Dinner with Racers

Ep.257 - Kidnapping Fangio: More Kidnapping (Juan Fangio II, Lupe Fuentes)

As part of our video documentary series, “Kidnapping Fangio,” available on MotorTrend’s YouTube channel, we are proud to present a series of extended interviews through our podcast. In this final installment, we present two different interviews. The first is with Juan Fangio II, who is not only the nephew of Juan Fangio but a champion driver in his own right, having won multiple IMSA GTP Championships. Growing up in the family, Juan II was raised with the stories from the era, shedding light on the personal side of the incident. Lupe Fuentes is Cuba’s leading expert on the incident, representing Proyecto Cultural Amigos de Fangio, an organization committed to preserving the memory of the incident in Cuba. Lupe was also joined by our dedicated Cuban liaison, Robert Ordaz, who plays the role of interpreter. Dinner with Juan II was served at El Casco de Fangio, Fangio’s private estate, in Balcarce, Argentina. Dinner with Lupe was at Fangio Havana in Cuba’s Claxon Hotel. The song “Juan” is courtesy of Tarante Groove Machine. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.256 - Kidnapping Fangio: The Kidnapping (Fernando Barragan)

As part of our video documentary series, “Kidnapping Fangio,” available on MotorTrend’s YouTube channel, we are proud to present a series of extended interviews through our podcast. In this third installment, we meet with one of the foremost experts on Fangio History, Fernando Barragan. As the head of the Fundacion Fangio, an Argentina-based organization committed to preserving the heritage of Juan Manuel Fangio, Fernando greeted us with open arms in Argentina, including driving and guiding us through Balcarce, Argentina, the home of Fangio. Dinner was served at El Casco de Fangio, Fangio’s private estate, in Balcarce. The song “Kidnap Juan Fangio” is courtesy of Sean Heckman, written for and featured in the Kidnapping Fangio series. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.255 - Kidnapping Fangio: More History (Lillian Guerra, PhD)

As part of our video documentary series, “Kidnapping Fangio,” available on MotorTrend’s YouTube channel, we are proud to present a series of extended interviews through our podcast. In this second installment, we take a departure from racing to learn even more about the history of Cuba. A Professor in Cuban and Caribbean History at the University of Florida, Lillian Guerra is one of the foremost experts on the topic, which can be even further explored in her book “Heroes, Martyrs, and Political Messiahs in Revolutionary Cuba, 1946-1958.” Dinner was served courtesy of Hotel Eleo, located inside the University of Mom. The song “Veinti-Seis de Julio” is courtesy of Myles Nye and Sean Heckman, written for and featured in the Kidnapping Fangio series. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.254 - Kidnapping Fangio: A History (Michael Bustamante, PhD)

As part of our video documentary series, “Kidnapping Fangio,” available on MotorTrend’s YouTube channel, we are proud to present a series of extended interviews through our podcast. In this first installment, we take a departure from racing to learn about the history of Cuba, a critical ingredient in leading to the famed 1958 kidnapping of the Formula One legend. An Associate Professor at the University of Miami, Michael Bustamante is well acquainted with 500-year long story that led to the 1958 Cuban uprising, told from someone who is not only an educator in the field, but also a descendant of a family who left shortly after. Dinner was served courtesy of Toro Toro, located inside Miami’s Intercontinental Hotel. The song “Saquen Los” is courtesy of Myles Nye and Sean Heckman, written for and featured in the Kidnapping Fangio series. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.253 - Larry Holt, Pt2

Larry Holt is one of the most respected and influential characters behind the scene in many motorsport paddocks. Effectively managing the motorsport programs of Multimatic, an international automotive design and manufacturing company, Larry and Multimatic have been part of an incredible roster of noteworthy sportscar programs, including the Ford GT, Porsche GTP, and upcoming Mustang GT3. What makes Larry a legend, however, is his one-of-a-kind demeanor and storytelling. Lunch was served courtesy of Annina’s Bakeshow and Catering in Goodwood, Canada, with Larry’s son Geoff taking us via his band STRNGR STRNGR and the song “Mech Force 10.” Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.252 - Larry Holt, Pt1

Larry Holt is one of the most respected and influential characters behind the scene in many motorsport paddocks. Effectively managing the motorsport programs of Multimatic, an international automotive design and manufacturing company, Larry and Multimatic have been part of an incredible roster of noteworthy sportscar programs, including the Ford GT, Porsche GTP, and upcoming Mustang GT3. What makes Larry a legend, however, is his one-of-a-kind demeanor and storytelling. Lunch was served courtesy of Annina’s Bakeshow and Catering in Goodwood, Canada, with Larry’s son Geoff taking us via his band STRNGR STRNGR and the song “Colonials.” Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.251 - Dalton Kellett

A product of IndyCar’s “Road to Indy” development program and eventually making his way to the top ranks, Dalton Kellett presents a unique perspective as someone who has never hidden his background or means to funding. Bringing personal sponsorship from his family’s business, K-Line, the maturity of the Toronto-raised driver has been repeatedly demonstrated by not only being upfront about his opportunities, but recognizing his own limitations and pursuing a degree in engineering simultaneously. Dinner was served courtesy of Miku Toronto in Toronto, Canada, with “Kuwait” by Vic Sage taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.250 - Ron Fellows

Ron Fellows is a legend in many categories. A legend of sportscar racing, a legend of Canadian racers, and a legend of the Corvette brand. The son of a preacher, Ron’s tenacity and willingness to risk everything and find himself in crushing debt has proven the investment needed for success, with the Canadian going from a home-built garage racer to a winner at Daytona and LeMans, largely through his famed ties with the Chevrolet Corvette, of which he was one of the original team members. Lunch was served courtesy of Shrimp Cocktail in Oshawa, Canada, with “Everything Changes” by A.M. Beef taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.249 - Bruce Canepa

Bruce Canepa has defined the gold standard of vintage racing and restoration. A lifelong car guy growing up near Santa Cruz, California, Bruce’s incredible eye for detail and design has created a unique career path that has taken him from building model cars as a kid, to restoring some of the most renown classic cars today. Not just a racing builder, he’s an accomplished driver in his own right, competing in the top ranks of sportscar, dirt, hillclimb, and beyond. Dinner was served at Bruce’s Scotts Valley shop, Canepa Design, courtesy Back Nine Grill & Bar in Santa Cruz, California, with “Rock it Tonight” by Milano taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.

Ep.248 - Adrián Fernández, Part Two

Adrián Fernández is a one-of-a-kind story with deep roots in IndyCar and sportscar racing. Raised with modest means in Mexico City, the idea of tenacity is redefined with his story, literally having himself smuggled to the Netherlands with no money to further his career, and eventually becoming a multi-time winner in IndyCar and IMSA, many of which were achieved with his own team. Beyond that, his legacy is probably best seen with re-invigorating the next wave of Mexican racing heroes, paving the way for many of today’s names. Dinner was served courtesy of Bulla in Coral Gables, Florida, with “Miami Beach” by Cosmonkey taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire for making it all happen.