The Late Brake

Supplying enthusiasts with the latest in car culture and motorsports

Articles

  • The Downfall of Passion: How Private Equity is Diluting Car Culture

    The Downfall of Passion: How Private Equity is Diluting Car Culture

    In recent years, we’ve seen an unsettling trend in the automotive world: the takeover of beloved car companies and media outlets by private equity firms. On the surface, this might seem like a good thing. Who wouldn’t want an influx of cash, bigger budgets, and more opportunities? But as we’ve seen with platforms like Car

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  • Gridlife Laguna is Forza Horizon in Real Life

    Gridlife Laguna is Forza Horizon in Real Life

    If you have any interest in cars, motorsport, or simply having an adrenaline-fueled good time, Gridlife at Laguna Seca is an event you can’t miss. This high-octane festival combines the thrill of on-track action with the energy of a music festival, creating an unforgettable weekend experience. I had the chance to attend this year’s event

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  • 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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