2025 In Wheel Time Episodes

The rumble of engines and scent of coffee fills the air as we broadcast live from Spindletap Brewery for the fourth annual Hot Rod Tour of Texas. This event has grown from humble beginnings to become a must-attend gathering for automotive enthusiasts across the Lone Star State. Our special feature takes you behind the scenes in Victoria, Texas, where we chat with Street Manager Kate Garcia about the town's remarkable transformation. Once merely a pass-through on the way to Corpus Christi, Victor...

The passion behind automotive culture shines brightest when enthusiasts gather to share their stories. At the Tailpipes and Tacos Cruise-In at the Lupe' Tortilla Tex-Mex in Katy, we experienced this firsthand as we awarded our signature Chili Pepper trophies to three remarkable vehicles. Mr. Hoggo's 1932 Ford Highboy stole the show with its masterfully crafted fiberglass body—so convincing that even SoCal Speed Shop experts needed nearly an hour to determine it wasn't metal. Powered by a beastly...

A lavender 1957 Chevy Nomad steals the spotlight at our Tailpipes and Tacos Cruise Inn broadcast from Lupe' Tortilla Tex-Mex in Katy, Texas. Owner Jim Craven shares his three-year journey with this head-turning classic, detailing what makes a Nomad special beyond just being a two-door station wagon - from the angled window pillars to the nine distinctive grooves on the car's top. Under the hood, this beauty houses a monstrous 502 cubic inch crate motor with dual four-barrel carburetors that, in ...

From a pandemic hobby to podium finishes at prestigious races, Judd Holt's meteoric rise in the racing world exemplifies what's possible when passion meets persistence. Judd's story begins just four and a half years ago when, tired of pandemic isolation, he decided to try his hand at motor racing. What started as a curiosity quickly evolved into competitive racing in spec cars, then an M2 for endurance events, and now to professional competition in a factory-built BMW M4 GT4. The fascinating wor...

The rumble of vintage engines and the aroma of breakfast tacos fill the air as we broadcast live from the Tailpipes and Tacos cruise-in at Lupe' Tortilla in Katy, Texas. This popular gathering of automotive enthusiasts provides the perfect backdrop for conversations with passionate car collectors and restorers who share the stories behind their prized vehicles. Stan Holt, the proprietor of Loopy Tortilla and host of the event, sits down with us to discuss his impressive 52-car collection. With c...

Automotive passion takes center stage as we broadcast live from the Tailpipes and Tacos Cruise-In at Lupe' Tortilla Tex-Mex in Katy, Texas. The spring air is filled with the rumble of engines, the scent of breakfast tacos, and the undeniable camaraderie that defines car culture. Our featured guest, John Thuman, brings his breathtaking 1965 Cobra Daytona Coupe replica that stops everyone in their tracks. This isn't just any kit car – it's a meticulously built Factory 5 Racing creation powered by ...

Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk! The Lupe' Tortilla Restaurants Lupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto Shield Paint protection, tint, and more! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. ---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time? In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are. ----- ----- Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podca...

Trump's tariffs have created a labyrinth of regulations in the automotive world, with 25% duties on vehicle imports and additional tariffs layered on top for certain countries. This complex system has manufacturers, dealers, and consumers scrambling to understand what it means for vehicle pricing and availability. Aiden Bergsman from Anderson Economic Group breaks down this puzzle for listeners, explaining how these tariffs affect everything from manufacturing decisions to consumer prices. The g...

The evolution of family transport has come a long way from the wood-paneled station wagons of yesteryear. We take the wheel of two distinctly different approaches to modern family hauling with the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and the 2025 Infiniti QX60. The Tucson Hybrid Limited AWD immediately stands out with its angular wheel well flares and distinctive styling that breaks from conventional SUV design. Built in Korea, this compact hybrid combines a 1.6-liter gas engine with electric power for 26...

Automotive nostalgia takes center stage as we explore five legendary car manufacturers that deserve resurrection in today's market. From AMC's innovative Javelin AMX with its performance-focused design to Pontiac's revolutionary GTO that birthed the American muscle car movement, these vanished brands left tire tracks too deep to be forgotten. The distinctive bullet-nosed Studebaker Champion once captured hearts with its unique styling and affordability, while Mercury established itself as Americ...

The road is calling, and the Hot Rod Tour of Texas is answering with an epic 488-mile journey across some of the Lone Star State's most scenic regions. Bobby Sparkman and Jeremy Taylor join us to unveil their meticulously crafted route for the tour's fourth year, which has already attracted over 300 classic car enthusiasts for the sold-out event. Starting in Victoria (the self-proclaimed "best kept secret in Texas"), participants will enjoy a unique garage crawl through five local automotive bus...

Tucked away in Brookshire, Texas stands a temple to American automotive culture that defies expectations. This week, we broadcast live from HEMI Hideout, where owner John Hovis welcomes us into what he modestly describes as "a man cave that got a little bit out of control." The result is breathtaking – over 4,500 pieces of rare automotive memorabilia and signage covering nearly every available surface, alongside a meticulously curated collection of classic Mopar muscle cars. Walking through HEMI...

From the fabulous HEMI Hideout in Brookshire, Texas comes an automotive enthusiast's dream episode packed with car reviews, market insights, and plenty of automotive banter. We kick things off with a thorough examination of the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, assembled right here in America at Georgetown, Kentucky. This small SUV delivers an impressive 41 mpg city while maintaining enough zip to keep driving enjoyable. With sporty handling reminiscent of more premium vehicles, it strikes a perfect bala...

The automotive world spans an incredible spectrum from practical daily drivers to ultra-luxury vehicles that cost more than many homes. We dive deep into both extremes with our detailed examinations of the completely redesigned 2025 Infinity QX80 Autograph AWD and the efficient 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD. The third-generation QX80 represents Infinity's flagship luxury SUV, combining imposing presence with incredible comfort features. With heated, ventilated, and massaging seats for both fro...

The rumble of Hemi engines echoes through the cavernous space of the Fabuloso Hemi Hideout in Brookshire, Texas as we explore one of America's most impressive Mopar collections. John Hovis began his automotive journey at 18 years old in 1970, explaining his special affinity for vehicles from that iconic year - and what a collection he's assembled! From the moment we step inside, we're surrounded by automotive royalty. The banana yellow 1970 Dodge Superbee with its 440 six-pack engine represents ...

Broadcasting from John Hovis's legendary Hemi Hideout in Brookshire, Texas, we invite listeners into a wonderland of automotive memorabilia, rare Mopar muscle, and glowing neon signs. This special venue has transformed dramatically since opening a decade ago, now serving as both museum and gathering place for car enthusiasts. Today's open house welcomes visitors with breakfast tacos, camaraderie, and the opportunity to support local charities through matched donations. Our automotive journey beg...

Something massive is about to shift in the American automotive marketplace. Starting next Wednesday, 25% tariffs will hit vehicles and parts imported from Canada, Mexico, Europe, Japan, and essentially any foreign country—and these will stack on top of existing tariffs. Our conversation with Aiden Bergsman from the Anderson Economic Group reveals just how complex this situation is becoming. Modern vehicles aren't simply built in one country—components cross borders repeatedly during manufacturin...

A silver Chevy Equinox EV glides silently through city streets—presenting a study in contrasts to the raw power of NASCAR's most intimidating drivers featured in today's jam-packed automotive roundup. Ford's quality control takes center stage as we dissect an alarming series of recalls affecting models across their lineup. From steering column shifters that may detach to unexpected vehicle movements and rearview cameras displaying incorrectly, these aren't just assembly issues—they're fundamenta...

Dive into the electrified future of SUVs as we explore two distinctly different approaches to modern transportation. Our hands-on review of the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV reveals the practical realities of living with an all-electric vehicle – from its impressive 319-mile factory range to the sometimes frustrating home charging experience that adds just 2.1 miles per hour. The Equinox EV impresses with its technology package, featuring a massive 17.1-inch display, heads-up display, and surround view ...

Richard Tomlin of Apex Auto Works takes us behind the scenes of high-performance vehicle builds and international racing adventures that push the boundaries of what's possible. From a meticulously restored Panos destined for a private museum to unconventional engine swaps that challenge conventional wisdom, Richard's projects showcase the ingenuity that defines passionate automotive specialists. The heart of our conversation reveals the calculated risks automotive enthusiasts take when pursuing ...

Car enthusiasts across Texas are buzzing with activity as spring brings perfect weather for cruises, shows, and community gatherings. This episode takes you right into the heart of the action with a live call to Vernon Wilhelm, president of the Northside Mustang Club, who's hosting a rain-soaked but enthusiastic car show at Rudy's on Highway 105. Vernon gives us a window into the vibrant community he leads – 125 members strong and spread across the state – while detailing their impressive calend...

What makes a vehicle truly family-friendly? Is it just about having enough cupholders and space for car seats, or is there something more to consider when shopping for your family's next ride? Alex Kwanton from U.S. News & World Report joins us to reveal the results of their comprehensive "Best Cars for Families 2025" research, which evaluated over 100 vehicles across nine different classes. The conversation dives deep into what features actually matter for families, from the obvious (passenger ...

Classic American cars evoke powerful nostalgia, and during this episode, we dive deep into the iconic models of yesteryear – from the star-studded headliners of the Pontiac Star Chief to the chrome-laden beauty of the Buick Wildcat. These automotive masterpieces featured intricate details that modern vehicles simply can't match, with headlight bezels alone containing upwards of 14 perfectly fitted chrome parts. The conversation shifts to modern vehicle technology with a spirited debate about aut...

The automotive landscape offers increasingly sophisticated choices, and our dual review of the 2025 Lexus UX 300h and Mitsubishi Outlander reveals two Japanese manufacturers delivering exceptional value in different segments. The Lexus UX 300h emerges as a standout in the luxury compact SUV class. Assembled in Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan, this hybrid marvel offers a compelling combination of premium features and remarkable efficiency. The F-Sport handling package elevates the driving experience whi...