Do you know your crankshaft from your carburettor or your hillclimb from your drift racing? The Spark Inside is your new favourite podcast for all things automotive, whether you’re tinkering in the garage, working on your own pride and joy, or making a living in the trade. Hosts Becca Knight and Christian Hewgill chat with guests from every corner of the motoring world - professional drivers, engineers, custom builders, and industry experts to uncover what ignited their passion. Hear their inspiring stories, learn more about their craft and soak up real-world advice. New episodes every week!
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Do you know your crankshaft from your carburettor or your hillclimb from your drift racing? The Spark Inside is your new favourite podcast for all things automotive, whether you’re tinkering in the garage, working on your own pride and joy, or making a living in the trade. Hosts Becca Knight and Christian Hewgill chat with guests from every corner of the motoring world - professional drivers, engineers, custom builders, and industry experts to uncover what ignited their passion. Hear their inspiring stories, learn more about their craft and soak up real-world advice. New episodes every week!
“The biggest thing is trust. If he tells me the car’s right, the car’s right.”
In this episode of The Spark Inside, hosts Christian Hewgill and Becca Knight chat with Max Coates, a British racing driver who has carved out a successful career across various motorsport series, from his early days on two wheels to becoming a racing team manager. Max shares his early start in karting, the transition to car racing, and the vital role family has played in his journey - especially with his dad as his lead mechanic. Max also delves into the realities of sponsorships, how simulators are shaping the next generation of racers, and the importance of self-analysis for improving performance on and off the track.
Whether you’re an aspiring racer or simply passionate about motorsport, Max’s journey is a testament to hard work, determination, and a deep love for the sport.
Key Moments:
[00:00:00] Introduction: Christian and Becca’s quirky car picks
[00:05:24] Guest Intro: Welcoming Max Coates
[00:06:19] Starting Young: From motorbikes to karting
[00:08:46] Making the Leap: Transitioning from karting to car racing
[00:12:37] Sponsorships: How to attract and maintain support
[00:14:08] Family in Racing: The unique dynamic of working with his dad
[00:20:17] Behind the Wheel: The highs and challenges of professional racing
[00:23:36] Self-Analysis: Max’s advice on becoming a better driver
[00:29:57] The Future of Motorsport: Media and the importance of visibility
Featuring: Max Coates
Presented by: Becca Knight and Christian Hewgill
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Podcast Website: www.thesparkinside.co.uk
The Spark Inside is an 18Sixty production brought to you by Niterra UK Ltd.
The Spark Inside
Do you know your crankshaft from your carburettor or your hillclimb from your drift racing? The Spark Inside is your new favourite podcast for all things automotive, whether you’re tinkering in the garage, working on your own pride and joy, or making a living in the trade. Hosts Becca Knight and Christian Hewgill chat with guests from every corner of the motoring world - professional drivers, engineers, custom builders, and industry experts to uncover what ignited their passion. Hear their inspiring stories, learn more about their craft and soak up real-world advice. New episodes every week!
