Trackside
This video podcast of candid conversations with respected, automotive guests dives into stories about automotive passion, enthusiasm and even childhood memories that helped shape the lives of our guests and their cars.
Henry Payne, a Virginia native and a Princeton University graduate, is a world-renowned cartoonist and writer. In this episode of Trackside, he joins us to share his lifelong connection to cars, claiming to have “oil in his blood.” From his early days spent around cars and enjoying kart racing, Henry reminisces about the moment he realized he was a “car guy” at just 11 years old. As a part of the Detroit News, Payne is renowned for his coverage of various events, including the Detroit Grand Prix and the North American International Auto Show. His dual talents in event coverage and automotive cartoons have made him a well-known and respected figure in Metro Detroit. Join us as we sit down with Payne to learn about the driving force behind his passion for the industry.
Watch to see the latest interview.
Show 1 – Supercharged Vetting – with Ken Lingenfelter
Meet Ken Lingenfelter, born the son of a General Motors executive, Ken grew up with an appreciation for stylish, high-performance automobiles. Learn about the moment that defined his love for cars and what happened when a boy drag-raced him one day, after school. In 2008, his passion for speed and excellence led him to purchase the assets of Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, a company founded by his distant cousin John Lingenfelter. Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, The Lingenfelter Collection, and Ken himself have made an impact on hot-rodders, racers and exotic car enthusiasts around the world. Come experience the sights and sounds of The Lingenfelter C8 Supercharged Magnuson Corvette and hear Ken’s story in this personal interview.
Show 2 – RPM – Road Produced Memories – with Lauren Mendelson
“I’m going to own that one day,” Lauren Mendelson would say at an early age as cars passed by. Fast forward to present day and Lauren’s car “addiction” is still pedal to the metal, amassing quite a collection.
After marrying her husband David (who also loves cars), they made a joint purchase of another pivotal car that they still own. Coincidentally, it happened just after her mother had passed.
Watch Trackside Show No. 2 to learn about her first car, the memory that stands out most, and then hear the story from her mother that helped solidify the decision to get the car purchased as a couple. Learn about this and other stories on the Trackside Show.
Show 3 – One of a Kind – with Fred Calero
Henry Ford created and perfected the assembly line for mass producing automobiles but when you’re making custom cars, time and quality are paramount aspects for success.
Show 4 – “Sounds Like Thunder on Earth” – with Dave Nikolas
The car that was heard down the street made its way to M1 Concourse for a special appearance by driver and owner, Dave Nikolas.
Dave has spent most of his life involved in racing. The itch started with motorcycles (both road racing and drag racing) then it moved to cars in the late 1970s. This 88 FAB Car GT has a real special place in his heart. Find out why he purchased this car and what it sounds like when he starts the engine.
Show 5 – “Bill & Melissa: Increased Heartrates” with Bill & Melissa Kozyra | M1 Trackside
This couple has been here since the start. They were part of the “founders’ group” of initial garage owners at M1 Concourse. As these founders grew fonder of the property and accompanying track, so did the garage count – expanding to a second garage and then a third! Bill and Melissa are an incredible power couple who see challenges as opportunities. Join Melissa’s journey as she talks about when she first discovered her love for motorsports and the glory of racing.
Show 6 – “Pushing Porsche Performance” with Tom McDonald | M1 Trackside
With an automotive career of over 50 years, Tom McDonald’s career in motorsports began in the Porsche Audi racing division of the Volkswagen Group. Now retired, you can find him at his favorite spot in Metro Detroit: M1 Concourse. As a garage owner and motorsports club member, Tom can be spotted behind the wheel of his 1957 Porsche Speedster, which he has brought for this episode of Trackside today. We catch up with Tom to explore the orgins of his passion for motorsports, and how it landed him here; at M1 Concourse.
In the latest episode of Trackside, we dive into the remarkable journey of Craig Bennet, the owner of RM Motorsports in Wixom, MI, specializing in the meticulous restoration of vintage racecars, historic gems, high-end, and street rod cars. Growing up, Craig was immersed in the world of racing. At just 18 years old, his father entered him in the Detroit Grand Prix Trans AM racing series, ultimately starting up his professional racing career. After a catastrophic crash in 2016, Bennet’s racing career took a turn towards retirement. Now recovered, we sit down with Craig and reflect on how his accident changed his racing career, but never diminished his passion for motorsports.