About this episode
John Morton shares captivating stories from his racing career, detailing his transition from Shelby to Peter Brock's BRE team and his experiences in various racing series until his retirement in 2002. He discusses significant moments, including a harrowing crash at Lime Rock that led to safety changes on the track, and his dedication to racing despite financial struggles. The episode also touches on his time with Nissan, Jaguar, and various iconic cars, revealing the challenges and triumphs of a true racing enthusiast.
John Morton is a race car driver. He raced with the Shelby, BRE Datsun, Lola, Porsche, Jaguar and Nissan. Then started vintage racing after 2002.
-1971 & 1972 Trans Am Championship in Datsun 510
-1979 class win at 24 Hours of Daytona in Ferrari 365 GTB/4
-1984 class win at Le Mans in a Lola.
-1993 & 1995 class win at 12 Hours of Sebring in Nissan 300ZX
-1994 winner of 12 Hours of Sebring and class win at Le Mans.
In this episode we talk about:
-His timeline on his racing career after Shelby.
Send questions and suggestions to [email protected]
https://www.circuitsixfour.com/
https://www.instagram.com/circuit6four/https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox
Nissan GTP
"...Nissan GTP. And yeah, it looks insane. I mean, there's just a fireball..."
The Nissan GTP is a type of race car made by Nissan that was used in professional racing events. It was designed to be very fast and aerodynamic, helping it compete against other high-performance cars.
The Nissan GTP is a race car that competed in the Group C and IMSA GTP series during the 1980s and early 1990s. Known for its aerodynamic design and powerful performance, it was part of Nissan's efforts to dominate endurance racing.
chicane
"...because of the severity and nature of the crash, Lime Rock officials added a chicane"
A chicane is a part of a racetrack that has sharp turns to make cars slow down. It's usually put in place to help keep drivers safe after accidents.
A chicane is a series of tight turns in a racetrack designed to slow down cars and increase safety. They are often added to tracks after accidents to reduce speed in critical areas.
Ferrari 512 BB
"...oh, it's a boxer Ferrari. And then he says, yeah, it's a boxer Ferrari. When we were talking about the 333 and how that felt through it..."
The Ferrari 512 BB is a famous sports car from Ferrari that has a unique flat-12 engine. It's known for its powerful performance and stylish design, making it a sought-after classic car.
The Ferrari 512 BB is a classic sports car known for its mid-engine layout and distinctive styling. It features a flat-12 engine and was produced in the late 1970s to early 1980s, representing a significant era in Ferrari's history.
Le Mans
"And then the LM stands for Le Mans."
Le Mans is a famous car race in France that lasts for 24 hours. It's a test of how fast and reliable cars can be over a long period.
Le Mans is an iconic endurance race held annually in France, known for its grueling 24-hour format. It attracts manufacturers and teams from around the world, showcasing the durability and performance of their cars.
Ferrari 365 Gtb4
"...alking about my class winning the Daytona and the 365 GTB4. And he says, it was really 79, which I have in t..."
The Ferrari 365 GTB/4, or Daytona, is a famous sports car made by Ferrari a long time ago. It’s known for being very fast and having a beautiful design, making it a favorite among car lovers and collectors. People talk about it because of its impressive racing history and how special it is.
The Ferrari 365 GTB/4, also known as the Daytona, is a classic sports car produced by Ferrari from 1968 to 1973. It is significant for its powerful V12 engine and sleek design, which contributed to its success in racing, including notable wins at events like the Daytona 24 Hours. This car is often discussed for its performance, heritage, and status as an iconic model in Ferrari's history.
Datsun Roadster
"...I said, I'll take the job if I can have a test when the second Roadster is done. Datsun Roadster, two liter, 2,000 Roadster. I was the one that was supposed to be building it..."
The Datsun Roadster is a small sports car made by Datsun, a brand of Nissan. It was popular in the 1960s for being fun to drive and is now a classic car that many people like to collect.
The Datsun Roadster is a classic sports car produced by Nissan's Datsun brand in the 1960s. Known for its lightweight design and sporty performance, it was popular among enthusiasts and is now a sought-after collector's item.
Datsun 240Z
"...when did you race the 510 and when did you race the 240 Z? The 240 Z got finished before the national championship runoffs in Rhode Atlanta in 1970."
The Datsun 240Z is a classic sports car made by Nissan. It was popular in the 1970s for its good looks and speed, making it a favorite for racing.
The Datsun 240Z is a sports car produced by Nissan from 1969 to 1978. It is known for its sleek design and performance, becoming a popular choice among car enthusiasts and racers.
Datsun 510
"...when did you race the 510 and when did you race the 240 Z? The 240 Z got finished before the national championship runoffs in Rhode Atlanta in 1970."
The Datsun 510 is a small car made by Nissan that was popular in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It's known for being fun to drive and often used in racing.
The Datsun 510 is a compact car produced by Nissan from 1968 to 1973, known for its performance in motorsports and its popularity among car enthusiasts.
Rhode Atlanta
"...before the national championship runoffs in Rhode Atlanta in 1970. And I won the race."
Road Atlanta is a famous racetrack in Georgia where many car races happen. It's known for its challenging turns and exciting races.
Road Atlanta is a road course located in Braselton, Georgia, known for hosting various motorsport events, including sports car racing and motorcycle racing. It is a popular venue among racing enthusiasts.
Formula 5000
"Well, Peter bought a Formula 5000 car as I wanted to go to another level and it got crashed during that season or late in the season after three races."
Formula 5000 was a type of car racing that used very powerful cars with big engines. It was popular in the 1970s and helped drivers get noticed by bigger racing leagues like Formula 1.
Formula 5000 was a racing series that featured open-wheel cars powered by 5-liter engines, primarily competing in the 1970s. It was known for its high speeds and competitive racing, often serving as a stepping stone for drivers aiming for Formula 1.
Can-Am series
"...ran off our own team in the 5000 series and then the Can-Am series, because the 5000's morphed into the Can-Am series..."
The Can-Am series was a type of car racing in North America where very fast sports cars competed. It was known for exciting races and attracted many famous drivers and car makers.
The Can-Am series was a North American auto racing series that featured sports cars and prototypes, known for their high speeds and innovative designs. It was particularly famous during the late 1960s and early 1970s, attracting top manufacturers and drivers.
Porsche 917
"...the later Can-Am series, not the terrible 917 Porsches and the..."
The Porsche 917 is a famous race car that was very successful in long-distance races. It had a powerful engine and a unique shape that helped it go really fast.
The Porsche 917 is a legendary sports car known for its success in endurance racing, especially at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It featured a powerful flat-12 engine and was notable for its aerodynamic design, making it one of the most iconic race cars in history.
race car
"...you talk to the guy into buying a race car. The guy that you're roofing his house."
A race car is a type of car made to compete in races. They are built to be very fast and handle well on the racetrack.
A race car is a specially designed vehicle built for competitive racing. These cars are engineered for speed, handling, and performance on the track.
Lola T 400
"...Still got my name on it. It was a Lola T 400. And at the same time, a car that car, this is gets really complicated."
The Lola T 400 is a type of race car made by Lola Cars. It's known for being light and fast, and it was used in racing competitions in the 1970s.
The Lola T 400 is a race car designed by Lola Cars, known for its lightweight construction and competitive performance in various racing series during the 1970s.
Lola T332
"...they were really the Lola T332 is one of the most successful race cars ever."
The Lola T332 is a type of race car that was very successful in a specific racing series called Can-Am. It was designed to be very fast and was known for its unique shape that helped it go quicker.
The Lola T332 is a race car designed by Lola Cars for the Can-Am series in the early 1970s. It is known for its aerodynamic design and success on the track, contributing to Lola's reputation in motorsport.
Porsche 956
"...guy named Kemper Miller were third overall in the Porsche 956 in 1986. That seems a little bit weird."
The Porsche 356 is one of the first cars made by Porsche, built between 1948 and 1965. It’s a sporty car that many people love for its classic look and great performance. It’s often talked about because it helped start Porsche's reputation for making high-quality sports cars.
The Porsche 356 is a sports car that was produced by Porsche from 1948 to 1965, and it is widely regarded as the first production car by the brand. Its lightweight design and rear-engine layout contributed to its popularity and racing success, making it a significant model in Porsche's history. The 356 is often discussed for its classic design and influence on future Porsche models.
Porsche 962
"you were in the 962, even though the 956 came before the 962."
The Porsche 962 is another race car made by Porsche, following the 956. It was very successful in races and is known for its speed and engineering.
The Porsche 962 is a sports prototype that succeeded the 956 and was designed for endurance racing. It became one of the most successful race cars in history, dominating events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Goodrich
"No, for two years, I did the tire testing for Goodrich with those cars."
Goodrich is a company that makes tires for cars, including those used in racing.
Goodrich, commonly known as BFGoodrich, is a tire manufacturing company known for its performance tires used in motorsports and everyday vehicles.
Jaguar
"And then later I drove for Jaguar with Group 44."
Jaguar is a brand that makes luxury cars, often known for their speed and elegance.
Jaguar is a British luxury car manufacturer known for its stylish vehicles and performance-oriented models, including sports cars and sedans.
V12 engine
"It was a good car. They made a great sound with the V12 engine."
A V12 engine is a type of car engine that has twelve cylinders, which helps it produce a lot of power and sound great.
A V12 engine is a twelve-cylinder engine arranged in a V configuration, known for its smooth operation and high power output, often used in high-performance and luxury vehicles.
Nissan 300 ZX
"I don't know if it was the 300 ZX or the Group C car. It was the GTP car."
The Nissan 300 ZX is a fast sports car made by Nissan in the late 80s and early 90s. It was popular for its speed and cool design.
The Nissan 300 ZX is a sports car that was produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for its performance and technology at the time. It was part of Nissan's Z-car lineup and featured a sleek design and powerful engine options.
Silverstone
"I mean, in England at Silverstone, it was a it was a black and yellow car like Yoast's cars were."
Silverstone is a well-known racetrack in England where many car races, including Formula 1, take place.
Silverstone is a famous racing circuit located in Northamptonshire, England. It is known for hosting the British Grand Prix and is a key venue in the Formula 1 calendar.
two hundred and twenty miles an hour
"But this is the American flag going down the straight at two hundred and twenty miles an hour in France with an American flag."
This means going really fast—220 miles per hour is a high speed that only very powerful cars can reach.
This phrase refers to a speed measurement, specifically 220 miles per hour, which is a common metric used to discuss high-performance vehicles and their capabilities on the track.
Indy car
"he would drive the Indy car over the Nissan, because that's the way his contract worked somehow."
Indy cars are special racing cars used in a series of races called IndyCar. They are built to go very fast and are used in races on tracks that can be circular or have turns.
Indy cars are high-performance racing vehicles specifically designed for the IndyCar Series, which is known for its open-wheel racing on oval tracks and road courses. These cars are built for speed and agility, featuring powerful engines and advanced aerodynamics.
Long Beach Grand Prix
"The first time I raced an Indy car was the Long Beach Grand Prix in 1984. And then I raced at Pocono in 84, Caesars Palace, Laguna Seca."
The Long Beach Grand Prix is a car race that takes place on the streets of Long Beach, California. It's a popular event where many fast cars compete, and it has beautiful views of the area.
The Long Beach Grand Prix is an annual automobile race held on the streets of Long Beach, California. It is part of the IndyCar Series and is known for its scenic views and challenging street circuit layout.
Pocono
"And then I raced at Pocono in 84, Caesars Palace, Laguna Seca. And that was on a team called Jet Engineering."
Pocono is a race track in Pennsylvania where cars race in different series, including IndyCar. It has a special shape with three turns, making it different from most tracks.
Pocono Raceway is a tri-oval race track located in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. It is known for hosting various racing events, including IndyCar and NASCAR races, and features a unique three-turn layout.
Laguna Seca
"Caesars Palace, Laguna Seca. And that was on a team called Jet Engineering."
Laguna Seca is a famous race track in California known for its difficult turns and hills. Many different types of races happen there, making it a popular spot for racing fans.
Laguna Seca is a renowned road course located in Monterey, California, famous for its challenging turns and elevation changes. It hosts various racing events, including sports car races and motorcycle competitions.
Formula One
"I mean, I know now they have Formula One and they have that track on the north side of town."
Formula One is a top-level car racing series where drivers race fast cars on special tracks. It's very popular and has many fans around the world.
Formula One is a premier international auto racing sport known for its high-speed cars and prestigious races held on various circuits around the world. It features teams and drivers competing for the World Championship, making it one of the most popular motorsport series globally.
Mazda Rx7
"Then for two years, you raced the RX7. Then you went back to the 300 ZX for two more years."
The Mazda RX-7 is a sporty car that uses a unique type of engine called a rotary engine. It is known for being light and fun to drive.
The Mazda RX-7 is a lightweight sports car known for its rotary engine and agile handling. It gained a reputation in motorsports and was produced in several generations from 1978 to 2002.
Ferrari 333
"OK, then in the 90s, you raced the Ferrari 333 for a small time. No, I didn't race the 333."
The Ferrari 333 is a race car that was built for racing in events like Le Mans. It's known for being fast and lightweight, which helps it perform well on the track.
The Ferrari 333 is a race car designed for endurance racing, particularly known for its participation in events like Le Mans. It features a powerful V12 engine and a lightweight chassis, making it competitive in the racing scene during the 1990s.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.