Past Gas #141: Suzuki Turned A Motorcycle Racer Into A Spy

Today on Past Gas, the story of the motorcycle racer turned spy Ernst Degner-- as well as that of a Nazi engineer named Walter Kaaden. Why was Degner leaving East Germany at the height of his fame? How was the Japanese company Suzuki embroiled in his defection? And what secrets did Degner have stuffed in a briefcase that he was carrying with him on that Autumn day in communist Germany? Degner and Walter’s destinies were shaped by larger-than-life forces-- but through a series of choices of their own making, they shaped their futures, and in the process, altered the history of motorcycle racing forever. More about Show: Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey.   Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes.   Follow Joe on IG and Twitter @joegweber. Follow Donut @donutmedia, and subscribe to our Youtube and Facebook channels!   Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or using this link: http://bit.ly/PastGas. If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be helpful! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: http://bit.ly/PastGas. Thanks to our sponsors: Sign up today at stitchfix.com/GAS to get $20 off your first purchase Try EveryPlate for just $1.79 per meal by going to everyplate.com and entering code gas179. Visit itrustcapital.com to start investing today. Get Valvoline for your car! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices