San Diego Automotive Museum Radio: Formula 1, Classic Cars & Inspiring Future Gearheads

This episode of San Diego Automotive Museum Radio is packed with racing stories, automotive history, Formula 1 passion, and inspiring conversations about building the next generation of car enthusiasts. Host Dave Stall sits down with Lenny Mattioli, CEO of the San Diego Automotive Museum, for a fun and wide-ranging conversation that blends classic cars, motorsports, education, and community involvement.Lenny shares how the Netflix series Drive to Survive unexpectedly turned him into a massive Formula 1 fan and even inspired him to create a Fantasy F1 league for fellow enthusiasts. The discussion highlights how Formula 1 has exploded in popularity across the United States and how younger audiences are discovering motorsports through streaming media and social platforms.The episode also dives into the museum’s current “Year of Speed” exhibition, featuring seven generations of Formula 1 cars alongside several NASCAR vehicles, giving visitors a rare opportunity to experience racing history up close.In This Episode:Formula 1’s growing popularity in AmericaThe San Diego Automotive Museum’s “Year of Speed” exhibitStories from classic car ownership and vintage vehicle adventuresThe impact of the Ignite Academy youth programMuseum funding and expansion challengesUpcoming museum events and community programsDave Stall’s tribute to racing legend Alex ZanardiOne of the episode’s funniest moments comes when Lenny tells the story of driving the museum’s vintage 1955 Chevrolet Nomad to a La Jolla Concours event — only to run out of gas just a few hundred feet from the finish line. It’s a perfect reminder that classic car ownership comes with equal parts frustration, adventure, and unforgettable memories.The conversation also turns heartfelt as Lenny discusses the museum’s Ignite Academy program and how it’s helping students discover careers in automotive restoration, media production, content creation, and museum preservation. Dave and Lenny both emphasize that the automotive world is about far more than cars — it’s about mentorship, craftsmanship, and community.Whether you’re a Formula 1 fan, classic car enthusiast, or someone who simply loves automotive culture, this episode captures the passion and personality that make the car community so unique.Watch & ListenYouTube: @MrDaveStallWebsite: davestall.comSD AUTU MUSEUM RADIO 05/03/26 (1)