Life with Legends

C. J. Wilson Motorsports 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 b...

Bruce Meyer I 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 ...

Ray Evernham To 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 legi...

Brenda Vernor, Personal Assistant to Enzo Ferrari When 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 assi...

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 s...

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 thei...

Mario Andretti I 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 cu...

Sir. Jackie Stewart If 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 e...

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 cr...

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 roo...

All of us fans of motor racing are very lucky that Brian Redman ever sat behind the wheel of a racing car. Not just for his undoubtable skills and the success he found during the most dangerous and daunting era of the sport, but for the extraordinary ability he has to recount details of the many moments in his life in such detail it makes you feel like you were there yourself! Widely appreciated and in demand for his storytelling abilities, Brian is a most entertaining man, a true gentl...

I don’t actually remember a time when I didn’t know David in my life! Dad raced against him a lot when I was young and there was always a fun rivalry between them that brought an edge to many a conversation. The Hobbs family were the ‘fun’ one and we celebrated very boozy and misbehaved 21st birthday parties at their beautiful house in England. The common theme being me passed out in their rose garden having being horribly sick! So, many of you will know ‘Hobbo’ from his most exce...

As soon as I decided to create this series I knew who my first episode should be with; as my father Derek is an absolute legend of a man. 5 times winner of the epic Le Mans 24 Hour race and a Two Time World Sportscar Champion, he is a man that lived through the most dangerous era of motorsports and dominated racing as team mate to some of the others stars of the sport. Like all my interviews I had no plan for this one, but with a lifetime of amazing memories and stories I knew that this had t...