Episodes

The hosts swap “attainable bucket list” car picks—cars they genuinely think they could own before they die, focusing on fun, vibe, and realistic pricing rather than headline supercars. Frank leads with a supercharged first-gen R2 (RX-7) as a riotous, hyper-80s dream, weighing today’s higher prices and the practical downsides of maintenance and roadside repairs. The discussion then turns to the FD RX-7, why values stay high due to reliability fears, and how other 80s/90s icons (300ZX, 3000GT, NSX, Supra, Z32) all face age-related upkeep.

Bill Hanvey of the Auto Care Association breaks down how “Right to Repair” language moved through Congress—and why independent shops should care. A promising Repair Act proposal initially included telematics access, FTC enforcement, and allowing parts manufacturers to be data “designees,” but last-minute opposition watered it down, removing telematics and parts-manufacturer provisions. Hanvey says the fight now shifts to the Rules Committee, House, and Senate, plus possible White House action. He argues cybersecurity/privacy claims are overstated, stresses wireless telematics access will become critical, and urges shop owners to contact lawmakers.

A real-world drive review of the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit L focuses on how the conservative exterior still looks fresh, while the interior stands out for design, materials, and comfort. The reviewer praises the three-row layout and optional second-row screens, but calls the updated infotainment system less intuitive than the previous one. Power comes from a 2.0L turbo 4 making 324 hp and 332 lb-ft, paired with an 8-speed auto; fuel economy hit 21.1 mpg in mixed driving, with some turbo lag noted. Ride quality is excellent with air suspension, and pricing is discussed against key rivals.

Alan and Andrew dig into UK motoring news with a focus on buyer risk and market momentum. The FCA partially suspends the motor finance redress scheme after lenders were found to have broken UK law, delaying compensation while appeals play out. SMMT June 2026 registration figures show a strong market (+11.4% YoY) with EVs rising—BEVs hit 30% share—but still lag mandated targets. They also run through brand registration swings, Tesla’s strong UK registrations (registrations, not sales), and the fallout from struggling importers like Skywell.

Trent Broberg, CEO of Fullbay, talks leadership and how tech—especially AI—is reshaping diesel repair shops. He shares his blue-collar origin story from Swift Transportation, emphasizing learning by doing and earning credibility through hard work. Broberg explains the “80/20” mindset: employees drive most of their career outcomes, while the company supports the rest. He also covers balancing heavy travel with family life via over-communication and staying present during Zoom/COVID. The conversation ties that change-management mindset to how shops should adopt new tools and stay competitive.

A debate sparked by a dealership employee borrowing a specialized connector-deepening tool turns into a broader argument about who should pay for repair equipment. The host questions the logic of shops advertising capabilities while leaving expensive, job-specific tools to employees—especially when basic hand tools are one thing but alignment, AC, or diagnostic tooling is another. He compares it to independent contractor models and worries it shifts costs without fair return, even though some commenters claim buying tools and starting a shop pays off.

Sweltering July heat and a canceled 4th of July Jeep parade set the stage for a deep dive into Jeep cooling systems. The hosts trade stories about heat advisories, a “heat bubble,” and even a dust-storm microburst that disrupted events. Then it gets technical: they break down how liquid cooling works on the JK/JL platforms, why thermostats matter, and how coolant flow and radiator heat exchange prevent overheating. Along the way, they connect cooling history from early engines to modern designs and tease upcoming guests and events.

SpaceX IPO buzz kicks off a wide-ranging chat that quickly turns into Alex Roy’s Tesla solar obsession—Powerwalls, off-grid mode, and the surprisingly addictive app animations that make him lose sleep. The hosts debate how much “data-as-distraction” is acceptable, comparing Tesla’s current minimal regen display to the more visually busy Prius era. They also touch on falling battery prices via a portable solar setup. From there, the conversation pivots to SpaceX’s valuation leap, potential Tesla/SpaceX convergence, and what that could mean for future mobility and autonomy.

The host opens with a personal update—family health stress, show scheduling, and his plan to retire in September 2027—then pivots to EV news. He notes Lucid’s struggles under new CEO Silvio Nopoli: major layoffs at the Arizona plant, elimination of an executive role, a huge Q2 net loss, low production vs deliveries, and a recall of Gravity SUVs. Despite the financial pressure, Lucid still has positives like strong reviews and awards. The episode frames battery-life “pressure” as a theme, but the provided transcript mainly covers Lucid and show direction.

A Toronto IMSA Corvette team (13 Autosport) recounts a brutal 2026 Le Mans: qualified last, finished last, and learned plenty despite feeling “better prepared.” The turning point came when driver Ori Fadani was battling in traffic and got hit in the second chicane—no obvious damage, but the team later discovered the scrutineering CAN bus went down. To avoid an unknown penalty, they pitted, swapped a rocker panel/timing transponder, and still lost race time. The car was fast—Matt Bell even set one of the quickest laps—yet electronics rules and repair logistics ended their run.

The hosts kick off with holiday weekend stories, then pivot to Nicole’s brief drive of a 2026 Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch FX4 off-road diesel—an ultra-expensive, heavy-duty truck with a 6.7L high-output Power Stroke making 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft. Nicole focuses on how quiet and refined the diesel feels, how luxurious the King Ranch interior is, and how hard it is to evaluate a towing-focused machine without actually towing. The conversation also touches on the sheer size of dually Super Duties and the mismatch between comfort and work capability.

Giancarlo Fisichella celebrates Kimi Antonelli becoming Italy’s next Grand Prix winner after a 20-year drought, praising his quickness, racecraft, and ability to manage pressure after a shaky rookie stretch. Fisichella compares Antonelli’s rapid rise to his own early career, explaining how adrenaline and mistakes shaped his jump from 1996 to 1997. He credits Toto Wolff’s development path and argues Antonelli’s confidence is built on experience and a strong car. The conversation also shifts to GT racing, including Max Verstappen’s Nurburgring 24H passion and what endurance demands differently than F1.

Ray and Zach dig into CarEdge data showing dealer lots packed with unsold “leftover” new cars—over 103,000 units that are 2025 model year or older still sitting on lots as 2027 arrivals ramp up. They explain why dealers push aged inventory out (turn policies, auction pressure, and sales spiffs that can lead to aggressive pricing). Nissan and Hyundai get spotlighted for high counts of unsold cars, including examples of vehicles with thousands of miles sold as “new,” likely demos or service loaners—creating deal-hunting opportunities if shoppers ask the right questions.

Brian and Steve kick off a lively 200th episode with a mix of motoring diary chat and listener notes. They swap stories about Porsche’s 75th anniversary celebration at Silverstone—hundreds of Porsches, color-coded parking, bands and BBQs—and debate what it says about the brand’s enduring value. The conversation also drifts into fuel-economy bragging rights (a 2018 Skoda Superb hyper-mile attempt), plus frustrations with UK roadworks, potholes, and traffic politics. A midnight drive and “keep calm” mindset round it out.

Yard-life chaos and drag-racing frustration collide as the hosts settle in after a week home, dealing with mower issues and a missing yard helper. The conversation then turns to racing: after a season-opening high, their car struggled at US131 in Martin, Michigan—misfires/engine troubles, stuck rings, and a scramble to diagnose what changed with the bigger blower. They discuss new gas-ported pistons, ring packages, spare parts, and a fresh “Blues” motor setup waiting on a new blower-to-intake pipe, plus upcoming race plans and the heavy-hitter field at US131.

NHRA countdown energy fills WFO Radio as the show looks ahead to the Sonoma–Seattle swing and the pressure of the regular-season stretch. Ron Capps is teased after a strong Norwalk double, while Maddie Gordon and top-dragster standout Sadie Glenn are set for storytelling-focused interviews. The centerpiece is NHRA chief starter Kenny Lubanski, who explains what the job really involves beyond “flipping the switch”: leading a safety-first crew, track prep input, and constant observation for issues. Lubanski also shares his drag-racing roots from English Town and his rise through the NHRA ranks.

Toyota is committing $3.6 billion to expand its San Antonio truck plant, aiming to double capacity and shift much of Tacoma production from Mexico to the U.S. by 2030—partly to meet demand and partly to blunt tariff pressure. The show also covers Leap Motor’s first North American push via Mexico using Stellantis dealerships, plus Trump pardoning people convicted for altering emissions control devices. Teradar CEO Matthew Carey explains the company’s “Summit” sensor, blending radar weather resilience with LiDAR-like resolution for safer autonomy in fog, rain, and snow.

Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour kicks off with travel chaos and TSA stories, including a surprisingly thorough pat-down after an alarm at a small airport, plus a separate mix-up involving a missing TSA PreCheck item. Once they settle in, the crew breaks down the Chicago weekend: Joe Gibbs Racing’s 1-2-3 finish for Toyota, why it wasn’t a shock given Toyota form and past track results, and what Chase Briscoe’s win says about confidence and meeting rising expectations. They also discuss Christopher Bell’s injury recovery and continued contention, plus previews for Atlanta.

Dale Jr. breaks down a busy Chicago weekend, from a rain-soaked event and parking headaches to the surprisingly strong fan turnout and positive driver feedback about the track. He also talks shop on TNT’s improved broadcast setup, crediting Jamie McMurray for helping him go paperless with race notes, which made qualifying coverage smoother. On the racing side, he reviews the O’Reilly race, praising Brandon Jones’ restart win, noting Chase Elliott’s near-miss, and calling out mistakes and fuel issues that hurt several JR Motorsports cars.

Trevor Sheumack’s story swings from motorsport history to tyre logistics. He talks about buying and refreshing a 1993 BMW Super Touring car tied to Johnny Giacotto, including its later sequential aero package and how it’s been run at tracks like Phillip Island and Winton. Rallying also pulls him in—cutting rally tyres between stages, then jumping into a Steve Winwood Falcon and now planning more in a VH Commodore on iconic night-capable Aussie roads. The second half shifts to his Michelin work: managing branded trucks, container shipments across Australia and Asia, and staffing tyre operations for big series like Speed Series, with constant monitoring of pressures and circuit demands.

After a busy Silverstone sprint weekend, Ed Straw and debut co-host Josh Sutil run through their full British GP driver rankings (22 to 1), based on Friday-to-Sunday performance. The big debate centers on why Max Verstappen drops to eighth despite a late mechanical DNF—Ed argues it’s a minor, risk-mitigated aero/wing issue rather than driver error. They also scrutinize Kimi Antonelli’s second place after a tricky start and slight track limits/damage concerns, weighing his standout pace and racecraft against tiny mistakes. Lando Norris and others are set up for further discussion.

Nevo EV Newsday runs through a packed week of EV and tech headlines: the new Škoda PEAK (and PEAK Sportline) gets detailed on design, interior layout, and claimed up to 600 km range, plus interviews with the exterior and interior designers. Alpine’s A110 development mule is teased for Goodwood. Price hikes hit ESB ecar, while Polestar 4 (SUV) and Volvo’s Apple Music edition are announced. BMW iX5, Leapmotor B05 Irish pricing, and the EV scrappage scheme’s oversubscription are discussed alongside SIMI June 2026 stats and a Mercedes-Benz CLA EV first drive.

Lenny Lawson lays out a teen driver safety event at Gateway Ford and Gateway Nissan in Greenville, Tennessee, featuring state troopers, a staged traffic stop, and hands-on instruction under car lifts. He explains why teens need more than driving practice: understanding safety tech like ABS, how airbags deploy, and how to respond to real-world situations (intersection checks, handling spins). Lawson shares a personal crash story from 1974 to stress survivability and driver responsibility, then promotes a take-home “Gateway Teen Driver Experience Guidebook” for parents to review at home.

Matt and Tommy hand out driver ratings from the British GP, breaking down sprint and race pace, reliability, and how safety cars and retirements reshaped results. Sergio Pérez lands a 6, with Valterri Bottas scoring 5 after a poor main-race pace despite a safety-car assist. Franco Colapinto earns a 7 for a big recovery from qualifying troubles, while Pierre Gasly also gets 7 for consistency. Gabrielle Bortoletto shines with an 8 for Audi, while Nico Hülkenberg is rated 5 after a messy, non-finish weekend.