A decade before JDM reached the US and Europe, Option Magazine was profiling the Midnight Club and the underground street racing scene of Tokyo. The mag's hands-on approach had a huge influence on car culture and played a big role in popularizing all the Japanese tuners we know and love today. Its pages were filled with cars like the GT-R R33, Mazda RX-7, and Toyota Supra. By the end of the episode we promise you'll love Option as much as we do. Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey Foll...
Sep 14, 2020•57 min•Ep. 53
You guys loved this series, so we decided to bring it back as one episode! James and Nolan explain the origins of the Mid Night Club, an underground Japanese race team with top-secret members that raced around the streets of Japan from 1982 to 1999. The Donut duo explore the lore of the infamous street racers, and pass on a message from an actual member of Mid Night. Get Surfshark VPN at https://Surfshark.deals/pastgas and enter promo code PASTGAS for 85% off and 3 extra months for free! Use the...
Sep 07, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 52
A lost and found Ferrari worth millions. A guy named Greek Elvis and his Lamborghini Muira. A FAKE barn find collection that duped the internet. And a Ferrari Dino buried in the backyard. These are just some of the stories we have for you today, it’s all about barn finds! Classic cars forgotten in time, found and brought to life, we love barn finds! Search for Bring Back Bronco - The Untold Story anywhere you listen to podcasts. Here is a link to the episode. Many thanks to Bring Back Bronco for...
Aug 31, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 51
Today James, Nolan, and Joe are talking about the bizarre scandal that many claim is the reason you can't get the Skyline in America. Motorex was a car import company that was led by Hiroaki Nanahoshi, who was arrested for fraud and held on one million dollars bail, before disappearing for more than ten years. With exclusive interviews from Sean Morris, who was working with Hiro at Motorex before his arrest, we'll attempt to unravel this bizarre mystery. Many thanks to Sean Morris! If you're loo...
Aug 24, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 50
This week, Past Gas is excited to bring a brand-new podcast, "Bring Back Bronco - The Untold Story," a new podcast about the rise, fall, and rebirth of the Ford Bronco. Search for Bring Back Bronco - The Untold Story anywhere you listen to podcasts. Here is a link to the episode. Many thanks to Bring Back Bronco for their support! Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes Follow Donut @donutmedia, and subscribe to our Youtube and Facebook channels!...
Aug 24, 2020•38 min
What does it take to be considered the Car Designer of the Century? Today we’re gonna find out! From the DMC Delorean to the Volkswagen Golf, Giorgetto Giugaro is responsible for some of the most iconic cars of all time, and some of the weirdest. We’re diving into the life of industry great Giorgetto Giugiaro. Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes Follow Donut @donutmedia, and subscribe to our Youtube and Facebook channels! Learn more about you...
Aug 17, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 49
Today we take a close look at a family whose life has been shaped by the legendary Isle of Man TT motorcycle race. The Dunlop family of Northern Ireland is one of the most decorated dynasties in motorcycle racing. Joey, Robert, Willam and Michael Dunlop have a combined 50 overall wins in the event’s 116 year history. But it hasn’t been all positive for the family, what the road gives in glory, it also takes away in tragedy. But despite the heartache the Dunlop family keeps racing…why? Well we’re...
Aug 10, 2020•51 min•Ep. 48
In part one of our two-part series on the Isle of Man TT, James, Joe, and Nolan discuss why this race is the most dangerous sporting event on earth! They dive into the unique history of the island and talk about how the race got its start. They also cover the fierce rivalry of Mike "The Bike" Hailwood and Giacomo Agostini, two of the most famous TT riders in the world. Stay tuned for an even crazier part two! Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsyk...
Aug 03, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 47
In part 2 of our series on the Wankel Rotary Engine; James, Nolan, and Joe find out how Mazda made the rotary engine what it is today. They'll discover how Mazda fine-tuned Wankel's design and we're able to win the IMSA GTU Championship SEVEN years in a row, with the famed RX-7. They'll also talk about how the cult classic, 787b, was able to win Le Mans even though they qualified a ridiculous twelve seconds behind the top car. Stay tuned to find out the full story of this legendary engine on thi...
Jul 27, 2020•54 min•Ep. 46
Today’s episode is all about the invention of the Wankel Rotary Engine! German inventor Felix Wankel devised “a new type of engine, half turbine, half reciprocating” when he was just 17 years old, but wouldn’t get to see his creation under the hood of a production car for another 45 years. Luckily a lot happened in Felix’s life along the way, including running multiple machine shops in his mother’s backyard, inventing a three wheeled car called “the Devil Beetle”, and getting some help from coll...
Jul 20, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 45
This week is the conclusion of our Wendell Scott series. Wendell has finally made it to the NASCAR Grand National Series, but his battle against discrimination has only just begun. Join us as we discuss Wendell’s triumphs and unfair setbacks defined by racism, including a stolen win, and a major manufacturer refusing to sponsor the talented Wendell Scott, and his 2015 admittance to the NASCAR hall of fame. Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes ...
Jul 13, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 44
This week we’re telling the inspirational story of NASCAR’s first black driver: Wendell Scott. From helping his dad in the garage as a kid , to becoming his hometown’s fastest cab driver, to moonlighting as a bootlegger, Wendell’s entire life seemed destined for the race track- but it wouldn’t be that easy. Wendell persevered through discrimination off the track, and battled it on the track when he finally got there. Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @n...
Jul 06, 2020•59 min•Ep. 43
Today we’re looking into the bonkers life of Duncan Hamilton, the only man to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans drunk behind the wheel. This guy might have the nuttiest story so far on this podcast: from building his own car as a teenager, to surviving back to back sinking ships in World War Two, and surviving multiple crashes on the track. There’s only one Duncan Hamilton! Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes Follow Donut @donutmedia, and subscribe...
Jun 29, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 42
In our series finale on Ayrton Senna, James, Joe, and Nolan relive that fateful moment on May 1, 1994, when Ayrton Senna crashed while driving in the San Marino Grand Prix. Senna’s’ untimely death at Imola was foreshadowed by multiple devastating crashes, and the death of fellow F1 driver, Roland Ratzenberger, who died on the same track just days before Senna. It was, maybe, the worst weekend in Formula 1 history. To this day, Senna continues to be an icon, and his namesake remains as being syno...
Jun 22, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 41
In this episode of Past Gas, James, Joe, and Nolan dive into what is potentially the greatest rivalry of all time; Senna Vs. Prost. The rivalry began when Senna joined Mclaren in 1988 and continued until Senna's untimely death. Find out if the FIA played favorites with Prost and much more on this episode of PAST GAS! Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes Follow Donut @donutmedia, and subscribe to our Youtube and Facebook channels! Learn more ab...
Jun 15, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 40
In part two of our four part series on Ayrton Senna, James, Joe, and Nolan dive into Senna’s early years in F1. After his dominance in Formula 3 Senna had a clunky start to his career in the big leagues, largely due to the lackluster cars of small teams like Toleman. However, as we’ll see, Senna’s perseverance would push him on to better teams and better cars. We’ll cover all of Senna’s pivotal races from the 84’ Brazilian Grand Prix to Senna’s fourth race at Monaco! Follow James on IG and Twitt...
Jun 08, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 39
Today on Past Gas we’re tackling one of our most requested topics- the one and only AYRTON SENNA. Over our 4 part series, we’re gonna look into every aspect of the legendary racer’s career: Today’s ep focuses on Ayrton’s start in karting and jump to British Formula 3. Next week in Part 2, we’ll look at Senna’s early and difficult years in Formula 1, driving for teams like Toleman and Lotus. Part 3 will dive into the Brazilian’s time at McLaren and his rivalry with teammate Alain Prost. Finally i...
Jun 01, 2020•57 min•Ep. 38
In the finale of our series on the Hells Angels, Joe, Nolan, and James see what the infamous motorcycle club has been up to in the 21st century. That's right, we're talking Modern Biker Warfare! We'll cover the Hell's Angels contention for turf in California with rival "MC", The Mongols, and talk about the clubs efforts to protect their legacy through litigation. We also dive into the Angles little known charity efforts, which include an annual toy drive for kids. You won't want to miss this one...
May 25, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 37
As we continue our journey through the history of the now infamous Hells Angels, James, Joe, and Nolan take a thorough look at the event that forever tarnished their name, The Altamont Free Concert. Initially booked as a sister concert to the biggest festival at the time, Woodstock, The Altamont Free Concert almost didn’t happen when security dropped out last minute. The Hells Angels stepped in and took over, but their decision would consequently defame the beloved motorcycle outlaws. However, w...
May 18, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 36
In part 3 of our deep dive into the hells angels we’re taking a strange and terrible, trip back to the 60’s to see what famed writer/journalist Hunter S. Thompson thought of his time with the Hells Angels. We’ll get an inside look into the motorcycle club that has, perhaps the worst media imagine in history and we’ll find out why Hunter Thompson got beat up by the hells angels. We’ll also discuss why Hells Angel Skip Workman confronted Thompson on live television about his book., “Hells Angels: ...
May 11, 2020•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 35
In this episode of Past Gas James, Nolan, and Joe continue their discussion on the most notorious motorcycle gang out there, The Hells Angels. They talk about how the Hells Angels came to be, covering everything from the famous Hollister Riot to how a staged photo may have been responsible for giving MC’s a reputation they didn’t deserve. This story is about to kick into high gear so stayed tuned! Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes Follow Do...
May 04, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 34
Join Nolan, James, and Joe as they try to separate fact from fiction on the most notorious motorcycle club ever, The Hells Angels. To get an accurate picture of the Angels you need to understand how and why motorcycle clubs were founded in the first place. So in this episode we’re going back, way back, all the way to the invention of the first bicycle. From there we’ll follow companies like Indian and Harley Davidson as their bikes become popular amongst war torn soldiers. We’ll also find out ho...
Apr 27, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 33
In our finale of our Georges Besse 2 parter, we look into the slow downfall of the American Motors Corporation, and Renault’s attempt to save the failing brand. We also explore the motivations driving Jean-Marc Rouillan, the French anarchist behind Georges Besse’s assassination. Why did he target Georges, and how did his death put an end to AMC? We’re about to find out. Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes Follow Donut @donutmedia, and subscri...
Apr 20, 2020•44 min•Ep. 32
On a cold Parisian night in November 1987, Renault President Georges Besse was gunned down in cold blood. Who pulled the trigger, and why? To find out, we explore the history of the American Motors Corporation, and the parallel history of war-torn France. Prepare for a wild ride guys, because you just found one! Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes Follow Donut @donutmedia, and subscribe to our Youtube and Facebook channels! Learn more about y...
Apr 13, 2020•54 min•Ep. 31
In the conclusion of our Cannonball Run series, we explore how the race devolved from a protest against regulation to…less of one. We also examine some of the wackier competitors of the race: a van disguised to look like an ambulance, a group of racers dressed like priests- this one’s kooky folks! We also discuss later attempts at the sea to seas' record, and how people accomplish it today. Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes Follow Donut @do...
Apr 06, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 30
In this episode, we dive into the history of the “Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash”, a cross-country race from New York City to Los Angeles. This real life event inspired a film of the same name, but as we’ll see, the real thing was a lot more than Burt Reynolds’ mustache. We explore the history of American cross-country racing, including early records, and why the 1971 running was organized as a protest against the government! Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphre...
Mar 30, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 29
The Bruce McLaren Motor Racing team is now without their founder and leader- what will they do next? In this episode we cover the aftermath of Bruce’s accident, the people that kept the company running, and the entrance of a new leader: Ron Dennis. We also reveal how McLaren teamed up with Marlboro cigarettes, and how that gave us one of the most iconic racing liveries of all time. We also dive into some of McLaren’s legendary inter-team rivalries, including James Hunt vs Niki Lauda, and Ayrton ...
Mar 23, 2020•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 28
The story of Bruce Mclaren continues with his first foray in Le Mans endurance racing, his entrance into Formula 1 and all the crashes and bashes along the way! We dive into the formation of Bruce McLaren Motor Cars, their failures and successes, as well as the loss of one of their drivers. This episode also includes a brief history of Can Am racing, possibly the most dangerous and exciting form of racing ever devised! Buckle up! Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey Follow Nolan on IG a...
Mar 16, 2020•49 min•Ep. 27
We all know the McLaren supercars like the Senna, P1, and 720s. But where did the company that built their beauties get their start? We begin our series on Bruce McLaren, one of Motorsport’s most influential figures, with his early life on the small island nation of New Zealand. Bruce had a rough start, as a kid he was confined to a hospital bed for two years. His time in the hospital taught him great academic discipline, a skill which assisted in the meticulous construction of his race cars lat...
Mar 09, 2020•41 min•Ep. 26
We all know John Delorean stood out in the automotive industry, in part because of his flamboyant lifestyle (but mostly because of his sizable chin). So maybe it wasn’t a good idea for Delorean to get into the Cocaine Trafficking Business. Delorean was nabbed carrying a briefcase worth over 6.5 million dollars worth of cocaine, but did the FBI set him up? Or would the British backed DMC finally find success in Ireland. Join Nolan, Joe, and James as we find out in John Delorean: Part II- “This St...
Mar 02, 2020•35 min•Ep. 25
