Ambulances, Hearses, And Minivans, Oh My!
Ever wondered what happens when you hand a team $2,200, drop them in Detroit, and tell them to chase riddles across America for a good cause? We sit down with organizer Richard Tomlin to unpack Wrench Rally 3, a back-roads, no-interstate adventure where budget beaters become charity champions. From the thrill of the hunt on Facebook Marketplace to the tight ten-minute evening check-in window, Richard explains how a gimmick rally blends navigation puzzles, teamwork, and roadside repairs into a road trip you’ll tell stories about for years.
The format is simple and brilliant: buy under the cap, pass a safety check, then follow clue sheets that lead to hyperlocal landmarks you can’t game with AI. Each team proves progress with photos, helps others under the Kansas Rule when breakdowns strike, and rolls into nightly meetups that sometimes turn into pop-up car shows. The route celebrates history and scenery—Appalachian stretches, Route 66 nods, the Ouachita Mountains—before winding into Possum Kingdom Lake and a finish at Bryan–College Station. Every vehicle is sold at the end on platforms like eBay Motors or Cars & Bids, with proceeds going to Parkinson’s research. Think diesel ambulances, white stretch limos, faithful minivans, and the kind of unexpected finds only Detroit can deliver.
We also take the Ford Bronco Strop Edition for a spin and talk heritage. The two-door Bronco’s 2.7L EcoBoost and 10-speed auto deliver stout torque and surprisingly composed ride quality, while the red, white, and blue livery honors Bill Stroppe’s desert legacy. We compare it to segment staples like the Jeep Wrangler and off-road-leaning alternatives, and share why this Bronco pulls thumbs-up everywhere it goes. Rounding things out, Jeff’s Motor Minute sparks nostalgia with favorite car films and motorsport heroes, reminding us why car culture is as much about stories as specs.
Ready to rally for a reason or just want the perfect excuse to wrench with friends? Hit play, subscribe for more car stories every week, and tell us: what $2,200 ride would you trust on a cross-country charity run?
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00:00 - Kicking Off From The Garage
01:19 - Guest Tech Woes And Setup
02:20 - Birth Of The Wrench Rally
03:16 - Rules, Budget, And Charity Model
04:24 - Cars You Can Buy For $2,200
04:49 - How The Gimmick Rally Works
06:05 - Beating AI With Real-World Riddles
06:24 - Support Truck And Kansas Rule
06:59 - Evenings, Dinners, And Pop-Up Shows
08:07 - Wild Rides From Limos To Minivans
09:08 - Comparisons To Gambler 500
10:45 - Hosts Plot An Ambulance Entry
11:54 - Buying Early And Route 66 Centennial
12:35 - Route Plan And No-Interstate Rule
13:12 - Why End At Bryan–College Station
14:13 - Dates, Regions, And Final Stop
15:20 - How To Apply And Vetting Teams
16:22 - Farewell To Richard Tomlin
16:43 - Tease: Bronco Review And Motor Minute
17:21 - Ad Breaks And Live Show Plugs
18:02 - Jeff’s Motor Minute Q&A
20:58 - Car Movies And Trivia
22:00 - Don’s 2025 Bronco Strop Edition Review
24:04 - Powertrain, MPG, And Drive Feel
25:09 - Pricing, Rivals, And Takeaways
27:06 - Closing Ads And Where To Listen