About this episode
John Morton returns for part five, diving into his experiences in racing and the automotive world. He shares anecdotes from his career, including his work on films like Gumball Rally and his thoughts on the current state of racing and electric vehicles. Morton discusses the differences between novice and professional drivers, his favorite cars and tracks, and reflects on the evolution of motorsport. The episode also touches on the loyalty of car enthusiasts to local events versus larger shows, providing a candid look at the community dynamics.
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:
-Being in commercials, TV shows and movies.
-Favorite race.
-Race car he wished he could have driven.
-Race car he bonded with.
-Car hobby and the environment.
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Deutsch Spritz Tour
"That was a good time had by all. It's a Porsche show in Northern California. If you live in Southern California, it may be worth your time to come check it out."
The Deutsch Spritz Tour is a gathering for Porsche fans in Northern California. It's a fun event where people can see different Porsche cars and meet other enthusiasts.
The Deutsch Spritz Tour is a Porsche show held in Northern California, celebrating Porsche cars and their enthusiasts. It's a great opportunity for fans to gather, showcase their vehicles, and enjoy the community atmosphere.
Luftgekühlt
"...to get to luftacult. But then their friend, someone they hang out with, their Porsche friend that..."
Luftgekühlt is a big event for people who love Porsche cars, especially older models that run on air cooling. It's a chance for fans to meet, show off their cars, and enjoy the community.
Luftgekühlt is a popular automotive event focused on air-cooled Porsche cars, celebrating their culture and community. It features a gathering of enthusiasts, showcasing various models and fostering connections among fans.
Porsche
"...their friend, someone they hang out with, their Porsche friend that..."
Porsche is a famous car brand from Germany that makes fast and stylish sports cars. They are well-known for their quality and performance, especially the 911 model.
Porsche is a renowned German automotive manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars, particularly the iconic 911 model. The brand is synonymous with luxury, engineering excellence, and motorsport success.
Chrysler New Yorker
"...d they said, yes. So I worked on the movie making New Yorker, some of which didn't even have a driver's licens..."
The Chrysler New Yorker is a big, fancy car that was made in the U.S. for many years. It’s known for being comfortable and having nice features, which is why people often talk about it when discussing classic cars.
The Chrysler New Yorker is a full-size luxury car that was produced by Chrysler from 1940 until 1996, known for its spacious interior and upscale features. It represents a significant part of American automotive history, often associated with comfort and style during the mid-20th century. The New Yorker is frequently mentioned in discussions about classic American cars and their cultural impact.
Paul Newman
"...You probably never even heard of Paul Newman. Yeah, we went over Paul Newman because he was on the Bob Garrett."
Paul Newman was a well-known actor, but he also loved car racing and even owned a racing team. He raced cars in competitions and was very passionate about it.
Paul Newman was a famous actor and philanthropist who was also deeply involved in motorsports. He co-owned a racing team and competed in various racing events, including IndyCar and sports car racing.
IndyCar
"...the Haas team, IndyCar team. That was Paul Newman's team."
IndyCar is a type of car racing that takes place on tracks, including famous ones like the Indianapolis 500. The cars are open-wheel, meaning the wheels are outside the main body of the car, and they go really fast.
IndyCar is a major professional auto racing series in the United States, known for its open-wheel cars and high-speed races, particularly the Indianapolis 500. It features a mix of oval and road course racing, showcasing advanced engineering and driver skill.
Grand Am
"...You raced in Grand Am, right?"
Grand Am was a type of car racing series in the U.S. where different kinds of sports cars competed. It has now combined with another series to create a new championship.
Grand Am was a sports car racing series in North America that featured various classes of racing, including Daytona Prototypes and GT cars. It has since merged with the American Le Mans Series to form the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
American Le Mans
"...no, it couldn't have been American Le Mans. It was the other series, the Grand Am."
American Le Mans was a type of car racing in the U.S. that focused on long-distance races, similar to the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans in France. It featured fast sports cars racing for several hours.
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was a sports car racing series in North America that featured endurance racing, primarily for sports prototypes and grand tourers. It was known for its connection to the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France.
IMSA
"...it was all the same. Yeah, it was Imsa type racing."
IMSA is a group that organizes car races in North America, focusing on sports cars. They manage different types of races and are known for having exciting competitions.
The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) is a sanctioning body for sports car racing in North America, overseeing various racing series including the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. It is known for its high-level competition and diverse classes of cars.
WEC
"...because they've all like the new rules where they match with WEC and Imsa. Yeah, I guess yes."
WEC is a racing series where cars race for long periods, often 24 hours at a time. It's known for events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where teams try to see who can cover the most distance in that time.
WEC stands for the World Endurance Championship, a prestigious racing series that features endurance races, including the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans. It showcases manufacturers and teams competing in long-distance races, testing both speed and durability.
Formula One
"I watch most of the Formula One races. I watch a large percentage of the NASCAR races."
Formula One is a top-level racing series where very fast cars compete on special tracks. It's known for its exciting races and advanced technology in the cars.
Formula One, often abbreviated as F1, is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, featuring the fastest cars and the most advanced technology. The series consists of a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world.
NASCAR
"I watch a large percentage of the NASCAR races."
NASCAR is a racing series in the U.S. where cars that look like regular cars race on oval tracks. It's very popular and known for exciting races and close finishes.
NASCAR stands for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, which is known for its stock car racing series in the United States. It features races on oval tracks and is popular for its close competition and fan engagement.
Supercross
"Because yeah, I mean, how long have you been watching Motocross, Supercross? The first one I ever saw, I went to the Coliseum..."
Supercross is a type of motorcycle racing that happens in stadiums and features jumps and obstacles. It's similar to motocross but is usually held in a more controlled setting, making it easier to watch.
Supercross is a form of motorcycle racing that takes place on indoor or outdoor tracks, typically featuring man-made obstacles and jumps. It is similar to motocross but is usually held in stadiums and has a more controlled environment.
Motocross
"Because yeah, I mean, how long have you been watching Motocross, Supercross? The first one I ever saw, I went to the Coliseum..."
Motocross is a type of motorcycle racing that takes place on dirt tracks with jumps and turns. It's exciting to watch because the riders perform tricks and race against each other on challenging courses.
Motocross is a form of off-road motorcycle racing held on enclosed off-road circuits. It features a variety of obstacles, including jumps and turns, and is known for its high-speed action and technical challenges.
Can-Am
"...winner was a guy that you never heard of named Jimmy Ellis on a Can-Am. The second one was Jimmy Weiner won at the second year that I remember."
Can-Am is a brand that makes off-road vehicles, like motorcycles and ATVs. They are known for being powerful and good for riding on rough terrains.
Can-Am refers to a brand of off-road vehicles, including motorcycles and ATVs, known for their performance and versatility. The name is derived from the Canadian-American racing series that featured high-performance vehicles.
Datsun 240Z
"I have a lot of favorites, the Datsun 510, the 240Z, that I won a lot of races in both of those cars."
The Datsun 240Z is a sporty car made by Datsun in the early 1970s. It's well-known for being fast and stylish.
The Datsun 240Z is a sports car that was produced from 1969 to 1973, known for its sleek design and performance, becoming an icon in the sports car world.
Datsun 510
"...don't know. I have a lot of favorites, the Datsun 510, the 240Z, that I won a lot of races in both of t..."
Porsche 962
"I like the Porsche 962."
The Porsche 962 is a race car made by Porsche in the 1980s. It's famous for winning many endurance races.
The Porsche 962 is a sports prototype race car that was developed in the early 1980s, known for its success in endurance racing, particularly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Nissan GTP car
"I like the Nissan GTP car."
The Nissan GTP car is a type of race car made by Nissan for high-speed racing events. It's built for endurance and performance.
The Nissan GTP car refers to Nissan's participation in the Grand Touring Prototype racing category, which featured high-performance race cars designed for endurance racing.
GTP race
"...the Riverside race, the GTP race and the Times Grand Prix. 1987, because it was the last race they were ever going to have at Riverside."
GTP races were competitions where specially designed sports cars raced against each other. These cars were built to be very fast and were often seen in big racing events.
The GTP (Grand Touring Prototype) race series featured high-performance sports cars designed for endurance racing. It was known for its innovative technology and fierce competition among manufacturers.
Ferrari 365 Gtb4
"So like what was a 365 or something? 365 GTB4 Daytona, a Daytona Ferrari. The real name is a 36..."
The Ferrari 365 GTB/4, also called the Daytona, is a fancy sports car made by Ferrari a long time ago. It’s known for being really fast and looking great, which is why many people love it and talk about it, especially collectors.
The Ferrari 365 GTB/4, commonly 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 made it a symbol of Italian automotive excellence and performance during its era. The Daytona is often discussed for its racing pedigree and as a collector's item in the classic car market.
Ferrari Daytona Ferrari
"... what was a 365 or something? 365 GTB4 Daytona, a Daytona Ferrari. The real name is a 365 GTB4."
Riverside
"What can you tell me about Riverside? Because that was like right close to where you were."
Riverside is a race track in California that used to host many car races. It was popular for different types of racing before it closed down.
Riverside refers to Riverside International Raceway, a former road course located in Riverside, California. It was known for hosting various racing events, including sports car races and NASCAR events, before its closure in 1989.
Shelby School
"...the track. I came to California to drive on in the Shelby School. Right. So that's where I really started my racing career in earnest."
The Shelby School is a driving school that teaches people how to drive fast and race cars. It was started by a famous car guy named Carroll Shelby, who made some really cool cars.
The Shelby School refers to the driving school founded by Carroll Shelby, a legendary figure in American motorsport known for his work with Ford and the development of high-performance cars. The school focuses on teaching performance driving and racing techniques.
Indy 500
"...you wish you could have drove? Indy 500."
The Indy 500 is a famous car race that takes place every year in Indianapolis. It's known for being one of the biggest and most important races in the world.
The Indy 500, or Indianapolis 500, is one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world, held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is part of the IndyCar Series and features open-wheel cars racing for 500 miles.
Lancia D50
"...drove one of the Collier Collections D 50 Lancia. You don't even know what it is. You know, Ferrari, it's the Formula One car that became a Ferrari, but it was a Lancia with the side pontoon tanks."
The Lancia D50 is a classic racing car from the 1950s that was used in Formula One. It had a unique design with tanks on the sides to help it go faster and handle better.
The Lancia D50 was a Formula One racing car designed by Lancia in the early 1950s. It is notable for its innovative design, including side pontoon fuel tanks, which helped improve aerodynamics and weight distribution.
Lancia
"Not all the team, the Lancia team was a Lancia. And then it was taken over by Ferrari because Lancia didn't have the money to compete any longer."
Lancia is a car brand from Italy that has made many famous cars, especially in racing. They used to be very popular but aren't as well-known today.
Lancia is an Italian automotive manufacturer known for its innovative designs and involvement in motorsport. The brand has a rich history, particularly in rally racing.
Ferrari
"And then it was taken over by Ferrari because Lancia didn't have the money to compete any longer. And there was somebody pulled the plug and the cars became Ferraris."
Ferrari is a famous car brand from Italy that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They are also known for their success in car racing.
Ferrari is a renowned Italian sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and success in motorsport, especially Formula 1. The brand is synonymous with luxury and speed.
Maserati Birdcage
"Yeah, a birdcage Maserati."
The Maserati Birdcage is a famous race car from the 1950s known for its special design that made it very light and fast. It's a classic car that many racing fans admire.
The Maserati Birdcage is a legendary race car known for its unique design and lightweight construction. It was developed in the 1950s and is celebrated for its performance in endurance racing.
GTP prototype
"Part of your racing that you're most proud of? I was involved in a number of GTP prototype wins and I'm proud of those."
GTP prototype cars are special race cars built for long-distance racing. They are designed to be very fast and have advanced features to help them race better.
GTP (Grand Touring Prototype) refers to a class of racing cars that were designed for endurance racing, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s. These cars were known for their high performance and advanced technology, often featuring aerodynamic designs and powerful engines.
MG TD
"I haven't owned any cool street cars. My MG in high school was pretty cool. To me, it was as an MGTD."
The MG TD is an older sports car from the 1950s that many people find charming. It's a classic British car that was popular for its style and performance at the time.
The MG TD is a classic British sports car produced by MG from 1950 to 1953. It is known for its charming design and is often appreciated by vintage car enthusiasts.
Nissan Z
"I've got I'm about to take delivery on a really beautifully prepared. The Z. Yeah."
The Nissan Z is a sports car made by Nissan. It's known for being fast and stylish, and it's part of a long line of Z cars that have been popular for many years.
The Nissan Z refers to a series of sports cars produced by Nissan, known for their performance and iconic design. The latest iteration, the Nissan Z, combines modern technology with classic styling.
air cooled
"I mean, it's like a bunch of them like, are you air cooled or water cooled?"
Air cooled engines use air instead of water to keep them cool. This is common in older cars, especially some Porsches, and gives them a distinct sound and feel.
Air cooled refers to an engine cooling system that uses air to dissipate heat, rather than liquid coolant. This design is often found in classic cars, particularly certain Porsche models, and can lead to a unique driving experience and sound.
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