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From NASCAR to Safety Leadership: Brad Coleman CEO Safeway driving & Maverick Lobo

From NASCAR to Safety Leadership: Brad Coleman CEO Safeway driving & Maverick Lobo

The Car Doctor Podcast Jun 28, 2026 56 min
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About this episode

Brad Coleman—retired NASCAR driver and CEO of Safeway Driving—joins The Car Doctor Podcast to connect racing instincts to real-world road safety. They trace his path from karting to the Cup Series, then dig into Safeway’s distracted- and impaired-driving lessons using school outreach and simulator crashes. The hosts compare Texas and Massachusetts driver training outcomes, discuss teen risk and “hundred deadliest days,” and add a racing-inspired two-hour road-trip limit. The conversation also pivots to sim racing (iRacing) and a Ford Maverick Lobo review, plus car-cover and Fourth of July safety reminders.

Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Term

go-kart

"And I learned that you can actually race go-karts. [155.9s] I always thought you just went to like a little recreational place and drove bad go-karts around and that was it."

A go-kart is a small race car you sit in low to the ground. People use them to learn racing because they’re easier to get into than full-size cars, and you can race them competitively.

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Daytona

"And I learned that you can actually race go-karts. [195.5s] Yeah, and then it goes into the more professional go-kart series where I think they still have a big go-kart race down at Daytona, don't they?"

Daytona is a well-known racing area in Florida. People associate it with major races, and the host is saying even go-kart racing there can be a big, serious event.

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Place

Ocala, Florida

"So you've got it at Daytona, I know Ocala, Florida is a big spot when I was doing it and it's intense. [222.5s] Like you said, professional go-kart racing, it really is that."

Ocala is a place in Florida. The speaker is saying it’s known for karting, and Florida’s winter weather helps people race when other places are too cold.

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18 wheelers

"Like you said, professional go-kart racing, it really is that. [226.0s] I mean, you've got these teams bringing these 18-wheelers and unloading a ton of carts and it looks like a full-on professional racing event."

An 18-wheeler is a big truck with a trailer. The speaker is using it to show that even kart races can have serious logistics, like teams bringing lots of equipment.

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Cup series

"Yeah, I went all the way up to the Cup Series where I raced for Hall of Fame racing in the Cup Series."

The Cup Series is the top level of NASCAR. If you race in the Cup Series, you’re competing at the highest stage of that sport.

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O'Reilly series

"But the majority of my time was spent, what do they call it now? The O'Reilly Series. [306.9s] Well, when I started, it was the Bush Series. That's how old I'm getting."

The O’Reilly Series is the name NASCAR used for its second-level racing series when O’Reilly was the sponsor. It’s the step below the top Cup Series.

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Bush series

"But the majority of my time was spent, what do they call it now? The O'Reilly Series. [306.9s] Well, when I started, it was the Bush Series. That's how old I'm getting."

The Bush Series was an older name for NASCAR’s “middle” series—basically the level below the top Cup Series. It’s where many drivers prove themselves before moving up.

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Brand

Joe Gibbs Racing

"And it was a Joe Gibbs racing for the majority of my career there. [314.2s] So I was very fortunate to race with some really good teams and have a lot of fun doing that."

Joe Gibbs Racing is a top NASCAR racing team. It’s the kind of team that helps drivers compete at the highest level in NASCAR.

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Topic

NASCAR

"Now, are you still active in NASCAR either as a spectator or as someone who can help people out? [328.8s] I am. I am very active as a spectator."

NASCAR is a popular kind of car racing in the U.S. where drivers race production-based stock cars, usually on oval tracks.

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Topic

Formula One

"Like I just finished watching the Formula One race in Austria. [342.9s] And when we're done here, I'll probably get my kids and watch the MotoGP motorcycle race there in the Netherlands."

Formula One is the highest level of open-wheel race car competition. The cars are very specialized and teams race around the world.

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Place

Austria

"Like I just finished watching the Formula One race in Austria. [342.9s] And when we're done here, I'll probably get my kids and watch the MotoGP motorcycle race there in the Netherlands."

Austria is the country where the Formula One race the host watched took place.

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Topic

MotoGP

"And when we're done here, I'll probably get my kids and watch the MotoGP motorcycle race there in the Netherlands. [349.9s] And it's, I love all forms of motorsports."

MotoGP is the top level of motorcycle racing. It’s where the fastest professional riders compete on race tracks.

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Place

Netherlands

"I'll probably get my kids and watch the MotoGP motorcycle race there in the Netherlands. [349.9s] And it's, I love all forms of motorsports."

The Netherlands is the country where the MotoGP race the speaker plans to watch is happening.

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Topic

ARCA

"And he started off on go-karts, went to motorcycles, went to, I don't remember what they called it, [379.9s] some form of NASCAR, then went to ARCA. [386.4s] Last year, I think he raced in the ARCA race and also raced in the truck race."

ARCA is another stock-car racing series in the U.S. that many drivers use to build experience and move toward NASCAR.

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truck race

"Last year, I think he raced in the ARCA race and also raced in the truck race. [394.2s] And it was sort of funny because the truck race drivers are all in their teens and twenties."

A truck race is a NASCAR series where the cars are built to look like pickup trucks. The drivers compete on the same kinds of tracks, but in truck-style race vehicles.

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Brand

Safeway Driving

"Yeah. Safeway driving, it's the driving school and not a performance driving school like you might think a race car driver would do. ...as a graduate of Safeway Driving myself in Houston, Texas, I went back to my old coach..."

Safeway Driving is a driving school that teaches safe driving. The speaker says it’s more about learning the rules and habits for everyday driving than about racing fast.

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Concept

driving school

"Yeah. Safeway driving, it's the driving school and not a performance driving school like you might think a race car driver would do. ...sometimes I even wonder, are we really teaching people how to drive or are we teaching them how to get their license?"

A driving school is an organized program that teaches driving skills and safety practices, often tied to helping students pass licensing requirements. The speaker raises a concern that some schools may focus more on getting a license than on teaching safe driving habits.

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distracted driving

"So what they would have us do is go to the local high schools in the area where we were racing and speak to the teams there about the dangers of driving distracted. ...to talk about distracted driving."

Distracted driving is when you’re not fully paying attention to the road. It often happens when someone uses a phone, and it can make you crash because your reaction time gets worse.

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simulator

"There would be a kid who'd come in and he'd grab a phone and hop in the simulator and drive and he'd try to be really cool in front of his friends and he would start crashing."

A simulator is a kind of training setup that lets you practice driving in a safe, pretend environment. In this story, students can see how distractions cause mistakes without actually crashing on the road.

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impaired driving

"Yeah, absolutely. And you mentioned distracted driving and between impaired driving. Those are some of the two of the biggest causes of crashes on the road."

Impaired driving means you’re driving when you’re not fully able to think and react—usually because of alcohol or drugs. It’s dangerous because it slows your responses and affects judgment.

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Concept

advanced driver training

"[716.8s] Yeah. And, you know, in Massachusetts, we have something called in control advanced driver training. [724.1s] And it's advanced driving school."

Advanced driver training is a step up from basic driver lessons. It usually includes both classroom learning and hands-on practice to help you drive more safely.

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Concept

crash avoidance

"[726.2s] It's a four hour long program, two hours of classroom, two hours behind the wheel. [731.0s] And they teach something similar that it's really about crash avoidance, distraction."

Crash avoidance means learning how to prevent accidents, not just how to pass the test. You practice spotting danger early and choosing safer moves so you don’t end up in a crash.

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Concept

behind the wheel

"[726.2s] It's a four hour long program, two hours of classroom, two hours behind the wheel. [731.0s] And they teach something similar that it's really about crash avoidance, distraction."

“Behind the wheel” means the part where you actually drive the car. It’s the hands-on practice, not just learning in a classroom.

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Concept

distraction

"[731.0s] And they teach something similar that it's really about crash avoidance, distraction. [740.7s] And it sounds like you're doing a lot of the same thing."

Distraction means not paying full attention to driving. Driver training tries to help people avoid things that slow down their reactions or make them miss what’s happening around them.

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Concept

brain hasn't fully developed

"[740.7s] And it sounds like you're doing a lot of the same thing. [744.0s] And, you know, we know and you know as well that, you know, between the time you're a teenager and 25, [751.2s] your brain hasn't fully developed yet and that is a case for people even older than that."

The speaker is saying that teen brains aren’t fully developed yet, especially for judging risk and making good decisions. That’s why they argue for extra training to help prevent risky behavior.

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Place

Sebring, Florida

"I went to go see a friend of mine race his BMW in Sebring, Florida and he's friends with another guy who races Porsches"

Sebring, Florida is where a well-known race track is located. It’s the kind of place where endurance racing happens, and teams pay close attention to tires and driving data.

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Term

scrubbing their tires

"Well, I tell Fizzi and Mike, they said they slowed down but they didn't slow down and that's why they're scrubbing their tires."

Scrubbing tires means you’re wasting tire grip, usually by sliding or braking/turning in a way that makes the tire fight the road. It can wear the tires out faster and hurt performance.

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tire temperature

"I can look at chassis height, I can look at tire temperature, I can look at all kinds of things and they can't really argue with that."

Tire temperature is how hot the tires get during driving. Racing teams watch it because it tells them whether the tires are getting the right amount of grip and stress, or if something about driving or setup is off.

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chassis height

"I can look at chassis height, I can look at tire temperature, I can look at all kinds of things and they can't really argue with that."

Chassis height is how high the car sits off the ground. In racing, that height can change how the car handles and how the airflow under and around it behaves, so teams track it closely.

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brakes

"They come back and they look at the same videos and the same information and go, oh yeah, I guess I maybe should have been harder on the brakes in this corner"

Here, “brakes” means how the driver slows down before a turn—when they start braking and how hard. The story is about using data to check what actually happened versus what the driver remembers.

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throttle

"or harder on the throttle here in the F1 movie."

Throttle means how much you press the gas pedal. In racing, teams look at throttle timing because it affects how the car accelerates out of corners.

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laptop

"So you could be like, no, I did brake deeper and then they go, okay, and they look at the laptop."

The laptop here is where the team looks at the recorded driving data. It’s used to confirm what the driver actually did—like braking timing—rather than relying on memory.

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driver's ed

"You know, you look at, you know, driver's ed and driving tests in Massachusetts versus maybe driving tests in Texas versus driving tests in California."

Driver's ed is a course that helps new drivers learn how to drive safely. Some places teach it in a classroom, some focus more on practice in the car, and the rules differ depending on where you live.

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Place

auto bond

"And for the first time, got the drive over there, got a rental car at the airport and got to go on the auto bond, which if you've never done that and you're a car guy, you got to do it."

They’re talking about the Autobahn in Germany, a highway system known for very high speeds. It’s famous because some parts don’t have a posted speed limit, so it feels like a different driving experience.

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left lane

"Something here in the United States that you get all the time is people going slow in the left lane. So you'll be passing people on the right, you'll be passing people on the left and people are really aren't aware of what's going on."

On roads with multiple lanes, the left lane is usually meant for passing. If you stay in it while going slowly, faster cars can’t get around easily, which can make driving less safe.

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texting while driving

"when you talk to one of them about, oh, do people hear text while driving? They look disgusted and confused because that's something that people in Europe are like, no, why would you do that?"

Texting while driving means using your phone to send or read messages while you’re driving. It pulls your eyes and attention away from the road, which can cause accidents.

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Concept

state to state

"one thing you pointed out was how the drivers regulations are different state to state. But you may have a state like Texas that has classroom component and then behind the wheel that's required."

The speaker is describing how driving rules and driver-licensing requirements can vary by U.S. state. That means some states may require more training and testing, while others have fewer requirements, leading to uneven driver skill and education.

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Term

iRacing

"Man, I love iRacing. I'll do the 24 hours of Daytona with some friends where you're doing the whole 24 hour race. You switch off and you take turns and iRacing's an incredible platform and such a useful tool."

iRacing is a realistic video game for racing that tries to mimic real cars and tracks. People use it to practice driving skills and learn how cars react when you steer or press the gas and brakes.

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NASCAR Racing 2003
TheDigitel Myrtle Beach (CC BY 2.0)
Car

NASCAR Racing 2003

"Before iRacing came out, that same group made NASCAR Racing 2003, NASCAR Racing 2002, and that's where I cut my teeth there doing those."

NASCAR Racing 2003 is an older NASCAR racing video game. The guest is saying it was one of the first racing sims that taught them the basics.

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Car

NASCAR Racing 2002

"Before iRacing came out, that same group made NASCAR Racing 2003, NASCAR Racing 2002, and that's where I cut my teeth there doing those."

NASCAR Racing 2002 is an older NASCAR racing video game. The guest is saying it helped them learn how racing sims feel before iRacing existed.

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Car

Ford Lobo

"...to talk about the Maverick Ford Maverick, but the Lobo Edition. We'll talk about that when we come back...."

The “Lobo” is a special version of the Ford Maverick. It’s meant to change the look and/or add features compared with a standard Maverick. The podcast is saying they’ll cover that specific Lobo edition in more detail.

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Car

Ford Maverick

"Anyway, speaking of writing, I wrote about the Maverick logo, the Lobo. [2193.7s] And the Ford Maverick, you know, I've always liked the Ford Maverick because it started off as literally a $20,000 pickup truck. [2204.3s] It was a front wheel drive hybrid, steel wheels, no cruise control, and it was 20 grand."

The Ford Maverick is a small pickup truck that was designed to be cheaper than most trucks. The host is talking about the early version that used a hybrid setup and cost about $20,000.

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front-wheel drive hybrid

"It was a front wheel drive hybrid, steel wheels, no cruise control, and it was 20 grand."

This means the car uses a hybrid system (gas + electric) and it sends power to the front wheels. That’s different from hybrids that drive all four wheels.

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all wheel drive

"And then prices went up and now you can get a hybrid and the all-wheel drive and a different engine. [2223.3s] But then they came out with the Maverick Lobo, and all I knew was I got an email and said,"

All-wheel drive means the vehicle can send power to all four wheels. That can help the truck grip the road better, especially in bad weather.

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Car

2026 Maverick Lobo

"And the 2026 Maverick Lobo is what happens when Ford decides a small truck should be like fun to drive, ... It's really street-focused."

This is Ford’s 2026 Maverick Lobo, a small pickup that’s been tuned to drive more like a sporty street vehicle than a typical truck. Even though it has all-wheel drive, it’s set up more for everyday roads than rough off-road use.

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EcoBoost turbo

"But under the hood, you'll find the same 2-liter EcoBoost Turbo 4 that a lot of people know. It makes 250 horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque."

EcoBoost Turbo 4 is Ford’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A turbo helps a smaller engine feel stronger by forcing more air into the cylinders.

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seven speed automatic

"Ford hooked it up to a quick-shifting seven-speed automatic. Like I said, it's all-wheel drive and it can actually shuffle torque from side to side."

A seven-speed automatic is an automatic gearbox with seven different gear ratios. It helps the engine stay in the right “sweet spot” so the car accelerates smoothly and feels responsive.

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shuffle torque from side to side

"it can actually shuffle torque from side to side. So it actually, you know, if you push it into a corner, it actually digs in pretty well."

This means the AWD system can send more power to the wheels that have better grip on each side. When you turn hard, that can help the truck stick and not slide as much.

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recalibrated steering

"The springs and shocks are performance-tuned and the brakes are bigger. The steering's been recalibrated. It feels less like a truck and more like a tall hatchback."

Recalibrated steering means the steering feel has been adjusted so it responds more directly to your inputs. That can make the vehicle feel more nimble and less “truck-like.”

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performance-tuned

"The real magic is really underneath. The suspension sits lower. The springs and shocks are performance-tuned and the brakes are bigger."

“Performance-tuned” means the car’s suspension and brakes are set up to handle more aggressively. The goal is better control when you drive quickly or take corners.

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Term

Lobo mode

"There's even a dedicated Lobo mode, which kind of sharpens throttle response."

“Lobo mode” is a driving setting you can turn on. In this case, it makes the throttle respond faster, so pressing the gas feels more immediate.

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sport mode

"Think of it as sport mode, that's what it really is. [2348.7s] But it holds the gears a little bit longer and it kind of tightens everything up."

Sport mode is a button setting that makes the car feel more eager. It usually changes shifting and how the truck responds so it feels quicker when you drive it.

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Car

Ford Ranger

"Likewise, it's really easier to spot because it's got this lowered stance compared to my neighbor's Ranger, [2367.7s] which you actually sort of step up into."

The Ford Ranger is a popular midsize pickup truck. Here, the host compares it to another Ford truck by talking about how tall it feels and how you get into it.

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19 inch wheels

"It's got a more aggressive front end, black roof, 19-inch wheels. [2381.6s] That gives it that sort of sport truck look."

“19-inch wheels” means the wheel size is 19 inches across. Bigger wheels can make the truck look more athletic and change how the tires sit on the road.

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ActiveX trim seats

"You get the ActiveX trim seats in contrast stitching. [2390.7s] It's very pretty truck-inside."

ActiveX is a Ford-branded name for a synthetic leather-like upholstery material used on some trims. It’s typically chosen for a more premium look and easier care than real leather, while still giving a styled interior.

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hitch

"It has toes about 2,000 pounds. [2419.8s] This one has a hitch on it and it comes with Ford's backup system where you can just turn a knob to back up and make backing up a little bit easier."

A hitch is the part on the back of the truck that lets you attach a trailer or towing setup. It’s what makes towing things like a boat possible.

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backup system

"This one has a hitch on it and it comes with Ford's backup system where you can just turn a knob to back up and make backing up a little bit easier. [2430.4s] I would like to try that someday, trying to back my boat into the ramp, which I'm terrible at."

The “backup system” is a feature that helps you back up more easily. The host says you can use a knob to assist with the maneuver, which is especially helpful when backing a boat or trailer.

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infotainment system

"The infotainment system, it's modern and it's annoying. [2444.3s] It's got this large 13-inch touchscreen."

An infotainment system is the dashboard system that handles things like music and other info. Here, the host is saying the modern touchscreen setup is distracting.

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12-inch touchscreen

"The infotainment system, it's modern and it's annoying. [2444.3s] It's got this large 13-inch touchscreen."

A 13-inch touchscreen is the big screen in the middle of the dashboard. The host doesn’t like it because it can be distracting while you’re driving.

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Apple CarPlay

"It does have all the stuff you expect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice controls, over-the-air updates. It's just a little too touchscreen heavy, even what's sort of weird in a way, the volume knob for the radio."

Apple CarPlay is a way to connect your iPhone to the car so you can use certain apps on the car’s screen. The host is saying that if you use CarPlay (instead of relying only on the car’s own menus), the experience feels better.

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Android Auto

"It does have all the stuff you expect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice controls, over-the-air updates. It's just a little too touchscreen heavy, even what's sort of weird in a way, the volume knob for the radio."

Android Auto lets you connect an Android phone to the car and use supported apps through the car’s screen. The host is basically saying that with Android Auto, the touchscreen setup feels less annoying.

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over-the-air updates

"It does have all the stuff you expect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice controls, over-the-air updates. It's just a little too touchscreen heavy, even what's sort of weird in a way, the volume knob for the radio."

Over-the-air updates are software updates the car downloads wirelessly. Instead of going to a shop, the car can get improvements or fixes through its connection.

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Concept

rock crawling

"You don't buy this Maverick Lobo to go rock crawling. You buy it because you want a compact, stylish truck that is actually fun to drive. Many trucks seem to be making a comeback."

Rock crawling is hardcore off-roading where you drive slowly over rocks and rough terrain. The host is saying this truck isn’t built for that kind of extreme off-road use.

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MSRP

"this one's a serious look. It's also not cheap. I think the MSRP on this is around $40,000. So it's certainly at the very high end of what a Maverick is."

MSRP is the price the manufacturer lists on the sticker. The host is using it to explain that this truck costs around $40,000 before you factor in everything else.

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two liter turbo

"But that base Maverick didn't run on 19-inch wheels. It didn't have the two-liter turbo that made 250 horsepower. It didn't have cruise control."

A two-liter turbo is a smaller engine that uses a turbo to make more power than you’d expect from its size. The host is saying the cheaper Maverick didn’t have this stronger engine, while the Lobo does.

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cruise control

"It didn't have the two-liter turbo that made 250 horsepower. It didn't have cruise control. It was a very basic truck where this is what happens when you want to take that truck and still have it be a truck."

Cruise control lets you set a speed and the car keeps it steady for you. The host is saying the cheaper version didn’t include this convenience feature.

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Car

1965 Ford Mustang convertible

"One of them is about a 1965 Ford Mustang convertible. And I also want to talk about a vehicle that I saw last week at a car show called the Imposter."

A 1965 Ford Mustang convertible is a classic Mustang from the mid-1960s, and “convertible” means the roof can open. The host is planning to discuss questions about this exact 1965 model, not just any Mustang.

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Car

Chevrolet Camaro

"...ke a 70 Chevelle convertible, but it was really a Camaro underneath. And it had 1970s looking Fenders hood..."

The Chevrolet Camaro is a sports car that can be a coupe or a convertible. It’s known for its distinctive look and driving feel. In the podcast, the key point is that a car with a certain exterior style was actually built on a Camaro base underneath.

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Term

N96 ram air hood

"And it had 1970s looking Fenders hood, Ram Air hood, everything looked perfect. "

A Ram Air hood is a special hood shape with openings meant to bring more air to the engine. It’s both functional (airflow) and a classic muscle-car look.

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gauge package

"The gauge package a little bit different. You knew it wasn't a 70 Chevelle. [2951.3s] It was made by a company called Transium and the starting price was $259,000."

The gauge package is the dashboard instrument cluster. It includes the speed and other driving info, and in this story it helps tell whether the car is really a 1970 Chevelle or just a replica.

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Car

70 Chevelle

"The gauge package a little bit different. You knew it wasn't a 70 Chevelle. [2951.3s] It was made by a company called Transium and the starting price was $259,000. [2959.9s] I'm like, holy cow. I mean, it was beautiful, but $259,000 for a replica looking Chevelle."

The 1970 Chevelle is a famous classic Chevrolet muscle car. They’re talking about a replica that looks like one, but the dashboard details don’t match the real thing.

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suspension lowered

"But here it's a little tough to drive because the suspension lowered has got these big 19-inch wheels and tires on it. [3028.2s] So it does ride a little hard because of that. [3030.7s] Yeah, I don't doubt it."

Lowering the suspension means the car sits closer to the ground. That can make the ride harsher over bumps, especially when paired with bigger wheels.

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moon roof

"Like the last Hyundai I bought, I just bought the Hyundai SE back when I bought it a bunch of years ago. [3067.8s] And I'm like, yeah, it does have a moonroof, so what?"

A moonroof is a glass opening in the roof that lets in light and sometimes fresh air. They’re saying their car has one, but it’s missing other features.

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power lift gate

"And I'm like, yeah, it does have a moonroof, so what? It doesn't have a power liftgate. [3073.6s] I don't really care about that. I can still manage to open and close the liftgate."

A power liftgate is the trunk door that opens and closes by itself with a button. They’re saying their car doesn’t have that, but they can still open it manually.

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heated seats

"But it's missing things like heated mirrors and heated seats. [3085.9s] But it's missing things like heated mirrors and heated seats."

Heated seats warm you up with built-in heaters. They’re especially helpful in cold weather, and the speaker says the car doesn’t have them.

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heated mirrors

"But it's missing things like heated mirrors and heated seats. [3085.9s] But it's missing things like heated mirrors and heated seats."

Heated mirrors are mirrors with a built-in heater to help melt frost or fog. They’re useful in winter, and the speaker says their car doesn’t have them.

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Term

car cover

"Is there a car cover you can recommend? The Volkswagen that we keep here and oddly, the other Volkswagen that we used to keep in Florida, which is now here, it's odd to see two Volkswagen Beetle convertibles in the same yard."

A car cover is a protective cover you put over a car when it’s parked. It helps keep rain, dust, and sun off the paint, but it should also avoid trapping moisture underneath.

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Car

Volkswagen Beetle convertibles

"The Volkswagen that we keep here and oddly, the other Volkswagen that we used to keep in Florida, which is now here, it's odd to see two Volkswagen Beetle convertibles in the same yard."

This is a Volkswagen Beetle, and the speaker specifically means the convertible (roof-down) version. It’s a classic car shape, and convertibles can be harder to protect if they’re left outside.

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Brand

Empire covers

"But I was getting Empire car covers. They were good car covers."

Empire is the name of a car cover product. The idea is that it helps protect a car from weather and dirt while it’s parked.

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Term

rodents out

"I did try the cover seal cover, the one that's supposed to keep rodents out. I wasn't as happy with that."

Some car covers are made to discourage animals like rodents from getting underneath and making nests. The speaker tried one meant to block rodents, but didn’t like it because it seemed to trap moisture or not ventilate well.

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Brand

Budge

"and they had a cover made by Budge, which is the parent [3284.0s] company of Empire."

Budge is a brand name used for car covers, and in this segment it’s described as the parent company of Empire. The speaker uses it as the source of the cover they bought for outdoor Florida parking.

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Term

hurricane

"it gets pretty hurricane-y in Florida. [3325.2s] And if you have something that has built-in straps and won't damage the paint, love to try it."

A hurricane is a severe tropical storm with extremely strong winds and heavy rain. In the context of car covers, it’s used to explain why cover anchoring and paint-safe fit matter—covers can be torn off or flap violently.

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Term

built-in straps

"And if you have something that has built-in straps and won't damage the paint, love to try it. [3334.1s] Well, I bought the Budge car cover and a couple of days later this other one showed up."

Built-in straps are the tie-down parts on the cover that keep it from blowing around. That matters because a cover that flaps can rub and wear the paint.

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Brand

Dash Shield Ultimum

"It's called a Dash Shield Ultimum and it seems that it has three straps underneath that hold it tight. [3353.6s] I did put a rope over the top of it lengthwise, kind of hold it in place just in case."

Dash Shield Ultimum is the specific car-cover product name the speaker recommends. They describe it as having three straps underneath that help hold the cover tight and reduce movement in wind.

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