About this episode
John Morton shares candid reflections on his life and racing career in this engaging sixth part of the series. He discusses his passion for flying, the challenges of balancing relationships with a racing career, and the importance of mentorship. Morton also reminisces about notable figures in racing, including Ken Miles and Carroll Shelby, revealing personal anecdotes and insights. The conversation touches on his prized possessions, regrets, and the evolution of racing safety, making for a thoughtful exploration of a life dedicated to motorsport.
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:
-Mentors he has had.
-Skill he wish he had.
-Crowning achievement.
-Some of other people he has met along the way.
-Books Sylvia [Wilkinson] has written.
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IndyCar
"Let's take, for an example, a really good IndyCar driver from the 50s that survived, Sabukovic, who did not survive, or the Bettenhausen senior who didn't survive, and a lot of them didn't."
IndyCar is a racing series where specially designed cars race on different types of tracks. It's famous for the Indianapolis 500, a big race that a lot of people watch.
IndyCar is a type of open-wheel car racing that features single-seat cars competing on various tracks, including ovals and road courses. It is known for its high speeds and competitive events, particularly the Indianapolis 500, one of the most prestigious races in the world.
Formula One
"Not IndyCars only, but Formula One and sports cars."
Formula One is a type of car racing that features very fast cars on special tracks. It's popular worldwide and has many famous races, including the Monaco Grand Prix.
Formula One is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, known for its advanced technology, speed, and global reach. It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world, and is renowned for its competitive teams and drivers.
Cobra Coupe
"...I did drive for him in some vintage races in the Cobra Coops in England, and he chose me to do that."
The Cobra Coupe is a famous sports car made by Shelby. It's known for being fast and winning races in the 1960s.
The Cobra Coupe, developed by Carroll Shelby, is a high-performance sports car known for its racing pedigree and iconic design. It was particularly successful in the 1960s, especially in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
vintage races
"...I did drive for him in some vintage races in the Cobra Coops in England, and he chose me to do that."
Vintage races are car races that feature older cars, usually from many years ago. They are popular among fans who love classic vehicles.
Vintage races refer to motorsport events featuring classic cars, typically those built before a certain year, allowing enthusiasts to showcase and race historic vehicles. These events celebrate automotive history and often attract a dedicated fan base.
Ken Miles
"...Ken Miles? You know, his driving in that facet of his life with Shelby is a large part of the success story."
Ken Miles was a famous race car driver who helped make fast cars in the 1960s. He is well-known for his work with Ford and his racing success.
Ken Miles was a British-American sports car racing driver and engineer, known for his significant contributions to the development of the Ford GT40 and his success in endurance racing during the 1960s. His legacy is celebrated in automotive history, particularly for his role in the Ford vs. Ferrari rivalry.
Phil Remington
"...Not as much as Phil Remington's, but Ken Miles was, I was very sad when he was killed."
Phil Remington was an important engineer who worked on race cars, especially with Carroll Shelby. He helped make many famous racing cars better.
Phil Remington was an influential engineer and mechanic in the automotive racing world, known for his work with Carroll Shelby and the Shelby American team. He played a key role in the development of several iconic race cars, including the Shelby Cobra and Ford GT40.
Chevrolet Corvair
"...he started out with a Corvair engine in it, which was a loser."
The Chevrolet Corvair is a small car that was made in the 1960s. It had its engine in the back, which was different from most cars at the time.
The Chevrolet Corvair was a compact car produced by Chevrolet from 1960 to 1969. It is notable for its rear-engine layout and was one of the few American cars to feature a fully independent suspension.
Porsche Spider
"If you had a Porsche Spider engine, I'd be interested."
The Porsche Spider is a type of sports car made by Porsche. It's known for being light and fast, and it has a history in racing.
The Porsche Spider refers to a series of lightweight sports cars produced by Porsche, notably the Porsche 550 Spyder, which is famous for its racing pedigree and design.
USRSC championship
"He won the USRSC championship, and it set him on the pretty steep path of success."
The USRSC championship is a racing competition in the U.S. where sports cars race against each other.
The USRSC (United States Road Sports Championship) is a racing series that features sports cars competing in various events across the United States.
Penske team
"he was a very good driver, had tremendous success with the Penske team and others."
The Penske team is a famous racing team that competes in different types of car races. They are known for winning many races.
The Penske team, also known as Team Penske, is a professional motorsports organization that competes in various racing series, including IndyCar and NASCAR. They are known for their success and high-performance vehicles.
Jaguar
"...the Jaguar team in this country, was given the kiss off by Jaguar, and the deal went away."
Jaguar is a famous car brand from the UK that makes luxury cars and has been involved in racing for many years.
Jaguar is a British luxury vehicle brand known for its performance and style. It has a rich history in both road cars and motorsport.
Group 44
"...the last successful American Jaguar team I shared with Hurley, and it was 1987, with the Group 44 team."
Group 44 was a racing team in the U.S. that had a lot of success, especially with Jaguar cars, in the 1980s.
Group 44 was a prominent American racing team known for its success in sports car racing, particularly with Jaguar vehicles during the 1980s.
Palm Beach
"...we won Riverside, and we won Palm Beach."
Palm Beach is a racetrack in Florida where car races are held, known for its motorsport events.
Palm Beach refers to the Palm Beach International Raceway, a motorsport venue in Florida that has hosted various racing events, including sports car races.
Riverside
"...we won Riverside, and we won Palm Beach."
Riverside is a famous racetrack in California where many car races took place, especially in the past.
Riverside refers to Riverside International Raceway, a former road course in California that hosted many significant motorsport events, including sports car races.
Porsche 934
"Filmer and I drove the 934s at Watkins Glen for him, brand new 934s. I drove the 906s were his that I drove."
The Porsche 934 is a special version of the 911 made for racing. It has a wider body and better parts to go faster than regular 911s.
The Porsche 934 is a racing variant of the 911, specifically designed for Group 4 racing. It features a wide body and enhanced performance components compared to the standard 911 models.
Porsche 910
"I drove his 910. Didn't race it, just drove it."
The Porsche 910 is another race car from Porsche, built in the late 1960s. It's very light and fast, making it great for racing.
The Porsche 910 is a sports car that was developed for racing in the late 1960s. It is known for its lightweight construction and powerful performance.
Porsche 911
"It was a brand new GT-R, 911 GT-R. The one without roll-up windows and instead of leather on the dash, it had some kind of junk."
The Porsche 911 GT-R is a super-fast version of the regular 911 sports car. It's built for performance and has a lot of racing features.
The Porsche 911 GT-R is a high-performance variant of the iconic 911 sports car, known for its racing pedigree and advanced engineering.
Le Mans
"I drove at Le Mans with him. I drove at Le Mans with Sr., I drove for a season with Jr., with Phil Conti racing."
Le Mans is a famous car race that lasts for a whole day. Teams of drivers take turns racing their cars around a track in France, and it's known for being very challenging.
Le Mans refers to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world. It takes place annually in France and features a variety of car manufacturers competing in a grueling race that lasts for 24 hours.
stock car driver
"...Prominent stock car driver fiction. She did one with a kid and his aging aunt driving a pickup truck across the country..."
A stock car driver races cars that look like regular cars you see on the road but are specially built for racing. They often compete in events like NASCAR races.
A stock car driver competes in racing events using vehicles that are based on production models, often modified for performance. This type of racing is popular in the United States, particularly in NASCAR.
pickup truck
"...She did one with a kid and his aging aunt driving a pickup truck across the country because she knew they were going to put her in a home..."
A pickup truck is a type of vehicle that has a separate open area in the back for carrying things. They are popular for work and everyday use.
A pickup truck is a light-duty truck with an open cargo area and a cabin that can seat passengers. They are versatile vehicles often used for both work and personal transportation.
Audi A4
"...she went through high school and college and graduate school with a model A4 that she bought with babysitting money from her brother for a hundred bucks."
The Audi A4 is a car that many people like because it drives well and has a lot of nice features. It's a good option for those who want a mix of fun and practicality.
The Audi A4 is a compact executive car known for its blend of performance, comfort, and technology. It has been a popular choice among drivers looking for a sporty yet practical vehicle.
Porsche 356
"... bought an MGA and then she bought a nine Porsche 356 Super90 Roadster. And she loved that."
MG MGA
"...she went and bought an MGA and then she bought a nine Porsche 356 Super90 Roadster."
The MGA is a classic sports car from the 1950s that many people love for its good looks and fun driving experience. It's a favorite among fans of vintage cars.
The MG MGA is a classic British sports car produced from 1955 to 1962, known for its stylish design and enjoyable driving experience. It has become a beloved model among classic car enthusiasts.
factory delivery
"...she bought in Europe, went to the factory to get it."
Factory delivery means you get to pick up your new car straight from the place where it's made. It's a special experience where you can see how the car is built.
Factory delivery refers to the process where a customer picks up their new car directly from the manufacturer's factory. This often includes a tour of the facility and a chance to see how the car is made.
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