It’s hard to imagine someone in the automotive hobby not knowing of Sam Mahdavi and his popular show, Sam’s Garage.
This master mechanic has shown hundreds of thousands of automotive enthusiasts how to diagnose and repair their vehicle problems over the years. Whether on his popular syndicated TV show or his years on the radio with his friend and mentor, Sam Memmolo.
Sam Mahdavi’s career emerged in 2004 through his involvement on the winning SEMA Installer’s Challenge team. From there, he’s gone on to win two NDRA drag racing championships and many other NRDA podium appearances.
In 2008, he won the “Pinks” series on the Speed Channel. Sam has also provided more than ten performance cars for the “Fast & Furious” movie series.
For the movie, “Furious 7,” he made an appearance and contributed to the hit movie ”Let’s Be Cops”. So, you can imagine we were excited to spend some time talking with Sam as he was wrapping up another successful season of Sam’s Garage.
We make it easy for you. All you have to do is hit the red “Play” button on the podcast player below to have a seat at the table with us.
Show Notes
Are you looking for a specific question in the episode?
We’ve made it easy by providing the questions we asked in the show and where you can find them.
Question #1 – Sam, thanks for carving out some time for us. I know you’re in the middle of filming the next season of Sam’s Garage for Motor Trend TV. So, with all the success you’ve had in your career, did you always know you wanted to work in the automotive industry? Located at the 1:29 second mark.
Question #2 – Clearly, those around you saw your talent early on because you were a part of the 2004 SEMA installers challenge and two NDRA drag racing Championships. How did you get to be a part of those teams, and what were the experiences like? Located at the 2:14 second mark.
Question #3 – In 1999, you founded Mahdavi Motorsports with your brother. Can you tell us more about why you started the business, where it’s located, and what sets it apart from other shops? Located at the 3:51 second mark.
Question #4 – Sam, not only have you had success with the wrench, but also behind the wheel as well. In fact, you won the Speed Channel hit series “Pinks” in 2008. How did you get involved in that series? And would you rather twist wrenches or be behind the wheel? Located at the 7:40 second mark.
Question #5 – Sam, you’ve got a well-deserved reputation for building turbocharged performance vehicles. What do you think about Chevrolet putting a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-plane crank V8 into the new Z06 Corvette? Do you think flat-plane was the way to go, or should they have gone turbocharged? Located at the 9:30 second mark.
Question #6 – If you thumb through the automotive trade magazines these days, it seems the move to electric is in full swing. As a master mechanic, what are your thoughts on this trend and what it means for performance enthusiasts and restorers? Located at the 11:27 second mark.
Question #7 – Among all that you’ve got going on, you find time to co-host a nationally syndicated radio show called Sam’s Garage Radio. First off, how did you get into radio? And, can you tell us about the show and your co-host? Located at the 14:25 second mark.
Question #8 – Whether it’s racing, radio, or television, having the right sponsors makes a big difference. You’ve had some strong ones over your career. Can you tell us about who is sponsoring you now and what they bring to the automotive hobby? Located at the 16:47 second mark.
Question #9 – Sam, you’re no stranger to being in the movies. You appeared in “Fast 7” and were involved in making the hit movie ”Let’s Be Cops.” So, how did Sam’s Garage on Motor Trend TV get its start? And now, going into its 11th season, why do you think it resonates with viewers? Located at the 21:58 second mark.
Contact Information
Website: Mahdavi Motorsports
Where to watch Sam’s Garage: Motor Trend TV – MAVTV – REV’N
Social Media: Facebook – YouTube – Instagram
Podcasts: Apple iTunes – Google Podcasts
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