Past Gas by Donut Media - podcast cover

Past Gas by Donut Media

Donut's Nolan Sykes and Joe Weber walk you through incredible stories behind your favorite cars and manufacturers. Episodes include underground Japanese racing clubs, bitter racing rivalries, and how some of your favorite classic cars came to be. Listen and find out why Past Gas is the #1 automotive podcast on Apple. For advertising opportunities please email [email protected]   We wanna make the podcast even better, help us learn how we can: https://bit.ly/2EcYbu4  Privacy Policy: https://www.studio71.com/us/terms-and-conditions-use/#Privacy%20Policy
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

How Gordon Murray Designed The Perfect Car

Thanks to Ridge for sponsoring this episode! Upgrade your wallet today! Get 10% Off @Ridge with code PASTGAS at https://www.Ridge.com/PASTGAS #Ridgepod #ad Thanks to Hankook for sponsoring today's video! Click here [https://bit.ly/44nr4kp] to learn more about Dynapro tires! Join us this week as we explore the rise of Gordon Murray — a self-made engineer who quietly built the greatest car the world has ever seen. From a homemade race car in South Africa to rewriting the rules of F1 with the Brabh...

Jun 30, 202549 min

The Mustang Was Almost a Front Wheel Drive Mazda

Thanks to Allstate for sponsoring today’s episode! Click here [https://bit.ly/4kcKayr] to check Allstate first and see how much you could save on car insurance. Also thanks to Square for sponsoring this podcast! Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/gas! #squarepod #ad Join us as we explore the origins of the Ford Probe. On paper, it's just another front wheel drive econo-box, but this little commuter was almost a Mustang. Why did Ford engineers think a mov...

Jun 23, 202538 min

Lada Niva: The Meme Car That Refuses to Die

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/PASTGAS and get on your way to being your best self. Join us this week as we uncover the story of the Lada Niva—a Soviet-built box on wheels that could out-climb a tank. Created to serve everyone from farmers to border guards, the Niva tackled Everest base camp, conquered Africa’s deserts, and even borrowed a few tricks from Porsche. How did this Cold War clunker become a global legend? Learn more a...

Jun 16, 202556 min

How Caterpillar Built America

Join us this week as we jump into the history of Caterpillar, one of the most ubiquitous names in construction. How did they start? What impact did their "caterpillar tracks" have on the construction industry and how were they so instrumental in both world wars?Thanks to Allstate for sponsoring today’s episode! Click here [https://bit.ly/4jUftyv] to check Allstate first and see how much you could save on car insurance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 09, 202559 min

Ivan Stewart Won Every Race He Entered

Join us as we dive into the history of Ivan ‘Ironman’ Stewart, one of the most successful off-road racers to ever do it. How did he go from making iron fences to racing the Baja 1000 by himself to getting his name on an arcade racing game? With grit, tenacity and determination. Thanks to Allstate for sponsoring today’s video! Click here [https://bit.ly/3H6i0qw] to pay a rate based on you. Also thanks to Chubbies for sponsoring this episode. Your new wardrobe awaits! Get 20% off @chubbies with th...

Jun 02, 202548 min

What The Hell Happened To Lancia?

Join us as we take a deep dive into the more than 100 year old history of Lancia. From the first unibody construction to the first V4 engine to their championship-winning rally tech, Lancia has been on the forefront of automotive innovation since their inception. So how did they go from making some of the most beautiful, awe-inspiring machines to offering only one blobby uninspired hatchback? What the hell happened? This episode is brought to you by Underdog Fantasy! Sign up and deposit for Unde...

May 26, 202550 min

The Tamiya Story: Small Cars, Big Legacy

This week, the guys take a closer look at Tamiya — the model kit company that shaped generations of gearheads. How did a small woodworking shop in postwar Japan become a global powerhouse in RC and scale modeling? And how did one family’s relentless pursuit of perfection leave its mark on everything from toy stores to Formula One? Thanks to Allstate for sponsoring today’s episode! Click here https://bit.ly/4ddVqs3 to check Allstate first and see how much you could save on car insurance. This epi...

May 19, 202551 min

How Edelbrock Started The Aftermarket Revolution

Join us as we take a deep dive into the history of one of the most recognizable aftermarket companies in car history: Edelbrock. How did a young guy from the midwest move out to Southern California and start a hot rodding revolution? And how did the company evolve to capitalize on multiple perfect moments? Thanks to Underdog for sponsoring this podcast. Sign up and deposit for Underdog at underdogfantasy.com with promo code GAS or download the app to get up to $1,000 in bonus cash and a free pic...

May 12, 20251 hr 2 min

The Toughest S.O.B. in F1

This week, the guys talk about one of racing’s most unlikely heroes. How did Nigel Mansell take on Aryton Senna, survive multiple near-death experiences, and manage to claim the F1 and Indy Car titles at the same time? Help us plan the Donut Podcast Tour by filling out this quick survey at https://tinyurl.com/mvdny6jc and you'll get a code for 10% off at our online store! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PASTGAS and get on your way to being you...

May 05, 20251 hr 5 min

Max Orido: From Farm Boy to Japanese Racing Legend

This week, we're exploring one of Japan's most legendary drivers, Max Orido. From his humble beginnings on his family farm to drifting the touges to endurance racing all the way to NASCAR, Orido refuses to be pigeonholed into one type of racing. But how did he get his start in racing? And where is he now? Help us plan the Donut Podcast Tour by filling out this quick survey at https://tinyurl.com/mvdny6jc and you'll get a code for 10% off at our online store! Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

Apr 28, 20251 hr 5 min

The Perfectionist Behind All of Your Favorite Hondas

This week, we take a deep dive into Honda’s red R badge and the man behind it. How did Shigero Uehara work his way up to the head of Honda’s performance arm? And how in the world did he convince the economy car brand to make an F1-inspired track monster? Help us plan the Donut Podcast Tour by filling out this quick survey at https://tinyurl.com/mvdny6jc and you'll get a code for 10% off at our online store! This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com...

Apr 21, 202558 min

This Car Was So Hi-Tech It Was Banned (Chaparral)

Join us this week as we explore the origins of Jim Hall and the Chaparral team. You may know the fan car from Gran Turismo 4, but Chaparral's 2J isn't the only iconic race car to come out of their Midland, Texas workshop. How did Jim Hall's tragic upbringing lead to this history-making racing team, and how did they change motorsport forever? Help us plan the Donut Podcast Tour by filling out this quick survey at https://tinyurl.com/mvdny6jc and you'll get a code for 10% off at our online store! ...

Apr 14, 202552 min

How Hyundai Went From Punchline to Powerhouse

Join us this week for the final installment of the history of Hyundai and Kia. What did these companies do to revive their failing brands and become some of the biggest and well known carmakers in the world? Why did they decide to start racing? How did their performance line get so good? And what's this about a warranty? Help us plan the Donut Podcast Tour by filling out this quick survey at https://tinyurl.com/mvdny6jc and you'll get a code for 10% off at our online store! Thanks to Allstate fo...

Apr 07, 202558 min

How Hyundai & Kia Built Their Empire

Join us this week as we jump into the two part history of Hyundai and Kia. Nowadays they are two of the biggest brand names out of South Korea, but for most of their existence, they were looked at as a joke. How did they overcome their shoddy reputations and rise to become some of the most trusted car brands in the world today? Help us plan the Donut Podcast Tour by filling out this quick survey at https://tinyurl.com/mvdny6jc and you'll get a code for 10% off at our online store! Learn more abo...

Mar 31, 202554 min

How Jacky Ickx Became a Le Mans Legend

Join us this week as we take a deep dive into the life of Jacky Ickx, a racing legend who might have preferred a quiet life as a gardener had he not been so successful in motorsport. From motorcycle hill scrambles to Formula One to Dakar to breaking the all-time Le Mans win record, Jacky is a true icon in nearly every type of racing imaginable. Help us plan the Donut Podcast Tour by filling out this quick survey at https://tinyurl.com/mvdny6jc and you'll get a code for 10% off at our online stor...

Mar 24, 202552 min

How The Fox Body Saved Ford

Thanks to Allstate for sponsoring today’s episode! Click here https://bit.ly/4hkM8eJ to check Allstate first and see how much you could save on car insurance. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PASTGAS and get on your way to being your best self. Join us as we take a look at a versatile chassis that helped save Ford from imminent death. Known for the iconic Mustang that was built upon its architecture, the Fox Body also hosted 14 other car m...

Mar 17, 202548 min

How Moon Equipment Kickstarted Hot Rodding

Thanks to Allstate for sponsoring today’s episode! Click here https://bit.ly/4g8JNCG to check Allstate first and see how much you could save on car insurance. Join us this week as we take a deep dive into the origin of Moon Equipment. How did Dean Moon create one of the most iconic brands in aftermarket tuning and style? How did it become Mooneyes? And when was it sold to a Japanese businessman? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 10, 202549 min

History of Volvo Pt. III: Race on Sunday, Safe on Monday - Past Gas #278

Thanks to Allstate for sponsoring today’s episode! Click here https://bit.ly/4g8QLaF to check Allstate first and see how much you could save on car insurance. And thank you Fishing Clash for sponsoring this episode! Get Fishing Clash on your iOS/Android device for free https://fishingclash.link/PastGas. Use our gift code GAS to get a $20 reward, and share your biggest catch in the pinned comment! Join the Fishing Clash community to stay tuned about the latest news: Instagram - /fishingclash_offi...

Mar 03, 202544 min

History of Volvo Pt. II: Safe Sex - Past Gas #277

Thanks to Hankook for sponsoring today's video! Click here http://bit.ly/DynaproTires to learn more about Dynapro tires! Join us as we dive into the second part of our three part history on Volvo. This time around, the company steps up their style with the help of Italian design house, Ghia before finding the boxy styling that would become iconic in the 80's and 90's. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 24, 20251 hr 5 min

History of Volvo Pt. I: Safety, Reliability & Innovation - Past Gas #276

Thanks to Allstate for sponsoring today’s episode! Click here https://bit.ly/3DUxX1y to check Allstate first and see how much you could save on car insurance. This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PASTGAS and get on your way to being your best self. Join us this week as we take a deep dive into the history of Sweden's largest and most beloved carmaker: Volvo. How did a ball bearing company birth one of the safest cars on the road? ...

Feb 17, 202556 min

The First Race Across America Was F****ed - Past Gas #275

Thanks to Allstate for sponsoring today’s episode! Click here https://bit.ly/3WmvTWB to check Allstate first and see how much you could save on car insurance. Join us as we relive the first automobile race across the US. Before there was a cross-country network of highways, getting from one place to another in one's own state was treacherous, let alone traversing the entire country. From mud pits to sinkholes to raging packs of wild hogs, it's a wonder these two cars made it from New York to Ore...

Feb 10, 202554 min

The Vibrant World of the Bosozoku - Past Gas #274

Join us this week as we take a look at the origins of the Bosozoku - Japan's extravagant biker gangs. From the flared tailpipes to the sick graphics to the work wear uniforms and everything in between. How did they get their start? Why do they modify their bikes so crazy? And why are they called "Violent Running Tribe"? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 03, 202547 min

The Retrofuturist Movement Was Cool But Also Dumb - Past Gas #273

Thanks to Hankook for sponsoring today's video! Click here http://bit.ly/DynaproTires to learn more about Dynapro tires! Join us this week as we take a look at an iconic and controversial time period in cars - the Retrofuturist Movement of the late 90's and 2000's. The Prowler, the New Beetle, Chevy SSR and who could forget the PT Cruiser. How did this movement get started? And... why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 27, 202551 minEp. 273

How 'Design by Committee' Failed Pontiac - Past Gas #272

Thanks to Allstate for sponsoring today’s episode! Click here https://bit.ly/421NIxR to check Allstate first and see how much you could save on car insurance. This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PASTGAS and get on your way to being your best self. Join us this week as we dive into the history of one of the world's most hated vehicles: The Pontiac Aztek. Why was it so hideous? How did Pontiac allow it to be released, and how did i...

Jan 20, 20251 hr 1 minEp. 272

Dodge Part III: How The Caravan Led To The Viper - Past Gas #271

Thanks to Allstate for sponsoring today’s episode! Click here https://bit.ly/4a8DP3q to check Allstate first and see how much you could save on car insurance. Join us this week for the third and final installment of the history of Dodge. This time around, Dodge almost goes under, gets saved by a bailout, invents the minivan, debuts the Viper with the help of Carol Shelby, then brings back their most iconic badges as a swan song. More about Show: Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes. Follo...

Jan 13, 20251 hr 3 min

Dodge Part II: Hemi to Lil’ Red Express - Past Gas #270

Join us as we jump into the second installment on the history of Dodge. It’s post WWII and a revolutionary engine design is about to change everything for Dodge. How did the Hemi make more power, and how did Dodge rise to be one of the most powerful companies during the Muscle Car Wars? Find out on this week's episode! More about Show: Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes. Follow Joe on IG and Twitter @joegweber. Follow Donut @donutmedia, and subscribe to our Youtube and Facebook channels...

Jan 06, 202551 minEp. 270

Dodge Part I: How The Dodge Bros Exploited Henry Ford - Past Gas #269

Thanks to Hankook for sponsoring today's video! Click here http://bit.ly/DynaproTires to learn more about Dynapro tires! This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PASTGAS and get on your way to being your best self. Join us this week as we dive into the history of Dodge, Part I. John and Horace Dodge started out making bikes in Canada, and now, more than 100 years later their name is associated with one of the biggest car companies in ...

Dec 30, 202448 min

Santa's Coal Bag Vol. III: We Did Your Crappy Ideas - Past Gas #268

Exclusive $35-off Carver Mat at AuraFrames.com. Use code PASTGAS at checkout to save! It's the holidays, and yet again we're doing all of the bad ideas you emailed in to suggest. From Amphibious Vehicles, to Mods & Rockers, to Why We Drive On the Left or Right, we're doing all the episodes that aren't worth a whole episode this week on Past Gas: Santa's Coal Bag Vol. III! More about Show: Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes. Follow Joe on IG and Twitter @joegweber. Follow Donut @donu...

Dec 23, 20241 hr 9 min

Why We Still Use 40yr Old Mail Trucks - Past Gas #267

Exclusive $45-off Carver Mat at AuraFrames.com. Use code PASTGAS at checkout to save! Also thanks to Yamaha for sponsoring this podcast! Check out the all-new WOLVERINE RMAX4 1000 at https://www.yamahamotorsports.com today. Join us as we explore the history of the boxy USPS Mail Truck, aka the Grumman Long Life Vehicle. How did this vehicle come to be, why is it so horrible and why hasn't it been replaced yet? Find out this and more on this week's episode! More about Show: Follow Nolan on IG and...

Dec 16, 202448 min

The Real Car That Inspired Disney - Past Gas #266

Thanks to our sponsors: Thanks to Allstate for sponsoring today’s episode! Click here https://bit.ly/46PXXFR to check Allstate first and see how much you could save on car insurance. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/PASTGAS and get on your way to being your best self. Get 10% off at https://tecovas.com/PASTGAS Need to hire? You need Indeed. https://Indeed.com/PASTGAS. Go to https://BLUENILE.com and use code GAS for $50 off your pur...

Dec 09, 20241 hr 6 minEp. 266
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast