Jay Leno And The Secrets Of A Turbocharged ‘Retirement’

Not Slowing Down: Leno left the Tonight Showtwo years ago, but he’s busy as ever–and serves as a perfect example for those pursuing second acts. (Photo by Ethan Pines for FORBES).

Deep inside a football-field-size garage near the Burbank Bob Hope Airport, Jay Leno crouches over a silver 1957 Corvette, spilling oil into the car’s exposed engine–a labor-intensive morning activity typical of his “retirement.”

Since leaving his late-night-TV gig two years ago, Leno has been evenly pouring time in...