Cold Start

The Art of Going on a Drive

Some may think that going on a drive is a fairly simple task that we do every day to get from point A to point B – but there is a fine art to a successful spirited drive, especially when it includes a handful of your buddies. The guys cover some of the basics of how to put on a successful group drive, and what details are often overlooked. With just a little extra attention to detail, you can turn your next fun drive from a good time to a memorable experience.
Cold Start Hint: An analog choice for a spirited drive
 
Answer to Episode 36 Cold Start: 2019 Toro Rosso STR14

Going to Our First F1 Race

Todd and Sylas finally attend their first Formula 1 race, making the trip out to Austin, Texas, to experience the 2025 United States Grand Prix. Hear what it's like to actually see F1 in person, and whether it's really as breathtaking and life changing as people say. How does the F1 experience compare to seeing a NASCAR or IndyCar race? Have we finally made an F1 fan out of Sylas?
Cold Start Hint:  Moose Craft Hot Dogs and Italian design
 
Answer to Episode 35 Cold Start: Porsche 991 GT2RS Weissach

Up to Temp: Porsche GT2RS

What is the ultimate GT car? The Porsche 991-era GT2RS makes a compelling argument as one of the all time great Grand Touring street cars, not to mention being a more-than-capable track day machine. And it's not all about the fastest 0-60 times (though it'll compete quite admirably in that arena, as the fastest and most powerful road-going Porsche 911). Join Sylas and Todd on a drive to explore this powerful sportcar, complete with its twin turbo soundtrack, departing from Sonoma Raceway to the beautiful Northern California coastal destination of Point Reyes National Seashore. Powerful ocean waves, meet Porsche power on tap.
Cold Start Hint: Lighter than usual, because Weissach made it that way
 
Answer to Episode 34 Cold Start: 2025 Cadillac Escalade V

Security Driver Training 101

If you have ever wondered what it takes to drive like James Bond and escape the bad guys, the harsh reality of what it actually means to drive like private security may surprise you. Even though the job of a private security guard may seem like an action packed job, the truth of what it means to be a good driver is a lot more about proper technique and consistency. Sylas shares his insight of working as a chief instructor for security driver trainings and reveals how much overlap there is between racing and security driving, where there are differences, and what sort of mindset it takes to be successful in the executive protection and security industry. 
Cold Start Hint: Cool Soccer Practice Car
 
Answer to Episode 33 Cold Start: 410 Winged Sprint Car

Sprint Car Racing, the Modern Era Gladiators

What may be the last true form of motorsports in America, Sprint Car racing is overlooked by so many motorsport fans. Todd watched his first Sprint Car race as they returned to Calistoga Speedway in Napa County, California. Blown away by the spectacle, Todd and Sylas dive deeper into the history of Sprint Cars and how they became such a popular way to get into racing. Keeping its raw grassroots style throughout the years, Sprint Car racing is something every motorsport fan needs to experience once in their life.
Cold Start Hint: Can you tell if its a 410 or a 360?
 
Answer to Episode 32 Cold Start: 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Up to Temp: Porsche Carrera GT

Who would pass on the opportunity to street drive the world's great analog supercar? The guys take the Porsche Carrera GT out for a nice drive in Wine Country and talk about all the things that make it the pinnacle of the analog car experience -- as well as touching on the things that make it scary and intimidating to drive on public roads. The road noise is a little louder in this episode, but what do you expect from a carbon fiber monocoque racecar for the street? Sound deadening would have just added weight. 
Cold Start Hint: Descendant of an F1 car and an LMP car, with a V10
 
Answer to Episode 31 Cold Start: 1957 BMW 507

The Quail of the PNW: Chapter One Car Show

On today's episode, Todd and Sylas talk about a Seattle Car Show that potentially outclasses The Quail. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, is an annual car show during Monterey Car Week, known for its unbelievable car lineups, beautiful backdrop, and high class amenities -- but what if we told you that a show just popped up in the Pacific Northwest that may rival its exclusivity and aura? Chapter One was an event put on by the same team that hosts Northwest Exotics at Carillon Point in Kirkland, WA, and they turned every dial to 11. Listen to hear Todd and Sylas's experience of attending this incredible event, and why it may be the newest must-attend event for diehard car enthusiasts.
Cold Start Hint: Only 252 ever made, all hand built
 
Answer to Episode 30 Cold Start: 410 Sprint Car (on Dirt)

Idling with Sprint Car Driver, Tim F****** Barber

Tim Barber, an infamous name within the NorCal racing scene, joins the show on today's episode to share his stories of racing up the ranks with sights set on IndyCar and what it took to make it full time in Sprint Car Racing. He also gives his blunt insights on working within the motorsport industry and getting into motorsports as a whole. The hard truth is difficult for a lot of us to hear but Tim has made a career out of giving it how it is, and becoming a motorsport therapist to many. 
Cold Start Hint: Stand back or you might get hit by a dirt clod
 
Answer to Episode 29 Cold Start: BMW E39 M5

Up to Temp: BMW E39 M5

The guys hit the road once again, bringing the newly acquired BMW E39 M5 on a short drive around Sonoma County. Listen as Todd and Sylas give their opinions on the driving experience as well as talking about the charm of early 2000's BMWs -- and how the brand has deviated since. Is the E39 M5 the pinnacle of M5's? How does the M5 really fit into the BMW M lineup? Find out the answers to these questions and more on this episode.
Cold Start Hint: Manual transmission was standard, no other option offered
 
Answer to Episode 28 Cold Start: 1989 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9L

Live Walk Around of Northwest Exotics

After their weekend in Monterey for the historics races at Laguna Seca, the Cold Start team goes on the road once again, visiting the Pacific Northwest to attend the Northwest Exotics car show -- and they bring the Toro Rosso F1 car with them! On this episode, Todd and Sylas bring Cold Start live to the event, where they walk around giving their thoughts of the show and sharing what cars caught their eyes. It's just like being there amidst this stellar collection of automotive history.
Cold Start Hint: Small and French
 
Answer to Episode 27 Cold Start: 1989 Mazda 767B prototype

Rolex Monterey Motorsport Reunion Review

After their trip to the 2025 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca, Todd and Sylas give you their impressions of the sights and sounds of what is quite possibly one of the best vintage racing events in the world. From seeing all seven generations of IROC racing on the track at the same time to Zak Brown almost writing off an invaluable piece of motorsport history, Car Week in Monterey is always an unforgettable experience for any car enthusiast.
Cold Start Hint: Angry Dorito 
 
Answer to Episode 26 Cold Start: 2019 Toro Rosso STR14 Formula 1

Buying a 2019 Toro Rosso F1 Car

This episode tells the incredible story of how a 2019 Formula 1 car found itself in private hands, and not just any F1, but the Toro Rosso STR14 that got Pierre Gasly his first podium at the Brazilian GP. The car was also driven by Alex Albon in the first half of the 2019 season, including to a 6th place finish at the German Grand Prix, before he was promoted to team Red Bull and Gasly demoted. On top of covering the racecar's incredible history, Todd and Sylas also cover the logistics of transporting an invaluable piece of history from Europe to America, as well as, the experience of owning the newest F1 in private hands.
 
Cold Start Hint: Well when it had an engine, it sounded like this...
 
Answer to Episode 25 Cold Start: Ferrari 488 Pista

Up to Temp: Ferrari 488 Pista

"Up to Temp" is our newest segment on Cold Start, where we take you along on a drive in cars that are worthy of deeper exploration. In our premiere "Up to Temp" episode, Todd and Sylas get out on the road, offering their insight into the behind-the-wheel experience and road-going qualities of the 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista. The Pista is Ferrari's "track-oriented" version of the 488 platform, built to achieve a fine balance of Ferrari luxury and the sport dynamics of a track vehicle for the street. Did the ragazzi from Maranello, Italy, hit the mark? Or could it have been executed better? For a special bonus, we offer you a little Ferrari ASMR. Mamma mia!
Cold Start Hint: 2 turbos and sinuous lines... Che bella! 🤌 
 
Answer to Episode 24 Cold Start: 2003 BMW E39 M5

Acquiring the BMW E39 M5: Achievement Unlocked!

After a long search, Todd achieves off a longstanding dream acquisition: a 2003 BMW E39 M5 (as featured in our Todd's 2015 Dream Garage episode). Sylas, our resident BMW expert and enthusiast, couldn't be more pleased! This was a team effort -- a rollercoaster story of ups and downs and false starts, finally realized thanks to everyone's most talked about auction platform: Bring a Trailer. But did BaT help to deliver on extremely heightened expectations, or did it result in a regretted purchase? Learn about our journey, and what yours might look like if you ever thought about, or have experienced, buying a car online, sight unseen. 
Cold Start Hint: It's got 8 ITBs and an S62
Answer to Episode 23 Cold Start: 1973 Porsche RSR 3.0 IROC

IROC On!

Wouldn't you want to know who would be the best driver in the world out of all disciplines: F1, IndyCar, NASCAR, IMSA, WEC, etc? Well there used to be a series to find out just that. IROC, the International Race Of Champions, was a 4 race shoot out that would put the best of the best from all forms of motorsport against one another on equal footing, to determine who was the best driver in the world. Todd and Sylas talk about the history of the incredible series and its very colorful racecars. They also touch on the demise of the series, where the cars are now, and what a IROC 2025 could potentially look like if they were given the reins. 
Cold Start Hint: Three liters and a boxy air dam on this racing sports car
 
Answer to Episode 22 Cold Start: 1967 Porsche 910 prototype racecar

Idling with Racing Crew Chief, Gary Rubio

On this week's episode, Huffaker Motorsports Crew Chief, Gary Rubio, joins the show to share his journey in motorsports from being a racer in Indy Lights to becoming a crew chief for teams in IMSA, SRO, and vintage racing. He helps to answer the question of what makes motorsports such an addictive industry, and what it took to climb the ranks of open wheel racing in the late 1980's. What do motorsports legends Wally Parks, Chip Ganassi, Danny Sullivan, Roger Penske, Carl Haas, Jeff and Mario Andretti, Juan Fangio III, Paul Tracy, Tony George, Dale Coyne, and Johnny O'Connell all have in common? Gary Rubio!
 
Cold Start Hint: German racecar, 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-[this]-[and this]
 
Answer to Episode 21 Cold Start:  Super Comp dragster

This Time Drag Racing!

After dropping repeated hints about an upcoming Drag Racing episode in prior installments of Cold Start, This Time... Drag Racing! Todd chats with Sylas about this different world of motorsports -- contrasting the approaches, cars, and mindset of driving fast in a straight line on the drag strip, versus our more familar grounds of road course and oval racing. It's an eye-opener for Sylas, highlighting Todd's own experience as an NHRA Sportsman racer in the SuperComp class, and getting deeper into the procedures and culture of what motivates drag racers to stomp that loud pedal. If you think it's all just "hit the gas and go", you might want to give this a closer look and listen too. 
Cold Start Hint: It's got 9+ liters / 598 cubic inches of displacement and more power than you need.
 
Answer to Episode 20 Cold Start: Ligier JSP320 LMP3 prototype racecar
 
 

Checkered Past: Racing Prototypes in Europe... Almost

After Todd had started winning Formula 3 races in the Simraceway series, he looked for a new challenge within motorsports. Wanting to take that next step, he set his eyes on prototype racing and specifically the LMP3 category. Listen to hear his struggles of transitioning into a new car and series, as well as some unforeseen circumstances that may have cut the dream short. Racing is truly never a boring sport.
Cold Start Hint: French chassis, Japanese power
 
Answer to Episode 19 Cold Start: 2007 Porsche GT3 (997.1)

Idling with Northwest Exotics Founder, Tom Fathi

How do you start a car show when you don't even have a driver's license yet? Tom Fathi joins the show this week to talk about how a dream of a 15 year old turned into one of the most premier high end car shows in the Pacific Northwest. Northwest Exotics has grown into an event that showcases some of the rarest and most exclusive cars in the Seattle area, and beyond. We also talk about what it's like to engage with the world of high end car collections and their collectors.
Cold Start Hint: This is Tom's dream car
 
Answer to Episode 18 Cold Start: MFG Road Course Sprint Car

Checkered Past: Sylas Takes on Pikes Peak

In this episode, Sylas recalls racing the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2023. He shares how a small team from Northern California built a Road Course Sprint Car in the course of 6 months and took it to Colorado to race the infamous hill climb. Racing to over 14,000ft is an insane challenge to take on, but listen and find out how Sylas and the MFG Motorsports team was able to walk away from the event finishing 2nd in class and being awarded Rookie of the Year.
Cold Start Hint: 2023 Pikes Peak Rookie of the Year Winner
 
Answer to Episode 17 Cold Start: Porsche 991.2 GT2RS Weissach

Why Sebring Sucks: More US Racetracks

The conversation about racetracks continues from Episode 14, but now venturing outside of California to some tracks across the country. Todd and Sylas debate which tracks are worth the visit and which are overrated. Shockingly, when bumps are your only racetrack characteristic, it doesn't make for an enticing experience. Listen to find out why Sebring sucks, and opinions about other famous US racetracks. 
Cold Start Hint: One of the fastest production street cars (non-EV)
 
Answer to Episode 16 Cold Start: "Big Red", the Save Mart shopping cart

Idling with Sonoma Raceway GM, Brian Flynn

General Manager and EVP of Sonoma Raceway, Brian Flynn, joins us to talk about his history working in the NASCAR industry with Richard Petty, as well as giving us his thoughts on the current state of NASCAR and how it's changed in the modern era. And of course, we talk about Todd and Sylas's home track, Sonoma Raceway, and learn more about the inner workings of operating an internationally recognized race facility. 
Cold Start Hint: The mascot for one of Sonoma Raceway's main sponsors
 
Episode 15 Cold Start Answer: MFG Road Course Sprint Car (Pikes Peak Special)

Pikes Peak Special

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the second-oldest auto race in America that most Americans have never heard of or watched. Since testing on the mountain has started for this year's race, Todd and Sylas cover the fascinating history of the race and Sylas shares some of his personal insights of the logistics of how a race is held on a public road that ends at the summit of a mountain over 14,000ft. 
Cold Start Hint: it has a wing the size of a picnic table
 
Episode 14 Cold Start Answer: Radical SR3 XXR

Favorite California Racetracks

With so many racetracks across America, where else do you start the conversation than with the ones in your own backyard? Todd and Sylas chat about the tracks they have driven and whether they are worth the hype, or not. Starting in California, the guys talk about Sonoma Raceway, Thunderhill, Laguna Seca, Buttonwillow, and more.
Cold Start Hint: powered by a motorcycle engine but has four wheels
 
Episode 13 Cold Start Answer: EuroNASCAR

Idling with EuroNASCAR Driver, Nick Strickler

From racing short track in the United States to NASCAR in Europe, Nick Strickler is the definition of a grass roots racing hero. Listen to his wild story of how he got into motorsports and made his way to EuroNASCAR, an interesting series in and of itself. He even keeps that same grass roots mindset as he continues to add to his racing resume, driving anything and everything to add to his skillset.
Cold Start Hint: it's V8 but with an accent
 
Episode 12 Cold Start Answer: Jim Russell Lola B07/20 Formula 3

Checkered Past: 0 to Formula 3 in 5 Months

In this episode  of "Checkered Past" (our series about Sylas and Todd's racing pasts), Todd takes us back to how he got his start in racing -- diving head first into the deep end, moving from street cars to high downforce open wheel racecars in just over 5 months. A saga about triumphant highlights and character-building lowlights, this is the tale of rapid immersion into a life of racing.
Cold Start Hint: it's not a street car 
 
Episode 11 Cold Start Answer: Mitsubishi Delica L300 Star Wagon Turbo D

Idling with Club Wheelhouse GM, Bailey Smith

Our first guest on the Cold Start podcast! Bailey Smith, the General Manager of Club Wheelhouse, tells his story of moving from Florida to California to work within the automotive industry and pursue his passion of cars. From road tripping an imported Mitsubishi Delica van across the country to rebuilding an FD RX-7 to be the ultimate back road carver, it's apparent his joy and love of cars comes from the adventures and experiences they can provide. 
Cold Start Hint: roll coal brotherrr!
 
Episode 10 Cold Start Answer: BMW SpecE30 again...

Checkered Past: Sylas Gets Disqualified

In the first episode of a new series covering some of Sylas and Todd's racing stories, Sylas tells the story of how a rivalry between West Coast and East Coast leads to being disqualified from a national race in 2018. A tale of high emotions, malicious intent, totaled cars, and misread rules shows the not so fun side of club racing. You won't want to miss this one!
Cold Start Hint: we've used this one before. 
 
Episode 9 Cold Start Answer: 2019 Toro Rosso F1

F1, The Next Great American Motorsport

Watch out IndyCar and NASCAR! In the last couple years, has F1 done a better job in understanding the American motorsport fan comparative to IndyCar or even NASCAR? Todd and Sylas talk about how Formula 1 has positioned itself to capture the American audience and what changes will be coming in the future to continue F1's rise in the USA. 
Cold Start Hint: a racecar sponsored by craft hotdogs. 
 
Episode 8 Cold Start Answer: 2000 Honda Civic SiR
 

Redefining the Golden Era of Drivers' Cars

Has the modern era of cars gone too far and could the best driving experiences be behind us? Todd and Sylas work through the decades to determine when the best drivers cars came to the market. They also figure out when it all may have gone wrong and why modern sport cars don't live up to the analog experiences from the past. And move aside, string theory, Sylas's M3-Theory may be the next big thing in understanding the automotive universe through the years. 
Cold Start Hint: released before the Ferrari Enzo with the same redline 
 
Episode 7 Cold Start Answer: 2001 Plymouth Prowler