Adam Carolla Show Adam Carolla Show

Behind The Scenes at Laguna Seca With Pete Brock and Zak Brown

Sep 7, 2026 · 45m

Summary

Adam Carolla and Pete Brock discuss the history of the Shelby Daytona, detailing how its aerodynamic design was derived from 1930s German research and how it helped Ford secure the GT40 program. They also revisit the infamous fire at Daytona that cost the team the championship. The episode features Zach Brown, McLaren F1 team principal, who shares stories about his racing career, including driving a 1970 M8D and a 2001 Reynard Indy car, while highlighting the physical demands of endurance racing.

Topics discussed

Intro: Pete Brock, Zach Brown, and Pebble Beach special Shelby Daytona connection to Ford GT40 and homologation Ferrari GTO evolution and the loophole in FIA rules Building the Daytona: Aluminum bodies and Ken Miles' influence Daytona race history: Fire incident and championship points Car value, Alan Mann, and the 'Ford vs Ferrari' movie Aerodynamics: Speed gains and interior cooling ducts Pete Brock's discovery of 1930s German aerodynamic papers The science of the chopped tail and air attachment Bonneville records and the $800 sale of the first car Chassis details and Pete Brock as Grand Marshal Auction value and Dan Gurney's driving history Sponsors: Morgan Morgan and O'Reilly Auto Parts Zach Brown's 1970 McLaren M8D and Gurney's bubble Zach Brown's other cars: Silk Cut, IROC, and Indy Vintage Weekend traditions and spotting hardcore car people McLaren M8D reliability issues and shipping costs McLaren Group C car: Silk Cut livery and V12 engine Sponsors: Rosetta Stone and Pluto TV IndyCar cockpit, physical demands, and race results McLaren Hypercar program and the Triple Crown goal Penske Reynard IndyCar: Honda V8 and lap times Outro, contact info, and final sponsor reads
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