What truly changed at Le Mans when the 2000s began—and why did teams abandon open cockpits just as speeds stayed sky high? We invited author and photographer John Brooks to walk us through the decade he chronicles in Le Mans: The Official History 2000–2009, and his trackside vantage point delivers a rare blend of technical clarity and human detail. From Audi’s R8 and R10 TDI era to Peugeot’s blistering 908, we explore how diesel power, aero efficiency, and rule changes made reliability the ultimate performance edge.
John pulls back the curtain on the engineering trade-offs that redefined endurance racing: the gains in safety that came with closed cockpits, the pit stop calculations that win 24-hour fights, and the unsung collaboration between European operations and American squads like Champion Racing. He also shares how he inherited the official history project from the legendary Quentin Spurring, why the 2000–2009 window stands on its own, and how writing the story with his own photographs turns a coffee-table book into a time machine.
We keep the wrenches turning beyond the track. Jeff breaks down the easiest cars to work on—Toyota Corolla and Camry, Kia Rio, Chevrolet Silverado, Honda Accord, and Mazda MX-5—spotlighting accessible engine bays, abundant parts, and weekend-friendly maintenance. Then we climb into the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica, a thoughtful family hauler with stow-and-go versatility, a smooth 3.6L V6, available AWD, and cabin tech that keeps everyone calm mile after mile.
If you’re searching for Le Mans history, Audi vs Peugeot, prototype safety, and real-world car advice in one place, you’re home. Hit play, subscribe for more smart car talk, and share this episode with the racing fan or DIYer in your life. Got a favorite 2000s Le Mans memory or a go-to easy-to-fix car? Tell us—we’ll feature the best on the show.
Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!
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