Midweek Motorsport s21 e24
About this episode
Join John Hindhaugh and Tim Gray as they gear up for a packed show en route to France. Nick Damon joins to dissect a historic MotoGP weekend at Assen, highlighting Ai Ogura's landmark victory for Trackhouse and a massive rider market shakeup. The team also previews the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, reviews the Austrian Grand Prix, and dives into WRC's Acropolis Rally Greece. Plus, listener feedback and updates from the IMSA endurance racing scene make this a comprehensive mid-week motorsport roundup.
Silverstone
"We'll be looking ahead to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone."
A very famous race track in England that is considered the birthplace of modern Formula 1 racing. It is known for being extremely fast and challenging for drivers.
A legendary 5.891 km racing circuit in Northamptonshire, England, widely known as the "Home of British Motor Racing." Originally an airfield, it hosted the first-ever Formula 1 World Championship race in 1950 and is famous for high-speed corners like Copse, Becketts, and Stowe.
Ford Mustang
"Hello to Jerry Z who is trying to change the clocks on a Mustang, or at least the style of the dashboard on there."
A highly popular American sports car made by Ford since the 1960s. It is famous for its sporty look, loud V8 engine option, and relatively affordable price.
An iconic American pony car first introduced in 1964, famous for establishing the affordable sports coupe segment with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. It is renowned for bringing V8 performance to the masses and has remained in continuous production for over six decades.
Assen
"They were at Aston in the Netherlands. And it was packed and it was hot..."
A famous race track in the Netherlands that is highly respected by motorcycle racers. It is often called the 'Cathedral of Speed' because of its fast, flowing layout.
Officially known as the TT Circuit Assen, this historic motorsport venue in the Netherlands is famously called the "Cathedral of Speed." It is the only circuit to have hosted a motorcycle Grand Prix event every year since the championship's inception in 1949 (excluding 2020).
Marc Márquez
"...after a couple of races where it seemed that Ducati and in particular Mark Marquez were back in the ascendancy."
A highly famous Spanish motorcycle racer who has won the world championship eight times. He is known for his incredibly fast and daring riding style.
Spanish professional motorcycle racer and one of the most successful riders of all time, with eight Grand Prix World Championships to his name, including six in the premier MotoGP class. Known for his aggressive riding style and spectacular saves from near-crashes.
GT3
"And you can imagine, Nick, can't you, that a GT3 team or an LMP, there's no LMP2s, but a GT3 team..."
A category of race cars that are heavily modified versions of real sports cars you can buy for the road, like Porsches, Ferraris, and Aston Martins.
A highly popular set of global regulations for grand touring race cars based on production road models. It features a wide variety of manufacturers utilizing Balance of Performance (BoP) to ensure close racing among different engine and chassis layouts.
LMP2
"And you can imagine, Nick, can't you, that a GT3 team or an LMP, there's no LMP2s, but a GT3 team..."
A class of high-speed, purpose-built race cars used in long-distance endurance races. They look like futuristic spaceships and are designed for private teams rather than big factory manufacturers.
Le Mans Prototype 2, a class of closed-cockpit racing cars designed for privateer teams in endurance racing. They feature carbon fiber monocoque chassis and are powered by a spec Gibson V8 engine, serving as a stepping stone to the top-tier Hypercar class.
Spa-Francorchamps
"It was Stefan Rattel having said that he wouldn't move CrowdStrike 24 at Spa."
A legendary race track in Belgium nestled in a forest. It is famous for its steep hills, unpredictable weather, and some of the fastest, most exciting corners in racing.
A world-famous 7.004 km racing circuit located in the Ardennes region of Belgium, renowned for its dramatic elevation changes and iconic corners like Eau Rouge and Raidillon. It is a favorite among drivers and hosts the Belgian Grand Prix and the Spa 24 Hours.
Stéphane Ratel
"It was Stefan Rattel having said that he wouldn't move CrowdStrike 24 at Spa."
A prominent French businessman who organizes major sports car racing series around the world. He is famous for creating the rules that allowed modern GT sports cars to race against each other.
French motorsport promoter and founder of the SRO Motorsports Group. He is widely credited with reviving GT racing globally in the 1990s and establishing the modern GT3 category, which has become the backbone of sports car racing worldwide.
Ford Mustang GT3
"...and I'm sure Ford would be happy to put in a Mustang GT3 for him because I bet your bottom dollar..."
A special, race-only version of the Ford Mustang built to compete against Ferraris and Porsches in major endurance races around the world. It features a massive rear wing and a loud, race-tuned V8 engine.
Purpose-built GT3 race car developed by Ford Performance and Multimatic, powered by a naturally aspirated 5.4-liter Coyote-based V8 engine. It represents Ford's return to global sports car racing, competing in major endurance events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Circuit of the Americas
"They've also moved the American Race to Cota, which I'm sure Tim will talk about in a minute."
A modern, world-class race track located in Austin, Texas. It was built specifically to host Formula 1 races in the United States and is famous for its steep hill leading into the very first corner.
A 5.513 km grade 1 FIA specification racing circuit located in Austin, Texas. Opened in 2012, it was the first facility in the US purpose-built for Formula 1 and features a signature steep climb to a blind Turn 1.
GTP
"Well, I don't know what the GTP manufacturer would think but certainly P2 teams..."
The fastest class of cars in American sports car racing. These are futuristic-looking hybrid prototypes built by major brands like Cadillac, Porsche, and BMW to showcase cutting-edge technology.
Grand Touring Prototype, the top-tier class in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. It features high-performance hybrid prototypes built to LMDh and LMH regulations, showcasing advanced technology from major manufacturers.
Ford Raptor
"...looked them up and threw them in the back of that Ford Raptor intervention vehicle or over the side of the Arm ..."
The Ford F-150 is a large, popular pickup truck. The "Raptor" version is a special model built to go very fast over dirt, bumps, and rough ground. In car racing, it is sometimes used as a quick-response truck to carry safety workers and equipment to an accident scene.
The Ford F-150, particularly in its high-performance Raptor trim, is a full-size pickup truck designed for high-speed off-road driving. It features a specialized long-travel suspension with Fox racing shocks and is powered by either a twin-turbo V6 or a supercharged V8 engine. Because of its ruggedness and speed over rough terrain, it is frequently used as a rapid-response safety and intervention vehicle in various motorsport disciplines.
TCR
"...it's gone to the number 77, Stallion Motorsport TCR car with Gawr Racing..."
A class of race cars based on everyday hatchbacks and sedans (like the Honda Civic or Hyundai Elantra) that are modified for racing with turbo engines and wide body kits.
Touring Car Racing, a popular set of global regulations for front-wheel-drive touring cars based on 4- or 5-door production hatchbacks or sedans. They are powered by 2.0-liter turbocharged engines, offering close, cost-effective racing.
BMW M4 GT3 Evo
"...we have a new car for Haas RT, bringing a BMW M4 GT3 Evo."
A race-only version of the BMW M4 sports coupe. The 'Evo' version has upgraded aerodynamics and suspension to make it easier and faster to drive in long endurance races.
High-performance customer racing car based on the G82-generation M4, powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. The 'Evo' package introduces optimized aerodynamics, improved tire wear, and updated suspension components to enhance drivability for gentleman drivers.
Audi R8
"Yeah, it's interesting because Haas obviously have been absolutely Audi R8 StorWarts for a number of years."
A famous mid-engine supercar made by Audi. It is highly regarded for being comfortable enough to drive every day while still offering incredible speed and a roaring V10 engine.
Mid-engine sports car powered by a high-revving naturally aspirated V10 engine shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo/Huracán. It is celebrated for its everyday usability combined with supercar performance and a distinctive gated manual transmission option in early generations.
Mercedes-AMG GT3
"Now, the GT3 Championship is currently being led by the Get Speed team, PCX Racing, Mercedes AMG."
A dedicated race car built by Mercedes-AMG. It is famous for its incredibly loud, rumbling V8 engine and its success in long-distance endurance races around the world.
Customer race car powered by a legendary, naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine (M159). It is highly regarded in endurance racing for its durability, user-friendly handling characteristics, and thunderous exhaust note.
Porsche 992S
"There's a single Leisure in GTX and there's that normal massive amount of 992s."
A race-ready version of the Porsche 911 built specifically for drivers to compete against each other in identical cars. It has a high-revving engine and no luxury features to save weight.
One of the world's most successful one-make racing cars, powered by a rear-mounted naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine. Based on the 992-generation 911, it is designed specifically for Porsche Carrera Cup championships worldwide.
Plymouth GTX
"...lly good performance. There's a single Leisure in GTX and there's that normal massive amount of 992s. W..."
The Plymouth GTX is a powerful, vintage two-door car made in America during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was built to be both fast and comfortable, featuring a very large engine for speed alongside a fancier interior than standard muscle cars of the time.
The Plymouth GTX is a classic muscle car produced from 1967 to 1971, marketed as a "gentleman's muscle car" that combined heavy-duty performance with upscale luxury. It came standard with a 440 cubic-inch V8 engine, with the legendary 426 Hemi available as an option, offering top-tier acceleration for its era. It was positioned as a more premium, refined alternative to Plymouth's budget-friendly Road Runner.
Red Bull Ring
"Whatever you call it, Red Bull Ring now. A1 Ring, I think it's the best way."
A beautiful race track located in the mountains of Austria. It is owned by Red Bull and is known for its steep hills and fast, simple layout.
A picturesque 4.318 km racing circuit located in Spielberg, Austria, owned by the energy drink company Red Bull. Originally known as the Österreichring and later the A1-Ring, it features dramatic elevation changes and short, fast laps.
cost cap
"...underlying room already spreading stuff like, oh, you're breaking the cost cap."
A rule in Formula 1 that limits how much money each team is allowed to spend on building and developing their cars each year, so rich teams can't just buy their way to victory.
Financial regulations introduced in Formula 1 to limit the amount of money teams can spend on car performance and development per calendar year, aiming to level the playing field and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
Adrian Newey
"What did Adrian Newey have to say? Lots of things."
A legendary British engineer who is considered the absolute master of designing Formula 1 cars. Cars he designed have won numerous world championships.
British motorsport engineer and aerodynamicist, widely regarded as one of the greatest car designers in Formula 1 history. He has designed championship-winning cars for Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull Racing, utilizing an unparalleled understanding of fluid dynamics.
undercut
"...and Joey Undercutme came out ahead because of new tyres."
A racing strategy where a driver makes a pit stop earlier than the car in front of them. By getting fresh, fast tires early, they can run faster laps and pass the other car when it finally stops.
A pit stop strategy where a trailing driver pits earlier than the car ahead to take advantage of the immediate grip of fresh tires, attempting to gain enough time to leapfrog the opponent when they eventually pit.
McLaren M2B
"This is tribute to the McLaren M2B. Really? Yes."
The very first Formula 1 car built by the famous McLaren team back in 1966. It was innovative for its time, using advanced lightweight materials for its body.
The very first Formula 1 racing car built by Bruce McLaren Motor Racing, debuting at the 1966 Monaco Grand Prix. It featured an innovative Mallite monocoque chassis and was powered by a variety of engines, including a Ford V8 and a Serene V8.
active aerodynamics
"Saying something didn't think that the active area didn't close."
Parts of a car's body (like wings or flaps) that automatically move while driving to help the car go faster on straightaways or grip the road better in corners.
Systems on a vehicle that dynamically adjust aerodynamic components (like wings, flaps, or diffusers) in real-time to optimize downforce, reduce drag, or balance the car based on speed and cornering forces.
energy harvesting
"...and what does so have very little opportunity for Tim. Harvesting energy. Exactly."
The way modern hybrid race cars capture energy that would normally be wasted—like heat from the exhaust or friction from braking—and turn it into electricity to give the car an extra power boost.
The process in modern hybrid racing powertrains (like F1's MGU-K and MGU-H) where kinetic energy from braking and heat energy from exhaust gases are captured and converted into electrical energy stored in a battery.
Sébastien Ogier
"...and it severely punished him and Sebastian Ocey took the championship."
One of the greatest rally drivers in history. He has won the World Rally Championship eight times and is famous for being incredibly smart and fast in difficult conditions.
French rally driver who has won eight World Rally Championship titles, placing him second in the all-time list behind Sébastien Loeb. He is renowned for his tactical brilliance, psychological strength, and mastery of diverse rally conditions.
Hyundai i20 N Rally1
"...because Hyundai have really struggled on tarmac with their i20 N rally one really since the car was first conceived."
A highly advanced, hybrid race car built by Hyundai to compete in the World Rally Championship. It looks like a small hatchback but is packed with rocket-like speed and heavy-duty suspension.
Top-tier hybrid rally car built for the WRC Rally1 regulations, featuring a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired with a 100kW electric motor. It represents Hyundai's factory effort in the World Rally Championship, designed to handle the most brutal gravel and tarmac stages.
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