The End of Pitt Race and Porsche's "Tunnel Mode"
About this episode
The episode dives into the controversial sale of Pitt Race, a beloved racetrack in Pennsylvania, and discusses its potential transformation into a data center. The hosts express their frustration over the implications for motorsports and community impact, while sharing personal anecdotes from their experiences at the track. They also explore Porsche's new 'Tunnel Mode' feature, which aims to enhance the driving experience by adjusting vehicle settings when approaching tunnels, sparking a debate about the necessity of such technology. The conversation is filled with humor, insights, and a touch of nostalgia.
Pitt Race has gone away to make way for an AI Data Center, and they're auctioning off literally everything, down to the urinals.
Also, Porsche has announced a new "tunnel mode" and, holy smokes, is it lame.
Articles mentioned in this episode:
https://savepittrace.org/index.html
https://savepittrace.org/content/Artificial%20Intelligence%20and%20the%20Data%20Center%20Paradox.pdf
Link to the auction:
https://www.kikoauctions.com/auctions/pittsburgh-international-race-complex-karts-cars-equipment
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Chevrolet Express
"...ur personal luxury vehicle, Shaughnessy Overland Express delivers with precision, privacy, and respect. T..."
The Chevrolet Express is a big van that can carry a lot of people or stuff. It's often used by businesses or families who need extra room.
The Chevrolet Express is a full-size van designed for commercial use and passenger transport. It is known for its durability and versatility, making it a popular choice for businesses and families needing extra space.
Maserati Ghibli
"...e or people can make photos of you looking Studio Ghibli style for some stupid reason. And there's a grea..."
The Maserati Ghibli is a fancy car that looks really nice and drives smoothly. It's made for people who want a luxurious experience while driving.
The Maserati Ghibli is a luxury sedan that combines Italian styling with performance and comfort. It is known for its powerful engines and elegant design, appealing to those seeking a premium driving experience.
racetrack facility
"you can't really build on on level ground. So like the environment itself will be forever changed. Here's another. This is anecdotal."
A racetrack facility is a place where cars race against each other. It has tracks and areas for cars to start and stop, and it's designed specifically for racing.
A racetrack facility is a designated area for motorsport events, including racing and testing vehicles. These facilities often include various track layouts, grandstands, and pit areas for teams and drivers.
Chevy Cobalt
"...Lordstown, which is famous for the Chevy Cobalt factory, and a town that relied totally on it,..."
The Chevy Cobalt is a small car made by Chevrolet, popular for being budget-friendly. It was made for several years and often used by businesses as company cars.
The Chevrolet Cobalt is a compact car that was produced by General Motors from 2004 to 2010. It was known for its affordability and was often used as a fleet vehicle.
data center
"...But if any place you would put a data center and it wouldn't change things very much, it would be Lordstown..."
A data center is a place where lots of computers are kept to store and manage data. They help run websites and services that need a lot of information.
A data center is a facility used to house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems. They are critical for managing large amounts of data and supporting cloud services.
Ford Taurus
"...they're already listing everything there for sale via Kiko auctions, including such things like they've got the Ford Tourists..."
The Ford Taurus is a car made by Ford that is known for being comfortable and good for families. It has been around for a long time and is often used by companies for their employees.
The Ford Taurus is a mid-size car that has been produced by Ford since 1985. It has been known for its comfort and practicality, making it a popular choice for families and fleet use.
Ford Crown
"...they've got the Ford Crown Victoria's with the push bumpers that they use for driver training..."
The Ford Crown Victoria is a large car that was made by Ford and is famous for being used by police and as taxis. It's known for being strong and having a lot of space inside.
The Ford Crown Victoria is a full-size car that was produced by Ford from 1991 to 2011. It is well-known for its use as a police car and taxi due to its durability and spacious interior.
pit race
"...let's talk about good memories of pit race. Yes. I was fortunate enough to go to the hooked on driving event that took place the last weekend that they were open..."
Pit race is a place where cars race against each other. It's often used for practice and competitions, allowing drivers to test their skills on a track.
Pit race refers to a motorsport event or track where cars compete, often involving timed sessions. It's a venue for both amateur and professional racing events, providing opportunities for drivers to improve their skills.
hooked on driving
"...I was fortunate enough to go to the hooked on driving event that took place the last weekend that they were open..."
Hooked on Driving is a group that organizes events where people can drive their cars on a racetrack. It's a fun way for car lovers to enjoy their vehicles in a safe place.
Hooked on Driving is an organization that provides driving experiences and events for car enthusiasts, focusing on performance driving in a safe and controlled environment.
Ford Mustang
"...including two during my three sessions. One was a Mustang. One of them during a checkered flag lap..."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that many people recognize. It's known for being fast and stylish, and it's been around for a long time, making it a classic choice for car enthusiasts.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its performance and style. It has been in production since 1964 and has undergone several generations of design and engineering improvements.
Mazda Miata
"...eah. And I saw many more cars off track. I saw a Miata off track on the warm up lap. I got passed by lik..."
Audi R8
"...I got passed by like this Audi R8 race car thing and like a lap later..."
The Audi R8 is a luxury sports car that looks really cool and goes very fast. It's known for its powerful engine and stylish design, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The Audi R8 is a high-performance sports car known for its sleek design and powerful engine options. It features advanced technology and is available in both coupe and convertible variants.
yaw
"...Do you know what happens when you lose control of a vehicle and slide out? Well, I fought the yaw and the yaw won..."
Yaw is what happens when a car turns too much and starts to slide sideways. It's important for drivers to control yaw to avoid losing control of the vehicle.
Yaw refers to the rotation of a vehicle around its vertical axis, which can cause the car to slide or spin out if not controlled properly. It is an important concept in vehicle dynamics, especially during high-speed maneuvers.
Porsche 911
"I didn't even have my 911 yet. And I did the extreme experience like track day thing..."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people dream of driving. It's known for its speed and unique shape.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It has been a staple in the sports car segment since its introduction in the early 1960s.
Buick Century
"...s experience for somebody who had driven a Buick Century and a Sable wagon is my only cars at that point. ..."
Audi A4
"...with our friends, moms, Mercury Sable. Oh, nice. Yes. And our other friend Audi A4."
The Audi A4 is a car made by Audi, known for being well-built and having lots of technology features. It's a popular choice for those looking for a stylish and comfortable ride.
The Audi A4 is a compact executive car that has been produced since 1994. It is known for its high-quality interior, advanced technology, and strong performance.
autocross
"people in the Mercury Sable doing the autocross course. And then I had my first off track spin"
Autocross is a type of car racing where drivers go through a course marked by cones. Each driver races alone, and the goal is to finish the course in the shortest time possible.
Autocross is a timed competition where drivers navigate one at a time through a defined course on either a sealed or unsealed surface. It emphasizes precision and skill rather than speed.
Acura NSX
"I rode with a different friend in an NSX and I threw the keys to my buddy for the S 2000."
The Acura NSX is a fast sports car made by Acura, known for its sleek design and powerful engine. It's popular among car enthusiasts for its performance.
The Acura NSX is a high-performance sports car known for its mid-engine layout and advanced technology. It was originally produced from 1990 to 2005 and was reintroduced in 2016 with a hybrid powertrain.
S2000
"I threw the keys to my buddy for the S 2000. Well, he didn't know the rules."
The Honda S2000 is a small sports car made by Honda. It's known for being fun to drive and has a powerful engine that can rev very high.
The Honda S2000 is a two-seat roadster known for its high-revving engine and excellent handling. Produced from 1999 to 2009, it has a strong following among sports car enthusiasts.
pit maneuver
"I also did a pit maneuver during the lemons race entitled pit maneuver. Oh no. Did you do this on purpose?"
A pit maneuver is when a car is nudged from behind to make it spin out. It's a tactic used in racing and sometimes by police to stop a car quickly.
A pit maneuver is a technique used in motorsport and police pursuits to forcefully spin an opponent's vehicle, usually by hitting the rear quarter panel. It's often used to regain control in a race or to stop a fleeing vehicle.
Honda Odyssey
"...they were in a Honda Odyssey, like the earlier ones. So lower center of gravity, but I'm still watching..."
The Honda Odyssey is a family minivan that has a lot of space for passengers and cargo. The earlier versions are designed to be lower to the ground, which helps with stability while driving.
The Honda Odyssey is a minivan known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. Earlier models, like the one mentioned, are recognized for their lower center of gravity, which can affect handling and stability.
drift
"...if you have a terrible car and you're just trying to slide it around on purpose. I guess I learned how to drift or something."
Drifting is when a driver makes their car slide sideways while turning. It's a cool driving skill that looks impressive and is often done in racing.
Drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing the rear wheels to lose traction while maintaining control of the vehicle. It's often used in motorsport and can be a fun way to navigate corners at speed.
track day
"...if you have a terrible car and you're just trying to slide it around on purpose. I guess I learned how to drift or something."
A track day is when you can take your car to a racetrack and drive it fast. It's safe and fun because you're not on regular roads with other cars.
A track day is an event where car enthusiasts can drive their vehicles on a racetrack, often in a controlled environment. It's a great opportunity to test a car's performance and handling without the risks of public roads.
Switch Cars
"Switch cars is the enthusiast dealership where we buy, sell and consign only cars that we like ourselves. Check out our handpicked inventory online at switchcars.com and mention switchcast for special pricing."
Switch Cars is a dealership that sells cars they really like. You can check out their selection online or visit their showroom in Twinsburg, Ohio.
Switch Cars is an enthusiast dealership that focuses on buying, selling, and consigning cars that the owners personally like. They offer a curated inventory for car enthusiasts.
exhaust bypass valve
"...an extra valve exhaust. It bypasses the resonators like it quote unquote straight pipes that are something fun like that. Well, let's read the article from our auto blog highlights anyway."
An exhaust bypass valve changes how the exhaust system works, making the car sound louder or sportier. It's like having a switch that changes the car's voice when you want it to be more exciting.
An exhaust bypass valve allows exhaust gases to flow through a different path, often to enhance performance or sound. This can create a more aggressive exhaust note, especially in performance vehicles.
stability management
"One of them, speaking of pit race, I encountered this past week. And this is not a typically, typically, this is not a particularly new feature, but it is stability management."
Stability management is a safety feature in cars that helps keep the vehicle stable, especially when driving on slippery roads. It can automatically apply brakes to help prevent accidents.
Stability management refers to a system in vehicles that helps maintain control during slippery conditions or aggressive driving. It works by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels to prevent skidding and loss of control.
brake overheating
"...it was pulsing the rear brakes. So it overheated the rear brakes so much that one lap before the end of the session, I lost my brakes..."
When brakes get too hot from being used a lot, they can stop working well. This is called brake overheating, and it can make it hard to stop the car safely.
Brake overheating occurs when the brakes are used excessively, causing them to reach temperatures beyond their optimal operating range. This can lead to brake fade, reduced stopping power, and potential failure.
electronic parking brake
"...to be able to undo or like release the electronic parking brake so you can change your brakes. That's insane. Insanity..."
An electronic parking brake is a type of brake that you control with a button instead of a lever. It can be tricky to release if you're trying to change the brakes yourself.
An electronic parking brake is a modern alternative to the traditional handbrake, using electronic controls to engage and disengage the brake. This system often requires specific procedures to release, especially when servicing brakes.
Lamborghini Diablo
".... Not true. If you have ever driven a Lamborghini Diablo, I like that feature as a backup. Yes. As an ext..."
The Lamborghini Diablo is a very flashy and fast sports car that was made a long time ago. It's famous for its cool looks and is a dream car for many people.
The Lamborghini Diablo is a classic supercar that was produced in the 1990s and early 2000s, known for its striking design and incredible performance. It represents the pinnacle of Italian automotive engineering and is highly sought after by collectors.
Toyota Sequoia
"Hmm. It's a V eight Toyota. It's like a RAV four. Is this Sequoia? No, so I like where they went with this..."
The Toyota Sequoia is a large SUV made by Toyota. It has a lot of space inside and is good for family trips or driving on rough roads.
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV that offers a spacious interior and powerful V8 engine options, making it suitable for families and off-road adventures.
Toyota RAV4
"It's essentially the Lexus version of the RAV four. Does it have a V eight? No, no, it's just like better..."
The Toyota RAV4 is a smaller SUV from Toyota. It's known for being practical and good on gas, making it a favorite for many drivers.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV known for its versatility, fuel efficiency, and reliability, making it a popular choice among consumers.
Volvo 900
"Uh, Volvo knew. Yes. And it looks a little lower. 93. No, it's like, it's some convertible 9,000. I think is what it is."
The Volvo 900 is a series of cars made by Volvo in the late 80s and early 90s. They are known for being safe and reliable, making them popular family cars.
The Volvo 900 series was produced from the late 1980s to the early 1990s and is known for its durability and safety features. It includes various body styles, including sedans and wagons, and has a reputation for being a reliable family car.
Bmw M
"...There's, does he belong to a fraternity? Is it a BMW M new package, like M sport package? That's a good ..."
The BMW M Coupe (E36) is a sporty car that is fun to drive and looks really sleek. It's loved by car fans for how well it handles on the road.
The BMW M Coupe (E36) is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, known for its sporty design and exceptional handling. It has a dedicated following among driving enthusiasts for its balance of power and agility.
Tesla Model
"...h. This is worse. Worse is worse. It's a, it's a Tesla model Y. Oh, yeah. Okay. It's pretty gross. All right. ..."
The Tesla Model Y is a type of electric car that looks like a small SUV. It's known for being very high-tech and having a lot of space inside, which makes it a popular choice for families.
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact SUV that combines the practicality of an SUV with Tesla's advanced technology and performance. It has gained popularity for its spacious interior, impressive range, and cutting-edge features, making it a significant player in the electric vehicle market.
Toyota Supra
"...could be a Miata. Nope. Um, it could be a Toyota Supra. Nope. Um, I guess the same things all the time. ..."
The Toyota Supra is a fast sports car that many people love because it can go really quickly and handle well on the road. It's also popular for racing and customizing.
The Toyota Supra is a legendary sports car known for its performance and tuning potential, especially among car enthusiasts. It has a rich history dating back to the 1970s and is often celebrated for its powerful engines and agile handling.
Dodge Viper
"... it? Yep. Uh, for you, Doug, I a coca, uh, Dodge Viper. No, Jen one. It is not. Uh, early nineties Chry..."
The Dodge Viper is a super-fast sports car that has a really strong engine and a unique look. It's loved by car fans for how exciting it is to drive.
The Dodge Viper is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful V10 engine and distinctive design. It has a cult following among car enthusiasts and is celebrated for its raw driving experience and track capabilities.
Chrysler LeBaron
"...k this is early nineties or late eighties. It's a LeBaron and it's a pace car. That's good. It is an Indy ..."
The Chrysler LeBaron is an older car that was popular for its convertible version, which means you can drive it with the top down. It's a classic car that many people remember from the past.
The Chrysler LeBaron is a classic car that was popular in the 1980s and 1990s, known for its convertible option and comfortable ride. It represents a bygone era of American automotive design and is often remembered fondly by enthusiasts.
Cadillac Escalade
"...am was his with Z's was his. Uh, is this like an escalade? Nope. Well, good guess. Okay. Is it like a Corv..."
The Cadillac Escalade is a big, fancy SUV that has a lot of room inside and comes with lots of luxury features. It's often chosen by people who want a stylish and comfortable vehicle.
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior, premium features, and bold styling. It has become a symbol of luxury and status, often seen as a favorite among celebrities and affluent buyers.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...lade? Nope. Well, good guess. Okay. Is it like a Corvette? Nope. Cadillac CT4V. Okay. No, CT, CTS for what..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a classic American sports car that looks really cool and can go super fast. It's famous for being fun to drive and has been around for many years.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its sleek design and high performance. It has been a symbol of American automotive engineering since its introduction in the 1950s and continues to be celebrated for its speed and handling.
Cadillac CTS
"...e a Corvette? Nope. Cadillac CT4V. Okay. No, CT, CTS for whatever they call it anyway. Okay. But I ran..."
The Cadillac CTS is a nice car that offers a lot of luxury and comfort. It's designed for people who want a stylish and smooth ride.
The Cadillac CTS is a luxury sedan that combines performance with upscale features and technology. It has been praised for its stylish design and driving dynamics, making it a strong competitor in the luxury car segment.
Ford Shelby Gt500
"...y've traded it in because it's now a 2013 Mustang Shelby GT500. Ooh, okay. Big power. Yeah. Big power. Not enou..."
The Ford Shelby GT500 is a super-fast version of the Mustang, which is a popular American car. It's known for being really powerful and fun to drive.
The Ford Shelby GT500 is a high-performance variant of the Mustang, known for its powerful supercharged V8 engine and track-ready capabilities. It represents the pinnacle of Mustang performance and is a favorite among muscle car enthusiasts.
Cadillac CT4
"...io plate here for you that is was hers. Cadillac CT4. No, it is not. This is actually no relation to t..."
The Cadillac CT4 is a smaller luxury car that is designed to be comfortable and stylish. It's made for people who want a nice car with modern features.
The Cadillac CT4 is a compact luxury sedan that offers a blend of performance, technology, and comfort. It is part of Cadillac's effort to attract younger buyers with modern styling and advanced features.
Kia Soul
"...s the plate. Oh, this is a Volkswagen bug or Kia soul. No, or Nissan cube. No, uh, smart car. No, a rea..."
The Kia Soul is a small car that looks a bit like a box. It's popular because it's fun to drive and has a lot of space inside for passengers and stuff.
The Kia Soul is a compact crossover known for its distinctive boxy shape and versatile interior. It appeals to a wide range of buyers with its unique style, practicality, and affordability.
Hyundai Accent
"...ave like the highest rate of DUIs and the highest accent rate. Oh, yeah. That's amazing. It's a bad stere..."
The Hyundai Accent is a small and budget-friendly car that is easy to drive and saves on gas. It's a good choice for people looking for an affordable vehicle.
The Hyundai Accent is a subcompact car known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It is often recommended for first-time car buyers due to its low cost and reliability.
Nissan Altima
"...e on the road, I can understand. It's the Nissan Altima of trucks. Thank you for joining us for switch c..."
The Nissan Altima is a regular car that many people use to get around. It's known for being comfortable and good on gas, making it a popular choice for everyday driving.
The Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan known for its comfortable ride, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It has been a popular choice for families and commuters due to its balance of features and affordability.
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