The boys are back for a family-style episode featuring the one and only Vinnie Nguyen—owner of NWMOTIV, the Pacific Northwest’s premier organizer of FESTIVAL STYLE automotive events. From HondafestNW to NissanfestNW and beyond, Vinnie, also known as Gucci Hampton, embodies what it means to be a true community leader.

The crew kicks things off by diving into the origins of NWMOTIV and the story behind Vinnie's iconic, all-black Acura NSX. From there, they swap stories about past rides, with Vinnie sharing some hilariously ironic high school tales that capture the essence of youth and first-time experiences behind the wheel of family cars.

Then it’s over to the track, where Wooty recaps a rainy day at The Ridge. He breaks down what he learned from the wet conditions, what changes he's planning for future sessions, and shares some lighthearted paddock moments with fellow drivers.

Next, the conversation shifts to F1 and the 2025 season. The hosts offer their takes on the first three races, discuss who might challenge Max Verstappen’s dominance, and reveal their early team favorites.

Wrapping things up, the fellas dive into modern car news and market trends—including new tariffs and their potential impact on importing 25-year-old vehicles into the U.S.

It’s a jam-packed episode filled with stories, laughs, and insight.

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It's a family affair on this episode of Brakes on Breaks! Merk returns to the podcast alongside a favorite guest—his fellow Hoodz Crew member and Jungle Brothers representative, Serg, who made his way from Texas to Portland. With the homies assembled, it’s a pre-battle episode full of insight and laughs.

The crew jumps straight into battle tactics and preparation leading up to Outbaked 4, a 4v4 crew battle at the Massive Monkees Studio, presented by Jesus, aka Kid Guppy. They break down what makes an event truly great, with Serg shedding light on how distance can impact a state's ability to foster a strong and connected scene, but make for incredible all outs and high level competition. Merk emphasizes the importance of vibing with your battle partners and how true camaraderie can elevate a crew’s performance.

Shifting gears, the conversation turns to rides. The guests share stories of their first cars—some nostalgic, others downright hilarious. They reflect on the golden era of automotive events and how culture, community, and doing things purely for fun keep the spirit alive. This leads to a discussion on Subaru’s decision to bring back an event dedicated to joy and adventure, where Subaru models replace gondolas on a ski resort, creating a fresh and exciting winter experience.

Finally, the guys debate what they would do with a $100-million-plus vehicle and why the Monégasque owner of the world’s most expensive classic Mercedes might be making the best moves.

Stories, laughs and battle strategies fill this episode

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This week on Brakes on Breaks, hosts Wooty and Garrett welcome legendary b-boy and hip-hop icon FeverOne (aka "Guns Blaze") for an unforgettable conversation. A member of the renowned Rock Steady Crew, FeverOne has witnessed and shaped some of hip-hop's most pivotal moments, both nationally and internationally.

We journey back to FeverOne's early days in Seattle, exploring the formative groups and music that ignited his passion for breaking, and the explosive growth of hip-hop in the city. He then shares his transition to NYC, where he joined Rock Steady Crew, forged lifelong friendships with the likes of Lil Lep and alieNESS, and found himself immersed in the vibrant world of mainstream hip-hop, appearing in music videos, magazines, and major stage performances. FeverOne paints a vivid picture of 90s NYC, recounting encounters with iconic figures like Ol' Dirty Bastard (ODB) and Greg Nice from Nice & Smooth.

The conversation shifts back to Seattle as FeverOne discusses his decision to raise his family here and build his life. He reflects on his influential role as a teacher, mentoring young dancers, some of whom, like the world champion Massive Monkees crew, would go on to achieve international acclaim.

Finally, we explore FeverOne’s passion for cars, from classic rides to high-performance rotary-powered sports cars. He shares unforgettable memories and experiences behind the wheel, offering a unique perspective on the Seattle car scene.

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In this episode of Brakes on Breaks, hosts Ravuth and Garrett sit down with special guest Kevin Le, aka Merk—a member of HOODZ Crew and New Birth Crew, hailing from Southeast Portland.

The conversation kicks off with Merk sharing his journey into HOODZ Crew and the deep-rooted connections between Seattle and Portland’s breaking scenes. He reflects on the inspirations that shaped him as a b-boy and the path that led him to become a community leader in Portland’s dance scene.

Next, the discussion shifts to the formation of New Birth Crew and the early influences that helped define their style. The guys explore the evolution of breaking in Portland, touching on the generational shifts in style and culture over the years.

With the Beacon Anniversary Jam happening later that evening, the trio dives into the upcoming battles. They discuss strategies, what they hope to showcase during their rounds, and the energy they expect from the event.

Then, it’s time to talk cars. The guys swap stories about their first rides—Merk recalling a few unfortunate crashes along the way. They break down the cars they’ve loved, the ones they’ve regretted, and what they look for in a dream chassis, whether for collecting or daily driving.

Shifting gears to automotive news, the crew reacts to the jaw-dropping announcement that Mercedes-Benz is auctioning off a vintage 1954 F1 car—expected to fetch an eye-watering $55 million. They debate what they’d do if they owned a vehicle of such pedigree. Then, they take a look across the pond, where Tesla trucks have been banned in the UK—leading to one determined owner sneaking one in, only to have it confiscated due to bureaucratic red tape.

Finally, they round things out with some F1 talk, sharing their excitement for the 2026 season now that teams and drivers are locking in. Ravuth and Garrett cover all the latest banter, bold predictions, and the crucial decisions that could define the next championship battle.

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Episode 10 of Brakes on Breaks kicks off with a jubilant welcome to Austin Hironaka, the spirited owner and operator of Hiro’s Hotrods, and his partner, Emily. It’s a HeadSpin night, with the whole company gearing up for an event following the episode. Hosts Garrett, Ravuth and Austin dive into discussions about the current vibes and upcoming battles in the PNW that they’re excited to participate in. Wooty shares his insights on thriving at culture-focused events, highlighting the mental switch required between competing and enjoying the vibes.

The conversation shifts to the vital role of nurturing the next generation—not just in perfecting their style, but also in hosting events, challenging local crews, and stepping onto the national stage. As 2025 marks a year of intense competition, the hosts elaborate on the 6 Ps of preparation, discussing what it means to compete—from breakdancing to snowboarding, and even how that mindset and work ethic is involved in crafting award-winning chassis.

The episode then ventures into past car stories, accidents, and the lessons learned both on and off the track. The hosts delve into the integration of modern technology in cars, discussing the balance of new tech with old-school charm and its impact on the hotrod experience.

Race talk heats up with a discussion on F1, including GM’s new power plant development, and speculations on Adrian Newey and Honda powerplants move to Aston Martin. Wooty humorously vows to give his Civic an Aston Martin livery if the team performs well. The spotlight then turns to grassroots motorsports and the community’s need to reinvigorate garage builds and weekend racing—a necessity stifled by noise complaints at Pacific Raceways in Washington.

Finally, the group reflects on the art of generational car building and how Hiro’s Hotrods is preserving this tradition. The episode wraps with nostalgia-filled stories of past races and builds, celebrating the good vibes of the PNW car culture.

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Join hosts Ravuth and Garrett as they take a dive into the best of 2024 and gear up for 2025. In this episode, the duo revisits the year’s most thrilling battles, breaking down what made them unforgettable and how dancers and enthusiasts alike can carry those lessons into the new year.

Ravuth and Garrett discuss the importance of setting goals—not just for the new year but as an ongoing practice for personal and competitive growth. They explore how to train smarter in 2025, with Ravuth offering insights on balancing techniques, maintaining meaningful training routines, and understanding the key differences between strength training, explosive cardiovascular work, and mobility.

Next, the conversation switches towards the track. The hosts share their ambitious plans for 2025, from Ravuth’s detailed Civic upgrade list—including stitch welding and installing a full cage—to Garrett’s perspective on what it takes to outperform higher-spec cars through pure skill. They also discuss the driving experiences and chassis they’re most excited to tackle in the upcoming season.

The episode rolls on to news. Ravuth and Garrett weigh in on one of the biggest automotive announcements of the year: the groundbreaking merger of Honda, Mitsubishi, and Nissan. They speculate on the future of this partnership and the potential for innovative technologies and sports car designs. They also reflect on the growing size of modern vehicles, highlighting the 2025 models that stand out in a crowded market.

To close, Garrett shares his excitement for traveling to the 75th running of the Monaco Grand Prix in 2025, complete with dreams of witnessing vintage race cars, walking the iconic Monaco tunnel, and soaking in the fanfare of a lifelong bucket-list event.It’s a year-end celebration filled with reflections, aspirations, and all things motorsport.

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Welcome to episode 8 & special guest Jesus Rojas, aka Kid Guppy (aka NotKidGuppy). This episode is a wild ride!

First, we dive deep into the viral success of the NotKidGuppy meme page, exploring the magic of genuine comedy and the art of the perfect roast. Jesus shares the creative process, the highs and lows of content creation, and how his unique brand of humor is connecting with communities far beyond the meme world.

The Fellas then shift gears to the world of breaking. Garrett, Ravuth, and Jesus discuss their 2025 breaking plans, upcoming battles, and the importance of staying healthy, both physically and mentally, to maximize creativity and level up.

The discussion even delves into the unexpected benefits of listening to diverse music genres for improving physical understanding of rhythm, transitions and movement!

Next, our hosts and guest share their first sports car experiences, unforgettable drives and some not-so-unforgettable ones, and the valuable lessons learned from auto accidents on the track that teach us how to get faster. The conversation then shifts to dream cars and track-day aspirations in 2025.

Finally, we rev up for a deep dive into the world of motorsports! We recap our favorite moments from 2024, discuss the exciting F1 team changes for 2025 (including Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari!), and analyze McLaren’s constructor's cup win. The fellas also explore the anticipated changes to the 2026 F1 season and the addition of new teams.

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In this COZY holiday episode of Brakes on Breaks, hosts Ravuth and Garrett dive into the winter spirit as they explore how the colder PNW weather brings time for family and chillin. They kick off with a discussion on fresh winter gear and how to layer your style for both function and fashion.

Shifting the focus to hip-hop, the hosts share stories from the Elephant Graveyard Jam, highlighting Bboy Metal’s memorable welcome to the West Coast. They also evaluate "Enter the Graveyard" as a strong contender for Jam of the Year. Diving into the history and future of PNW jams, the two anticipate what 2025 holds for the scene.

Wooty shares insights on winter training and the importance of setting physical goals for 2025. He discusses how focused training in the gym allows for long-term dancing allowing him to continue competing at a high level, even as he approaches 39.

Next up is Formula 1, as the hosts celebrate Max Verstappen’s championship win and ponder the significance of his fourth title. They discuss new entrants like Audi and Cadillac, and speculate on the impact of driver changes for 2025, with wild predictions for 2026.

The episode cruises into car talk, detailing each host's plans for vehicle upgrades over the winter. They explore the influence of shows like "Senna" on Netflix, discussing how such narratives engage casual fans and spark interest in various levels of motorsports.

Turning to racing schools, Garrett and Ravuth consider their effectiveness—can you really improve in just a day or two? They share the thrilling experience of speeding through dirt tracks and the fun it brings.

Finally, the hosts tackle sports, from NCAA football highlights and the implications of recent changes, to the future of the BIG 10. The fellas wrap up with NFL predictions for the next five weeks.

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