Explore every episode of the podcast Drivesport | The Amateur Track Driver Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| The Steering Psychology Slowing Down Most Drivers—and How to Fix It with Suellio Almeida | 05 Dec 2025 | 00:31:14 | |
What if the thing holding back your driving isn’t your technique—but a software setting you’ve never looked at? In part 2 of my interview with Suellio Almeida, you’ll learn why even one incorrect software setting or pedal calibration can completely ruin your driving, as well as how to avoid common mistakes. Suellio shares the exact techniques he uses with students to diagnose bad inputs, eliminate delay, and train precise braking and steering control so your sim becomes a tool that actually makes you safer, faster, and more consistent. Listen in to discover core driving principles that apply to every car—GT, formula, high downforce, low downforce—and why great drivers don’t reinvent their style for each vehicle. We also dive into the psychology behind fear of steering, how to master corner entry without oversteer trauma, and the secret to clean exits. Don’t miss hearing how to move through the frustrating “initial adjustment phase” with confidence. What You'll Learn:
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Protect your car and have more fun at the track with OpenTrack insurance. | |||
| How Sim Training Accelerates Real-World Driving Skills with Suellio Almeida | 05 Dec 2025 | 00:37:18 | |
What if the key to becoming a dramatically faster, safer, and more confident driver wasn’t more track time but knowing how to learn? In this episode, DMC sits down with Suellio Almeida, the sim-racing coach turned real-world racing educator with more than 12,000 students, 200M+ social media views, and a reputation for breaking down complex driving technique into simple, repeatable steps. You’ll hear how Suellio blends piano training, educational psychology, and motorsport fundamentals to teach drivers of any age how to improve with precision both in the sim and on track. Listen in to learn why sim and real-world driving now work best together, how to avoid the “Mount Stupid” stage of confidence, and what Suellio’s new training frameworks are doing to prevent crashes and accelerate driver development. From trail-braking drills to dynamic brake bias to developing real left-foot sensitivity, this episode is filled with actionable insights for anyone serious about growing as a driver. What You'll Learn:
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Resources: Protect your car and have more fun at the track with OpenTrack insurance. | |||
| Inside the VIP World of Supercar Track Experiences with Iyar Koren | 21 Nov 2025 | 00:37:33 | |
What makes driving a sports car on track such a powerful experience—and how can you do it safely, confidently, and with real skill? In this episode, Iyar Koren shares how Autostrada creates a welcoming environment for car enthusiasts to explore their vehicle’s capabilities on track without the pressure of competition. You’ll learn how Autostrada focuses on safety, precision, and respect for both drivers and their cars, while delivering a VIP experience that helps people unlock the joy of performance driving. Listen in as Iyar discusses why every driver—no matter their experience level—can benefit from coaching and continual learning. From tire pressure and braking technique to mindset and ego management, he offers insights into what makes driving both deeply technical and surprisingly peaceful. Whether you’re new to driving or looking to refine your performance driving skills, this conversation will inspire you to approach the track with confidence, curiosity, and care. What You'll Learn:
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| Track Day Driving 101: Insider Tips for Safe High-Speed Fun with James Jenkins | 07 Nov 2025 | 00:41:50 | |
What does it take to hit the track without destroying your car or your wallet? In this episode, I sit down with James Jenkins, owner and chief mechanic of Velocity Performance, to break down exactly how beginners can get started in amateur motorsports safely and confidently. From what choice can make or break your first track day drive to understanding tire camber, suspension setup, and car cooling, James offers practical tips to help you balance speed, safety, and fun. Listen in as James takes us on a journey through his own motorsport beginnings, teaching himself mechanics to maintain his cars affordably and growing into a trackside professional supporting drivers across the country. You’ll learn about the importance of hands-on experience before investing in expensive modifications and the value of programs like driving schools, rentals, and track days to get your feet wet safely. James also shares the key lessons he’s learned and why having fun should always come first. What You'll Learn:
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| In the Zone: What Great Track Drivers Know About Focus and Performance with Ross Bentley | 07 Nov 2025 | 00:40:38 | |
What separates a good driver from a truly great one? In this episode, we sit down with racing legend Ross Bentley—professional racer, four-decade driver coach, and author of multiple Speed Secrets books—to uncover the principles behind high-performance driving and effective coaching. You will learn how to simplify complex techniques, think critically on the track, and differentiate between instructing and coaching. Listen in as Ross shares insights from decades of experience in IndyCar, IMSA, and sports car racing, including lessons from over 180 days per year of driver training programs. He talks about the mindset that separates great drivers, as well as the value of asking questions, exploring “what if?” scenarios, and developing mental models to enhance performance. Ross also breaks down how performance techniques translate into everyday life to reduce anxiety, improve focus, and more. What You'll Learn:
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| Are Your Tires Holding You Back?: How Pressure, Wheel Size, and Heat Impact Grip and Lap Times with Jonathan Benson | 02 Jan 2026 | 00:40:39 | |
What if the biggest limiter on your performance car isn’t the engine, the suspension, or your driving skill, but your tires? In this episode, Jonathan Benson, Founder of Tyre Reviews, joins the show to break down why tires are one of the most misunderstood (and underestimated) parts of performance driving, both on track and on the road. You’ll learn how tire choice, tire pressure, wheel size, and conditions like heat and rain directly affect grip, wear, and lap times. Jonathan explains how he started Tyre Reviews after noticing a huge lack of reliable tire information, how he tests tires in real-world conditions, and what your car is trying to tell you when your pressures are off. From avoiding shredded tires to understanding why bigger wheels often hurt performance, this episode gives you practical insights that can instantly improve how your car drives and feels. What You'll Learn:
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Protect your car and have more fun at the track with OpenTrack insurance. | |||
| Eyes Up, Hands Steady: Finding Flow Behind the Wheel with Porsche Coach Charles Turner | 19 Dec 2025 | 00:41:38 | |
What does it really take to master car control and have fun doing it? In this episode, Porsche Experience Center coach Charles Turner shares how everyday drivers can elevate their performance driving skills, understand their car’s limits, and gain confidence on the track. From learning how tire grip affects every movement to keeping your vision focused on where you want the car to go, Charles breaks down the techniques that make driving both safer and more enjoyable. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at Porsche’s one-of-a-kind new vehicle experience and what makes their driver programs unlike anything else. Whether you’re a passionate Porsche owner, a weekend track driver, or simply want to become a more capable and confident driver, this conversation will change the way you think about performance driving. What You'll Learn:
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| Avoid Rookie Mistakes: Essential Lessons for First-Time Track Drivers with Perry Needham | 16 Jan 2026 | 00:44:52 | |
What separates a confident, smooth driver from someone constantly fighting their car on the track? In this episode, championship-winning Porsche driver and instructor Perry Needham reveals how to start high-performance driving safely, intelligently, and with maximum fun. You’ll discover the best ways to prepare for your first track day, as well as Perry’s step-by-step process that allows beginners to gain confidence without risking their cars or their sanity. Listen in to hear coaching strategies, visualization techniques, and real-world lessons from the track that can instantly elevate your driving. Perry also explains why vision is everything, why smooth inputs matter, and how to progress from beginner laps to more advanced high-speed control. This episode is a masterclass in balancing preparation, precision, and pure enjoyment behind the wheel. What You'll Learn:
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| Learning to Feel the Limit: Traction, Control, and Confidence with Jonathan Law | 27 Feb 2026 | 00:40:45 | |
Getting started with track driving can feel overwhelming. How fast is too fast? How do you know the limit? And how do you improve your driving skills without crashing or scaring yourself?
What You’ll Learn
Protect your car and have more fun at the track with OpenTrack insurance. | |||
| Will Track Driving Void Your Warranty? The Real Answer with Sam D’Arc | 13 Feb 2026 | 00:33:33 | |
What really happens to your warranty and insurance when you take your car on track? In this episode, Dave sits down with Sam D’Arc, COO of a multi-state auto group and former insurance executive, to unpack one of the most confusing and anxiety-inducing topics for amateur track drivers: how racing and track driving affect your vehicle’s warranty and insurance coverage. Sam brings a rare dual perspective—from inside car dealerships and insurance carriers—to explain how manufacturers (OEMs), dealerships, and third-party warranty companies actually evaluate track use. They discuss why some cars seem “track-friendly” on paper, how modifications change everything, and why social media posts can quietly work against you during a warranty or insurance claim. If you’ve ever wondered whether a single-track day could come back to haunt you—or how transparent you should be with your dealer—this conversation will help you make smarter, lower-risk decisions before heading out on track.
What You’ll Learn
Ideas Worth Sharing “Track driving isn’t always racing—but warranties don’t always see the difference.” – Sam D’Arc “If you’re not prepared to lose the car, you shouldn’t put it on track.” – Dave “Modifications don’t just change performance—they change responsibility.” – Sam D’Arc
Resources BMW Performance Driving School Protect your car and enjoy the track with OpenTrack insurance
Protect your car and have more fun at the track with OpenTrack insurance. | |||
| Track Car Insurance Secrets: Protect Your Sportscar & Worry Less with Justin Steele | 30 Jan 2026 | 00:30:47 | |
What if the biggest risk on track isn’t your driving skill—but what happens after something goes wrong? In this episode of Drivesport, host DMC sits down with Justin Steele, Managing Partner of OpenTrack Insurance, to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in amateur track driving: insurance. Justin shares how his lifelong motorsports background led him to help solve a problem most drivers don’t realize they have until it’s too late. You’ll learn why your regular auto policy stops the moment you enter the paddock, how track insurance actually works, and why peace of mind can make you a better driver. From real-world crash statistics to liability coverage myths, this conversation explains how protecting your car—and yourself—lets you focus on what matters most: learning, improving, and having fun on track. This episode is essential listening for HPDE drivers at every level, whether you’re heading out for your first track day or you’re already a certified track rat. What You’ll Learn · Why standard auto insurance does not cover you on the track. · How track insurance “fills the gap” once you enter the paddock. · The real crash statistics from thousands of HPDE policies. · Why insurance can actually improve driver confidence and performance. · What on-track liability insurance covers—and why it matters. · Why hold-harmless waivers don’t fully protect you legally. · How instructors and family members can be covered under one policy. · The difference between per-event and annual track insurance. · When it makes financial sense to switch to an annual policy. · Why asking questions is the most important skill for amateur drivers.
Ideas Worth Sharing · “It’s not a matter of if something happens on track. It’s just a matter of when.” — Justin Steele · “You can be the best driver in the world. You still can’t outdrive a mechanical failure.” — Justin Steele · “When you’re relaxed and confident, you drive better—and you have more fun.” — Justin Steele · “Hold-harmless waivers don’t stop lawsuits. Liability insurance protects you when opinions turn into claims.” — Justin Steele
Resources
Justin Steele: LinkedIn | Website VIR (Virginia International Raceway)
Protect your car and drive with confidence on the track. Get your quote at https://drivesport.co/insurance Protect your car and have more fun at the track with OpenTrack insurance. | |||