What do you get when EV nerdery, dodgy auto-park confidence, and marital car vetoes collide? Rivian R2 chat: why its software architecture is so intriguing (and why VW buying in says a lot)Auto-park bravery vs real-world reality — including the classic “parked perfectly… can’t get out” moment“Divorce cars”, weird instructor motors, and a surprisingly thoughtful detour into deafness, BSL and driving adjustmentsIt’s part EV industry insight, part pub banter, and part ‘how did we end up here?’ Subscribe, share, and send us your best car-tech fail or forbidden car purchase story. Our new website: https://www.thesmartdrivepodcast.co.uk Our new email address: hello@thesmartdrivepodcast.co.uk Jacob Ashcroft summary:(transcript from the Ultimate Karting Championship annual Awards 2025) What can you say about this driver that hasn't already been said? His record of wins and podiums this season is unsurpassed. He was only outside of the top three on one occasion across every heat or final that he started in. And he took an incredible 18 wins out of the 24 scoring races, and he won four out of the six rounds. Now in Junior Rotax, he continues to go from strength to strength. He is not only the European Champion, but also the British Champion, the BNL Champion, and the UKC Champion. And that's before we mention the World Championship title from 2024. His incredible performance at the grand finals in December this year, just missing out on retaining that title in what was a frantic, hard-fought final. He brought home the Vice-Champion trophy, though, after starting on pole. You can't do much more. He is now for the third time a UKC Champion as well, having won previous titles in 2021 for IAME Cadet, 2023 for Mini Inter, and now the 2025 for Junior Rotax. the one, the only, Jacob Ashcroft. https://www.instagram.com/jacobashcroftracing For Corporate sponsorship, contact the team directly at jacob@jacobashcroft.com or drop us a line here at the Smart Drive PodcastThis isn't just about a logo on a wing. If you partner with Jacob and his team at Elite Motorsport, you’re getting proper business activation. We're talking VIP hospitality in the paddock to blow your clients' minds, and actual track days where your team can trade the office chair for a passenger seat in a race car. It’s high-speed branding with real-world ROI. For Individuals looking to get involved: Join Club 46 at £250 for the 2026 season. email club46@jacobashcroft.com What You Get as a Club 46 MemberYour Name on the CarYour name is placed on Jacob’s Ginetta Junior race carPositioned on the rear spoiler, visible all seasonPremium placements available on the spoiler end plates for even better visibility are available (enquire for prices)This isn’t a sticker that disappears — it’s on the car for every race weekend in 2026. Real Access & ExperiencesBefore every race weekend, one Club 46 member will be drawn to receive: Two race ticketsFull Ginetta VIP hospitalityBreakfast, lunch & drinks throughout the dayComfortable seating and live race coverageA tour of the garage with Jacob and the teamYou’ll see the cars up close, feel the atmosphere, and be part of the weekend — not just a spectator. Ashley's Marathon fundraisinghttps://www.justgiving.com/page/ashley-neal The James Bulger Memorial Trust offers a holiday home for FREE holidays/respite breaks for a child and their family who have gone through one or more of the following, Bereavement, Bullying, Victim/Hate crime, Care for a parent or sibling, Have done a good deed in their school or local community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
