Tech House and Speed by Bill Wood: Episode 126

Tech House and Speed by Bill Wood:  Episode 126

Guests: Rob Baker (00:00), Jorge Diaz (15:25), Antoine L'Estage (23:49), Patrick Long (34:36)

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The world of Tech House & Speed has several ports of call this week including Trans Am, ALMS and the War in Afghanistan. One of the most unique interviews ever on THS Talk involves a race team manager who flies choppers in Afghanistan extracting injured soldiers from the front lines. You won't want to miss this conversation with a very unique man who has a very unique story. You'll enjoy it.

In Segment One we talk with Rob Baker, Project Manager at Dempsey Racing in the Grand-Am Rolex GT series. Baker also is a member of the Air Force Reserves and he's had tours of Afghanistan where he put aside his racing hat to save lives. His story is one of the most fascinating you'll ever hear. He talks about the lives he's saved as well as the racing business he manages for a very high profile team owner. Take a few minutes to meet a very unique man who's comfortable in several hats all of which he wears comfortably.

In Segment Two we talk with Puerto Rican driver Jorge Diaz, Jr. who won his fourth Trans Am race last weekend at Watkins Glen International Raceway. It was his first stop in the Trans Am this season. The question now, though, is whether he'll be back when the championship gets to Road America next month. Diaz had a splendid weekend leading the race from flag to flag. He was a welcome addition to the Trans Am season.

Rob Baker	Jorge Diaz, Jr.	Antoine L'Estage	Patrick Long

In Segment Three we talk with Canadian rally champion Antoine L'Estage who's defended his championship the best way he could, by winning every round of the campaign so far this season. That includes last weekend's Baie-des-Chaleurs rally, maybe the best event in North America. Next weekend he goes to the New England Forest Rally where he'll be looking to defend a win there last season. L'Estage is arguably the best rally driver in North America and he proves it at every event.

Finally in Segment Four we talk with ALMS Lime Rock GT winner Patrick Long, America's only Porsche factory driver. Long and his co-driver Joerg Bergmeister have had a difficult season thus far. The win last weekend at Lime Rock was a welcome change to the season's resume. So is Long going to Disneyland to celebrate his victory? Far from it. We talk with Patrick about how he's looking forward to a week in the wilds on a private beach with nothing but fishing, grilling and chilling in the plans. Here's how one of the best GT drivers in the world gets away for a break. If you have missed any part of this episode or guest, you can go to iTunes where this and past shows are available for your convenience. Tech House & Speed archives are also available "On Demand" or via RSS syndication at www.ByBillWood.com, www.TechHouseandSpeed.com or at www.RaceFanRadio.com! Enjoy!! TRT: 51:59