Classic Auto Mall - #222 - Stewart Howden with Guests Matt Hagan + Keith Martin
About this episode
Stewart Howden hosts an engaging episode featuring top fuel funny car driver Matt Hagan, who shares insights into his racing career and life on the farm. Hagan discusses the adrenaline rush of drag racing, his experiences with high-speed driving, and the challenges of balancing his racing career with farming. The conversation also touches on the evolution of performance cars, sponsorship dynamics, and the importance of youth engagement in the automotive industry. Hagan's stories about racing, personal anecdotes, and reflections on the sport make for an entertaining listen.
Show #222 airdate 12-03-25 Stewart welcomes @Matt Hagan, Four-time NHRA #FunnyCar Champion for @Dodge #Mopar @TonyStewart_Rcg. They discuss his racing career and "side jobs" as a cattle rancher, beef products business and #beer. Plus, Keith Martin of Sports Car Market Magazine brings his blog to life about "putting the pin back in the grenade." and makes his special offer https://bit.ly/4hvXWKV #AmericanRebelBeer #HaganCattleCo #JohnForce #Hellcat @ItsBristolBaby @RockinghamSpeed @maplegrove1320 @IHRA https://bit.ly/3HPHqt7
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Recorded in our Showcase Studio just inside the entrance of the Classic Auto Mall in Morgantown, PA, Host Stewart Howden, Classic Auto Mall President and Classic Car Specialist Steve Saffier talk about this unique and amazing place often with amazing guests.
YES...Classic Auto Mall is a REAL former shopping mall that covers almost EIGHT football fields with an average of nearly ONE THOUSAND classic vehicles under one, climate controlled roof and they're all FOR SALE!
Be sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to be informed of new episodes and SEE them on the Classic Auto Mall YouTube Channel. We also invite you to VISIT US IN PERSON at Classic Auto Mall, one hour west of Philadelphia at PA Turnpike Exit #298, VISIT us online at ClassicAutoMall.com or talk to real, live people about visiting, buying or selling your classic on consignment at 888-227-0914.
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Dodge V200
"I got an 86 Dodge and a 63 Dodge V 200. And then I got a V 300 dump truck, you know, that's a 66."
The Dodge V200 is a type of truck made by Dodge. It's known for being tough and is often used for work purposes.
The Dodge V200 is a model from Dodge's line of trucks, known for its durability and utility. It's often used for various commercial applications and has a classic design that appeals to enthusiasts.
miles per hour
"...it was like a 70 mile an hour or something like that. And I was running 102."
Miles per hour is how we measure speed in the U.S. It tells you how many miles a car travels in one hour. For example, if you're going 70 miles per hour, you would cover 70 miles in one hour.
Miles per hour (mph) is a unit of speed commonly used in the United States to measure how fast a vehicle is traveling. It indicates the number of miles a vehicle can cover in one hour.
state trooper
"...the state trooper, he came over and I handed him my room key card instead of my license."
A state trooper is a police officer who patrols highways and roads in a state. They help keep drivers safe and enforce traffic laws.
A state trooper is a law enforcement officer who works for a state's highway patrol or state police. They are responsible for enforcing traffic laws, investigating accidents, and ensuring safety on state highways.
Dodge Durango Hellcat
"...with these cars nowadays, I mean, they throw me in a Hellcat Durango and that's a grocery getter, you know? But it's got, you know, almost a thousand horsepower for an SUV, you know?"
The Dodge Durango Hellcat is a powerful SUV that can carry groceries and passengers but also has a very strong engine. It’s known for being fast and fun to drive, which is unusual for an SUV.
The Dodge Durango Hellcat is a high-performance SUV that features a supercharged V8 engine, producing nearly 1,000 horsepower. This makes it one of the most powerful SUVs available, combining practicality with extreme performance.
horsepower
"...it's got, you know, almost a thousand horsepower for an SUV, you know?"
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. The more horsepower a car has, the faster it can go and the better it can perform.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. In automotive terms, higher horsepower typically indicates better performance and speed.
Chevrolet Z28
"...you get a 69 Z28 on the highway with a four speed in it and you're just begging for that next gear. Yeah, let's go."
The Z28 is a special version of the Chevrolet Camaro that was made for performance. The 1969 model is popular among car enthusiasts because it's fast and has a cool design.
The Chevrolet Z28 is a performance variant of the Camaro, known for its powerful V8 engine and sporty handling. The 1969 model is particularly sought after by collectors for its classic muscle car styling and performance capabilities.
quarter mile
"...when we, you know, run them to the quarter mile and they're like, oh my gosh, this thing's doing 110 miles an hour..."
The quarter mile is a distance used in racing to see how fast a car can go from a stop to the finish line, which is 1,320 feet long.
The quarter mile is a standard drag racing distance of 1,320 feet (402 meters). It is commonly used to measure a vehicle's acceleration performance, with times recorded from a standing start to the finish line.
Trans Am
"...My Trans Am, when I first got it, had 180 horsepower. Wow. Yeah."
The Trans Am is a type of car made by Pontiac, famous for being fast and having a cool look. It was popular in the late 20th century.
The Pontiac Trans Am is a performance vehicle that gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, known for its sporty design and powerful engines.
Nissan Versa
"Nissan Versa, you know, my dad was telling me his first car was a, I think it was a Coronada."
The Nissan Versa is a small, affordable car that many people buy because it's easy on the wallet and good for getting around town.
The Nissan Versa is a subcompact car known for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.
454 engine
"It had a 454 in it. He said, he said, the only reason I could afford it is because nobody could afford gas for it."
The 454 engine is a powerful V8 engine made by Chevrolet that can produce a lot of horsepower, making it popular in larger vehicles.
The 454 engine refers to a big-block V8 engine produced by Chevrolet, known for its high power output, often used in trucks and muscle cars.
Dodge Power Wagon
"Um, uh, uh, 1965 Dodge 200 power wagon crew. Yeah. That thing was cool."
The Dodge Power Wagon is a tough truck that was first made in the 1940s and is known for being able to drive on rough terrain. The 1965 version is a classic model that many people admire.
The Dodge Power Wagon is a heavy-duty truck known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. The 1965 model is part of a long lineage that began in the 1940s, making it a classic choice for enthusiasts.
Copart
"His, his background is, um, from, uh, co-part, you know, so his dad basically, they've been in the, um, kind of sat, I wouldn't say salvage, but like just basically disassembling cars..."
Copart is a company that sells cars that have been damaged or are no longer working. They help people buy and sell these cars at auctions.
Copart is a publicly traded company that specializes in the auctioning of salvage vehicles and parts. They provide a platform for buyers and sellers to connect, particularly in the automotive salvage market.
reaction times
"A lot of times now these, these races are pitted upon reaction times and we only like the manufacturers are only two or three and the rules are so tight."
Reaction times are how fast a driver can start their car when the race begins. The quicker they react, the better their chances of winning, especially in short races.
Reaction times in racing refer to the speed at which a driver responds to the starting signal. A quick reaction time can significantly impact race outcomes, especially in drag racing where milliseconds can determine the winner.
zero to 60
"...that was our zero to 60 or in the quarter and to go to a thousand feet..."
Zero to 60 time is how long it takes a car to go from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a popular way to measure how fast a car can speed up.
Zero to 60 time refers to the duration it takes for a vehicle to accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric used to evaluate a car's acceleration capabilities.
torque
"...12,000 horsepower, 80,000 foot pounds of torque, and it's a bomb in your lap."
Torque is how much twisting force an engine produces. More torque means the car can start moving faster and pull heavier loads.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, which is crucial for determining how quickly a vehicle can accelerate. It represents the engine's ability to do work, especially at lower speeds.
Dodge Dart (1969)
"...you can see this 69 dart behind me here."
The 1969 Dodge Dart is a small car that was made by Dodge. It was popular in the late 1960s and is often appreciated for its cool looks and performance.
The 1969 Dodge Dart is a compact car that was part of Dodge's lineup during the muscle car era. It was known for its stylish design and performance options, making it popular among car enthusiasts.
all aluminum motor
"...It's got a it's got a 570 all aluminum motor in it."
An 'all aluminum motor' is an engine made completely of aluminum, making it lighter. This helps the car go faster and use less fuel compared to heavier engines.
An 'all aluminum motor' refers to an engine block made entirely of aluminum, which is lighter than traditional cast iron. This construction can lead to better performance, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced weight in the vehicle.
Chevy Nova
"...helped me get my first race car, which was like a Chevy Nova with a 406 with a slapstick and breaking it."
The Chevy Nova is a small car made by Chevrolet that was popular in the 1960s and 70s. It was known for being affordable and customizable, which made it a good choice for racing.
The Chevy Nova is a compact car that was produced by Chevrolet from 1962 to 1979. It was popular for its simple design and performance options, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and racers.
406
"...which was like a Chevy Nova with a 406 with a slapstick and breaking it. One thing led to another fell in love with the sport..."
The '406' is a type of engine that has a size of 406 cubic inches. It's known for being powerful and was often used in racing cars.
The '406' refers to a 406 cubic inch V8 engine, which is known for its power and performance. It was commonly used in muscle cars and racing applications.
Indy
"...And I went to Indy, which is the NHR's biggest race. And I qualified for Selzey and Tommy Johnson, Jr. at Indy."
Indy is short for the Indianapolis 500, a famous car race that happens every year in Indianapolis. It's one of the biggest and most important races in the world.
Indy refers to the Indianapolis 500, one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world, held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is a key event in the IndyCar Series.
Mopar
"Mopar picks up 10 and then Andy's got five with American Rebel and Jason picks up five and we're just fully funded."
Mopar is a brand that makes parts and services for cars made by Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler. They are known for high-performance parts that car enthusiasts often use.
Mopar is the parts, service, and customer care organization within the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) group, which includes brands like Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler. It is known for its performance parts and accessories for these vehicles.
Dodge Challengers
"...with the dodged cars out there and the challengers and the himmys and all that stuff."
The Dodge Challenger is a sporty car that looks like the classic muscle cars from the past and is known for being very fast and powerful.
The Dodge Challenger is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful engines and retro styling, appealing to performance enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Ford
"I mean, you know, if you look at Ford, I don't think Ford has a passenger car even in their lineup anymore. It's either trucks or SUVs or, you know, some kind of weird hybrid, whatever."
Ford is a car company from the United States. They used to make a lot of regular cars, but now they mostly make trucks and SUVs instead.
Ford is an American automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and previously, passenger cars. The company has shifted its focus away from traditional passenger cars in recent years.
drag racing
"...the coolest thing about drag racing is the sound and the fury."
Drag racing is a fast-paced car race where two cars go head-to-head on a straight track to see which one can get to the finish line the quickest. It's exciting because of the speed and the powerful sounds of the engines.
Drag racing is a type of motor racing where two vehicles compete to see which can cover a straight distance, typically a quarter-mile, in the shortest time. It is known for its high-speed action and the excitement of acceleration, often featuring powerful engines and modified cars.
Laforza
"I bought a vehicle over the holiday. A Laforza parts truck showed up in Boyertown of all places."
The Laforza is a type of luxury SUV that was made a while ago. It's known for being stylish and tough, making it good for off-road driving.
The Laforza is a luxury SUV that was produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is known for its unique styling and was based on the Italian design, often featuring a robust build and off-road capabilities.
parts truck
"I'm going to cannibalize parts, as they say, and I'm going to sell the rest of it as a parts truck. Otherwise, I don't want to be shipping windshields and stuff because there's a lot of money in the parts, but it's a lot of time."
A parts truck is a car that people buy mainly to take its parts and use them for other cars, rather than driving it around. It's like a source for spare parts.
A parts truck is a vehicle that is primarily used for its components rather than as a functioning car. Owners often buy these vehicles to salvage parts for repairs or restorations of other vehicles.
cannibalize parts
"I'm going to cannibalize parts, as they say, and I'm going to sell the rest of it as a parts truck. Otherwise, I don't want to be shipping windshields and stuff because there's a lot of money in the parts, but it's a lot of time."
When someone says they're going to cannibalize parts, it means they're going to take pieces from one car and use them for another car instead of keeping the first one whole.
Cannibalizing parts refers to the practice of taking components from one vehicle to use in another, often to repair or enhance a different car. This can be a cost-effective way to source hard-to-find parts.
shipping windshields
"Otherwise, I don't want to be shipping windshields and stuff because there's a lot of money in the parts, but it's a lot of time."
Shipping windshields means sending car windows to someone else, which can be tricky because they're big and can break easily. It can also cost a lot to send them.
Shipping windshields refers to the logistics and challenges involved in transporting large, fragile automotive glass. This can be complicated due to the risk of damage during transit and the costs associated with shipping such items.
bumper
"You ever shipped a bumper to California?"
A bumper is the part of a car that helps protect it from damage in a crash. Shipping a bumper can be hard because it's big and can get broken easily.
A bumper is a protective component located at the front and rear of a vehicle, designed to absorb impact during collisions. They can be expensive to ship due to their size and fragility.
parting out a car
"...you could part it out for probably like I said, 10 or 12 more. But, you know, it's the same thing..."
Parting out a car means taking it apart and selling the different pieces separately. This can sometimes make more money than selling the whole car at once.
Parting out a car involves dismantling it and selling individual components rather than selling the whole vehicle. This can often yield more profit, especially for older or less desirable models.
Jaguar XKE Coupe
"...How about the 1970 Jaguar XKE Coupe? A little pricier than the $5,000 referencing..."
The Jaguar XKE is a famous sports car from the 1960s and 70s known for its beautiful design and speed. The 1970 version is a popular choice for collectors.
The Jaguar XKE, also known as the E-Type, is a British sports car that was produced from 1961 to 1975. The 1970 model features a sleek design and powerful performance, making it a classic among car enthusiasts.
Jaguar Etype
"80,000 actual miles, 4.2 liter double overhead cam, six cylinder, inline six. It's got that iconic, you know, that E-type is just unbelievable, that styling. And as we always say, what's his name?"
The Jaguar E-Type is a classic car known for its beautiful looks and fast performance. It has a special engine that helps it go really fast, and many people love it because it looks so cool and is part of car history.
The Jaguar E-Type, launched in 1961, is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever made, combining stunning design with impressive performance. The 4.2-liter inline-six engine provides a smooth and powerful driving experience, making it a favorite among classic car enthusiasts. Its iconic styling and historical significance in automotive design make it a frequent topic of discussion.
Plymouth Barracuda
"...at is nice. Also, a new arrival, the 68 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S. Fastback. Now, this is a tribute. Yes..."
The Plymouth Barracuda is a sporty car that was popular in the 1960s and is known for its cool design and speed. The 1968 version is especially loved because it looks great and can go really fast.
The Plymouth Barracuda, introduced in 1964, is one of the first American pony cars, known for its sporty design and performance. The 1968 model, particularly the Formula S variant, is celebrated for its powerful engines and unique fastback styling. Its combination of style and performance has made it a sought-after classic among collectors.
Plymouth Roadrunner
"...ooking, so. Also, a new end is the 1973 Plymouth Roadrunner Coupe. Silver Frost Metallic over black. This is..."
The Plymouth Road Runner is a classic car that was built to be fast and fun to drive, and it even has a horn that sounds like the cartoon character. It's known for being a good choice for people who want a powerful car without spending too much money.
The Plymouth Road Runner, produced from 1968 to 1980, is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and distinctive 'beep-beep' horn, inspired by the cartoon character. It was designed to be an affordable, high-performance vehicle, making it popular among car enthusiasts. Its bold styling and powerful engines make it a significant part of automotive history.
American Motors Corporation (Amc) Matador
"Red. Matador red. Red and wood."
The AMC Matador is a car that was made in the 1970s and is known for its unique look and roomy interior. It was designed for families but also had a sporty feel, making it interesting to car lovers.
The AMC Matador was a mid-size car produced by American Motors Corporation from 1971 to 1978, known for its distinctive styling and spacious interior. It was marketed as a family car with a sporty edge, and its unique design has made it a collectible among classic car enthusiasts. The mention of 'Matador red' highlights its vibrant color options that appealed to buyers.
Porsche 911
"I'm going to skip the destruction derby I did with my 9-11 for a second, where I backed into the Wakanda Wall four times."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people admire for its speed and style. It's been around for a long time and is known for being fun to drive, which is why someone might joke about using it in a rough way, like in a destruction derby.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has been in production since 1964. Known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, it has become an icon in the automotive world, celebrated for its driving dynamics and engineering excellence. The mention of a 'destruction derby' highlights the car's durability and the playful relationship some owners have with their vehicles.
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