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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Episode 10 of Brakes on Breaks kicks off with a jubilant welcome to Austin Hironaka, the spirited owner and operator of Hiro’s Hotrods, and his partner, Emily. It’s a HeadSpin night, with the whole company gearing up for an event following the episode. Hosts Garrett, Ravuth and Austin dive into discussions about the current vibes and upcoming battles in the PNW that they’re excited to participate in. Wooty shares his insights on thriving at culture-focused events, highlighting the mental switch required between competing and enjoying the vibes.

The conversation shifts to the vital role of nurturing the next generation—not just in perfecting their style, but also in hosting events, challenging local crews, and stepping onto the national stage. As 2025 marks a year of intense competition, the hosts elaborate on the 6 Ps of preparation, discussing what it means to compete—from breakdancing to snowboarding, and even how that mindset and work ethic is involved in crafting award-winning chassis.

The episode then ventures into past car stories, accidents, and the lessons learned both on and off the track. The hosts delve into the integration of modern technology in cars, discussing the balance of new tech with old-school charm and its impact on the hotrod experience.

Race talk heats up with a discussion on F1, including GM’s new power plant development, and speculations on Adrian Newey and Honda powerplants move to Aston Martin. Wooty humorously vows to give his Civic an Aston Martin livery if the team performs well. The spotlight then turns to grassroots motorsports and the community’s need to reinvigorate garage builds and weekend racing—a necessity stifled by noise complaints at Pacific Raceways in Washington.

Finally, the group reflects on the art of generational car building and how Hiro’s Hotrods is preserving this tradition. The episode wraps with nostalgia-filled stories of past races and builds, celebrating the good vibes of the PNW car culture.

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Join hosts Ravuth and Garrett as they take a dive into the best of 2024 and gear up for 2025. In this episode, the duo revisits the year’s most thrilling battles, breaking down what made them unforgettable and how dancers and enthusiasts alike can carry those lessons into the new year.

Ravuth and Garrett discuss the importance of setting goals—not just for the new year but as an ongoing practice for personal and competitive growth. They explore how to train smarter in 2025, with Ravuth offering insights on balancing techniques, maintaining meaningful training routines, and understanding the key differences between strength training, explosive cardiovascular work, and mobility.

Next, the conversation switches towards the track. The hosts share their ambitious plans for 2025, from Ravuth’s detailed Civic upgrade list—including stitch welding and installing a full cage—to Garrett’s perspective on what it takes to outperform higher-spec cars through pure skill. They also discuss the driving experiences and chassis they’re most excited to tackle in the upcoming season.

The episode rolls on to news. Ravuth and Garrett weigh in on one of the biggest automotive announcements of the year: the groundbreaking merger of Honda, Mitsubishi, and Nissan. They speculate on the future of this partnership and the potential for innovative technologies and sports car designs. They also reflect on the growing size of modern vehicles, highlighting the 2025 models that stand out in a crowded market.

To close, Garrett shares his excitement for traveling to the 75th running of the Monaco Grand Prix in 2025, complete with dreams of witnessing vintage race cars, walking the iconic Monaco tunnel, and soaking in the fanfare of a lifelong bucket-list event.It’s a year-end celebration filled with reflections, aspirations, and all things motorsport.

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