In this episode of Brakes on Breaks, hosts Ravuth and Garrett sit down with special guest Kevin Le, aka Merk—a member of HOODZ Crew and New Birth Crew, hailing from Southeast Portland.
The conversation kicks off with Merk sharing his journey into HOODZ Crew and the deep-rooted connections between Seattle and Portland’s breaking scenes. He reflects on the inspirations that shaped him as a b-boy and the path that led him to become a community leader in Portland’s dance scene.
Next, the discussion shifts to the formation of New Birth Crew and the early influences that helped define their style. The guys explore the evolution of breaking in Portland, touching on the generational shifts in style and culture over the years.
With the Beacon Anniversary Jam happening later that evening, the trio dives into the upcoming battles. They discuss strategies, what they hope to showcase during their rounds, and the energy they expect from the event.
Then, it’s time to talk cars. The guys swap stories about their first rides—Merk recalling a few unfortunate crashes along the way. They break down the cars they’ve loved, the ones they’ve regretted, and what they look for in a dream chassis, whether for collecting or daily driving.
Shifting gears to automotive news, the crew reacts to the jaw-dropping announcement that Mercedes-Benz is auctioning off a vintage 1954 F1 car—expected to fetch an eye-watering $55 million. They debate what they’d do if they owned a vehicle of such pedigree. Then, they take a look across the pond, where Tesla trucks have been banned in the UK—leading to one determined owner sneaking one in, only to have it confiscated due to bureaucratic red tape.
Finally, they round things out with some F1 talk, sharing their excitement for the 2026 season now that teams and drivers are locking in. Ravuth and Garrett cover all the latest banter, bold predictions, and the crucial decisions that could define the next championship battle.
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