The Petrolicious Post - Issue 007

In Issue 007 July 2026 of The Petrolicious Post, we continue our pursuit of the stories that define automotive soul. From the dusty trails of the DWA! Camping While Awesome rally to the unforgiving elevation of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, this issue is a curated journey through the machines and the moments that make us drive.

We explore the gritty romance of grassroots wrenching as John Roman keeps vintage Japanese metal alive on the streets of Brooklyn, and we trace designer Ash Thorp's deeply personal journey to resurrect a weathered 1975 Datsun 280Z. Beyond the asphalt, we go deep into the history of the Cummins Diesel's legendary non-stop run at the Indianapolis 500, examining how a kid on the pit wall helped orchestrate a motorsport miracle. We also sit down with architect Dan Brunn to understand his philosophy of spatial control, and unpack the "Gram Counter's Dilemma" to discover why the absolute lightest wheel isn't always the right choice.

Inside this issue:

• The Kid on the Pit Wall: The astonishing story of Clessie Cummins, a diesel-powered Packard, and the first and only non-stop finish in Indianapolis 500 history.

• Keeping Brooklyn's Old Japanese Cars Alive: How John Roman and Level Garage are preserving street-driven Datsuns and Toyotas in the heart of New York City.

• What You Can Control: Architect Dan Brunn on designing for the inner child, the tyranny of McMansions, and the importance of humane spaces.

• The Gram Counter's Dilemma: A wheel designer's candid breakdown of why rotational inertia matters, and why chasing the lightest weight is often the wrong conversation.

• The Long Road Back to the Z: Designer Ash Thorp's emotional quest to rebuild a forgotten 1975 Datsun 280Z, nicknamed Ripley, from the ground up.

• The Nuvolari Connection: A close look at Audi's radical new mid-engine hybrid supercar and the historical weight of its legendary namesake.

• The Mountain Makes the Rules: A breathless account of the danger, thin air, and unpredictable pavement of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

• Solo at Le Mans: The legendary and terrifying history of brave souls like Eddie Hall who attempted to conquer the 24 Hours of Le Mans entirely alone.

Plus: The DWA! Camping While Awesome rally, an obituary for the legendary NASCAR star Kyle Busch, and the latest Steve McQueen apparel from the Petrolicious shop.

Drive Tastefully.