Explore Episodes

A panel of F1 writers and hosts tackle the “bring back V10s” idea—borrowing a Premier League “cult heroes” social trend—to celebrate drivers who defined the V10 era through memorable moments, not dominance. Gwen Freeman is joined by Ed Straw, Ben Anderson, and Matt Beer, who explain the rules: each person picks two “cult” V10-era drivers without sharing lists ahead of time. Matt kicks off with Jarno Trulli, praised for the “Trulli train,” chaotic highs and lows, and a career that lingered through good and bad machinery.

Chase Briscoe celebrates getting back in the NASCAR Cup win column and talks about how the mindset shifts between SHR and JGR. He explains that at SHR, long win droughts can make success feel unlikely, while at JGR the expectation is to win—especially when the cars are fast. Briscoe attributes early-season struggles to misfortune and execution issues, then describes the “light switch” after weeks of learning and tightening up. He also discusses teammate racing with Denny Hamlin, the respect-driven JGR culture, and the intensity of multi-car battles at tracks like Nashville.

Corey Heim talks Chicago next-gen drama, praising the race quality despite plenty of on-track incidents. He explains why intermediates have been his Cup weakness—he struggles to “feel” the rear tires and can’t get the car to yaw like he can in trucks, so he has to manage loading and stay under the tire. Heim credits 2311 Racing and leans on Denny Hamlin’s detailed feedback, while discussing how full-time Cup will change his prep and mental rhythm. He also weighs confidence from his Cup win against the tougher expectations of a full season.

Ferrari’s “manual” 12 Cilindri is debated—complete with a clutch pedal and even the ability to stall, but shifting via signals rather than a true mechanical linkage. The show then pivots to Australian car culture with guest Allan Whiting, who stays up late to chat about why Australia “punches above its weight.” They cover Holden vs. Ford rivalry, local terminology (utes, “mutes”), Commonwealth-era imports, and how government and GM shaped Holden’s rise. Allan also shares rally and track roots and a few behind-the-scenes podcast/Instagram shorts mishaps.

The hosts kick off with workshop-style banter, then pivot to the “cooling system boogeyman”—why cooling systems are often the most neglected car system and how heat can turn small issues into road-trip killers. They frame cooling as a money-saver topic: catching problems early prevents overheating, major engine damage, and expensive repairs. The show also includes a summer tech note about transmissions “sweating” in hot weather, plus listener Q&A logistics and plug-ins for local partners and the podcast’s YouTube learning series.

MotorWeek swings from American muscle to German SUV tech: the crew compares the 2026 Dodge Charger RT to the faster Scat Pack and even the electric Charger Daytona, noting the RT’s smaller turbo setup, quicker spool, and near-similar feel despite lower horsepower. They praise the RT’s handling group, launch-control ease, and real-world performance numbers, plus its more natural-sounding exhaust. Next up, the 2027 Ram 1500 TRX returns as an SRT-branded off-road monster with a 777-hp Hellcat V8 and serious suspension travel, showcased on a purpose-built Michigan course.

Silverstone delivered a mixed bag: Ferrari’s resurgence looked real, with Charles Leclerc finding pace from qualifying onward thanks to setup tweaks around energy delivery and diff settings, while Mercedes struggled—George Russell couldn’t consistently convert speed into results despite a lucky sprint win for Antonelli. The biggest storyline was Red Bull’s late-race crash for Max Verstappen, raising fears about his mindset and the team’s technical reliability. The rear-wing issue and airflow/ground-effect timing were debated, alongside a safety-car confusion that sparked online outrage but was ultimately handled per the rules.

After a low-key 4th of July, the Snail Trail 4x4 crew focuses on a Wolfbox group buy and monthly giveaway for the G900 TriPro. They confirm the group-buy discount will stack with the brand’s current 20% website sale, and share how to sign up via Discord or irate4x4.com. The hosts break down the TriPro’s voice controls, multi-camera setup, G-sensor “accident” recording, and time-lapse mode, plus discuss possible future quad-camera ideas. They also run through FNG (new member) birthdays and updates.

Matt Farah and Zach kick off with off-the-record ticket help, then pivot into personal stories: choosing matching blazers, photo-taking on trips, and the awkward reality of “in-car” journalist interviews. The conversation then shifts to track excitement—Matt’s experience driving the high-downforce Zinger 21C at Willow Springs—and what that kind of pace means for upcoming racing against NASCAR drivers at Cletus’ event. The show also touches on Chinese-made enthusiast-car “reproductions,” including Chinese knockoff unibody structures, and debates whether that’s a good thing for the hobby.

Greg Stanley, host of the Collector Car podcast and author of The Enthusiast Guide to Collector Cars, shares how curiosity and networking turned a passion into a career in the high-stakes collector market. He explains the “car specialist” world—where relationships matter as much as knowledge—and recounts landing work with R.M. Sotheby’s after a podcast connection led to consulting and auction submissions. Greg also tells the story of his rare, unrestored Pontiac GTO (Tiger Gold with red pinstripe), including its build-sheet documentation and the wild journey from shows to TV appearances.

Nick LaSorsa, director at LaSorsa Auto Group, talks about building dealership growth that outlasts the next generation—using decades of experience while making “new school” decisions. He runs two Chevy stores with very different operating realities: one in dense, compliance-heavy NYC (tight expense control and secure paperwork) and another with higher-ticket volume and more spending flexibility. Nick shares practical cost-leak tactics—re-bidding vendors like uniforms, auditing bank/credit-union lease deal costs, canceling unused credit cards, and using vendor “notice” tactics to keep tech stacks from creeping upward. He also discusses how he balances efficiency with growth and leverages hiring and coaching.

Steven “Richo” Richards talks through the winding path from early open-wheel racing to five Bathurst 1000 wins, then into life after full-time driving. He explains how his post-racing work shifted from motorsport-adjacent roles to roles in traffic management and manufacturing caravans, using the same “doer” mindset that motorsport builds. The chat covers his aircraft mechanic apprenticeship (with a small technicality), the Team 18 story, and his Goodwood Festival of Speed experience—plus the cars and people behind his historic racing highlights.

A dealer-focused discussion centers on how independent stores are defending profits through reinsurance and service-driven customer relationships. Mark Feerbacher (Universal Imports, Rochester) shares how euro brands can still produce solid front-end gross when dealers build value with tools like iPacket to explain option/MSRP differences, and by leaning into customer-pay service. Dan Reel (Reels Auto Sales, Ohio) explains his rural retail model where front-end is tighter but financing reserves and reinsurance products create most of the profit. The episode also opens with a story about being “too small” for reinsurance—until Buckeye disagreed.

Ava Gregory weighs F1’s American expansion as both a triumph and a potential cultural tradeoff. She cites major growth stats—US TV viewership up sharply, three US races locked in long-term, Apple TV taking over, and US sponsors dominating partnerships. But she argues the engine of growth is largely spectacle: Drive to Survive, celebrity moments, and Las Vegas’ lifestyle-first launch. That raises questions about audience vs community, spillover to IndyCar/IMSA/grassroots, and what F1 owes American motorsports in return for new fans and money.

Steven “Richo” Richards recounts how Australia’s two-litre Super Touring scene took off—starting with early TV coverage, then shifting as UK-style touring rules and costs made it easier for privateers. He explains why Gary Rogers backed the move after the SBS broadcast deal ended, including the wild story of buying a dominant 1994 Alfa Romeo 155 in Italy and shipping it home. Richards also compares the Alfa’s struggles versus later Audi quattro success, and reflects on racing against factory teams while running on limited support.

Leap Motor’s B05 hatch is pitched as a serious Golf/Corolla-sized EV rival, backed by Stellantis engineering and tuned on European tracks for a less “soft” feel than many Chinese exports. The hosts compare specs, range, and pricing (two battery options, up to ~482 km WLTP, under $40k) and highlight features like dual screens, a built-in dashcam/camp mode, and smooth ride/quiet cabin claims. They weigh it against the MG4 and BYD Dolphin, debating driving feel, one-pedal behavior, and Australia’s dealership/warranty advantages. The discussion also nods to Xpeng’s “reborn” direction and Silver Taxis’ new era.

Gas prices are down in California, and the crew debates whether the economy is actually fine—pointing to strong auto sales and higher average transaction prices as evidence. Jack shares a trip to Hyundai’s Georgia plant, where Kia Sportage hybrids are being built alongside other vehicles at massive scale. The discussion shifts to what buyers are choosing in both new and used markets, including affordable picks like the Chevy Trax. Car talk continues with Mazda CX-30 impressions and Jeep Grand Cherokee’s new turbo four-cylinder powertrain, plus frustration over turbo/small-engine compromises driven by fuel economy rules.

The hosts riff on their “one-year garage” game and how picking themes can either help or sabotage results, then pivot to a big BAT milestone: Lot 250,000, a record sale. They break down how the 288 GTO’s $6.8M win fits into BAT’s evolving seller ecosystem, especially the role of local partners when cars get into ultra-high price territory. They also discuss promotion and engagement metrics—views, watchers, comments—and compare the 288’s reach to prior record-setting trailers during high-COVID traffic.

Terry from Vorsalock Motorsports joins Two Guys Garage to catch up on his 2015 Mustang “Trigger,” an LS-swapped, aero-heavy time-attack build that keeps evolving. The conversation centers on his track-tested, step-by-step approach to tuning and how he can isolate changes—unlike most racers who must adjust multiple variables at once. Terry recounts a tough year: crash repairs, class changes that forced more horsepower, and lessons learned after sensor and drivability issues. He details the upgraded 744whp LS setup, traction control, and auto-blip braking tweaks that help manage massive power.

RJ DeVera traces a 30-year path from LA’s early 90s tuner scene to VP marketing at SEMA, fueled by a kid’s obsession with modifying cars. He recalls street-race nights, buying parts through the “recycler” newspaper, decoding Japanese option magazines and chassis codes, and the slow, satisfying hunt for rare JDM gear. RJ shares how he sold ARC titanium parts from his mom’s condo, canvassed flyers at schools and events, and turned that hustle into funding his own Acura Integra builds—plus how VTEC and the NSX shaped his dream-car goals.

Tony Kanan joins Hinch and Rossi to break down the IndyCar driver shakeup: Dixon and Rosenqvist coming to the team at the expense of Christian Lundgaard and Nolan Siegel. Kanan draws a sharp line between “not renewing an option” and “firing,” then tackles the bigger question of why the moves happened and how they were shaped by contract timing, seat availability, and team performance pressure. He also revisits past roster decisions, injuries, and strategic gambles—arguing the team’s recent results justify the direction, even if the optics are brutal.

Gordon McCall—creator of the Quail Motorsports Gathering and a key architect of Monterey Car Week events—breaks down how the two-week spectacle evolved from “Pebble” into the broader, widely recognized Car Week brand. He explains the homegrown, necessity-driven origins of his event world, including turning a customer appreciation party into a sellable business that later became the Hagerty Jet Center/MotorLux. The conversation also touches on entrepreneurship, timing, and why some legacy automotive businesses don’t get passed down to the next generation.

Clark Sopper returns to Driving While Awesome, kicking things off with Tokyo heat and how people cool off (including subway air blasts and portable AC units). They pivot to Clark’s Roundcat background—running events, supporting international business, and maintaining cars for owners—plus life in Tokyo with a toddler who loves car culture. Clark shares details from Como Car Week and why a fenced garden made it perfect for his son. The crew also looks ahead to Car Week, including the Round Cat Rally (DWA tour) and Clark’s plans to hit Quail and Laguna Seca.

Joliet’s return of Chicagoland Speedway delivered big weekend energy despite brutal weather and some messy logistics. Hosts swap infield camping stories, including a chaotic shuttle-bus detour, flooded parking lots, and spotty connectivity that left fans waiting in the mud. They also praise the crowd and the overall “Rowdy Nation” vibe, plus a standout neighbor who helped make it smoother. Racing talk centers on Chase Briscoe’s first win of the season, with discussion of how he managed the late-race challenge.