About this episode
John Morton shares his experiences from his racing career, including his memorable win at Riverside and his time at Le Mans. He discusses the nuances of various Porsche models, expressing a preference for the 996 over the 993, despite some initial confusion about the two. Morton reflects on the importance of the race team over the car itself, revealing that a great car can falter without a strong team. The conversation also touches on the challenges of racing, the evolution of Porsche vehicles, and memorable moments from his racing past.
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:
-Winning the last race held at Riverside.
-Le Mans.
-Porsche race cars he has driven.
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Volkswagen Golfs
"My great-uncle was into golf. My brother golfs. I think my sister golfs."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that many people like to drive because it's easy to handle and good on gas. It's been around for a long time and is known for being reliable and practical, which is why it's often talked about.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car that has been in production since 1974, known for its practicality, efficiency, and fun driving dynamics. It has become one of the best-selling cars in the world and is often praised for its balance of performance and comfort, making it a popular choice for families and enthusiasts alike.
Porsche 962
"...you recaptured it again. The first win was with Pete Halsmer in a 9-62 on the BF Goodrich team, which was Jim Busby's"
The Porsche 962 is a famous race car that competed in endurance races during the 1980s. It was very successful and is recognized for its speed and engineering.
The Porsche 962 is a sports prototype race car that was developed by Porsche in the 1980s. It is known for its success in endurance racing, particularly in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other major sports car races.
Willow Springs
"...and almost every car I've raced it had some connection with Willow Springs. I hope it succeeds."
Willow Springs is a well-known racetrack in California where many drivers go to test their cars and compete in races. It's famous for its long history and different types of tracks.
Willow Springs is a famous racetrack located in California, known for its diverse layout and history in motorsports. It has hosted various racing events, including car and motorcycle races, making it a popular venue for testing and racing.
Interscope
"...from him and he said, would you be interested in racing on my team, the Interscope team at Le Mans?"
Interscope is a company that makes music and also has a racing team that competes in car races. They are known for being involved in big events like Le Mans.
Interscope is a company that operates both as a record label and a racing team. It has been involved in various motorsport activities, including racing at prestigious events like Le Mans.
Porsche 935
"...the first time I raced there was 79 and the car was a early 9-11 turbo race car, 935."
The Porsche 935 is a special version of the 911 made for racing. It has a lot of changes to make it faster and more aerodynamic, which helped it win many races.
The Porsche 935 is a racing version of the 911, developed for endurance racing in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It features extensive modifications for aerodynamics and performance, making it a dominant car in its class during its racing era.
Porsche 911
"And so I did and I teamed with Milt Mentor and him. That's the first time I raced there was 79 and the car was a early 9-11 turbo race car, 935."
The Porsche 911 is a fancy sports car that a lot of people admire because it's fast and looks really cool. It's been around for many years and is famous for being great on the racetrack, which is why it comes up in conversations about racing.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has been a symbol of automotive excellence since its introduction in 1964. Renowned for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, the 911 has become an icon in the sports car world, often discussed for its racing heritage and impressive engineering.
turbo charging
"They, you know, turbo charging hadn't been perfected. And we lost an engine about, I don't know, just before it started to rain..."
Turbo charging helps engines produce more power by pushing extra air into them. In the early days, this technology wasn't very reliable, which caused problems for some cars.
Turbo charging is a technology that uses a turbine-driven forced induction device to increase an engine's efficiency and power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. It was not fully developed in the early days, leading to reliability issues.
Chicanes
"And this is like you raced before the Chicanes. I know if the 956 we didn't have the Chicanes and with the Ferraris and the Interscope car, there were no Chicanes."
Chicanes are turns on a racetrack that make drivers slow down. They help keep the race safe and interesting by forcing cars to navigate through tight corners.
Chicanes are a series of tight turns in a racetrack designed to slow down cars and enhance safety. They are often placed in high-speed sections to challenge drivers and improve the overall racing experience.
Porsche 956
"I know if the 956 we didn't have the Chicanes and with the Ferraris and the Interscope car, there were no Chicanes."
The Porsche 956 is a famous race car from the 1980s that won many races. It's known for being very fast and having a special design that helps it cut through the air better.
The Porsche 956 is a sports prototype race car that was highly successful in the 1980s, particularly in endurance racing. It is known for its aerodynamic design and powerful performance, making it a dominant force in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Porsche
"There's still over 200 in a Porsche or, you know, in a lot of cars."
Porsche is a famous car brand that makes sports cars. They are known for being fast and performing well in races.
Porsche is a renowned German automotive manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars, including the iconic Porsche 911. The brand has a rich history in motorsport, particularly in endurance racing.
rental car
"But we were with the Barber team and we were in a rental car inside the track, not on the racetrack, but inside the spectator area."
A rental car is a car you can borrow for a short time, usually from a company that rents cars. People often use them when traveling or if they need a car for just a few days.
A rental car is a vehicle that can be rented for a short period, typically from a car rental company. These cars are often used by travelers or for temporary transportation needs.
Porsche 906
"...So you raced a 906 in 1970. That was Vashat Pollock's car..."
The Porsche 906 is a racing car made by Porsche in 1970. It's known for being very light and fast, making it popular in races.
The Porsche 906 is a lightweight sports car that was designed for racing and is known for its aerodynamic shape and performance. It was produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s and had significant success in various racing events.
RS
"...So I guess it was like an RS, RSR, I mean."
RS means 'racing sport' in German and is used for special high-performance versions of the Porsche 911 that are designed for better speed and handling.
The RS designation stands for 'Rennsport' in German, which translates to 'racing sport.' It indicates a high-performance variant of the Porsche 911, often featuring lighter weight and more powerful engines.
RSR
"...So I guess it was like an RS, RSR, I mean."
RSR is a more advanced version of the RS, made for racing. It has special features to make it lighter and faster on the track.
The RSR is an even more specialized version of the Porsche 911 RS, designed specifically for racing. It typically features modifications for weight reduction, enhanced aerodynamics, and increased power.
road course
"...it was at Ontario on the road course."
A road course is a type of racetrack that has many turns and twists, unlike a simple circle track. It tests how well drivers can handle their cars in different situations.
A road course is a type of racetrack that features a series of turns and straight sections, allowing for a variety of racing styles. Unlike oval tracks, road courses require drivers to navigate through curves, making them more challenging and technical.
finished fourth
"...We finished fourth, I think Peter Greg won the race easily."
Finishing fourth means the driver ended the race in the fourth position, which is just behind the top three racers. It shows how well they did compared to others.
Finishing fourth in a race indicates that the driver completed the race in fourth place, just behind the top three competitors. This ranking reflects the driver's performance relative to others in the event.
won the race
"...I think Peter Greg won the race easily."
Winning the race means that the driver was the fastest and finished first. It's a big achievement in racing.
Winning a race means that a driver crossed the finish line first, achieving the best time compared to all other competitors. This is a significant accomplishment in motorsports, showcasing skill and speed.
half shaft
"...what did you think when the half shaft broke or whatever failed? And he said, I thought, oh, shit."
The half shaft is a part that helps connect the engine's power to the wheels, allowing the car to drive. If it breaks, the car won't be able to move properly.
A half shaft is a component of a vehicle's drivetrain that transmits power from the differential to the wheels. It is crucial for delivering torque and enabling the vehicle to move forward or backward.
Porsche 934
"Um, in 1976, you drove the 934 with Fulmer. Right. So what'd you think about the 934?"
The Porsche 934 is a special racing car based on the 911 model. It was designed to compete in races and has features that make it faster and more powerful than regular cars.
The Porsche 934 is a racing version of the Porsche 911, developed for the Group 4 racing category. It was based on the 911 Turbo and featured significant modifications for performance and aerodynamics.
fuel injection
"...the turbocharging, the fuel injection"
Fuel injection is a way to get fuel into an engine more accurately than older methods. It helps the engine run better and use fuel more efficiently.
Fuel injection is a system that delivers fuel into the combustion chamber of an engine in a precise manner, improving efficiency and performance compared to carburetors. It allows for better control of the air-fuel mixture, leading to more efficient combustion.
turbo lag
"The car still had a lot of lag, a throttle lag, I recall. Turbo lag, yeah."
Turbo lag is the wait you feel when you press the gas pedal and the car doesn't respond immediately. It happens because the turbocharger takes a moment to start working and give the car more power.
Turbo lag is the delay between the driver pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger providing increased power. This occurs because the turbo needs time to spool up and generate boost, which can affect acceleration.
synchromesh transmission
"It was weird as a race car because it was synchromesh transmission. That was unusual in a pure race car like that."
A synchromesh transmission helps you change gears smoothly in a car. It makes it easier to shift without grinding the gears, which is important for regular driving.
A synchromesh transmission allows for smoother gear changes by synchronizing the speeds of the gears before they engage. This is particularly useful in everyday driving but is less common in race cars, which often prioritize speed and quick shifts.
dog box
"They call them crash boxes and dog boxes, but all race cars were that way, except the Porsches were..."
A dog box is a special kind of transmission used in race cars that lets you change gears very quickly. However, it’s harder to use than regular transmissions because you have to be very precise.
A dog box is a type of manual transmission that uses dog engagement instead of synchromesh. It allows for quicker gear changes but requires precise timing and skill from the driver, making it common in racing applications.
Sears Point
"You raced in Sears Point and in Las Vegas."
Sears Point is a racetrack in California where cars race. It's known for its twists and turns, making it a fun and challenging place for drivers.
Sears Point, now known as Sonoma Raceway, is a road course located in Sonoma, California, known for hosting various motorsport events, including NASCAR and sports car racing. It features a challenging layout with elevation changes.
Las Vegas
"You raced in Sears Point and in Las Vegas."
Las Vegas is a city in Nevada known for its casinos and shows, but it also has a racetrack where car races take place. It's a popular spot for racing events.
Las Vegas has hosted various motorsport events, including NASCAR and other racing series, at tracks like Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The city is known for its entertainment and vibrant atmosphere, attracting racing fans.
mid-engine
"I mean, an engine, a mid-engine, both, you know, it wasn't a good car. It was with Gurney's son, one of Gurney's sons."
A mid-engine car has its engine located in the middle of the vehicle, which helps with balance and handling while driving. It's a popular design for high-performance cars.
A mid-engine layout places the engine between the front and rear axles, which can improve handling and balance. This configuration is commonly found in sports cars and supercars.
stick shift
"It had a regular, you know, it had a stick shift, like a conventional stick shift. And then later they had the thing where you touch it..."
A stick shift is a type of car transmission that you control with a lever. You have to change gears yourself, which can make driving more fun for some people.
A stick shift, also known as a manual transmission, requires the driver to manually change gears using a gear lever. This type of transmission is favored by driving enthusiasts for the control it offers.
air-cooled engine
"The last of the air cooled and not turbocharged. GT2, I think is turbocharged."
An air-cooled engine is a type of engine that cools itself using air instead of liquid. This was how many older cars, like some Porsches, were built.
An air-cooled engine relies on air flow to dissipate heat, rather than using a liquid cooling system. This type of engine was common in older vehicles, including many classic Porsche models.
naturally aspirated
"Sue liked the later model, the 996, because it was naturally aspirated."
Naturally aspirated means the engine gets air from the environment without any extra help from turbochargers or superchargers. This can make the car feel different when you drive it.
Naturally aspirated refers to an engine that relies on atmospheric pressure to draw air into the combustion chamber, rather than using a turbocharger or supercharger. This can lead to a more linear power delivery and a different driving experience.
Porsche 917
"That makes sense. You also drove a 917, not competitively, but you've driven a 917 and a..."
The Porsche 917 is a very famous race car that was built to go really fast and win races. It has a unique shape and a powerful engine, and it's often talked about because of its success in big racing events.
The Porsche 917 is a legendary race car that gained fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s, particularly for its success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Known for its powerful flat-12 engine and aerodynamic design, the 917 is celebrated for its role in establishing Porsche as a dominant force in motorsport.
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