ninetyoneoctane

Stryker /// Preston H | #276 - Dude Magnets, Making the Cover of Dirt Rider, and The Alphabet Sprint!

On this episode, guest host Preston Huff helps us dive Under the Hood into the world of automotive maintenance and enthusiast culture. Starting with, "Jiffy Lube Technicians Now Work from Home and Guide You in Over-Torquing Your Own Oil Filter," we explore the craziest places listeners have taken their cars for service and share bizarre stories from the automotive world. We then tackle the surprising revelation that "OEMs Confess Sports Cars Come Stock with Dude Magnets, Not Chick Magnets," discussing whether Preston's beloved F80 has a chick or dude magnet and describing the cars that make us eager to strike up a conversation with their owners. Next, we share wrenching mishaps and dream automotive records in "Technician Achieves a Record-Breaking 42-Minute Engine Swap On the Wrong Car." Afterward, we reveal some shocking insights from the "New Study Revealing the Average DIY Mechanics' $2 Million Investment in 10mm Sockets," prompting a discussion about our own tool collections and the first automotive tools we ever bought. In the interview segment, we explore Preston making the cover of Dirt Rider magazine! Preston also shares his journey into the world of BMWs and his experience with Stryker Performance. Lastly, we delve into his role as an admin for Urbxn Canvxs, a BMW club, and what it's like to be part of such a passionate community. To wrap things up, we engage in the high-speed "Alphabet Sprint" where we take on the challenge of naming everything cars alphabetically, testing our automotive knowledge and quick thinking. There can only be one winner!

The Blind Apex | #275 - Work Commute Nightmares, Wrenching Hondas, and The Shitbox Inquisition Game!

On this episode, Kaan of The Blind Apex Podcast helps us through this week's headlines starting with a man's innovative approach as he incorporates his daily work commute into the video game Assetto Corsa, all in a bid to outmaneuver his neighbor for a prized street parking spot. Then, urban mosquitoes mistake straight-piped Honda cars for potential mates, causing a population surge. 
We also get into Kaan's current car collection, his affinity for Honda vehicles, and his journey in the racing world. He also provides insights into the Blind Apex Podcast, shedding light on what he has gleaned from the experience and how it has influenced his automotive dreams.
Lastly, the first ever "The Shitbox Inquisition" challenges both of us in an automotive guessing game where players guess each other's chosen automotive terms in a limited number of questions, culminating in a showdown to determine the ultimate automotive inquisitor!

EVilla Motorsport | #274 - NASCAR Takes LeMans, KDM Goes GDM, and Used Car Price is Right!

In this episode, guest host Eli Villa from Evilla Motorsport joins the show. The episode kicks off with the Ferrari Team Principal resorting to drinking Red Bulls as the F1 season comes to a close. Meanwhile, NASCAR's surprising success with Garage 56 at Le Mans leads them to consider an audacious move to purchase France to control the legendary 24-Hour Race. An amateur race car driver faces a setback when their BMW subscriptions expire mid-race, causing them to drop from first place to last. Bugatti's ambitious claim to create the world's most unaffordable car is explored. In the interview segment, Eli Villa discusses Evilla Motorsport, Rio Status, the E46 M3, and his future in racing. The episode wraps up with a head-to-head game called "Used Car Price is Right," where the hosts guess the prices used car listings Price is Right style!

Carlos V |#273 - Bimmer Invasion Breaks Records, Racing Porsches, and We Go Head-to-Head!

In this episode of we dive Under the Hood into a series of automotive news stories with our special guest, Carlos Valenzuela. We kick things off with the jaw-dropping news that Bimmer Invasion Los Angeles has broken the Guinness World Record for the largest collective oil leak. Moving on, we discuss California's new driving exam, which now includes heart-pounding maneuvers at Willow Springs Raceway, sparking a debate on whether it will produce better or more reckless drivers. We also delve into the unexpected revelation from FIA drug testing that Max Verstappen might actually be a robot. Then, Helmut Marko confuses Checo for being South American. Lastly, we talk about a man who can only remember people by the cars they drive, leading us to discuss our own memorable car experiences and eccentricities. The episode includes an engaging interview segment with Carlos Valenzuela, where we chat about his current and future car plans, as well as racing aspirations. And to top it all off, we go head-to-head with a friendly game of What the Hell is That?

RaceFFPod /// Jaime | $3M Altima, Gran Turismo Gold S-Licenses, and The Chassis Code Challenge!

On this episode, a 40-year-old man has taken an unusual legal route by suing the creators of Gran Turismo for not granting him a pro driver status after he achieved gold on his first attempt in every S License mission. This raises questions about the transformative power of video games and whether one's virtual achievements can translate into real-life pursuits. Shifting gears, the automotive world witnessed some jaw-dropping sales, including a zero-mile Nissan Altima fetching a staggering $3 million in a Bring-a-Trailer auction, alongside a 36k mile Geo Metro Convertible and a 1988 Yugo selling for surprising prices. Speculations arise about future collector cars, leaving us pondering the potential value of a decent-condition 100k mile EG Civic in 25 years. Meanwhile, an 18-year-old man's financial journey took an unexpected turn as he transformed into a financial guru after financing a used Charger with zero down-payment and a daunting 40% APR, prompting reflections on the worst financial mistakes and the credibility of such self-made experts. In the realm of automotive stunts, a "stance kid" achieved an astounding 90 degrees of camber, causing his car to take flight like the Back to the Future Delorean. This phenomenon sparks discussions about owning Deloreans, favorite car movies, and the most clapped out car ever driven. The interview touches on current cars, plans, and future prospects, as well as the evolution of the RaceFFPod podcast and racing aspirations. Lastly, the Chassis Code Challenge adds some friendly competition as we go head to head with our guest to see who knows more chassis codes!

Tony Driven | #271 - Mustang GTD’s Warning, Cloning Verstappen, and The Ultimate Automotive Anime Challenge!

In this episode, featuring our guest host Tony Driven, we're delving into the latest buzz from the car world. Ford is grabbing everyone's attention by claiming that their new Mustang GTD can clear crowds an impressive 36% faster than before. And guess what? Tony is here to help choose between a Porsche GT3 or a Mustang GT3. We're also exploring the intriguing decision by Ford to include the letter 'D' in GT3, which stands for Grand Touring Daytona Class. Shifting gears, we're diving into a discussion about Verstappen's audacious plan to create clones of himself and have them race for every Formula 1 team. Join us as we analyze the dynamics between dominant champions and underdog racers, consider ways to level the playing field, and dissect the technological race unfolding between Mercedes and Red Bull. Buckle up as we also explore Elon Musk's ambitious promise: by 2024, Tesla's electric vehicles will boast an unlimited range inspired by the tireless Energizer Bunny. We also delve into predictions regarding the longevity of Tesla's dominance in the electric vehicle market and explore the implications of upcoming automotive technology. We'll make a pit stop to discuss Nissan's Nismo Z, which is making a comeback after a relatively unnoticed initial release. We'll engage in a debate about whether the car's lackluster sales were truly due to dealer mark-ups or if other factors were at play. The episode takes a deeper dive with an illuminating interview featuring Tony Driven, where he shares insights about his current vehicle collection, racing aspirations, and his journey into the realms of podcasting and media. Adding to the excitement, Tony takes on the ultimate anime challenge titled 'Are You Weeb Enough?' As he attempts to distinguish between real and fictional anime names, we're in for a thrilling ride. With Tony's automotive expertise and a game that will test even the most devoted anime enthusiasts, this episode promises to be one you won't want to miss!

Karla Pestotnik | #270 - The Inauguration, New Under the Hood, and a Head-to-Head Car-Off!

Karla Pestotnik, our S2000 guru and race car driver, joins us for the inauguration of the new ninetyoneoctane! Formula 1's decision to charge $1500 for viewing holes on the Las Vegas Strip raises eyebrows, with doubts lingering about their sellability. The ongoing debates about Max Verstappen's Formula 1 dominance continue, while a noteworthy trend emerges as mothers nationwide refuse to cover leases for their adult children engaged in risky takeovers, sparking discussions about the consequences of such activities. In the realm of the extraterrestrial, the government's warnings about UFOs equipped with advanced technology evoke humor, reflecting on "Fast & Furious" movies and potential alien interests. Amidst these stories, Whistlin' Diesel's fiery spectacle of burning a Ferrari F8 to fuel his Ferrari F40 dream captivates attention. Finally, we end on a head-to-head competition to decide who's is the better expert in their field!

#269 - Out with the Old and In With the New. Only Those Who Listen Will Know!

It's time for a new chapter of ninetyoneoctane and one I've always dreamt of. Please join me on this Journey but if you don't, no hard feelings. For those who stick around, let's have some fun!

#268 - Honda Drops the NSX for the Civic Type R, the Nissan Z is a Failure, and Bending the Rules is Back with One of the Biggest Scams in Racing

On Under the Hood, Honda is gearing up for the Super GT series with its Civic Type R-GT, aiming to deliver "ultimate pure sports performance." The race car, developed from the road-legal Civic Type-R, is set to debut in the 2024 season, with shakedown tests scheduled for July 25 and 26. Meanwhile, Zenvo has revealed its extreme hypercar, the Aurora V12, boasting a 6.0-liter twin-turbo engine and two variants, Tur for road focus and Agil for high-downforce racing. However, accidents also make headlines, as a white Ferrari F8 Tributo crashed in Houston during a Cars & Coffee event, and a cargo ship carrying 3,000 cars, including Mercedes-Benz vehicles, caught fire off the Dutch coast. In the market, Nissan faces challenges with the 400z, selling less than 1000 units since its launch, while manual transmissions become scarcer, with only 20 models offering them in 2023. Mazda, on the other hand, decides not to participate in the horsepower war with Toyota and Subaru, focusing on the MX-5's balance and responsiveness. Additionally, Tesla faces scrutiny as it was discovered to have suppressed driving range complaints with a "Diversion Team" manipulating range estimates.
On Bending the Rules, Scott Tucker, a race car driver and founder of Level 5 Racing, built a financial empire in payday loans, disregarding regulations and charging exorbitant interest rates of 400% to 700%. Tucker used the wealth he amassed from his payday lending business to fund his racing program for years. Despite his success on the track, Tucker's shady financial practices caught up with him. In 2017, he was convicted of 14 criminal counts related to his $2 billion payday lending company and sentenced to 16 years and 8 months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a $1.3 billion penalty to the Federal Trade Commission for his deceptive business practices. Despite his conviction, Tucker doesn't fully take responsibility and claims to be misunderstood. Ironically, he was featured on Netflix's show "Dirty Money," shedding light on his bending of the rules and unethical behavior both on and off the track.

#267 - The Most Dangerous Cars, Nissan’s Horrible Skyline View, and the Street Judge is Back to Discuss M Cars with Extra Numbers!

On Under the Hood, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) identifies American muscle cars, including the Ford Mustang, as among the most dangerous vehicles on the road due to their high horsepower and aggressive driving image. The IIHS reveals that several variants of muscle cars have the highest driver death rates for the 2020 model year. Conversely, minivans, SUVs, and luxury vehicles have lower driver death rates. In the second segment, the American Automobile Association (AAA) conducts a study on the impact of changes in posted speed limits on traffic safety. The study finds that lowering speed limits results in more speeding tickets, while raising speed limits leads to fewer violations. However, there is no conclusive evidence linking speed limit changes to crash frequency. The AAA study challenges assumptions about speed limits and road safety, raising questions about their enforcement motivations. Ford reduces prices for its electric F-150 Lightning, aiming to boost production and lower battery mineral costs. Subaru teases a "sharper and more focused" BRZ model. Additionally, news on the tragic incident at an SCCA Pro Solo autocross event, GM pickup battery drain issues, Tesla's plan to license Full Self-Driving system, and Nissan's potential transformation of the Skyline into an electric SUV is covered.
The Street Judge delves into the debate on whether M Performance models should be considered true M cars and explores the differences between M Division and M Performance models, their engineering, branding, and implications for the automotive industry.