Collecting Addicts Episode 60: Favourite Race Circuits, Comfiest Armrests & Long Drives

[@jep1912]

There are no other pods that I religiously look forward to on a weekly basis. It's like when the NME came out on a Wednesday back in the day. Pure joy boys.

[@BigTwat]

amen to that

[@matthewcooper-sh8ks]

Totally relate to that.

[@Andy_Holbrook332]

It really is fantastic. Couldn’t agree with you more

[@Ibiza210]

"Spa. When i was driving a Caterham" was the laugh I needed at 9.30 on a grey and dreich Friday morning.

[@DMRMOTORSPORT]

Forget about cars for a moment....I just want to tell you Chris Harris that you are a gift to the world more than any car ever made, past, present or future. Celebrity can be lonely but you are much loved.

[@alman-world]

Actually - he is the TOP. I will watch him drive a menu if I could.

[@ichiban8558]

Much prefer the KZbin recommendation over the musical ones; it's smart and I love the way this podcast is engaging with its audience.

[@pilotresponse]

The KZbin recommendations are great, just watched Raymond Baxter OBE truly the best of Britten

[@R03333]

Agreed, music is very personal preference so find recommendations a bit pointless

[@DidierPeroni]

This is one of the best episodes so far- and thats saying something. This is PEAK petrolhead talk that you wish you could have wish more of your friends, but can't

[@nimedave]

I’ve just returned from a 2500 mile round trip to Sweden from the UK with my son, in a Ferrari 430 Scuderia which once appeared on Collecting cars. A plane would’ve been easier and much quicker, but nowhere near as rewarding. We got some much valued bonding time in the car and many happy memories from the journey itself. The car was wonderful and didn’t miss a beat but my ears are still ringing. 😂

[@bcm7779]

Well done sir, looking forward to doing this with my boy when he’s older!

[@R03333]

"Easier & quicker" rarely makes great memories!

[@BrianSuero]

What i love about this podcast is that its friends giving each other shit and talking about rolls royce one second and a vw golf the next in the same conversation topic!!!! How much more podcast of the people can you get!??!! It’s perfect!

[@robinclarke2152]

Never has a discussion about armrests been so interesting. My personal favourite is my Ford F150 pickup, which is not only wide and comfortable, it opens into a table for eating fast food or using a laptop, and has an enormous cubby underneath which can be specced with an optional gun safe! Perfection.

[@chooki101]

You got to put Bathurst as one of the best circuits. So many elevation changes, so many technical corners, so many fast sections.

[@ChrisDorgan]

The TT circuit is an enigma that I feel would be my favourite circuit in a car haha but also just the fact it’s still a thing to go and witness. They can’t let the TT end… and true Nurburgring has to be the Everest. Bathurst is ace too actually. Purely from racing games 🤣

[@error404blah]

Best armrest: S Class AMG Coupe (63 or 65). Big, wide, heated, huge embossed affalterbach logo. And it does that trick of swinging open from either side. Perfection!

[@davidreynolds81]

I just adjusted my armrest in my RR Sport as I was driving, listening to Neil talk about the L322, with the same armrest

[@alman-world]

Sorry for me - Monaco. Only because it is so nuts and I remember sitting and watching it on the TV before the newer layout and La Piscine. The days of McLaren in Marlboro strip - wow................its an emotion thing for me. Next favourite tracks - SPA, Luguna Seca and Bathhurst. Yes really! I must love dodgy corners ;-)

[@tantive4]

As soon as Mr. Cooper mentioned Raymond Baxter I could hear his voice saying "She flies!" in my head

[@DavidJohnson-er4xz]

I live on minuscule Bermuda 🇧🇲and suffer with my automotive addiction completely unsatisfied except for the holidays abroad which ALWAYS involve as substantial a drive as I can get away with. Recently drove from the Nurburgring to Texel Netherlands with a lifelong mate and racing/road trip enthusiast. It was magic for all reasons you all mentioned. Brilliant podcast I never miss.

[@pezzonovante888]

Neil is right on with the Land Rover/Range Rover armrest adjustment knob- it is ergonomically brilliant!

[@benjaminbuffin9812]

A lovely way to spend my Friday afternoon is listening to these Addicts talk bollocks. 😁😂

[@4444aliraza]

KZbin videos - BMW Films series. Highlights - the M5 being smacked around inner city.

[@ZondaF355]

Excellent show as always gents! I've been here since ep. 1. If you havent seen it I highly recommend Japan Motorhead Car Maniacs: Group C on the streets. Two car addicts ripping 962/XJ220C down the Japenese roadway at 300 kph in 4K. Loving the youtube video segment! Can't wait to hear all about Goodwood MM next week.

[@claytonthomas8013]

This is the best Podcast, hands down each week it keeps me Waiting to hear what they are going to say!!

[@TP-3000]

Raymond was my neighbour. Lovely chap. Chair of Dunkirk little boats association also.

[@TP-3000]

Ah, you mention it!

[@Juiceian100]

Thank you for my Friday morning guilty pleasure. Just about to set off on a road trip to the Algarve with my better half for a month. We are happy to talk or not and it’ll be fabulous!

[@red9zero]

In a similar vein to Michelle Mouton doing the church flowers in Bourton on the Water, Brian Culcheth used to run the hardware shop in Porlock, on the edge of Exmoor, before he sadly passed away a few years ago.

[@davidmarrazzo774]

Of course the Brits love Silverstone and they should. “Looks great on TV?” That comes down to personal preference. An old Airway ,really? Imola and São Paulo are my favourites. At the end of the day we are splitting hairs between some great tracks.👍

[@daveblanchard2258]

Fantastic as usual 👏 👌 😀 I watched this in 4 sessions 😂

[@GeorgeGeorgiou-fh5bj]

Hi the law in Cyprus states that both of your hands need to be free when driving. Therefore no drinking water or smoking. But it’s not really enforced. Great podcasts and have not missed an episode.

[@omilianful]

I'd like to offer a book recommendation, both for the Addicts we enjoy listening to each week, as well as any addicts in the audience; Why We Drive, On Freedom, Risk and Taking Back Control by Matthew Crawford. A brilliant read for those of us who deeply value driving.

[@angusking9881]

Dusted off my old (2003) 3.0i z4 for its first trip of the year. Zipping round sunny/rainy/sunny/rainy Perthshire I noticed for the first time how comfy the arm rests are.

[@benpenagonzales6014]

Yes! Early start and I can listen to on the train having got the old 911 out the garage to get to the station. Happy flipping days.

[@NigelLateLifeCrisis]

I was the door washer at the Hare and Hounds in Yorkshire for the 1982 Lombard RAC rally, so many rally icons but freezin cold hand. Your podcast stirred this memory, great work

[@richardgutierrez9223]

Ever since you guys stopped showing the preview of the episodes releasing I’m not gonna lie I forgotten that it was gonna come out and when i get the notification I’m so over the moon it’s not funny thanks guys for another episode appreciate your work

[@BrendanEvan]

The only podcast I’ve heard every episode of Edit: My love for Neil grows each week

[@kiwi335d]

Another fabulous Friday morning enjoying this podcast with my dog, sitting in the car and sharing my McDonald’s breakfast him. Thanks guys!

[@davidopresto94]

Thank you for doing my girlfriend and I's two car garage. We were hoping you'd you'd enjoy it! All solid answers!

[@punjabihammurabi8122]

If you replace " 's " with " in a " then u will lol

[@Carrera-gp9od]

I had to stop and read that again … Thank you for doing my girlfriend?? Then I realised there was more to the sentence in the second line 😂

[@MrAjjm65]

The rear centre armrest in a Rover SD1! Luxurious, Wide and covered in velour with a wonderful fold up action - ahead of its time.

[@veloriderkm]

I’m with Edward on the solo drive but the right passenger or driver makes all the difference.

[@gmacdk]

I think part of the therapeutic nature of conversations while driving on long journeys has to do with the fact that you are listening to one another while, hopefully, at least one of you is looking straight ahead, and probably both. So you take eye contact out of the equation, and if you drive early in the morning or late at night, there is an intimacy in being locked in a small room with someone. Some of my best conversations with friends, wives, my son, have been in cars while I was driving. Also: You discover the comfortable silence: If the other person is someone you enjoy talking to, chances are that even the silences are great. One thing is very important: The person being driven has to trust the driver... If they think you are driving too fast or recklessly, it won´t work. And being driven by someone who is not a good, smooth driver is horrible. I don´t talk to them as the business of driving the car seems to require all their available capacity...

[@Andy_Holbrook332]

This is a great comment. Spot on

[@R03333]

I used to work with some mental health professionals who worked with young people (teenagers/early adults) going through all sorts of struggles & they would routinely tell me they'd make the most progress or have the best sessions when they were in the car with a client on the way to somewhere. It's exactly like you say, it's a closed cocooned environment but at same time you aren't physically directed at each other in the same way you might be in a therapy session or something of that nature.

[@davidmulligan42]

Another great podcast, thanks guys. I just watched Clive James in Las Vegas. Watching this reminds me that I used to love watching Clive James on Television when I lived in Ireland back in the '80s. Now to watch the other recommendations! BTW, I bought Sled Driver (the book) after watching Neil's recommended video. It was well worth the money, and you can still get a signed copy from the author's website.

[@duncangwhyte]

Modern armrest suggestion. Hyundai Ioniq 5. Mine has the tech pack, so the entire central unit slides forward and back. It has a top section which has storage, for McDonald's Ketchup sachets, napkins, small things etc. But it's suspended above an open area which can take things such as entire takeaway bag, a large handbag and the like. But still has wireless charging there, and two perfectly heighted cup holders. And because it slides back, creates a flat floor area in the front like a van, so things can be put there, or people can clime across the front of the car - eg a child to get out on drivers side if parked on opposite side of the road.

[@dudleyallen4181]

Back in the late 50s and early 60s my uncle, P D Allen, used to make bespoke armrests for most of the popular models of car. There were two styles, one for separate front seats and one for bench seats, each style incorporating a lined storage compartment and, of course , an ashtray ! He had swatches of almost every leather and vinyl used in car production at that time and I can still smell the glue and sawdust when ever I remember being a small, wide eyed boy in his workshop. He was based in Dymchurch at that time and subsequently went into boats and outboard motors, moving to New Romney after a few years.I Going back to a previous podcast about the joys and status of headrests, I come from a generation (or maybe two) prior to you chaps and the accessory that caused the greatest tumesence to myself and other like minded small boys was the tables in the rear of the front seats. We desperatley wanted our parents (us really!) to enjoy such luxury. Jaguars were good, also the Humber Suoer Snipe! Thank you all so much for giving your time to entertain all us fans so royally,

[@Jay-ww4ru]

Jump straight to the armrest section, I absolutely love Range Rover's armchair armrest and the tight rotary knob. Need to shout out the S class armrest that can open both directions and the older A8 and some VW group cars with twin central armrests so each person can have their angle of attack and forward/backward position. Now, we need to talk about the pinnacle of car luxury: the fixed rear-center console. By the way, great work, as always. This is my weekly escape now.

[@richardgutierrez9223]

Mad man for skipping

[@Jay-ww4ru]

​@@richardgutierrez9223@richardgutierrez9223 I never skipped a single one before; got too excited this time. Never again never again.

[@Jay-ww4ru]

Gotta go early. Now I’m catching up after 9h drive.

[@synthnseq]

My favourite armrest has four legs that drop down when you get out of the car; it has an opening at the front for sweets and things like that, and it gives you a nudge every so often to remind you to give it a quick scratch on the head. Only drawback is, it can make a funny smell if you put the wrong type of sweets in the front.

[@frankyork5808]

We used to drive with the maps spread across our laps as we frequently looked down to make sure we were still in track, turning pages, and generally faffing around. And that was OK. But now, if you touch your phone or the infotainment screen at all, it's a traffic offence! Fines and demerits!

[@f1jr724]

Loving your work guys 😊

[@stuartcudlip223]

Absolutely fabulous chaps, keep getting better. I have been on the journey with you🎉

[@IndaloMan]

Again, another of my 90s cars is given 👍 on CC! Had 4 Volvos in the 90s starting with Olive Green T5-R, then 'orange' V70-R, then V70-R AWD and finally 'orange' C70 T5-R (which was stolen off the ramps at Harratt Volvo in Huddersfield and found via West Yorkshire Police helicopter using Tracker) #goodolddays

[@Gorbyrev]

Loved the two car garage. Doris would be a hero in our church. We have a congregation full of petrolheads and bikers.

[@BV-co7hy]

The arm rest adjuster on my classic vogue was brilliant.

[@Petrospect]

23:59 is an all time classic Cliffordism, I lost it there

[@G1installs]

Does anyone remember Best Motoring and Track Battles? They also did the Touge, both with foot cams which were quite new at the time I think. Great stuff!

[@CharlesCheeks]

After watching this Pod and the road trip segment, I feel like Neil and I could be very good friends. 😂. I could totally relate. If there is ever a time you guys make your way to Watkins Glen, I'd love to make a meet up. Cheers guys!

[@bonzaimolly]

KZbin video to watch? Higgins subaru on the TT course as he talks you through. OMG!

[@gordonroxon6873]

We taught our kids when they were little, that we always drove for 2 hours minimum when we went on cross European jaunts. So wake up in a hotel, hit the road early, 2 hours till breakfast. This was the law and they understood it. Then one year we were in a 2 year old Mark 1 Range Rover Vogue petrol V6. (Beluga black woodie since you ask). There was much questioning as I pulled into the French services after only 90 minutes as I had to explain that the car needed its breakfast. That car, when driven with gusto, got through a tank of petrol every 90 minutes. It also managed to be on a flat bed twice on that one holiday in the South of France. It had to go!

[@jep1912]

Chat topic......... 'Roofracks on Supercars'... which ones work, which don't - discuss.

[@_que]

The E39 did have a sliding arm rest, had that issue for 12 years, minded it, until I got rolling, and all my troubles temporary were placed on pause... yes agree with CH, the green hell is the best track, with Suzuka #2.

[@TheKrauklens]

47:20 brilliant comedic timing there Cooper. Unexpected laugh that one 😂

[@jordanmorgan1009]

Delighted to see Mr Cooper enjoys the same writing implement as I. Is this yet another thing that car nerds have in common, an unreasonable affection for a particular pen?

[@martinmcallen2915]

Watched last week's episode on my phone in Borneo at the airport, this episode again on my phone in Perth Western Australia, next week will be watched at Jo'burg airport 😮😮would love the chance to go to a race track, but it would have to be Spa

[@ianhirst8044]

This is the perfect start to my weekend, long walk with the dog followed by the latest podcast over a brew. How do submit a recommendation for the 2 car garage though.

[@petergilbert3201]

Morning all from Berlin.

[@ryantaggart5642]

Neil Clifford - "its where I think" So true.

[@ADAM-z9c]

Favourite circuits. Cadwell, St Oliver Mount Donnington. For the memories of seeing g my dad and his nutter mates race sidecars in the 90s. Favourite international circuits le mans and Mt fuji and interlagos but mostly from the experience of being there. Silverstone is the best answer from a driving perspective definitely.

[@davewilshere]

I like to be alone, stop when I like. My general rule is stop when the vehicle needs feeding! But I have ‘van ballast’ friends who understand my rules, so make perfect company. They are also always in charge of “scooby snacks”

[@WAFFLNATORE]

Im so sad Brands Hatch wasnt mentioned, it's also an old school track, just like Watkins Glen, a super favorite of mine is Brands

[@phil4193]

The opening CC drumbeat is still far louder than the rest of the video. You might pay attention to your audio levels.

[@29speedman]

Ive got an aging Octavia VRS estate company car, same vintage as a Mk7 Golf and probably a similar centre arm rest. Slide it forward and raise it a smidge for comfy motoring .

[@vokstar]

Glad Bathurst got a shoutout, Philip Island is a ripper of a circuit (not that I've driven it) and watch the bikes go around it and go see what it's called Stoner Corner.

[@itsonlymusic1]

FFS guys!! P2 Volvo V70R , AWD, 300hp, 300 lb-ft, 6 speed manual or auto.

[@PJH1111]

Leh Keen Raindance is also a flipping good youtube movie.

[@JB-rp6it]

Gives me pleasure and anxiety at the same time lol

[@akadanielmaia]

No current F1 circuit provides better races than Interlagos

[@74amills]

Mercedes 124 coupe centre arm rest used to put the car in reverse is you folded the passenger seat backrest froward if the seat was in the 'perfect' position.

[@ChrisDorgan]

Feel like Edward Lovett could be a character in The Gentlemen 🤣🤣 so right about the middle arm rest that slid forward when you got in. So annoying. I’m trying to think what car it was, maybe 08 BMW’s? Ah Chris Cooper just said it, it was the mark 5 Golf! It had to be one of the two!

[@angusking9881]

Doris’ church cruiser.. In a swanky part of Edinburgh there’s a de-badged early three door M135i with proper retirement spec alloys, clear glass and chrome piping around the windows. Looks like it’s solely designed to go to church and back. Not sure any of that was on the options list?

[@MrOvershoot]

Chris Harris kept the same script on the out and back journey as the one Rich Porter asked him on the Late Brake show 👍

[@BrandonRC1]

Haven't gotten to watch the video yet. However I really hope that one day F1 can race at Kyalami...

[@JB-rp6it]

Laguna Seca, Mugello, Daytona road course, Road Atlanta, Utah Motorsports Campus

[@hotblackdesiato3451]

Yes Manish, GP4 was a fantastic game! I would spend hours racing against a friend and the feeling of joy when you beat their best lap time by a few hundredths was epic. It always astounded us that we could often get within a few thousands of a second of each other despite having very different car setups and driving styles. Aaaah, those were the days....

[@chrisfilmsstuff4666]

Thank fuck Edward is wearing a decent watch this time. That Hublot always distracted me and made me feel a little sick :D

[@punjabihammurabi8122]

Could someone translate this watch nerd chat for me? What's Hublot known for? Was it an effective watch-based slam on Lovett?

[@TomH440i]

Fabulous podcast as always. As someone on the hunt for a new “daily”, what do the addicts (and addicted community) consider the ideal horsepower number for enjoyment on UK roads? More is always better, but how many gears can you go through when you have more than 400bhp and still stay legal, officer? Is 250-300 with a manual gearbox the sweet spot? And if so, what car?

[@mortens1]

The Volvo V70R; It is 4wd not fwn, it is 300bhp and you do get them as a manual :)

[@robinking2910]

Popped in to make the same comment albeit AWD not 4WD. The very fact that this group of petrol heads don’t know much about them, accentuates the reason I love owning one.

[@paulgr333]

missing you guys 😩

[@chrislee1059]

Skoda Yeti armrest is the same as Golf 7 👍👍

[@robertlarby4233]

Love the pod but the intro is always quite a bit louder than your voices!

[@timsaxon5825]

Who’s your favourite addict and why is it Neil Clifford lol?

[@ACW2850]

Had a 2002 Passat V6 that had a slider armrest

[@AnonAnon-qi4ts]

Thank you gentlemen. I like the youtube recommendations over the music recommendations. I like that you continue to find ways to refine the show. This far in, I really like everybody's take on things. It's a really well-balanced show. Chris Cooper, a slightly wafty Englishman. Enjoyable bloviating tempered with the other Chris' punchy style of time management. Manish, just a nice guy that increasingly does weird, uncomfortable accents. Probably doesn't know he makes everybody squirm. You would marry your daughter off to him. Neil, the old grump with more taste than talent. You might see this guy pedalling cars along that deserve to be properly driven and it might make you upset. I like he finds challenge in mundane drives and he seems to beleive in the idea of a car and adventure joined inseparably. Edward's a prick in a car that probably drives too fast. I must admit, I most closely resemble him while driving, so his assessments of road car manners are most relevant to me. I would say reviews would be Harris' bag because his videos are tops, but he has his head so far up Porche's arse he's nearly lost the plot. Also, he forgives a lot of shit things on shit cars if they are beautiful. In a way, it is even more hardcore to love ugly cars that drive great. All in all, I hated Edward the first 40 podcasts and wanted him gone. But, he won me over. I came for Harris, but I've grown to really admire the well-rounded group you've assembled.

[@christophergavin9188]

Brands Hatch. Where else can you see so much of the track from one position?

[@davecopson]

Talking about having to have clean cars in Moscow, I’ve just returned from a month of travel around Japan and didn’t see one dirty car or commercial vehicle anywhere. Apparently there is no law about having a clean car but it’s just the culture.

[@sresto7943]

Re the law on the drive through is "if the private land has an entrance and an exit, ie a through road the law stands as public", i was in court for this and unfortunately done on private land for an offence.

[@snootbritton]

Agree that Bridge was mega but Brooklands / Luffield are much more entertaining now with the Wellington straight.

[@maralynthomson4375]

Think the Volvo was AWD.

[@Yanmak13]

I wonder why some of you say MitsabUshi and Honder. Is this a british thing? I'm just curious. Where else could one listen to conversations of this level on such topics? Thank you, guys!

[@SteveGB3S]

Driving trips in groups but alone in the car, great, only selected trusted co-pilots also good. For an entertaining circuit driving video watch Riccardo Patrese in a Civic Type R driving his wife, she doesn't realise she's being filmed 🤭🤭

[@benpenagonzales6014]

You should get black belt barrister on for a slot

[@ianski68]

Mr Lovett is that a Dennis Collins Coffee walk Tea shirt you are wearing

[@ericokompatzki7110]

The only other timewhen you can have a conversation comparable to a long drive is at 5AM on a deckchair

[@Compose_Media]

24:50 I am so glad the L322 is getting the love it deserves! We’ve just done a video on ours that we’ve owned for just under a year and it’s been a joy so far. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqvCdJiioLWJo9Ufeature=shared Fingers crossed it stays that way 😬

[@Richard_Turner]

Best track.. Nürburgring nothing else gets close.

[@waters1801]

Splendid

[@peterv3642]

So, did Manish buy the 456? We need to know!