C. J. WilsonMotorsports is a compelling and aspirational way of life, and sometimes we forget that, until someone from the top of their (other) game come in to our world, and bring with them a set of principles and focus that energizes even the most jaded of us.Such is the case with Major Baseball League Pitcher, C. J. Wilson, who I got to sit down with at his stunning car dealership in Fresno, CA.From the moment I met C.J. I was struck by his intensity and commitment, not just to becomi...

So, this week a short but kind of cool little show, as I headed down last week to Jim Busby’s place (yes you heard him in Episode 22) as while the racing circus was in town for the Long Beach GP, he held a little open house for some of his racing pals from the RRDC (Road racing Drivers Club).I grabbed a quick chat with, and this is in order of appearance:Alwin Springer - legendary Porsche Engine builder known as AndialMy father Derek Bell and Mark Rafauf, who has been involved with the ...

Bruce MeyerI have been fortunate to meet so many extraordinary people over the years, but there are some that really do inspire you, and Bruce Meyer is one of those true gentlemen that I am just blessed to call a friend.Often called the ‘unofficial Mayor of Beverly Hills’, Bruce just seems to know everyone and they in turn adore him back. People gravitate to his engaging demeanor, and I think its not just me that wishes they could come back as him in the next life!His extraordinary car ...

Jim BusbyWhat I love about motorsport is the ridiculous number of stories just waiting to be told!At every level, in each era, there are incredible personalities who contributed greatly to the development of our sport, and Jim Busby is one such man.Based out of Laguna Beach it would have been easy for anyone driving past, to miss the world class racing operation taking place just out of sight.Jim is one of the rare talents that could combine engineering and fabrication skills with great speed...

Ray EvernhamTo hear how Ray and I met you need to listen to this podcast, but I have to say, this guy is one of my favorite people in Motorsport!His new life as a TV host, car collector, consultant to Hendrick Motorsports, and founder of the SRX series, and in demand as a speaker and host at the top car events around the country, all make Ray a very busy guy.But it is his extraordinary exploits as crew chief to the rising star that was Jeff Gordon, is what makes him so fascinating and legitim...

Bill WarnerI had the immense pleasure of spending time with Bill at his wonderful new car garage in Jacksonville Florida, the Monday after The Amelia weekend.Known internationally as the man who founded the Amelia Concours d’Elegance 28 years ago, Bill recently sold the Concours to Hagerty so they might lead it into the next era.Bill truly was the pulse of the event for so many of us that visited year after year. His extraordinary knowledge of not just the cars but the people involved, is leg...

Brenda Vernor, Personal Assistant to Enzo FerrariWhen we reflect on history, no matter the subject, it is easy to focus on the central figures and forget, that to simply operate on a daily basis there were key people who helped them function. People so close to the source that they are truly sole witness to the making of that history. The supporting role in the movie of their life so to speak.One such person is Brenda Vernor, who for many years was the legendary Enzo Ferrari’s personal assist...

Tanner FoustI think someone once said that fear itself keeps you young (or am I making that up?), either way it explains why this weeks guest on Life with Legends looks so youthful!Tanner Foust has that kind of god-given car control that would have made him a star in any kind of car, but the fact that the early intervention of rallying and a stint as an ice driving instructor, shaped his career is a great story. An X-Games gold medal winner, Formula Drift Champion, and, well way too much to l...

This is the case of JB meeting JB!While our paths have occasionally crossed, mainly at social events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed or back in the day at the bar at the BRDC dinner and dance, I have always thought Jenson Button and I would be great friends. He just never knew it!Anyway, now we both live in Los Angeles I have hoped for a while that we could sit down for Life with Legends. The trouble is that Jenson is busier now than ever, so last week, before the madness of racing sea...

Gil de FerranOne of the friendships I value most in my adult life is the one I share with Gil.Since we got to know each other really well when I first moved to America in 2000, we lived close together and our families became part of each others lives.It was extremely interesting to me to watch his ‘life’ as a top IndyCar driver and how he handled it. From the training to the PR, he was everything a pro should be, and when it came to race weekends he had an intensity that was almost scarey. Bu...

Don Prudhomme When you meet Don ‘The Snake’ Prudhomme in person, he exudes a calm, composed and warm vibe with no indication of what he did for a living.The reality is he is one of the fastest men alive, with four NHRA FC Championships to his name, as well as being the first Funny Car driver to exceed 250mph!Global recognition came not just to Don, but to Drag racing in general, when he and Hot Wheels team-mate Tom McEwen became the Snake and Mongoose rivals. The toy versions of their ra...

Ed PinkTo be honest, what I know about engine building is pretty pathetic considering my livelihood depended on them working at high capacity for hours on end. And I have always regarded engine builders as mysterious wizard-like creatures that worked their magic far away from the bright lights of the race track.On that past part I am kind of right I think!But there is one name that is part of racing folklore – and that is Ed Pink.Now a sprightly 91 years old and still building the odd engine ...

Mario AndrettiI doubt there is a corner of the earth where the name Mario Andretti wouldn’t be met with recognition!He is in every way the definition of a legend.One of only two drivers to win in Formula One, NASCAR and Indycar, as well as countless victories in midget car and sprint car racing.As of today he is still the last American to win an F1 race, in a career that cemented his legacy as one of the most successful drivers in the history of the sport.Now a brand name, involved in current...

John MortonThere are fast racing drivers that make history and everyone knows their name.And there are fast racing drivers who are a part of racing history but unless you are in the sport, you will never know their names.John Morton is one such guy.If you ever raced against John during his extremely successful career, you for sure will have seen his name written on the side of his car as he passed you!From shop boy at Carroll Shelby’s race shop to driving with Ken Miles in a 427 Cobra for his...

Sir. Jackie StewartIf there ever was a unicorn in the pantheon of racing greats then it would be Sir Jackie Stewart!Maybe no other driver of his era made such huge contributions both on and off the trace track, to the overall professionalism as well as the safety aspects that undoubtably saved tens of lives. Nicknamed the ‘Flying Scott’ he had a swift ascendancy up the racing ranks to Formula One where he won the World Drivers Championship three times and raced in nearly everything else ...

Well, I had to make this one happen, didn’t I?TK is truly one of the best humans that I know and for so many reasons.Obviously his racing record is outstanding: While in college he cleaned up in the IMSA GTU category winning the Championship twice.Then into SCCA Trans Am where he became part of the folklore of that great American racing series during the 90’s, scoring four championships! NASCAR came calling and he showed huge promise, especially on the road courses, and for su...

Parnelli Jones Well put it like this, I wouldn’t have wanted to race against this tough competitor in his prime!Parnelli Jones was the kind of all-rounder that won in everything he drove. Indy 500, USAC Stock cars, Pikes Peak, Team owner – he became the guy to beat! From being the 1961 Indy 500 Rookie of the year to winning it just two years later, he made a name for himself, fast!At the same time he dominated the Pikes Peak race, to be followed up with a USAC Stock Car crown!W...

Hurley Haywood A man who graciously entered the motorsports history books with a gentle smile and kind eyes, Hurley Haywood has the kind of glamour and style that befits a socialite of the age. But that is the outer skin: underneath he was a fierce competitor who made his way to the podium a record number of times in the world’s major sports car races! Synonymous with Porsche and Brumos racing he had a longtime racing partnership with Peter Gregg and many others. Hurley ca...

Magnus Walker I wanted to get Magnus on the Show early on, as he bridges the gap so perfectly between the pure bred racers that created racing history, and the enthusiasts that provide the support, passion and momentum behind the automotive world. We have been friends for quite a long time now and to see his persona grow from a niche Porsche-phile to a legitimate tastemaker in the car world, has been inspirational to say the least. Still humble and proud of his Sheffield roots,...

There are drivers that come along that you just know would have been successful at whatever they choose to do. That can be said about Patrick Long. I have watched his career as both a fan and friend and with the relatively recent news he had stepped down from full time racing, I knew I had to catch up with him and find out more. Also, I can’t just have older guys on LWL and he does qualify as a legend to the current generation.A California kid who had a big dream of being a top rac...