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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