In this segment of "Car Chat" Episode 202, Sam Hancock describes racing in the historic Spa Six Hour Classic. Amidst the pouring rain and darkness, Sam navigates a packed grid in a GT40, showcasing the high stakes and skill required in historic racing. He stresses the paramount importance of preserving these classic cars, balancing the urge to compete with the necessity to protect. Tune in for the full episode for a catchup with Sam and what he's been up to over the last few years.

Full Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sam-hancock-professional-racing-driver-dealer-in-exceptional/id1432553826?i=1000653200323

https://www.samhancock.com/

https://www.instagram.com/hancock_sam/

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Sam Hancock joins me this week to discuss what he's been up to in the last few years. Sam has always been connecting car purchases but he's now got a base with cars in stock and things are going extremely well. We chat about historic racing, what it's like driving as a new parent and how Sam's mindset has shifted on GT3 racing and electronic aids. 

Enjoy, 

Sam 

https://www.samhancock.com/

https://www.instagram.com/hancock_sam/

Show Notes:

00:00:00 - Introduction

• Overview of Sam Hancock’s career and transition to historic racing.

00:02:15 - Beginnings in Racing

• Sam discusses his early racing ambitions and the move from karting to endurance racing.

00:05:48 - The Shift to Historic Racing

• How and why Sam transitioned to focusing on historic racing as his career in modern racing vehicles wound down.

00:10:31 - The Appeal of Historic Cars

• The personal significance and joy of racing historic cars for Sam, highlighting particular vehicles.

00:15:14 - Career Highlights and Memorable Races

• Reflections on standout moments from racing at Le Mans and other historic events.

00:20:00 - The Business of Historic Car Brokerage

• Insights into Sam's venture into the brokerage of historic race cars during the COVID-19 pandemic.

00:25:26 - The Future of Racing and Car Collecting

• Sam’s thoughts on the trends in car collecting and the future of the racing industry.

00:30:04 - Changes in GT Racing

• Discussion on the evolution of GT racing and how it impacts both new and historic racing series.

00:35:16 - Importance of Car Livery

• The significance of memorable liveries in car value and recognition.

00:40:53 - Transitioning to Historic Racing Series

• Potential developments in historic racing series that could include modern GT3 cars.

00:45:21 - The Driving Experience in Modern Race Cars

• Sam describes his recent experiences testing a Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo and his newfound appreciation for modern race car technologies.

00:50:06 - The Accessibility and Appeal of GT3 Racing

• Exploring why GT3 racing remains a popular and accessible option for enthusiasts and amateur racers.

00:55:21 - Comparing Historic and Modern Racing

• A comparison of the thrills and challenges of driving historic versus modern race cars on today’s tracks.

01:00:00 - Closing Thoughts

• Final reflections and advice for those interested in either entering the racing world or collecting race cars.

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Daniel Van Doveren is the founder of Vigilante 4x4, a Jeep Restomod Company based in the USA. Here is an excerpt from our longer podcast which you can find on your podcasts platform (apple, spotify etc.)

Audio Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/daniel-van-doveren-vigilante-4x4-restomodding-iconic/id1432553826?i=1000652490521

https://www.vigilante4x4.com/

Enjoy,

Sam

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In this episode of Car Chat, join host Sam Moores as he delves into the fascinating world of classic Jeep restorations and restomods with Daniel Van Doveren. With Dutch and Swedish roots, Daniel shares his journey from tech entrepreneur to founder of Jeep Heritage and Vigilante 4x4, renowned for transforming vintage Jeeps into modern masterpieces.

This conversation takes us from Daniel's early adventures in tech to his passion-driven pivot towards automotive restoration. Discover how road trips across the US in cheap, often quirky Jeeps sparked the inception of Jeep Heritage. Daniel discusses the meticulous process of revamping these iconic vehicles, emphasising the blend of traditional charm and cutting-edge technology that sets his work apart.

From scanning original Jeep models in 3D to integrating modern drivetrains and luxurious finishes, Daniel's approach to restoration marries nostalgia with innovation. This episode not only explores the technical aspects of restoration but also dives into the business side, discussing how maintaining a small-scale operation allows for creativity and personal touch in every project.

Whether you're a car enthusiast or just curious about the transformation of classic cars into bespoke creations, this episode offers a deep dive into the art and science of automotive restoration.

You can explore more about Daniel's work with Jeep Heritage and Vigilante through the following links:

• Jeep Heritage: https://www.jeepheritage.com/
• Vigilante: https://www.vigilante4x4.com/

For enthusiasts looking to dive deeper into the world of restomod Jeeps, Daniel's companies offer a unique insight into the meticulous care and innovative engineering that go into each vehicle.

Show Notes:

00:00 - Introduction and Background

01:36 - Starting Jeep Heritage and Vigilante

02:18 - Moving to the US and Starting Jeep Heritage

08:06 - Memorable Road Trips

23:17 - Choosing the Level of Restoration

27:35 - Design and Engineering Process

27:59 - Scanning Parts and 3D Printing

30:29 - Fine-tuning the Vehicle and Improvements

30:59 - The History of the Grand Wagoneer

32:25 - Developing Vigilante and Upgrades

41:36 - Specs and Pricing

42:59 - Popular Specs and Engine Choices

43:52 - Understanding Customer Needs

45:09 - Engine Options and Performance

45:52 - Increasing Female Audience

47:51 - Suspension and Airbags

49:00 - Building a Limited Number of Cars

55:33 - Demand for Restomods in Europe

56:01 - Regulations and Building for Europe

59:15 - Maintaining Quality and Personalization

1:00:19 - Limitations of Restomodding

1:00:50 - The Role of OEMs in Testing

1:00:55 - Challenges in Achieving Perfection

1:01:12 - Advice for Individuals Considering a Mod Project

1:01:59 - Safety Considerations in Restomodding

1:02:32 - The Importance of Safety in Restorations

1:03:39 - Five Questions

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A short extract from the full episode with Rowan Hick of GlobalWorkshop discussing his personal sim building journey from a humble gaming setup to building a full G force rig. Check out the full episode #198 here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/car-chat/id1432553826

Video: https://youtu.be/y6hEotIQTyM

Enjoy,

Sam

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In this episode of Car Chat, host Sam Moores talks with Rowan Hick, the founder of Global Workshop, a platform designed to assist in the management of vehicle builds, restorations, and races. Rowan discusses the origins of Global Workshop, detailing how personal necessity led to the creation of a system that simplifies the management of complex vehicle projects for enthusiasts and professionals.

Additionally, Rowan shares his personal journey in the automotive world, from modifying a Fraser Clubman to pushing the boundaries of home racing simulators. With a background in software development, Rowan's transition into the automotive sector highlights the merging of technological innovation with automotive passion.

This episode provides insights into the nuanced world of vehicle restoration and project management, reflecting on the challenges faced and the solutions developed by those deeply embedded in the craft. Listen in for a detailed discussion on the intersection of technology, personal passion, and automotive craftsmanship with Sam Moores and Rowan Hick.

Enjoy,

https://www.globalworkshop.com/

Show Notes:

00:00 = Intro

13:18 = Evolution Of The App

18:00 = Use Cases

23:01 = Speccing The Fraser

26:32 = Rowan's Automotive Journey

30:53 = Driving And Racing In NZ

34:43 = Driving The Frazer

37:58 = Rowan's Sim

56:54 = The Future Of Global Workshop

1:03:52 = Tailoring The App

1:11:00 = 5 Questions

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In today's digital world, how do you stand out when technology and creativity merge?

Faruk Heplevent, who started Scope Studio, leads the way in car CGI, film, and photo production. He joins us to share his story from taking photos around the world to leading a company at the cutting edge of digital creativity in the car industry. We'll dive into Scope Studio's exciting project, Scope City, a digital city that's a perfect place for showing off cars.

https://thescope.studio/

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Meet Faruk Heplevent and learn how Scope Studio began.

(02:15) Moving from taking photos to leading in CGI technology.

(04:22) How CGI is changing car ads and the creation of Scope City.

(06:20) A look at how Scope City was made.

(11:09) The challenges of working with CGI in car production.

(14:18) The freedom and accuracy CGI brings to showcasing cars.

(22:42) How AI and new tech are changing the game in digital creativity.

(28:05) Finding the balance between new tech and creative vision.

(35:46) Why CGI is a greener choice compared to traditional photo shoots.

(41:17) How digital marketing in the car world is evolving.

(49:43) Imagining what's next for CGI in the car industry.

(52:34) Faruk's final thoughts and what's next for Scope Studio.

Faruk's story gives us a thrilling look at how technology, creativity, and the car world come together. This episode is a must for car fans and creative pros.

Check out the youtube video: https://youtu.be/hVqisk1fMzk

Come join us on Car Chat as we zoom into the digital future with Faruk Heplevent.

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Craig Toone is the founder of Rush Magazine - a new print magazine celebrating the best iconic modern classics & performance cars.

https://www.rushmagazine.co.uk/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

0:00 - Intro

4:38 - How to start a magazine

19:50 - The perks of running a magazine

26:10 - Automotive background

32:22 - Big surprises

35:31 - Imposter syndrome and authentic experiences

47:57 - Car Of The Year

56:38 - Issue #2

1:00:37 - How much content do you need for a magazine?

1:07:14 - Fun, cheaper EVs (please)

1:11:12 - 5 Questions 

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Paul Woodman, the founder of Lovecars, an automotive media powerhouse, sits down with me to share his journey from the company's inception to its current success, including producing the series "On The Road," now streaming on Amazon Prime. We delve into the origins of his passion for cars, the challenges and triumphs of bringing automotive stories to life on screen, and the memorable experiences of filming across the globe. Join us as Paul opens up about his favorite cars, the excitement of racing, and navigating the complex world of social media, all while building a brand that resonates with car enthusiasts everywhere.

Watch the video ep here:

https://lovecars.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lovecars/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

0:00 - Intro

5:35 - Early success of Lovecars

11:53 - Opportunity vs revenue

19:20 - Ideal audience

22:38 - Starting a TV series

33:30 - Lovecars On The Road

45:45 - TV highlights

49:44 - Filming in America vs UK

53:23 - Top 3 Cars Driven

55:49 - Caterham racing and sponsorship

1:01:33 - F1 chat

1:06:00 - Drag racing

1:10:49 - Social media woes

1:16:08 - 5 questions

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It's always great to catch up with Iain Litchfield, founder of Litchfield Motors. Litchfield Motors started off importing JDM cars (listen to our first podcast here) We have a catchup and discuss the GT-R world of today, tuning cars, the expansion of Litchfield, dampers and a whole lot more.

https://www.litchfieldmotors.com/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

0:00 - Intro

5:01 - Litchfield and GTRs

10:57 - In-house parts

13:46 - Current demand

19:17 - Working on Porsches

26:33 - New M cars

28:58 - GT3 Touring and GT4

34:03 - Custom dampers

36:33 - 992 Tuning

40:24 - Hybrids, EVs, and synthetic fuel

46:51 - GT3RS

58:37 - Jethro’s 996

1:06:48 - 5 Questions 

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Chris Tolman is the founder of Tolman Engineering. Chris has an extensive background in rallying and running race teams and has brought this knowledge into his Peugeot 205 Tolman Editions. From running the McLaren driver development cars to Bentley GT3s, there is a wealth of knowledge.

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Tolman, the founder behind Tolman Engineering, to explore the thrilling world of motorsport engineering and team management. From the foundational connections in rally racing to the intricate details of running a race team, Chris shares his invaluable experiences and the skills required to excel in this high-octane environment.

Dive into the heart of racing as we discuss the challenges and triumphs of managing the McLaren Driver Development Program, and what it takes to race a McLaren at the highest levels. Chris also sheds light on his diverse experience with racing Genettas, Bentleys, rally cars, and more, revealing the critical differences between road car and race car engineering.

At the 28:39 mark, get an exclusive look into "The Tolman 205" project, followed by a discussion on keeping racing ventures economical without compromising on performance. Chris emphasizes the importance of the customer experience in motorsport and outlines the ambitious goals of the Evo project.

Wrapping up the episode, we have the 5 questions.

Enjoy,

Sam

https://tolmanengineering.co.uk/

Show Notes:

0:00 - Intro

4:32 - Connections in rally

6:05 - Skills building on a race team

8:19 - Running the Mclaren Driver Development Program

17:33 - Challenges of racing a Mclaren

19:26 - Running Genettas, Bentleys, rally cars etc

26:21 - Difference between road car and race car engineering

28:39 - The 205

42:55 - Keeping it economical

48:14 - Customer experience

52:55 - The goal of the Evo

1:04:41 - 5 questions 

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