The Automotive Advantage

The Automotive Advantage

The Automotive Advantage

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Episodes (30)

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Chase Lautenbach: 1320 Video, Street Car Takeover & the Billion-Dollar Empire Nobody Noticed | EP037

What does it actually take to build one of the most influential organizations in grassroots motorsports?Chase Lautenbach got his start with 1320 Video — traveling the country, covering races, and watching the machine Kyle Martin was building in real time. One phone call later, Street Car Takeover was born in a Sonic parking lot.Now it's an 18-race season, an $8M+ operation, a car dealership specializing in 1,500-3,000hp builds, and one of the most authentic communities in the automotive aftermarket.In this episode, Chase breaks down:→ How 1320 Video quietly pushed BILLIONS through the automotive industry (and why nobody realized it until now)→ Why Street Car Takeover has a spot for the broke 17-year-old with an F-body AND the guy running 3-second passes→ The business model behind a race series where the promoters race their own cars→ How Chase sells 2,000hp modified cars without Autotrader, Bring a Trailer, or CarGurus — and why dealerships are calling him to move cars they can't→ The used supercar market forecast: which platforms are rising in the next 12 months (R8, Huracán, GTR, Porsche)→ The "Dreamer, Numbers Guy, Processes Guy" partnership structure that makes it all work→ Why going to events — not going viral — is how you actually build reach→ "Those who can't, teach" — Chase's take on real education vs. business coaches→ What Street Car Takeover is bringing to Charlotte for HPX week — and why this might be the most car-guy week of the yearThis is a business conversation. Real numbers. Real frameworks. Real talk from someone who built something most people in this industry are still trying to figure out.Street Car Takeover: @streetcartakeoverChase Lautenbach: @chaselautenbach1320 Video: @1320videoHigh Performance Expo (HPX) Charlotte — June 2ndStreet Car Takeover Charlotte — same week⚙️ Automotive Advantage is where the automotive industry comes to think bigger, build smarter, and grow faster.Subscribe and leave a review if this episode gave you something to work with.——— CHAPTERS ———0:00 Cold Open — How Street Car Takeover Was Born1:02 Welcome / Intro1:25 Chase's Background & the 1320 Video Origin Story3:23 What Kyle Martin Built — Billions With a B6:47 Why 1320 Always Put People First7:58 Organic Reach & The Secret to Social Media10:07 "Have Just Enough Fun to Not Get Sued"11:06 Find Fun Friends — Advice for Struggling Creators13:22 What Is Street Car Takeover, Really?15:48 The Numbers: 18 Events, $8M+, 20,000 People18:04 Why They Still Go to Small Events19:37 The Promoters Who Race Their Own Cars21:19 How Chase Called Out All of Charlotte (Organic Reach 101)22:51 Advice for Small Promoters Just Starting Out24:40 Race Ready Auto Sports — Selling the 1% of the 1%26:57 How to Actually Sell a 2,000hp Modified Car28:02 Margins on Modified vs. Stock Cars29:38 Used Supercar Market Forecast — What's Rising in 202631:44 "How Did Everyone Get So Rich?"33:00 The Black Z06 Nobody Will Buy (And Why)36:31 How to Attract and Keep Great Talent37:42 What Chase Actually Looks for in a Hire38:29 The Dreamer, the Numbers Guy, and the Processes Guy39:43 No Ego at the Top — Why SCT Has Never Been One Person41:19 Nobody's Too Good to Fold Merch43:12 HPX + Street Car Takeover Charlotte Same Week45:22 Trade Shows, Handshake Deals & Real Relationships45:43 What Chase Is Teaching at HPX48:30 How to Handle Failure (And Why It Ain't That Deep)51:27 The Cars Coming to HPX — 3,000hp GTR + 50 Shades Fox Body52:51 Why SCT Draws Everyone — 20-Year-Olds, Women, Every Background55:32 How to Build a Culture Where Nobody Feels Left Out56:40 Where Chase Finds Inspiration58:17 "Race Car Go Fast. It Ain't That Deep."58:56 HPX Week Preview — What to Expect in Charlotte1:01:15 How to Find Chase & Street Car Takeover

S2E37 May 29, 2026 62 min 69 annotations

What Manufacturer's Reps Actually Do & Why Your Shop Needs One | SEMA Hall of Famer Les Rudd | EP034

What does a manufacturer's rep actually do and why does your shop need one? If you've ever been to SEMA, PRI, or HPX and wondered who those guys wearing branded shirts are covering every aisle, this episode is the answer.SEMA Hall of Famer Les Rudd of Bob Cook Sales joins Justin and Jamie on Automotive Advantage for a masterclass on the manufacturer's rep model. Nearly 50 years of relationships, territory, data, and deal-making that most shop owners and small manufacturers never fully tap into.What you'll learn in this episode:* What a manufacturer's rep is and how the model works in the automotive aftermarket* How new manufacturers should approach finding and working with a rep agency* Why a bad program is harder to recover from than a defective product* What shops are missing by not leveraging their reps (market intel, event support, product access)* How to read the aftermarket economy: fuel prices, consumer confidence, and why "flat is the new up" in 2026* The role of private equity in the aftermarket and why passion can't be managed by spreadsheet* Why Les thinks HPX will fill the Charlotte Convention Center within five years* The give-back culture of industry associations — SEMA, HPX Advisory Council, North Carolina Motorsports AssociationLes Rudd is the President of Bob Cook Sales, a manufacturer's rep agency covering the Southeast and Southwest and a SEMA Hall of Fame inductee. Bob Cook Sales has represented brands like ARP, Edelbrock, Comp Cams, DZ, Headman, and dozens more over nearly five decades.Contact Les: [email protected] | bobcooksales.comAutomotive Advantage is a business-first automotive podcast for shop owners, brand leaders, and operators who take this industry seriously.New episodes drop weekly! Subscribe so you don't miss one.#automotiveaftermarket #manufacturersrep #automotivebusiness #performanceindustry

S2E34 May 05, 2026 93 min 133 annotations

He Built a 36-Year Performance Shop Starting in His Basement | Donnie Walsh Jr. | D&D Performance

How do you build a performance shop that lasts 36 years? Donnie Walsh Jr. of D&D Performance in Wixom, Michigan has the answer and it starts with a dad, two slicks, a jack, and a trunk full of nitrous bottles in the late 1980s.In this episode of Automotive Advantage, Justin sits down with one of the most respected names in Mustang and performance transmission history. Donnie and his father started D&D Performance out of their basement building T5 transmissions running a single print ad with hours from 6 to 9 PM. Today, D&D is a full-service performance shop specializing in Tremec and BorgWarner transmissions, driveline builds, supercharger and turbocharger installs, and dyno tuning — and they're up 20% year over year.In this episode:Donnie's drag racing career competing in Fox body Mustang classes from the nitrous era through Pro Mod, and why he was considered the best driver in NMRA Mustang historyHow D&D Performance started: basement-built rear axles, a T5 transmission niche, and a BorgWarner deal that launched a 36-year businessThe real margins on performance shop work: why building cars is passion-driven, not profit-driven, and where the real money actually comes fromWhat separates shops that last from shops that close: customer experience, staying on the phone, and rebuilding a transmission overnight at a car showReading the market right now: economic headwinds, the return of the $40K fun car, and why D&D is up 20% while others are tighteningThe Fox body Mustang legacy and what the new Mustang is getting wrong: why attainability built the aftermarket, and why that's being lostThe future of D&D: a new mainline hub dyno, a revamped website with install videos, and why private equity isn't the answer for shops like thisD&D Performance is one of the most trusted names in Ford performance and Tremec transmission builds in the country. If you're a shop owner, performance enthusiast, or automotive business operator this conversation is a masterclass in staying relevant, staying profitable, and staying true to why you started.Subscribe to Automotive Advantage the podcast built for serious automotive business professionals.New episodes every week on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.#AutomotiveAdvantage #PerformanceShop #DDPerformance #DonnieWalsh #FoxBodyMustang #TremecTransmission #MustangDragRacing #NMRA #AutomotiveBusiness #PerformanceAftermarket #BorgWarner #T5Transmission #SuperchargerBuild #DynoTuning #AutomotivePodcast #ShopOwner #AftermarketBusiness #MustangPerformance #CarBusiness #PerformanceAftermarketPodcast

S2E32 Apr 15, 2026 74 min 173 annotations

Is a Manual C8 Corvette Actually Happening? TREMEC's Aftermarket Chief Tells All... EP031

The Tremec Manual Transaxle stopped SEMA cold. Phones are ringing off the hook. And yet... the Corvette world isn't sure what to believe.In this episode of Automotive Advantage, we sit down with Mike Kidd, Aftermarket Business Unit Manager at Tremec, to get the straight story on the manual transaxle that became the most talked-about Corvette product and why the internet's assumptions about it being a factory C8 option were dead wrong.Mike sets the record straight, breaks down what this transmission actually is, who it's built for, and when you can get your hands on one. We also dig into why manual transmissions are dying in production vehicles but why the aftermarket demand has never been stronger.What We Cover:* The C8 Manual Transaxle: How fake is it?* Why Tremec built it (and what it's NOT)* When can you actually buy one? (The 2027 timeline)* What else can it fit? GT500, GTD, and beyond* Manual transmissions are down to 2% of production vehicles — here's why that's a lie* Why a C7 Grand Sport manual is worth $10–15K more than an automatic right now* Tremec's full product lineup: TKX, Magnum, T5, and the new aftermarket DCT* How Tremec uses vehicle registration data to spot market opportunities* 37 shows a year: how Tremec wins the floor at SEMA, Power Tour, and Mustang Week* How to get a Tremec sponsorship (and what actually gets you renewed)🔗 Find Tremec:Website: tremec.comTech Line: 800-401-9866Automotive Advantage is the podcast for automotive aftermarket owners, operators, and builders who take the business side of this industry seriously. New episodes drop weekly.🔔 Subscribe so you don't miss what's coming next.👍 If this was useful, leave us a like, it helps other serious automotive professionals find the show.#C8Corvette #ManualTransmission #Tremec #CorvetteGrandSport

S2E31 Apr 07, 2026 60 min 11 annotations

5 'Golden Rules' of the Auto Industry That Are Total BS in 2026 | Automotive Advantage EP030

Sacred cows of the automotive industry... we're putting them on the chopping block. In this episode, Jamie and Justin take the biggest "golden rules" of automotive marketing, product strategy, and business and test whether they still hold up in 2026. Spoiler: most of them don't.We kick things off with what's happening in the real world right now: rising fuel prices driven by the conflict in Iran, shaken consumer confidence, brutal job reports, and what all of that means for performance shops, aftermarket brands, and the events industry. Travel costs are through the roof, hotel rooms are skyrocketing, and hard drives doubled in price in three months. Something's got to give.Then we get into the AI conversation you need to hear. Jamie shares a mind-bending party trick from an Amazon AI executive... ask any AI to pick a random number between 1 and 25, and the answer is always 17. What does that tell us about the tools we're trusting with business decisions? We also break down real-world AI use cases that are closing deals at 2AM, and why this technology is a force multiplier, not a job killer.We recap the 2026 Detroit Auto-Rama, the Riddler Award winner "Elegant Lady," and have an honest conversation about where this legendary car show needs to go to stay relevant in the modern era.And then the main event. Sacred Cows of the Auto Industry:🐄 Win on Sunday, sell on Monday: Does motorsport still move the needle for manufacturers?🐄 Kids just aren't into cars anymore: We bust this myth wide open🐄 Only market to young people: Why ignoring boomers is the most expensive mistake in automotive marketing🐄 No one buys cars anymore, it's all SUVs and trucks: Is the sedan really dead?🐄 Double down on marketing in a down economy: Smart strategy or agency upsell?Whether you run a performance shop, manage a brand, or just want to know what's really happening in the auto industry right now... this one's packed.

S2E30 Mar 18, 2026 66 min

From "Like a Rock" to Likes and Clicks — Detroit Ad Man Ty Damon Tells All | Automotive Advantage

What did it actually take to build one of the most iconic automotive ad campaigns in American history? In this episode, host Jamie sits down with Ty Damon — fourth-generation Detroit ad man and recently retired veteran of Jack Morton — for a raw, unfiltered conversation about the golden age of automotive advertising, what killed it, and what the industry desperately needs to reclaim.Ty breaks down the full architecture of how Detroit's agency world worked at its peak from product planning and positioning to media strategy and multi-million dollar production budgets. He tells the story behind the Chevy Tahoe launch, the "Like a Rock" campaign, a $576 million Manchester United sponsorship, and what it felt like to hand autographs to Chinese schoolchildren who mistook him for Wayne Rooney.But this episode isn't just nostalgia. It's a masterclass in what great marketing actually requires: knowing your product, knowing your customer, and having the conviction to stick with a big idea long enough for it to become iconic.If you've ever wondered why modern automotive marketing feels hollow — more data, fewer insights, more content, less impact — Ty explains exactly how we got here and why the compression of creative talent into generalist roles is costing the industry more than anyone admits.Topics covered:* How Detroit's advertising infrastructure compared to Hollywood in its prime* Product positioning vs. snappy headlines... what actually sells vehicles* The real story behind "Like a Rock" and why it worked for 11 years* Why the shift from commission-based to fee-based agency models changed everything* The data paradox: more analytics, worse insights* What the automotive aftermarket can learn from the golden era of brand buildingThis is the kind of conversation that only happens when someone has truly lived it. Don't miss it.Subscribe for new episodes every week.🎙️ Automotive Advantage — Where the automotive industry goes to think bigger, build smarter, and grow faster.

S2E28 Feb 26, 2026 85 min

The Auto Industry Is Heating Up... Are You Positioned Right? | Automotive Advantage EP026

General Motors writes off $7.2 billion in EV losses… and the stock goes UP. Record profits. A 20% dividend hike. Meanwhile, tiny enthusiast programs can’t get approved.What is actually happening in the automotive industry right now?In this episode of The Automotive Advantage, we break down:• The GM Q4 earnings surprise and what it signals for 2026 • Why trucks and SUVs continue to dominate OEM profits• MidwayPlus aftermarket data showing demand up 37% but conversions down• Why high net worth buyers are doubling exotic car values at auction• Record-breaking Barrett-style auction results and what they mean for your business• Rolex 24 viewership surging and racing momentum returning• Why $200,000 trucks keep selling out• Minivan sales up 21% (yes, really)• The High Performance Expo movement building in Charlotte• How a niche Corvette dealer sold multiple cars from one podcast appearance• Opus Clip, AI content, and whether you’re overthinking social media• The truth about AI agents and what business owners should actually care aboutIf you’re in the automotive aftermarket, performance parts, racing, dealership operations, or automotive marketing, this episode is packed with real signals you should be watching heading into 2026.The economy feels loose. Racing is back. Big trucks are king. High-end buyers are spending aggressively. The question is… are you positioned correctly?Subscribe for weekly insights on growing your automotive business smarter.

S2E26 Feb 12, 2026 60 min

The Corvette Buying Secrets Dealers Don’t Want You to Know

Buying a new performance car should not feel like a trap.In this episode of Automotive Advantage, we sit down with Alan Johnson, widely known as the best Corvette salesman in the country, to break down how the dealership world actually works… and how buyers can win.We cover what allocation really means, why MSRP is not the whole story, how dealership relationships matter more than people think, and what separates a great Corvette buying experience from a nightmare.Alan also walks through the entire modern Corvette lineup, from Stingray to Z06 to ZR1, explains which options actually matter, which ones hurt resale, and why most people overspend in the wrong places.If you are shopping for a Corvette, a performance car, or just want to understand how dealers think behind the scenes, this episode will save you time, money, and frustration.Topics include:How Corvette allocations actually workWhy long term dealer relationships matterThe real difference between Stingray, Z06, E-Ray, and ZR1What options are worth the money and which are notHow used Corvettes really hold valueWhy some buyers get priority access and others never doThis episode applies to more than Corvettes. These lessons translate to buying any performance car today.Also, if you see any errors in the video render, we apologize! Seems like we're having an issue with one of the cameras, we will get it fixed ASAP.

S2E24 Jan 16, 2026 72 min

Cybersecurity in 2026: 1 Mistake Can Wipe Out Your Automotive Business | Automotive Advantage EP023

Cyberattacks are no longer a “big company problem.” In 2026, every automotive business is a target.In this episode of The Automotive Advantage, we sit down with cybersecurity expert Brad Brown to break down what’s really happening behind the scenes and why ignoring security today can cost you everything tomorrow.We cover:* Why hackers don’t need to “guess” your password anymore* The biggest cybersecurity mistakes shop owners make without realizing it* How phishing, spoofed emails, and fake Zoom calls are stealing millions* Why social media access and shared passwords are massive risks* What multi factor authentication actually protects and what it doesn’t* How AI, deepfakes, and voice cloning are changing scams forever* Real world examples of companies losing millions overnight* Simple steps any business can take right now to reduce riskThis isn’t about paranoia. It’s about awareness, basic hygiene, and protecting what you’ve spent years building.If you run a shop, manage an automotive brand, handle finances, or touch customer data in any way, this episode could save your business.Listen now and make 2026 the year you stop being an easy target.

S2E23 Jan 08, 2026 73 min

The Sales Playbook Behind 100x Growth in the Automotive Industry | Automotive Advantage EP022

What actually drives 100x growth in the automotive industry?In this episode of the Automotive Advantage Podcast, Justin and Jamie sit down with Robin Lawrence, known across the industry as Uncle Robin, to break down the real sales techniques that win long term.This is not about quick wins, influencer hype, or chasing metrics that do not matter.Robin shares how patience, credibility, and relationship driven selling helped build some of the most successful aftermarket programs in history, including lessons learned from his time working with Holley and GM Performance Parts.You will learn why the biggest sales opportunities often take years to close, how to sell without pitching, how to help shops and customers make more money instead of just moving product, and why most automotive businesses struggle when they chase short term revenue.They also unpack what automotive brands need to do differently heading into 2026, how to build trust in a crowded market, and how the best operators think several moves ahead while everyone else is stuck reacting.If you run a speed shop, performance brand, dealership, or aftermarket business and want sales strategies that actually scale, this episode lays out the blueprint.

S2E22 Jan 01, 2026 79 min

Everything Changes in 2026! AI, Racing, PE, Content, & What Breaks Next | Automotive Advantage EP021

What does 2026 really look like for the automotive industry?In this episode of The Automotive Advantage, we make bold predictions about where the industry is headed and what is about to change fast. From EV missteps and OEM course corrections to the rise of AI in launch photography, media, and marketing, nothing is off the table.We break down real data from the Midway Index showing surprising momentum in the aftermarket, talk racing shakeups across F1, NASCAR, IHRA, and drag racing, and dig into what performance parts, diesel, and resto-mod culture look like next.This episode also goes deep on events, attention over marketing, private equity, fatigue in the workforce, and how brands should actually prepare for the year ahead instead of guessing.If you work in the automotive aftermarket, racing, OEM, media, or marketing world and want a grounded, no-hype look at what is coming in 2026, this one is required listening.Topics include:• The possible end of traditional automotive launch photography• EV reality checks and OEM strategy shifts• Racing predictions across F1, NASCAR, IHRA, and beyond• Performance parts trends and where power is going next• Events, attention, and why in-person matters more than ever• Private equity, new product launches, and brand relevance• How AI is already changing the industry in real waysSubscribe for weekly conversations on business, marketing, and the future of the automotive industry.

S1E21 Dec 18, 2025 76 min

THE AUTOMOTIVE AWARDS NO ONE ASKED FOR | Top Cars, Trends, Winners, Losers & 2025 Industry Breakdown

Welcome back to The Automotive Advantage. Today we reveal the 2025 Automotive Awards that absolutely no one asked for, but everyone will have an opinion about. We break down the best, the worst, and the completely unhinged moments from across the automotive world and crown winners in categories like Car of the Year, Truck of the Year, Top Upfitter, Best Performance Part, Top Media, Best Event, and more. We even pick the Dogs of the Year and talk about the trends that shaped 2025.Inside this episode we cover• The car companies that actually moved the industry forward• Why Ford, Dodge SRT, and Toyota dominated different segments• Corvette ZR1, GTD, used enthusiast cars, and the rise of the $200K build• The Slate truck hype and the f 150 as the new Fox Body• Fox Factory, Singer, RTR, and the future of upfitted vehicles• Why sim racing and iRacing are becoming real sanctioning bodies• Influencers vs traditional media and why Bring a Trailer runs the culture• Power Tour, Roadkill, Dream Cruise and the event boom• The campaigns that worked and the ones that felt cursed• HP Tuners, Whipple, and the new performance landscape• The rise of AI generated chaos in automotive mediaThen we give out our picks for moment of the year, person of the year, and the industry low points we hope stay in 2025.Drop your top ten lists, tell us where we were wrong, and let us know what you are looking forward to in 2026.New episodes every week. Like, comment, subscribe, and share with a friend who loves cars as much as we do.

S1E21 Dec 04, 2025 58 min

What Happens in Vegas… Is Already Reshaping Your Automotive Business | EP018

This week on Automotive Advantage, we're back from Las Vegas and breaking down the biggest trends, surprises, and takeaways shaping the automotive aftermarket right now. From industry optimism to wild builds, from burnout culture to AI-generated launch videos… we cover it all.In this episode:• Why the vibe in Las Vegas felt shockingly positive this year• What booth quality, brand presence, and attendance say about the industry• The rise of content creators at major events and why brands are doubling down• Why face-to-face events are back in a massive way (and how brands should adapt)• The hot segments by hall and what that tells us about 2026• Trucks dominating the industry and the F-150 becoming the new “muscle car”• Why extreme builds and million-dollar cars are overshadowing relatable, bolt-on projects• The burnout/takeover trend and the controversial idea that it’s replacing motorsports• What’s missing at today’s events: karting, dragsters, dynos, and grassroots racing• Insights into OEM activity, stealth recon work, and what new trends they’re tracking• Big wins for brands including a top-12 Battle of the Builders finish for a black Gen 1 Bronco• Why brighter car colors still dominate photography and social media performance• The return of audio builds and the competitiveness of the North Hall landscape• How one builder’s Las Vegas success is transforming his business overnight• A look at new product drops, extreme horsepower trends, blowers-through-hoods, and more• The growing influence of AI in automotive marketing… including a launch video that used it• How AI is (and isn’t) reliable for social metrics and brand performance• What brands should rethink for 2026 and why the industry feels strong heading into the new yearWhether you're a builder, brand, marketer, shop owner, or gearhead, this Vegas recap delivers real insights you can actually use.Watch, subscribe, and drop a comment:What trend surprised you the most?

S1E18 Nov 13, 2025 48 min

SEMA Strategy, Marketing Budgets, and AI’s Impact on the Automotive Industry | EP017

The Automotive Aftermarket is shifting fast. Sales are soft, brands are pulling back, and AI is rewriting how business gets done.In this episode, Dr. Jamie Meyer and Justin Cesler dive into the latest MidwayPlus Market Index, breaking down real B2B and B2C numbers that reveal what’s actually happening across the industry. They unpack why consumer confidence is down, how product launches drive attention in a flat market, and why every brand needs to rethink its SEMA strategy... from timing embargoes to launching early and often.From there, the conversation turns to marketing budgets, content creation, and AI. The guys explain exactly how much brands should be spending on marketing, where small shops can start, and how AI tools like ChatGPT and Sora are giving businesses a true unfair advantage.This one’s packed with actionable insights for shop owners, brand leaders, and content creators who want to stay ahead of the curve in 2025.Chapters:Welcome to the Automotive AdvantageThe SEMA Crunch: When to Drop Your NewsUnderstanding Embargoes & Launch StrategyThe MidwayPlus Market Index: Real Industry DataWhat Flat Sales Mean for the AftermarketHow to Build a Modern Content & Marketing StrategyThe Rise of AI in AutomotiveThe Future of Media, Manufacturing & EventsFeaturing:Justin Cesler – Founder, Driveline StudiosDr. Jamie Meyer – President, 6757 Consulting#SEMA #AutomotiveAftermarket #Automotive

S1E17 Oct 31, 2025 78 min

The Godfather of Chevrolet Performance: Nicky Fowler on 48 Years of Racing, Parts, and Power | Automotive Advantage EP016

48 years. One dealership. A lifetime of stories from inside the automotive aftermarket.This week on The Automotive Advantage, Justin Cesler and Dr. Jamie Meyer sit down with Nicky Fowler, the man many call the Godfather of Chevrolet Performance Parts. After nearly five decades with Scoggin Dickey Parts Center, Nicky opens up about building an $80M+ operation, the evolution of LS and LT engines, the truth about private equity, and how to actually survive in today’s changing automotive world.From learning business lessons from his drag racing father to navigating GM, Ford, and the aftermarket, this episode is a masterclass in how to build longevity, integrity, and success in the industry we all love.Highlights:How Nicky built one of the most powerful dealerships in the countryThe rise (and future) of LS and LT enginesWhy integrity still matters in a cutthroat marketThe real effects of private equity in the performance worldThe secrets to surviving 48 years in the automotive aftermarketIf you care about performance, racing, or what makes the industry tick, you can’t miss this one.#AutomotiveAdvantage #ScogginDickey #ChevroletPerformance #LSEngine #LTEngine #Aftermarket #PerformanceParts #CarCulture

S1E16 Oct 24, 2025 82 min

The Truth About Aftermarket Sales (and Why You’re Down) — MidwayPlus, Margins & Q4 | EP015

Brian Lounsberry (ex-Motovicity CEO, now CEO of MidwayPlus) breaks down what’s really happening in the automotive aftermarket: a live market index, why some brands win while others slide, and the ops fixes (not hype) that move revenue. We dig into B2B vs B2C, channel margins, packaging, seasonality, Cyber Week strategy, and what private equity is actually doing next. Hosted by Justin Cesler (Driveline Studios) and Dr. Jamie Meyer (6757 Consulting).Highlights:The market is down overall and how MidwayPlus’ index shows whether you’re beating or lagging the trend.What winning brands have in common (behavior changes, not excuses).What MidwayPlus actually is (and why it makes B2B as easy as buying coffee).B2B ≠ B2C: buyers aren’t “shopping”; they’re completing a task. Optimize for speed and trust.Channel margins: manufacturer, retailer, dropshipper, and WD... the real numbers.Packaging & fundamentals: why flimsy boxes cost you customers.Seasonality curve + Q4/Cyber playbook for performance parts.Chapters:00:00 Intro & market index04:30 What MidwayPlus does for manufacturers12:10 B2B vs B2C: design for utility18:45 Channel margins (real talk)25:10 Packaging & ops that actually move revenue33:00 Seasonality curve + Cyber Week plan40:00 PE, demand gen, and marketing that compounds47:00 Closing takeawaysSubscribe for weekly episodes that help you grow a modern automotive business.

S1E15 Oct 16, 2025 86 min

The Q4 Survival Guide for the Automotive Industry | Automotive Advantage EP014

It’s fourth quarter and that means pressure, opportunity,and the perfect time to rethink your 2026 automotive strategy. In this episode of The Automotive Advantage, Dr. Jamie Meyer and Justin Cesler (Driveline Studios) break down how to survive and thrive in Q4. From industry trends and smart budgeting to social strategy, daring moves, and trade show survival tips… this one’s loaded. Here’s what we cover: Q4 trends in the automotive aftermarket Why “flat” might actually be winning right now How to be 20% more daring in 2026 Paid vs. earned media and building smarter marketing plansSocial media that actually drives business The importance of new product launches What’s happening with private equity & consolidation Trade show survival guide for SEMA, PRI, HPX, and beyond AI “work slop,” Sora, and the future of content Whether you’re a shop owner, marketer, or industry exec,this is your Q4 playbook for finishing strong and building momentum into 2026.Comment what your Q4 focus is this year.

S1E14 Oct 09, 2025 69 min

How to Fund a 300+ MPH Career: Inside Top Fuel’s Multi-Million Dollar Hustle with Ida Zetterström

Everyone sees the speed… but few ever see the business behind it.In this episode of The Automotive Advantage, we sit down with Ida Zetterström, NHRA Top Fuel driver, European champion, and one of the most exciting rising stars in drag racing.Ida breaks down what it really takes to race at 330+ mph:How she built her brand from racing bikes in Europe to piloting the quickest cars on earth.The true cost of running Top Fuel in America vs. Europe.Why sponsorships are about more than logos on cars and how she’s bringing new brands into the sport.The behind-the-scenes hustle that makes racing possible.Why companies of any size can get involved and see a return on investment.This is the insider’s look at motorsport sponsorship that no one else is talking about - the dollars, the strategy, the opportunities - and it might just change the way you think about racing.👉 Follow Ida on Instagram: @dragsterfia👉 Subscribe for more episodes of The Automotive Advantage

S1E13 Oct 02, 2025 66 min

How Garrett Reed Built 2.4M Instagram Followers & the Secrets Behind AmericanMuscleHD | EP012

Garrett Reed (@AmericanMuscleHD) has over 2.4 million followers on Instagram, making him one of the biggest automotive content creators today. But how did he actually build that kind of following and, more importantly, how does he turn it into real business?In this episode of The Automotive Advantage, Justin Cesler (Driveline Studios) and Dr. Jamie Meyer (6757 Consulting) sit down with Garrett to uncover:The early days of AmericanMuscleHD and how the page took offThe shift from a faceless brand to a personal brand—and why it changed everythingWhere the money really comes from in content creation (brand deals, events, and beyond)Why relationships and showing up in person are more valuable than likes or DMsThe next evolution for creators: building a team, moving into YouTube, and hosting eventsIf you’ve ever wondered what it actually takes to grow an audience in the millions and keep it thriving in today’s fast-changing creator economy, Garrett pulls back the curtain in this one.Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of business, media, and the automotive world.

S1E12 Sep 25, 2025 65 min

Everything we learned at the 2025 Automotive YouTube Creator Summit!

We just got back from YouTube and Google’s first-ever Automotive Content Creator Summit in Detroit, Michigan and it was a game-changer. In this episode, Justin Cesler (Driveline Studios) and Dr. Jamie Meyer (6757 Consulting) break down everything we learned inside Google HQ, including:Why YouTube is now bigger than Netflix and what that means for your businessHow “investable trends” are shaping the future of car contentWhy 80%+ of car buyers use YouTube before making a purchase and how you can reach themThe “Full YouTube Canvas” strategy that the biggest creators are using (and how small shops can apply it)The trap of sameness in automotive content and how to break out of itWhether you’re a shop owner, content creator, or marketer in the automotive industry, this one is packed with takeaways that could change the way you think about video.Subscribe for more insights on where car media and the performance aftermarket are headed next.

S1E11 Sep 18, 2025 68 min

David Freiburger on Hot Rod, Roadkill, YouTube & Reinventing Car Media | Automotive Advantage EP010

David Freiburger has shaped how millions of car enthusiasts experience automotive media. From his years as Editor of Hot Rod Magazine, to co-creating Roadkill, to building one of the biggest automotive shows on YouTube, David’s fingerprints are everywhere. In this episode of Automotive Advantage, hosts Justin Cesler (Driveline Studios) and Dr. Jamie Meyer (6757 Consulting) sit down with David to unpack:How he spotted and amplified trends that changed the industryThe rise and fall of print, TV, and the birth of YouTube car culture His formula for building authentic content, merch, and events Behind-the-scenes of Hot Rod, Roadkill, and building an automotive show on YouTube Why “don’t get it right, just get it running” is more than a catchphrase The real economics of print, TV, YouTube, merch, and live events in today’s market How to balance authenticity, advertisers, and audience without selling out Why collaboration on YouTube isn’t always the growth hack people think it is What brands get wrong about “going viral” and how to actually work with influencers David’s goals for the next 12 months, and the pitfalls of building your career on platforms you don’t control If you care about cars, content, or the business of automotive media, this is a must-watch conversation with one of the most influential voices in the industry. Subscribe to the Automotive Advantage for more insider conversations!

S1E10 Sep 04, 2025 59 min

Winning in Motorsports Media with the Voice of Drag Racing, Brian Lohnes | Automotive Advantage 009

The Voice of Drag Racing joins Automotive Advantage. Brian Lohnes (NHRA lead announcer, Dorkomotive host, super nerd,  @brianlohnes3079 on YouTube) walks us through the real climb… from quitting a trucking management job to building BangShift, crashing servers with a 2010 March Meet livestream, writing 20,000 stories to feed a family and a dream, to becoming the Voice of Drag Racing with the NHRA.We dig into prep, performance, and why curiosity beats “having a plan” every time. We also get honest about AI voice clones, YouTube revenue, and what NHRA looks like in the next 5–10 years, including the John Force moment and how the team responded.Hosted by Justin Cesler, Founder of Driveline Studios, and Dr. Jamie Meyer of 6757 Consulting. If you’re a builder, shop owner, or marketer in the performance world, this one hits you right where you work: consistency, storytelling, and making content your competitive edge.TOPICS:Why Brian walked away from a “safe” jobBangShift’s first big livestream winVolume beats luck: 20,000 stories laterHow to prep like a pro announcerDorkomotive, YouTube growth, and fighting AI clones“Get over yourself” and publishNHRA health check and the next evolutionLife after John Force and what changes nowAnd so much more!Subscribe for more Automotive Advantage with Justin Cesler and Dr. Jamie Meyer.

S1E9 Aug 28, 2025 86 min

Adapt or Die: Why Your Automotive Shop Is Losing Customers in 2025

Welcome to Episode 006 of The Automotive Advantage with Justin Cesler (Driveline Studios) and Dr. Jamie Meyer (6757 Consulting). This one hits different. After a powerful dinner with an aftermarket veteran, we pause our usual format and dive straight into the truth: the automotive aftermarket has changed... radically. Print ads, racing credentials, and phone calls aren't enough anymore. Customers haven’t disappeared, they’ve just moved.We break down:• The new sales funnel for speed shops and manufacturers• Where your customers really are (hint: it's YouTube, not the track)• Why your website, content, and shipping speed matter more than ever• How shops like Badass Broncos are closing $300K+ deals in the DMs• What to do if you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or isolatedWe also discuss the rise of the Clubhouse Era, AI's role in transforming your customer service, and the real cost of ignoring change.This is your roadmap to staying alive and thriving in 2025 and beyond.Subscribe, like, and share to stay ahead of the curve.

S1E6 Aug 15, 2025 59 min

Kurt Johnson on Track Prep, Drag Strip Secrets & the Future of Racing | Automotive Advantage EP008

What does it take to turn a city street into a world-class drag strip? Kurt Johnson, owner of Total Venue Concepts and the man behind some of the best racing surfaces in the world, joins us for a deep dive into track prep, drag strip operations, and the state of drag racing today.From the evolution of traction compound and “rubber stretch” science, to the business realities of running a successful track, Kurt shares decades of hard-earned knowledge plus where he sees the sport headed next. We also cover how he’s applying motorsports expertise to other industries, why the fan experience matters more than ever, and the cultural changes drag racing needs to thrive.If you’re a racer, track operator, or motorsports fan, this episode is packed with insights you won’t hear anywhere else.Topics include:Roadkill Nights and building a drag strip in the streets of PontiacThe art and science of track prep (and why it’s not “witchcraft”)How to run a great drag strip from the front gate to the finish lineRevenue, margins, and the hidden challenges of track ownershipThe future of slicks, radials, and class trendsLessons from consulting for Tony Stewart RacingUsing AI, new tech, and cross-industry skills in motorsportsThe cultural side of racing and why personality sells#AutomotiveAdvantage #DragRacing #TrackPrep #KurtJohnson #TonyStewartRacing #RoadkillNights #MotorsportsBusiness #NHRA #IHRA

Aug 14, 2025 67 min
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