Episodes

Brett Lesala, driver of the Bright Green Ford Mustang Snot Rocket, shares insights after winning the Sick Week Dragon Driver event. The episode dives into the challenges of drag and drive racing, where competitors must drive their drag cars between tracks while towing necessary equipment. Brett discusses his journey from a young car enthusiast to a skilled builder, detailing the evolution of his Mustang and its impressive performance. The conversation also covers engine development, turbocharging, and the differences between Ford's Coyote and GM's LS engines, providing a deep look into the technical aspects of high-performance racing.

Tesla faces challenges as its stock becomes the worst performer on the S&P 500, impacted by price cuts, competition, and Elon Musk's social media activity. The company plans to build a $25,000 EV in Berlin, raising questions about its Mexico plant. Fisker struggles financially, possibly heading toward bankruptcy, while new startups like Til aim to innovate with compact electric pickups. Mercedes pioneers high-speed X-ray crash testing to improve safety, and Volkswagen expands its sporty GTX EV lineup. Industry executives express job security concerns amid rapid disruption, and EV battery recycling capacity is poised to outpace supply. Cadillac and Kia tease upcoming electric models.

James Pumphrey sits down with Sung Kang and Amelia Hartford to talk about the real person behind the Donut persona: shy off-camera, comedy-trained, and driven by a love of cars. The conversation covers fan interactions, handling criticism, and how YouTube “stunt” trends affect creativity. James shares his origin story from Louisville to UCB comedy, then Donut’s research-heavy, joke-punched process. He also gets candid about mental health, burnout, gratitude, and shifting from future-grind to living in the present—plus advice for aspiring creators.

Sarah Vidria, president of the Texas Muscle Car Club Challenge, shares insights into the exciting world of club versus club bracket racing in Texas. With a mix of rivalries among GM, Ford, and Mopar enthusiasts, the competition is fierce yet friendly. Sarah discusses the structure of the racing events, including points systems and various classes of cars, from everyday vehicles to high-performance machines. The episode also touches on her personal racing experiences and the vibrant car culture in Houston, making it a lively conversation for anyone interested in grassroots motorsport.

Andy and James reunite for a lively discussion about their shared passion for Porsches and the challenges of recording their podcast across continents. They reflect on their time apart, share humorous anecdotes about canceled recording sessions, and dive into car culture, including a notable incident involving a GT3 RS at an airport. The episode also touches on recent automotive news, personal car updates, and their experiences at car events, all while maintaining a light-hearted banter that showcases their camaraderie.

Italy aims to boost vehicle production by courting Chinese automaker Chery to add 300,000 units annually, supported by a €6 billion fund. Despite hype around software defined vehicles (SDVs), most auto execs predict they won't dominate new car sales before 2030 due to technical challenges. Tesla's Berlin plant resumed after an arson-related shutdown, while GM faces leadership changes in manufacturing and software divisions. Cadillac plans a more affordable electric sedan, Lucid expands production in Saudi Arabia, and BYD targets European market growth with a new Hungarian plant. Japanese automakers agree to historic pay raises, and Volkswagen's truck unit partners with Plus for Level 4 autonomous trucks.

A lively discussion unfolds as the hosts share personal car stories and explore their automotive affinities. They delve into various vehicles, including the Honda Accord Euro, Ranger Raptor, and classic models, while reminiscing about past drives and experiences. The conversation touches on the importance of maintenance, the joy of driving, and the unique characteristics of different cars. Listeners will enjoy anecdotes about car culture, personal connections to vehicles, and insights into the automotive community, making for an engaging and relatable episode.

The Hot Rod Tour of Texas is gearing up for an exciting event from April 25th to 28th, featuring scenic drives, community engagement, and a celebration of automotive culture. Hosts Bobby Sparkman and Jeremy Taylor discuss the tour's itinerary, including stops at local breweries, drive-in movie nights, and unique venues like the historic downtown of Victoria. They share anecdotes about past tours, highlight new features, and emphasize the camaraderie among participants. With a focus on fun and community spirit, this episode captures the essence of the upcoming tour and its significance to Texas car enthusiasts.

Stock brake systems often struggle under the intense conditions of racing, leading to overheating and reduced performance. Phil from Elcon discusses the limitations of factory brakes and the benefits of upgrading to larger rotors and more robust calipers. Key considerations include rotor size, caliper stiffness, and the importance of proper bedding for new components. The episode also covers advanced materials like carbon-carbon and carbon-ceramic rotors, highlighting their pros and cons for both racing and street applications.

The episode covers major developments in the global EV market, including China's battery production surge and VW's increased investment in local EV platforms. It highlights Blink Charging's US expansion amid infrastructure needs and Ford's hefty tariff fine. The IIHS's new safety ratings reveal most partial automation systems underperform, with only Lexus scoring well. Volvo partners with Breeze Battery Technologies to speed charging, while Nissan struggles to sell 2023 Rogues, offering dealer incentives. Mercedes extends the A-Class lifespan due to high EV costs, and Morgan Olsen unveils a Canadian electric mail truck based on Rivian's platform, signaling potential collaboration.

Jimmy Purdy, owner of Shifting Gears Garage, shares insights on transmission rebuilds and the growth of his repair shop. He discusses the challenges of running a business in the automotive industry, including the importance of fair compensation for technicians and the need for effective communication with clients. The conversation touches on the evolution of repair practices, the impact of electric vehicles, and the significance of continuous learning in the field. Purdy emphasizes the value of building a supportive work environment for technicians while navigating the complexities of the automotive repair landscape.

Alexandra McCoy traces her path from watching “Cars” as a toddler to learning to drive at Monticello Motor Club and building an RC-focused school Automotive Engineering Club. The conversation connects simulator training, custom cone tracks, and safe passing with real track lessons—like why vision matters and how wet grip changes everything. It then pivots to her GM-sponsored off-road ambulance concept for rural Dominican Republic communities, plus her broader take on women in motorsports and finding mentors.

Excitement fills the air as the In Wheel Time Podcast dives into stock car racing and previews the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. Rodney Rodriguez shares insights on the upcoming racing season, discussing the challenges and changes in local tracks, including Houston Motorsports Park. The team also explores the growing popularity of dirt racing and the financial dynamics affecting car owners and drivers. Mars provides an in-depth review of the new Crosstrek, highlighting its features and performance, making it a standout in the small SUV market.

Christian and Doug welcome Adam, a longtime friend and car enthusiast, to share his automotive journey. They reminisce about Adam's first car, a Toyota Corolla FX-16, and the life lessons learned while working on it. The conversation shifts to his favorite adult car, a Nissan Maxima, where he discusses modifications and memorable experiences. Adam also shares stories about his Infiniti Q50s and the thrill of high-performance driving. The episode is filled with nostalgia, humor, and insights into car culture and personal connections.

Karl Bach from Axle Energy explains how their software enables EV chargers and home batteries to provide grid flexibility, helping balance supply and demand while earning money for users. Unlike energy suppliers like Octopus Energy, Axle Energy operates behind the scenes with charger manufacturers and battery providers, optimizing charging times without degrading batteries or inconveniencing drivers. The discussion covers market size, technical requirements, and how smart charging can benefit from excess renewable energy. The episode also highlights resources for comparing public EV charging prices and raises awareness about carbon literacy.

Tesla's Berlin plant may resume production sooner than expected after a power outage caused by arson, though full restart will take time. GM restarts Chevy Blazer EV sales with a software fix and price cut, while VW cancels plans to expand ID.3 production amid slowing EV demand. Porsche unveils an updated Taycan Turbo GT with enhanced power and a new track-focused package. Australian automakers clash over new fuel standards, with Tesla and VW pushing for stricter rules. Additionally, US customs delays on VW Group luxury models due to forced labor concerns are easing. Mac Trucks showcases an off-grid EV charging demo vehicle for dealer events.

Scott Langell, CEO of Adventure Genie, discusses how their AI-driven platform revolutionizes RV and camping trip planning. The conversation highlights the challenges RVers face in finding routes, campgrounds, and attractions, and how Adventure Genie personalizes travel suggestions based on user preferences. Scott shares his journey from software development to RV travel, emphasizing the ease of planning adventures with their tool. The episode also touches on partnerships with RV rental services, making it accessible for those without RVs to explore the great outdoors.

Consumer Reports' Alex Dysart joins the In Wheel Time Podcast to unveil the top 10 cars of the year, highlighting a significant rise in electrified vehicles. The discussion dives into the rigorous testing process, which includes road tests, reliability surveys, and safety standards. The episode also features road trip safety tips, emphasizing the importance of vehicle maintenance and safe driving practices during the busy spring break season. With a mix of hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and traditional gas cars, the list reflects current market trends and consumer preferences.

Trevor King from K-Zo Exports joins the Right Hand Drive Guys to share insights on importing JDM cars from Japan. He discusses his journey from teaching English to becoming a trusted car exporter in Osaka, highlighting the importance of building trust with clients. Trevor shares his experiences with unique cars he's exported, including a Lancia Delta Evo 2, and provides valuable advice on navigating the car buying process in Japan. The episode also touches on current market trends for GTR pricing and offers tips for those looking to visit Japan.

Rivian delays its Georgia plant to save $2.25 billion, focusing on expanding production at its Illinois facility with new R2 and R3 models featuring improved battery tech and enhanced autonomy. The episode covers rising dealer inventories impacting automaker margins, Tesla's arbitration ruling in a range lawsuit, and Apple's abandoned EV project costing $1 billion annually. MG targets Europe's small hybrid market with affordable models, while Rimac discusses Tesla Roadster's extreme acceleration potential. Generative AI's transformative impact on automotive supply chains and cost-cutting is also explored, highlighting efficiency gains in quoting and design processes.

The panel dives into the pressing issue of car affordability, discussing how rising prices, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs), are impacting consumers. They explore the average costs of EVs compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and the factors contributing to these price hikes, including supply chain challenges and regulatory pressures. The conversation touches on the potential for new technologies and innovations, such as generative AI, to help reduce costs in the automotive industry. The panelists also debate the future of small cars and the evolving preferences of buyers in a market increasingly dominated by larger vehicles.

Brandon Garcia from Hemmings joins the In Wheel Time Podcast to discuss secure transactions for collector cars. He introduces Hemmings Pay-in Title, a service designed to eliminate payment and titling fraud, making the buying and selling process safer for enthusiasts. The conversation covers the importance of identity verification, the use of escrow-like services, and the requirement for detailed vehicle listings, including 88 photos. Garcia emphasizes customer support and the goal of creating a frictionless experience for both novice and seasoned collectors.

Tesla Berlin's production halt extends due to environmentalist attacks, causing significant revenue loss. Japanese automakers face market jitters as the Bank of Japan hints at raising interest rates, potentially strengthening the yen. Major investments pour into Brazil's auto sector, focusing on ethanol and hybrid vehicles. GM Defense successfully tests its Infantry Squad Vehicle in the UAE, aiming for regional military contracts. Rivian cuts its third shift to boost efficiency without layoffs. Tesla introduces a cargo-focused Model Y variant in France and offers supercharger incentives in the US. Chinese automaker Great Wall enters South Africa's luxury SUV market.

Peter Brown, supervising sound editor for Fast & Furious (starting with Tokyo Drift), breaks down how movie car sound is built—from street recordings with microphones in engine bays and cabins to studio sound design and mixing. He explains why he gravitated to sound in grad school, how a key connection got him into the franchise, and why he loves “signature” noises like the Hans RX-7 rotary. Brown also discusses “cheating” with sound-alike swaps, recording challenges (especially diesels and EVs), and the role of imperfect, characterful driving in making cars feel alive on screen.