S1 Ep31: Worst Weekend in Formula 1 History - Senna Pt.4
In our series finale on Ayrton Senna, James, Joe, and Nolan relive that fateful moment on May 1, 1994, when Ayrton Senna crashed while driving in the San Marino Grand Prix. Senna’s’ untimely death at Imola was foreshadowed by multiple devastating crashes, and the death of fellow F1 driver, Roland Ratzenberger, who died on the same track just days before Senna. It was, maybe, the worst weekend i...
59m Jun 22, 2020
59m
S1 Ep30: F1's Conspiracy Against Senna - Senna Pt. 3
In this episode of Past Gas, James, Joe, and Nolan dive into what is potentially the greatest rivalry of all time; Senna Vs. Prost. The rivalry began when Senna joined Mclaren in 1988 and continued until Senna's untimely death. Find out if the FIA played favorites with Prost and much more on this episode of PAST GAS!   Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey  Follow Nolan on IG and Twitte...
1hr 2m Jun 15, 2020
1hr 2m
S1 Ep29: Senna’s F1 Losing Streak - Senna Pt.2
In part two of our four part series on Ayrton Senna, James, Joe, and Nolan dive into Senna’s early years in F1. After his dominance in Formula 3 Senna had a clunky start to his career in the big leagues, largely due to the lackluster cars of small teams like Toleman. However, as we’ll see, Senna’s perseverance would push him on to better teams and better cars. We’ll cover all of Senna’s pivotal...
1hr 3m Jun 08, 2020
1hr 3m
S1 Ep28: Senna: The Early Years - Senna Pt. 1
Today on Past Gas we’re tackling one of our most requested topics- the one and only AYRTON SENNA. Over our 4 part series, we’re gonna look into every aspect of the legendary racer’s career: Today’s ep focuses on Ayrton’s start in karting and jump to British Formula 3. Next week in Part 2, we’ll look at Senna’s early and difficult years in Formula 1, driving for teams like Toleman and Lotus. Par...
50m Jun 01, 2020
50m
S1 Ep27: The BIKER WAR of the 2000s - Hells Angels Finale
In the finale of our series on the Hells Angels, Joe, Nolan, and James see what the infamous motorcycle club has been up to in the 21st century. That's right, we're talking Modern Biker Warfare! We'll cover the Hell's Angels contention for turf in California with rival "MC", The Mongols, and talk about the clubs efforts to protect their legacy through litigation. We also dive into the Angles li...
53m May 25, 2020
53m
S1 Ep26: Worse than Fyre Festival - Hells Angels Pt. 4
As we continue our journey through the history of the now infamous Hells Angels, James, Joe, and Nolan take a thorough look at the event that forever tarnished their name, The Altamont Free Concert. Initially booked as a sister concert to the biggest festival at the time, Woodstock, The Altamont Free Concert almost didn’t happen when security dropped out last minute.  The Hells Angels stepped i...
58m May 18, 2020
58m
S1 Ep25: Hells Angels Vs. Hippies - Hells Angels Pt.3
In part 3 of our deep dive into the hells angels we’re taking a strange and terrible, trip back to the 60’s to see what famed writer/journalist Hunter S. Thompson thought of his time with the Hells Angels. We’ll get an inside look into the motorcycle club that has, perhaps the worst media imagine in history and we’ll find out why Hunter Thompson got beat up by the hells angels. We’ll also discu...
1hr 20m May 11, 2020
1hr 20m
S1 Ep24: Hells Angels Pt.II : The Origins of the Outlaw MC
In this episode of Past Gas James, Nolan, and Joe continue their discussion on the most notorious motorcycle gang out there, The Hells Angels. They talk about how the Hells Angels came to be, covering everything from the famous Hollister Riot to how a staged photo may have been responsible for giving MC’s a reputation they didn’t deserve. This story is about to kick into high gear so stayed tun...
1hr May 04, 2020
1hr
S1 Ep23: Hell’s Angels - Heroes or Villains? Pt 1: The Rise
Join Nolan, James, and Joe as they try to separate fact from fiction on the most notorious motorcycle club ever, The Hells Angels. To get an accurate picture of the Angels you need to understand how and why motorcycle clubs were founded in the first place. So in this episode we’re going back, way back, all the way to the invention of the first bicycle. From there we’ll follow companies like Ind...
1hr Apr 27, 2020
1hr
S1 Ep22: Georges Besse Pt. 2 - The Death of Georges Besse and AMC
In our finale of our Georges Besse 2 parter, we look into the slow downfall of the American Motors Corporation, and Renault’s attempt to save the failing brand. We also explore the motivations driving Jean-Marc Rouillan, the French anarchist behind Georges Besse’s assassination. Why did he target Georges, and how did his death put an end to AMC? We’re about to find out. Follow James on IG and ...
37m Apr 20, 2020
37m
S1 Ep21: The Assassination of Renault’s Georges Besse Pt. I
On a cold Parisian night in November 1987, Renault President Georges Besse was gunned down in cold blood. Who pulled the trigger, and why? To find out, we explore the history of the American Motors Corporation, and the parallel history of war-torn France. Prepare for a wild ride guys, because you just found one! Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey (https://www.instagram.com/jamespump...
47m Apr 13, 2020
47m
S1 Ep20: The Cannonball Run Pt. II - From Protest to Pro-Fun!
In the conclusion of our Cannonball Run series, we explore how the race devolved from a protest against regulation to…less of one. We also examine some of the wackier competitors of the race: a van disguised to look like an ambulance, a group of racers dressed like priests- this one’s kooky folks! We also discuss later attempts at the sea to seas' record, and how people accomplish it today. Fo...
57m Apr 06, 2020
57m
S1 Ep19: The Cannonball Run Pt. I - How are these guys not in JAIL?
In this episode, we dive into the history of the “Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash”, a cross-country race from New York City to Los Angeles. This real life event inspired a film of the same name, but as we’ll see, the real thing was a lot more than Burt Reynolds’ mustache. We explore the history of American cross-country racing, including early records, and why the 1971 ...
54m Mar 30, 2020
54m
S1 Ep18: Bruce McLaren Pt. III - Life after Death: Road to the P1
The Bruce McLaren Motor Racing team is now without their founder and leader- what will they do next? In this episode we cover the aftermath of Bruce’s accident, the people that kept the company running, and the entrance of a new leader: Ron Dennis. We also reveal how McLaren teamed up with Marlboro cigarettes, and how that gave us one of the most iconic racing liveries of all time. We also dive...
1hr 19m Mar 23, 2020
1hr 19m
S1 Ep17: Bruce McLaren Pt. II - Bruce Builds His McLarens
The story of Bruce Mclaren continues with his first foray in Le Mans endurance racing, his entrance into Formula 1 and all the crashes and bashes along the way! We dive into the formation of Bruce McLaren Motor Cars, their failures and successes, as well as the loss of one of their drivers. This episode also includes a brief history of Can Am racing, possibly the most dangerous and exciting for...
42m Mar 16, 2020
42m
S1 Ep16: Bruce McLaren Pt. I - New Zealand’s Racing Prodigy
We all know the McLaren supercars like the Senna, P1, and 720s. But where did the company that built their beauties get their start? We begin our series on Bruce McLaren, one of Motorsport’s most influential figures, with his early life on the small island nation of New Zealand. Bruce had a rough start, as a kid he was confined to a hospital bed for two years. His time in the hospital taught hi...
35m Mar 09, 2020
35m
S1 Ep15: John Delorean Part II: "This Stuff's Better than Gold"
We all know John Delorean stood out in the automotive industry, in part because of his flamboyant lifestyle (but mostly because of his sizable chin). So maybe it wasn’t a good idea for Delorean to get into the Cocaine Trafficking Business. Delorean was nabbed carrying a briefcase worth over 6.5 million dollars worth of cocaine, but did the FBI set him up? Or would the British backed DMC finally...
28m Mar 02, 2020
28m
S1 Ep14: John Delorean Part I: Assault on Detroit
In the first episode of our two part series on John Delorean James, Joe, and Nolan talk about John’s propensity for going against the grain in the automotive industry. As his ego, and his chin, grew Delorean took more and more risks - but would this lead to his downfall, or make him the most infamous automotive celebrity of all time? Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey (https://www.i...
50m Feb 24, 2020
50m
S1 Ep13: VW Beetle Part III: From Hitler to Hippies
In the finale of our three part series on the VW Beetle James, Nolan, and Joe explore the Beetle’s unlikely transition from Hitlers love child to lovechild hit.  You’ll find out how a car that was meant to mobilize a war hungry Germany became a symbol of freedom. Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey (https://www.instagram.com/jamespumphrey/?hl=en) Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nola...
45m Feb 17, 2020
45m
S1 Ep12: VW Beetle Pt. 2 - Sidelined by WAR
 Join James, Nolan, and Joe for part two of our series on the VW Beetle. They detail Ferdinand Porsche’s attempt to get production of “the peoples car” off the ground . Only one thing stands in his way-war. Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey (https://www.instagram.com/jamespumphrey/?hl=en) Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes (https://www.instagram.com/nolanjsykes/?hl=en) F...
44m Feb 10, 2020
44m
S1 Ep11: VW Beetle Pt. I - An Evil Origin Story
The Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most iconic cars in history. Known today as a symbol of peace from an era of love, the Beetle’s origin is much darker. Born from the needs of a brutal dictatorship; the Beetle was both a car for the people, and an excuse for acts of evil. Join Nolan, James and Joe as they begin the story of the VW Beetle. Part 1 of 3. Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespum...
23m Feb 03, 2020
23m
S1 Ep10: VW Emissions Scandal a.k.a. "Dieselgate"
In this one-parter, Nolan, Joe, and James lay out the story of the Volkswagen emissions scandal so far. There were billions of dollars in fines and hundreds of thousands of cars were bought back from customers. From VW’s realization that their cars couldn’t pass US emissions standards and their decision to cheat, to the downfall of the whole charade and the legal consequences, the story is abso...
32m Jan 27, 2020
32m
S1 Ep9: Evel Knievel Pt. 2: Jumping The Shark
In part two of the series, James, Nolan and Joe follow Knievel's slow descent into madness and paranoia. How did a revered American Icon go from selling out stadiums to gambling on golf just to make ends meet? Join us as we find out. Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey (https://www.instagram.com/jamespumphrey/?hl=en) Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes (https://www.instagram...
50m Jan 20, 2020
50m
S1 Ep8: Evel Knievel Pt. 1: Ramping Up To Glory
In part one of the series, James, Nolan and Joe explore Knievel's unlikely rise to fame. From cracking safes to winning ski jump competitions, Knievel excelled at everything he did. Join us as we look at the events that made him legendary. Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey (https://www.instagram.com/jamespumphrey/?hl=en) Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes (https://www.ins...
37m Jan 13, 2020
37m
S1 Ep7: Machines of Antarctica Pt. 2 - The Snow Cruiser
On our Antarctic finale, Nolan, Joe and Jeremiah discuss one of the most infamous engineering feats you’ve never heard of: The Snow Cruiser. This behemoth was meant to conquer the southern cold with tires that were ten feet high, and could house four researchers. But first, it had to drive from Chicago to Boston, which would prove much easier said than done... Follow James on IG and Twitter @j...
24m Jan 06, 2020
24m
S1 Ep6: Machines of Antarctica Pt. I - Die Like Gentlemen
It’s winter time so we thought we would talk about the coldest place on earth: Antarctica. Why the heck did people want to go down there? And how did they get around? Nolan, Joe, and Jeremiah will find out. From the first antarctic explorers who traveled on foot to a wingless plane with skis, this is a nutty episode. Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey (https://www.instagram.com/jame...
28m Dec 30, 2019
28m
S1 Ep5: Nissan GT-R Pt. 2: King of the Monsters
With the resounding success of the Nissan R32 GTR, it was time to design a follow up. Lucky for Nissan, the R32 was just the beginning. In this episode, James, Nolan and Joe discuss the underrated R33 and why it deserves more love, the Legendary R34 and all its special editions, and the R35, the car responsible in part for the birth of car Youtube. Nolan also blows his nose. Follow James on IG...
29m Dec 23, 2019
29m
S1 Ep4: Nissan GT-R Pt. 1: The Dawn of Godzilla
The Nissan GTR is by far, one of Japan’s most legendary automobiles. It’s a nameplate born from Motorsport and proven on the street. But where did it come from? Join James, Nolan and Joe as they explore the origins of the GTR name. From the Prince R380 race car, to the Ken Meri, to the almighty R32. It’s time for the rise of Godzilla. Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey (https://www....
36m Dec 16, 2019
36m
S1 Ep3: Fordlandia Pt. 2: Welcome to the Rubber Jungle
Henry Ford’s crew of wayward utopia builders have landed in the Amazon. Now all they had to do was build a city...from scratch. Join Nolan and James as they explore what went wrong at Fordlandia. From riots, to starvation, to more riots. It all goes wrong! Isn’t that fun?!? Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey (https://www.instagram.com/jamespumphrey/?hl=en) Follow Nolan on IG and Tw...
46m Dec 09, 2019
46m
S1 Ep2: Fordlandia Pt. 1: Henry Ford's Rubber Utopia
In the early 1900s, Henry Ford devised a plan: buy a swath of Amazonian rainforest, build the ultimate utopia, and grow some rubber. Unfortunately, that would be a lot easier said than done. Join James and Nolan as they recount the wild and ill-fated story of Fordlandia. Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey (https://www.instagram.com/jamespumphrey/?hl=en) Follow Nolan on IG and Twitt...
38m Dec 02, 2019
38m
S1 Ep1: PT Cruiser Pt.II - A Custom-Built Downfall
We conclude our two part series on the PT Cruiser with an exhaustive list of things people did to make Chrysler’s light truck cool. Everything from Brian Setzer SEMA builds, a Viper V10 engine swap,  to Chrysler’s own Turbocharged Cruiser GT. If you though the PT was cool in Part 1, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet! Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey (https://www.instagram.com/jamespumphr...
31m Nov 25, 2019
31m
PT Cruiser Pt. 1 - America's Most Hated
The PT Cruiser is America’s ubiquitously hated, retro styled, uber-utilitarian cars that also sold millions of units. But does it deserve the hate? Join Nolan, and special guest hosts Joe and Jeremiah, as they discuss the PT Cruiser’s surprisingly advanced development. With roots in the Dodge Viper and Plymouth Prowler, you might change your mind about this car after you hear this episode! Foll...
33m Nov 18, 2019
33m
9: Randy Lanier: Racing's Drug Kingpin
Get ready to hear about one of America’s most prolific drug kingpins of the 1980's, Randy Lanier. He was one of the most promising rookie drivers and soon became one of the largest drug traffickers in U.S. history, smuggling over 600,000 pounds of marijuana into the country. This guy was the Walter White of racing! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
53m Nov 11, 2019
53m
8: Smokey Yunick Pt.2 - The Art of Cheating
In our finale of Smokey Yunick, we’re diving into his illustrious cheating career. From hiding fuel lines inside his cars, building a 7/8 scale race car, to eventually becoming an Oil AND Gold Baron. Smokey is a bonafide legend. Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes Follow Donut @donutmedia, and subscribe to our Youtube and Facebook channel...
48m Nov 04, 2019
48m
7: Smokey Yunick Pt.1 - Racing's Greatest Cheater is Born
It’s time for the story of NASCAR’s greatest cheater, Smokey Yunick! From humble beginnings building a tractor as a child, fighting in WWII, to operating a dubious smuggling operation, Smokey might be the most interesting man in history! This guy lived five lives before he ever stepped foot on a racetrack. Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsyk...
43m Oct 28, 2019
43m
6: Mid Night Club Pt.2 - Inside Story of Team Mid Night
In the final installment of the series, James and Nolan explore more of the lore of the infamous underground Japanese race team, The Mid Night Club. Plus, James and Nolan pass on a message from an actual member of Mid Night. Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes Follow Donut @donutmedia, and subscribe to our Youtube and Facebook channels!  ...
33m Oct 21, 2019
33m
5: Mid Night Club Pt. 1 - The Birth of Japanese Underground Street Racing
In part one of a two-part series, James and Nolan explain the origins of the Mid Night Club, an underground Japanese race team with top-secret members that raced around the streets of Japan from 1982 to 1999, officially speaking. Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes Follow Donut @donutmedia, and subscribe to our Youtube and Facebook channels...
41m Oct 14, 2019
41m
4: Ford vs. Ferrari Pt. IV - Ken Miles Was Robbed
In the final installment of a four part series, James and Nolan wrap up what became of the feud between two car giants. After two failed attempts and millions of dollars spent, will the GT40 team finally take victory in France? They’re about to find out. Strap in because this is a dense one! We’re talking Holman Moody, Ralph Nader, the Daytona 24 hours, and one of the most iconic race finishes ...
57m Oct 07, 2019
57m
3: Ford vs. Ferrari Pt. III - Carroll Shelby’s Chickens
In part three of a four part series, James and Nolan discuss how, to save face and defeat Ferrari, Ford enlists the help of a man who had done it before, Carroll Shelby. This episode covers Carroll’s life before racing, his failed business ventures including chicken farming, and the Creation of Shelby American in Venice, CA. Carroll Shelby might be  the coolest man to ever live. Follow James o...
1hr 2m Sep 30, 2019
1hr 2m
2: Ford vs. Ferrari Pt. II - The Ballad of Hank the Deuce
On part two of a four part series, James and Nolan explore how Motor Company president Henry Ford II had his sights set on one thing: beating the Chevrolet Corvette. So what happens when you try to buy a small Italian sportswear firm to do that? Hank will see for himself. From the fumbled deal between Ford and Ferrari to Ford’s first attempt at winning Le Mans, today’s episode is all about REVE...
59m Sep 23, 2019
59m
S1 Ep1: Ford vs. Ferrari Pt. I - The Rise of Enzo Ferrari
In the first part of a four part series, hosts James Pumphrey and Nolan Sykes from Donut Media start off their first episode with a bang, the unbelievable feud between Ford and Ferrari in the early 20th century. This legendary rivalry between Ford and Ferrari at Le Mans begins with the story of perhaps the most influential people in car history: Enzo Ferrari. From his early life growing up in h...
59m Sep 22, 2019
59m
Past Gas - Official Trailer
Donut Media brings you some of the craziest stories from all of automotive history in their new podcast "Past Gas!". Hosts James Pumphrey and Nolan Sykes walk you through incredible stories behind your favorite cars and manufacturers, like underground Japanese racing clubs, bitter racing rivalries and how some of your favorite classic cars came to be. Remember, it's about cars, not about farts....
1m Sep 04, 2019
1m