DRIVING • February 2021

Epic Drives: six podcasts for petrolheads

For some, it’s less about the dream road trip, and more about the dream car. If this sounds like you, then pop on some headphones, head to your favourite podcast platform, and immerse yourself in a world where all petrolheads are welcome. Moto-journalist Rebecca Banks finds the conversations leading the race…

The Smoking Tire

Start with this one: Sung Kangh
Hosted by car fanatics Matt Farah and Zack Klapman, The Smoking Tire is the number one automotive podcast in terms of episode downloads, which tells you just about everything you need to know. In this epic episode they get into the nitty gritty with Fast and Furious star, Sung Kangh, while another star show features motoring journalist and Top Gear host Chris Harris, covering off the future of electric cars, the world’s obsession with SUVs and that Tesla truck. Expect unfiltered car chat with automotive icons.

The Fully Charged Show Podcast

Start with this one: How far ahead is Tesla?
The future is electric, and the future is now! Charming host Robert Llewellyn brings you another string to the bow of his popular Fully Charged brand, which also boasts a YouTube series, news website and live show. The digestible podcast features exclusive interviews with guests who know exactly what is going on in the intricate world of EVs, renewable energy and sustainability – a must listen for anyone interested in the future of our cities and the motoring industry.

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Straight Torque

Start with this one: My Greatest Defeat with Will Buxton
The first podcast by a Formula E team is brought to you by the heavyweights at Mahindra Racing. All about the world of electric racing, Straight Torque, hosted by Nicki Shields, goes under the skin of the championship, with conversations with drivers, paddock personalities and special guests. Particular highlight episodes include guest host Will Buxton grilling Pascal Wehrlein and Jerome D’Ambrosio on their greatest defeats, and a chat with Senna writer Manish Pandey on the man, the myth and the legend himself.

Gareth Jones on Speed

Start with this one: Gareth Jones On Speed #402
In this podcast for true petrolheads that has already been running for an impressive nine years, Gareth Jones joins forces with Richard Porter (Sniff Petrol, BBC Top Gear and The Grand Tour) and his uber-geek friend Zog to talk everything four-wheeled, from your everyday drives to luxury supercars, classic cars and motorsport. It’s every auto topic you could want in the same place, combined with comedy and news comment.

Beyond the Grid

Start with this one: Jenson Button: “My title was the perfect story – they need to make a movie of it”
Beyond the Grid is a podcast that delivers great stories, fresh insight and amazing anecdotes from the superstars of Grand Prix racing. Each week Tom Clarkson brings fans in-depth, personal conversations with the biggest names in the sport, from current superstar drivers and leading team bosses to legendary figures from history. Interviewee highlights include Lando Norris, Bernie Ecclestone and Jenson Button.

The Marshall Pruett Podcast

Start with this one: The Week In IndyCar, Nov 13, with Jimmie Johnson
Marshall Pruett’s podcast is unrivalled on the US motorsport scene. He interviews the stars of today and the heroes of yesterday in his series. Covering open-wheel racing, NASCAR and sports cars, this trusted interviewer gets the best out of his subjects in frank and honest conversation. From Sebastien Bourdais and Jimmie Johnson to Mario Andretti and Bobby Unser, these are chats worth listening to.