{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"This Is a STREET-LEGAL Formula Car (Yes, Really) — RYN Motors Founder EXPLAINS Everything","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/this-is-a-street-legal-formula-car-yes-really-ryn-motors-founder-explains-everything","audioUrl":"https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSN6582535130.mp3","description":"A street-legal formula car sounds like internet nonsense.\nUntil you meet Caleb Borgstrom.\n\nIn this episode of Full Throttle Talk, Tim Harris sits down with one of the founders of RYN Motors to tear apart one of the most unreasonable automotive ideas in years — and why it might actually work.\n\nThis isn’t a concept render.\nThis isn’t a YouTube kit car.\nThis is a real, engineered, road-registrable, formula-style machine built by someone who got tired of being told, “That’s impossible.”\n\nIn this episode, we get into the uncomfortable questions:\n\n\n  \nWhy Caleb refused to accept that formula cars should be track-only\n\n\n\n  \nThe exact moment this went from a sketch to “we’re actually building this”\n\n\n\n  \nChassis, suspension, engine, and gearbox decisions nobody agrees on\n\n\n\n  \nThe hardest engineering and regulatory problems — and how they reshaped the car\n\n\n\n  \nLap times vs. reliability vs. drivability (something always loses)\n\n\n\n  \nWhat “street legal” really means in the real world\n\n\n\n  \nWho should absolutely NOT buy this car\n\n\n\n  \nPricing, customization limits, delivery reality, and long-term support\n\n\n\n\nThis conversation isn’t marketing fluff.\nIt’s about tradeoffs, consequences, and obsession — the stuff most founders won’t say out loud.\n\nIf you’re tired of:\n\n\n  \nOverweight supercars\n\n\n\n  \nTrack toys that can’t survive real use\n\n\n\n  \n“Driver’s cars” built by committees\n\n\n\n\n…this episode is for you.\n\nSubscribe to Full Throttle Talk for unfiltered conversations with the builders who refuse to play it safe.\n\nConnect with Us\n\nPaul Kramer\n714-335-4911paul@autokennel.com\nInstagram / Facebook: @autokennel\n\n\n\nDavid Van Epps\n704-799-7680dave@sonderwerks.com\nInstagram / Facebook: @sonderwerks\n\n\n\nTim Harris\n512-758-0206 (text only)tim@timandjulieharris.com"},"annotations":[{"startTime":19.7,"endTime":24.3,"type":"concept","title":"Formula 3","url":"/glossary/formula-3","quote":"...this guy who's claiming he can sell a formula three car for the road and I'm like, I like racing. I used to work in any car team.","canonicalId":"concept:formula-3","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Formula 3 is a category of single-seater auto racing that serves as a stepping stone for drivers aspiring to compete in higher levels of motorsport, such as Formula 1. These cars are designed for high performance and are often used in junior racing series around the world.","simplifiedExplanation":"Formula 3 is a type of racing that features small, fast cars with open wheels. It's a place where many race car drivers start their careers before moving up to bigger racing series like Formula 1."}},{"startTime":38.8,"endTime":40.1,"type":"concept","title":"street legal","url":"/glossary/street-legal","quote":"...not only is it real, but these things are going to be street legal. And so here's what I want all of you to open your minds to...","canonicalId":"concept:street-legal","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Street legal refers to vehicles that meet the legal requirements to be driven on public roads. This includes compliance with safety, emissions, and noise regulations set by local authorities.","simplifiedExplanation":"A street legal car is one that you can drive on regular roads without getting in trouble with the law. It has to follow certain rules to be safe and not too noisy or polluting."}},{"startTime":54.2,"endTime":59.56,"type":"car","title":"Porsche 911","url":"/cars/porsche/911","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/2013_Porsche_911_Carrera_4S_%28991%29_%289626546987%29.jpg","quote":"...you wouldn't, as you put fancy suspension on your 911 or fancy suspension on your Miata,  thinking it's...","canonicalId":"car:porsche:911","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"imageAttribution":"David Villarreal Fernández (CC BY-SA 2.0)"}},{"startTime":54.2,"endTime":59.8,"type":"term","title":"suspension","url":"/glossary/suspension","quote":"And so you wouldn't, as you put fancy suspension on your 911 or fancy suspension on your Miata, thinking it's me a race car for the road.","canonicalId":"term:suspension","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Suspension refers to the system of springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels, allowing for better handling and comfort. Upgrading suspension components can improve a car's performance, especially in racing or spirited driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"Suspension is the part of a car that helps it ride smoothly over bumps and turns. Upgrading it can make a car handle better and feel more stable when driving fast."}},{"startTime":54.2,"endTime":59.56,"type":"car","title":"Mazda Miata","url":"/cars/mazda/mx-5-miata","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/2021_Mazda_MX-5_Miata_RF_Club.jpg","quote":"And so you wouldn't, as you put fancy suspension on your 911 or fancy suspension on your Miata, thinking it's me a race car for the road.","canonicalId":"car:mazda:mx-5-miata","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Mazda Miata is a lightweight, two-seat roadster known for its agile handling and fun driving experience. It's popular among car enthusiasts for its affordability and potential for modifications.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Mazda Miata is a small sports car that is fun to drive and easy to handle. Many people like to change parts on it to make it go faster or handle better.","imageAttribution":"Yaktatel (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":375.0,"endTime":378.1,"type":"concept","title":"formula car for the street","url":"/glossary/formula-car-for-the-street","quote":"...about kind of having a formula car for the street. It's just kind of like something that's been talked about. It's been a dream that a lot of people have had.","canonicalId":"concept:formula-car-for-the-street","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A formula car for the street refers to a vehicle designed with the performance characteristics of a racing formula car, but modified for legal use on public roads. These cars often feature lightweight construction, high-performance engines, and advanced aerodynamics, making them thrilling to drive.","simplifiedExplanation":"A formula car for the street is a type of car that has racing features but is made to be driven on regular roads. They are built to be very fast and exciting, similar to race cars you see on tracks."}},{"startTime":527.9,"endTime":530.5,"type":"part","title":"custom fabricated parts","url":"/glossary/custom-fabricated-parts","quote":"It was a mix of a lot of custom fabricated parts. And then also a lot of kind of parts that are currently existing...","canonicalId":"part:custom-fabricated-parts","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Custom fabricated parts are components that are specifically designed and built for a unique application, often tailored to meet the specific needs of a project or vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"These are parts made specially for a project instead of being bought off the shelf. They are created to fit a specific purpose or design."}},{"startTime":532.4,"endTime":535.6,"type":"concept","title":"prototype","url":"/glossary/prototype","quote":"because the goal with the prototype was to kind of create it, actually kind of build something up with materials...","canonicalId":"concept:prototype","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A prototype is an early sample or model of a product used to test a concept or process. In automotive terms, it often refers to a vehicle built to evaluate design and performance before full-scale production.","simplifiedExplanation":"A prototype is a first version of something that is made to test how it works. In cars, it's usually a model built to see if the design and features are good before making more of them."}},{"startTime":552.1,"endTime":555.4,"type":"concept","title":"F4 cars","url":"/glossary/f4-cars","quote":"as well as like a lot of parts from like F4 cars at F 1000s. That's a really common thing...","canonicalId":"concept:f4-cars","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"F4 cars refer to a category of single-seater racing cars that are designed for entry-level motorsport. They are typically used in junior racing series to help drivers progress to higher levels of competition.","simplifiedExplanation":"F4 cars are a type of race car used in beginner racing leagues. They are made for new drivers to learn and compete before moving to faster, more advanced cars."}},{"startTime":552.1,"endTime":555.4,"type":"concept","title":"F1000s","url":"/glossary/f1000s","quote":"as well as like a lot of parts from like F4 cars at F 1000s. That's a really common thing...","canonicalId":"concept:f1000s","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"F1000s are a class of open-wheel racing cars that are designed for competition in the F1000 series. These cars typically feature a lightweight design and powerful engines, making them suitable for high-speed racing.","simplifiedExplanation":"F1000s are a type of race car used in a specific racing series. They are known for being fast and lightweight, making them great for racing on tracks."}},{"startTime":717.2,"endTime":720.3,"type":"part","title":"carbon fiber","url":"/glossary/carbon-fiber","quote":"...this is a carbon fiber and a tube chassis. Get into the get into the high nerd stuff just so that people listening...","canonicalId":"part:carbon-fiber","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Carbon fiber is a lightweight and strong material commonly used in high-performance vehicles to reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity. It is often used in the construction of chassis, body panels, and other components to enhance performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Carbon fiber is a strong and light material used in cars to make them faster and more efficient. It's often found in parts like the frame and body of high-performance vehicles."}},{"startTime":755.4,"endTime":758.9,"type":"term","title":"chassis","url":"/glossary/chassis","quote":"And so what we did to the chassis will kind of back and forth. OK, do you do steel tube, which is really cost effective, a space frame steel tube chassis, do you do a full carbon monocoque?","canonicalId":"term:chassis","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The chassis is the base frame of a vehicle that supports the body and components. It plays a crucial role in the vehicle's structural integrity and handling characteristics.","simplifiedExplanation":"The chassis is like the skeleton of a car. It holds everything together and affects how the car drives and feels on the road."}},{"startTime":816.2,"endTime":818.5,"type":"concept","title":"Coda","url":"/glossary/coda","quote":"There's some awesome tracks around Austin. There's Coda. How difficult will it be for me to literally arrive and drive?","canonicalId":"concept:coda","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Coda refers to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), a prominent racetrack in Austin, Texas, known for hosting various motorsport events, including Formula 1 races. It's a popular venue for both professional racing and track days.","simplifiedExplanation":"Coda is a famous racetrack in Austin where car races happen. It's a place where people can go to watch races or even drive their own cars on the track."}},{"startTime":830.1,"endTime":834.7,"type":"company","title":"Bilstein","url":"/glossary/bilstein","quote":"I mean, the current kind of supplier that we have locked in right now is Bilstein.","canonicalId":"company:bilstein","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Bilstein is a well-known manufacturer of shock absorbers and suspension systems, often used in performance and racing applications.","simplifiedExplanation":"Bilstein makes parts that help cars handle better by controlling how the suspension moves, especially during high-speed driving."}},{"startTime":881.6,"endTime":882.8,"type":"term","title":"front nose lift","url":"/glossary/front-nose-lift","quote":"the limiting factor might be a lack of a front nose lift. Have you looked at look into doing something like that?","canonicalId":"term:front-nose-lift","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A front nose lift refers to a mechanism that raises the front of a vehicle to avoid scraping on inclines or speed bumps. This feature is particularly useful for low-slung sports cars to improve everyday usability without compromising performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"A front nose lift is a system that can raise the front part of a car. It's helpful for avoiding damage when driving over bumps or steep driveways."}},{"startTime":931.9,"endTime":932.9,"type":"term","title":"motor","url":"/glossary/motor","quote":"All right, now let's do a big reveal. Let's talk about the motor.","canonicalId":"term:motor","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"In automotive terms, 'motor' typically refers to the engine, which is the component that converts fuel into mechanical energy to power the vehicle. Understanding the motor is crucial for discussing performance and efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"The motor is another word for the engine, which makes the car go by turning fuel into energy. It's a key part of how a car works."}},{"startTime":932.9,"endTime":933.84,"type":"term","title":"transmission","url":"/glossary/transmission","quote":"Let's talk about the transmission.","canonicalId":"term:transmission","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The transmission is the system that transfers power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to move. It can be automatic or manual, affecting how the driver interacts with the vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"The transmission is what helps the car move by sending power from the engine to the wheels. It can change gears automatically or manually, depending on the type."}},{"startTime":956.2,"endTime":959.82,"type":"term","title":"cc","quote":"...it's going to actually have an 1100 cc...","canonicalId":"term:cc","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"CC stands for cubic centimeters and is a measure of engine displacement. It indicates the size of the engine and is often used to gauge the power output of the engine.","simplifiedExplanation":"CC, or cubic centimeters, is a way to measure how big an engine is. A higher number usually means the engine can produce more power."}},{"startTime":959.82,"endTime":964.4,"type":"term","title":"horsepower","url":"/glossary/horsepower","quote":"four cylinder motorcycle engine that has 220 horsepower and weight. And the motor itself, the reason we chose that, I'll dive into in a second.","canonicalId":"term:horsepower","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the output of engines. In automotive terms, it indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, affecting a vehicle's speed and acceleration.","simplifiedExplanation":"Horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be."}},{"startTime":966.8,"endTime":970.8,"type":"term","title":"RPM","url":"/glossary/rpm","quote":"But yeah. And yeah, 220 horsepower and a 13000 RPM red line. And I think that the motorcycle engine was perfect","canonicalId":"term:rpm","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"RPM stands for revolutions per minute, a measure of how many times an engine's crankshaft makes a full rotation every minute. It indicates the engine speed and is crucial for understanding performance characteristics.","simplifiedExplanation":"RPM shows how fast the engine is spinning. A higher RPM means the engine is working harder and can produce more power, especially at higher speeds."}},{"startTime":982.6,"endTime":986.0,"type":"term","title":"zero to 60 time","url":"/glossary/zero-to-60-time","quote":"It's fast. I mean, the zero to 60 is about 2.8 seconds. It's it's really, really quick.","canonicalId":"term:zero-to-60-time","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Zero to 60 time measures how quickly a vehicle can accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric used to gauge a car's acceleration capabilities.","simplifiedExplanation":"Zero to 60 time tells you how fast a car can go from a stop to 60 miles per hour. A lower number means the car is quicker off the line."}},{"startTime":1030.5,"endTime":1033.2,"type":"term","title":"paddle shifters","url":"/glossary/paddle-shifters","quote":"...have integrated them with paddle shifters. So kind of the aim has systems were able to integrate the shifter to actually function with paddle shift.","canonicalId":"term:paddle-shifters","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Paddle shifters are controls mounted on the steering wheel that allow the driver to manually change gears in an automatic or semi-automatic transmission. They provide a more engaging driving experience by enabling quick gear changes without taking hands off the wheel.","simplifiedExplanation":"Paddle shifters are levers on the steering wheel that let you change gears in a car without using a clutch. They make it easier to shift gears quickly while driving."}},{"startTime":1180.0,"endTime":1185.7,"type":"term","title":"brake bias","url":"/glossary/brake-bias","quote":"...of bias that goes to front or rear brakes, which is really that's one of the things that you see formula car drivers, especially formula one drivers doing active...","canonicalId":"term:brake-bias","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Brake bias refers to the distribution of braking force between the front and rear wheels of a vehicle. Adjusting brake bias can help improve handling and stability during braking, especially in racing scenarios where conditions vary significantly.","simplifiedExplanation":"Brake bias is how much stopping power goes to the front wheels versus the back wheels. Changing this can help a car stop better depending on the situation, like going around a turn."}},{"startTime":1400.5,"endTime":1403.7,"type":"concept","title":"kick car","url":"/glossary/kick-car","quote":"So you register as a kick car and that's fine, depending on where you're at. A little bit of a lengthy process, pretty time consuming.","canonicalId":"concept:kick-car","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A 'kick car' refers to a vehicle that is built from a kit or assembled from parts, often for the purpose of being registered as a street-legal vehicle. This process can involve various legal and regulatory hurdles depending on the jurisdiction.","simplifiedExplanation":"A kick car is a type of car that you build yourself from a kit. You have to make sure it meets local laws to drive it on the road."}},{"startTime":1951.1,"endTime":1956.1,"type":"part","title":"six point harness","url":"/glossary/six-point-harness","quote":"...substantially less safe than a six point harness, but you can't use the six point harness. And I think a lot of it comes to being able to pull someone out...","canonicalId":"part:six-point-harness","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A six point harness is a type of safety belt used in racing and high-performance driving that secures the driver with two shoulder straps and two lap belts, providing better restraint and safety during high-speed maneuvers or crashes.","simplifiedExplanation":"A six point harness is a special seatbelt used in race cars. It has more straps than a regular seatbelt, which helps keep you safer in case of an accident."}},{"startTime":2457.28,"endTime":2461.56,"type":"car","title":"Ford Mustang","url":"/cars/ford/mustang","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/13/1966_Ford_Mustang_coupe_white_001.jpg","quote":"...mall manufacturers that are making cars, Ravology Mustang and all these other  guys that are making basical...","canonicalId":"car:ford:mustang","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that has been in production since 1964. It represents a blend of performance, style, and affordability, making it a symbol of freedom and rebellion in automotive culture. Its significance in the automotive world often leads to discussions about its influence on car design and the muscle car segment.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that people love for its powerful engine and cool looks. It's been around for a long time and is often seen as a symbol of American cars. Many car enthusiasts talk about it because it has a rich history and a strong following.","imageAttribution":"Hans-Jürgen Neubert (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":2768.44,"endTime":2773.98,"type":"car","title":"Tesla Roadster","url":"/cars/tesla/roadster","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/02/Nederlandse_Tesla_Roadster_Signature_250.jpg","quote":"...have to give their $50,000 deposits for the Tesla Roadster?  Was it $50,000?","canonicalId":"car:tesla:roadster","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Tesla Roadster is an all-electric sports car that was first introduced in 2008 and is known for its impressive speed and range. It is significant as it marked Tesla's entry into the high-performance vehicle market and helped to establish the brand as a leader in electric vehicle technology. The upcoming second-generation Roadster promises even more advanced features and performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Tesla Roadster is a fast electric sports car that can go really far on a single charge. It's important because it shows that electric cars can be exciting and powerful, not just practical. People are talking about it because it's getting a new version that will be even better.","imageAttribution":"Logti (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":2785.96,"endTime":2787.2,"type":"car","title":"Tesla Cybertruck","url":"/cars/tesla/cybertruck","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/2024_Tesla_Cybertruck_Foundation_Series_IMG_0576.jpg","quote":"...'t even know it was $50,000 deposit.  I think the Cybertruck was $100.  Yeah, but think about this.","canonicalId":"car:tesla:cybertruck","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck that features a unique angular design and is built for durability and utility. Its significance lies in its innovative approach to the traditional truck market, aiming to combine performance, utility, and sustainability. The Cybertruck has generated a lot of buzz due to its unconventional design and advanced technology.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Tesla Cybertruck is a futuristic-looking electric truck that stands out because of its unusual shape. It's designed to be tough and useful for work while being environmentally friendly. People are excited about it because it offers a new take on what a truck can be.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":3521.32,"endTime":3524.56,"type":"car","title":"Mclaren 720","url":"/cars/mclaren/720s","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a2/Atlantic_Blue_Mclaren_720S_at_Geneva_2018_%28Ank_Kumar%29.jpg","quote":"...ultimate driver's car?  Now it's like, oh, it's a McLaren 720 here.  It's a Ferrari speciale.","canonicalId":"car:mclaren:720s","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The McLaren 720S is a high-performance supercar known for its incredible speed, advanced engineering, and lightweight construction. It is significant in the automotive world as it represents the pinnacle of McLaren's technology and design, often being compared to other elite supercars like Ferrari and Lamborghini. The 720S is celebrated for its driving dynamics and track capabilities.","simplifiedExplanation":"The McLaren 720S is a super-fast sports car that is built for speed and performance. It's known for being very light and easy to handle, making it a favorite among car lovers who enjoy driving. People talk about it because it's one of the best cars you can buy if you want an exciting driving experience.","imageAttribution":"Ank Kumar (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Tim Harris","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/this-is-a-street-legal-formula-car-yes-really-ryn-motors-founder-explains-everything/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}