On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, Andy Pilgrim joins me to discuss how to have a long career driving race cars! We get into the importance of learning how to learn so you can always improve, having a hook or trigger to switch your mind on, and how to think strategically and tactically in races. He also shares about co-driving with Johnny O’Connell, Ron Fellows, and Allan McNish. Andy’s Speed Secret: Make sure your head is in the right place. Andy Pilgrim was born in the U.K., move...
Apr 01, 2021•51 min•Season 5Ep. 187
On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, I am joined by Dr. David Ferguson! Dr. Ferguson runs the Spartan Motorsport Performance Lab at Michigan State University and is the author/editor of The Science of Motorsport book. Topics range from dyslexia and diabetes to heart rate variability and the vision techniques of the very best drivers. We also talk about how equal females are to males in racing, and nature versus nurture. Ultimately, it’s all about how you can perform better as a drive...
Mar 25, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Season 5Ep. 186
On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, Johannes van Overbeek joins me to talk about the lessons we learn from racing that apply to other areas of our lives – things like “lazy decision,” having too much money (yes, it’s possible!), the pros and cons of technology, and how to manage one’s passion and enthusiasm for something. Oh, and we talk about our co-experience with the Garmin Catalyst. Johannes’s Speed Secret: Make sure your equipment is the best it can be. Look ahead. Know when an...
Mar 18, 2021•55 min•Season 5Ep. 185
It’s time for another special edition of the Speed Secrets Podcast! In a new format, Bill Fischer (of the Garage Heroes In Training podcast) hosts this episode, turning the tables on Ross, who answers Bill’s questions. Specifically, in this episode, Bill asks Ross about how to best drive the Keyhole at Mid-Ohio, Turns 5-7 at Road Atlanta, Turns 2 & 9 at Laguna Seca, and Turn 7 at Portland International. Check out Bill Fischer and Ross Bentley below https://garageheroesintraining.com https://...
Mar 11, 2021•54 min•Season 5Ep. 184
On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, I talk with super-successful driver coach, Jim Kearney, about driver coaching. We discuss when a driver is ready and will get the most out of a coach. We also get into how to trigger a performance state of mind, one that will help you perform at your peak on the track. Jim’s Speed Secret: Simplify! Check out Jim Kearney below https://kearneykdd.com Jim is a driver coach who raced Formula Vee himself for years before turning his attention to helpin...
Mar 04, 2021•52 min•Season 5Ep. 183
On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, I talk with Jay St. Claire, Colin Pascik, and Aaron Brooks of Ranger Road Motors (a team that competes in LeMons races, giving Vets a chance to start racing). We discuss the start of Ranger Road Motors, what it’s like for an amputee Vet to jump behind the wheel of a race car for the first time, what it’s like to work with a Vet with PTSD, how to adapt a race to drivers missing a limb, and the number one biggest challenge that first-timers face. Ra...
Feb 25, 2021•57 min•Season 5Ep. 182
On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, Brian Bohlander, racer and director of sports marketing for the company that owns PEAK Antifreeze, joins me to discuss what to do (and not do) to land a motorsport marketing partner/sponsor. Want to know the biggest mistake racers make? Tune in to find out! Brian’s Speed Secret: Reach out and ask people in the sport for opportunities. Check out Brian Bohlanderbelow: https://www.brianbohlander.com brianbohlanderracing.com Brian Bohlander is an indu...
Feb 18, 2021•47 min•Season 5Ep. 181
Bill Fischer (of the Garage Heroes In Training podcast) hosts this episode, turning the tables on me and asking all your burning questions. In this episode the topic of racing jargon is talked about, specifically “talking tires,” “geometric line,” apex angle,” “both feet in,” and “car rotation.” Check out Bill Fischer below https://garageheroesintraining.com https://speedsecrets.com...
Feb 11, 2021•49 min•Season 5Ep. 180
On this week’s episode of Speed Secret Podcast, James Colborn joins me to discuss everything open wheel racing, what it’s like to race during the pandemic, and racing in British Formula Ford. We also offer tips on racing in the rain. James Colborn’s Speed Secret: Get comfortable with what data can do for you. James started racing in 2009. A graduate of the ProFormance Racing School in Seattle Washington, James acquired his first race license from the International Conference of Sports Car Clubs ...
Feb 04, 2021•52 min•Season 5Ep. 179
On this week’s episode of Speed Secret Podcast, Loni Unser (yes, of THE Unser family) joins me to talk about her absolute love of the sport. Can you guess what the number one thing is that she’s learned from her family who has a total of 9 Indy 500 wins? She dishes. We also discuss the importance of patience in racing, how important confidence is – especially for a woman in racing, and why “never coast” is bad advice. Loni’s Speed Secret : Dedication and hard work – that’s what it takes, not mat...
Jan 28, 2021•50 min•Season 5Ep. 178
On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, Don Kitch, old friend and founder/owner/chief instructor of ProFormance Racing School, shares what he would do differently if he could do it all over again. We also discuss fear, micromanaging, knowing when to call it quits, the downside of instructing, and the pros and cons of keeping your club racing equipment when going pro racing. Don’s Speed Secret: Do it differently. Look for different ways, because there’s always more. Don Kitch has raced a...
Jan 21, 2021•51 min•Season 5Ep. 177
This week we have a special episode of Speed Secrets Podcast: Ask Ross Edition! Guest host Bill Fischer (of the Garage Heroes In Training podcast) turns the tables on me and asks me all the questions you’ve ever wanted to know. Specifically, in this episode, we discuss the topic of coaching – what is a driver coach, what makes a successful driver coach, and more! Check out Ross Bentley and Bill Fischer below: https://garageheroesintraining.com https://speedsecrets.com...
Jan 14, 2021•51 min•Season 5Ep. 176
In this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, Matt Romanowski (driver, instructor, coach, and data guru) joins me to dive into all things data and data systems! Specifically we dive into focusing on the speed channel, looking for lack of throttle, and braking issues. We also discuss off-season prep – what drivers can do to help them best prepare getting back on the track! Matt’s Speed Secret: Visualize – practice visualization in all areas of your life. Matt Romanowski participated in his fir...
Jan 07, 2021•59 min•Season 5Ep. 175
In this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, I am joined by driving enthusiast Michele Graaff. We discuss the misperception that everyone in motorsport is an adrenaline junkie, and the importance of learning, progression, and self-improvement. She shares her experience in HPDE as a woman, and how to make our sport more inclusive and inviting to all. We also compare “hard skills” and “soft skills.” Michele’s Speed Secret: Take up your space. Michele is 46 (late bloomer!), a graduate program c...
Dec 31, 2020•55 min•Season 4Ep. 174
On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, Bryce Kliewer joins me as we go in depth about the lessons learned from racing that apply to business – and vice versa. We also touch on how autocross teaches car control, and compare autocross to time trials to road racing! Bryce’s speed secret: No one wins a championship alone. Bryce’s ran the Analytics and Business Intelligence at Coldwater Creek, helping to double the size of the business up to a $1b retailer, through catalog, web sales and th...
Dec 24, 2020•52 min•Season 4Ep. 173
On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, Mark Boudreau joins me to discuss the business of motorsport and the importance of being flexible with one’s career – doesn’t matter if it’s pro racing, autocross, rallycross, track days, indoor karting, etc. We also detail common errors that drivers make, and he explains how his law background helps him play devil’s advocate for drivers, asking the tough questions. Mark’s Speed Secret : Perseverance – never give up and always keep improving. CEO ...
Dec 17, 2020•53 min•Season 4Ep. 172
On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, I sit down with Eric Kaul to discuss why the social aspect and community of our sport are so important, the High Performance Driving & Racing Enthusiasts community, and the balance between inclusiveness and exclusivity. We also talk about the impact of fitness and nutrition on performance. Eric’s Speed Secret : Get your fitness and nutrition under control. Eric Kaul knows just about everyone and if he doesn’t - it’s only a matter of time. He i...
Dec 10, 2020•52 min•Season 4Ep. 171
On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, Stefan Rzadzinski joins me to discuss how he got into and competed in the Race of Champions against Sebastian Vettel, Juan Montoya, Tom Kristensen, Pieter Solberg, Kurt and Kyle Busch, David Couthard, Alexnader Rossi, and James Hinchcliffe. We also get into limits – how to sense your car’s limits, and how to trust yourself to test those limits. Do you wonder when to focus on improving your car’s setup versus when to focus on your own driving? We e...
Dec 03, 2020•49 min•Season 4Ep. 170
On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, I talk with my good friend Tom Roberts about flow, or getting “in the zone.” Tom recently wrote a 4-part article in Speed Secrets Weekly about his research and experience with the state of flow from a neuroscience and more spiritual perspective – and how fear impacts it. It’s all about how to perform at your best when on the track (or off). We talk mindfulness, mindset, awareness, fear, ego, and how these help you become a better driver. Tom’s Spe...
Nov 26, 2020•54 min•Season 4Ep. 169
On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, Davin Sturdivant joins me to discuss all things karting! Why karting is awesome, why karting is a valuable learning tool, how you can use karting to learn to read drivers. We also get into sim racing and eSports! Davin’s Speed Secret: Be open. Davin Sturdivant is a competition go-kart racer, based out of the Pacific Northwest. Davin’s enthusiasm for performance driving and motorsports is highly engaging, encouraging people to become involved with ...
Nov 19, 2020•51 min•Season 4Ep. 168
In this week’s episode of Speed Secret Podcast, I go solo discuss a lifetime in motorsport and the most valuable things I learned along the way. I dive into the story of how I got involved in this wonderful sport, the relationship between driving experience and when you should begin modifying and tuning your car, focusing on performance rather than results, why adaptability is more important than being fast, how you can improve your ability to sense the limits of your car and tires, and the adva...
Nov 12, 2020•58 min•Season 4Ep. 167
On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, Craig Watkins sits down to discuss how he became a race car engineer, how the Flying Lizards race team came about, the process of engineering and tuning a car’s handling, and the right questions to ask to figure out what your car needs. He also dishes about what it’s like to work with drivers such as Johannes van Overbeek, Patrick Long, J ö rg Bermeister, Timo Bernhard, and other factory Porsche drivers. Craig’s Speed Secret: Use a tire gauge and ...
Nov 05, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Season 4Ep. 166
In this week’s episode of Speed Secrets podcast, I am joined by Clay Millican, NHRA Top Fuel drag racer. We discuss the mental game of drag racing, driving 11,000 horsepower, how to steer a Top Fuel dragster, the importance of reaction times, and all that goes into driving a race in less than 4 seconds! Clay Millican is a 6-time World Champion Top Fuel drag racer, having won IHRA championships from 2001 to 2006. He’s won 3 NHRA events, and his top speed is 335.23 MPH, and an ET of 3.628 seconds....
Oct 29, 2020•54 min•Season 4Ep. 165
On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, James Hinchcliffe joins me to discuss how “the Major of Hinchtown” came about, where the “fun meter” is pointing these days when you get in a race car, how to regain focus using mental triggers, the importance of being able to adapt (and why one style is not good enough), and using a negative, “cup half empty” approach to winning. James Hinchcliffe is a Canadian race car driver best known for competing in the IndyCar Series. He currently competes ...
Oct 22, 2020•58 min•Season 4Ep. 164
On this week’s part 2 episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, Michael Zimicki and I carry on busting myths and ranting about the way too many drivers and coaches get caught up in the thinking that everything something we say should be taken as gospel. Mike’s speed secret: Never stop learning. Mike has coached drivers such as Graham Rahal, Danica Patrick, Jon Fogarty, Ryan Hunter-Reay, and many, many more big names; he’s also coached drivers you’ve never heard of. The bottom line is he’s one of the bes...
Oct 15, 2020•59 min•Season 4Ep. 163
On this week’s part 1 episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, I sit down with friend and coach, Michael Zimicki, to bust or confirm some of the most common driving myths! Mike has coached drivers such as Graham Rahal, Danica Patrick, Jon Fogarty, Ryan Hunter-Reay, and many, many more big names; he’s also coached drivers you’ve never heard of. The bottom line is he’s one of the best. Check out Mike at: https://www.sliderulemotorsports.com IG: @zimicki Facebook...
Oct 08, 2020•57 min•Season 4Ep. 162
On this week’s episode of Speed Secret podcast, Peter Krause (fellow coach and data guru) joins me to talk all things driving fast – consistently! We get into why driving the limit is more important than the line, raising corner entry speed, and leading the throttle existing corners. Peter’s Speed Secret: Drive every corner, every lap, as quickly as you can. Peter specialties include individual and privately tailored analysis and optimization programs for sports car drivers and racers; data anal...
Oct 01, 2020•56 min•Season 4Ep. 161
On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets podcast, Adam Spence (architect leader at Garmin, and racer) joins me to discuss Garmin’s new data tool, the Catalyst. The Catalyst really is as cool as it sounds, and helped me shave 0.9 seconds off my best lap time. Plus, Adam explains what Area 51 at Garmin is! In addition to his role as Product Architect Leader – Area 51 at Garmin, Adam is a racer and track instructor. Check out the Catalyst here !...
Sep 24, 2020•55 min•Season 4Ep. 160
On this week’s episode of Speed Secrets Podcast, I talk with Dr. Jerry Lynch, author of my all-time favorite book, Thinking Body, Dancing Mind. As an expert in Eastern philosophy and sports psychology, his insights and guidance have had a major impact on my life, helping me perform better as a driver and coach. We discuss what being a champion really means, how Jerry’s teachings were used by Phil Jackson when coaching the Chicago Bulls, L.A. Lakers, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant, and his human...
Sep 17, 2020•59 min•Season 4Ep. 159
On this week’s Speed Secret Podcast, Cathy McCause Fuss joins me to talk about why she got involved with running a race series, how to make a series popular, how to make endurance racing safe, her sponsors (Hankook and Hawk brakes), and giving back through charitable events. She shares about Lucky Dog races and Heroes Motorsports race teams for veterans. Cathy’s speed secret: Be able to see! Cathy has been involved in endurance racing since driving in the very first Lemons races at Altamont Moto...
Sep 10, 2020•57 min•Season 4Ep. 158
