Howden Haynes | Audi Sport Joest & Progressive Motorsport

04/22/25 • 110 min

Howden Haynes is the Technical Director and co-owner of Progressive Motorsport, known for his engineering skills and extensive experience in top-level racing with Audi Sport Team Joest and Bentley’s Le Mans programs. Howden shares insights into his motorsport journey, from early days at hill climbs to engineering wins at iconic races like Le Mans and DTM. He provides a behind-the-scenes look at the innovations and challenges involved with racing technology, including Audi’s diesel prototypes and advanced hybrid systems.

Explore the complexities and safety aspects of maintaining and racing modern classic LMP cars, the art of navigating technical regulations, and hear anecdotes about his memorable experiences, such as his debut as race engineer with the legendary Audi R8. Essential listening for anyone passionate about motorsport, engineering, and racing innovation.

Enjoy.

https://www.progressive-motorsport.com/

Show Notes:

00:00 The Evolution of Motor Racing Noise

02:59 Journey into Motorsport Engineering

05:53 The Transition to Professional Racing

08:58 The Role of a Race Engineer

12:05 The Importance of Detail in Racing

15:01 Career Path and Learning in Motorsport

18:03 Innovations in Race Technology

21:05 The Move from Bentley to Audi

38:15 The Evolution of DTM Racing

42:22 The Diesel Revolution in Racing

46:52 Complexity and Technology in Modern Racing

50:46 The Challenges of Running Historic Race Cars

56:31 Safety and Regulations in Motorsport

01:01:11 The Future of Hybrid and Electric Racing

01:05:31 The Unique Challenge of Pikes Peak Racing

01:10:24 The Thrill and Danger of Racing

01:12:41 Transitioning from Racing to Engineering

01:16:13 Diverse Engineering Cultures in Motorsport

01:21:56 Cross-Pollination of Skills Across Industries

01:30:37 Innovative Problem Solving in Sports and Beyond

01:31:12 Memorable Driving Experiences and Car Preferences

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Enjoy.

https://www.progressive-motorsport.com/

Show Notes:

00:00 The Evolution of Motor Racing Noise

02:59 Journey into Motorsport Engineering

05:53 The Transition to Professional Racing

08:58 The Role of a Race Engineer

12:05 The Importance of Detail in Racing

15:01 Career Path and Learning in Motorsport

18:03 Innovations in Race Technology

21:05 The Move from Bentley to Audi

38:15 The Evolution of DTM Racing

42:22 The Diesel Revolution in Racing

46:52 Complexity and Technology in Modern Racing

50:46 The Challenges of Running Historic Race Cars

56:31 Safety and Regulations in Motorsport

01:01:11 The Future of Hybrid and Electric Racing

01:05:31 The Unique Challenge of Pikes Peak Racing

01:10:24 The Thrill and Danger of Racing

01:12:41 Transitioning from Racing to Engineering

01:16:13 Diverse Engineering Cultures in Motorsport

01:21:56 Cross-Pollination of Skills Across Industries

01:30:37 Innovative Problem Solving in Sports and Beyond

01:31:12 Memorable Driving Experiences and Car Preferences

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Previous Episode

Kevin McCauley | Capturing The Machine

In this episode of the Car Chat Podcast, photographer Kevin McCauley, renowned for his distinctive automotive imagery shares insights from his journey from graphic design to professional car photography. Kevin details his evolution from shooting exclusively on iPhones to producing editorial, commercial, and auction photography for leading automotive brands. The discussion explores his unique approach to capturing cars, the importance of embracing event atmospheres, and his new book, "Waiting for the Sun to Come Down," which highlights dramatic car photography in challenging lighting. Kevin also dives into the nuances of social media presence, his approach to creative inspiration, and balancing video and photo projects.

Enjoy.

Explore more about Kevin's work: https://capturingthemachine.com

Show Notes:

00:00 Navigating the Challenges of Car Photography

03:12 The Journey from Graphic Design to Car Photography

06:09 The Balancing Act: Writing and Photography

09:00 The Evolution of Video Content Creation

11:52 Exploring Unique Car Projects

15:00 The Impact of Environment on Car Photography

18:01 The Art of Shooting with a Phone

20:55 Transitioning Back to Professional Photography

23:53 Creating a Book: The Process and Inspiration

37:04 Arranging the Visual Narrative

39:27 The Role of the Publisher

40:53 Choosing the Right Foreword

44:49 Marketing and Production Decisions

46:30 Passion Over Profit

49:35 Creating a Unique Photography Book

51:14 The Evolution of Photography Styles

56:11 The Impact of Technology on Photography

01:01:55 Social Media Strategy and Challenges

01:10:46 The Journey of Car Photography

01:11:52 The Power of Photography

01:14:52 Memories Captured Through Photos

01:16:44 Exploring Photography Techniques

01:20:44 The Challenges of Event Photography

01:23:54 Incorporating People in Photography

01:29:32 The Art of Street Photography

01:34:55 Color Dynamics in Car Photography

01:38:44 Memorable Driving Experiences

01:40:39 The Future of Cars and EVs

01:41:34 Building the Ultimate Car Garage

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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