2025 In Wheel Time Episodes

Are electric vehicles at a crossroads? This question drives our enlightening conversation with renowned automotive expert Jack Nerad, who joins us from California to share his perspectives on the current state of EVs and the automotive industry at large. Range anxiety emerges as a genuine dealbreaker rather than a minor inconvenience. When Mike shares his frustrating experience with a Volvo EV that can't complete his 112-mile commute without an hour-long charging stop, the practical limitations...

Ready for an explosive Fourth of July? Our latest episode delivers your ultimate guide to celebrating Independence Day across Texas, highlighting spectacular destinations that cater to every preference. Discover why Addison's Kaboom Town ranks as the nation's third-best fireworks display, drawing 400,000 visitors with its impressive aerial shows and vintage warplane exhibitions. We explore everything from Fair Park's family-friendly atmosphere with Army Reserve Band performances to Frisco's two-...

Buckle up for a high-octane conversation as we welcome Owen Pittman, the dynamic promoter behind Houston Motorsports Park and its sister track in Corpus Christi. With the adrenaline-pumping Elite 410 Wingless Sprint Car event just days away, Pittman gives us an exclusive preview of what promises to be one of the most electrifying races of the season. These aren't your ordinary sprint cars. Primarily dirt track racers, these teams are converting their machines for a rare asphalt appearance, crea...

Driver assistance technologies are facing a major identity crisis according to a revealing new JD Power white paper. While automakers invest billions into developing these systems, consumers remain largely unimpressed and unwilling to pay premium prices for features they don't trust. This fascinating disconnect forms the centerpiece of our discussion, where we explore why only 24% of drivers feel these technologies make them better drivers. The conversation takes a practical turn as our hosts s...

Racing up Pikes Peak might seem like a death wish to outsiders, but for automotive daredevils, it represents the ultimate adrenaline rush. This episode takes you inside the 103-year-old Pikes Peak International Hill Climb through the eyes of Richard Tomlin from Apex Auto Works, whose passion for this legendary race is as steep as the mountain itself. The conversation reveals surprising statistics about Texas representation at this iconic Colorado event, where six cars from the Lone Star State m...

The future of transportation isn't what you think. While autonomous vehicles grab headlines, a different revolution is already happening – remote driving technology that puts humans behind virtual wheels, controlling vehicles from anywhere on earth. ooSpeaking with Enn Lans, CEO of Estonia-based Elmo Remote Driving, we discovered a technology that's not just theoretical but actively deployed and road-legal since 2022. Unlike the still-developing autonomous systems, Elmo's technology creates ...

Seeking refuge from Texas summer heat? Join us as we uncover the most spectacular swimming holes and natural pools scattered across the Lone Star State. From the iconic Barton Springs Pool in Austin, where 68-degree spring-fed waters provide year-round relief, to the emerald paradise of Wimberley's Blue Hole nestled among towering cypress trees, we've mapped the perfect aquatic escape plan regardless of where your Texas travels take you. Discover hidden gems like Hamilton Pool Preserve with its...

The triumphant return of the HEMI V8 engine to Ram trucks headlines this information-packed episode featuring Nick Cappa, Ram Trucks Communications Manager. Customer demand has spoken loudly, bringing back this iconic powerplant that so many truck enthusiasts crave for its distinctive sound, predictable torque, and authentic driving experience. Ram isn't simply reintroducing the HEMI—they're enhancing it with valuable additions including the eTorque mild hybrid system for improved efficiency, a...

Ever wonder what happens when engineering goes too far? That's the question we tackle head-on as we dive into Chevrolet's most extreme creation yet - the 2026 Corvette ZR1X. With a jaw-dropping 1,250 horsepower and the ability to hit 60 mph in under two seconds, this electrified beast pushes boundaries in ways that left us asking "why?" and "for whom?" Our spirited debate explores the fascinating intersection of automotive excess and genuine innovation. Is this twin-turbo V8 hybrid mer...

Scott Ingram's orange 1932 Ford coupe gleams in the Texas sun, but this isn't some pampered show car – it's traveled 350,000 miles over 57 years and counting. As one of the seven original founders of the Lone Star Street Rod Association, 78-year-old Scott embodies the true spirit of hot rodding: build it, drive it, enjoy it. "I've been coast to coast, border to border," Scott explains with evident pride, recalling adventures from deer hunting trips to cross-country journeys. When asked if he...

Tucked away just over an hour from Dallas-Fort Worth lies Granbury, Texas – a lakeside town that's become something of a well-kept secret among travelers seeking authentic Texas charm without the crowds. Our broadcast from the Lone Star Street Rod Association's 50th anniversary state run reveals why this hidden gem has earned the official designation as the "Celebration Capital of Texas." Kristen Gibson from the Granbury Convention and Visitors Bureau joins us to share what makes this town s...

When classic car lovers gather, stories flow as freely as chrome gleams in the Texas sun. From the Lone Star Street Rod Association's 50th Anniversary celebration in Granbury, we discover the human connections behind these metal masterpieces. Meet Danon Hollinger, who grew up with hot rod magazine fold-outs on her bedroom headboard instead of pop stars. Her gorgeous white 1978 Pontiac Trans Am represents a lifelong dream fulfilled. After years of waiting, she found this beauty through a car clu...

Hot rods, salt flats, and the sweet sound of engines revving—welcome to a special episode of the In Wheel Time Car Talk Show, broadcast live from the 50th anniversary of the Lone Star Street Rod Association State Run in Granbury, Texas. The centerpiece of our show features Don Grouleff and his remarkable Model A hot rod, emblazoned with the racing number 731. Don's story captivates as he recounts pushing this classic Ford to a breathtaking 196 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats. With a twinkle in...

The rumble of engines, gleaming chrome, and stories spanning generations fill the air as we broadcast live from the Lone Star Street Rod Association's 50th Anniversary State Run in Granbury, Texas. Father's Day weekend provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration of automotive passion that bridges past and present. Our first guest, Steven Rogers, exemplifies this connection with his beloved 1966 Chevrolet truck. For 31 years, this vehicle has been his constant companion – from high school...

Step into the high-octane world of automotive excellence as we go behind the scenes with Gary Peterson, President of Shelby American. From the company's iconic Las Vegas facility, Peterson reveals the meticulous process of transforming standard Ford Mustangs into 810-horsepower Shelby GT350s that carry the legacy of Carroll Shelby's performance philosophy. "We take a fairly regular or ordinary car and make it spectacular," Peterson explains, detailing how each $110,000 Shelby GT350 receives a c...

Mike Mueller's passion for America's sports car radiates throughout our conversation about his newly released fifth edition of "The Complete Book of Corvette." Weighing in at a hefty 15 pounds and spanning 352 pages of stunning photography and detailed history, this comprehensive volume tracks the complete evolution of Corvette from its earliest days through the latest C8 models. What makes this book truly special isn't just the technical specifications or beautiful imagery—it's the human st...

Ready for a driving adventure that combines family fun with hair-raising curves? Buckle up as we journey through Texas Hill Country to discover the legendary "Twisted Sisters" – a 100-mile loop featuring a breathtaking 15-mile stretch packed with 65 challenging curves. This driving paradise begins in Medina and winds through Leakey, offering spectacular vistas and thrilling hairpin turns that have made it a favorite among driving enthusiasts and motorcyclists alike. The surrounding Hill Country...

Imagine transforming what used to take hours or even days of travel research into mere seconds. That's exactly what Scott Lengel and his team at AdventureGenie are doing with their revolutionary AI-powered trip planning tool designed specifically for RV travelers and road trip enthusiasts. Scott joins the In Wheel Time podcast to unveil how AdventureGenie creates personalized travel experiences that feel tailor-made. "Take a six-week trip from South Carolina to the national parks of Utah," S...

Ford's Vice Chair John Lawler recently dropped a bombshell that's sent ripples through the automotive world: combustion engines will no longer be brand differentiators and automakers will increasingly source them from suppliers to stay competitive against low-cost rivals, particularly from China. For generations, car manufacturers have built their identities around their signature powertrains – Ford's EcoBoost, Chrysler's HEMI, Chevy's small-block V8s – engines that enthusiasts could identify b...

What makes a Porsche feel unlike any other car on the road? That's the question we explore with automotive author Randy Leffingwell as he joins us to discuss his definitive work, "Porsche 911: Every Model Since 1964." In this fascinating conversation, Randy shares how his lifelong passion for these iconic German sports cars began with his uncle's Porsche Speedster and eventually led to unprecedented access to Porsche's archives, testing facilities, and engineering teams. Randy takes us behind t...

Dive into the surprising economics of grassroots motorsports as we uncover a factory stock race offering an astonishing $30,000 to win, attracting 137 entries from across the region. Our special guest Rodney Rodriguez, track announcer extraordinaire, breaks down how these seemingly "affordable" race cars have evolved into sophisticated machines costing upwards of $30,000 despite rules designed to keep competition accessible. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when we explore the tension ...

Ever wonder why some people don't move for ambulances? Or what makes Port Aransas the perfect beach getaway? Or perhaps why the Dodge Durango still commands respect after 14 years with the same design? We tackle all these questions and more in this fascinating exploration of automotive culture and travel destinations. We kick things off with a detailed breakdown of ambulance manufacturing and classification. These life-saving vehicles are constructed in two distinct phases by different manufact...

Ever wondered what car you should buy for your teen driver? The latest US News and World Report rankings have just been released, and they're packed with surprises that might change how you approach this important decision. During our conversation with Zach Doell from US News, we uncovered the fascinating dominance of Hyundai in the 2025 Best Cars for Teens rankings. With six models making the list across both new and used categories, the Korean automaker has clearly mastered the delicate balan...

The humble manual transmission is quietly disappearing from American roads, and most drivers haven't even noticed. Nissan recently halted production of manual transmission Versa for the US market, effectively ending America's last five-speed manual econobox. With fewer than 5% of buyers choosing the stick shift option and automatic transmissions now delivering superior fuel economy (35 mpg vs 30 mpg), the writing is on the wall for the beloved manual gearbox. We explore the technological evolut...