Family, Fast Cars, And A Tough Season Turnaround
About this episode
Jerry Emmons, NHRA drag racer and owner of Ammon's Autoplex, shares insights on his family's successful racing season and the challenges faced with vehicle maintenance. The episode dives into the dynamics of family racing, with multiple family members competing and achieving top rankings. Discussions also cover the used car market trends, including the impact of economic factors on sales, and a review of the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe, highlighting its features and performance. The camaraderie and competitive spirit among the Emmons family make for an engaging listen.
What happens when a championship chase runs straight into a mechanical gut punch—and the family still finds a way to win big? We sit down with Jerry Emmons to unpack a season that had everything: a Division IV Stock Eliminator title, finals against his own nephews, and a Sunday triumph in Dallas that marked his 20th national event win. The story isn’t just about trophies; it’s about how a lost-boost hauler turned a cross-country push into a hard reset, and how a family team absorbs both the thrill of the stripe and the sting of a photo finish.
Then we flip the visor down on the used-car market and call it like we see it. Jerry breaks down a rough first half—parts shortages, lost vendor discounts, slower recon, rate pressure—and why the fourth quarter tells a different story. If you’re buying or selling, this is the cheat sheet: sub-$25k inventory moves fastest, $15k–$18k is lightning, and well-specced Broncos are nipping at Wrangler’s heels. Trucks still print demand in Texas regardless of trim, because capability and towing never go out of style. We talk margins, sourcing, reconditioning timelines, and how steady rates could reset volume next year.
To round things out, we road-test the 2026 Chevy Tahoe Premier 4WD. With the 6.2L V8 and Magnetic Ride Control, it tows with confidence and rides quieter than its size suggests. The wide-format infotainment makes sense at a glance, the cabin feels airy with generous glass, and while the rear media screens look tacked on, families will appreciate the function. Cross-shopping Expedition, Armada, Sequoia, or Yukon? We lay out how the Tahoe balances power, comfort, and real-world utility without the fluff.
If you love racing heritage, straight-talk market insight, and honest reviews that focus on how vehicles actually live day to day, you’re in the right place. Hit follow, share this with a friend who’s car-curious, and leave a review telling us whether you’re Team Wrangler or Team Bronco. Your take might make our next show.
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Subaru Ascent
"...Jeff is going to have this week's Motor Minute, and I review the Subaru Ascent. I thought we already did that."
The Subaru Ascent is a family-friendly SUV that can seat up to eight people. It's great for those who need extra space for kids or cargo and comes with all-wheel drive for better handling in different weather conditions.
The Subaru Ascent is a mid-size SUV that offers three rows of seating and is designed for families looking for space and versatility. It features Subaru's signature all-wheel drive and is known for its safety ratings and practicality.
boost
"...And our truck lost boost. I don't think it was a turbo. Well, we replaced the turbo when we got back..."
Boost is the extra air pressure that helps a turbocharged engine produce more power. If the engine loses boost, it won't perform as well because it's not getting enough air.
Boost refers to the increased air pressure in the intake manifold of a turbocharged engine, which allows for more air and fuel to be burned, resulting in increased power output. If a vehicle 'loses boost,' it means that the turbocharger is not functioning properly, leading to a decrease in engine performance.
turbo
"...I don't think it was a turbo. Well, we replaced the turbo when we got back..."
A turbo is a part that helps an engine get more power by pushing more air into it. It uses the exhaust gases from the engine to work, making the engine stronger and faster.
A turbo, or turbocharger, is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber to increase power output. It uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which compresses the intake air, allowing for more fuel to be burned and thus more power to be generated.
modified eliminated super stalker
"...he runs a modified eliminated super stalker. And I think just, you know, when it's good, it's good,..."
This is a type of race car that has been heavily upgraded to go faster and perform better on the track. 'Eliminated' means it might have had parts removed to make it lighter and more competitive.
A modified eliminated super stalker refers to a type of race car that has undergone significant modifications to enhance performance, often including changes to the engine, suspension, and aerodynamics. The term 'eliminated' suggests that it may have been stripped down to reduce weight for racing purposes.
Chevrolet Camaros
"So six drivers, what six cars are you running now? Are they all going to be a Chevrolet brand or? Oh, you know it. 69 muscle car Camaro's baby."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a popular sports car that was first made in the late 1960s. The 1969 version is famous for its strong performance and cool design, often seen as a symbol of American muscle cars.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that was first introduced in 1966. The 1969 model is particularly iconic, known for its aggressive styling and powerful engine options, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
drivetrain
"And they're all, they all have the same drivetrain. You know, the 396 aluminum head with a Holley 780"
The drivetrain is the system in a car that helps move it forward. It includes the engine and other parts that send power to the wheels.
The drivetrain refers to the components that deliver power to the wheels, including the engine, transmission, driveshafts, and differential. It's a crucial part of a vehicle's performance and handling.
Holley 780 carburetor
"You know, the 396 aluminum head with a Holley 780 carburetor and then we also have the Cavaliers,"
A carburetor is a part of the engine that mixes air and fuel so the engine can run. The Holley 780 is a specific model that is popular in performance cars.
The Holley 780 carburetor is a type of carburetor known for its performance in high-output engines. It helps mix air and fuel for combustion, optimizing engine power and efficiency.
Cavalier
"...and then we also have the Cavaliers, which are the super stock cars."
The Cavalier is a type of car made by Chevrolet. It was a small, affordable car that many people used for everyday driving.
The Chevrolet Cavalier is a compact car that was produced by Chevrolet from 1982 to 2005. It was known for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers.
super stock
"...which are the super stock cars. So my nephews are only driving stock at the moment,"
Super stock is a type of racing where cars are made faster and stronger but still have to follow certain rules. It's a step up from regular stock racing.
Super stock refers to a category of drag racing where cars are modified to enhance performance while still adhering to specific regulations. These cars often have upgraded engines and components to compete at higher levels.
NHRA
"I ran over to the monitors, you know, where all the NHRA officials are, the officials are, and I was able to watch his run live on the TV monitor at the finish line."
The NHRA is a big organization that runs drag racing events, where cars race in a straight line to see who is fastest. They make the rules and keep things safe during the races.
The NHRA, or National Hot Rod Association, is the largest sanctioning body for drag racing in the United States. It organizes events and competitions for various classes of drag racing vehicles.
ET
"...I was able to give his times his reaction time and his ET as he was turning off the race track."
ET means 'elapsed time', which is how long it takes a car to finish a race. It's important because it helps determine who wins the race.
ET stands for 'elapsed time' and is a crucial measurement in drag racing that indicates how long it takes a car to complete a race from start to finish. It's a key performance metric for racers.
retail
"...the dealerships that we do business with, for those parts, normally we get like you have retail and then you have list price."
Retail is the price you pay when you buy something from a store or dealership. It's usually more than what the store paid for it.
Retail refers to the price at which goods are sold to consumers, typically higher than the wholesale price. In the automotive context, it can refer to the price customers pay for parts or vehicles at dealerships.
list price
"...the dealerships that we do business with, for those parts, normally we get like you have retail and then you have list price."
List price is the official price set by the manufacturer for a product. It's what they suggest you pay, but you might find it cheaper at the store.
List price is the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for a product, which serves as a guideline for pricing. It is often higher than the actual sale price due to discounts or negotiations.
Jeep Wranglers
"...you still have as many Wranglers as you used to have? You know, what's crazy is I think that the Bronco craze is starting to take that over."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough, off-road vehicle that many people love for adventures and outdoor activities. It's known for its ability to handle rough terrain and has a loyal fan base.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. It's a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts and has a strong following in the automotive community.
Ford Bronco
"You know, what's crazy is I think that the Bronco craze is starting to take that over. We've seen, ..."
The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV that can handle rough terrain and is great for outdoor adventures. It was first made a long time ago, but Ford brought it back recently, and many people love it for its cool design and off-road ability.
The Ford Bronco is a classic American SUV that was originally produced from 1966 to 1996 and was reintroduced in 2020. It is known for its rugged off-road capabilities and has a strong following among enthusiasts, making it a significant player in the SUV market today.
Dodge Challenger
"Broncos, I've noticed, have been a pretty good challenger. How about, how about truck sales?"
The Dodge Challenger is a sporty car that looks like it came from the past but has modern power and speed. It's popular among people who love fast cars and want something that stands out on the road.
The Dodge Challenger is a muscle car that has been in production since 1970, known for its powerful engines and retro styling. It competes in the performance car segment and is often discussed for its impressive speed and performance.
Chevrolet Tahoe
"about that. It is the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe. I haven't driven one in a couple"
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a big SUV that can fit a lot of people and their stuff. It's great for families and trips because it has plenty of room and can pull heavy things like trailers.
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that offers a spacious interior, strong towing capacity, and a reputation for reliability. It's often favored by families and those needing a vehicle for both everyday use and larger adventures.
power liftgate
"off of a high end SUV, power lift gate with power panoramic sunroof, power assist"
A power liftgate is a door at the back of an SUV that can open and close automatically, so you don't have to lift it yourself.
A power liftgate is an automated rear door that opens and closes with the push of a button, making it easier to access the trunk or cargo area of an SUV or hatchback.
22 inch polished aluminum wheels
"...22 inch polished aluminum wheels were also an option that we had."
These are big, shiny wheels made of aluminum that can make a car look better and sometimes drive better. They are 22 inches in diameter, which is quite large for a car wheel.
22 inch polished aluminum wheels are larger wheels that enhance the vehicle's appearance and performance. The polished aluminum finish gives them a shiny, attractive look, while the larger size can improve handling and ride quality.
heated seats
"...both of which were heated on this vehicle."
These are seats in the car that can get warm, making it more comfortable to sit in when it's cold outside. You can usually turn the heat up or down depending on how warm you want to be.
Heated seats are a comfort feature in vehicles that provide warmth to the seat surfaces, enhancing comfort during cold weather. This feature is often adjustable, allowing passengers to choose their preferred level of heat.
10-speed automatic
"and putting that with a 10-speed automatic it is rated to tow 8200 pounds."
A 10-speed automatic is a type of car transmission that can change gears automatically. It has ten different gears to help the car run better and save fuel.
A 10-speed automatic transmission allows for smoother acceleration and better fuel efficiency by providing more gear ratios. This means the engine can operate more efficiently at different speeds.
miles per gallon (MPG)
"Now the miles per gallon. The EPA says you should be looking for about 14 on the highway"
Miles per gallon (MPG) tells you how far a car can go using one gallon of gas. The higher the number, the less gas the car uses to drive a certain distance.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of how far a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. Higher MPG ratings indicate better fuel efficiency, which can save money on fuel costs.
EPA
"Now the miles per gallon. The EPA says you should be looking for about 14 on the highway"
The EPA is a government agency that measures how much fuel cars use and how clean they are for the environment. They provide numbers that tell you how many miles per gallon a car gets.
The EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, is a U.S. government agency that sets standards for fuel economy and emissions. The EPA ratings help consumers understand how efficient a vehicle is in terms of fuel consumption.
average fuel economy
"and I got 16.8 on as an overall average for that time."
Average fuel economy tells you how many miles a car can drive on a gallon of gas. It's a way to see how good a car is at using fuel.
Average fuel economy is a measure of how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, typically expressed in miles per gallon (MPG). It helps drivers understand how far they can travel on a certain amount of fuel.
towing capacity
"It's got plenty of power to spare particularly if you're thinking about towing something it's going to give you plenty of juice for that to get to that 8400 pounds."
Towing capacity is how much weight a vehicle can pull behind it. If you want to use your car or truck to tow something heavy, this number is very important to know.
Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow. It's an important specification for those who need to haul trailers, boats, or other heavy loads.
juice
"it's going to give you plenty of juice for that to get to that 8400 pounds."
Juice is a slang term for power. When someone talks about a car having plenty of juice, they mean it has a lot of power to do things like pull heavy loads.
In automotive slang, 'juice' often refers to power or energy, particularly in the context of engine performance or electrical systems. It indicates the capability of a vehicle to perform tasks like towing or accelerating.
options
"...So we had some options like I say the paint, the wheels and lots of other things."
Options are extra features you can choose to add to a car, which usually cost more money. This can include things like different colors, better wheels, or special tech.
In automotive terms, options refer to additional features or packages that can be added to a vehicle, often at an extra cost. These can include things like upgraded wheels, special paint, or technology packages.
Cadillac Escalade
"...e been 192,000. Yeah, yeah. They would be calling Escalade. If you're looking for something to compare this ..."
The Cadillac Escalade is a fancy SUV that has lots of space and luxury features, making it very comfortable. People often buy it to show off their style and enjoy a high-end driving experience.
The Cadillac Escalade is a luxury full-size SUV known for its opulent features, spaciousness, and powerful performance. It represents the pinnacle of Cadillac's offerings and is often associated with status and high-end living.
Ford Expedition
"...this to, I mean you could look across at the Ford Expedition of about the same size, 64,995"
The Ford Expedition is a large SUV that can carry many passengers and their belongings. It's built for comfort and is good for family trips or towing things like boats.
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV designed for families and those needing extra space and towing capacity. It offers a comfortable ride, advanced technology, and is often compared to other large SUVs in its class.
GMC Yukon
"gasoline engine, but it's 64,000. Now the GMC Yukon is the sister vehicle to the Tahoe or the cousin,..."
The GMC Yukon is a big SUV that’s similar to the Chevrolet Tahoe, providing lots of room and comfort. It's a good choice for families who need space and want a vehicle that looks nice.
The GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV that shares its platform with the Chevrolet Tahoe, offering similar features and capabilities. It is known for its upscale interior and strong performance, making it a popular choice for families and those needing a versatile vehicle.
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