The Motor Dream Podcast

Episode 50 - Ben and Michael Kavich

Cancer is a disease that refuses to discriminate, and almost all of us have been profoundly affected by its impact on a loved one, a friend, or ourselves. While advancements in medical research provide incredible hope and earlier detection, funding these life-saving breakthroughs requires immense support. In this powerful episode of the Motor Dream Podcast, we explore how motorsport and cancer research powerfully intersect through Race For a Cure. Founded in 2016 by Sydney-based racing siblings Ben and Michael Kavich after Ben’s wife, Toula, was diagnosed with breast cancer, this incredible initiative has utilised the massive platform of the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour to raise awareness and over $300,000 for vital breast cancer research.
This year, the team achieved the fairytale ending they had been chasing for a decade, claiming the outright victory at the Bathurst 6 Hour. It was an deeply emotional milestone, made even more poignant by their third co-driver, Tickford Racing's Tom Randle, who is a testicular cancer survivor himself. But the Kavich brothers aren't resting on their laurels after conquering Mount Panorama. We sit down with Ben and Michael to discuss their ultimate Bathurst triumph and their bold new chapter as they step out of their production car comfort zones and into the ultra-competitive TA2 Muscle Car Series—all while continuing their relentless drive to fund a cure.Follow Race for a Cure on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeRace For A Cure Website: https://www.raceforacure.org.au/The Motor Dream Podcast Website: https://www.themotordream.com.auThe Motor Dream Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMotorDreamThe Motor Dream Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheMotorDream#TheMotorDream

Episode 49 -Tabitha Ambrose

In this episode of the Motor Dream Podcast, we dive into one of Australia's most influential motorsport dynasties: the Ambrose family. The legacy began in 1973 when patriarch Ross Ambrose co-founded Van Diemen, which became the world’s leading Formula Ford chassis manufacturer. His son, Marcos Ambrose, carried the torch onto the global stage, translating early Formula Ford success into back-to-back Supercars Championships (2003–04) before heading to the US to conquer NASCAR with two historic Cup Series road-course victories. Yet, despite an enviable CV of titles, wins, and poles, one crowning achievement always eluded the family patriarchs—a victory at the legendary Mount Panorama.
Enter the next generation. We sit down with rising star Tabitha Ambrose, who is carving out her own formidable path in the sport. After growing up on the NASCAR circuit, Tabitha returned to Australia, rapidly climbing the ranks from karts to Excel racing, and eventually into the Australian Formula Ford Series—a full-circle moment driving under the iconic Pirtek banner. Tabitha joins us to talk about her sensational breakout season, including how she officially broke the family's Bathurst hoodoo with a Class B1 victory at the Bathurst 6 Hour. Plus, she shares insights into her ambitious 2026 campaign, her love for historic machinery, and why her passion for motorsport now has her eyeing the dirt tracks of sprintcar racing.Follow Tabitha on Facebook and InstagramFollow Marcos Ambrose Motorsport on Facebook and InstagramThe Motor Dream Podcast Website: https://www.themotordream.com.auThe Motor Dream Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMotorDreamThe Motor Dream Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheMotorDream#TheMotorDream

Episode 48 - Dr Sammy Diasinos

From the moment Colin Chapman bolted wings onto the Lotus 49B in 1968, aerodynamics permanently reshaped the landscape of Formula 1, turning visionary designers like Adrian Newey and Gordon Murray into motorsport icons. In this episode, we chart the incredible journey of Sydney’s own Dr. Sammy Diasinos, who turned his childhood obsession with F1 into a glittering international engineering career. After cutting his teeth on aerospace engineering at UNSW, Sammy realized his ultimate dream in 2006, breaking into the pinnacle of motorsport. Over the next seven years, he served as a pivotal CFD engineer during Toyota's final podium-clinching seasons, navigated the grid with Williams, and weathered the dramatic team transitions at Caterham.
Now back on Australian soil, Sammy continues to push the absolute limits of speed and physics. From securing land speed records with UNSW’s solar car to masterminding the aerodynamics of RP968—the dominant, record-shattering Porsche 968 that owns Sydney Motorsport Park—his expertise remains in high demand. When he isn't shaping the bodywork of elite machinery like the supercharged Spartan supercar, he’s inspiring the next generation as a lecturer at Macquarie University and dissecting the modern grid as a premier F1 media analyst.Dynamic Aero Solutions Website: https://www.dynamicaerosolutions.com/The Motor Dream Podcast Website: https://www.themotordream.com.auThe Motor Dream Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMotorDreamThe Motor Dream Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheMotorDream#TheMotorDream

Episode 47 - Aimee Watts

In this episode, we again explore the structured world of the Porsche racing pyramid, this time in the heart of the United Kingdom. The focus of our conversation features Aimee Watts, who is currently embarking on her second season in the Porsche Sprint Challenge GB with Clean Racing. Since making her professional racing debut in 2025, Watts has garnered a popular following both on and off the track.Despite being the daughter of British Touring Car legend Patrick Watts, Aimee’s path to the cockpit only began six years ago following a spirited family Christmas lunch. We discuss her rapid ascent from racing a budget-buy Citroen C1 to competing in high-stakes one-make racing, her deep-seated passion for historic Minis, and the nuanced influence of her father’s Super Touring legacy on her own professional aspirations.Follow Aimee on InstagramFollow Clean Racing on InstagramThe Motor Dream Podcast Website: https://www.themotordream.com.auThe Motor Dream Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMotorDreamThe Motor Dream Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheMotorDream#TheMotorDream

Episode 46 - Dylan O'Keefe

From his 2014 debut in the Victorian Porsche 944 Challenge to the peak of the 2025 Carrera Cup Australia, Dylan O’Keeffe’s journey has been defined by grit and precision. Episode 46 of The Motor Dream Podcast tracks the dramatic shift in the 2025 standings, where a "disastrous" run for defending champion Harri Jones opened the door for O’Keeffe. After eight attempts at the title since 2016, the 28-year-old Melburnian finally secured his maiden national championship through a series of well measured drives for GWR and RAM Motorsport, proving that a decade within the Porsche pyramid was the ultimate training ground for success.
Beyond the sprint races, we dive into Dylan’s remarkable endurance pedigree, including his recent Pro-Am class victory at the 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour. We sit down with the champion to discuss his motorsport-steeped upbringing, his brief but wild international sojourn in the TCR World Tour, and the evolving partnership with Garth Walden. To wrap things up, Dylan reveals a "euro-centric" dream garage that balances his Porsche roots with a dash of playboy flair. It’s an inside look at a driver who has become a foundational pillar of the Australian motor racing scene.Follow Dylan on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTubeFollow GWR Australia on Facebook and InstagramDylan O'Keefe Website: https://dylanokeeffe.com/The Motor Dream Podcast Website: https://www.themotordream.com.auThe Motor Dream Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMotorDreamThe Motor Dream Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheMotorDream#TheMotorDream

Episode 45 - Renita Vermeulen

The 2026 MotoGP season is off to a scorching start, and we’re diving deep into a championship that’s shifting gears both on and off the track. To help us navigate this rapidly evolving landscape, we’re joined by broadcaster and content creator Renita Vermeulen. From her childhood traveling the world supporting her brother, MotoGP winner Chris Vermeulen, to her current role producing world-class coverage for Fox Sports, Renita offers a unique, "insider" perspective on the sport’s digital explosion.
We discuss her journey from the ProMX pits to becoming a leading voice in the paddock, her work alongside legends like Keith Huewen, and why the "Liberty Media Era" is the spark the sport needs. Plus, Renita shares a look into her dream garage—and trust us, there’s a distinct American muscle flavor that’ll surprise you.Follow Renita on Instagram, YouTube and TikTokListen to the OMG! MotoGP Podcast HEREThe Motor Dream Podcast Website: https://www.themotordream.com.auThe Motor Dream Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMotorDreamThe Motor Dream Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheMotorDream

Episode 44 - Cody McKay

Motor racing is often defined by the relentless pursuit of technical excellence, where manufacturers and teams fight for every millisecond. However, the true heart of the sport lies in the personalities that transform a race into a spectacle. Australia has a rich history of producing "larger-than-life" characters—from the charisma of Daniel Ricciardo to the grit of Jack Miller—who balance fierce track competition with a likable, fan-focused attitude. On episode 44, we sit down with a driver who embodies that spirit: Cody McKay, the Newcastle local whose racing talent is matched only by his legendary, Bottas-rivalling mullet.
McKay’s journey is a masterclass in turning passion into a career. From his start in karts at 16 to establishing his own business, Radical Mechanical, Cody has navigated everything from the Variety Club Bash to his breakout 2025 season in the Aussie Racing Cars Super Series, where he secured 7th overall. Now, in 2026, he takes the ultimate leap into team ownership with Chicane Motorsports. In this extended interview, Cody shares hilarious anecdotes from the paddock, the stories behind his massive memorabilia collection, and a "dream garage" lineup that is pure retro nostalgia. It’s a candid look at a driver who lives and breathes the sport, proving that in racing, the person behind the wheel is just as important as the machine they're driving.Follow Cody on Instagram, Facebook and YouTubeFollow Chicane Motorsports on Instagram and FacebookChicane Motorsports Website: https://www.chicanemotorsports.com.au/The Motor Dream Podcast Website: https://www.themotordream.com.auThe Motor Dream Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMotorDreamThe Motor Dream Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheMotorDream#TheMotorDream

Episode 43 - Elizabeth Blackstock

Season three kicks off with a bang as we align with the opening round of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship at the Australian Grand Prix. This isn't just a new season; it’s the dawn of a revolutionary era. We break down the massive shifts in the sport, from the debut of manufacturers Audi and Cadillac to the radical technical overhaul of the cars. With a move toward kinetic energy recovery, reduced dimensions, and the introduction of active aerodynamics to replace the unloved DRS system, F1 is leaner and meaner than ever. With the sport’s popularity exploding in the U.S. through Apple TV and the recent F1 feature film, we explore how the grid is transforming to meet this unprecedented global demand. 
Joining us to navigate these changes is Texas-based journalist and motorsport expert Elizabeth Blackstock. From her Michigan roots to her roles at Planet F1, Road & Track, and Donut, Elizabeth has become a definitive voice in American racing media. We discuss her journey from being inspired by the film Rush to co-authoring the definitive book on the infamous Haas/Rich Energy saga. Elizabeth also pulls back the curtain on her hit podcast, Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys, which explores the darker, historical underbelly of the sport. Stay tuned until the end, as Elizabeth shares a "Dream Garage" that is as unique and high-octane as her career in the paddock.Follow Elizabeth on Instagram, X and BlueskyFollow Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys on Instagram, Substack and TikTokElizabeth Blackstock Website: https://elizabeth-blackstock.com/Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys Website: https://www.deadlypassionsterriblejoys.com/Listen to Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys on SpotifyThe Motor Dream Podcast Website: https://www.themotordream.com.auThe Motor Dream Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMotorDreamThe Motor Dream Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheMotorDream#TheMotorDream

Episode 42 - Tim Schenken

In the final episode of season two of the Motor Dream Podcast, we sit down with a true titan of  Australian motorsport: Tim Schenken. From his early days winning the 1964 Australian Hillclimb Championship to his rise through the European ranks, Tim’s journey is the stuff of legend. As one of only six Australians to stand on a Formula 1 podium, a feat achieved at the 1971 Austrian Grand Prix with Brabham, he solidified his place in racing history. We dive into his incredible success as a factory driver for Ferrari, where he claimed victory at the Nürburgring and Buenos Aires 1000km races alongside the legendary Ronnie Peterson, and explore his transition from the cockpit to car construction as the co-founder of Tiga Race Cars.The conversation also highlights Tim’s profound impact on the structure of modern racing. After returning to Australia in 1985, he became the backbone of Motorsport Australia, serving as the long-time Clerk of Course for the Australian Grand Prix and Race Director for the Supercars Championship. Even today, Tim remains a global authority as an FIA Platinum track inspector, fresh off his most recent assignment at the Macau Grand Prix. We wrap up the episode by discussing his enduring passion for the road, where Tim reveals the surprising vehicles that make up his ultimate "Dream Garage."Tim Schenken on the Rusty's Garage podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/67UEBS3ukSDhejX2E3DQad?si=1245282bfb094026The Motor Dream Podcast Website: https://www.themotordream.com.auThe Motor Dream Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMotorDreamThe Motor Dream Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheMotorDream#TheMotorDream

Episode 41 - Mat Coch

Formula 1's media presence is now a global powerhouse, but it remains a sport largely reported on by Europeans. Meet Mat Coch, one of just two Australians following the F1 circus full-time—and Australia's only fully accredited F1 journalist.Traveling from his base on the NSW Central Coast to every Grand Prix for over a decade, Mat has been a respected voice, serving as Speedcafe’s resident F1 analyst and recently stepping into the influential role of Editor-in-Chief for the longstanding news website, Planet F1. Discover how a boy from the suburbs of Adelaide, with virtually no interest in cars, had his world completely transformed by the arrival of the Australian Grand Prix, setting him on a passionate career path that now places him at the heart of F1’s global media.Despite his deep, consuming passion for Formula 1, he surprisingly admits he doesn't have a broad interest in cars as a whole. For him, his fascination is less about the machines and more about the competitive theatre of F1. Plus, we delve into his "Dream Garage" to find out which iconic cars have earned his genuine appreciation after witnessing them up close over the years.Follow Mat on InstagramPlanet F1 Website: https://www.planetf1.com/The Motor Dream Podcast Website: https://www.themotordream.com.auThe Motor Dream Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMotorDreamThe Motor Dream Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheMotorDream#TheMotorDream