Dodge's NASCAR Dream Lives, the Charger Cooks With Gas and Tesla Kills the Model S
About this episode
The episode dives into the excitement surrounding the Rolex 24 at Daytona, highlighting record crowds and thrilling races, including a six and a half hour fog delay. Co-hosts Gary and Alex discuss the upcoming NASCAR season, including changes to the playoff system and the potential return of Dodge to the Cup series. They also touch on the discontinuation of Tesla's Model S and X, and Hyundai's plans for the Santa Cruz pickup. The hosts share their experiences with the new Dodge Charger and the Mazda MX5 Cup, emphasizing the unique aspects of each.
Gary and Alex discuss the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the kick-off to the NASCAR season at the Clash with thoughts from Wood Brother's Racing's Josh Berry, Tony Stewart's entry in the NASCAR Truck Series and Dodge's potential return to the Cup Series in 2027. Gary also got behind the wheels of the gas-powered Dodge Charger and Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT, while Tesla announced it is discontinuing the Model S, one of the most significant cars in history.
Rolex 24
"...because he spent a couple of days in Daytona at the Rolex 24..."
The Rolex 24 is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours. Teams race their cars around a track in Daytona, Florida, and it's known for being very challenging and exciting.
The Rolex 24 is a prestigious endurance race held annually at Daytona International Speedway. It is part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and features teams competing for 24 hours straight, testing both the cars and drivers' endurance.
IMSA
"The thing with the Rolex and IMSA in general is these are huge infield slash like camping races."
IMSA is an organization that runs car racing events in North America. They organize races where different types of sports cars compete against each other.
IMSA stands for the International Motor Sports Association, which governs various sports car racing series in North America, including the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. It is known for its high-level competition and diverse range of vehicles.
IndyCar
"...the big difference between IMSA and NASCAR and IndyCar is that along with the racing, it's even more about those cars."
IndyCar is another form of racing where cars have open wheels and are built for speed. They race on different types of tracks, including circular ones and road courses.
IndyCar is a type of open-wheel car racing in the United States, known for its high-speed races on both ovals and road courses. The series features single-seat cars that are designed for maximum speed and agility, making it distinct from NASCAR and IMSA.
NASCAR
"...the big difference between IMSA and NASCAR and IndyCar is that along with the racing, it's even more about those cars."
NASCAR is a type of car racing that's very popular in the U.S. They race cars that look like regular cars but are built to go really fast on special tracks.
NASCAR, or the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is a popular American motorsport organization known for its stock car racing series. It features cars that are based on production models but heavily modified for racing, emphasizing speed and competition on oval tracks.
Formula One
"If you saw the Formula One movie, that was a very dramatized version of the fireworks."
Formula One is a very popular car racing series where fast cars compete in different races around the world. It's known for its exciting races and skilled drivers.
Formula One is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, known for its high-speed cars and prestigious races around the world. The series features advanced technology and attracts top drivers and teams.
Porsche 963
"...You had Philippe Benazzar in the Porsche, you had a 9.63 winning his third Rolex 24 in a row..."
The Porsche 963 is a high-performance race car built for endurance races. It's designed to be fast and handle well on the track, making it a favorite among racing teams.
The Porsche 963 is a race car designed for endurance racing, including events like the Rolex 24. It features advanced aerodynamics and performance engineering, making it competitive in its class.
GTD
"...the battle in GTD between the AMG and the Aston Martin with just like minutes left to go was crazy..."
GTD stands for GT Daytona, which is a category of racing that includes sports cars. This class allows both professional and amateur drivers to compete together.
GTD, or GT Daytona, is a class in sports car racing that features production-based sports cars. It allows for a mix of professional and amateur drivers, making it competitive and exciting.
Aston Martin
"...the battle in GTD between the AMG and the Aston Martin with just like minutes left to go was crazy..."
Aston Martin is a brand that makes fancy sports cars. They are known for being stylish and fast, and they often race in competitions.
Aston Martin is a luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles that combine elegance with powerful performance. They are often associated with motorsport and luxury.
Mazda Mx5
"...n as the Rolex 24 is, maybe even more fun is the Mazda MX5 Cup support race that takes place there. Folks, ..."
The Mazda MX-5, or Miata, is a small sports car that is really fun to drive. It's known for being light and quick, which makes it a favorite among people who love racing and driving for pleasure.
The Mazda MX-5, commonly known as the Miata, is a lightweight sports car celebrated for its exceptional handling and driving enjoyment. It has a strong following and is often featured in racing events, highlighting its performance and fun-to-drive characteristics.
Mazda Miatas
"Rolex 24 is, maybe even more fun is the Mazda MX5 Cup support race that takes place there. Folks, if you're not familiar with this series, it's all Mazda Miata's. They're all exactly the same performance. Picture the Daytona 500 pack racing, but on road courses. It's amazing to see these cars"
Daytona 500
"...Picture the Daytona 500 pack racing, but on road courses. It's amazing to see these cars run a nose to tail three, four, five wide the entire race..."
The Daytona 500 is a famous car race in the United States, part of NASCAR. It's known for having many cars racing closely together at high speeds, making it very exciting to watch.
The Daytona 500 is one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR, held annually at Daytona International Speedway. It is known for its high speeds and close pack racing, similar to what is seen in the Mazda MX-5 Cup.
Martinsville Speedway
"...and they race at Martinsville Speedway now, which is also a blast. It is a cool series..."
Martinsville Speedway is a race track in Virginia where many car races are held. It's known for being small and having tight turns, which makes the races very exciting and close.
Martinsville Speedway is a short track in Virginia known for its tight turns and close racing. It is one of the oldest tracks in NASCAR and is famous for its unique layout and fan-friendly atmosphere.
Charlotte Motor Speedway
"...Charlotte Motor Speedway, that is another awesome place to go watch racing on the oval..."
Charlotte Motor Speedway is a famous racetrack in North Carolina where many NASCAR races take place. It's known for its exciting races and large crowds.
Charlotte Motor Speedway is a major motorsport complex located in Concord, North Carolina, known for hosting NASCAR races. It features a 1.5-mile oval track and is a key venue in the NASCAR schedule.
Chrysler Daytona
"...ar since 2016. But he's going to be in a truck at Daytona as part of the Ram free agent program. He's goin..."
The Chrysler Daytona is a sporty car from the 1980s that was known for its fast engines and cool design. It's remembered by car fans for its unique look and performance.
The Chrysler Daytona is a performance-oriented car that gained fame in the 1980s for its sporty design and turbocharged engine options. It is often discussed for its role in the automotive landscape during that era and its unique styling.
iRacing
"...he hasn't really done much prep work yet. He's been on iRacing and working with a spotter just trying to get used to things."
iRacing is a computer program where people can race cars online. It looks and feels like real racing, and many drivers use it to practice.
iRacing is an online racing simulation platform that allows users to race against each other in realistic virtual environments. It is widely used by professional and amateur racers for practice and competition.
Ram
"...he wanted to help kick off the Ram brand. He's been racing Dodges in the NHRA for the last couple of years."
Ram is a brand that makes trucks and vans. They are known for being tough and reliable, especially their pickup trucks.
Ram is a brand of trucks and vans that originated from Chrysler. It is known for its rugged vehicles, particularly in the pickup truck segment.
super speedways
"...on the super speedways. He doesn't have to relearn how to drive the truck in short order..."
Super speedways are really big racetracks where cars go super fast. They usually have curved edges to help cars stay on track while going at high speeds.
Super speedways are large oval racetracks that are typically over 2 miles in length. They are designed for high-speed racing and often feature banked turns to allow cars to maintain speed through corners.
drafting
"...it's more about drafting. And as it turns out, he has the second most wins of all time at Daytona. 19 wins second only to Dale Earnhardt, senior who has 34..."
Drafting is when one car drives closely behind another to go faster. It helps reduce wind resistance, making it easier to speed up, especially on big tracks like Daytona.
Drafting is a technique used in racing where a driver closely follows another vehicle to reduce air resistance, allowing for higher speeds and better fuel efficiency. This is particularly important on super speedways, where aerodynamics play a crucial role in performance.
restrictor plate racing
"...already know about restrictor plate racing and the variables that are the same variables that these kids are going to have to learn. So I feel like it puts us more on an even playing field..."
In restrictor plate racing, a special plate is placed in the engine to limit how much air can get in. This helps keep cars from going too fast, making races more competitive and safer for drivers.
Restrictor plate racing is a form of motorsport where a plate is used to limit the airflow into the engine, thereby controlling the power output. This is done to promote closer racing and reduce speed, making the competition more exciting and safer.
Cup Series
"...the intention of this program is to eventually get back to the cup series with Dodge. There's no timeframe on that..."
The Cup Series is the main racing series in NASCAR, where the fastest cars race against each other in exciting competitions.
The Cup Series refers to the top level of professional stock car racing in the United States, known as NASCAR Cup Series, featuring highly competitive races and custom-built cars.
next gen car
"...Cup series, obviously the next gen car is more of a spec car, but you still have to design a body..."
The next gen car is the newest type of car used in NASCAR racing, built to be safer and better for racing.
The next gen car refers to the latest generation of cars used in the NASCAR Cup Series, designed to improve safety, performance, and competition.
Dodge Charger
"...So the new Charger is still going to be very fresh and new a year from now. That is an important marketing platform..."
The Dodge Charger is a large car that looks sporty and is known for being fast. It's popular in movies and car shows for its powerful engines.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its muscular styling and performance-oriented variants. It has a rich history in American automotive culture, often associated with power and speed.
Ford Mustang
"...on your local TV station. But for something like Mustang for GM, there is no Camaro. So it's Chevy's sort ..."
Chevrolet Camaro
"something like Mustang for GM, there is no Camaro. So it's Chevy's sort of performance flag outside"
The Chevrolet Camaro is a type of sports car that is known for being fast and fun to drive. It's often compared to the Ford Mustang.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and sporty design. It competes directly with the Ford Mustang in the pony car segment.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...utside of the sports car stuff that they do with Corvette. You don't see ads for those cars. There's not a..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a famous sports car from America that is known for being fast and stylish. It's been around for a long time and is often talked about because of its powerful engine and unique look.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance, distinctive design, and rich history dating back to the 1950s. It represents the pinnacle of Chevrolet's engineering and has become a symbol of American automotive culture, often discussed for its advancements in technology and performance.
zero to sixty time
"It'll do zero to 63.9 seconds quarter mile in 12.2 that's quicker to 60 than the old V8 powered scat pack."
Zero to sixty time is how long it takes a car to go from a complete stop to going 60 miles per hour. It's a way to see how fast a car can speed up.
Zero to sixty time refers to the time it takes for a car to accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric for cars.
quarter mile
"It'll do zero to 63.9 seconds quarter mile in 12.2 that's quicker to 60 than the old V8 powered scat pack."
A quarter mile is a distance often used in racing to see how fast cars can go. It's about 1,320 feet long.
A quarter mile is a common distance used in drag racing to measure a car's performance. The time it takes to cover this distance is often used to compare the speed of different vehicles.
V8
"the old V8 powered scat pack that a 485 horsepower 6.4 liter V8."
A V8 is a type of engine that has eight cylinders shaped like a V. It's known for being powerful and is often used in fast cars.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine with the cylinders arranged in a V configuration. V8 engines are known for their power and performance, commonly used in muscle cars and trucks.
Ford Rt Model
"...here's also going to be a 420 horsepower Charger RT model coming out later this year. $51,990. I got to tel..."
The Ford Model T is an old car that changed how cars were made, making them cheaper and easier to buy for regular people. It was made a long time ago and is important in the history of cars.
The Ford Model T is a historic automobile that revolutionized the automotive industry by introducing assembly line production, making cars affordable for the average person. Produced from 1908 to 1927, it is often discussed for its significance in automotive history and its role in shaping modern transportation.
full-size car
"It's a full size car 206 inches long. It's bigger in footprint than a three row Dodge Durango SUV."
A full-size car is a big car that has a lot of room inside for passengers and luggage. It's great for families or long trips.
A full-size car is a vehicle classification that typically offers more interior space, comfort, and larger dimensions compared to mid-size or compact cars. They are often used for family transportation and long-distance travel.
all-wheel drive
"And best of all come standard with all wheel drive."
All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car get power, which helps the car grip the road better, especially in bad weather.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously, improving traction and stability on various road conditions. It is particularly beneficial in adverse weather.
Dodge Challenger
"...that the sort of previous generation charger and Challenger did especially the later ones when you had the wi..."
The Dodge Challenger is a powerful car that looks like the classic muscle cars from the past. It's known for its strong engines and cool design, making it a favorite for people who love fast cars.
The Dodge Challenger is a modern muscle car that pays homage to the classic American muscle car era of the 1970s. Known for its powerful engine options and retro styling, it has become a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for performance and a nostalgic design.
Tesla Model S
"...nnounced that they are finally discontinuing the Model S and the Model X. The Model S was its first volume..."
Tesla Model X
"...ey are finally discontinuing the Model S and the Model X. The Model S was its first volume product the Roa..."
The Tesla Model X is an electric SUV that has unique doors that open upwards. It's known for being high-tech and environmentally friendly, making it a popular choice for families who want a spacious car.
The Tesla Model X is an all-electric SUV known for its distinctive falcon-wing doors and advanced technology features, including Autopilot capabilities. It represents Tesla's commitment to electric mobility and has gained attention for its performance, spaciousness, and innovative design.
Tesla Model 3
"...hem. They're moving forward with the Model Y the Model 3 and the new cyber cab. Obviously Elon's just tal..."
The Tesla Model 3 is a smaller electric car that is more affordable than other Tesla models. It's popular because it can go a long distance on a single charge and has lots of modern technology features.
The Tesla Model 3 is a compact electric sedan that has gained popularity for its affordability, impressive range, and cutting-edge technology. It is a key model in Tesla's lineup, aimed at making electric vehicles more accessible to the general public.
Tesla Model Y
"...to replace them. They're moving forward with the Model Y the Model 3 and the new cyber cab. Obviously Elon..."
Ford Falcon
"...know has some unorthodox styling I feel like the Falcon doors were just done because it looked cool and E..."
The Ford Falcon is an older car that was made in different styles for many years. It's remembered for its unique look and is often talked about by car enthusiasts who appreciate its history.
The Ford Falcon is a classic car that was produced in various forms from the early 1960s to the early 2000s, known for its unorthodox styling and versatility. It holds a nostalgic place in automotive history, often discussed for its impact on the market and its unique design features.
Nissan Leaf
"...s going on you had the Model S you had the Nissan Leaf which was supposed to be the one that started th..."
The Nissan Leaf is an electric car that was one of the first to be sold widely. It's known for being easy to drive and good for the environment, making it a popular choice for people looking to save on gas.
The Nissan Leaf is one of the first mass-market electric vehicles, known for its practicality and efficiency. It has played a significant role in popularizing electric cars and is often discussed for its affordability and suitability for everyday driving.
Chevrolet Volt
"...reds of thousands and then you had the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid the Leaf and the Volt didn't pan o..."
The Chevrolet Volt is a car that can run on both electricity and gasoline. It was designed to save on gas and be more environmentally friendly, but it didn't sell as well as expected and is no longer being made.
The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid vehicle that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor, allowing for extended electric-only driving range. It was significant in the evolution of hybrid technology, although it faced challenges in the market and was eventually discontinued.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
"...ting that hunday is going to be discontinuing the santa cruz compact pickup earlier than expected sources are..."
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a smaller pickup truck that is comfortable like an SUV. It's popular because it can be used for work and also for fun activities.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact pickup truck that blends the practicality of a truck with the comfort of an SUV. It has gained attention for its modern design and versatility, appealing to those who want a vehicle that can handle both work and leisure.
Ford Ranger
"...mid-sized truck that'll compete with the forward ranger toyota takoma in 2029 or so uh the santa cruz not..."
Toyota Takoma
"...ed truck that'll compete with the forward ranger toyota takoma in 2029 or so uh the santa cruz not a big seller ..."
The Toyota Tacoma is a tough pickup truck that is great for both work and play. People like it because it lasts a long time and can handle rough terrain, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck known for its durability, off-road capability, and strong resale value. It is often discussed for its reliability and versatility, making it a favorite among truck enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
Ford Maverick
"...santa cruz not a big seller 25 000 last year ford maverick had 155 000 deliveries last year four puts a lot..."
Chevrolet El Camino
"...sically a hunday Tucson pickup think of it as the el camino of hunday the Tucson is hunday's best seller in ..."
The Chevrolet El Camino is a car that has a truck bed in the back, making it useful for carrying things. It's a unique design that people remember fondly from the past.
The Chevrolet El Camino is a unique vehicle that combines the features of a car and a pickup truck, known for its versatility and distinctive styling. Produced from the late 1950s to the early 1980s, it remains a nostalgic choice among classic car enthusiasts.
Honda Ridge Line
"...spension and a trunk under the bed floor like the honda ridge line has which is something you don't get any other p..."
The Honda Ridgeline is a pickup truck that drives more like a car, making it comfortable to ride in. It has some clever features, like a hidden storage space under the truck bed.
The Honda Ridgeline is a midsize pickup truck known for its car-like ride quality and innovative features, such as a trunk under the bed. It stands out in the truck market for its comfort and practicality, making it a great choice for everyday use.
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