Rusty's Garage

Imagine riding your motorbike from Germany to Mount Panorama. That’s exactly what Romolo Liebchen did! The former Audi Sport Customer Racing boss loves the #B12hr and has had this dream for a while now. How he made it a reality, the incredible places he visited along the way, the planning, the bike & the challenges he encountered. Plus where he’s off to next and the insane k’s he’s chalked up on two wheels during his lifetime. We also chat about Audi’s change of direction in relation to its Customer R8 GT program and the big move into Formula One. This little known story piqued Rusty’s interest when he saw the bike parked outside the Melbourne Performance Centre garage over the weekend while making a doco on the history making Quinn Family entry.  Romolo’s story is fascinating. Enjoy the ride. Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's GarageSee omnystudio.com/listener for priv

We’ve got the voice of Radio Le Mans on the pod for the first time and they recorded the ep in the National Motor Racing Museum at Mount Panorama! Let’s face it between Rusty and John it was always going to be a big ask to keep the chat to a shortcast duration so there’s over half an hour of convo for you to enjoy ahead of this weekend’s race. From human interest stories like the Quinn entry where driving duties will be shared across three generations of the family to the headline grabbing return of MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi.  He’s here because he wants to be! Why this event has become so well regarded internationally not just because of the lure of this classic race track. Can Maro Engel break a bit of a Bathurst hoodoo? And some of the standout Aussies in the field including Supercars champion Chaz Mostert and his rival who went so, so close to claiming that title last year - Broc Feeney. Plus some of the other stories to follow like Kenny Habul, Matt Campbel

For a time, Grant Denyer - the Gold Logie-winning racer and TV host who’s in our library - was simply Craig’s son. Now Craig is Grant’s dad! How Craig’s clever grasp of the commercial side of media and motorsport helped early in Grant’s racing journey. The advent of Ute Racing and why it took off. His gravitation towards Category Management, which would see him excel in this space for decades. More recently, it’s been the growth and expansion of the TA2 class, which is in great shape. The funny nickname his grandkids have given him and why it stuck, plus the project he’s working on now that could break a record! Grant, Craig and Rusty all worked together for years at Ten Motorsport. It’s no wonder this enjoyable, rapport-filled chat flies by. Head to Rusty’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, give us your feedback, and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty’s Garage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing up in the bush and being captivated by the legends racing at the Hume Weir, including a young Peter Brock. Building a speedway car on a budget and the inspiration he drew for the colour scheme. A bit of moonlighting on the mic, and why working in the media was the perfect fit for him. How a radio station on the New South Wales Central Coast led to his involvement in a major rally, and the guns he enticed to compete in it. Dick Johnson, Malcolm Wilson and more helped bolster its status. Faxing press releases out for the Chickadee Commodore team the year they won Bathurst, and why Allan Grice almost didn’t make it to the track in time! Working in the UK for a time before returning for a big radio opportunity on the Gold Coast, and celebrity races at the Surfers Paradise Indy Carnival. Craig has a knack for storytelling, and he tells them well. Strap in for a fun conversation. Head to Rusty’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, give us your feedback, and let us know who you want to hear from on R

The highly rated Brit chats with Rusty on the eve of the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix at Highlands.  He’s been racing in NZ over summer and broke through for a win at the old school Teretonga Park last weekend. Freddie CV’s is seriously impressive with a swag of karting championship wins including a Junior World Title and an FIA European Championship. Making the transition to single seaters in recent years and his recording breaking season in Italian F4 that the netted more wins than Kimi Antonelli, who held the previous record. You’ll get a sense of Slater’s immense inner drive in this conversation, why the timing is right for him to be part of a Development Program with a major manufacturer and the laser focused approach he’s taking to Formula 3 this year. But first he wants to win a prestigious open wheel crown in the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ and he’s right in the hunt! With a good team around him Freddie seems to be taking all the ri

Making it to Europe & memories of his time racing there as he chased a drive in Formula One. Some of the names he was around back the junior days in the UK like Lewis Hamilton. Forming a friendship with Mark Webber & the training they did together including some life lessons as he climbed the ladder. Driving the Minardi F1 car at Misano which he recalls in vivid detail even now. Switching to Supercars & just how big that move was before landing multi year deals with all of the gun teams in pitlane. Plus wins at Bathurst & against the odds performances for smaller teams which gave him enormous satisfaction. As well as the next chapter with Grove which he is looking forward to immensely. This ep just keeps getting better. You’ll understand why we reckon it’s among our best from the moment you hit play! Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's GarageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The family’s rich racing history which Will has an acute appreciation for. A WWII story of bravery & survival generations before him & its link with Motorsport. Racing karts & taking a break for a while before getting back in ‘boots n all’ with a renewed commitment & impressive speed that set him up for a full time career. Forming lifelong friendships with Jamie Whincup in Formula Ford & recognizing Will Power’s talent early on. Plus getting back in a single seater in New Zealand & his impressions of the Formula Atlantic. As well as the chance to decompress & enjoy some perspective ahead of a season of change for Will in 2026. This conversation is beautifully philosophical at times but you’ll come to appreciate Davison’s ability to harness the tough stuff in our sport & use it as a powerful motivator. And why he’s loving family life too. Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you wan

The 18-year-old Kiwi is back home for an awesome summer of racing before jetting back to Europe for a big year in F3. We spoke with him at Taupo International Motorsport Park ahead of round 2 of CTFROT - Toyota’s ultra competitive single seater series. Louis won the opening race of the season last week as the Next Gen NZ Championship launched into four straight weeks of events. Where he gets his inner drive (lets just say he’s very determined), how he’s framed an at times difficult season in 2025 and some thoughts on the year ahead with Prema. Plus his adrenaline addiction and sky diving while he’s here with last week’s pod guest Ryan Wood. Hope you enjoy getting to know a young racer with a great personality who would love to add his name to the prestigious list of winners of the New Zealand Grand Prix before he jets back out to Europe for the year. Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's Garag

For our first ep of season ‘26 Rusty catches up with Supercars rising star Ryan Wood in the paddock at Hampton Downs. ‘Woody’ is stepping into an open wheeler over summer and we caught up with him on the eve of round 1 of the Toyota series that’s now badged CTFROT. There is a seriously impressive line-up here trying to follow in the footsteps of Arvid Lindblad who won the title last year on the way to a full time drive in Formula 1.  (You can find Arvid’s shortcast ep in our library). The new F1 champ Lando Norris is another former graduate of this series.How Ryan is coping with the different demands of open wheel racing and how the MTEC crew wisely includes some of his colleagues from the Walkinshaw Supercars squad.Plus some thoughts on the new Supra he’ll race in the Supercars Championship this year and the ways Kiwi legend Greg Murphy helps him as he continues to climb the ladder.Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us kno

Making ‘Play of the Day’ after a clash with Dick Johnson and running their own privateer Supercars team on the Gold Coast. Co driving for the Stone Brothers and Marcos Ambrose and acquiring Team Brock. The crash at Bathurst that ended his Supercars career and why he’s lucky to be alive! The new gen Trophy Truck on the way for he and Toby Price amid the unfinished business they have at Baja. Establishing PWR and the how the GFC very nearly ended it all. Coming to the attention of F1 teams and the intros to North American Motorsport thanks to a good friend of the pod, Leigh Diffey. Plus the next generation Weel taking aim at the Olympic Games after growing up with the family’s ‘no risk, no fun’ policy. The idea for this ep came about after Rusty’s recent Baja 1000 bucket list adventure with the team from BFGoodrich tyres.Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's GarageSee omnystudio.com/

Weely joins the pod for a Feature Ep as he and Toby Price try to process losing the famed Baja 1000 in Mexico in recent weeks almost within sight of the finish!  A tear away on two-wheels as a youngster and how he came to an ‘arrangement’ with the Police.Riding with Jeremy McGrath and how leaving school at a young age didn’t hold him back.Plus the family love of Off Road racing and the determination his Dad Kees has shown fighting back from a recent stroke.And keep an ear out for Paul’s Dakar plan….a bud you may not have heard about until now.The Weel’s aren’t often in the media spotlight but it’s quite the story and Paul’s keen to share more of it. Enjoy this rare convo with the racer turned businessman at the cutting edge of competition cooling. Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's GarageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Lando Norris celebrating his first driver’s championship we debrief the final round of a very memorable season. Rusty is joined by Matt Hickey from Codesports for their best post race convo yet! Why Papaya Rules need a tune up if McLaren persists with them & the champion qualities Oscar Piastri showed despite missing out on F1’s biggest prize. A couple of standouts of the season beyond the big four teams and a year Alpine would probably prefer to forget.Plus Senator Matt Canavan misses Zak Brown’s Christmas list and the countdown to the start of the 2026 season. How many sleeps to go? Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's GarageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 1980 F1 World Champion Alan Jones reckons Bondy’s talent could have taken him to global success but he chose to stay local which suited the family man. What it was like working with the legendary Harry Firth and the differences in the way the Factory Holden and Ford Touring Car outfits went about their racing. The world class rally cars he built here and what Ari Vatanen and David Richard’s wanted in those incredible Ford Escorts. Staying at the Captain Peter Janson’s place in Melbourne and driving the Porsche 956 at Sandown. Plus the important fundraising work his wife Robyn did with some of the other wives and partners to improve safety standards. This is an overdue conversation with Colin Bond OAM the Supercars and Australian Motorsport Hall of Famer who still enjoys coming to the track and hanging out in the Team 18 garage with his good friend Charlie Schwerkolt who you can also find in the Rusty’s Garage library.  https://www.australianmotorsporthalloffame.com.au/inductee

Growing up on Sydney’s lower North Shore and marrying the girl across the road to learning the mechanical skills that would serve him so well in his career. Success at club level and how those fundamentals became a cornerstone of his achievements at the highest level. From Hill Climbs to Round Australia and forging a reputation that meant he was good in just about any discipline. There are memories of race tracks that are long gone and beating some international stars of the day on the way to wins at Bathurst, the Australian Rally Championship and more. Recorded on the Monday after an epic Bathurst 1000 Rusty sat in the lounge at the Hall of Famer’s house and the pair just chatted.  We don’t get to every car or race but you’ll enjoy the relaxed convo. The idea of finally getting Colin on Rusty’s Garage came about following the release of his fantastic new book ‘Full Tilt’ written by respected author and broadcaster John Smailes who joined us for a Feature Episode

Tickford star and friend of the show Thomas Randle joins us for a special bonus edition of the shortcast ahead of the Adelaide 500 season finale. He’s just returned from an epic trip to the UK hanging out with rally legends Carlos Sainz and Petter Solberg where he got to drive a seriously cool car on the dirt!  How he feels about being eliminated at Sandown and some observations on the four who will battle it out for the 2025 Supercars title under this new finals format. Channeling his inner actor for Tickford’s viral vids and some champagne comedy with our mates at Autobarn. We reflect on the passing of Hall of Famer Allan Moffat and the impact he had on the sport along with the importance of celebrating his legacy this weekend. Plus NASCAR sensation Austin Cindric and how he’s settling in ahead of his wildcard appearance down under. Who he thinks will win the F1 title as well as Tom’s time in the commentary box this season for the Shannon’s Speed Series. Don’t miss t

Verstappen dominated the GP in the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’ reminding us again of his truly special talent, the kind that will ultimately have us drawing parallels with Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna. But Max’s 69th career win wasn’t the biggest talking point in Las Vegas it was the disqualification of BOTH McLarens after failing a post race tech inspection! Matt Hickey from Codesports is back on the pod for an easy listening convo with Rusty that unpacks the lot. How could McLaren get it so wrong at such a critical time? And what does it mean with two GP’s and a sprint race remaining? Their disqualification elevates Kimi Antonelli to the podium and he did with a drive that was absolutely worthy of some silverware. Ferrari’s form wasn’t great and Liam Lawson’s lap one move reignited the Aussie vs Kiwi sporting rivalry. Plus a bold prediction as the sport moves back to the Middle East for the final two rounds of the season. Head to Rusty's Facebo

Joanne dropped by the Garage studio before heading to Las Vegas for the final round.It’s been a big year for the Aussie teenager leaving the comforts of home to immerse herself in the Academy and everything it offers. Buoyed by a strong weekend in Singapore last time out Joanne is determined to finish the season on a high. The learnings in one of Motorsport’s fastest growing classes and who has helped her along the way.How she already feels a positive sense of responsibility to inspire the next wave of young Women in Motorsport.And why she is just getting started on the road to achieving her goals at the very highest levels of the sport.Spend a moment getting to know this emerging racer….a raw talent who is keeping it real as she continues to climb the ladder. Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know what you want to hear about in future Motorsport Brief episodes with Rusty. See omnystudio.com/listener for pr

No matter what side of the ditch you’re on you’ll love this ep!  Hayden Paddon, the first Kiwi since Possum Bourne to win the ARC joins us on the shortcast along with co-driver John Kennard fresh from the podium.Other than a rogue kangaroo in Canberra and little suspension issue nearing the finish in Tassie (which gave us all heart palpitations) the performance the Hyundai pairing put in this season was sublime!  Good luck getting that massive perpetual ARC trophy in your luggage boys. We’ve got customs on standby in a final attempt to keep it here. Will they come back and defend it next year plus a little moment of perspective courtesy of Hayden’s hero. Now in the interests of balancing the great Aussie vs Kiwi sporting rivalry (it’s passionate but friendly in rallying) we’ve added some Green & Gold to this otherwise Silver Fern convo too. In the 2nd half off this shorty Taylor Gill joins us. He went so bloody close to winning the Junior World Rally Cham

Recorded in the days following his passing Rusty is joined by Garth Tander, James Moffat, Steven Richards, Lee Holdsworth, Supercars CEO James Warburton, James Golding, Owen Kelly, Aaron Cameron. Jordan Cox and long time Garry Rogers Motorsport staffer Sally Parkinson.Leigh Diffey and Scott MacLaughlin join us from the US while former Network Ten Head of Sport David White dials in from the UK. This special edition of the pod is a collection of fresh conversations from those who knew him well….fun memories, emotional moments and high points of racing careers guided by Garry. We won’t get to everyone who raced for GRM over the next hour or so (you can find Jason and Ben Bargwanna in our library for example and there’s an awesome episode with Michael Caruso too). Crack a beer (not if you’re under age or driving) and say cheers to Garry Rogers. Someone who did so much for Australian Motorsport and Supercars. The Hall of Famer will be missed greatly in pit lane but especially by his f

Tony Quinn is back on the pod to announce details of a Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 hour entry that spans three generations. His pride for this history making moment is arguably greater than his incredible business successes or the big global Motorsport events he’s tackled over the years. Next February the Quinn's will line up for the internationally acclaimed race at Mount Panorama. Tony, his sons Klark and Kent, as well as Grandson Ryder, who calls TQ Popeye! Wait till you hear which car they’re going to use and some of the people on the team spinning spanners and calling the shots. There’s some seriously good operators among the friends who will don the mechanics overalls to share the moment with them. Why Tony’s not making bold predictions about their chances and how it all came together.Plus his thoughts on Triple 8’s endurance campaign and some of the recent moves in the Supercars pit lane. This is Tony Quinn but not like other eps of the pod he’s appeared in underscor