There are many “foundations” out there that tout their support of youth in car culture. So many fall short. The Genius Garage program, a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit, created seven years ago by my dear (and colorful) friend Casey Putsch has taken the concept of youth and car culture to a level far above all the others, in my opinion.
Casey is a very controversial figure in the car world at the moment. His YouTube channel has surpassed 125,000 subscribers and he is quite outspoken of the chasm that exists between generations in the car collecting and vintage racing worlds. This has enraged some in the establishment. He has many fans and detractors. But not unlike Howard Stern, both sides tune in to see “what he’s going to say next.”
That said, between the growth of his channel and educational program, Casey should be a major player in the car world for a long time to come. His ideas and ability to execute far surpass most mortals. Putsch has a design and engineering background — and a genuine love for cars. His passion is contagious.
Several months ago, we reported on the Genius Garage Lykan Hypersport build. Casey, on behalf of Genius Garage, acquired a Lykan Hypersport chassis and body that was used as a stunt car in a failed live action tour of the Fast and the Furious, that went into receivership. A Lykan Hypersport appeared in the seventh movie of the franchise, immediately putting the small batch supercar on the map.
With his group of college students, whom he hand selects each year for the program, Casey used a donor Porsche Boxster S, lengthening the chassis and combining the two cars. Putsch’s channel documents the whole build. The level of hands-on engineering for the students gives them skills far beyond the concepts taught in the classroom. Many of Genius Garage’s alumni have literally walked into top engineering jobs throughout automotive and aerospace.
The video, shot at the Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course, near Mansfield, Ohio, finally puts the rubber to the road on this build. Casey is an impressive shoe in any car he straps in. This first time out for the student’s project is a fun ride. You can tell by all the whooping and hollering Casey does from behind the wheel, that he is suitably impressed with the results.
