038 | Women in Motorsports: Building Careers, Community & the Future of Racing with Meredith Burns

040 | Built to Race: Jeffrey Willerth's Datsun 240Z & 260Z Journey | Z Club of America

On this episode of Cool Cars With Chris, we're joined by Jeffrey Willerth of the Z Club of America [https://zclubofamerica.com/] at the legendary Willow Springs Raceway for a conversation about Datsun heritage, vintage racing, and the passion that keeps classic Z cars alive. Jeffrey shares the story of his beloved Datsun 260Z that was stolen and recovered, how it sat in storage for nearly 30 years before finally returning to the track, and what it takes to build and maintain race-ready classic Japanese sports cars. We also dive into the origins of the Z Club of America, the growth of the All Japan Showdown, track days at Willow Springs, and why the Datsun Z remains one of the most beloved enthusiast cars ever built. Whether you're a Nissan Z owner, Datsun enthusiast, racer, collector, or simply a fan of automotive history, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and motorsports passion. Topics discussed in this episode: • The history of Z Club of America [https://zclubofamerica.com/] • Racing at Willow Springs Raceway • Datsun 240Z and 260Z ownership • Vintage racing and track days • Restoring classic Japanese sports cars • The All Japan Showdown event • Building a dedicated race car • The Nissan Z community • Motorsport culture and driver education • Jeffrey's journey through seven different Z cars Links & Resources 🌐 Cool Cars With Chris https://coolcarswithchris.com/ [https://coolcarswithchris.com/] 📺 Cool Cars With Chris YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619 [https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619] 📸 Cool Cars With Chris Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/ [https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/] 🏁 Z Club of America https://zclubofamerica.com/ [https://zclubofamerica.com/] 📺 Courage YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22 [https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22] 📸 Courage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/ [https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue bringing you conversations with enthusiasts, racers, builders, collectors, and automotive personalities from across the automotive world. 00:00 Introduction 00:24 Meet Jeffrey Willerth of Z Club of America 01:25 First Impressions of Willow Springs Raceway 02:10 Driving Willow Springs During Parade Laps 03:54 The Origins of Z Club of America 05:04 How the Z Community Evolved 06:28 The Story Behind All Japan Showdown 08:35 Building Southern California's Z Community 09:38 Jeffrey's Datsun Collection 10:23 The Stolen and Recovered 260Z 11:22 A Z Car Stored for Nearly 30 Years 12:02 First Track Day After Restoration 12:56 Building a Full Race 240Z 14:04 Life With a Dedicated Race Car 14:47 Owning Seven Different Nissan Z Cars 15:25 Favorite Cars at Willow Springs 16:31 Race Cars vs Street Cars 17:36 Dream Cars to Drive on Track 17:58 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up #CoolCarsWithChris #Datsun240Z #Datsun260Z #ZClubOfAmerica #WillowSprings

039 | Can a Hyundai Elantra N Break 5 Seconds? Track Day Results, Bugatti Costs & Creator Life

What's happening everybody! On this episode of Cool Cars With Chris, Courage is back from another track day with his Hyundai Elantra N, and he's getting closer than ever to reaching his goal of breaking into the 5-second club. We talk about his latest runs, the difference 95-octane fuel makes, Hyundai's unique octane learning system, and whether his new drag tires are helping him get the results he's after. We also get into rising gas prices, diesel fuel costs, and even the world of red-dye diesel. If you've ever wondered why some diesel fuel is dyed red or why using it on the street can get you in trouble, we've got you covered. Later in the episode, we dive into the crazy world of Bugatti ownership. Imagine spending $20,000 to $30,000 on a simple oil change. We talk about the Bugatti Veyron, the realities of hypercar ownership, maintenance costs, and how modern manufacturers are making some vehicles harder than ever to work on yourself. We also spend some time talking about content creation, YouTube, podcasting, social media algorithms, drones, cameras, and what it's really like trying to grow an audience online in today's world. Whether you're making videos, running a podcast, or posting car content online, you'll probably relate to this conversation. Thanks for hanging out with us and being part of the Cool Cars With Chris community. If you're enjoying the show, be sure to follow, subscribe, and share the podcast with a fellow car enthusiast. In this episode: • Hyundai Elantra N track day results • Chasing a 5-second pass • 95-octane fuel and octane learning • New drag tires and performance upgrades • Gas prices and diesel fuel costs • Red-dye diesel explained • Bugatti Veyron maintenance costs • $20,000-$30,000 oil changes • Modern cars and repair challenges • YouTube growth and content creation • Drones, cameras, and social media • Automotive passion and car culture Thanks for listening to Cool Cars With Chris! 🔗 Connect With Us 🌐 Website: https://coolcarswithchris.com/ [https://coolcarswithchris.com/] 📸 Follow Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/ [https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/] 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619 [https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619] 🔥 Follow Courage on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/ [https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/] 🏁 Subscribe to Courage's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22 [https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22] ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 🚗 Can the Elantra N Break 5 Seconds? 01:13 🐴 Life Without Cars & Amish Hot Rods 03:14 ⛽ Gas Prices Are Out of Control 05:06 🔴 Red Dye Diesel Explained 09:47 🏁 Hyundai Elantra N Track Day Recap 12:05 ⛽ Full Tank vs Half Tank at the Track 12:55 🔥 95-Octane Fuel & Performance Gains 14:21 📈 Hyundai's Octane Learning Mystery 16:16 🛞 New Drag Tires & Best Time Yet 18:07 🏎️ Bracket Racing & Track Day Delays 21:08 🔥 Wildfires Near the Raceway 22:55 🎯 The Goal: Joining the 5-Second Club 24:05 🎥 Filming Every Run With 3 Cameras 25:15 🚁 Drones, FAA Rules & Car Content 29:07 📸 GoPro vs iPhone vs Cinema Cameras 30:58 🎬 Building a Car YouTube Channel 38:45 📊 Are Social Media Algorithms Broken? 40:28 🎙️ Video Podcasts vs YouTube 45:52 💰 The Truth About Bugatti Ownership 47:20 😳 $30,000 Bugatti Oil Changes 49:15 🔧 Why Modern Cars Are Harder to Fix 51:52 🏆 Bugatti's Rise Under Volkswagen 57:08 📉 The Future of Bugatti & Rimac 01:02:00 🚗 Dream Cars, Specs & Ownership 01:08:45 🎤 Final Car Talk & Wrap Up 01:12:27 👋 Thanks for Listening If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a fellow car enthusiast and help us grow the Cool Cars With Chris community. New episodes every week featuring car culture, performance vehicles, industry news, automotive technology, track days, project cars, and conversations with enthusiasts from all walks of life. #HyundaiElantraN #Bugatti #CarPodcast #AutomotivePodcast #CarCulture #PerformanceCars #Motorsports #YouTubeCreator #ContentCreation #RaceFuel #DragRacing #CarEnthusiast #HyundaiN #BugattiVeyron #CarTalk #TrackLife #CarCommunity

038 | Women in Motorsports: Building Careers, Community & the Future of Racing with Meredith Burns

In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, Chris heads to Willow Springs Raceway to sit down with Meredith Burns, President of the Southern California Chapter of Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) and Editor of Performance Racing Industry Magazine. Meredith shares how women are becoming increasingly involved in every aspect of motorsports—from racing and engineering to business leadership and media. The conversation explores how organizations like WIMNA are creating opportunities, building connections, and helping shape the future of the racing industry. They also discuss the growing influence of Formula 1, NASCAR, motorsports networking, career development, and why racing has never been more accessible to the next generation of fans and professionals. Whether you're a lifelong gearhead, an aspiring motorsports professional, or simply curious about the future of racing, this episode offers an inside look at one of the fastest-growing movements in the industry. Connect with Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) Women in Motorsports North America is dedicated to advancing, connecting, and enabling women throughout the motorsports industry through mentorship, networking, education, and career development opportunities.  🌐 Website: Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) [https://womeninmotorsportsna.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 🏁 Women With Drive Summit: Women With Drive Summit [https://www.womenwithdrivesummit.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 📸 Instagram: @womeninmotorsportsna [https://www.instagram.com/womeninmotorsportsna/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Connect with Cool Cars with Chris Website: CoolCarsWithChris.com [https://coolcarswithchris.com/] Subscribe for more conversations about cars, racing, automotive culture, and the people who make the automotive world exciting. #CoolCarsWithChris #WomenInMotorsports #WIMNA #Motorsports #Formula1 #F1 #NASCAR #Racing #AutomotivePodcast #WillowSprings #CarCulture #PerformanceRacing #MotorsportCareers 00:00 🎙️ Introduction 01:48 👋 Meet Meredith Burns 03:54 🏎️ Formula 1, NASCAR & New Fans 05:36 🎬 The F1 Movie & Motorsports Culture 06:23 🚀 Women in Racing Careers 08:00 🏆 Favorite Racing Events 09:19 🚗 Cool Cars at Willow Springs 10:14 👏 Outro

037 | Why Ford Killed Shelby + My Nissan 370Z Suspension Nightmare

🔥 Welcome back to Cool Cars with Chris — the ultimate automotive podcast for car enthusiasts, muscle car fans, JDM lovers, hot rod builders, and performance car addicts. In this episode, Chris and Courage dive deep into the legendary Temecula Hot Rod Run, one of Southern California’s coolest classic car cruise nights packed with vintage hot rods, classic Mustangs, custom muscle cars, V8 builds, restomods, and old-school American horsepower. Then the guys tackle one of the biggest Mustang topics in the car world right now: Ford is moving away from the legendary Shelby GT500 branding and replacing it with the new Mustang Dark Horselineup. Chris and Courage break down the REAL reason Ford dropped the Shelby name, the future of Ford Performance, Carroll Shelby’s legacy, GT350 vs GT500 history, Cobra Mustangs, and whether the Dark Horse can truly replace Shelby performance Mustangs. Chris also shares the ongoing battle with his heavily modified Nissan 370Z suspension setup, discovering the car has expensive Fortune Auto coilovers installed and trying to solve one of the roughest sports car rides imaginable on rough Southern California roads. 🎙️ Produced by Podtastic Audio Want to start your own podcast but don’t know where to begin? Check out Podtastic Audio [https://forms.gle/jh2G7bRQpaT4TqCc6] — helping creators launch, grow, and sound professional with podcast production, editing, coaching, and audio services. https://forms.gle/jh2G7bRQpaT4TqCc6 [https://forms.gle/jh2G7bRQpaT4TqCc6] 🎧 Whether you’re starting your first podcast or leveling up your current show, Podtastic Audio [https://forms.gle/jh2G7bRQpaT4TqCc6] can help you create a podcast that sounds great and stands out. 📘 Grab your FREE copy of The Podtastic Playbook and start podcasting today. 🌐 Follow Cool Cars with Chris 🚗 Website: https://coolcarswithchris.com/ [https://coolcarswithchris.com/] 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/ [https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/] ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619 [https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619] 🔥 Follow Courage 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/ [https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/] ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22 [https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22] 00:00 🚗 Intro – Shelby Is Dead?! + Nissan 370Z Problems 01:28 🎥 New Podcast Video Setup & Car Talk Begins 03:13 🔥 Temecula Hot Rod Run Explained 05:24 🏁 Cruising Classic Hot Rods Through Old Town 07:10 ✨ Show & Shine Car Show Highlights 08:18 💪 Restomod Mustangs & Supercharged V8s 09:30 🎬 Eleanor Mustang & Gone in 60 Seconds Memories 11:05 🐍 Touring Shelby American in Las Vegas 14:07 ⚔️ Roush vs Shelby vs Hennessey Builds 15:14 🚚 The “Mexican GT-R” Ford F-150 Explained 16:35 🔊 Why Ford’s Coyote V8 Is So Popular 22:09 🐎 Why Ford Killed the Shelby Mustang Name 24:11 🏎️ Cobra Mustangs, Retro Cars & Car Culture 28:05 🌑 Mustang Dark Horse vs Shelby GT500 30:09 💰 The Real Reason Ford Dropped Shelby 34:41 🔧 My Nissan 370Z Suspension Nightmare 36:22 ⚙️ Fortune Auto Coilovers & Rough Ride Problems 40:37 👀 Rare Nissan Z Sightings in the Wild 41:52 💥 Crashed Nissan Z & Salvage Title Debate 47:42 ⛽ California Gas Prices & Car Guy Problems 52:10 🤔 Are Salvage Title Sports Cars Worth Buying? 55:00 👋 Final Thoughts & Outro 🎙️ Subscribe to Cool Cars with Chris for weekly automotive podcast episodes covering muscle cars, JDM culture, exotic cars, hot rods, racing, modified cars, car reviews, automotive news, and real car enthusiast stories. #FordMustang #ShelbyGT500 #MustangDarkHorse #Nissan370Z #HotRods #MuscleCars #CarPodcast #CoolCarsWithChris #JDM #FordPerformance #CoyoteV8 #CarCulture #TemeculaRodRun #MustangGT500 #370Z #ShelbyMustang #AutomotivePodcast #CarEnthusiast #Restomod #SportsCars

036 | 2026 Honda Civic Si Build: 30 PSI Boost, Mods & Cars and Coffee 805 with Joey Moreno

Back at Willow Springs Raceway, I sit down with Joey Moreno to talk about the growing Cars & Coffee 805 movement, Ventura car culture, and his aggressively modified 2026 Honda Civic Si.  Joey shares how the 805 car community is building momentum through pop-up meets and local Cars & Coffee events across Ventura, Camarillo, Moorpark, Montecito, and Santa Barbara. We also talk about what it takes to organize automotive events in California, working with city permits, and why building a safe and positive car culture matters.  We also break down Joey’s brand-new Civic Si build — a car that barely stayed stock for a week before getting full bolt-on modifications, PRL performance parts, Hondata tuning, and nearly 30 pounds of boost on stock internals. Joey explains the tuning process, horsepower gains, future plans for a 400HP setup, and what it’s like modifying a brand-new platform right out of the showroom.  https://www.instagram.com/carsandcoffee805/ [https://www.instagram.com/carsandcoffee805/] If you’re into Honda tuning, grassroots car culture, track days, turbo builds, or the SoCal automotive scene, this episode is packed with enthusiast insight and real garage talk straight from Willow Springs. * Cars & Coffee 805 and Ventura car culture * Organizing automotive meetups in California * Building a community-focused car scene * 2026 Honda Civic Si modifications * PRL Motorsports performance upgrades * Hondata live tuning * Running 30 PSI boost on stock internals * Future 400HP Civic Si goals * California car laws and tuning culture * Willow Springs Raceway atmosphere 🎙 Follow the podcast for more car builds, track days, interviews, and automotive culture stories. This episode is brought to you by Podtastic Audio [https://forms.gle/iUYAtaQbTsQBhurx5] — helping creators launch and grow professional podcasts from recording to production and marketing. https://forms.gle/iUYAtaQbTsQBhurx5 [https://forms.gle/iUYAtaQbTsQBhurx5] Follow & Connect 🌐 Website: https://coolcarswithchris.com/ [https://coolcarswithchris.com/] 📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/ [https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/] 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619 [https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619] Follow Cool Cars with Chris for more car builds, track days, automotive events, and conversations with enthusiasts from all over the car community. Follow Courage: https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/ [https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/] https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22 [https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22] 00:00 – Intro & Video Podcast Announcement 00:39 – Meet Joey Moreno at Willow Springs 01:12 – Cars & Coffee 805 & Ventura Car Culture 02:11 – Supporting Local Car Meets Across the 805 03:05 – Planning Future Ventura Car Events 03:52 – City Permits & Organizing Car Shows 04:29 – Safe Driving & Car Community Responsibility 04:49 – Joey’s Brand-New 2026 Honda Civic Si 05:20 – Full Bolt-On Mods & PRL Performance Parts 05:44 – Hondata Tuning & Power Gains 06:06 – Turbo Setup & 30 PSI Boost 06:44 – Limits of Stock Honda Internals 07:02 – Future 400HP Civic Si Plans 07:32 – Modifying a Brand-New Car 08:07 – Dealer Reactions & Sleeper Civic Talk 08:39 – California Car Laws & Outro On this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, Chris heads out to Willow Springs Raceway to talk with Joey Moreno about the growing Cars & Coffee 805 community, Ventura car culture, and his heavily modified 2026 Honda Civic Si. Joey breaks down his full bolt-on Civic Si build featuring PRL performance parts, Hondata tuning, upgraded turbo performance, and nearly 30 pounds of boost on stock internals. The conversation covers Honda tuning, turbo Civic builds, SoCal car meets, Ventura County automotive events, and the future of grassroots car culture in Southern California. Joey also shares his plans for a future 400 horsepower Civic Si setup while discussing the realities of California car laws, aftermarket modifications, and performance tuning. If you’re into Honda Civic Si mods, JDM culture, track days, Willow Springs Raceway, Cars & Coffee events, turbocharged Hondas, or automotive podcasts, this episode is packed with enthusiast insight and real-world tuning talk. #HondaCivicSi #HondaTuning #TurboHonda #CarsAndCoffee #CarPodcast #podcast