About this episode
John Morton shares more insights from his racing career, reflecting on the support he received from figures like Peter Brock and his partner Sylvia. He discusses his recent win at a car show with his modified 1971 Datsun 240Z and reminisces about the challenges of racing rear-engine cars. The conversation touches on the evolution of racing safety, memorable races, and the mindset needed for competition. Morton also reflects on the camaraderie and rivalries in his career, providing a candid look at the highs and lows of being a professional driver.
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:
-1971 240Z he was given.
-Racing against Porsche.
-Event that led to becoming a pilot.
-Racing back in the day.
-Chasing the dream of being a race car driver.
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Nissan 240
"...won the 240 period correct modified class because like he said, it's mostly stock, but they did hop up the engine a little bit..."
The Nissan 240 is a type of sports car made by Nissan. It's known for being fun to drive and is often modified by car lovers to make it faster or look cooler.
The Nissan 240 refers to a series of sports cars produced by Nissan, known for their performance and tuning potential. The 240SX is a popular model among car enthusiasts, especially in the drifting community.
hop up the engine
"...but they did hop up the engine a little bit and put some of the stuff on that like he raced with..."
'Hopping up the engine' means making changes to the engine to make it more powerful. This can include adding new parts or adjusting how it works to improve speed.
'Hopping up the engine' refers to making modifications to increase the engine's performance, such as enhancing horsepower or torque. This can involve changes like upgrading the intake, exhaust, or tuning the engine management system.
Porsche 911
"But yeah, but she had a 9-11 when we started being together that she bought new in Germany in 1967."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that started being made in the 1960s. The 1967 version is one of the early models, known for its unique look and great driving experience.
The Porsche 911 is a classic sports car that has been in production since the early 1960s. The 1967 model is part of the original generation of 911s, known for its distinctive design and performance capabilities.
Nissan 240Z
"...her husband basically gave it to me in 1971, 240Z."
The Nissan 240Z is a cool sports car from the early 1970s. It's known for being stylish and fun to drive, and many people like it because it's not too expensive for a sports car.
The Nissan 240Z is a classic sports car that was introduced in the early 1970s. It is known for its sleek design, performance, and affordability, making it popular among car enthusiasts.
Datsun 240Z
"... And her husband basically gave it to me in 1971, 240Z. They'd been damaged and repaired poorly."
The Datsun 240Z is a classic car from the 1970s that many people admire for its sporty look and good performance. It was one of the first Japanese sports cars to become popular in America, and people often talk about it because of its cool design and history.
The Datsun 240Z is a classic sports car produced in the early 1970s, celebrated for its combination of performance, affordability, and stylish design. It played a significant role in popularizing Japanese sports cars in the U.S. and is often discussed for its influence on car enthusiasts and collectors.
matching numbers
"Same serial number, same engine numbers, matching numbers. But it's been hopped up and it's got the same carburetors."
Matching numbers means that the parts of a car, like the engine and the body, are the original ones that came with it from the factory. This is important for collectors because it shows the car is authentic and can be worth more.
Matching numbers refers to a vehicle's original components, such as the engine and chassis, having the same serial numbers as recorded by the manufacturer. This is important for collectors as it indicates authenticity and can significantly affect the car's value.
carburetors
"But it's been hopped up and it's got the same carburetors. We ran when we won the two national championships with Duel Makuni."
Carburetors are parts of an engine that mix air and fuel together so the engine can run. They help make sure the engine gets the right amount of fuel to work well, especially in fast cars.
Carburetors are devices in internal combustion engines that mix air with a fine spray of liquid fuel. They are essential for the engine to run efficiently, especially in performance applications where precise fuel delivery is crucial.
rear engine car
"Difference in racing a rear engine car. You mean with the Datsun? Well, yeah, I mean, most cars are front engine or mid engine. And so like how much different is it to race a rear engine car?"
A rear engine car is a type of car where the engine is located at the back, behind the rear wheels. This design can help with grip and handling, but it can also make the car feel different to drive compared to front or mid-engine cars.
A rear engine car is a vehicle where the engine is located behind the rear axle. This layout can provide better traction and handling characteristics, especially in racing, but it also presents unique challenges in terms of weight distribution and driving dynamics.
Lotus Seven
"I'd never driven a rear engine car and just the Lotus Seven."
The Lotus Seven is a small, lightweight sports car that is very fun to drive, known for its simple design and great handling.
The Lotus Seven is a lightweight sports car known for its minimalist design and exceptional handling. It was originally produced in the 1950s and has become a classic among enthusiasts.
Shelby Cobra
"...driving a Cobra 289 team car that he was going to race in Canada..."
The Cobra 289 is a famous sports car from the 1960s known for its speed and performance, often used in racing.
The Shelby Cobra 289 is a classic American sports car that was produced in the 1960s. It features a lightweight body and powerful V8 engine, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and racers.
Porsche 914
"...the TR six triumphs and the nine fourteen six Porsches. We beat them. Yeah, it was fun."
The Porsche 914 is a sports car made by Porsche that was produced in the 1970s. It's known for its unique design and is popular among car enthusiasts.
The Porsche 914 is a mid-engine sports car produced by Porsche from 1969 to 1976. It was designed as an affordable entry-level sports car and is known for its distinctive styling and handling characteristics.
normally aspirated
"...the aura of driving a normally aspirated V12 that had the nicest sound and it was a small team."
Normally aspirated means that the engine gets air naturally without any extra help from turbochargers or superchargers. This can make the engine sound different and feel smooth when you drive it.
Normally aspirated refers to an engine that relies on atmospheric pressure for air intake, as opposed to using a turbocharger or supercharger. This type of engine typically provides a more linear power delivery and a distinctive sound.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...ide, the last race. We won Palm Beach against the Corvette GTP car and the cars that we shouldn't have been ..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that many people love. It's known for being powerful and fun to drive, and it's often talked about because it's a big part of car racing and American car history.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance, sleek design, and rich history in motorsports. It has been a symbol of American automotive engineering since its introduction in 1953, often discussed for its role in racing and its impact on car culture.
Corvette GTP
"...against the Corvette GTP car and the cars that we shouldn't have been able to be."
The Corvette GTP is a special version of the Corvette made for racing. It's designed to be very fast and competitive on race tracks.
The Corvette GTP refers to a racing variant of the Chevrolet Corvette designed for the Grand Touring Prototype class. These cars are built for high performance on race tracks and often feature advanced aerodynamics and lightweight materials.
Daytona
"...the first one I was at was Daytona."
Daytona is a well-known race track in Florida where many big car races happen, including the famous Daytona 500. It's a popular place for motorsports fans.
Daytona refers to Daytona International Speedway, a major motorsport venue in Daytona Beach, Florida, famous for hosting the Daytona 500 and various other racing events, including sports car races.
Laguna Seca
"Do you want to go to any at Laguna Seca?"
Laguna Seca is a famous racetrack in California where many car races happen. It's known for being very challenging for drivers.
Laguna Seca is a renowned racetrack located in California, famous for its challenging layout and the iconic Corkscrew turn. It hosts various motorsport events, including car races and motorcycle competitions.
Abarth Carrera
"But at that rent sport, I drove the first Abarth Carrera ever made. That's cool. Except it was a 1600. It wasn't very fast."
The Abarth Carrera is a special version of the Porsche 356 that has been modified to be faster and sportier. Abarth is known for making cars perform better.
The Abarth Carrera is a performance variant of the Porsche 356, modified by Abarth for enhanced speed and handling. It represents a unique blend of Italian tuning and German engineering.
Porsche 356
"It's a 356 chassis, basically. Yeah. So yeah, we're at the same one because I went to four."
The Porsche 356 is an older sports car that was made by Porsche. It's known for being light and fun to drive, and many people love it for its classic style.
The Porsche 356 is a classic sports car produced by Porsche from 1948 to 1965. It is known for its lightweight design and agile handling, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Porsche 917
"Yeah. But yeah, it was like, yeah, it was not that big yet. Like it was pretty special. ... There was a 917. You've seen it. I'm sure it's like purple flames on it type."
The Porsche 917 is a famous race car that won many races in the 1970s. It's known for its unique look and powerful engine, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Porsche 917 is a legendary race car known for its success in endurance racing, particularly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It features a distinctive design and powerful flat-12 engine, making it a significant part of automotive history.
Porsche Cup
"...but I didn't know about the Porsche Cup."
The Porsche Cup is a racing series where all the cars are Porsches, and everyone races the same model. This makes it fairer because the competition is based on the drivers' skills rather than the cars' differences.
The Porsche Cup refers to a series of one-make racing events featuring Porsche vehicles, where drivers compete in identical cars to emphasize skill over vehicle performance differences. It's a popular platform for both amateur and professional drivers to showcase their talents in a competitive environment.
Porsche 962
"...and the guy I was passing is Holbert's 962 with Chip Robinson driving."
The Porsche 962 is a famous race car made by Porsche in the 1980s. It was very successful in racing competitions and is known for its speed and advanced technology.
The Porsche 962 is a sports prototype race car developed by Porsche in the 1980s. It is known for its success in endurance racing, particularly in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Datsun Z
"...the national championships in the Z and then the two Trans Am championships in the 510."
The Datsun Z is a line of sports cars made by Datsun, starting with the 240Z. They are popular for being stylish and fun to drive.
The Datsun Z refers to a series of sports cars produced by Datsun, starting with the 240Z in 1969, known for their performance and styling, and have a strong following among enthusiasts.
Formula One
"And it's like, especially if like Formula One, it's kind of like a model, like a fashion show..."
Formula One is a top-level car racing series where teams compete in fast cars on different tracks. It's famous for its exciting races and high-tech vehicles.
Formula One is a premier international auto racing sport known for its high-speed cars and advanced technology. It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world.
Kia Rondo
"...rst time I went to Le Mans, a guy and he was in a rondo and blew a tie or something, he hit, it killed."
The Kia Rondo is a family-friendly car that has a lot of space inside for people and things. It's designed to be practical and easy to use, which is why some people talk about it when discussing good cars for everyday life.
The Kia Rondo is a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that was produced from 2006 to 2013, known for its practicality and spacious interior. It often appeals to families and those needing a versatile vehicle for everyday use, making it a topic of discussion for its functionality.
Elkhart Lake
"...just the cars changed? You know, there are tracks like Elkhart Lake"
Elkhart Lake is a place in Wisconsin famous for car racing. It has a racetrack where many car races take place, making it popular among car fans.
Elkhart Lake is known for its racing history and is home to the Road America racetrack, which hosts various motorsport events. It has been a significant location for car enthusiasts and racing fans alike.
Indianapolis 500
"And as we drove, it was the week before Indianapolis. The race in Canada was the week after Indianapolis."
The Indianapolis 500 is a famous car race that happens every year in Indiana. It's known for being very long and exciting, with cars going really fast around a big track.
The Indianapolis 500, often referred to as the Indy 500, is an annual automobile race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious events in motorsport, featuring open-wheel cars that compete over 500 miles.
Mickey Thompson
"He was driving one of Mickey Thompson's goofy little cars. Friends of his told him, don't do that."
Mickey Thompson was a famous car racer and inventor who created special cars for racing. He is well-known for his contributions to different types of motorsports.
Mickey Thompson was a notable American race car driver and automotive engineer known for his innovations in motorsport and for building unique racing vehicles. He was influential in both drag racing and off-road racing.
Datsun 510
"...ld it be? The race with Peter Gregg in the Datsun 510, Buttkins Glen, because he won."
The Datsun 510 is a small car from the late 1960s and early 1970s that people really liked because it was fun to drive and handled well. It's often mentioned in racing stories because it was successful on the racetrack.
The Datsun 510 is a compact car produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, known for its lightweight design and excellent handling, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and racers. Its success in motorsports, particularly in rally and touring car events, has cemented its status as a classic.
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