The Late Brake

Supplying enthusiasts with the latest in car culture and motorsports

Category: Car Banter


  • Built for Backroads: The Marketplace for Enthusiasts by Enthusiasts

    Built for Backroads: The Marketplace for Enthusiasts by Enthusiasts

    We’ve all been there; scouring the internet for the best deals and rare finds on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist until midnight looking for the perfect potential car. Whether you are seriously looking, or hoping for some quick dopamine, every car lover has done this. However, it can become overwhelming to stay current on the 100s

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  • A Bittersweet Farewell: The Grand Tour’s Last Episode

    A Bittersweet Farewell: The Grand Tour’s Last Episode

    In their final adventure together, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May set out on one last epic journey on The Grand Tour. Ignoring their producer Mr. Wilman’s instructions to drive electric cars down a mundane British motorway, the trio head to Zimbabwe with three stunning classics: a 1982 Lancia Montecarlo, a 1974 Ford Capri,

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  • GTI Series Part 8: Upgrading by Downgrading

    GTI Series Part 8: Upgrading by Downgrading

    It’s been a while since I last shared an update on my Project GTI. Like many ongoing things in life, progress isn’t always linear, and sometimes it takes a step back to realize where improvements can be made. Over the past few months, I’ve learned a valuable lesson—more modifications don’t always equal better performance. This

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  • Ferrari Challenge North America at Sonoma: Italian Exotics for American Peanuts

    Ferrari Challenge North America at Sonoma: Italian Exotics for American Peanuts

    There’s something inherently special about Ferrari. It’s not just the name, the history, or even the engineering excellence—it’s the way these cars make you feel. The Ferrari Challenge North America series embodies this emotion, bringing the soul of Ferrari to racetracks across the continent. Recently, I had the opportunity to experience this automotive spectacle at

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  • The Dream of the 90’s is Alive at RADWood

    The Dream of the 90’s is Alive at RADWood

    Located this year on the iconic Pier 30 in San Francisco, Radwood NorCal is not just a car show; it’s a vibrant celebration of automotive culture from the ‘80s and ‘90s. Attending Radwood is like stepping into a time machine, where the sights, sounds, and styles of two unforgettable decades come roaring back to life.

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  • Is Coffee Driving the Future for Car Enthusiasts?

    Is Coffee Driving the Future for Car Enthusiasts?

    In the bustling heart of Los Angeles, a new haven has emerged for car enthusiasts—one that marries the love for finely brewed coffee with the passion for sleek automobiles. Motoring Coffee isn’t just your regular coffee shop; it’s a vibrant community hub that stands at the crossroads of casual café culture and the world of

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  • Petersen Automotive Museum: A Temple of Automotive History and Culture

    Petersen Automotive Museum: A Temple of Automotive History and Culture

    The Petersen Automotive Museum is renowned for its diverse and meticulously detailed exhibits that span the entire spectrum of automotive history. From gleaming classic cars that defined their eras to the cutting-edge prototype vehicles shaping our future, each exhibit is crafted with an extraordinary level of scrutiny and detail. The museum’s displays are not merely

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  • All Makes Welcome: A Low-Key Take on SoCal Car Culture

    All Makes Welcome: A Low-Key Take on SoCal Car Culture

    Nestled in the vibrant heart of Long Beach, California, outside the quaint yet bustling Good Time Coffee, is “All Makes Welcome”. A monthly low-key car show that unfolds as a picturesque representation of Southern California’s rich automotive tapestry. Unlike the traditional “Cars and Coffee” meets where the aroma of premium coffee blends with the sight

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  • Air/Water: An Automotive Show Masterclass

    Air/Water: An Automotive Show Masterclass

    Last year, I discovered a gem in the world of car shows. A unique event that stood out from the rest: the Air/Water show piggybacking after Luftgekühlt 9 on Mare Island California. For Round 2 of Air/Water, the promoters decided to move the event to Costa Mesa, California where it appears it will remain for

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  • The Diecast Rally Championship Is the Racing We Didn’t Know We Needed

    The Diecast Rally Championship Is the Racing We Didn’t Know We Needed

    Welcome to the exhilarating world of the Diecast Rally Championship (DRC), where miniature cars and boundless imagination collide to create a spectacle like no other. When Season 1 begins, we are transported into a realm where the line between reality and fantasy blurs, and the thrill of competition knows no bounds. Let’s dive into the

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  • “Race For Glory”: A Missed Opportunity in Racing Cinema

    “Race For Glory”: A Missed Opportunity in Racing Cinema

    Venturing into the realm of racing cinema, we find ourselves amidst the unfolding drama of “Race For Glory,” a film that promises high-octane action and adrenaline-fueled thrills. However, as the credits roll and the dust settles, it becomes evident that “Race For Glory” falls short of its lofty ambitions, delivering a narrative that feels disjointed

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  • The Magarigawa Club: Japan’s Hidden Gem

    The Magarigawa Club: Japan’s Hidden Gem

    Nestled within the verdant hillside landscapes of Japan lies a hidden gem that ignites the imagination of every car enthusiast who dares to dream of the perfect racing paradise. Welcome to the Magarigawa Private Circuit, a meticulously crafted masterpiece that evokes the exhilarating spirit of Gran Turismo and beckons drivers to embrace the thrill of

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  • A Day at the Fanatec World Challenge in Sonoma

    A Day at the Fanatec World Challenge in Sonoma

    Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Sonoma lies the iconic Sonoma Raceway, a hallowed ground where speed demons and motorsport aficionados converge from across the world. Diving into the heart of racing action looking to find the answers to the question: What is the Fanatec World Challenge America? From GT classes to spec-series racing, the

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  • Preserving Laguna Seca: A Victory for Car Enthusiasts Everywhere

    Preserving Laguna Seca: A Victory for Car Enthusiasts Everywhere

    In a landmark decision that reverberates throughout the automotive world, the favorable settlement in the Friends of Laguna Seca lawsuit is cause for celebration for car enthusiasts everywhere. As the fate of race tracks across the United States hangs in the balance, the resolution of this legal battle represents a resounding victory for those who

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  • Ken Block: What He Meant to Us

    Ken Block: What He Meant to Us

    Complete shock. That is all I remember feeling when I got a text message from a friend about Ken Block’s untimely death. It went from one of the best dinner parties to the worst in a mere second. An overwhelming feeling of intense sadness was all I could muster. My idol, my hero, my inspiration,

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  • Gran Turismo 7: The Ultimate Gateway to Sim Racing

    Gran Turismo 7: The Ultimate Gateway to Sim Racing

    In the world of virtual motorsports, few games rival the immersive experience offered by Gran Turismo 7. Aspiring racers and seasoned enthusiasts alike find themselves drawn to its expansive world, unparalleled realism, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of sim racing. Gran Turismo 7 isn’t just a game to most of us; it’s become the

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  • Ferrari Movie: Good Film, Better Cars

    Ferrari Movie: Good Film, Better Cars

    With the success of “Ford v Ferrari”, enthusiasts are being treated to some killer automotive movies recently. 2024 seems to continue the trend with no end in sight. Michael Mann’s latest creation “Ferrari,” unfolds a visual and emotional journey through the world of speed, power, and unbridled passion for motorsports. As the theater lights dim

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  • Is F1’s Growth from Netflix’s Drive to Survive Hurting Fans?

    Is F1’s Growth from Netflix’s Drive to Survive Hurting Fans?

    Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve seen Drive to Survive (DTS). The Netflix breakout hit is released its sixth season last week with what may be their best yet. The 2023 season was a bit boring with Max Verstappen’s championship lead pushing into another universe, however the rest of the grid had plenty

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  • The Grand Tour Boys Are Back In “Sand Job”

    The Grand Tour Boys Are Back In “Sand Job”

    The boys are back! In the latest installment of The Grand Tour unsurprisingly titled “Sand Job,” Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May catapult viewers into a desert adventure in Mauritania, an African nation just north of Senegal. Recently released on Amazon Prime Video, the newest episode combines the usual automotive hubris, comical banter, and,

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  • Missing F1? The BMW M2 Cup Is Sure To Fill the Void

    Missing F1? The BMW M2 Cup Is Sure To Fill the Void

    If you have been missing Formula 1 this offseason, then boy do I have the solution for you. In the heart of Germany’s motorsports scene, the BMW M2 Cup has emerged as one of the most entertaining racing series, arguably even better than Formula 1. Far beyond a mere competition, this racing series serves as

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  • The National Automotive Museum is a Petrolhead Time Capsule

    The National Automotive Museum is a Petrolhead Time Capsule

    Nestled in the heart of downtown Reno, Nevada, right on the Truckee River is the National Automobile Museum. An unassuming showcase of some of history’s most important cars. The cars found on display here changed the future of what the automobile would become with most of the collection dating back before the 1920s. I remember

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