Randy Pobst, Live Special Guest! — The Carmudgeon Show w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep 182
About this episode
Randy Pobst, the legendary SCCA Hall of Fame race car driver, joins Jason Cammisa and Derek Tam-Scott for a lively discussion filled with humor and racing anecdotes. The trio dives into Randy's extensive racing history, his love for quirky cars, and his unique take on road rage, which he humorously dubs 'road hyphen rage.' They also share stories from the track, including Randy's experiences with various vehicles, the challenges of modern car technology, and the thrill of driving at the limit. Expect plenty of laughs and insightful commentary on the automotive world.
Cadillac V16
"...a car. We're going to ignore the Chiseta Marauder V16 TV behind us. We just have one guest. Exactly. We..."
Mercury Marauder
"...which is a car. We're going to ignore the Chiseta Marauder V16 TV behind us. We just have one guest. Exactly..."
Rolex 24 Daytona
"...even though we won at the Rolex 24 Daytona twice."
The Rolex 24 at Daytona is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours. Teams race their cars around a track in Daytona, Florida, and it's known for being very challenging and exciting.
The Rolex 24 at Daytona is a prestigious endurance race held annually at Daytona International Speedway in Florida. It is part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and features a variety of sports car classes competing over a 24-hour period.
SCCA
"But you're in a good motor trend video. And yeah, well, you're an SCCA Hall of Fame race car driver."
The SCCA stands for the Sports Car Club of America. It's a group that organizes car races and events for people who love motorsports.
The SCCA, or Sports Car Club of America, is an organization that promotes motorsports and organizes various racing events across the United States. It is known for its grassroots racing programs and has a strong community of amateur racers.
Porsche 944S
"I was in hall to see our exes when the cool guys were racing Camaro's and Porsche 944's."
The Porsche 944 is a sporty car made by Porsche in the 1980s and early 1990s. It's appreciated for its good handling and fun to drive.
The Porsche 944 is a sports car produced by Porsche from 1982 to 1991. It is known for its balanced handling and performance, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Chevrolet Camaros
"Rindy's is not like, oh, I race cars like the schmucks across the street or someone or Rindy's Hall of Fame. Like, I have to be nice to you for that reason. I drove a lot of little cars. I raised little cars a lot. Like I was in GT when there were prototypes. And I was in hall to see our exes when the cool guys were racing Camaro's and Porsche 944's. We should touch also on, I think, your role in the history of the Miata."
Mazda Miata
"I claim. And I think this is right to be the first person ever to win a national championship in a Miata."
The Mazda Miata is a small, fun sports car that many people enjoy driving. It's known for being light and easy to handle, making it great for racing.
The Mazda Miata is a lightweight two-seater sports car that has gained a reputation for its fun driving experience and affordability. It has been a popular choice for racing and casual driving since its introduction in 1989.
Yugo
"I'm talking bad. I mean, okay, when I own the Yugo."
The Yugo is a small car that was made in Yugoslavia and sold in the U.S. a long time ago. It was cheap but not very well made.
The Yugo is a small car that was produced in the former Yugoslavia and became known for its low price and basic features. It was sold in the United States during the late 1980s and early 1990s but gained a reputation for poor quality.
understeering
"...I got out of the car and I thought, this understeering pile of shit, I can't believe how bad it was."
Understeering happens when a car doesn't turn as much as you want it to. It's like when you're trying to steer around a corner, but the car keeps going straight instead of turning. This can make driving feel less responsive and more difficult.
Understeering is a handling characteristic of a vehicle where the front tires lose grip before the rear tires, causing the car to turn less sharply than intended. This can lead to a situation where the driver has to steer more to achieve the desired turn, which can be frustrating, especially in performance driving.
BMW E30
"When we did the track day in the E30? Oh. Oh. Here, let's go."
The BMW E30 is a popular model of the 3 Series, known for its fun driving experience and classic look. It was made in the 1980s and early 1990s and is loved by many car fans.
The BMW E30 is the second generation of the BMW 3 Series, produced from 1982 to 1994. It's known for its classic styling and engaging driving dynamics, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
HPDE
"...it was an HPDE for novices. I know. It was a..."
HPDE means High-Performance Driving Experience. It's a chance for drivers to learn how to drive better on a racetrack, usually with help from instructors.
HPDE stands for High-Performance Driving Experience. It's an event where drivers can improve their skills on a racetrack in a controlled environment, often with instructors available to guide them.
Volkswagen Gtis
"So you raised GTIs a lot. Mark once. Back in the day. Autocrossed, right? My very first race car was a golf, not the high-falute and super-sporty GTI."
The Volkswagen GTI is a sporty version of the regular Golf car. It's known for being fun to drive and has a more powerful engine than the standard Golf.
The Volkswagen GTI is a high-performance variant of the Volkswagen Golf, known for its sporty handling and turbocharged engine. It has become an iconic model in the hot hatch segment since its introduction in the 1970s.
horsepower
"...they were rated in some places at 85 horsepower and they were rated in other places at 90."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement used to quantify the power of an engine. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, which directly correlates to a vehicle's performance and speed.
compression ratio
"...this is a long time ago. I think eight and a half to one compression and in other places at nine to one."
Compression ratio tells us how much an engine squeezes the fuel and air mixture before it burns. A higher number means more power, but it needs special fuel to work well.
The compression ratio is a measure of how much the engine compresses the air-fuel mixture before igniting it. A higher compression ratio can lead to more power and efficiency, but it also requires higher-octane fuel to prevent knocking.
McLaren Sabre
"...to straighten up the exit. That's how I set the lap record at Laguna in the Santa, the McLaren Santa at the time."
The McLaren Sabre is a supercar made by McLaren, known for being very fast and having great handling. It's built for people who love high-performance cars and want something special.
The McLaren Sabre is a limited-production supercar known for its high performance and advanced engineering. It features a powerful twin-turbo V8 engine and is designed for exceptional handling on both road and track.
twitchy
"The one I drove, the press car was so twitchy, loose. I couldn't carry speed through the corner."
When a car is described as 'twitchy', it means that it reacts quickly to the driver's steering, which can make it feel hard to handle, especially in turns.
In automotive terms, 'twitchy' refers to a car's tendency to be overly sensitive to steering inputs, making it feel unstable or difficult to control, especially at high speeds or during cornering.
drag race
"Just stop, turn, drag race. And it took a second and a half off my time."
A drag race is a type of car race where two cars race each other in a straight line to see which one is faster, usually over a short distance.
A drag race is a straight-line race between two vehicles, typically over a quarter-mile distance, focusing on acceleration and speed rather than handling or cornering.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
"That's why I suspect Miata Racing is so competitive because the cars are so unforgiving. You spend the lap trying, getting back the speed that you lost because you made one mistake."
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small sports car that is fun to drive. It's light and nimble, which makes it great for racing and handling corners well.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight, two-seat sports car known for its excellent handling and driving dynamics. It is often praised for its balance and responsiveness, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts and in racing scenarios.
BMW M4
"So M3 icons. We had to go out and M3 and M4."
The BMW M4 is like the M3 but in a two-door coupe style. It has a powerful engine and is built for performance driving.
The BMW M4 is the high-performance variant of the BMW 4 Series, similar to the M3 but with a two-door coupe design. It offers a powerful engine and sporty handling characteristics.
Thunderhill Raceway
"And there's that thunder hill, two mile thunder hill."
Thunderhill Raceway is a racetrack in California where cars can be driven fast in a safe environment. It's used for racing and driving events.
Thunderhill Raceway is a popular motorsports park located in California, known for its long track layout and diverse configurations that cater to various types of racing and driving events.
shock absorber
"But like it was you hit a hard hit, right? You hit a curb and the shock was fucked and it was seized and we didn't know."
A shock absorber is a part of a car that helps smooth out the ride by controlling how the car moves up and down when it hits bumps. It makes driving more comfortable and keeps the tires on the ground.
A shock absorber is a component of a vehicle's suspension system that dampens the impact of bumps and irregularities in the road. It helps maintain tire contact with the road for better handling and comfort.
tires
"Well, the tires are done multiple times over. So that's not really representative of what the car can do."
Tires are the rubber parts that help a car grip the road. They can wear out quickly, especially when driving fast or on a racetrack.
Tires are critical components of a vehicle that provide traction, handling, and stability. They wear down over time, especially during high-performance driving, affecting the car's performance.
drifting
"And you came in really hot under breaking and sort of flicked it a bit sideways and drifted the whole next corner."
Drifting is when a car slides sideways while turning. It's a way to show off driving skills and is often seen in car racing.
Drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing the rear wheels to lose traction while maintaining control of the vehicle. This is often used in motorsports and is characterized by the car sliding sideways through a corner.
Toyota Corolla
"Okay. I have a Toyota FX 16 Corolla. I have a little deal with Toyota."
Grassroots Motorsports Magazine
"...Thanks to Grassroots Motorsports Magazine, which used to be AutoX Magazine."
Grassroots Motorsports Magazine is a magazine that talks about car racing and car culture, especially for people who race their cars for fun. It helps readers learn more about cars and events.
Grassroots Motorsports Magazine is a publication focused on motorsports, particularly amateur racing and car culture. It provides resources, event coverage, and articles for car enthusiasts.
Honda CRX
"And I catch and pass a doctor and on to CRX. And right after I pass him, he tries to get me back in the next corner."
The Honda CRX is a small, sporty car that was made in the 1980s and 1990s. It's known for being fun to drive and is often used in racing.
The Honda CRX is a compact car that was produced from 1983 to 1991. It is known for its lightweight design and sporty handling, making it popular among car enthusiasts and for racing.
supercharged
"I was, I was racing an MR2 supercharged. I run this story."
Supercharging means adding a device to an engine that pushes more air into it, which helps the engine make more power. This makes the car go faster.
Supercharging is a method of forced induction that increases an engine's power output by compressing the intake air, allowing more air and fuel to enter the combustion chamber. This results in improved performance and acceleration.
Toyota MR2
"I was, I was racing an MR2 supercharged. I run this story."
The Toyota MR2 is a small sports car made by Toyota. It has the engine in the middle, which helps it handle well on the road, making it fun to drive.
The Toyota MR2 is a mid-engine sports car that was produced by Toyota from 1984 to 2007. It is known for its lightweight design and agile handling, making it popular among driving enthusiasts.
radiator
"...the radiator held."
The radiator is a part of the car that helps keep the engine cool by getting rid of heat. If it doesn't work well, the engine can get too hot and cause problems.
The radiator is a crucial component of a vehicle's cooling system, responsible for dissipating heat from the engine coolant. It helps maintain optimal engine temperature to prevent overheating.
Datsun 1600 Roadster
"...I had a Datsun 1600 Roadster that belonged to my buddy. And I was hauling a set of racing slicks to somewhere..."
The Datsun 1600 Roadster is a small, sporty car from the 1960s. It's known for being fun to drive and is often used in racing.
The Datsun 1600 Roadster is a classic sports car produced by Datsun in the 1960s. It is known for its lightweight design and sporty performance, making it popular among car enthusiasts and racers.
Volkswagen Beetle
"...I come up behind this, I think it was a new beetle. I can't remember."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a small car that has a unique round shape. It was very popular in the past and is known for its quirky design.
The Volkswagen Beetle is a classic compact car known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout. Originally designed in the 1930s, it became an iconic symbol of the 1960s and 1970s.
G-Wagon
"I was in G-Wagon. And I sent a woman in a..."
The G-Wagon is a fancy SUV made by Mercedes-Benz. It's known for being tough and stylish, often seen with rich and famous people.
The G-Wagon, or G-Class, is a luxury SUV produced by Mercedes-Benz, known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. It's popular among celebrities and off-road enthusiasts alike.
A-B-A-S brake assistant
"...full A-B-S. Oh. Because what those Mercedesists..."
A-B-A-S is a system that helps you brake harder when you really need to stop quickly, like in an emergency. It makes sure you stop as fast as possible.
A-B-A-S stands for Automatic Brake Assist System, which helps the driver apply maximum braking force in emergency situations, enhancing stopping power.
Nissan
"And they're all Nissan. So I think this is part of the California that's not particularly wealthy."
Nissan is a car company from Japan that makes many types of vehicles, from family cars to sports cars.
Nissan is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and sports cars.
Honda Civic
"What is it with that like 2007 generation Civic?"
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people drive. The 2007 version is part of a series that many people liked because it looks good and is easy to drive.
The Honda Civic is a compact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. The 2007 model belongs to the eighth generation of the Civic, which was popular among drivers for its sporty design and performance.
Ford F-150
"...we assume even when a car is blinding us that it's just the low beams on a Ford pickup truck. That's true."
The Ford F-150 is a big truck that many people use for work or to carry things. It's very popular and known for being tough and reliable.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that is part of the Ford F-Series. It is known for its durability, towing capacity, and is often used for both work and personal use.
Volkswagen Egolf
"...ll do that to them. Except I won't do that in the eGolf because I have really expensive HIDs. And I don't..."
Land Rover Range Rover
"Oh, yeah. The Range Rover. Well, you can be a personicity."
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
"No. I put you in the Range Rover sport. Look at that face."
Ford Gt350
"I don't mind. I've talked about GT350 and that car was... But hold on."
Dodge Charger
"...he next day when you were chasing me in the Dodge Charger Cop Car. When you said, I'm going to be three inc..."
Tesla Model 3
"... friend and jeweler. And that's how I crashed the Model 3 at Pike's Peak. The car had been handling so well..."
Ford Mustang
"...them to make this test work. You go to do it on a Mustang. You go to like a Shelby GT350 with a big meaty f..."
Shelby Gt350
"You go to do it on a Mustang. You go to like a Shelby GT350 with a big meaty front, the 305's on the front. W..."
Chevrolet C8
"...e to another story which is kind of fun about the C8 Corvette. I drove it at a press day when it was n..."
Porsche 911
"...liding the fronts, then you lift. This is the old 911 thing defined. If the fronts are sliding and you ..."
Porsche 911 GT3
"...the RS model, everything is better than a regular GT3. It's slider."
Tesla Rs Model
"...his makes me happy, even though it shouldn't, the RS model, everything is better than a regular GT3. It's sl..."
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
"...e likes cars like you do. And then I drove the .2 GT3 RS and GT2 RS .2. Beautifully balanced."
Lotus Exige
"And frustrating. Lotus Exige V6 Cup. That was probably a minus four on overste..."
Aston V12 Vantage S7
"I mean, it's mossy. That was my, the line in my V12 Vantage S7 speed manual video. It was like, you know, it's m..."
Porsche Career Gt
"...g's molded and just slide around the mold. Talk a career GT. Oh."
Porsche 911 Turbo
"And I had ridden with this guy. He used to have a 911 turbo that was one of the best, it was definitely the b..."
Pontiac Firebird
"...wait a minute what else do I have I have a lemons firebird and that my friend Nathan Amarall who built my sm..."
Chrysler New Yorker
"... you a bitch was not a compliment that's your new New Yorker thinking that that was a compliment it's not a co..."
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