Rusty's Garage

Rally QLD winner Harry Bates and rookie Jackson Long join us for this edition of the shortcast fresh from the opening round of the EROAD Australian Championship. Long is part of the expanded two car Pedder’s squad and despite a scary diff issue late on Sunday he really impressed! How Jackson is adjusting his pace notes with the help of his codriver (his Dad) because of the faster speeds of his new ride, the R5 spec Skoda Fabia. And the SIM time that’s helped him adapt so quickly. It’s way better than the old arcade games. Bate’s was in good form on the stages around Gympie no matter what road position he was in. That ‘grove’ he and Coral Taylor found early in the event was great for confidence and they just kept building. Harry is now gearing up for Rally Portugal. How an opportunity to compete in the ultra competitive Rally 2 class came about. Plus the words of motivation from Kiwi legend Greg Murphy at the end of the WRC event in New Zealand in 2022 that really sank in. Rusty is battling the early onset of a cold here but we’ve tuned him up and pulled together a couple of cool rally chats. Head to the stage start and get into it! Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's Garage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The vivid memories of driving the V10 Jaguar Formula One car at Monza and a frightening crash at Ascari that wasn’t his fault. How Michael Schumacher stopped to help, off the charts crash data and the injuries James suffered that would keep him out of the car for months. Taking a career detour and conquering Japan plus the little known Indycar option and a potential second chance at F1. Moving into Supercars and a moment at Darwin in 2005 that necessitated a switch to SBR when HRT had been the first option. Winning the title for DJR against a backdrop of financial hardship for the team at the time and how proud he is of the way his crew rallied to get it over the line. How a move into broadcasting almost happened before his recent stint at the Blanchard Racing team. Overcoming fears that date back to school to get his Real Estate Licence and selling one of the best homes on the Gold Coast that belonged to Tony Cochrane. Plus the potential driving career bookend with his good mate Charlie Schwerkolt. A big thanks to Martin Collins and the Taupo International Motorsport Park team for letting us record there and Supercars TV for giving us nearly two hours of JC’s time ahead of the first leg of the Kiwi double header. Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's Garage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How sampling a kart at Lithgow started the journey and it clicked straight away. Borrowing chain oil from the late Jim Morton and how his generosity put JC on course for Europe. Living alone in Italy in his mid teens and the future F1 stars who tried to scare him at the Karting World Championships. Thinking he was at the end of the road until a chance catch-up with Neil Crompton opened the door to car racing. Alan Gow stumping up serious cash for a move into Formula Ford. Realizing the dangers of the game when a friend was killed in a crash at Oulton Park. The ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ moment with Marino Franchitti and why they didn’t tell his legendary brother Dario about it for years! Plus a candid conversation around ADHD and how James has learned to live with it. There are some fabulous takeaways for young racers in this 2-parter and we’re indebted to James for sharing Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's Garage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That’s the title of a new book by respected writer Stewart Bell and he’s in the Garage studio to talk about it in a special bonus shortcast in our feed this week. Bell has been a regular in the Formula One paddock since the late 90’s covering it for print media, digital, social and television for Associated Press, Sky Sports UK, publications in Hong Kong, India, Top Gear, GQ & more. Gunter Steiner wrote the foreword for the book and he reminds us that the ‘brutality’ can mean many things. It’s a game with huge public interest now so there is no hiding when it comes to failure or things going wrong….it means immense pressure in all facets of the business. Sure for the drivers there’s huge physical forces that come from racing the fastest cars, there’s danger including reflections on the death of the great Ayrton Senna….not to mention the cutthroat politics, the grueling schedule as well as the demands on the team 24/7. While we can’t talk about every chapter in the book (that’s for you to enjoy) it does include quotes from everyone from Oscar Piastri to Alain Prost, and it leans heavily on Stewart’s impressive 20 year interview archive. The now-retired Daniel Ricciardo is a prominent feature. Bell was there during the anguish at McLaren and how he shaped Lando Norris' future (in a positive way). You can find more on Stewart here: https://www.penguin.com.au/authors/stewart-bell The book is published by Penguin & you can find it in all the usual places: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/formula-one-the-worlds-most-brutal-sport-9781761357916 Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's Garage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was meant to be a shortcast but Rusty’s convo with AFL Hall of Famer Brad Johnson runs over 30 minutes and it’s a beauty! How the Bulldogs legend and his family have taken to motorsport as son Jack pursues a professional career behind the wheel. What it was like riding alongside his son in the Soutar Motorsport McLaren Artura GT4 at Phillip Island. The impression Jack made at the opening round of the series and the work they have put into an expensive sport as a family. Are there learnings from Brad’s time as a professional athlete? The commitment, the discipline he showed on the way to becoming a Bulldog’s games record holder and how it might apply to Jack. The little bits of sage advice from an Indycar star. And walking that tight rope of helping to guide your son to avoid the pitfalls while giving them freedom to grow and learn. Plus the Johnson love for F1 and where Jack would like to end up racing. The next stop for Jack is at the Bend in South Australia in early May. You can find out more here https://www.speedseries.com.au/ Special thanks to the Shannon’s Speed Series team and the Fox Sports AFL 360 show for allowing us to use a slice of a cool story as Jack took Brad for a hotlap. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Granddaughter of a pioneer, daughter of a legend in Marcos Ambrose….how Tabitha is forging her own path. The racing bond with her Dad and why this relentless pursuit has to be fun, being the first in the family to pick up a trophy at Bathurst and how it all started. When Dad showed up at school in the US with a very cool car, racing in Formula Ford and why it’s so important at this stage of her journey and the secret Trans Am test. Plus the incredible inner strength she witnessed in her Dad’s serious but very private cancer battle and perhaps why it’s made her respect him even more. Tabitha is a switched on racer who is fiercely determined to carve her own career in motorsport and is immersing herself in every aspect of the business. The easy listening convo comes easily between these two. You’ll be impressed with the commitment and confidence for someone whose teenage year are barely in the rear view mirror. Enjoy! Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's Garage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That first ride on a 500cc Grand Prix bike - Kevin Magee remembers it in visceral detail. Racing in Japan and the mark he made there on the way to what we now know as MotoGP. Racing for Kenny Robert’s Yamaha including a podium in Portugal. Finally adding his name to that prestigious list of Grand Prix winners on a memorable day in Spain. A frightening cool down lap crash in the late 80’s and the media mistakenly reporting his death at Laguna Seca! He would come back to win races in Superbikes but how tough it was to deal with the premature end of his GP career. And the remarkable story of helping a blind rider break a world record.This conversation leaves you in no doubt of Magee’s talent but like so many in this brutal sport the tradjectory can change suddenly. Hold on for an incredible ride. Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's Garage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re joined by former Fox Motorsport bike racing expert Kevin Magee for this fascinating two-parter. Growing up in country Victoria and showing fearless talent on a bike to learning what made machines really fire and how to get the best out of them. Early racing opportunities and juggling his passion with work including the story of finishing one job at lunch and starting another that afternoon! You’ll be blown away by the detail of his memory around some aspects of his racing career and the bikes he competed on. Getting his circuit racing break and just how good he was straight away. Little wonder ‘Magoo’ became known as the ‘Horsham Hurricane’ as climbed the ladder taking aim at the Swan Series, the 6-hour and ultimately racing on the world stage. Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's Garage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sportscar superstar and former F1 driver had a busy GP week in Oz including a function with Rusty at Lindsay Fox’s classic car museum in Melbourne. Recorded with the assistance of the Audi’s F1 team’s partner BP the pair spoke on stage about all sorts of things. Reuniting with the ‘Croc’ car and getting to drive the Race of a Thousand Years winner around some iconic parts of Victoria. What his work as the Director of Audi’s Driver Development Program entails. How long they have had Freddie Slater (who you can find in our library at last month’s New Zealand Grand Prix) in their sights for. The serious talent they are supporting in F1 Academy and a special memory he has of the great Ayrton Senna. As well as insights on the magnitude of Audi’s F1 project and the quiet determination to conquer the very pinnacle of the sport just like they did in World Rally in the 80’s, in Sportscar Racing and more.\ It’s like you’re in the crowd at the function with a cool treat, surrounded by some amazing cars and listening in on an engaging chat with a legend. Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's Garage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve built a Feature library that is mainly 1-on-1 convos but we’re breaking the mould with this one….and it was so worth it. Rusty shoots the breeze with ‘Bieber’ and ‘Camo’ who are reveling in the step forward that BRT has taken in Supercars this year. How motor racing started for each of them? The race cars in the Cameron family garage and has Aaron had a steer of them? DJ’ing and why it’s an escape for Jimmy and is there any correlations to his day job. There’s a heart warming family story Aaron shares too that is truly inspiring. What it was like at Garry Roger’s Motorsport for both of them and the hard yards they did in that period of their careers. Enjoy being part of this ripper round table chat and get to know this likeable pair a little better. Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's Garage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The grounded approach the team is taking that comes right from the top. How the relentless off-season work at BRT has filled them with confidence and a determination by the drivers to repay the faith as they say. Jimmy is making the most of his new surroundings and we look back on his Bathurst 2025 podium with the benefit of a bit of time to process it. A turning point for Aaron at Adelaide last year and how he rose to the occasion. Plus the wave of new supporters (all in BRT merch) that love the underdog story. And ‘Flying High’….Sky Diving indoors. Are either of them ready for a cameo in the next Point Break movie? This convo flies by. It’s like the three of them are at a BBQ and you’re within earshot. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 Formula 1 season is here, and Mark Howard and Greg Rust are back to break down everything you need to know ahead of the new season. Rusty and Howie dive into the biggest storylines heading into the new season — from new regulations and engine changes to Ferrari’s much-talked-about “upside-down wing”. They also unpack the arrival of Audi into Formula 1 with the Revolut F1 team, the introduction of a new 11th team with Cadillac, and what it all means for the future of the grid. There’s also plenty of focus on the Aussie hope Oscar Piastri - and whether McLaren’s “Papaya Rules” will hold firm in 2026 - before the boys answer listener questions and reveal their predictions for the top three drivers of the season. This special F1 season preview is brought to you by BP, technology partner of the Audi Revolut F1 team, with your chance to win a trip to the Singapore Grand Prix. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We don’t often get administrators on the pod but as he prepared for one of MA’s biggest weeks of the year Josh kindly swung by the studio. Josh Blanksby has only been in the job for a few weeks but he brings over 20-years experience in the horse racing, wagering, media and hospitality sectors. The former CEO of the Melbourne Racing Club talks about his observations from the first few weeks in the job and gearing up for the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park. Why he’s conscious of the balance between grassroots competition and the headline acts. Threats and opportunities; our passionate army of 12,000 volunteers and giving them the support and encouragement to grow their skillset. You’ll get a sense of Josh’s leadership style that he brings to an organisation that is so community-focused and what is transferrable from his prior experience. It’s an open and engaging chat with a leader who is acutely aware of the reigns he’s taken and his commitment to an open-door policy. Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's Garage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Supercars gearing up for its second round alongside F1 at Albert Park we thought it was a good chance for you to get to know the sport’s new play-by-play commentators a little better. Chad Neylon, Matt Naulty and Richard Craill have each walked different roads to get to this point and have become good friends along the way. They’ll share the lead calling role throughout the season. Why they are proper car (and bike) fans, the hard yards they’ve done across multiple forms of Motorsport, the grassroots and PA commentary that helped shape them and some of the impressive jobs they’ve done internationally too. From a shared love of ‘The Simpsons’ to the classic bike in the Neylon family plus the scars on Craillsy’s hands from working on his first car (he still owns it and won’t part with it) as well as the King of Story telling - why Naulty also has a forklift driver’s license. Much has been written and said about the sport’s big broadcast changes this year. This chat isn’t about reigniting that…..quite the opposite. The boys are all acutely aware of the magnitude of this job opportunity and very respectful of the legends who came before them. Why Rusty thought a shortcast would be long enough for this one we’ll never know. This is a ripper pub style convo between four Motorsport mates. Enjoy… Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's Garage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s one of the biggest weeks of the year and Rusty is in Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix. While the spotlight might be on McLaren’s Oscar Piastri there are Aussies hoping to follow in his footsteps. Countryman James Wharton is back in Formula 3 for a second season but this time he reunites with the Prema Team. He talks about spending summer in New Zealand keeping match fit in Toyota’s ultra competitive Formula Regional class against a third of this year’s F3 field. Living in Italy (he’s been there since before the pandemic) and being away from family & friends in his early teens while focusing on a career in racing. Getting the chance to race in F2 last year and why it’s his clear target for 2027. We also talk Ferrari Academy, whether his rivals in the F3 paddock can remain friends, and the hand picked team he wanted for this year’s championship. Plus the old school set of wheels he keeps back home & why he loves it so much. James is unapologetically focused on the road he’s chosen & that comes through in this fast paced convo. Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's Garage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Supercars CEO James Warburton’s faith in him before The Bend had even been built to the global award it received that he at first thought was a prank. The importance of forging a relationship with Dorna and the fascinating Covid period convos with Formula One management. Why he can’t stand still and the message for other promoters and circuit owners on acting now to stay relevant. Plus the big news around MotoGP’s move to the streets of Adelaide from Phillip Island in 2027. Why it didn’t end up at The Bend & his part in bringing the key players together as a proud South Aussie including a secret track inspection after the Adelaide Grand Final last year. And what about the rumours of World Superbikes heading this way too? This isn’t just for motor racing fans. Business owners will be glued to his insights in this area too. And Sam shares a few ‘life lessons’ that are takeaways for us all. Hope you enjoy the listen as much as we did during the record. Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's Garage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ll know Sam & the Shahin name from the incredible complex they’ve created in South Australia - The Bend Motorsport Park. This is an incredible story of a family leaving its war torn homeland for what they hoped would be a better life down under. An ad for a service station & how it leapt out at Sam’s father - the beginning of a dynasty in this space built on the back of hard work, vision & drive. How Sam left a promising career in medicine to work in the family business & the lengths he went to ‘tool up’ for the role. Where the idea for The Bend came from, the process to get it over the line, and the journey of discovery that took him right round the world to understand the best way to build it. From the moment Sam candidly begins speaking you’ll be drawn into this conversation and he kindly shares details of his life and how it lead to Motorsport (in his 40’s) that aren’t widely known. Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's Garage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine riding your motorbike from Germany to Mount Panorama. That’s exactly what Romolo Liebchen did! The former Audi Sport Customer Racing boss loves the #B12hr and has had this dream for a while now. How he made it a reality, the incredible places he visited along the way, the planning, the bike & the challenges he encountered. Plus where he’s off to next and the insane k’s he’s chalked up on two wheels during his lifetime. We also chat about Audi’s change of direction in relation to its Customer R8 GT program and the big move into Formula One. This little known story piqued Rusty’s interest when he saw the bike parked outside the Melbourne Performance Centre garage over the weekend while making a doco on the history making Quinn Family entry. Romolo’s story is fascinating. Enjoy the ride. Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's Garage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve got the voice of Radio Le Mans on the pod for the first time and they recorded the ep in the National Motor Racing Museum at Mount Panorama! Let’s face it between Rusty and John it was always going to be a big ask to keep the chat to a shortcast duration so there’s over half an hour of convo for you to enjoy ahead of this weekend’s race. From human interest stories like the Quinn entry where driving duties will be shared across three generations of the family to the headline grabbing return of MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi. He’s here because he wants to be! Why this event has become so well regarded internationally not just because of the lure of this classic race track. Can Maro Engel break a bit of a Bathurst hoodoo? And some of the standout Aussies in the field including Supercars champion Chaz Mostert and his rival who went so, so close to claiming that title last year - Broc Feeney. Plus some of the other stories to follow like Kenny Habul, Matt Campbell, BMW’s hopes of going back-to-back and the highly anticipated grudge match between Chev and Ford as the Corvette and the Mustang GT3 machines line-up for this unforgiving 12 hour race. Make sure you visit the National Motor Racing Museum the next time you get to Bathurst. Cars, bikes and all sorts of racing disciplines are celebrated with an incredible collection on display https://museumsbathurst.com.au/nmrm/ Our thanks to John for coming on too. For more on Radio Le Mans check out https://radiolemans.co/ Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's Garage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a time, Grant Denyer - the Gold Logie-winning racer and TV host who’s in our library - was simply Craig’s son. Now Craig is Grant’s dad! How Craig’s clever grasp of the commercial side of media and motorsport helped early in Grant’s racing journey. The advent of Ute Racing and why it took off. His gravitation towards Category Management, which would see him excel in this space for decades. More recently, it’s been the growth and expansion of the TA2 class, which is in great shape. The funny nickname his grandkids have given him and why it stuck, plus the project he’s working on now that could break a record! Grant, Craig and Rusty all worked together for years at Ten Motorsport. It’s no wonder this enjoyable, rapport-filled chat flies by. Head to Rusty’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, give us your feedback, and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty’s Garage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.