The Cone Coach Podcast

ConeCoach is focused on helping autocrossers go faster. Each episode, we'll focus on specific topics you can use to improve your car, and the nut behind the wheel. Hosted by Shane Donahue and Neal Tovsen.

023 - Racing in a Time of COVID 08/11/2020

023 - Racing in a Time of COVID In this episode Neal and Shane sit down and talk about how we're dealing with some of the aspects of the shutdown, interesting effects on E-Sports racing, and some of the challenges faced in getting started with online racing. /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/15571538

022 - Tireside Chat 02/03/2020

022 - Tireside Chat This episode, Shane puts his feety-pajamas on and let's ol Neal tell him about his glory days as an enduro racer.. then switches gear to have a discussion on choosing the right Tires for your application, where to go for data, and how big of a grain of salt to take it with. ED Note: This ep was recorded before before some of the information on new Yokohamas and Falkens hit the air. /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/12989996

021 - Going Even Faster 10/29/2019

021 - Going Even Faster Neal and Shane talk Nats Recap, and Neal's adventures in faster events.. and tips on making that transition to your first track day and getting more comfortable with high speed driving. /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/11822399

020 - It's all about balance. 08/23/2019

020 - It's all about balance. In the last episode before Nats 2019, Neal and Shane have a relaxed discussion about approaching Nats without absolutely freaking out, point at a few other episodes we've done on Nats Prep (Episodes 5 and 12) and trying to find that balance of fun and srs bzns. Make sure to listen in before heading to nats, as there's a special surprise in this episode for our listeners who will be visiting us in Lincoln /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/10971896

019 - Bumpin' with Chuck Mathews 06/27/2019

019 - Bumpin' with Chuck Mathews Through unknown powers of persuasion, Neal was drawn into a hotel room with none other than Chuck Mathews of Mathews Racing / Team Overkill. Once the microphones were busted out, the discussion immediately turned to urethane cylinders... No, not those you pervs. We're talking about Bump stops, and bump stop tuning! Is it black magic and wizardry? Should you just throw them away? Find out on this episode of Cone Coach! RE Suspension Bump Stop Force v Travel Chart: Chuck's Shoutouts: /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/10310435

018 - I like Big Data and I Cannot Lie 05/29/2019

018 - I like Big Data and I Cannot Lie Neal takes Seb up to pride rock, and it's time to finally talk about DATALOGGING! What has Shane done to the BMW? What did Neal build into the CSP car? What should you be looking at? Where should you get started with your data-logging budget? Find out on this episode of Cone Coach! /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/9960875

017 - Back to the Store 04/18/2019

017 - Back to the Store In this episode Neal and Shane wrap up the shopping list of suggested tools and equipment, while talking about some of the uses you might find for this gear. And Shane finally gets his act together and gets to full F-Street Prep, takes the M3 on a road course, and welcomes a couple with some very snazzy jackets to co-drive with him /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/9445673

016 - Shopping List 03/11/2019

016 - Shopping List Neal and Shane return from the holidays with fistfuls of gift cards, and it's time to review what goes into the autocross kit.. and we almost made it too.. /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/8955218

015 - Staying in Focus 12/11/2018

015 - Staying in Focus On this episode of Cone Coach, Neal came across a discussion of "Brain Stuff" that he wants to share with the class. We talk about how important driver's focus is, what factors impact it, and what you can do to help minimize those factors. /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/7873739

014 - Cold and Not So Sticky 11/11/2018

014 - Cold and Not So Sticky On this episode of the Cone Coach Podcast Neal Tovsen and Shane Donahue connect again the first time since Solo Nationals and have a bit of a recap chat about our various performances, as well as having a discussion about cold weather tire performance, ranging from heat management to when the no-seasons in the garage may be a better play. If you're uninterested in the story of Neal's first National Championship, we understand.. you can Skip to 27:27 to get right to the tire stuff. But you should totally listen to the first part... Neal made me put that in there because he thinks he's uninteresting. Tell him how interesting the story actually is on Facebook.com/ConeCoach /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/7513808

013 - Name That Tune (Feat. Peter Florance) 09/20/2018

013 - Name That Tune (Feat. Peter Florance) Solo Nats time has come and gone, but with both Shane and Neal driving on Thurs/Fri and only minor catastrophic explosions this year, we were met with our first opportunity to have a guest! By his Facebook description, Peter Florance is the "Tuning Guy at PFTuning.com" and you could say he knows a few things about how the flame liquid gets into your engine, and how the spark makers light it on fire. So sit down with Peter, Neal and Shane in a rented RV in the on a huge piece of concrete just off to the left of an airfield in Lincoln, NE for the latest episode of Cone Coach Podcast! /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/7068260

012 - We're not playing Risk here. 08/30/2018

012 - We're not playing Risk here. Neal and Shane are BACK! Just in time for your transit to Solo Nationals 2018 Cone Coach cuts another episode where we re-cap what we've been up to in our summer absence, and get into a look at event strategy. When should you take that safety run? Is it time for MAXIMUM ATTACK? Find out this episode of Cone Coach! /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/6986056

011 - The Corner Series Pt. 3: Corner Exit 05/27/2018

011 - The Corner Series Pt. 3: Corner Exit Neal and Shane are back after a bit of a hiatus, and as apologetic as Minnesotans can be.. but we're going to finish of this corner series, even if it causes us to spin out from over application of throttle! (ba-dum-tiss) Finishing off the corner series, we recap a little on what we've talked about in the prior two episodes, add some updates, and then talk about the joy of that Goldilocks moment of perfect corner exit. /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/6639385

010 - What's the Diff? 04/05/2018

010 - What's the Diff? The corner series takes a bit of a brake (see what I did there?) this month, while Neal and Shane talk about differentials and how their black magic wizardry makes sure both wheels keep turning.. unless you've got the kind that doesn't do that.. /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/6447216

009 - The Corner Series Pt. 2: Mid-Corner 02/19/2018

009 - The Corner Series Pt. 2: Mid-Corner This month Neal and Shane continue the corner series with the logical next discussion: Mid-Corner! /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/6274116

008 - The Corner Series Pt. 1: Corner Entry 01/03/2018

008 - The Corner Series Pt. 1: Corner Entry In this episode, Neal and Shane start a detailed and fairly technical breakdown of sensing handling characteristics through a corner at various points, along with setup and techniques to help you get the desired results. /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/6110472

007 - You want me to let WHO drive my car?! 11/21/2017

007 - You want me to let WHO drive my car?! This month the Cone Coach crew gets together to discuss contract negotiations in preparation for the 2018 autocross season.. Ha ha, yeah right. But we do sit down and discuss the pros and cons and getting the most of out of the unique teamwork aspect that only autocross can provide: Co-Drivers. /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/5965482

006 - Off Season? What Off Season? 10/17/2017

006 - Off Season? What Off Season? In this episode, Neal and Shane discuss decisions to be made in shopping for your next autocross car and methods to stay sharp while the snow flies. /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/5847716

005 - Are You Ready for the Big Show? 08/23/2017

005 - Are You Ready for the Big Show? This month on the podcast, Neal and Shane talk about preparing for and getting the most out of your SCCA Solo Nationals experience. Touching on everything from the pre-event car checks to the majesty that is the sunset beer-walk, this episode is a must listen to before you hit the road. For some additional Nats course walking tips, make sure you check out Cone Coach Podcast Episode 3: A Long Walk off a Short Course /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/5668331

004 - Input! Input! 07/11/2017

004 - Input! Input! This month on the Cone Coach podcast we're talking about driver inputs. Smooth but fast? Fast Hands? Double Steering? Setting your line? Neal and Shane have a chat about optimizing the process of telling your car what to do. /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/5525429

003 - A Long Walk off a Short Course 06/09/2017

003 - A Long Walk off a Short Course In this episode Neal and Shane discuss the morning process of getting yourself prepared and in the right mindset for your first run. Topics include morning prep, walk strategies, and mental preparation for your run. /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/5432418

002 - Turning Knobs in the Rain 05/07/2017

002 - Turning Knobs in the Rain This episode Neal and Shane discuss what it takes to shift your vehicle to rain mode, and well as the start of some testing methodology and the basics of what should be in your autox kit for making those adjustments /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/5334433

001 - Starting Line 03/20/2017

001 - Starting Line The inaugural episode of The Cone Coach Podcast Neal Tovsen and Shane Donahue get together to discuss instructor methodologies, the how and whys of bushings, and the occasional mechanical failure horror stories. Check out the website at ConeCoach.com /episode/index/show/conecoach/id/5186567

The Cone Coach Podcast

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