Past Gas

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S1 Ep21: The Assassination of Renault’s Georges Besse Pt. I Apr 13, 2020

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On a cold Parisian night in November 1987, Renault President Georges Besse was gunned down in cold blood. Who pulled the trigger, and why? To find out, we explore the history of the American Motors Corporation, and the parallel history of war-torn France. Prepare for a wild ride guys, because you just found one!

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S1 Ep20: The Cannonball Run Pt. II - From Protest to Pro-Fun! Apr 06, 2020

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In the conclusion of our Cannonball Run series, we explore how the race devolved from a protest against regulation to…less of one. We also examine some of the wackier competitors of the race: a van disguised to look like an ambulance, a group of racers dressed like priests- this one’s kooky folks! We also discuss later attempts at the sea to seas' record, and how people accomplish it today.

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S1 Ep19: The Cannonball Run Pt. I - How are these guys not in JAIL? Mar 30, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, we dive into the history of the “Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash”, a cross-country race from New York City to Los Angeles. This real life event inspired a film of the same name, but as we’ll see, the real thing was a lot more than Burt Reynolds’ mustache. We explore the history of American cross-country racing, including early records, and why the 1971 running was organized as a protest against the government!

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S1 Ep18: Bruce McLaren Pt. III - Life after Death: Road to the P1 Mar 23, 2020

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The Bruce McLaren Motor Racing team is now without their founder and leader- what will they do next? In this episode we cover the aftermath of Bruce’s accident, the people that kept the company running, and the entrance of a new leader: Ron Dennis. We also reveal how McLaren teamed up with Marlboro cigarettes, and how that gave us one of the most iconic racing liveries of all time. We also dive into some of McLaren’s legendary inter-team rivalries, including James Hunt vs Niki Lauda, and Ayrton Senna vs. Alain Prost. Finally, we tackle Ron’s departure from the company, and where McLaren stands today.

Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey

Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes

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S1 Ep17: Bruce McLaren Pt. II - Bruce Builds His McLarens Mar 16, 2020

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The story of Bruce Mclaren continues with his first foray in Le Mans endurance racing, his entrance into Formula 1 and all the crashes and bashes along the way! We dive into the formation of Bruce McLaren Motor Cars, their failures and successes, as well as the loss of one of their drivers. This episode also includes a brief history of Can Am racing, possibly the most dangerous and exciting form of racing ever devised! Buckle up!

Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey

Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes

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S1 Ep16: Bruce McLaren Pt. I - New Zealand’s Racing Prodigy Mar 09, 2020

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We all know the McLaren supercars like the Senna, P1, and 720s. But where did the company that built their beauties get their start? We begin our series on Bruce McLaren, one of Motorsport’s most influential figures, with his early life on the small island nation of New Zealand. Bruce had a rough start, as a kid he was confined to a hospital bed for two years. His time in the hospital taught him great academic discipline, a skill which assisted in the meticulous construction of his race cars later on. Join us as we explore Bruce’s early days of racing: from building a hillclimb car with his dad, to his journey to England to compete in Formula 2 racing!

Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey

Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes

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S1 Ep15: John Delorean Part II: "This Stuff's Better than Gold" Mar 02, 2020

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We all know John Delorean stood out in the automotive industry, in part because of his flamboyant lifestyle (but mostly because of his sizable chin). So maybe it wasn’t a good idea for Delorean to get into the Cocaine Trafficking Business. Delorean was nabbed carrying a briefcase worth over 6.5 million dollars worth of cocaine, but did the FBI set him up? Or would the British backed DMC finally find success in Ireland. Join Nolan, Joe, and James as we find out in John Delorean: Part II- “This Stuff’s Better than Gold”.

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S1 Ep14: John Delorean Part I: Assault on Detroit Feb 24, 2020

Show notes

In the first episode of our two part series on John Delorean James, Joe, and Nolan talk about John’s propensity for going against the grain in the automotive industry. As his ego, and his chin, grew Delorean took more and more risks - but would this lead to his downfall, or make him the most infamous automotive celebrity of all time?

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S1 Ep13: VW Beetle Part III: From Hitler to Hippies Feb 17, 2020

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In the finale of our three part series on the VW Beetle James, Nolan, and Joe explore the Beetle’s unlikely transition from Hitlers love child to lovechild hit. You’ll find out how a car that was meant to mobilize a war hungry Germany became a symbol of freedom.

Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey

Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes

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S1 Ep12: VW Beetle Pt. 2 - Sidelined by WAR Feb 10, 2020

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Join James, Nolan, and Joe for part two of our series on the VW Beetle. They detail Ferdinand Porsche’s attempt to get production of “the peoples car” off the ground . Only one thing stands in his way-war.

Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey

Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes

Follow Donut @donutmedia, and subscribe to our Youtube and Facebook channels!

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