Driven Radio Show #336: Cannonball Scofflaws
About this episode
The Driven Radio Show welcomes a trio of guests, Jeff Weiss, Christopher Michaels, and Wesley Vai, who share their experiences with cannonball-style racing. They discuss their unique vehicles, including a Toyota Yaris and a Kia Soul, and recount amusing anecdotes from their high-speed adventures. The conversation touches on the challenges of racing, the camaraderie within the community, and the thrill of pushing the limits on the open road. Listeners will enjoy the blend of humor, automotive passion, and the personal stories that highlight the spirit of racing.
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Pontiac Torrents
"Why? It rained torrents today. About three o'clock, I decided, you know ..."
The Pontiac Torrent is a medium-sized SUV that has a lot of room inside for passengers and cargo. It's comfortable to drive and was made to be a good option for families.
The Pontiac Torrent is a mid-size crossover SUV that was produced in the mid-2000s, known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. It was designed to compete with other compact SUVs, offering a blend of utility and style.
Ford Thunderbird (1958)
"It's a 1958 Thunderbird and the cheap pinstriping they put on the door."
The Ford Thunderbird is a classic car that was popular in the late 1950s. The 1958 model is known for its stylish design and was aimed at the luxury market.
The Ford Thunderbird is a classic American car that was first introduced in 1955. The 1958 model featured a distinctive design and was part of the second generation of Thunderbirds, known for its luxury and performance.
carburetor
"I'm still psyching myself up to take the carburetor off and put on the new one and then try and figure out how to hook up everything."
A carburetor is a part of some car engines that helps mix air and fuel so the engine can run. It's more common in older cars.
A carburetor is a device in internal combustion engines that mixes air with a fine spray of liquid fuel. It plays a crucial role in the engine's performance and efficiency, especially in older vehicles like the 1958 Thunderbird.
V12
"...you get the V12 crank to around 3, 3,500 RPM. Oh, Jesus. And the V12 just pulls and pulls and pulls and that one was one of the,..."
A V12 engine has twelve cylinders that work together to create power. It's known for being very smooth and powerful, often found in expensive sports cars.
A V12 engine is a twelve-cylinder engine arranged in a V configuration. This type of engine is known for its smoothness and high power output, making it popular in high-performance and luxury vehicles.
48 valves
"which means 48 valves."
48 valves in an engine means there are many openings that help air and fuel get in and exhaust gases get out. More valves usually help the engine run better.
Having 48 valves means that the engine has a total of 48 openings for air and fuel to enter and exhaust to exit. This configuration allows for better airflow and improved engine performance.
double overhead cams
"that had, you know, true double overhead cams, which means 48 valves."
Double overhead cams are a type of engine design that helps control how the engine's valves open and close. This can make the engine run better and more efficiently.
Double overhead cams (DOHC) refer to an engine design where there are two camshafts per cylinder bank, allowing for more precise control of the engine's valves. This design typically enhances performance and efficiency.
AACA
"...with a father who restored an AACA grand national winning 1926 Willis Knight model 70."
The AACA stands for the Antique Automobile Club of America. It's a group that helps people who love old cars, and they have contests to see who has the best-restored antique cars.
The AACA, or Antique Automobile Club of America, is an organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of antique automobiles. They host events and competitions, including grand national awards for outstanding restorations.
Willis Knight model 70
"...with a father who restored an AACA grand national winning 1926 Willis Knight model 70."
The Willis Knight model 70 is an old car from 1926. It's known for its unique style and was made by the Willis Motor Company, which was popular in the early 20th century.
The Willis Knight model 70 is a classic car produced by the Willis Motor Company in the 1920s. Known for its distinctive design and engineering, it represents an era of American automotive history focused on luxury and innovation.
Buick Grand National
"...he East coast with a father who restored an AACA grand national winning 1926 Willis Knight model 70. His best fr..."
The Buick Grand National is a powerful car that was popular in the 1980s. It stands out because of its fast engine and unique black design, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The Buick Grand National is a high-performance version of the Buick Regal, famous for its turbocharged V6 engine and distinctive blacked-out styling. It became an icon in the 1980s for its impressive speed and performance, appealing to car enthusiasts and collectors.
Ford Falcon
"My first car was a 65 Falcon. Oh, now we have three of them."
The Ford Falcon is a small car made by Ford in the 1960s. It was popular because it was affordable and easy to drive, especially for new drivers.
The Ford Falcon is a compact car that was produced by Ford from 1960 to 1970. It was known for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice among families and young drivers.
Westwood Suzuki
"...my dad took me to a, uh, a motorcycle dealer, Westwood Suzuki, it's not there anymore."
Westwood Suzuki was a shop that sold motorcycles, especially Suzuki brand bikes. It was a popular place for people to buy dirt bikes and other types of motorcycles.
Westwood Suzuki was a motorcycle dealership that sold various Suzuki motorcycles and dirt bikes. It was a place where enthusiasts could purchase and service their bikes.
DR 100 dirt bike
"...my dad took me to a, uh, a motorcycle dealer, Westwood Suzuki, it's not there anymore. And he said I could pick either a DR 100 dirt bike or they had these new four wheelers that were brand new."
The DR 100 is a small dirt bike made by Suzuki, great for beginners. It's easy to ride and perfect for kids or new riders who want to try off-road biking.
The DR 100 is a lightweight dirt bike produced by Suzuki, designed for beginners and younger riders. It features a simple design and is known for its ease of handling.
Cannonball style racing
"What got you interested in cannonball style racing? Have you always been a traffic scoff law?"
Cannonball style racing is a type of race where drivers try to go as fast as possible over long distances, often breaking traffic laws. It's named after a famous race from the past.
Cannonball style racing refers to illegal, high-speed road races across long distances, often inspired by the original Cannonball Run events in the 1970s. These races emphasize speed and the ability to navigate traffic and law enforcement effectively.
Mercedes-Benz C 55 AMG
"...what were you in? Uh, a C 55 AMG. Oh, okay."
The C 55 AMG is a fast and sporty version of a regular Mercedes-Benz C-Class car. It has a strong engine and is designed for better performance and handling.
The Mercedes-Benz C 55 AMG is a high-performance version of the C-Class sedan, developed by AMG, Mercedes-Benz's performance division. It features a powerful V8 engine and sport-tuned suspension, making it suitable for both daily driving and spirited performance.
horsepower
"It was a under a hundred horsepower or a hundred horsepower or less. Okay."
Horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. In automotive contexts, it indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, affecting acceleration and overall performance.
Toyota Yaris
"And, uh, we did it in a Toyota Yaris. We were well, well below the hundred horsepower."
The Toyota Yaris is a small car that's great for driving around the city. It's known for being easy to park and saving gas.
The Toyota Yaris is a subcompact car known for its fuel efficiency and compact size, making it popular for urban driving. It's often praised for its reliability and practicality.
Volkswagen TDI
"I had a Volkswagen TDI and I know I was close to like the horsepower rating..."
Volkswagen TDI is a type of car that uses a diesel engine. Diesel engines are known for being more fuel-efficient than regular gasoline engines, which means they can go further on less fuel.
The Volkswagen TDI refers to a series of diesel engines produced by Volkswagen, known for their fuel efficiency and torque. TDI stands for Turbocharged Direct Injection, which enhances performance and efficiency.
Hot Rod Express
"It's kind of cool because you can go to Hot Rod Express, talk to any of them there. You can go to their parts department. They have a speed shop."
Hot Rod Express is a place where you can get help with car parts and upgrades. They know a lot about making your vehicle perform better or look how you want it to.
Hot Rod Express is a specialty shop that focuses on performance parts and modifications for vehicles. They offer a range of services including guidance on selecting the right components for your car, truck, or SUV.
Chevrolet Express
"...e dream vehicle you've always wanted. At Hot Rod Express, they listen. They figure out how to make it hap..."
The Chevrolet Express is a big van that can carry a lot of stuff or people. It's commonly used by businesses because it has plenty of space and is built to be reliable.
The Chevrolet Express is a full-size van often used for commercial purposes, such as transporting goods or people. Its spacious interior and strong engine options make it a practical choice for businesses and large families.
Mercedes-Benz 450 SL
"It was a it's a 450 SL. Yeah. Yep. OK."
The Mercedes-Benz 450 SL is a stylish convertible car made by Mercedes-Benz. It has a powerful engine and is designed for both comfort and performance, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
The Mercedes-Benz 450 SL is a luxury roadster that was part of the R107 generation produced from 1971 to 1989. It features a V8 engine and is known for its combination of performance and comfort.
Mercedes-Benz SL
"...You didn't you say Mercedes? It was a it's a 450 SL. Yeah. Yep. OK."
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a fancy sports car that can turn into a convertible, meaning the roof can come off. It's known for being stylish and fast, making it a popular choice for people who want a luxury driving experience.
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a luxury sports car that combines elegance with high performance. Known for its retractable hardtop and sophisticated engineering, the SL series has been a staple in the luxury car market since the 1950s.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...I bought a wrecked 1990 Corvette and I stuffed the L 98 and the six speed manual..."
The 1990 Corvette is a sports car made by Chevrolet. It's known for its fast performance and stylish looks, and it has a powerful engine called the L98.
The 1990 Chevrolet Corvette is part of the C4 generation, known for its sleek design and performance capabilities. It featured a range of engines, including the L98, which was a popular choice for enthusiasts.
L98
"...I bought a wrecked 1990 Corvette and I stuffed the L 98 and the six speed manual..."
The L98 is a type of engine used in some Corvettes. It's a V8 engine, which means it has eight cylinders and is designed to provide good power and speed.
The L98 is a 5.7-liter V8 engine that was used in the Chevrolet Corvette during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is known for its balance of power and efficiency, making it a popular choice for performance enthusiasts.
six-speed manual
"...I bought a wrecked 1990 Corvette and I stuffed the L 98 and the six speed manual..."
A six-speed manual is a type of car transmission that lets you change gears manually. It has six different gears to help the car go faster or save fuel, and many people enjoy driving cars with this type of transmission because it feels more connected to the car.
A six-speed manual transmission allows the driver to manually shift through six different gears, providing better control over the vehicle's speed and power. This type of transmission is favored by driving enthusiasts for its engagement and performance.
Rolls-Royce Rolls Royce Corniche
"So I asked my my my dad if we could borrow one of his cars and he gave us my mom's 1970 Rolls Royce Corniche black, like beautiful black paint."
The Rolls Royce Corniche is a fancy car made by Rolls Royce. It's known for being very luxurious and stylish, often used for special occasions.
The Rolls Royce Corniche is a luxury convertible and coupe produced by Rolls Royce from 1971 to 1996. Known for its elegant design and high-quality craftsmanship, it represents classic British luxury.
Ford Mustang
"We're in the course Mustang. We're behind his most his Mercedes."
The Ford Mustang is a famous sports car from America. It's known for being fast and stylish, and many people love to drive it for fun.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its performance and style. It has a rich history dating back to the 1960s and is popular among car enthusiasts for its powerful engines and sporty design.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...bring a random Camaro home. And then all else fails. Then my job was just to pretty much strip it out, make it a street stock..."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a type of car that is built for speed and performance. It's often seen as a fun car to drive and is popular among car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a popular American muscle car known for its performance and sporty design. It has been a staple in American automotive culture since its introduction in the 1960s.
Cannonball Run
"Well, all of a sudden, car and driver post an article about cannonball run."
The Cannonball Run is a race where people try to drive from one place to another as fast as they can, usually across the country. It's not an official race, but it's known for being very exciting and sometimes dangerous.
The Cannonball Run is an informal and unsanctioned automobile rally that involves driving from one point to another in the shortest time possible. It has become famous for its adventurous spirit and the challenges it presents to participants.
Lexus LS460
"...I actually did my first run in 2020 with Lexus LS460."
The Lexus LS460 is a high-end car that offers a lot of comfort and features. It's known for being very smooth to drive and has a strong engine, making it a popular choice for luxury car buyers.
The Lexus LS460 is a luxury sedan known for its comfort, advanced technology, and smooth ride. It features a powerful V8 engine and is part of the LS series, which is Lexus's flagship model line.
Dodge Custom
"Have a classic 1964 Dodge Custom 880 with a tank full of oxide."
The Dodge Custom 880 is a large car made by Dodge in 1964. It was designed to be comfortable and stylish, appealing to families and those looking for a classic vehicle.
The Dodge Custom 880 was a full-size car produced by Dodge in the early 1960s. It was known for its spacious interior and classic styling, making it a popular choice among buyers at the time.
Hagerty's Drivers Club
"And Haggerty's Drivers Club offers emergency roadside services. Check it out. Haggerty.com."
Hagerty's Drivers Club is a service that helps car lovers, especially those with classic cars. They offer help if your car breaks down and other benefits for members.
Hagerty's Drivers Club is a membership program that offers various services for car enthusiasts, including emergency roadside assistance, insurance discounts, and access to exclusive events. It's particularly popular among classic car owners.
Kia Soul
"And Jeff found a Kia Soul. Oh, no, that's our car."
The Kia Soul is a small car that looks a bit like a box. It's popular because it's roomy inside and usually costs less than many other cars.
The Kia Soul is a compact crossover SUV known for its unique boxy design and spacious interior. It offers a practical choice for urban driving and has a reputation for good value.
Saab 9-5
"So what were you driving? 2000 something, saab 95."
The Saab 9-5 is a car made by the brand Saab, which was known for its stylish and sporty vehicles. It was produced from the late 1990s to the early 2010s and is recognized for its turbocharged engines.
The Saab 9-5 is a mid-size car produced by the Swedish automaker Saab from 1997 to 2010. It was known for its unique design and turbocharged engines, offering a blend of performance and comfort.
rallying
"...We rally the crap out of that car. I don't know how it stayed together."
Rallying is a type of car racing that takes place on different kinds of roads and surfaces. Drivers compete to see who can finish a course the fastest, often using regular roads.
Rallying is a form of motorsport where drivers navigate through various terrains, often on public roads, in timed events. It emphasizes both speed and skill in handling different driving conditions.
airborne
"As Nick said, it was airborne twice on that run."
If a car is 'airborne,' it means it's actually flying through the air, usually because it went over a bump or jump. It's exciting but can be dangerous if not done carefully.
When a car is described as 'airborne,' it means that it has left the ground, typically due to a jump or a sudden change in terrain. This can be a thrilling but risky aspect of driving, especially in performance or off-road vehicles.
blackout switch
"...there may or may not be, like, blackout switches on some of these cars, allegedly, that helps it to disappear at night."
A blackout switch is a special switch in some cars that can turn off lights or other systems, making the car harder to see at night. It's often used to keep the car safe or hidden.
A blackout switch is a device installed in some vehicles that can cut off power to certain systems, making the car less detectable or visible, especially at night. This can be used for security purposes or to evade detection.
Honda Crx
"...ke 1988, my friend Randy from Savage Garage had a Honda CRX manual. And if you, if you just let that clutch ..."
The Honda CRX is a small, sporty car that was popular a long time ago. It's known for being fun to drive and saving gas, which makes it a good choice for people who want an efficient vehicle.
The Honda CRX is a compact car that gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s for its sporty design and fuel efficiency. It is often celebrated for its lightweight construction and engaging driving experience, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
Ford Ranger
"That's bananas. I want to be an airborne ranger. Back then, you remember Caldor's or Bradley's s..."
The Ford Ranger is a small truck that you can use for carrying stuff or going off-road. It's been around for a long time and is liked by people who need a tough vehicle for work or fun.
The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck that has been popular for its versatility and ruggedness since its introduction in the 1980s. It is known for its off-road capabilities and practicality, making it a favorite among those who need a reliable work vehicle or enjoy outdoor adventures.
Dodge Neon
"...ed through a hot box and it, you know, 1994 Dodge neon, there's a reason I quit, I quit smoking at like..."
The Dodge Neon is a small car that was cheap to buy and good for getting around. It was popular for a while, but some people had problems with it after using it for a long time.
The Dodge Neon is a compact car that was produced in the 1990s and early 2000s, known for its affordability and practicality. While it was popular for its value, it has been criticized for some reliability issues over the years.
Dodge Challengers
"... that may be the main, uh, use for, um, use Dodge challengers. I honestly is at a filter for a joint."
The Dodge Challenger is a sporty car that looks like the classic muscle cars from the past. It's known for being fast and powerful, making it a favorite among people who love driving.
The Dodge Challenger is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful engines and retro styling. It has become a symbol of performance and nostalgia, appealing to car enthusiasts who appreciate its blend of speed and style.
Mercury Mountaineer
"... on this show. Darryl has worked on, um, Mercury Mountaineer. Yeah."
The Mercury Mountaineer is a family-friendly SUV that can carry a lot of people and gear. It's similar to the Ford Explorer and is good for trips or everyday driving.
The Mercury Mountaineer is a mid-size SUV that shares its platform with the Ford Explorer, offering a blend of comfort and capability. It was designed for families and outdoor enthusiasts, providing ample space and features for passengers.
Nissan XTerra
"Oh yeah. Nissan Xterra. Mine."
The Nissan XTerra is a tough SUV that can handle rough roads and outdoor activities. It's roomy inside, making it a good option for families or anyone who needs space for gear.
The Nissan XTerra is a mid-size SUV designed for off-road adventures and rugged use. Known for its durability and spacious interior, it appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for a versatile vehicle.
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