Life with Legends

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Life with Legends Episode 015: Don Prudhomme Dec 13, 2022

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Don Prudhomme

When you meet Don ‘The Snake’ Prudhomme in person, he exudes a calm, composed and warm vibe with no indication of what he did for a living.

The reality is he is one of the fastest men alive, with four NHRA FC Championships to his name, as well as being the first Funny Car driver to exceed 250mph!

Global recognition came not just to Don, but to Drag racing in general, when he and Hot Wheels team-mate Tom McEwen became the Snake and Mongoose rivals. The toy versions of their race cars were equally as coveted by a whole generation of young fans, and no doubt propelled everyone involved to fame and fortune.

I arranged to meet Don at our mutual friend Bruce Meyers garage in Beverly Hills, as Bruce owns one of the significant cars from his career, and we thought it would be a great backdrop for the portrait. As it happens, Bruce joined in the conversation which made it only better!

Admittedly I know little about this form of motorsport, but my respect for people that push the limits of speed is immense and to have lived life on that fine line makes Don a real hero to me.

Now I want to have a go….!

Life with Legends Episode 014: Ed Pink Dec 06, 2022

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Ed Pink

To be honest, what I know about engine building is pretty pathetic considering my livelihood depended on them working at high capacity for hours on end. And I have always regarded engine builders as mysterious wizard-like creatures that worked their magic far away from the bright lights of the race track.

On that past part I am kind of right I think!

But there is one name that is part of racing folklore – and that is Ed Pink.

Now a sprightly 91 years old and still building the odd engine in his shop in Newbury Park, CA, Ed was a fantastic interview and I found myself captivated by his life story.

A huge part of the Drag racing scene, as well as sports cars and Indycar, Ed could make an engine perform like no other. He just had that touch that teams would pay dearly for.

I loved this conversation, but I still think he is a wizard.

Life with Legends Episode 013: Mario Andretti Nov 29, 2022

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Mario Andretti

I doubt there is a corner of the earth where the name Mario Andretti wouldn’t be met with recognition!
He is in every way the definition of a legend.

One of only two drivers to win in Formula One, NASCAR and Indycar, as well as countless victories in midget car and sprint car racing.

As of today he is still the last American to win an F1 race, in a career that cemented his legacy as one of the most successful drivers in the history of the sport.

Now a brand name, involved in current racing as well as a winery and entertainment centers, it would be easy to forgive Mario for loosing connection to his humble origins. But that simply isn’t the case; when I went to his house he was welcoming, kind and generous with his time and I felt truly privileged to have spent the time with him.

I loved taking his portrait and I think you will see it, there is a twinkle in his eye that reflects his love of life, and his deep and never-ending passion for racing cars.

This is a special one – I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Life with Legends episode 012: John Morton Nov 22, 2022

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John Morton

There are fast racing drivers that make history and everyone knows their name.

And there are fast racing drivers who are a part of racing history but unless you are in the sport, you will never know their names.

John Morton is one such guy.

If you ever raced against John during his extremely successful career, you for sure will have seen his name written on the side of his car as he passed you!

From shop boy at Carroll Shelby’s race shop to driving with Ken Miles in a 427 Cobra for his former boss, John forged a reputation as a fast and reliable driver. That got him hired for the BRE Datsun team where he won a ton of races.

The big-time sports cars scene came calling in 1985 with Busby Racing in a Porsche 962 which led to an amazing legacy of winning races for Nissan, including an overall win at the grueling Sebring 12 Hours.

John is a quiet, polite and charming man, who may just have been too nice for his own good.

Oh yes, and we raced together at Le Mans in a Viper!

I truly hope you learn more about this wonderful man and enjoy our conversation.

Life with Legends Episode 011: Sir Jackie Stewart Nov 15, 2022

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Sir. Jackie Stewart

If there ever was a unicorn in the pantheon of racing greats then it would be Sir Jackie Stewart!
Maybe no other driver of his era made such huge contributions both on and off the trace track, to the overall professionalism as well as the safety aspects that undoubtably saved tens of lives.

Nicknamed the ‘Flying Scott’ he had a swift ascendancy up the racing ranks to Formula One where he won the World Drivers Championship three times and raced in nearly everything else along the way.

Surviving an era where he lost so many dear friends, Sir Jackie gave his whole life to making the sport better for everyone. Despite being a severe dyslexic, his business acumen is nothing short of brilliant, and his relationships with brands such as Rolex and Ford have lasted many decades.

Throughout this amazing journey he has enjoyed the support of his beautiful wife Helen. From the pitlane doing timing, to the halls of royalty, they have been a dynamic team. Now it is his time to be her rock as she is suffering from Alzheimer’s, but the difference is Sir Jackie is tackling this devastating disease with all his energy and resources, bringing together his vast network to find a cure.

I met with Sir Jackie in the summer during a trip to the UK, and to spend a few hours at his magnificent country estate was an honor. Seeing the memorabilia from such a life made me appreciate even more who he really is and what he achieved.

I hope you enjoy the conversation and please visit www.lifewithlegends.com to view the limited edition portrait of Sir Jackie which is signed by him, with only 24 ever being printed.

Thanks for listening!

Life with Legends Episode 010: Tommy Kendall Nov 08, 2022

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Well, I had to make this one happen, didn’t I?

TK is truly one of the best humans that I know and for so many reasons.
Obviously his racing record is outstanding:

While in college he cleaned up in the IMSA GTU category winning the Championship twice.

Then into SCCA Trans Am where he became part of the folklore of that great American racing series during the 90’s, scoring four championships!

NASCAR came calling and he showed huge promise, especially on the road courses, and for sure a long a profitable career was on the horizon.

Then came a life changing crash at Watkins Glen in 1991 which left his legs shattered. TK made a stoic recovery and would race again, but the momentum was lost.

Experiencing a kind of re-birth a more rounded man found his niche in front of the TV cameras and TK quickly became a fan favorite.

Now it goes without saying that the highlight of his career was starting the Torque Show with Jason and myself, but in all seriousness, getting to know the new and improved mature Tommy Kendall has been one of the delights of my adult life. He is a gracious, generous, intelligent man that brings insight to any subject.

Proving that life has many phases, TK is embracing his latest, and I am very proud to call him my friend.

I hope you enjoy the conversation!

Life with Legends Episode 008: Parnelli Jones Nov 01, 2022

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Parnelli Jones

Well put it like this, I wouldn’t have wanted to race against this tough competitor in his prime!

Parnelli Jones was the kind of all-rounder that won in everything he drove.

Indy 500, USAC Stock cars, Pikes Peak, Team owner – he became the guy to beat!

From being the 1961 Indy 500 Rookie of the year to winning it just two years later, he made a name for himself, fast!

At the same time he dominated the Pikes Peak race, to be followed up with a USAC Stock Car crown!

Wins in off -road racing in events like the Baja 1000 also cemented his reputation as the guy to beat, as well as his abilities as a team owner which brought him even further success.

Having the opportunity to visit PJ at his house in Palos Verde, CA, was such an honor and privilege I will remember it forever. His is definitely in the final few laps of life’s race, but was gracious, funny and generous with his time.

There is no video to accompany it as I didn’t want to show one of our heroes as being a little frail in old age, but I hope you still appreciate this conversation as much as I did.

But check out the unique portrait I took of him www.lifewithlegends.com

Thankyou to my friend Mike Folmer for arranging everything.

Life with Legends Episode 008: Hurley Haywood Oct 25, 2022

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Hurley Haywood

A man who graciously entered the motorsports history books with a gentle smile and kind eyes, Hurley Haywood has the kind of glamour and style that befits a socialite of the age.

But that is the outer skin: underneath he was a fierce competitor who made his way to the podium a record number of times in the world’s major sports car races!

Synonymous with Porsche and Brumos racing he had a longtime racing partnership with Peter Gregg and many others.

Hurley came from money but you wouldn’t have known it when he got behind the wheel. As tough as anyone, but with the intelligence to know when to attack and when to manage his equipment. This combination meant he was in demand for most of his career as the driver who could win races and championships.

A private man, Hurley also authored a great book on his life and a Netflix documentary simply named ‘Hurley’ that allowed him to share with the world his own journey in his words.

I met up with Hurley at his beautiful home in St Augustine, Fl where the world of noisy, fast cars seemed a distant memory. Until we talked.

Life with Legends Episode 007: Magnus Walker Oct 18, 2022

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Magnus Walker

I wanted to get Magnus on the Show early on, as he bridges the gap so perfectly between the pure bred racers that created racing history, and the enthusiasts that provide the support, passion and momentum behind the automotive world.

We have been friends for quite a long time now and to see his persona grow from a niche Porsche-phile to a legitimate tastemaker in the car world, has been inspirational to say the least.

Still humble and proud of his Sheffield roots, Magnus is so naturally cool that I reckon almost every one of the Porsche owners wish they could be a bit like him. If you read his wonderful book ‘Urban Outlaw’ then you will appreciate his unlikely journey to the top VIP table at the most prestigious car events around the world.

There is a revised version (just released) of the book which tells of the beautiful love affair and relationship he has forged with his partner, Hannah Elliott. So even if you have the original copy, double down to get the latest scoop.

Sitting down with Magnus was such a blast, and we certainly covered some unexpected ground, and our little British balls even got some airtime.

Yup. You will have to watch to find out why!
JB

Life with Legends Episode 006 : Patrick Long Oct 11, 2022

Show notes

There are drivers that come along that you just know would have been successful at whatever they choose to do. That can be said about Patrick Long.

I have watched his career as both a fan and friend and with the relatively recent news he had stepped down from full time racing, I knew I had to catch up with him and find out more. Also, I can’t just have older guys on LWL and he does qualify as a legend to the current generation.
A California kid who had a big dream of being a top racing driver, and together with his dedicated family, did just that.

From Karting to racing in Europe against the best up and coming young talent, Patrick cut his teeth the hard way. Without doubt, his commitment and drive to win alongside this incredible training ground, helped propel him into the spotlight as a driver to watch.

First with Red Bull and their young F1 driver search and then with Porsche, his career really took off for the German Marque, becoming a Factory driver since 2003.

Pat had multiple class wins at Le Mans, Daytona 24, Sebring and Petit Le Mans as well as winning many Championships along the way.

But on-track success wasn’t enough for Patrick, he created his own corner of the Porsche world with Luftgekult; the ultimate celebration of Air Cooled Porsche’s! Now with almost a cult following you can find them around the world, and something tells me he won’t stop there!

So, to confirm: he hasn’t retired.

He has retired from his factory driver status.

Which means, watch out as there is even more to come.

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