Are Auto Shows Dying? My Larry Chen Full-Circle
About this episode
A dive into the changing landscape of auto shows, reflecting on personal experiences and the evolution of these events. The host shares nostalgic memories of attending the Dallas Auto Show and contrasts it with the smaller, less impactful Phoenix Auto Show of today. Discussions also touch on Thanksgiving traditions, the significance of family gatherings, and a full-circle moment with automotive photographer Larry Chen. The episode wraps up with insights on upcoming automotive events and a toy drive, highlighting community engagement in the car culture.
Thanksgiving Real Talk, Auto Shows Are Dying, Larry Chen Full-Circle Moment & December Events | Hard Parking Podcast EP304
Jhae Pfenning is back with a post-Thanksgiving vibe check: why nobody actually celebrates pilgrims anymore, why this year’s smoked turkey was mid (but nobody said it), how auto shows went from epic to “one sad hall,” getting blacked-out trying to watch the Bills in Arizona, and the wild full-circle moment with automotive photographer legend Larry Chen.
Chapters:
00:21 – Intro + Texas beats A&M, Michigan loses again
03:18 – The real meaning of Thanksgiving in 2025
07:08 – Phoenix Auto Show
10:16 – Hope4TheHomeless charity show
12:10 – Larry Chen and the 2017 Pikes Peak photobomb
15:41 – Why I won't be attending FuelFest this year
Main Show Sponsors:
Right Honda: https://righthonda.com/
Right Toyota: https://www.righttoyota.com/
Arcus Foundry: https://arcusfoundry.com
Autocannon Official Gear: https://shop.autocannon.com/
Contact Hard Parking with Jhae Pfenning:
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YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HardParking
Ford Probe
"I remember getting into a Ford Probe, but it was like 19."
The Ford Probe is a type of car that was made by Ford. It was a sporty two-door coupe that people liked for its design and performance.
The Ford Probe was a sports coupe produced by Ford from 1988 to 1997. It was designed to appeal to younger buyers with its sporty styling and performance features.
auto show
"...you have the big LA auto show, right? And the Detroit auto show, the Frankfurt auto show..."
An auto show is a big event where car companies display their newest cars and features. People can see the cars up close and learn about what's new in the automotive world.
Auto shows are events where car manufacturers showcase their latest models and technologies to the public and media. They serve as a platform for unveiling new vehicles and innovations in the automotive industry.
Acura NSX
"...but it was cool to have my NSX there. I don't know what the future of those are."
The Acura NSX is a fast sports car that combines a gasoline engine with electric motors for better performance and efficiency. It's known for being very advanced and fun to drive.
The Acura NSX is a high-performance sports car known for its hybrid powertrain and advanced technology. It was first introduced in the early 1990s and has become an iconic model for the brand.
car show
"...it's a local monthly car show. So they have prizes you can win best, whatever."
A car show is an event where people show off their cars. There are often prizes for the best cars, and it's a fun way for car lovers to meet and share their passion.
A car show is an event where car enthusiasts gather to display their vehicles, often competing for awards in various categories. These events can feature a range of cars from classic to modern and provide a social atmosphere for fans.
Honda NSX
"...took the Z because the NSX was the auto show. And that was a cool event."
The Honda NSX is a fast sports car made by Honda. It's famous for its sleek design and powerful performance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Honda NSX is a high-performance sports car that was first introduced in the late 1980s. It is known for its innovative design and engineering, including a lightweight aluminum body and a mid-engine layout.
USDM
"The American, as we call USDM, United States Domestic Market, the American cars, hot rods..."
USDM means cars made for the U.S. market. They can be different from the same models sold in other countries.
USDM stands for United States Domestic Market, referring to vehicles that are specifically manufactured for the U.S. market. These cars often have different specifications and features compared to their international counterparts.
Honda Z
"The reaction to my Honda Z was awesome. I didn't win anything, but that's okay."
The Honda Z is a small car made by Honda in the early 1990s. It's known for being light and having a unique look.
The Honda Z is a compact car produced by Honda in the early 1990s. It is known for its unique design and lightweight structure, making it popular among enthusiasts.
Toyota Super
"I think a Toyota Supra won Best Asian..."
The Toyota Supra is a popular sports car known for being fast and easy to modify. Many people love it for its performance.
The Toyota Supra is a well-known sports car that has gained a cult following for its performance and tuning potential. It has been produced in several generations, with the most recent models being highly sought after.
Nissan GT-R
"...that was the Kodar event where they have all the GTRs. If you haven't, for some reason, listened to our watch last week's episode with Jake Johnson."
The Nissan GT-R is a fast sports car that many people love because of its racing history and powerful performance. It's a popular choice among car fans.
The Nissan GT-R is a high-performance sports car known for its advanced technology and impressive speed. It has a strong motorsport heritage and is often celebrated in car enthusiast circles.
Nissan Skyline R34
"...the premiere showing, of course, being Larry Chin's Immaculate, Immaculate Blue R34. If you don't know who Larry Chin is, that's okay."
The Nissan Skyline R34 is a famous version of the GT-R that many people admire for its looks and speed. It's well-known in car culture and has appeared in movies and games.
The Nissan Skyline R34 is a legendary model within the GT-R lineage, known for its iconic design and performance capabilities. It gained fame through motorsports and popular culture, particularly in video games and movies.
right-hand drive
"And I'm going to try to help him get an NSX, a right-hand drive. He's a big right-hand drive guy, but for those of you, I'll give you a quick overview of Larry Chin."
Right-hand drive means that the steering wheel is on the right side of the car, which is how cars are set up in some countries where people drive on the left side of the road.
Right-hand drive (RHD) refers to vehicles designed for driving on the left side of the road, with the steering wheel on the right side of the vehicle. This configuration is common in countries like the UK, Japan, and Australia.
automotive photographer
"Larry Chin is, I think, one of the few automotive photographers of the current era that has truly made it. And what I mean by that is he got really popular with his really unique angles of race cars."
An automotive photographer is someone who takes pictures of cars. They often try to make the cars look really cool and exciting in their photos.
An automotive photographer specializes in capturing images of cars, often focusing on their design, performance, and the culture surrounding them. This role has become increasingly important with the rise of social media and online content.
YouTube channel
"And now he's grown his YouTube channel significantly. He travels around the world and interviews people."
A YouTube channel is a place on the internet where someone can post videos. Many people use it to share their interests, like cars, and connect with others who like the same things.
A YouTube channel is a personal or brand account on YouTube where users can upload, share, and interact with video content. Many automotive enthusiasts use YouTube channels to showcase cars, reviews, and automotive culture.
Pikes Peak
"Years ago, when I was covering Peter at Pikes Peak, I went to Pikes Peak two years in a row with Peter Cunningham, 2017, 2018."
Pikes Peak is a tall mountain in Colorado where people race cars to the top. It's known for being very difficult because of the steep roads and high elevation.
Pikes Peak is a famous mountain in Colorado known for its annual hill climb race, where drivers compete to reach the summit. The event is renowned for its challenging terrain and high altitude, attracting various vehicles and drivers.
time trial
"...The big event is you go up the mountain once and you practice for weeks in advance before you get your one shot to go up the mountain. It's a time trial, essentially..."
In a time trial, drivers race to see who can go from one point to another the fastest. Each person races alone, and their times are compared to find out who was the quickest.
A time trial is a competitive event where participants race against the clock to complete a set distance in the shortest time possible. Each competitor starts individually, and their times are recorded to determine the winner.
Acura TLX GT
"...I'm filming Peter with my iPhone as I get this back view of his race car, his TLX GT. This is Cunningham right across the back bumper..."
The Acura TLX GT is a sportier version of the Acura TLX car, built for racing. It has special features that make it faster and more powerful than regular TLX models.
The Acura TLX GT is a high-performance variant of the TLX sedan, designed for racing and featuring enhanced aerodynamics and power. It is often used in motorsport events, showcasing Acura's commitment to performance.
Dacia SuperNova
".... But I'm not going to be able to attend because Supernova, my oldest of my grandchildren, the girls because..."
The Dacia SuperNova is a small, inexpensive car that was made in Romania. It's designed to be simple and affordable, so it's a good option for people who just need a car to get around without spending too much money.
The Dacia SuperNova is a budget-friendly compact car that was produced by the Romanian automaker Dacia in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It is known for its affordability and simplicity, making it a practical choice for those seeking basic transportation without frills.
Honda Civics
"...some chance to meet Hector. Yes, the three spoon civics Hector, Steve Vegas of my block and SWAT, the TV ..."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people like to drive because it's dependable and doesn't use a lot of gas. It's been around for a long time and is popular for its fun style and good performance.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has been a staple in the automotive market since its introduction in 1972. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and sporty design, the Civic has become a favorite among drivers of all ages and has a strong presence in motorsports and car culture.
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