Peter Nelson is a Staff Writer at The Drive. He often finds himself blogging about all-things motorsports and off-roading as he's thoroughly infatuated with having fun behind the wheel. But his automotive enthusiasm is quite expansive and digs just about every corner of the industry.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Interests include BMWs, motorsports, old Land Rovers, do-it-yourself maintenance, track driving, and road cycling
- Enjoys writing about about wide variety of subjects, as well as his experiences behind the wheel and beneath a safely supported project car
- Previous work experience: Winding Road Racing/Winding Road Magazine, a very brief stint in banking, several fulfilling years in non-profit, a short-yet-fun tenure as a Chicago bicycle messenger
EDUCATION
Nelson graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in German and a minor in International Studies.
Words of Wisdom
“I swear, at least 40 percent of the reasoning behind the Discovery badge is because you’re always discovering leaks.”
NOTABLE WORK
- ‘No Man’s Land’ 1987 Movie Review: Watch Charlie Sheen Steal Air-Cooled Porsches in ’80s LAThe Drive
- Trackside: How a Mercedes-AMG GT3 Team Meticulously Preps for a 10-Hour RaceThe Drive
- We Went Deep on the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla at SEMA’s Measuring Session for TunersThe Drive
- I Tinkered With My BMW 128i’s Computer Coding and Didn’t Break ItThe Drive
- Momentum Driving: How to Be One of the Fastest Cars with the Least PowerThe Drive
Get latest from Peter Nelson

Here’s Everything You Need to Stay Comfy at a Track All Day
By Peter Nelson / Published Feb 9, 2021

The Forgotten Ford Escort ZX2 S/R Was a Parts-Bin Masterpiece, Thanks to the Aftermarket
By Peter Nelson / Published Feb 4, 2021

Easy Ways to Significantly Drop Lap Times
By Peter Nelson / Published Jan 28, 2021

Prepping My Car for Sale Went So Wrong That I Ended up Keeping the Thing
By Peter Nelson / Published Jan 8, 2021

Best Rooftop Tents: Enjoy the Outdoors from Your Vehicle
By Peter Nelson / Published Oct 8, 2019

Here’s How To Change Your Own Oil
By Peter Nelson / Published Aug 25, 2019

Best Trailer Wheel Locks: Bring Your Own Boot
By Peter Nelson / Published Jul 15, 2019