Drivesport | The Amateur Track Driver Podcast

Many drivers come to their first track day thinking speed is the goal. But what if speed is actually the result—not the focus?

In this episode of DriveSport, Dave sits down with John Estupinan, Porsche Track Experience instructor and former professional racer, to break down what beginner track drivers and amateur racers need to focus on first: fundamental driving skills.
John shares insights from decades of racing and ...

Getting started with track driving can feel overwhelming. How fast is too fast? How do you know the limit? And how do you improve your driving skills without crashing or scaring yourself?

In this episode of DriveSport, Dave sits down with Jonathan Law, a championship motorcycle racer and elite track driving instructor, to break down the fundamentals every beginner track driver needs to understand. Jonathan shares how drivers de...

What really happens to your warranty and insurance when you take your car on track?

In this episode, Dave sits down with Sam D’Arc, COO of a multi-state auto group and former insurance executive, to unpack one of the most confusing and anxiety-inducing topics for amateur track drivers: how racing and track driving affect your vehicle’s warranty and insurance coverage.

Sam brings a rare dual perspective—from inside car dealerships and...

What if the biggest risk on track isn’t your driving skill—but what happens after something goes wrong?

In this episode of Drivesport, host DMC sits down with Justin Steele, Managing Partner of OpenTrack Insurance, to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in amateur track driving: insurance. Justin shares how his lifelong motorsports background led him to help solve a problem most drivers don’t realize they have until it’s too...

What separates a confident, smooth driver from someone constantly fighting their car on the track? In this episode, championship-winning Porsche driver and instructor Perry Needham reveals how to start high-performance driving safely, intelligently, and with maximum fun. You’ll discover the best ways to prepare for your first track day, as well as Perry’s step-by-step process that allows beginners to gain confidence without risking...

What if the biggest limiter on your performance car isn’t the engine, the suspension, or your driving skill, but your tires? In this episode, Jonathan Benson, Founder of Tyre Reviews, joins the show to break down why tires are one of the most misunderstood (and underestimated) parts of performance driving, both on track and on the road.

You’ll learn how tire choice, tire pressure, wheel size, and conditions like heat and rain direct...

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What does it really take to master car control and have fun doing it? In this episode, Porsche Experience Center coach Charles Turner shares how everyday drivers can elevate their performance driving skills, understand their car’s limits, and gain confidence on the track. From learning how tire grip affects every movement to keeping your vision focused on where you want the car to go, Charles breaks down the technique...

What if the thing holding back your driving isn’t your technique—but a software setting you’ve never looked at? In part 2 of my interview with Suellio Almeida, you’ll learn why even one incorrect software setting or pedal calibration can completely ruin your driving, as well as how to avoid common mistakes. Suellio shares the exact techniques he uses with students to diagnose bad inputs, eliminate delay, and train precise braking a...

What if the key to becoming a dramatically faster, safer, and more confident driver wasn’t more track time but knowing how to learn? In this episode, DMC sits down with Suellio Almeida, the sim-racing coach turned real-world racing educator with more than 12,000 students, 200M+ social media views, and a reputation for breaking down complex driving technique into simple, repeatable steps. You’ll hear how Suellio blends piano trainin...

What makes driving a sports car on track such a powerful experience—and how can you do it safely, confidently, and with real skill? In this episode, Iyar Koren shares how Autostrada creates a welcoming environment for car enthusiasts to explore their vehicle’s capabilities on track without the pressure of competition. You’ll learn how Autostrada focuses on safety, precision, and respect for both drivers and their cars, while delive...

What does it take to hit the track without destroying your car or your wallet? In this episode, I sit down with James Jenkins, owner and chief mechanic of Velocity Performance, to break down exactly how beginners can get started in amateur motorsports safely and confidently. From what choice can make or break your first track day drive to understanding tire camber, suspension setup, and car cooling, James offers practical tips to h...

What separates a good driver from a truly great one? In this episode, we sit down with racing legend Ross Bentley—professional racer, four-decade driver coach, and author of multiple Speed Secrets books—to uncover the principles behind high-performance driving and effective coaching. You will learn how to simplify complex techniques, think critically on the track, and differentiate between instructing and coaching. 

Listen in as Ros...