The Motor Dream Podcast

Episode 40 - Maisie Place

The 2024 Bathurst 6 Hour was a record-setter, featuring the highest-ever outright finish by an all-female team in Bathurst history. But there was another history-making moment courtesy of young rotary specialist, Maisie Place. This episode tells the extraordinary story of the Moruya-based builder and racer who, at just 14, bought her first race car and began building Wankel engines. Maisie achieved a historic feat at Bathurst by solely building and preparing all three Mazda RX8s that started and finished Bathurst's Easter Enduro, highlighting the incredible talent that has propelled her to the top of the motorsport world. From her apprenticeship with a Mazda rotary specialist and mentorship from the legendary Allan Horsley, Maisie's dedication saw her racing in the RX8 Cup and taking her mechanical skills to global stages, including the Nürburgring and Watkins Glen.Now an ambassador for the RX8 Cup and running her own successful workshop, Maisie shares her passion for racing, her busy life juggling multiple categories, and her thoughts on the dramatic 2025 Bathurst 6 Hour. Get ready for an inspiring chat with one of the brightest talents in Australian motorsport, and find out what rotary icons make her ultimate dream garage.Follow Maisie on Facebook, Instagram and TikTokFollow the RX8 Cup on Facebook and InstagramRX8 Cup Website: https://rx8cup.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 39 - Toby Hederics

This year's 47th Dakar Rally saw 806 competitors tackling the Saudi Arabian desert, with five Australians flying the flag, including eventual winner Daniel 'Chucky' Sanders and two-time winner Toby Price.Joining them was Mildura's Toby Hederics, who made his debut in the demanding Rally2 class with the BAS World KTM team. Hederics' goal was simply to reach the finish line in Shubaytah. He did that and more, not only conquering the gruelling twelve stages but also achieving an incredible top twenty outright finish and a top ten result in the Rally2 class.Toby's success is steeped in family heritage, following in the tyre tracks of his illustrious dad, John Hederics, who is considered by many to be Australia's version of Dakar legend Stéphane Peterhansel. Now, Toby is carving out his own niche in rally-raid, having already conquered the Finke and Hattah Desert Races. From growing up honing his craft on the Mildura family farm to his stunning Dakar performance, Toby is now eyeing a return to the Saudi desert in 2027. Join us as we explore the incredible Dakar debut of Toby Hederics and the rich legacy of Australian endurance rallying.Follow Toby on Facebook and InstagramHederics Racing Australia Website: https://hedericsracing.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 38 - Kezia Dawn

It's a rare career move: trading a successful microphone for a driving helmet. While athletes often transition easily into broadcasting, few presenters, commentators, or actors manage a successful role reversal to become professional racing drivers. Yet, names like Paul Newman, Patrick Dempsey, and homegrown talents like Neil Crompton and Grant Denyer have done just that. Now, you can add Kezia Dawn to that elite list.In a move that surprised many, Kezia called time on a highly successful news reporting and presenting career in 2024, uprooting her life to pursue professional racing in the United States and England.From her early fascination with cars growing up in Goulburn and joining a Porsche enthusiast group at 18, Kezia immersed herself in the world of motorsport while simultaneously building a powerhouse media career, working for all three major commercial free to air networks. It was this deep media network and her close proximity to the sport that convinced Kezia to take the ultimate plunge: moving overseas to race full-time in rallycross and even getting behind the wheel of special machines like a McLaren Senna GTR.Join us as we catch up with Kezia to discuss her bold career change, her undying passion for motorsport, and what it’s like living out her childhood dream.Follow Kezia on Facebook and InstagramKezia Dawn Website: https://keziadawn.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 37 - Harri Jones

This Sunday, the Repco Bathurst 1000 hits the track for its 68th running, and among the 54 starters are six eager rookies—the oldest of whom is this episode's guest, the two times and defending Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion, Harri Jones. At just 26, Jones is making his long awaited debut at The Great Race for Team 18, co-driving with Anton DePasquale. Harri's journey has been one of consistent success, graduating from open-wheelers to dominating the Porsche pyramid, winning the 2019 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge and claiming his first Carrera Cup title in 2022. His stellar form even earned him a stint overseas, finishing as rookie vice-champion in the ultra-competitive Porsche Supercup  in 2023 supporting the Formula 1 calendar, before returning to Australia to immediately win his second Carrera Cup title.Harri joins us to discuss his European journey and his immediate, title-winning return to Australia, where he now races as an owner-driver. We also dive into his hands-on role in his family’s extensive motorsport business, which runs multiple cars in the Porsche Sprint Challenge and boasts a stunning collection of historic race cars. Harri also opens up about his family's deep roots in racing—including his dad's role in a legendary '90s Sports Sedan championship win—and reveals the fascinating details of his very German dream garage.Follow Harri on Facebook and InstagramFollow Jones Motorsport on Facebook and InstagramHarri Jones Website: https://www.harrijones.com.au/Jones Motorsport Website: https://www.jonesmotorsport.com.au/Jones Motor Culture Website: https://www.jonesmotorculture.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 36 - Ricky Brabec and Sara Price

For any driver, winning a prestigious event like the 24 Hours of Le Mans or the Indianapolis 500 represents the pinnacle of their sport. In the world of off-road racing, the ultimate challenge is the legendary Dakar Rally. In this episode of The Motor Dream Podcast, we speak with two American off-road heroes who have conquered the Dakar’s daunting dunes - two-time Dakar Rally winner Ricky Brabec and Dakar stage winner Sara Price.Brabec made history as the first and only American to win the motorcycle category of the iconic race in 2020 and 2024. His partner, Sara Price, is also a history-maker, becoming just the third woman ever to win a stage in the Dakar Rally, which she accomplished in 2024. Both originally from California and now based in Arizona, they've dedicated their lives to off-road racing. They share stories from their careers, including Brabec's Dakar achievements and Price's groundbreaking success as a female motocross and supercross rider.Follow Ricky Brabec on Facebook and InstagramFollow Sara Price 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 35 - Luke Rocca

Amongst a plethora of podcasts dedicated to the world of Formula 1, there's one that stands out like a really sore thumb. A podcast whose hosts will do anything to avoid being relegated to their junior podcast, Visa Cash App Talking BS.It's the Reserve Drivers Podcast and on episode 35 of the Motor Dream Podcast, we get to chat one of the brainchilds behind this series - Melbourne based comedian and F1 tragic, Luke Rocca.Since their 2019 debut as a YouTube channel, Rocca and Tim McDonald have hilariously "terrorised" teams, drivers, and even the Sky Sports F1 team with their unique, irreverent Grand Prix recaps – even drawing "consternation" for a live on-air gaffe. Their no-holds-barred approach to "taking the piss" out of F1 has garnered a massive following.Away from Formula 1, Rocca also writes and researches for Network Ten's The Cheap Seats and recently hosted his stand-up show, "Doormat" at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. While not always a motoring enthusiast, Rocca's work on The Reserve Drivers has him quickly embracing a love for cars and presented a dream garage that will surprise a lot of people.Follow The Reserve Drivers on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeFollow Luke on InstagramThe Reserve Drivers Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PWRtztrghlZNgtfIgVJPJ?si=8aae3427b7b449bfThe 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 34 - Karlie Buccini

Following our last episode with the inspiring Totani siblings, we continue to explore the "family sport" of motor racing with our guest for episode 34, Karlie Buccini. Inspired by her father, who shares the same passion for motorsport, Karlie began her own journey 15 years ago in Queensland. What started as a grassroots passion in supersprints and hillclimbs propelled her to an incredible achievement in 2024: a class victory at the Bathurst 6 Hour.Karlie, alongside previous podcast guest Courtney Prince and Suzanne Palermo, made history as the first all-female team to win their class in any Bathurst enduro. They also shattered a 26-year-old record, becoming the highest-placed all-female team with a remarkable 10th outright finish at Bathurst. Beyond her Bathurst triumph, Karlie also clinched the Class B1 championship in the Australian Production Car Series with Courtney, and has even raced overseas. Join us as Karlie shares her journey, proving that the road to success doesn't always have to follow the traditional path, and how her family, particularly her dad Paul, remains central to her racing world.Follow Team Buccini Racing on Facebook and InstagramFollow Karlie on InstagramAustralian Production Car Series: https://ausprodcars.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 33 - Matthew and Lisa Totani

Dreaming of a racing career without a billionaire's budget? Episode 33 of the Motor Dream Podcast is for you! We once again dive into the Circuit Excel racing category, one of Australia's most popular and budget-friendly grassroots series. In this episode, we chat with the remarkable Adelaide siblings, Matthew and Lisa Totani, who've found their passion through Circuit Excel racing and have since made significant strides in motorsport, proving you don't need deep pockets to get started.Away from the race track, Matthew is known to many within the sport as the hilarious Mr. Dusty from his popular YouTube channel, sharing his unique behind-the-scenes take on racing. Meanwhile, Lisa recounts her journey from volunteer flag marshal to an integral part of TCR Australia's category management. Discover how these two, despite growing up in a non-motorsport family, fell in love with the sport through video games, volunteered at Bathurst, and ultimately built their own Excel race cars. Follow Totani Racing on Facebook and InstagramFollow Mr Dusty on Instagram and YouTubeFollow Dusty Media on InstagramDusty Media Website: https://dustymedia.com.au/The Hit A Wall Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vanJIlGwuAQE2oP6fzA62?si=2c07b71ee5c34a89The 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 32 - Molly Taylor

The Taylor family name is synonymous with Australian and international rallying, a legacy spanning almost half a century. On Episode 32 of the Motor Dream Podcast, we sit down with Molly Taylor, the latest in this incredible motorsport dynasty. With her mother, Coral, holding an unmatched six Australian champion navigator titles, and her father, Mark, an Aussie Car class champion, plus the legendary Norm Fritter as her grandfather, Molly was destined for greatness. She's not just a product of her environment, though; Molly has blazed her own trail, inspiring a new generation of female rally drivers.Molly's resume speaks for itself: in 2016, she shattered glass ceilings, becoming the first woman to win an Australian motor racing championship as a driver, claiming the Australian Rally Championship for Subaru. Then, amidst the 2021 pandemic, she conquered the inaugural Extreme E Championship with Rosberg X Racing. Beyond these triumphs, she's tackled the gruelling Dakar Rally twice, launched the highly successful MaD Garage YouTube channel, and even found time for Supercars commentary and competing in the Race of Champions for Australia. Join us as Molly, fresh from building her 700bhp Subaru WRX nicknamed "Fabio", dives into her remarkable career, Dakar adventures, and her exciting preparations for the FIA Extreme H World Cup.Follow Molly on Facebook and InstagramFollow the MaD Garage on Instagram and YouTubeMolly's Website: https://mollytaylor.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 31 - Kym Illman

Episode 31 of the Motor Dream Podcast zooms in on the surging popularity of Formula 1 in Australia, through the eyes of Australian photographer and businessman, Kym Illman.A renowned nature photographer, Kym stumbled into F1 photography in 2017 after acquiring media accreditation through the FIA as a fluke, and has since become a global sensation, capturing iconic moments and building an immense online following across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, with a combined 1.6 million followers. His business acumen shines through in his thriving online store and his regular appearances as an F1 expert on mainstream media outlets like The Project on Network Ten and Sunrise on Channel Seven.Kym's journey into motorsport is far from conventional. Despite not growing up with a passion for cars, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to an audacious ambush marketing stunt at the 1998 Australian Grand Prix, promoting his highly successful "Messages on Hold" business. This early taste of F1 notoriety, combined with his natural business savvy, laid the groundwork for his later success in the sport. Beyond the lens, Kym has even dabbled in motorsport as a driver and team owner, including a fifth-place finish at the 2009 Bathurst 12 Hour and surviving a near-fatal crash at Targa Tasmania.Now, he's content capturing the thrilling essence of Formula 1 for his ever-growing online audience, offering a unique behind-the-scenes perspective that has cemented his place as a leading voice in the F1 world.Follow Kym on Instagram, TikTok and YouTubeKym's Website: https://www.kymillman.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