The Smoking Tire Podcast: GT-R Lawsuit; GT3 RS Tire "Fix"?; Tow Rigs; Q&A

Hosts: Matt Farah & Zack Klapman
Date: February 10, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Matt and Zack jump into recent automotive news, hands-on car reviews, and a lively Q&A with patrons. Key topics include the fallout from a Nissan GT-R getting rear-ended by a forklift at Laguna Seca, whether softer tires can "fix" the Porsche GT3 RS for road use, the eternal quest for the perfect tow rig, and deep dives into listener questions ranging from track day toys to the wisdom (or lack thereof) of old German cars.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tow Rig Debate: Efficiency vs. Practicality

[07:21–16:35]

• The hosts weigh tow vehicle suggestions sent in by listeners, focusing on "the smallest thing that does the job without being too much."
• Top choices:
  • Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid (with a preference for the V8 S for brakes and power)
  • RAM 1500 and Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid, both for practicality and tech
• Pickup trucks: "I just don't want a f***ing big pickup truck" (Matt, 13:23), citing size as a major inconvenience in LA.
• SUV argument: SUVs like the Cayenne offer daily usability without the compromise of a huge truck.
• Long-term view: Interest in the upcoming RAM range-extended EV—but hesitant to be first adopters.
• Alternatives suggested: BMW and Audi diesels (too old/out of warranty), Land Cruiser (not enough towing capacity).

"Trucks do not have exclusive reign over being comfortable and having good seats."
– Matt Farah (14:48)

2. Laguna Seca GT-R Lawsuit

[21:02–33:17]

• Recap: A driver in an R34 Skyline stopped for a red flag at a track day got rear-ended by a front-end loader carrying a load of tires.
• Host Reactions:
  • The video "was wild," but the track's outright denial of responsibility—despite strong evidence of staff miscommunication and protocol violations—was even more shocking.
  • The legal correspondence revealed that staff knew cars were stopped and failed to warn the loader driver. OSHA regs apparently require driving such loaders backwards when carrying obstructive loads, which wasn't followed.
  • The waiver argument: Track claims the waiver signed nullifies their responsibility, but hosts note waivers don’t cover “gross negligence.”

"This is like real crazy... you could have just fixed his f***ing car!"
– Matt Farah (25:52)

"If the rule is to drive that thing backwards, that should be game over right there from a legal standpoint."
– Zack Klapman (31:46)

3. Porsche GT3 RS: Softer Tires, Still Brutal

[33:28–41:15]

• Latest review of the 992 GT3 RS, now on Michelin Pilot Sport 5s instead of Cup 2 Rs.
• Road Manners Impression: The softer tire doesn’t make the GT3 RS much friendlier on LA streets; it’s still "so abusive."
• Driving Feel: Grippy enough for real-world speeds, but the car’s stiffness makes even short trips exhausting.
• Recommendation:
  • For real street use, the regular GT3/Carrera is better; this car is "the Dodge 3500 of sports cars."
  • Aftermarket seat solutions (e.g., P1 Design inserts) for those who can’t tolerate the stock buckets.
• Notable Quote:

  "To drive this and not take it to the track frequently, you are stunting—but you are literally like stunting your growth because you're gonna like compact your own spine."
  – Zack Klapman (35:00)

"Literally have a better life [if you buy the regular 911]."
– Matt Farah (37:35)

4. Listener Q&A Highlights

[43:25–91:00]

• Should you fear a BMW 135i?

  • Yes—issues abound, especially vs. a Miata. If you’re used to Miata-level maintenance, the 1-Series will test your patience and wallet.

• R53 Mini Cooper S as a project car?

  • Loved by Matt for driving feel, but expect upkeep. "Mini has only gone downhill since then" (46:23).

• Can a car with wide front tires still have good steering feel and minimal tramlining?

  • "None. That's not a thing." – Matt Farah (47:36)
  • Wider tires may offer sharper turn-in but not better feel.

• Selling a Florida car?

  • Tough; sellers bear burden of proving it's not moldy or flood-damaged.

"You need to explain very quickly that you do not have a problematic dog. Your dog is very sweet, and here's why... The burden of proof is on you."
– Zack Klapman (51:14)

• Easy, impressive meals:

  • Matt’s secret: Korean tacos with pre-made sauces and an Asian-inspired guac. "You can make Korean tacos in about 15 minutes and it will be the best meal that someone's ever had." (53:47)

• Lotus Emira vs. Porsche 718 Cayman for road trips:

  • Emira softer and more exotic; Porsche a bit more precise. Both can be daily usable.

• Four-cylinder 911?

  • Unlikely; Porsche barely got buyers to accept it in the Cayman/Boxster. "There's no evidence Porsche needs to move down-market with the 911." – Matt (60:28)
  • The AMG GT43 is cited as an example of why not to put a small engine in a big GT: "It sucks." (59:26)

• Ultimate sleeper cars:

  • Matt points to his pink Porsche ("a feminine car that goes like hell"), Zack shouts out the famous VW bus swapped onto a 996 chassis.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• [07:56] "A couple people absolutely insisted that we need a 3500 in order to be happy, which I would be so unhappy driving around a 3500 anything." – Matt Farah
• [25:52] "To have not just paid to fix this guy's car... you could have just fixed his f***ing car! Like, this is like real crazy." – Matt Farah
• [31:46] "If the rule is to drive that thing backwards, that's what you're supposed to do... that should be game over right there." – Zack Klapman
• [35:00] "To drive this and not take it to the track frequently, you are stunting—but you are literally like stunting your growth..." – Zack Klapman
• [37:35] "You will just have a better life. You'll have a better living experience." – Matt Farah
• [47:36] "What cars have extremely wide front tires that still have good steering feel and minimal tramlining? None. That's not a thing." – Matt Farah
• [51:26] "You gotta prove to me that your car is not a piece of shit. That's tough." – Matt Farah
• [53:47] "You can make Korean tacos in about 15 minutes and it will be the best meal that someone's ever had." – Matt Farah
• [60:28] "There is, I don't see any evidence... that Porsche needs to move down market with the 911." – Matt Farah

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Tow Rigs Discussion: 07:21 – 16:35
• Laguna Seca GT-R Lawsuit: 21:02 – 33:17
• GT3 RS Road Review & Tire Talk: 33:28 – 41:15
• Live Q&A Lightning Round: 43:25 – 91:00

Tone & Style

The episode is conversational, sharp, and irreverent, blending deep car knowledge with humor and occasionally acerbic takes on industry norms and internet lore. The hosts maintain a playful but informed dynamic, often looping in personal anecdotes, analogies, and audience engagement.

Final Thoughts

• For Towing: There's no perfect answer, but practicality usually wins over idealism—expect a hybrid pickup in their near future.
• Track Day Lawsuits: If a track messes up, just pay to fix the car—don't compound the error with denial.
• GT3 RS as a Daily?: No tire can make a track monster comfortable. Buy the base or GTS unless you want a spinal workout.
• Q&A Wisdom: There’s no shortcut for due diligence when buying niche or older cars, and even sleeper builds are more about perception than pure anonymity these days.

Listeners are invited to join future live shows and submit their own questions via Patreon.