Classic Auto Mall - #240 - Stewart Howden & Guest Michael Good of the Indianpolis Motor Speedway Museum

Potholes don’t feel the same in every situation. If you hit one slowly in stop-and-go traffic, the car has more time to drop into it, and a smaller car can feel the jolt more.

Denali is a Cadillac trim that’s usually tuned for a smoother, more comfortable ride. The host is saying it soaks up rough roads better than smaller cars.

A Mini Cooper is smaller and lighter than a big SUV, so it can feel every bump more. The host is basically saying potholes feel worse in a small car.

This is a museum connected to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It helps keep the track’s racing history and memorabilia alive, and the guest runs it.

A tunnel in the context of a race facility is typically a controlled underpass that lets vehicles or staff move between areas without crossing active track zones. Here, it’s used as a vivid detail to describe daily access around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

General Motors, or GM, is a big American car company. If your family worked for GM, it often means you grew up around cars and mechanical stuff, which can lead to a love of racing.

The Indy 500 is a famous IndyCar race in Indianapolis. It’s one of the biggest races in the U.S., and saying it’s his 38th shows he’s been involved for a very long time.

IMS Speedway is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the famous race track where the Indy 500 is held. People in racing often treat it like a special place with a lot of history.

The Indianapolis 500 is one of the biggest car races in the U.S. It’s run on a big oval track, and the cars are built specifically for racing. People who love cars usually know it, even if they don’t follow other racing.

A tractor pull is a type of competition where tractors try to drag a heavy sled as far as they can. It’s more about pulling power and grip than racing around a track.

Horsepower is a way to describe how strong an engine is. Higher horsepower usually means the car can accelerate harder, but it’s not the only thing that affects speed.

PRI stands for Performance Racing Industry, a major motorsports trade organization. The segment describes PRI as hosting a large annual trade show in Indianapolis, which is a hub for racing technology, teams, and industry suppliers.

In this context, “agnostic” means PRI doesn’t favor one type of motorsport over another. The speaker is emphasizing that the organization covers a wide range of racing disciplines, from go-karts to F1.

F1 is the most famous high-level race series in the world, with very advanced race cars. It’s different from oval racing or local fair events, but it’s still part of the big motorsports world.

Drag racing is a race where cars line up and race straight down a short track. The goal is to get to the finish line as fast as possible. It’s popular because it’s simple to watch and the acceleration is really exciting.

Formula One is a major type of race where teams build specialized open-wheel cars. It’s run on tracks around the world and has a big fan base. When people say “Formula One,” they usually mean that specific racing series, not all racing in general.

IndyCar is a big open-wheel racing series in the U.S. The cars and rules are different from Formula One, even though both are “open-wheel” racing. So when someone says “IndyCar,” they’re talking about a different league than F1.

They briefly mention a debate around Formula 1. That kind of “controversy” usually means people disagree about how the sport is being run or how fair the racing is.

NHRA is an American drag racing organization. “Top Fuel” is the quickest drag racing category, and the cars are so powerful that the launch is physically intense—almost like a shockwave.

Antron Brown is a famous drag racer. The point here is that the speaker is describing what it feels like to watch a top-level driver right before the launch.

Ron Caps is another drag racer mentioned in the same Top Fuel setting. They’re saying they were close to the action right before the race starts.

In drag racing, there’s a set of start lights called the “tree.” “Light up the tree” means the lights begin the countdown that starts the race, and drivers try to launch at the right moment.

Parity in racing means the competition is kept close. The goal is that no single team or car is so far ahead that races become boring.

NASCAR is a popular U.S. racing series with stock cars. It’s different from IndyCar, so switching between them is like switching sports with different rules and cars.

A go-kart track is the course where people race small, lightweight karts. It’s a common first step for future race drivers because it teaches you how to steer, brake, and drive through corners.

Racecraft is how you actually race well—not just how fast you can go. It includes things like where to drive in a turn and how to pass or defend without making mistakes.

Sponsors are companies that pay for a racing team. In return, the team puts their name/logo on the car or gear and helps them get noticed.

It’s basically saying that getting people to notice you and care about what you’re doing matters a lot. In this context, the museum is trying to create excitement so more people show up and pay attention.

It means taking care of the museum’s history so it doesn’t get lost. The goal is to keep the stories and cars accurate for future visitors.

It means telling the story in a new way that grabs people’s attention. Instead of just showing cars, the museum tries to make the experience feel exciting and modern.

A major renovation budget like “$70 million” typically signals significant upgrades—often including new galleries, restoration spaces, climate control, and improved visitor flow. In a museum setting, these changes can directly affect how well cars and artifacts are preserved and displayed.

Big anniversaries are a way for the museum to celebrate how long it’s been around. They often use the moment to bring in more visitors and tell the story of the sport.

The hosts explain that some museum cars were acquired as loans or gifts, rather than being historically connected to the Indy 500 itself. This matters because a museum’s collection is often judged by how directly it supports the story it’s trying to tell.

The guest notes that the Ferrari had never raced on “this track,” meaning it didn’t have direct provenance tied to the venue’s competition history. In classic-car collecting and museum curation, race history and track provenance are often key to a car’s interpretive value.

The start/finish line is where the race timing is measured. A live camera feed shows what’s happening at that exact spot while the race is going on.

“Turn two” is just the name of a particular corner on the race track. Different corners behave differently, so people pay attention to them when watching or setting up cars.

In motorsports, “caretaker” or stewardship refers to the people responsible for preserving a track’s legacy while keeping it relevant and well-run for future generations. Here, the hosts frame Roger Pinsky’s role as continuing the work of prior stewards and maintaining community trust.

They’re talking about a particular place at the Indianapolis track where people gather and watch events. It helps listeners picture where the action is on race day.

They’re mentioning “Rolex” as one of the racing events they’ve attended. In racing, Rolex is often tied to well-known endurance races.

King of the Hammers is a very tough off-road race. It’s known for difficult obstacles and challenging driving conditions.

“Turn three” refers to a specific corner/section of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track layout. Different turns give different sightlines, noise levels, and viewing experiences, which is why fans talk about watching from various parts of the circuit. For listeners, it helps to know that track position changes what you notice during a race.

“38th and 500” is almost certainly shorthand for the Indianapolis 500 (often said as “the 500”), with “38th” indicating the speaker’s 38th time attending. The Indianapolis 500 is a major open-wheel race, and repeated attendance is a common way fans describe their connection to the event. Listeners may benefit from recognizing that “500” refers to the Indy 500.

The “Wienermobile race” is a humorous, crowd-pleasing event associated with the Indianapolis 500 festivities. It’s notable because it shows how Indy isn’t only about the main race—it also has themed entertainment leading up to it. For listeners, it’s a good example of how motorsport culture blends with pop culture.

Rotating a collection means they don’t show everything all the time. They store some items and swap them in later so the display stays interesting and the stuff lasts longer.

A museum vault is a secure back-room where they keep items that aren’t currently on display. It helps protect valuable things from damage and theft.

They’re joking that the vault is like Area 51—something secret and not easy to get into. It’s just a way to say it’s hidden and not usually accessible.

Racing isn’t just about going fast—it’s also where new technology gets tested. When something works well on the track, car makers may use it in regular cars so more people can benefit.

Disc brakes use a spinning metal disc and pads to slow the car down. They tend to work better and handle heat well, which is why they became common on modern cars.

Seatbelts are what keep you from flying forward during a crash. They’re a key safety feature, and racing helped prove and refine safety ideas over time.

ABS is a safety system that stops your wheels from locking up when you brake hard. When the wheels don’t lock, you’re more likely to keep steering control.

R&D means “research and development,” basically how new ideas get tested and improved. Here, the host is saying the museum helps you see how engineers learn from racing and turn that into real car technology.

A hybrid car uses two types of power: a gasoline engine and an electric motor. The electric part can help the car move faster and can also make the overall system use less fuel.

When they say “110th running,” they mean the race has been held about 110 times over the years. It’s a way of saying the event is really established and has a long track record.

Firestone is a tire brand that also works on tires for racing. The idea is that what they learn from race tires can help make regular tires safer and better for everyday driving.

Passenger tires are the tires you’d put on a normal car you drive every day. The hosts are saying that racing tire technology can eventually make those everyday tires safer and perform better.

From a safety standpoint means the changes aren’t only about going faster—they’re about helping the car stay controllable. Better grip and stability can reduce the chance of losing control.

They’re talking about how busy the parking lot is, which is a sign that lots of people are visiting. At a track or museum, that usually means the place is drawing a lot of motorsport fans.

Bus tours are just organized group trips. Here, they’re used to bring visitors around the track area so more people can see it easily.

They mention Time Magazine ranking the place among the top destinations. It’s basically a big-name endorsement that helps explain why lots of people want to visit.

Museums can be expensive to run, and ticket sales alone often don’t cover everything. So they have to work hard to attract visitors and manage costs.

“Wow factor” is the idea that certain exhibits or displays create an immediate, emotional impact that encourages people to keep looking. In automotive museums, that often comes from rare cars, dramatic presentation, or interactive storytelling.

They’re talking about a renovation project for the museum and how it changed the place after it reopened. It’s basically the “what’s new” story for the museum.

An “unveiling” is when they reveal a car to people—like a launch or big reveal. Museums and collectors often do these events to build excitement.

They’re saying the event tickets fill up fast. That usually happens when there are limited spots and lots of people want to attend.

“Standing room only” means the event was so popular there weren’t enough seats, so people had to stand. It suggests a lot of interest in the car unveilings.

Instead of leaving the same cars on display forever, the museum swaps them around. So your visit today can look different from a visit a month ago.

They’re saying the museum isn’t just a room full of old stuff—it keeps evolving. Cars and displays change over time.

This is a museum attraction meant to make you feel like you’re at the start of a race. They describe it as so intense it gives you goosebumps.

Gasoline Alley is a themed area that celebrates cars and racing history. Here, it’s the first stop you walk through before entering the museum’s “starting line” experience.

Big Machine Label is a music company. In this conversation, it’s mentioned because Scott Borchetta is involved and connected to the motorsports world.

They mention an event called the Heritage Invitational in Charlotte. Scott was racing there, but the clip doesn’t explain exactly what kind of event it was.

A pace car is the car that leads the race cars at the beginning (or when things need to be controlled). It sets the speed and helps get everyone lined up safely.

“On the track” means driving on a race course instead of regular roads. It’s where drivers can push the car harder and learn how it behaves at speed.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is a place that shares the history of racing from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It often has hands-on activities so visitors can learn more than just by reading.

Charlotte Motor Speedway is a famous race track in the Charlotte area. People go there for big racing events, so it helps set the scene for what the museum is connected to.

This is basically the museum’s organized teaching programs. Instead of just looking at cars, visitors get activities and lessons that help them understand how things work.

Summer camps are learning programs during the summer. Here, the museum uses them to teach kids through activities and guided experiences, not as a job/internship.

Facility rentals refer to renting out a venue space for events. For museums and motorsports facilities, this can include private gatherings, corporate events, and community programming that help fund operations.

STEM is a school approach focused on science, technology, engineering, and math. “STEAM” adds the arts so learning isn’t only technical—it also includes creativity.

Driving simulators are video-and-control setups that mimic driving. They let people experience racing or driving situations safely, without actually getting behind the wheel of a real car.

This is about “succession” in motorsports culture—keeping racing and classic-car enthusiasm alive by recruiting younger people. Museums and volunteer programs often serve as a bridge by offering education, hands-on involvement, and access to history.

They started a new volunteer program to get people helping out. The host says it was launched after reopening and the team worked hard to make it successful.

The bolt pattern is how the lug holes are laid out on your car’s wheel hub. If the pattern doesn’t match, the wheel won’t mount correctly.

The Audi Q8 is a luxury SUV. It’s the kind of car people pick for comfort and nicer features, not just performance.

The Porsche Macan is a Porsche SUV. The host is saying his son totaled one, which is why they’re talking about other cars now.

A Porsche 911 (997) is a specific generation of the 911 from the mid-to-late 2000s. The host is saying this era feels more like you have to drive actively, instead of the car doing all the work for you.

When someone says a Porsche is “analog,” they mean it feels more old-school and connected. Instead of lots of electronic corrections, you steer and drive it more directly.

The odometer shows how many miles the car has. For special cars, people sometimes check it often (like weekly photos) to make sure the mileage stays low.

A “Fox body” Mustang is an older Mustang generation from the late 1970s through the early 1990s. It’s popular because parts are widely available and it’s a common platform for learning how to work on cars.

“Build up the stable” just means collecting more cars over time. It’s basically the idea of starting with one fun car now, then adding more later when life is less busy.

Two-wheel drive means the car only powers two wheels instead of all four. That can make it simpler and sometimes cheaper, but it may not grip as well on slippery roads.

A six-speed transmission has six gears for the car to use. It can help the car feel smoother and more responsive, and it can keep the engine from working too hard at highway speeds.

“Point and shoot” is how drivers describe a car that turns in quickly and goes where you aim it. It feels confident and easy to control, especially when you’re driving fast or cornering.

“Annual” just means it happens once every year. It’s the kind of schedule that makes events easier to plan around.

Evel Knievel (spelled “Evil Knievel” in the transcript) was a famous American stunt performer known for motorcycle jumps. Mentioning him signals a connection to mainstream pop-culture motorsports history and the kind of celebrity-driven branding that can grow a business.

A convertible is a car you can drive with the roof down. On classic cars, convertibles are often more desirable because they’re a different style and can be harder to find.

They’re describing the shifter setup as something like a “two-person” style. It’s a way of talking about how the gear selector is arranged on that car.

“455” refers to a 455 cubic-inch V8 displacement, a common engine size in early 1970s American muscle cars. When someone mentions “455” alongside color/stripe details, it usually indicates the car’s engine identity and performance heritage.

“W-30” is a performance code that tells you this Oldsmobile had a stronger engine setup than the standard version. It’s one of the clues collectors use to figure out exactly what the car was.

“Triple black” usually means the car is black in several places, like the outside and the inside, making it look extra dark and uniform. It’s a common way people describe special color combinations.

A “trumpet exhaust” is an exhaust outlet that flares outward, kind of like a trumpet. People notice it because it often sounds louder and more distinctive than a normal exhaust tip.

The Shelby GT500 is a performance-focused version of the Mustang. The “70 GT500” refers to the 1970 model year, which is a well-known muscle car. People bring it up because it’s powerful and also a popular collector car.

That’s a 1997 Mazda Miata roadster. It’s a small, lightweight car designed to be fun to drive, and “convertible” means the top can open for open-air driving.

That’s the engine’s basic design: it’s a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, and it uses two camshafts on top of the engine to control the valves. It’s a common setup on performance-friendly engines.

The window sticker is the paper that shows what the car was originally sold for and what options it had. If you still have the original one, it’s a nice proof of what the car came with.

They’re emphasizing documentation as part of a car’s value and provenance—especially for special-interest or collector vehicles. Keeping original paperwork (stickers, descriptions, and other sales materials) helps establish history and can support resale value.

They mean keeping the “story” of the car. That includes things like old paperwork and records, not just the car itself, so the next owner knows where it came from and what it was like when it was new.

“Road test results” are measurements published by magazines or testers that quantify how a car performs in real-world driving conditions. They’re often used by collectors to compare a car’s claimed performance with what it actually did at the time.

“0 to 60” means how fast the car goes from standing still to 60 mph. It’s a simple way to compare acceleration between cars, but real results can differ.

A “die cast” is a small model car made with metal. People collect them because they look like the real thing and are fun to display.

Matchbox is a company that makes small toy cars. When someone mentions Matchbox, they’re usually talking about those die-cast toy models.

“One forty three” sounds like a specific Matchbox model number or item code. Toy and die-cast lines often use numbers to identify different cars or variations, so the speaker is likely choosing between two model options.

“One eighty” is likely another number for a different toy car option. They’re probably saying they can afford that particular one compared to the other choice.

They’re talking about a 1958 Corvette, which is the first generation of the Corvette (called the C1). It’s a convertible, and they’re pointing out both how it looks and what’s been changed to make it more fun to drive.

A “five-speed manual” indicates the Corvette is using a manual transmission with five forward gears. “Tremac” likely refers to a Tremec brand transmission used in classic-car conversions, which is commonly chosen for stronger gearing and a more modern shift feel.

“Posi” refers to a positive-traction differential (commonly a limited-slip differential) that helps both rear wheels drive more effectively. “Axle 3.55” is the rear gear ratio, which generally improves acceleration at the cost of higher engine RPM at highway speeds.

“C1” is just a way car people label the first generation of the Corvette. They’re saying not every early Corvette year is equally loved, and 1958 has some unique styling.

The “extra chrome strips on the trunk” are a year-specific exterior trim detail. The hosts use it to illustrate how the 1958 Corvette differs from other C1 years and why collectors may view it as more or less desirable.

A louvered hood uses angled openings (louvers) to add visual character and can help with heat management depending on how it’s implemented. In this context, the hosts call it a distinctive one-year-only styling detail on the 1958 Corvette.

They mean some parts of the car’s styling only existed for one year. That can make the car more interesting to collectors, because those details are rarer.

A Cyclone is a performance pickup concept—basically a truck that was built to be faster and more exciting than a normal one. The podcast mentions a “hard top cyclone,” meaning it’s the version with a fixed roof rather than an open setup. These cars are often talked about because they’re uncommon and have a unique performance reputation.

The 1970 Mercury Cyclone is a classic muscle car from Mercury. It’s from the late-60s/early-70s period when big engines and performance packages were a big deal.

A “hardtop” is a type of car body where the roof looks more like a coupe and there’s no center pillar like on many sedans. Here it’s used to describe which Cyclone version they mean.

The C6 is an automatic transmission with three forward gears. Saying it’s the “correct” one usually means the car has the right transmission type for its original setup.

“429 4-barrel” means the car has a big 429 V8 engine and it uses a four-barrel carburetor to feed fuel. Collectors care because it tells you what kind of power setup the car originally had.

“Era correct” means the car’s components and details match what would have been available and installed during that model year/time period. In collector circles, it’s a standard for authenticity—often evaluated by matching parts, finishes, and configurations rather than just overall appearance.

The “front end fascia” is the car’s front styling pieces—basically the parts that make the front look the way it does. It can include the grille and surrounding trim.

A “Deluxe Marty report” refers to a detailed vehicle-history/specification report used by collectors to document how a car was originally equipped. It’s typically used to confirm original options and build details, which matters for authenticity and valuation.

This is a 1963 Ford Galaxy 500, and it’s the two-door fastback version. A fastback means the roof slopes smoothly toward the back, and the color combo (yellow over black) is part of what makes it stand out.

A fastback is a car shape where the roof smoothly slopes down toward the back. It usually looks more “sporty” than a car with a boxy roof and separate trunk.

“Sports roof” is basically another name for a sporty-looking roof shape, similar to a fastback. The key clue is the way the rear glass and roofline flow together.

“Actual miles” is a selling/verification phrase meaning the odometer reading is believed to reflect the car’s true mileage, rather than being rolled back or uncertain. In classic markets, mileage accuracy matters because it affects value and buyer confidence. The segment uses it to highlight low wear for the described car.

A three-speed automatic transmission is an older automatic design that uses three forward gear ratios to manage acceleration and cruising. Compared with modern multi-speed automatics, it typically means fewer gear steps and can feel less efficient at highway speeds. In classic restorations, matching the correct transmission type is part of keeping the car authentic.

They’re saying the car was restored the right way, not with cheap shortcuts. That usually means better parts and more careful work. The point is that a proper restoration costs real money.

This is a classic Mercedes-Benz roadster. It can be driven with the soft top down, but it can also switch to a hard top for different weather and a more “closed” look. The episode is pointing out that this particular one has low miles and has been kept in great condition.

Single overhead cam (SOHC) means the engine uses one camshaft located in the cylinder head to operate the valves. SOHC layouts are often simpler and can be durable, but performance and efficiency depend on the specific engine design. In the segment, it’s used to describe the Mercedes-Benz 380 SL’s 3.8-liter engine configuration.

A removable hard top is a roof panel that can be taken off and replaced, allowing the car to switch between a closed-roof configuration and an open-top convertible. On many classic roadsters, the hard top is heavy and the process often requires a dedicated hoist or pulley system. The segment specifically mentions needing a pulley system to handle the hard top.

The Mercedes-Benz SL is a fancy convertible roadster from Mercedes. In the 1970s and 1980s, it was seen as a “status” car—something people noticed when it drove by.

“CO 55” sounds like a model name shorthand, and the speaker is saying they just got that car back after service. They’re also pointing out the car’s color combo as part of why it looks so good.

A “status symbol” car is one people recognize as a sign of money or prestige. The speaker is basically saying the classic SL was widely seen, so it became strongly linked with that image.

The 450 SL is a particular version of the Mercedes-Benz SL. It’s the one people often think of when they picture the classic, upscale SL era.

“Performance for the buck” just means the car is fast for the money you pay. The hosts are saying you can buy into Corvette performance without spending supercar-level prices. They’re using this idea to recommend the car as a smart buy.

Le Mans blue is just the car’s paint color name. Some collectors care a lot about the exact color a car left the factory with. That can make the car more desirable when you’re shopping.

LS2 V8 is the engine in this Corvette, and it’s a big V8 that provides strong acceleration. The hosts mention it because it’s a major reason the car feels fast. It’s also a common, well-understood engine for Corvette owners.

The “LT package” is a Corvette option bundle that typically adds higher-end features and equipment beyond the base car. Collectors often pay attention to which packages are included because they can change both the car’s comfort/tech and its desirability. Here, the host specifically calls out that this car has the LT package.

“2200 change built” indicates limited production/rarity for that specific Corvette configuration. Production counts can influence collector interest because fewer cars with the same spec can mean higher demand. In this segment, it’s used to emphasize that the car isn’t just fast—it’s also relatively uncommon.

A “posi axle” refers to a limited-slip differential setup (often branded as “Posi” by GM) that helps deliver power to both rear wheels. The “256” likely refers to the rear axle gear ratio, which affects acceleration and highway cruising. This is a meaningful spec because it changes how the Corvette drives.

A “barn find” is a car that’s been sitting unused for a long time, usually in storage. When it’s found, it can be exciting because it might be original and low-mileage—but it may also need a lot of work to get running again.

“No reserve” means the auction doesn’t have a minimum price. If someone bids the most, they can win even if the price is lower than expected.

Proxy bidding means you tell the auction the most you’re willing to pay. The system then bids for you up to that limit as the price goes up.

This sounds like a specific auction company or bidding platform. If you’re planning to bid through them, it’s worth checking their rules and fees so you know exactly what you’re agreeing to.

A bidder fee is a charge you pay just to be allowed to bid. If they waive it, it means it’s cheaper for you to register and participate.

A credit card deposit is a hold or payment they take when you sign up to bid. If they say it’s fully refundable, you should get it back if you don’t end up buying a car.

Some people register their car in Montana even if they don’t live there. They do it to save money or deal with rules differently, but it can cause problems if police think the registration doesn’t match where the owner actually lives.