The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation Season 8 Episode 20 Early Racing

In this episode of The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation, titled "Early Racing," viewers are taken on a journey through the history of early automobile racing. Host Mo Rocca provides insight into the pioneers of racing, highlighting their innovative advancements in both design and technology.

The episode begins with a look at Henry Ford's early years as an aspiring race car driver. Rocca details how Ford's love for racing eventually led him to shift his focus towards creating more affordable cars for the masses, ultimately leading to the creation of the iconic Model T.

Next, Rocca delves into the world of the Vanderbilt Cup, an early racing competition held on Long Island, New York. Viewers are introduced to driver Louis Chevrolet, who, alongside his brother Arthur, paved the way for Chevrolet motorsports and the legendary Corvette.

Moving on to the turn of the century, Rocca takes viewers back to the era of steam-powered racing vehicles. In an interview with Steve Baldassarre, the owner of a working steam car, Rocca learns how these vehicles relied on a complex system of valves and pipes to power their engines.

The episode also explores the invention of the wind tunnel, which served as a major breakthrough in the science of aerodynamics. Rocca speaks with Dr. Paul Wehnert, the Principal Engineer for Ford's Aerodynamics Department, to learn more about how wind tunnels work and why they're crucial to the design process of today's race cars.

In addition to the technological advancements, the episode highlights the inner workings of an early pit crew. Rocca visits the Revs Institute in Naples, Florida to get an up-close look at what it takes to maintain and repair a vintage race car. He speaks with some of the mechanics who worked on these vehicles back in the day, and learns how they were able to make repairs under such high-pressure conditions.

Throughout the episode, Rocca takes a moment to reflect on how these early pioneers of racing paved the way for the high-speed automobiles we know and love today. By utilizing innovative design and technology, these early racers created a legacy that still impacts the world of motorsports today.

Overall, "Early Racing" is a fascinating look into the exciting, high-energy world of early automobile racing. With its insight into the technological advancements, iconic drivers, and infamous races, this episode is sure to be a hit with history buffs and motorsports enthusiasts alike.