Afleveringen

  • What does it take to turn a passion project into one of the most influential automotive brands in the world?

    In this episode of The Creative Drive, Taro Koki sits down with Brian Scotto, co-founder of Hoonigan and one of the masterminds behind Ken Block's rise from rally driver to global icon. Brian shares never-before-heard stories about meeting Ken Block, the creation of the original Gymkhana video, the accidental discovery of YouTube as a distribution platform, and how a simple idea evolved into a cultural phenomenon that changed automotive media forever.

    The conversation dives deep into:

    🏁 How Brian first met Ken Block during the Gumball 3000🏁 The early days of rally racing and building Ken's personal brand🏁 The creation of the original Gymkhana film and why it almost never happened🏁 Getting a $28,000 bandwidth bill before discovering YouTube🏁 The origins of the name **Hoonigan** and the "that ain't care" mentality🏁 Building Hoonigan into a content and apparel powerhouse🏁 Creating one of the most successful automotive YouTube channels of all time🏁 Why automotive culture never died—it simply moved online🏁 The challenges of selling Hoonigan and transitioning into corporate life🏁 How Ken Block's passing changed everything🏁 Reinventing himself after Hoonigan and finding purpose again

    This episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, creator economics, brand building, and the power of authentic storytelling. Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, marketer, or lifelong car enthusiast, Brian's journey offers invaluable lessons on taking risks, embracing change, and building communities that transcend industries.

    About The Creative Drive

    Hosted by **Taro Koki**, President of RACER Creator Network and founder of GTChannel, *The Creative Drive* explores the people, ideas, and stories shaping automotive culture and the creator economy. From legendary racers and filmmakers to entrepreneurs and industry disruptors, each episode uncovers the creative journeys behind the world's most influential automotive personalities.

    🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with the innovators driving car culture forward.

    https://offers.racer.com/subscribe for RACER+ and magazine offer!Follow https://www.instagram.com/brianscotto/?hl=enFollow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQFollow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/Follow RACER Network on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/🌐 Website: RACER.com🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen to podcasts.

    #TheCreativeDrive #BrianScotto #Hoonigan #KenBlock #Gymkhana #CarCulture #AutomotiveMedia #CreatorEconomy #Motorsports #RACER #YouTubeCreators #Entrepreneurship #GTChannel #FormulaDrift #AutomotivePodcast

  • What makes Liberty Walk one of the most influential brands in automotive culture?

    In this episode of Creative Drive, Liberty Walk founder Wataru Kato shares the philosophy that transformed a small Japanese tuning shop into a global movement. From preserving car culture and inspiring younger generations to creating a community built around passion, Kato explains why Liberty Walk has always been about more than modified cars.

    We discuss the importance of collaboration, authentic brand building, creating experiences that connect people, and why the automotive industry must actively engage the next generation rather than simply complain that young people aren't interested in cars anymore.

    This is an inspiring conversation in community building, brand philosophy, and the responsibility enthusiasts have to keep automotive culture thriving for future generations.Follow https://www.instagram.com/libertywalkkato/Topics:• The true mission of Liberty Walk• Preserving automotive culture• Getting young people excited about cars• Building a global community• Brand collaborations and storytelling• Why passion matters more than products• The future of automotive enthusiasm

    https://offers.racer.com/subscribe for RACER+ and magazine offer!Follow https://www.instagram.com/libertywalkkato/

    #LibertyWalk #WataruKato #CarCulture #Automotive #JDM #CreativeDrive #Motorsports #CarCommunity #LBWK

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  • NFL linebacker Eric Kendricks joins The Creative Drive to talk about his lifelong obsession with cars, from Fox Body Mustangs, Porsche GT3 RSs and Honda CRXs to why more NFL players are getting deep into automotive culture.

    In this episode:

    Growing up as a real car enthusiast before the NFLLearning to work on project cars himselfWhy 90s cars are undervalued right nowNFL players and drifting cultureSocial media, authenticity, and building community through carsWhy he wants to become a host and creator himself

    This isn’t just another celebrity car interview — it’s a conversation about identity, passion, and the people who move car culture forward.

    https://offers.racer.com/subscribe for RACER+ and magazine offer!Follow https://www.instagram.com/erickendricks/Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQFollow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/Follow RACER Network on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow car enthusiasts.

    #RACER #CreativeDrivePodcast #CarCulture #CreativeDrive #EricKendricks #CarCulture #NFL #JDM #FoxBody #CRX #AutomotivePodcast

  • From calling Vaughn Gittin Jr. “Mr. Plow” after a full-send collision to breaking down what really separates drivers, creators, and brands—this is an unfiltered episode of the Creative Drive with Formula Drift emcee, Jarod DeAnda.

    We get into iconic moments, behind-the-scenes stories from Formula Drift, and what it actually takes to stand out in a world where everyone’s chasing attention.

    Jarod has been there and done it. With legends like Ken Block to creators building their own lanes, the real lesson is simple:

    Be authentic—or get left behind.

    Topics covered:– Formula Drift moments and turning controversy into culture– The most technical drivers in Formula Drift– How does Jarod prepare for big gigs like Goodwood or the X games. – Media, creators, and the future of car culture– Why authenticity beats everything

    If you’re into motorsports, content creation, or just building something real—this one’s for you.

    https://offers.racer.com/subscribe for RACER+ and magazine offer!Follow https://www.instagram.com/jaroddeandaFollow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQFollow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/Follow RACER Network on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow car enthusiasts.

    #sendit #formuladrift #RACER #CreativeDrivePodcast #CarCulture

  • In this episode of Creative Drive, we sit down with Mazen Fawaz, Chief Strategy Officer at Singer Vehicle Design—the company redefining what a Porsche can be.

    Singer is certainly not about horsepower, lap times, or chasing records. It’s about something far more obsessive: beauty, craftsmanship, and the driving experience.

    Our host Taro Koki and Maz speak about..

    What actually makes a Singer differentWhy they don’t care about being the fastestThe reality of building cars at extreme qualityHow Singer went from 5 cars… to years-long waitlistsThe future of Willow Springs International Raceway and why it matters for car culture

    We also dive into the business behind Singer, the challenges of manufacturing at a boutique scale, and what it takes to build a brand that enthusiasts truly believe in.

    Singer is about how cars, culture, design, and obsession come together to create something timeless.

    https://offers.racer.com/subscribe for RACER+ and magazine offer!Follow https://www.instagram.com/singervehicledesignFollow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQFollow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/Follow RACER Network on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow car enthusiasts.

    #singervehicledesign #porsche #willowsprings #RACER #CreativeDrivePodcast #CarCulture

  • In this special episode of Creative Drive, we sit down with Tatsuru Ichishima, the founder of Spoon Sports — one of the most iconic names in the world of Honda tuning and JDM car culture.

    Ichishima-san started SPOON in 1988 with a simple philosophy: make Honda cars faster without sacrificing reliability. What began as grassroots racing and homemade parts eventually became a globally respected tuning brand known for its distinctive blue and yellow race cars and legendary Honda performance engines.

    In this conversation, recorded in Tokyo, we dive deep into the history of SPOON and the early days of Japanese car culture.

    Topics in this episode include:

    • The early days of racing Honda production cars• How SPOON began as a small race program• The rise of Honda tuning culture in the 1980s and 1990s• Why endurance racing shaped SPOON’s engineering philosophy• How SPOON engine kits spread around the world before the internet• The unexpected role of the Macau Grand Prix in growing the brand globally• The origins of SPOON’s famous blue and yellow color scheme• Thoughts on the future of car culture and motorsports

    From racing motorcycles in the 1970s to building one of the most respected performance brands in the world, Ichishima-san shares the story behind a company that helped define the golden era of Japanese tuning.

    If you love Honda, JDM history, racing, and automotive entrepreneurship, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

    Subscribe for more conversations with the creators shaping car culture.

    Listen to Creative Drive on all podcast platforms

    https://offers.racer.com/subscribe for RACER+ and magazine offer!Follow https://www.instagram.com/roundcatgarage/Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQFollow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/Follow RACER Network on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow car enthusiasts.

    #spoonsports #typeone #honda #jdm #RACER #CreativeDrivePodcast #CarCulture Website: racer.com

  • In this episode of the Creative Drive, we talk with Mickey Andrade about finally entering the Skyline world after years of admiration, starting not with an R34, but with an R32 — and how a business acquisition helped kickstart a serious JDM collection.

    We dive into:

    • The surreal feeling of seeing R34s legally in the U.S.• Starting a Skyline journey with the R32• Why every car in the collection is white• The influence of Japanese car culture icons like Taniguchi• The inspiration behind building a monochromatic car collection

    From spending some time in Japan to building a stateside collection, this conversation is about influence, aspiration, and how early 2000s JDM culture leaves a permanent mark.

    Because sometimes it’s not just about owning the car — it’s about honoring the vision that inspired you in the first place.https://offers.racer.com/subscribe for RACER+ and magazine offer!Follow https://www.instagram.com/roundcatgarage/Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQFollow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/Follow RACER Network on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow car enthusiasts.

    #throtl #roundcatgarage #skyline #gtr #RACER #CreativeDrivePodcast #CarCulture

  • Zack Klapman, co-host of The Smoking Tire and host of the RACER Creator Awards, joins The Creative Drive podcast to talk all things cars, moving to LA from Colorado to be on TV and the evolution of automotive content.

    In this episode, Zack shares:

    How his writing and podcasting career prepared him to host shows and tackle press carsHow Tom Segura helped triple their revenueInterviewing Steve Dinan, Gale Banks and Jerry SeinfeldWild experiences with Hagerty Rated, riding shotgun with FD champion Dai YoshiharaThe hardest cars to review (fast wagons, M5 Touring, GT3 RS) and dream cars that would “bankrupt you emotionally”King of the Hammers behind-the-scenes: rock crawling, RV towns, nighttime madness, and total chaosMatt and Zack are going racing with Cleetus McFarland in the Freedom 500Insights into LA car culture, creator & brand trends, and the cars that are “boostin’ it” right now

    From laughs to lessons, Zack dives deep into creative drive, car culture, and extreme motorsports — giving you a candid look at what fuels him as a creator in the automotive world.

    https://offers.racer.com/subscribe for RACER+ and magazine offer!Follow https://www.instagram.com/directorlukeh/Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQFollow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/Follow RACER Network on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow car enthusiasts.

    #RACERCreatorAwards #RACER #CreativeDrivePodcast #CarCulture

  • Director Luke Huxham joins Creative Drive for a wide-ranging conversation shaped by nearly two decades living and working in Japan. From street drifting and underground scenes to large-scale cultural events, Luke shares an insider’s view of how Japanese car culture has evolved—and why it’s far from fading.

    The episode digs into Luke’s path through automotive filmmaking, documenting builders and drivers, and eventually creating his own events that spotlight culture as much as cars. He talks candidly about the realities of organizing Japan Car Week, collaborating with long-standing community figures, and building spaces that give both creators and car owners something new to experience.

    Luke also opens up about the mindset required to pursue bigger creative swings, including feature films, in an industry where there’s rarely room for permission. If you don’t believe you can do it, he says, step aside—someone else is ready to try.

    This episode is about conviction, community, and why car culture continues to thrive when people are willing to put in the work.

    https://offers.racer.com/subscribe for RACER+ and magazine offer!Follow https://www.instagram.com/directorlukeh/Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQFollow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/Follow RACER Network on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow car enthusiasts.

    #RACERCreatorAwards #RACER #CreativeDrivePodcast #CarCulture

  • Fresh off her monumental win of the 2025 Women in Motorsports MX-5 Cup Scholarship, 19-year-old Charlotte Traynor joins The Creative Drive podcast from the PRI Show!

    Charlotte opens up about her unconventional journey into racing—from a family of pilots to a competitive gymnast—and the moment she knew a race car was her calling. She details how a chance encounter led her to the Mazda MX-5 Cup, a highly competitive and strategic series under the IMSA banner.

    This episode dives into:- What the $100,000 scholarship means for her 2026 season in the Mazda MX-5 Cup.

    - Dealing with the pressure of racing, battling imposter syndrome, and finding resilience after hearing from trailblazers like Lynn St. James.

    - Her dedication to intense physical training in the Arizona heat and professional sim racing to achieve her ultimate goal of racing a prototype car in the WeatherTech Championship.

    - Why she is committed to sharing her real, unvarnished story with fans to break the "robot" race car driver mold and inspire the next generation.

    - Her drive to become the first female driver to win a Mazda MX-5 Cup race.

    Follow Charlotte Traynor's journey:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlottetraynor_ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlottetraynor37- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charlottetraynor_

    To learn more about Mazda: https://bit.ly/4ax7TrK

    #racer #podcast #creativedrive #mazda #mx5cup #motorsport #autoracing #charlottetraynor #tarokoki

  • Join us on Creative Drive as we sit down with Shea Holbrook, owner of BSI Racing and star of the Amazon series First to the Finish. Shea opens up about the raw, behind-the-scenes reality of professional motorsports, the challenges and rewards of being a female team owner, and the journey of creating a team that develops the next generation of talent.

    From her surprise call to Daytona to candid moments in the MX-5 Cup paddock, Shea shares how grit, authenticity, and perseverance have shaped her career—and how those same principles guide her mentorship of young drivers.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:- How Shea got involved in the Amazon series and the real story behind the cameras- The importance of authenticity in racing and in life- What it takes to succeed as a female team owner- Insights into driver development and the MX-5 Cup racing scene- The personal philosophy that drives Shea’s creation of BSI Racing

    To learn more about Mazda: https://bit.ly/49b0DQ3

    - Follow BSI Racing: https://www.instagram.com/bsi_racing/- Follow Shea Holbrook: https://www.instagram.com/sheaholbrook/

    #racer #podcast #creativedrive #mazda #mx5cup #motorsport #autoracing #sheaholbrook #tarokoki

  • Stuntwoman. Drifter. Formula DRIFT Prospe competitor. Content creator. Zandara Zee Kennedy has done it all—and she’s just getting started.

    From jumping off buildings in blockbuster movies like Deadpool and X-Men to mastering precision drifting on tracks across North America, Zee shares her journey of taking risks, chasing her passion, and building a career in stunts and motorsports.In this episode of Creative Drive, we dive into:How Zandara turned stunt work into a career in driftingThe realities of racing, car builds, and self-funded adventuresLessons learned from Formula DRIFT and working in the film industryHer passion project combining travel, cars, and cultureTips for women breaking into motorsports and stuntsIf you’ve ever wondered what it takes to live life on the edge—on set or behind the wheel—this is your front-row seat.

    Follow Zee Kennedy:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeedrives/https://offers.racer.com/subscribe for RACER+ and magazine offer!

    Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQFollow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/Follow RACER Network on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow car enthusiasts.

    #Zeedrive #RACER #stuntwomen #formuladrift #drifting #CreativeDrivePodcast #CarCulture

  • Host Taro Koki from the Creative Drive sits down with creative polymath Rod Chong — filmmaker, agency leader, ex-Need for Speed creative director, and partner at Race Service — for a deep, inspiring conversation on creativity, AI, motorsports, and building world-class teams. Rod shares the story of his winding creative journey: from art school to music videos, into video-game culture, to launching the globally influential Speedhunters, and now shaping the future of automotive culture at Race Service. - Why not giving the answer makes teams stronger - How Race Service built its “creative squad” model - The power of authentic community in the car world - The coming wave of AI disruption — and why humans still matter more than ever - The future of motorsport entertainment and augmented reality - The shrinking gap between sim racing and real-world driving - How creatives can stay inspired and avoid burnout - The skills young (and stalled) creatives really need today If you’re a creator, filmmaker, motorsport fan, or someone navigating the fast-changing world of AI and culture — this one is for you. Rod Chong is the former Creative Director for Need for Speed, founder of Speedhunters, and now Partner & Chief Creative Officer at Race Service, where he blends automotive culture with art, fashion, film, and technology. He’s worked with Ferrari F1, Porsche, AMG, McLaren, Michelin, and more. https://offers.racer.com/subscribe for RACER+ and magazine offer! Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQ Follow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/ Follow RACER Network on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/ 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow car enthusiasts. #RACERCreatorAwards #RACER #RACESERVICE #CreativeDrivePodcast #CarCulture

  • Learn more: awards.racer.com https://offers.racer.com/subscribe for RACER+ and magazine offer!The Creative Drive Podcast: Inside the F1 Movie with Erich Joiner — Racing, Filmmaking & Coffee Culture**

    On this episode of *The Creative Drive*, we sit down with **Erich Joiner** — acclaimed commercial director, race car driver, car collector, and founder of Goodboybob Coffee — for an incredible conversation that bridges **motorsports, Hollywood, and creativity**.

    Erich shares the *untold behind-the-scenes story* of working on the new **Formula 1 movie** with **Brad Pitt**, **Lewis Hamilton**, and **director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick)**. From building and driving an **LMP1 Le Mans car converted into a camera car** to filming during real Formula 1 races at Silverstone and IMSA races at Daytona, Erich reveals how they captured the most realistic racing footage ever put on screen — and what it was like working under tight FIA windows with hundreds of thousands of fans watching.

    We also dive into his creative journey — from directing iconic car commercials to turning his love of coffee into an award-winning global brand.

    If you’re passionate about filmmaking, motorsports, or the creative process behind big ideas, this episode is a must-listen.

    🎙️ **In this episode:**

    * How Erich Joiner helped shoot the Brad Pitt F1 movie* Building a 235-mph LMP1 camera car for real racing scenes* Working with Mario Andretti, Lewis Hamilton, and Jerry Bruckheimer* How the FIA gave Hollywood 11-minute windows to film at live F1 events* The art of blending real racing with cinematic storytelling* From director to coffee entrepreneur: the story of GoodboyBob Coffee

    🚗 *The Creative Drive* is presented by **RACER** — the home of motorsports culture, creators, and innovation.

    👉 **Subscribe** to The Creative Drive for more conversations with the most creative minds in automotive, motorsport, and media.🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

    #CreativeDrive #RACER #ErichJoiner #BradPittF1Movie #Formula1 #Filmmaking #Motorsport #JosephKosinski #JerryBruckheimer #CarCulture #BehindTheScenes

  • Auto shows are evolving — and the LA Auto Show might be leading the charge. In this episode, we sit down with David Fortin, VP of Marketing for the LA Auto Show and Automobility LA, to talk about why the RACER Creator Awards is a perfect fit for the LA Auto Show and how car culture is shifting from static displays to full-blown cultural experiences.

    From influencer collaborations and immersive experiences to live content and creator partnerships, this is where cars meet culture — and where the next generation of fans and brands connect.

    🏁 Learn more: awards.racer.com https://offers.racer.com/subscribe for RACER+ and magazine offer!

    Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQFollow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/Follow RACER Network on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow car enthusiasts.

    #RACERCreatorAwards #LAAutoShow #CreativeDrivePodcast #Racer #AutoMobilityLA #CarCulture

  • Rock crawling champion, Monster Jam driver, and YouTube host Nicole Johnson has done it all — literally. She’s flipped, caught fire, and driven off 12-foot cliffs, all in pursuit of mastering every machine she can get her hands on.

    In this episode of Creative Drive, Nicole joins host Taro Koki to talk about her fearless off-road career, the transition from competition to content creation, and her hit YouTube series https://www.youtube.com/@NicoleJohnsonsDetour. They dive into what it takes to stay authentic, creative, and driven in today’s digital world.

    How Nicole’s insane off-road skills translate to storytelling on YouTubeThe real mechanics (and mindset) behind rock crawlingWhy she believes in driving everything

    https://offers.racer.com/subscribe for RACER+ and magazine offer!

    Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQFollow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/Follow RACER Network on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow car enthusiasts.

    #NicoleJohnson #MonsterJam #CreativeDrivePodcast #Racer #OffRoad #WomenInMotorsport #CarCulture

  • Dustin Williams is one of the most recognized creators in the JDM and automotive scene, but his story starts far from Tokyo’s mountains and Fuji Speedway. From growing up in Mississippi and considering a career in law enforcement, to taking the leap into content creation and eventually building his dream R34 GT-R in Japan, Dustin’s journey is all about passion, persistence, and chasing what feels impossible.

    In this episode of The Creative Drive, host Taro Koki sits down with Dustin to talk about:

    His early influences from Fast & Furious and Japanese car cultureThe risks of leaving a stable career path to pursue YouTube full timeBuilding cars at legendary Japanese tuning shops like Midori SeibiCompeting in motorsports, from Time Attack to One Lap of AmericaGrowing Legends Media and the business side of being a creatorThe responsibility of influence and advice for the next generation of car YouTubers

    Whether you’re into drifting, time attack, or just dream of owning a JDM icon, Dustin’s story proves you’re always one video away from changing your life.

    Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQFollow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/Follow RACER Network on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow car enthusiasts.

    #CreativeDrive #DustinWilliams #JDM #CarCulture #Motorsport

  • From the underground streets of SoCal to the global stage, RJ de Vera has been at the heart of tuner culture’s biggest moments. In this episode of The Creative Drive, we dive into his journey from shaping Super Street magazine, to consulting on the original Fast & Furious, to influencing the industry at SEMA and Meguiar’s. RJ shares untold stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and how tuner culture went mainstream. This conversation is packed with history, strategy, and inspiration from one of the scene’s true pioneers.

    0:00 Cold Opening RJ de Vera0:02:00 RJ and Taro met as RJ was coming off of consulting for The Fast and the Furious?0:02:50 RACER+ Promotion0:09:50 No one expected The Fast and the Furious to be the franchise it became0:11:45 Consulting for brands like American Racing and building Roja Motorsports wheels0:13:30 First sponsorship from Acura to go racing0:15:50 Old school racing. We figured it out by blowing up stuff0:19:00 RJ helped Dai Yoshihara when he was just started out in the US0:22:00 Consulting for Valvoline and becoming an influencer0:26:00 How did Keiichi Tsushiya got involved with Drifting 101 Valvoline0:33:30 Transitioning to a corporate job at Meguires0:40:00 YouTube, brand deals and being an early brand ambassador0:44:00 Racecar drivers leveraging social media 0:45:00 How RJ became VP of Marketing at SEMA0:51:00 SEMA's legislative work01:05:35 Rapid Fire with RJ de Vera

    Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the people driving car culture forward.Follow RJ here!https://www.instagram.com/rj_devera/

    Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQFollow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/Follow RACER Network on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/

    🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    #CreativeDrive #CarCulture #AutomotivePodcast #fastandfurious #rjdevera #sema #paulwalker #drifting #influencer

  • Le Mans class winner and TV host Justin Bell joins Creative Drive to share stories from racing at a high level and making the transition to media. From winning on the track to co-hosting with Tommy Kendall, Justin reveals what it takes to bring personality, humor, and insider knowledge to motorsports coverage.

    0:00 Justin Bell Intro02:00 Formula 1 podcast, Drive to Wynn is on it's 3rd year and going strong. 07:30 Justin Bell pushed Creator Drive podcast host, Taro Koki down the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca09:50 Justin Bell on the Indy Car Series17:00 Justin Bell on Pratt Miller's mind blowing abilities and NASA19:20 Monaco and other favorite races to experience20:45 Growing up as Derek Bell's son28:40 Standing on the podium with his father at Le Mans31:00 Transitioning as a racecar driver to TV talent37:15 Being an entertaining interviewee as a racing car driver helped 41:30 Starting the Torque Show with Jason Jacobson46:20 Justin on automotive journalism vs creators51:50 F1 Gunther Steiner, Drive to Survive and swearing53:10 Justin Bell should do an alternative cast on RACER55:35 Rapid Fire with Justin Bell58:00 Who's Boostin it? with Justin Bell

    Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the people driving car culture forward.Follow Justin Bell here!https://www.instagram.com/justinbellTV

    Follow RACER on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Racer.HQFollow RACER.Podcasts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.podcasts Follow RACER.HQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/racer.hq/Follow RACER Network on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ racer_network Follow host Taro Koki on IG:https://www.instagram.com/tarokoki99/

    🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    #justinbell #drivetowynn #formula1podcast #formula1 #CreativeDrive #CarCulture #racecommentator #AutomotivePodcast#racing#motorsport#RACERpodcast

  • Visit brettkingdesign.com for limited exclusive Brett King Design Canvas Project 01 MERCH

    In this episode of The Creative Drive with Taro Koki, renowed helmet designer Brett King from Brett King Design reveals the inspiration, process, and philosophy behind the Canvas Project — a groundbreaking approach to helmet art where, for the first time, there's no input from a client. Just pure artistic vision.

    The Canvas Project 001 is not a commission. It's an art project done on a helmet as the canvas.

    We dig into the design, the business, the challenges of working with clients, and how collaborations in motorsport gear are evolving — with appearances from Preston Folkestad of Simpson Performance Products.

    0:00 Intro 3:30 What is the Canvas Project by Brett King Design?5:45 RACER+ and RACER Magazine Ad: Racer.com/bundle8:00 Breaking boundaries in helmet design12:37 Inspiration behind the Canvas Project 00115:50 The revealing of the Canvas Project 001 helmet by Brett King Design17:08 Process of creating the Canvas Project 001 helmet24:20 Starting as creative director at Felt Bicycles27:20 Challenges of the business30:15 How to handle mpossible clients32:15 How long did it take to complete the Canvas Project 00138:02 The new Stilo ST6 helmet41:07 Canvas Project 01 limited edition merch launch 42:45 Rapid Fire with Brett King47:07 Who's Boostin' it with Brett King55:54 Preston Folkestad from Simpson Performance Products59:15 Working with Stilo, RaceQuip, Hans, Simpson brands at Holley01:04:30 Stilo Italian high end helmet brand with roots in rally racing01:07:00 How the collab with Brett King happen? 01:13:30 How do Holley brands think about collaborations?01:19:50 Who's Boostin' it with Preston Folkestad from Simpson01:25:20 What's Preston Folkestad's creative drive?