We needed a Hiro on this episode, and Austin Hironaka came to the rescue. The boys are all about the track this time—sharing the highs and lows of chasing faster PRs while remembering that it’s all about having fun.

Austin brings a unique perspective as his ride-along with host Wooty turned into the fateful lap where the Civic’s engine blew a cylinder. The jokes fly as both driver and passenger recount the moment in real time, weaving their perspectives into one unforgettable story.

The conversation shifts to the rebuild plan and the countdown to the final event of the 2025 season on September 6th. Wooty reviews what can be salvaged from the damaged engine and what modifications are needed to get a slightly different Z1 K20 spinning happily again.

Looking ahead, the fellas dive into plans for next year’s track season. With winter work on the horizon, Austin commits to building his own track car—conservative in budget but ambitious in spirit. The “Hotrod Hiro” has officially caught the bug.

Catch all the laughter, stories, and tech tips on this episode of Brakes on Breaks.

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In this heartfelt episode of Brakes on Breaks, we’re joined by a special guest and close friend, Jireh Soriano. A longtime dancer and a true staple in the Pacific Northwest event scene, Jireh has established himself as a renowned event producer and curator. From the legendary Traditions Battles that have been going strong for over a decade to unique, one-off productions, Jireh sets the gold standard for community leadership and event creation.

As the episode unfolds, we dive into all things events—reflecting on memorable moments from the past and sharing our excitement for upcoming projects. We discuss how the dance scene has evolved over the years, noting how each event is a mirror of that progression. The conversation shifts toward the personal efforts involved in planning impactful events that uplift the community and set a blueprint for future competitions and gatherings.

We reminisce about events that once broke the mold and transformed the ethos of the scene, as well as those longstanding events like IBE that have stood the test of time. This episode is filled with love, reflection, and genuine camaraderie with the homies.

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The boys are back — and this time, they're joined by an iconic voice from Seattle's breaking scene.

In this episode, Wooty and Garrett sit down with Rage (aka Nollan), a standout member of the legendary Massive Monkees crew, to explore the rich history of breaking in Seattle. From his early influences to the origins of his unique style, Rage offers a personal and powerful lens into the city’s dance and hip-hop culture.

The conversation flows through the formation of Massive Monkees, Rage’s philosophy on style, and his reflections on where the local breaking scene is headed. It’s a deep dive into both the legacy and the future of Seattle’s dance movement.

The story continues past the cypher, as Rage also shares his journey from wrenching as a professional mechanic to becoming an EV educator at Rivian, where he now helps shape the next generation of electric vehicle technicians through cutting-edge training and innovation.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Brakes on Breaks without some car talk the crew reminisces about their first rides, Wooty breaks down his next track-day ambitions (still chasing that sub-2:00 at The Ridge), and they wrap things up with a spirited convo on F1, racing classes, and what it’ll take to make EV sports cars truly cool.

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Tap in for an exciting episode of "Brakes on Breaks" featuring a special guest, Orb(Orbitron) from the Circle of Fire crew. Orb delves into his journey into hip-hop, sharing how his passion for dance evolved over time and his travels that eventually led him to Seattle. He shines a light on his multifaceted love for hip-hop, highlighting his evolution as both an MC and a renowned dancer celebrated for his unique style. Discover how Orb was part of the founding of the Circle of Fire crew and how the crew became a beacon of originality in the breaking scene.

Shifting gears, we catch up with Wooty as he prepares for another thrilling track day. We discuss the recent changes to his car, his driver choices, and what he hopes to achieve in this session.

As we move into the world of racing, we bring you the latest updates on F1. With about a third of the season complete, competition is intensifying, and the unstoppable papaya wave shows no signs of slowing down.

Finally, we wrap up with the latest in automotive news, trends, and give well-deserved shout-outs. Don't miss this legendary episode.

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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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