enjoy the thrill of racing. It has a strong engine and special features that help it handle well on the road or track.
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is a high-performance variant of the Cayman sports coupe, featuring a powerful flat-six engine and enhanced aerodynamics for superior handling. It is designed for driving enthusiasts who seek a balance of everyday usability and track-ready performance.
"making diffs last making breaks last it really was a an art for to get those things to go fast without wearing them out"
Brakes are the parts of a car that help it slow down or stop. Keeping them in good condition is very important for safe driving.
Brakes are essential components of a vehicle that allow it to slow down or stop. They work by applying friction to the wheels, and maintaining them is crucial for safety and performance.
"first with Nissan and Mazda and then Chevy so I didn't set out to be a sports car driver..."
Chevy is a popular American car brand that makes many vehicles, including the well-known Silverado truck and Corvette sports car.
Chevy, short for Chevrolet, is an American automotive brand known for producing a variety of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and performance cars like the Corvette.
"...or a Formula 1 driver but the opportunities were there..."
Formula 1 is a top-level car racing series where the fastest cars compete in races around the world, like the famous Monaco Grand Prix.
Formula 1 is a premier international auto racing sport featuring single-seater cars, known for their speed, technology, and prestigious races like the Monaco Grand Prix.
"...you go six hours without changing brake pads and without boiling the fluid and all this stuff..."
Brake pads are parts of the brakes that press against the wheels to help stop the car. They wear out and need to be changed regularly to keep the brakes working well.
Brake pads are crucial components of a vehicle's braking system that create friction against the brake rotors to slow down or stop the vehicle. They wear down over time and need to be replaced periodically to maintain effective braking performance.
"...without boiling the fluid and all this stuff and the cars they moved so much..."
Brake fluid is the liquid that helps your brakes work. When you press the brake pedal, the fluid moves and makes the car stop. It's important to keep it at the right level and change it when needed.
Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid used in the braking system of vehicles. It transfers force from the brake pedal to the brake components, allowing the vehicle to stop effectively. Maintaining the correct level and quality of brake fluid is essential for safe braking performance.
"...they started you know from the Trans Am days and the sports car days and then it got so there was less and less..."
The Trans Am is a special version of a Pontiac car that was built for speed and performance. It became very popular in the 70s and 80s, especially in racing.
The Trans Am is a performance package offered by Pontiac, primarily for the Firebird model, known for its racing heritage and muscle car performance. It became iconic in the 1970s and 1980s, often associated with American muscle car culture.
"...and less and for an era mostly through the 80s in GTO and stuff they were full tube frame and trans ful..."
The Pontiac GTO is a classic American car that was one of the first to be called a muscle car, meaning it was built for speed and power. It became very popular in the 1960s because of its strong engine and cool design.
The Pontiac GTO is often credited as one of the first muscle cars, introduced in the 1960s as a high-performance version of the Pontiac Tempest. Known for its powerful engines and aggressive styling, the GTO became a symbol of American automotive performance and culture.
"...at all or is it just kind of sit around as a as a Talisman one time I I finally got I took it to"
The Renault Talisman is a family car made by the French company Renault. It’s designed to be comfortable and has a lot of modern technology to make driving easier and more enjoyable.
The Renault Talisman is a mid-size car produced by the French automaker Renault, designed to offer a blend of comfort, technology, and style. It is positioned as a family car with a focus on spaciousness and advanced features.
"...it's a 13B with a peripheral Port so it's got peripheral Port that's what it is..."
The 13B is a type of engine made by Mazda that uses a different design than traditional engines. It's small but powerful, making it popular in sports cars.
The 13B is a rotary engine produced by Mazda, known for its compact size and high power output relative to its weight. It features a unique design with a triangular rotor that allows for smooth operation and high RPMs.
"found some fuel injection one of the little tweaks that Clayton Cunningham who ran Ira Young's team and then eventually owned the cars Daytona in 86"
Fuel injection is a way to get fuel into an engine. It helps the engine run better and use fuel more efficiently than older systems called carburetors.
Fuel injection is a system that delivers fuel into the combustion chamber of an engine, allowing for more precise control of the air-fuel mixture compared to carburetors. This technology improves efficiency and performance in modern vehicles.
"...unningham no Clayton's a was a Canadian gentleman CCR and so after the RX7 he ran the factory Nissan uh..."
The Koenigsegg CCR is an extremely fast and expensive car made in Sweden. It's built for speed and is known for being one of the fastest cars you can buy, with lots of advanced technology.
The Koenigsegg CCR is a high-performance hypercar produced by Swedish manufacturer Koenigsegg, known for its extreme speed and cutting-edge engineering. It was one of the fastest production cars in the world during its time, showcasing the brand's commitment to performance and innovation.
"listed on bring a trailer a while ago uh Chevy Beretta race car in fact maybe uh maybe we've listed even..."
The Chevrolet Beretta is a small car that was made to be affordable and fun to drive. It has a sporty look and was popular with younger drivers back in the day.
The Chevrolet Beretta is a compact car produced by Chevrolet from the late 1980s to the early 2000s, known for its sporty design and affordability. It was popular among younger buyers and often associated with the performance-oriented GT model.
"...t's where you had the and the zxs and the smaller 911 stuff and the big boore stuff was turbocharge"
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people recognize because of its unique shape and great performance. It's been around for a long time and is loved for being both fun to drive and comfortable enough for daily use.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car that has been in production since the early 1960s, known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It has evolved through various generations, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and everyday usability, making it a staple in the sports car market.
"934 quatros cougars Mustangs the big big boore stuff yeah so I liked ..."
The Mercury Cougar is a type of car that was made to be a fancier version of the Ford Mustang, with a stylish look and good performance. It was popular for many years and is remembered for being a fun car to drive.
The Mercury Cougar was a mid-size car produced by Ford's Mercury division from the 1960s to the early 2000s, originally designed as a luxury version of the Ford Mustang. It became known for its stylish design and performance options, appealing to buyers looking for a sporty yet refined vehicle.
"what's the deal with that you w a it's a Cadillac Fleetwood I think about a 79 or a 78 something like that I ..."
The Cadillac Fleetwood is a big, fancy car that was made to be very comfortable and luxurious. It’s known for having lots of space inside and nice features, making it a popular choice for people who want a stylish ride.
The Cadillac Fleetwood is a luxury sedan that was produced by Cadillac, known for its opulent features and spacious interiors. It represents the pinnacle of American luxury cars, particularly popular during the mid-20th century.
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