This is SUPERLATIVE: A Podcast about watches, the people behind them, and the worlds that inspire them. This week, our host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by professional racing driver Patrick Long, who is one of just 18 Porsche factory drivers and the only American to be on the roster. In addition to winning numerous titles throughout the course of his career, including some of the world’s biggest automotive races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, and 12 Hours of Sebring, Patrick Long is also the Co-Founder of Luftgekühlt, which is an annual event and lifestyle brand dedicated to the celebration of air-cooled Porsches.

The two start the show by talking a little bit about Patrick’s involvement with the world of automotive racing, and they briefly reminisce about the time that they drove together in a 1957 Porsche 356 during the California Mille. From there, they discuss Patrick’s experience as an American driver participating in a highly international sport, along with some of the challenges (both physical and mental) that today’s professional drivers can face during endurance races. Ariel asks Patrick about the significance of winning a Rolex watch, and the two reflect on how the competitive spirit of racing can ultimately lead to technological advancements that benefit cars on a consumer level. Patrick also offers some background information about what Luftgekühlt is all about and explains what exactly it is about air-cooled Porsche cars that makes them so special.

Stay updated with Patrick Long and Luftgekühlt:

• Instagram: @pLmotorsport
• Twitter: @pLmotorsport
• Website: https://patricklong.com/
• Luftgekühlt Website: https://luftgekuhlt.com/

Show Notes:

• 00:38 — Patrick’s background in racing and the time Ariel and Patrick drove together in the California Mille.
• 04:47 — Being an American driver in a global sport.
• 08:35 — The significance of winning a Rolex watch vs. buying one.
• 13:22 — Physical challenges involved with being a professional racing driver.
• 16:54 — Winning a Rolex watch at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
• 22:57 — The mindset of driving in an endurance race and what drivers actually have to do during races.
• 33:54 — Modern technology, sustainability in motorsport, and how competition in racing can lead to advancements on a consumer level.
• 41:42 — A drive to invent new products, and how to create incentives for companies to spend money on research and development.
• 48:06 — About Luftgekühlt and why Patrick Long loves air-cooled Porsche cars
• 54:23 — How to stay active in life after motorsport, and the parallels between professional racing and events planning.

We’d love to hear from you with feedback or suggestions for future show topics or guests. Advertising opportunities are also available. Comment or contact [email protected].