Episodes

For some time now, we have talked about distracted driving being a major cause of accidents. But there is more to being distracted than just the phone so April is now Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Joining us with some tips, it is Sgt. Stephan Woodard with the Texas Department of Safety, a long time friend of the show. We also talk other aspects of traffic safety such as the Austin area street takeovers. Of course it is not just Austin, but it is Austin in the headlines ... for the moment...

PAINTHOUSE Tx is located just north of Houston and has become very well known for the paintwork that they turn out. They have won numerous awards for paint and for overall builds. In addition to doing some fantastic award winning work, they also 'create' paint - custom paint that they use and sell to other builders across the country. Randy Borcherding is a long time friend of the show, and he joins us today to talk about what custom paint is, beyond just design or style. We also get a look at ...

Consumer Reports is known for doing consumer related research that is non-biased. What allows them to actual buy products for testing and evaluation is a subscription model. So the vehicles that we talk to them about are often owned by Consumer Reports, with buyers making the purchase without the selling knowing who is buying...whenever is possible. They have their own test track! So we like to talk to the automotive team as they really don't have preconceived idea about a vehicle, particularly...

We asked Kevin Hall, what is Texas Nostalgia Modified Production ... and it is a lot! Seems many of the cars are former Competition Eliminator competitors that are still wanting to run after NHRA dropped that class. This week, Kevin is at an event at the Xtreme Raceway Park, Ferris, Texas, and we take a look at what is a Texas Nostalgia Modified Production vehicle. We get a chance to talk with the owner/driver about the car, and what he finds appealing about running in this class. Join us for ...

There are a lot of young men that are making waves in the auto racing world at all levels. For us, Houston native Alec Udell holds a special place as we have been able to watch his progress over the years. Like a lot of racers, things started at a go kart track, and he actually spends a little down time there to this day. This year, Alec has had a lot of opportunities to get behind the wheel, and that includes out at Sebring and then Daytona. So we caught Alec with some time to bring us up to d...

Consumers look to Consumer Reports for buying information on a variety of things, and we like to talk with the automotive group. In this episode of In Wheel Time Car Talk, we get a chance to visit with Alex Knizek and we are talking about a report that came out of Consumer Reports and you can find the full report here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-101-the-answers-to-all-your-ev- questions-a7130554728/ In our Feature Segment, Jeff Dziekan takes us on a Soap Bo...

Joining us on this episode of In Wheel Time Car Talk, it is our favorite EV guy - Richard 'Buzz' Smith, the EV-angelist. As his name indicates, Buzz is a big advocate of EVs, working with facts and logic to help educated us consumers. ---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time Car Talk any time? In Wheel Time Car Talk is now available on iHeart Radio! Just go to iheart.com/InWheelTimeCarTalk where ever you are. ----- ----- Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of...

There comes a time when a lot of us have to move - like move across the state, across the country or wherever. Sometimes, we can drive all our vehicles, so we need a transport company....who? where? Then there is the business of cars - car dealers have to move vehicles all around to balance, inventory, maybe make a sale, maybe dealer trades. A lot of reasons that the business needs to move product around. Again, who? Where? We talk with Mike Trudeau, EVP of Business Development for Montway Aut...

We start this episode of In Wheel Time Car Talk with our guest, Greg Ditch, who is at the Texas Mile with his High School Auto Class. They left Napperville, Illinois, with their shop built S-10, intending on running at the Texas Mile. Racing is racing, so a spun bearing left the S-10 in the pits, but the team was able to secure another 'ride' from a sponsor on the way south. Unfortunately, between their connection and ours, the interview got cut short. We did learn after the fact that the team ...

On this episode of In Wheel Time Car Talk, we talk about some extended warranty aspects, look at who is still using timing chains vs. timing belts, and we talk about some upcoming events....all the while 'piddling' with some internet outages that restricted our livestream. ---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time Car Talk any time? In Wheel Time Car Talk is now available on iHeart Radio! Just go to iheart.com/InWheelTimeCarTalk where ever you are. ----- ----- Be sure to subscribe on your favorite p...

Writers are writers, no mater the subject, but it does seem that some are better than others. Noted author Jack Nerad is a writer, working on books as well as articles for a variety of publications. Jack is also host of the nationally syndicated program "America on the Road". Jack joins us today to talk about some of his latest automotive exploits - what new cars he has driven as well some some of his personal favorites. We even get his take on what to get for 'a daughter' in today's car market...

On this episode of In Wheel Time Car Talk, the crew covers a lot of 'news headlines' and some of the upcoming events where we will be. First event up is April 15, 2023 - Tailpipes & Tacos, at the Lupe' Tortilla location in Katy, Texas. God's Garage will also be there, so along with the cruise in trophies, all the proceeds from food and beverage sales during our broadcast will be donated. In addition, Lupe' Tortilla will match it 100% as part of the donation, along with more give-aways. We also...

Richard Tomlin is the owner/operator of Apex Auto Works, located in Alvin, Texas. Sometimes. Richard is one of these guys that is so busy, we have to wonder how he has time to do anything. In addition to being the Regional Executive for the SCCA, he is involved with the Pike's Peak Hill Climb organization, he builds/supports cars for a road race in Mexico, and he was just at COTA for the Global Time Attack where he was supporting some of the cars out of his shop. Join us as we learn more about ...

The popularity of oval racing seems to come and go...or not. In this episode of In Wheel Time Car Talk, we talk with track announcer Rodney Rodriguez, about the upcoming season and his take on oval racing. We ask which part of the country has the most interest in oval racing, what size of tracks seem to be the most popular, and we talk classes at the races. We even talk about some of the Nostalgia Races where the 'ol school paint schemes are brought back to life. In our Feature Segment, Michae...

Car clubs are a great way to hang with other automotive enthusiast doing automotive enthusiast things. It is always a social gathering, whether it is a competitive event or just a 'cruise'. We like to look at what other car people have come up with, sometimes steal their ideas and then make them our own. We like to show others what we have built...which is about a lot of things we humans do. There are a lot of car clubs in Houston, not as many as before, but still a lot. One of the most active ...

Born on the beach of California, the small fiberglass dune buggy was great for open air beach going or other off-roading. The original was a simple VW Beetle cut down to fit and it was so popular, seems everyone copied the original. The original, the Manx, was created by Bruce Manx and it can be seen with Steve McQueen behind the wheel and Elvis also drove one in a movie...both men kept it after the movie wrapped! The new Manx 2.0 is an all new design based on the original, which can be found ...

The term 'gasser' seems to have some variations on definition - what is a gasser? Joining us on this episode of In Wheel Time Car Talk, Quinn Stott joins us to help define what a gasser is - where the name comes from. Quinn is running a 1948 Anglia with a straight front axle, a 388 small block, 4-speed manual tranny running on gas, as in gasoline. With a history of IHRA Championships, betting this is one quick ride that is fun to watch. For more check out www.SoutheastGassers.com In our featu...

On this episode of In Wheel Time Car Talk, we are speaking with Bryan Sims, President of the Champions Hot Rod Car Club. Along with monthly meetings, this club will host several car shows each year, with the Spring event being 3/26/2023, this year. The show is an open show, but they do things a little different. The members of the club that are 'working' the show are not allowed to compete - against the public. The club actually sets up a mini show within the show, with the public making a "Pe...

Ever want to just get out and see how fast your ride will go? No speed limits in a safe, or as safe as possible scenario? Twice a year, you can almost do that at an event called the Texas Mile. A top speed event where you can run what you brung ... if it meets safety requirements. Don't need anyone hurt, so some basic safety rules have to be in place. Shannon Matus joins us with more on this event, where there have been as many as 162 vehicles registered to go fast, but only 26 actually went o...

Dodge has been building muscle cars for over 60 years, and ever so often, it looks like it is over with. Again. As part of this going away party, Dodge has teamed with the Gas Monkey Garage to give away a brand new Dodge Challenger Jailbreak edition. Owner/TV star, Richard Rawlings joins us for details on how one of us could actually get the allotment. This means that the winner gets to sit down and order his or her Challenger the way they want it! How cool would that be to have Richard Rawling...

Electric Vehicles continue to secure the headlines of the automotive world, yet, even with sales trending up, it is not as much as one might expect. Joining us today is market analyst, Divya Sangam | LendingTree LLC Insurance Spokesperson - ValuePenguin.com joins us to talk about some of the things that impact EV buying decisions. We also look at that buyer segment and how more EV education is needed for buyers to be comfortable with such a purchase. It is a very enlightening conversation! ...

On this episode of In Wheel Time Car Talk, we learn about the Texas Nostalgia Modified Production - where the small block is king with manual 4-speed launches. No electronic help other than maybe a rev limiter set at 10K RPM! We are talking scream'n meanies on the rear wheels! Kevin Hall is here with more, including where these racers can be found running in Texas. Their schedule is available on their Facebook page, or contact Kevin Hall @ hallkevin311@gmail.com In our feature segment, Don Ar...

Wrapping up our coverage of the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the HEMI Hideout, we are joined by Don McCoy, a long time friend. As one of the 'go to ' master of ceremonies for events at the HEMI Hideout, he as a lot of stories. In addition, he is President of the area Chamber of Commerce, meaning he has more stories. Add in his past work with radio and TV, this guy is a great way to wrap our broadcast from the HEMI Hideout. We want to thank John Hovis for inviting us, a really big thanks to S...

While we are all about the cars, the signs, the automobile memorabilia and the sheer amount of unusual material in the HEMI Hideout, it is the building that makes it. The building makes it possible for all of this 'stuff' to be in one place where it can be enjoyed by so many people. Joining us on this episode of In Wheel Time Car Talk is the man behind the design, Michael Ratclif. Not only is this building awesome in design, but there are no nails, no bolts - only wood and glass. In our Featur...