March 19, 2026

From Roller Dogs To Road Tests With The Lexus NX And Mustang GT

From Roller Dogs To Road Tests With The Lexus NX And Mustang GT
The player is loading ...
From Roller Dogs To Road Tests With The Lexus NX And Mustang GT
Apple Podcasts podcast player badge
Spotify podcast player badge
Amazon Music podcast player badge
iHeartRadio podcast player badge
TuneIn podcast player badge
Apple Podcasts podcast player iconSpotify podcast player iconAmazon Music podcast player iconiHeartRadio podcast player iconTuneIn podcast player icon

Gas station hot dogs and performance cars sound like an odd pairing until you’ve done enough road trips to know they belong together. We start with a no-nonsense ranking of seven of the best gas station hot dogs in America, breaking down which convenience store chains actually deliver the kind of quick, low-cost bite that keeps a long drive on track. From topping bars to value combos, we talk about what makes a roller-grill classic worth your money and which stops are easiest to find when you’re crossing state lines. 

Next, we shift gears into a practical luxury SUV review of the 2026 Lexus NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid. We get into trim overload, exterior styling, cabin comfort, cargo space, and the tech that stands out, especially the big 14-inch center screen. We also call out what annoys us in daily use, like steering wheel controls that hide the info you need right when you’re trying to use them. And we keep it real about plug-in hybrid ownership: the efficiency numbers look great if you charge, but not everyone will. Pricing and competitors come up too, because value matters even in the premium segment. 

To round it out, we spotlight seven underrated U.S. racetracks worth visiting, then bring the fun home with a review of the 2025 Ford Mustang GT Convertible. We talk V8 power, real fuel economy, ride and handling, noise, and how fast options can push the sticker into eye-watering territory. If you like road trip food, car reviews, and racing culture, hit play, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a review with your pick for the best road trip stop.

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 podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.

In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:

Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.

Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTime

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/

https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltime

https://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTime

For more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at 

info@inwheeltime.com






InWheelTime.com/InWheelTimeCarTalk.com available on iHeartRadio, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and most podcast providers.

00:04 - Live Show Setup And Tease

00:18 - Ranking Gas Station Hot Dogs

04:58 - Waving At The Drone Break

04:58 - 2026 Lexus NX Plug In Review

10:41 - Seven Underrated Racetracks To Visit

16:18 - 2025 Mustang GT Convertible Review

WEBVTT

00:00:04.080 --> 00:00:11.599
It's 10 to noon, usually, every Saturday, for our live show about all things automotive, and we thank you for being with us today.

00:00:11.759 --> 00:00:13.519
I'm gonna have to change things around a little bit.

00:00:13.919 --> 00:00:14.320
It's up to you.

00:00:14.720 --> 00:00:17.359
No, I know I want to do it because I teased it and I want to talk about it.

00:00:17.519 --> 00:00:17.679
Okay.

00:00:18.000 --> 00:00:20.719
The seven best gas station hot dogs in America.

00:00:20.960 --> 00:00:21.760
Have you got that?

00:00:21.920 --> 00:00:22.480
I got it.

00:00:22.640 --> 00:00:23.120
Hot dog.

00:00:23.440 --> 00:00:24.239
Yeah, here we go.

00:00:24.399 --> 00:00:25.440
Oh, don't make fun.

00:00:25.519 --> 00:00:26.480
You know you like them.

00:00:26.719 --> 00:00:27.039
Yeah.

00:00:28.399 --> 00:00:28.800
All right.

00:00:28.879 --> 00:00:36.240
So what we got the shiny, juicy skin, warm buns on the counter, and all the.

00:00:36.399 --> 00:00:36.719
Wait a minute.

00:00:36.799 --> 00:00:38.000
We're not talking about the beach now.

00:00:38.399 --> 00:00:41.439
No, all and all the toppings to choose from at a low price.

00:00:41.679 --> 00:00:42.320
We don't like toppings.

00:00:42.719 --> 00:00:45.359
Of course, some gas convenience chains.

00:00:45.679 --> 00:00:49.119
Dog stands ahead and shoulders above the rest.

00:00:49.280 --> 00:00:50.159
So here we go.

00:00:50.320 --> 00:00:52.000
Number one, Michael.

00:00:52.719 --> 00:00:54.479
Pilot flying J.

00:00:55.119 --> 00:00:59.119
You've probably seen this gas station and truck stops while making summer road trips across the country.

00:00:59.359 --> 00:01:00.799
They make that look that's a little bit.

00:01:01.600 --> 00:01:08.319
Is based in Knoxville and operates truck stops across the country, making this dog about as accessible as it gets.

00:01:08.640 --> 00:01:16.480
When you'll find a pilot flying J, you got big juicy dogs on a roller grill along with fresh, cold toppings ranging from what?

00:01:17.040 --> 00:01:21.840
Sauerkraut, slice, jalapeno, banana peppers.

00:01:22.400 --> 00:01:23.439
We'll move on.

00:01:23.680 --> 00:01:25.760
The next one is Come and Go.

00:01:26.159 --> 00:01:36.000
Founded in 1963, the Midwestern chain's name is a play on a phrase Come and Go, using the initials of the founders, Cross and Gentile.

00:01:36.239 --> 00:01:42.799
With 400 stores in 11 states, it's not difficult to find that there's a tasty dog wrapped in a soft bun.

00:01:43.359 --> 00:01:47.040
What's outstanding about the dogs is that they're often on special.

00:01:47.200 --> 00:01:50.879
With two dogs, chips, and a drink running less than six dollars.

00:01:51.120 --> 00:01:51.920
I am in.

00:01:52.799 --> 00:01:53.680
Next one, Michael.

00:01:54.000 --> 00:01:54.959
Is a Circle K.

00:01:55.280 --> 00:01:57.840
Almost as ubiquitous as a 7 Eleven Circle K.

00:01:57.920 --> 00:02:01.439
All Angus beef dogs are dependable choice for a road trip.

00:02:01.680 --> 00:02:04.239
You know, I hate to say that's what we used to call that commie K.

00:02:04.480 --> 00:02:04.719
There you go.

00:02:04.959 --> 00:02:06.000
Never mind, that's another story for the other thing.

00:02:06.159 --> 00:02:06.480
There you go.

00:02:06.799 --> 00:02:08.639
Uh trip meal and a late night snack.

00:02:08.800 --> 00:02:14.479
Prices vary, but you can usually find a dog and a drink for around two bucks with no extra change in toppings.

00:02:15.120 --> 00:02:18.080
Next one we got is AMPM.

00:02:18.479 --> 00:02:25.520
The Tapatilla hot dogs and AMPM are spicier versions of our traditional roller dogs made with a tapeilla hot sauce.

00:02:25.680 --> 00:02:26.479
AMPM.

00:02:26.800 --> 00:02:27.759
AMPMIS.

00:02:27.919 --> 00:02:28.719
I want to go there.

00:02:28.800 --> 00:02:29.919
I don't I never heard of them.

00:02:30.319 --> 00:02:30.879
They're around.

00:02:31.039 --> 00:02:33.120
A West Coast I think there's one in Sugarland.

00:02:33.199 --> 00:02:39.360
A West Coast convenience store chain with locations in Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, offers a spicy store.

00:02:39.520 --> 00:02:40.400
You didn't say Texas.

00:02:40.639 --> 00:02:42.319
Well, I think there's one over there though.

00:02:42.960 --> 00:02:45.039
They offer the dogs for$1.99.

00:02:45.360 --> 00:02:51.039
The chain also offers cheddarwurst dogs packed with cheese at the same price.

00:02:51.199 --> 00:02:54.800
If you buy one dog, get the second dog for only a dollar fifty.

00:02:54.879 --> 00:02:55.759
I am in.

00:02:56.319 --> 00:02:56.960
Michael?

00:02:57.199 --> 00:02:58.879
We got the holiday station.

00:02:59.039 --> 00:03:01.599
For only a dollar, you can get authentic Nathan Jr.

00:03:01.840 --> 00:03:03.520
all beef dog at the Midwest chain.

00:03:03.759 --> 00:03:04.479
Dang, a dollar.

00:03:05.039 --> 00:03:06.159
Locations in where?

00:03:06.319 --> 00:03:12.879
Alaska, Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

00:03:14.479 --> 00:03:19.520
Our full serve Nathan's hot dog with classic Johnsonville brats.

00:03:19.840 --> 00:03:23.840
If a long day in the car has you feeling hangry, go for a hot dog.

00:03:24.240 --> 00:03:24.719
Hangry.

00:03:24.960 --> 00:03:26.240
7 Eleven is the next one.

00:03:26.319 --> 00:03:29.360
For its price, the 711 Big Bite may be just the best dog.

00:03:30.879 --> 00:03:32.719
You can get almost anywhere in the country.

00:03:32.879 --> 00:03:37.039
Seriously, with over 13,000 locations, it gets harder to avoid a ubiquitous brand.

00:03:37.280 --> 00:03:41.680
Its locations offer gas, and that's before you eat the hot dog.

00:03:42.560 --> 00:03:45.599
But you can also find there's a convenience store in many cities.

00:03:45.759 --> 00:03:48.639
The straightforward all beef dog starts at around two bucks.

00:03:48.719 --> 00:03:51.360
It's a quarter pound beef wrapped in a pillowy bun.

00:03:52.639 --> 00:03:56.879
Several different toppings are available with a very uh and they vary by location, of course.

00:03:57.120 --> 00:04:01.120
Speedway, which is also owned by 7-Eleven, also offers the big bite.

00:04:01.360 --> 00:04:03.840
And the last one on the list, Michael, is Sheets.

00:04:04.240 --> 00:04:08.080
This chain is around 700 stores located in central and western Pennsylvania.

00:04:08.800 --> 00:04:11.680
Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, southern the East Coast.

00:04:11.759 --> 00:04:14.639
They made to order dogs, starting at 99 cents.

00:04:14.800 --> 00:04:20.319
But they also offer more upgrades with the most convenience stores, including pretzel bun.

00:04:20.639 --> 00:04:23.360
Six kinds of cheese, including nacho.

00:04:23.839 --> 00:04:25.680
Uh 14 different spreads like Dr.

00:04:25.759 --> 00:04:30.720
Pepper barbecue sauce, 19 different toppings from caramelized onions to guacamole.

00:04:31.040 --> 00:04:33.120
Talk about a dog a Palooza.

00:04:33.439 --> 00:04:34.639
So there you go.

00:04:35.120 --> 00:04:35.920
What a deal.

00:04:36.079 --> 00:04:37.040
How about that?

00:04:37.360 --> 00:04:39.439
I'm sorry, I was waving at the drone.

00:04:40.160 --> 00:04:41.360
Oh, the drone climbing.

00:04:41.759 --> 00:04:42.480
I was waving at you.

00:04:42.959 --> 00:04:43.680
Paige thought you were.

00:04:44.319 --> 00:04:44.720
Yeah, I know.

00:04:45.120 --> 00:04:58.000
Paige, uh, I love you, but I w I was waving at the drone, but what in the Here's what I do.

00:04:58.240 --> 00:05:02.240
A review of the 2026 Lexus NX.

00:05:02.879 --> 00:05:05.279
It comes in so many different trim levels.

00:05:05.360 --> 00:05:06.160
Let me start.

00:05:06.399 --> 00:05:15.439
350H, 350, 350H premium, 350 premium, 358 luxury, and the list goes on and on.

00:05:15.519 --> 00:05:16.959
I'm not going to bar you with all that.

00:05:17.120 --> 00:05:22.639
I had the 450H plus luxury all-wheel drive.

00:05:22.800 --> 00:05:24.879
This is considered a small SUV.

00:05:24.959 --> 00:05:27.360
I would consider it a small SUV.

00:05:27.600 --> 00:05:28.639
Uh, five seats.

00:05:30.639 --> 00:05:31.199
I'm sorry?

00:05:32.399 --> 00:05:33.759
No, the Lexus.

00:05:34.560 --> 00:05:37.519
Um, all new in uh 2022.

00:05:37.759 --> 00:05:42.319
Exterior features, attractively curvy body lines.

00:05:42.560 --> 00:05:51.040
I'm talking about the car now, so you get your mind out of the gutter, with signature spindle grille, different wheels and grills for different trims.

00:05:51.759 --> 00:05:55.360
The tail has brake cooling ducts back there.

00:05:55.519 --> 00:05:56.240
Does it need it?

00:05:56.399 --> 00:05:57.839
No, but it looks really cool.

00:05:58.000 --> 00:06:00.480
They're fake anyway, but it looks good.

00:06:00.720 --> 00:06:06.800
Um the C pillar adds a fast back, attractive touch to the design.

00:06:06.879 --> 00:06:11.199
What I liked about it, the overall design gets high marks, in my opinion, but could use improvement.

00:06:11.279 --> 00:06:12.000
I don't think anything.

00:06:12.079 --> 00:06:13.600
It really is a good-looking vehicle.

00:06:13.839 --> 00:06:19.360
Interior highlights, a uh center screen designed into the dash layout.

00:06:19.519 --> 00:06:23.279
It's nice and uh it looks really good.

00:06:23.519 --> 00:06:26.319
Comfortable seating with lots of adjustments.

00:06:26.480 --> 00:06:33.759
Uh leg room for the second row passengers is adequate, which is different for a small SUV.

00:06:33.920 --> 00:06:36.560
Overall, fit finish design, excellent.

00:06:36.800 --> 00:06:42.639
Uh trunk room, cargo room, adequate for this small SUV, especially with the second row down.

00:06:42.800 --> 00:06:45.920
What I liked about it, that 14-inch center screen.

00:06:46.959 --> 00:06:48.399
What could use improvement?

00:06:48.800 --> 00:06:53.360
The steering wheel multi-function buttons disappear when you're trying to use them.

00:06:53.839 --> 00:06:54.639
It's frustrating.

00:06:54.879 --> 00:07:04.800
So if you don't, if you're not using it, the display that tells you what it is that you're moving your cursor to disappears too quick.

00:07:06.000 --> 00:07:07.759
Going, dang it, where was I?

00:07:08.959 --> 00:07:11.519
So it comes with a 2.5 liter plug-in.

00:07:11.759 --> 00:07:13.839
This is a plug-in hybrid electric.

00:07:14.319 --> 00:07:16.079
Now, I did not plug it in.

00:07:16.800 --> 00:07:19.199
Okay, I'm guilty, I'll I'll admit that.

00:07:19.519 --> 00:07:20.560
But that's a pain.

00:07:21.279 --> 00:07:25.040
If it's got a gasoline motor in it, I'm not plugging it in.

00:07:25.120 --> 00:07:25.839
Because it's a pain.

00:07:25.920 --> 00:07:35.279
I don't have the setup at the house for net horsepower, 304 combined plug-in and the engine as well.

00:07:35.439 --> 00:07:38.000
So if you use both, 304 horsepower.

00:07:38.319 --> 00:07:39.439
Torque, plenty.

00:07:40.240 --> 00:07:41.920
Has a CVT transmission.

00:07:42.160 --> 00:07:43.839
Till rating, one ton.

00:07:46.000 --> 00:07:48.800
Would you subject your car to towing something?

00:07:48.959 --> 00:07:50.079
I I wouldn't.

00:07:50.240 --> 00:07:55.920
Uh apparently that other car show let out because it is nothing but cars all coming in here.

00:07:56.399 --> 00:07:57.199
It's crazy.

00:07:57.519 --> 00:07:59.839
There's some uh WRX STIs.

00:08:01.839 --> 00:08:02.319
Yep, do.

00:08:02.639 --> 00:08:05.439
Yeah, 10 bucks to pass by the in-wheel time booth.

00:08:05.600 --> 00:08:06.399
Wish you could see it.

00:08:06.480 --> 00:08:07.199
Sorry you can't.

00:08:09.199 --> 00:08:13.120
Miles per gallon, 34 with the gas.

00:08:13.600 --> 00:08:18.079
84 with the gas plus electric plug-in aspect of it.

00:08:18.319 --> 00:08:18.959
84.

00:08:19.439 --> 00:08:22.079
I got 33.4 because I didn't plug it in.

00:08:22.480 --> 00:08:24.639
Uh over 103.6 miles.

00:08:24.879 --> 00:08:27.040
Don, you only drove the thing 103 miles?

00:08:27.199 --> 00:08:27.519
Yeah.

00:08:27.839 --> 00:08:35.440
I only drove it 103 miles because that particular week I had two cars and uh I kind of split the difference between the two cars.

00:08:35.919 --> 00:08:37.360
What are you doing with two cars?

00:08:37.440 --> 00:08:38.080
Don't ask me.

00:08:38.159 --> 00:08:39.039
Don't get me started.

00:08:39.279 --> 00:08:41.039
What I liked, the mileage.

00:08:41.840 --> 00:08:43.919
Wish I'd taken the time to plug it in, though.

00:08:44.080 --> 00:08:45.679
I made a note of that.

00:08:47.360 --> 00:08:51.440
You know, they do they get out of the way when Mars shows up with the in-wheel time truck?

00:08:52.159 --> 00:08:53.600
Uh what could use improvement?

00:08:54.080 --> 00:08:59.519
Uh a non-plug-in would be great, but it would be more expensive.

00:09:00.159 --> 00:09:04.159
Uh what I liked about it, riding handling, top-of-the-line luxury.

00:09:04.240 --> 00:09:05.840
And what could use improvement?

00:09:06.320 --> 00:09:08.720
An F Sport is available.

00:09:09.279 --> 00:09:13.440
So that would give you a little bit more zip, some more vinegar, as they like to say.

00:09:13.679 --> 00:09:14.879
Oh, Vim and vinegar.

00:09:15.120 --> 00:09:16.480
Vim and vinegar.

00:09:17.120 --> 00:09:17.519
Vim?

00:09:17.759 --> 00:09:18.159
Is that a word?

00:09:18.399 --> 00:09:18.799
Vim, yeah.

00:09:18.879 --> 00:09:20.639
My mother used to lose that all the time.

00:09:21.039 --> 00:09:23.200
Um, okay, so let's talk about pricing.

00:09:23.360 --> 00:09:26.559
Base trim price,$61,740.

00:09:26.799 --> 00:09:30.399
Price is tested,$67,289.

00:09:30.559 --> 00:09:31.600
That counts me out.

00:09:31.919 --> 00:09:33.279
It's a little bit too expensive for me.

00:09:33.440 --> 00:09:37.519
Now you can get in an NX starting at$44,775.

00:09:37.600 --> 00:09:39.440
I think I'd look down at the lower level.

00:09:39.519 --> 00:09:40.159
That's just me.

00:09:41.600 --> 00:09:50.960
Competitors, Mercedes-Benz X3, the Acura RDX, and the Genesis G V70.

00:09:52.639 --> 00:09:56.080
I got another car review, going to do that in the last hour of the show this morning.

00:09:56.320 --> 00:10:01.440
And um, next week I'll review the Ram 1500.

00:10:01.600 --> 00:10:02.000
Oh, yeah.

00:10:02.240 --> 00:10:04.000
Oh my god, was that thing nice?

00:10:04.240 --> 00:10:04.559
Jeez.

00:10:05.120 --> 00:10:07.200
Expensive, but nice.

00:10:07.840 --> 00:10:16.799
I mean, so Mr.

00:10:16.879 --> 00:10:24.720
Morris, we're gonna have you continue on your trek here of being on the air, because you have done nothing to contribute to the show, but to this point.

00:10:25.200 --> 00:10:28.480
That gummet's running errands, he's making lunches.

00:10:28.720 --> 00:10:28.960
I know.

00:10:29.200 --> 00:10:32.720
Yeah, you got the pannies and bologna sandwiches, or what?

00:10:33.039 --> 00:10:38.159
Well, I I looked for some of the cheese mixed with the baloney, the cheese and bologna slices, but I couldn't find it.

00:10:38.320 --> 00:10:40.879
Well, on your way home, stop at a come and go and get a hot dog.

00:10:41.200 --> 00:10:41.440
All right.

00:10:41.600 --> 00:10:46.399
Oh, time now for seven racetracks worth visiting.

00:10:47.440 --> 00:10:50.799
So we looked at seven, I mean, we started looking at racetracks.

00:10:50.879 --> 00:10:53.840
There's racetracks all over the state, all over the country, different kinds, everything.

00:10:54.080 --> 00:10:54.799
But are they still open?

00:10:55.360 --> 00:10:56.000
Yeah, yeah, yeah.

00:10:56.320 --> 00:11:00.159
So, so this is more of uh seven underrated U.S.

00:11:00.240 --> 00:11:04.240
racetracks that are worth visiting if you really decide you just want to go.

00:11:04.399 --> 00:11:08.399
Some people go to baseball parks and football stadiums, eh, go to racetracks.

00:11:08.799 --> 00:11:11.279
So, one of them we want to talk about is Road America.

00:11:11.360 --> 00:11:13.759
Now, this is the classic natural terrain you're gonna be.

00:11:14.000 --> 00:11:14.480
Wisconsin.

00:11:15.039 --> 00:11:15.440
Yes.

00:11:15.600 --> 00:11:18.799
It's four miles, goes through the hills and forests of Wisconsin.

00:11:18.879 --> 00:11:26.080
You got a lot of long straights, so you get a lot of speed up, technical corners to make them slow down and try to maneuver around through the laps.

00:11:26.240 --> 00:11:28.879
But the thing about this track is there's a lot of fan freedom.

00:11:28.960 --> 00:11:34.320
There's a lot of places the spectators can run home big areas of the track to see it.

00:11:34.399 --> 00:11:38.559
And because of the elevation in the hills and stuff, you can get up and you can kind of see it.

00:11:38.799 --> 00:11:44.000
Uh and then uh it's special, it's considered one of the purest road courses in North America.

00:11:44.240 --> 00:11:49.600
Now, the another one I wanted to mention is the Virginia International Raceway.

00:11:50.240 --> 00:11:56.080
And so this one has a lot of elevation changes, which is what makes it kind of work really different from everybody else.

00:11:56.240 --> 00:12:01.039
You got uh a lot of places you can get the speed, but they've got flowing corners.

00:12:01.120 --> 00:12:06.960
It doesn't have the really long, straight speed uh straightaways to where you're gonna get up the maximum speed that you're gonna get in a lot of.

00:12:07.279 --> 00:12:08.320
And what's the name of that place?

00:12:08.559 --> 00:12:10.240
Virginia International Raceway.

00:12:10.320 --> 00:12:12.159
Now it's called VIR.

00:12:13.120 --> 00:12:14.879
That's kind of the abbreviation for it.

00:12:15.120 --> 00:12:15.840
I've heard of that one.

00:12:16.080 --> 00:12:17.919
But it's Virginia International Raceway.

00:12:18.159 --> 00:12:18.799
I've heard of VIR.

00:12:19.039 --> 00:12:22.799
And uh it's considered one of the better driving tracks that's in the country.

00:12:22.960 --> 00:12:32.720
And it because people go out there, they think feel like it's like a more like a country club track where everybody's just it's not like real media heavy whenever people go out there.

00:12:33.279 --> 00:12:40.879
Then the other thing is going up to uh the WeatherTech Raceway at Laguna Seca.

00:12:41.200 --> 00:12:43.919
Now this is that's Laguna Seca.

00:12:44.879 --> 00:12:46.159
WeatherTech is sponsoring it.

00:12:46.480 --> 00:12:46.720
Exactly.

00:12:46.879 --> 00:12:49.440
They're paying them a lot of money to have their name at the top of it.

00:12:50.080 --> 00:12:53.279
And if you go look at any sign it says WeatherTech.

00:12:55.039 --> 00:12:57.519
Anyway, they're not spending any money with us.

00:12:57.759 --> 00:12:58.399
No, I know.

00:12:58.799 --> 00:13:08.559
But it's one of the things that it's famous for is because of it's got a corkscrew turn with a sudden downhill left-right sequence that drops several stories in elevation.

00:13:08.639 --> 00:13:10.320
So you really kind of drop down on it.

00:13:10.639 --> 00:13:11.840
I've never driven that track.

00:13:11.919 --> 00:13:13.759
I've seen the signs as I drove by.

00:13:15.120 --> 00:13:18.639
But uh, it's uh in the hills near Monterey, California.

00:13:18.879 --> 00:13:21.519
Got a lot of scenic views, so you get a lot of exciting racing.

00:13:21.679 --> 00:13:26.320
Fans can sit on the grassy hillsides and watch them, which is one of the things that makes these tracks a little different.

00:13:26.480 --> 00:13:29.519
You're not parked your butt in the sand, stands all day.

00:13:29.679 --> 00:13:33.279
You can actually get out and enjoy some of the outside of it.

00:13:33.600 --> 00:13:40.960
Uh another racetrack is going to be the Seabring International Raceway.

00:13:41.120 --> 00:13:48.000
It's one of the oldest and toughest circuits in North America, originally built on an old World War II airfield.

00:13:48.240 --> 00:13:57.600
So it's all got concrete surfaces that can get kind of rough and uh makes things really challenging for the cars and the drivers because it's going to eat on tires pretty hard as well as the car.

00:13:57.840 --> 00:14:01.440
Now, this is where you're going to find the 12 hours of seabreen sometimes.

00:14:01.519 --> 00:14:03.679
Yeah, I mean, that's a race that you can go there to see.

00:14:03.840 --> 00:14:05.840
And it's more like old school racing.

00:14:05.919 --> 00:14:12.639
So a lot of people like there going to that gritty atmosphere, uh racing tradition, and you can actually camp there.

00:14:12.879 --> 00:14:15.840
So if you're really interested in that, it's a really great place to go.

00:14:16.080 --> 00:14:20.639
It's bumpy, it's brutal, and one of the toughest tracks for the drivers.

00:14:21.039 --> 00:14:24.240
The other one, uh the Barber Motorsports Park.

00:14:24.399 --> 00:14:25.360
Oh, yeah, that's a good one.

00:14:25.600 --> 00:14:26.799
Wait, skip the mid-Ohio.

00:14:26.960 --> 00:14:27.200
Uh-oh.

00:14:27.360 --> 00:14:28.480
Where did Mid-Ohio go?

00:14:28.559 --> 00:14:28.960
Here it is.

00:14:29.120 --> 00:14:29.759
It's in Ohio.

00:14:29.919 --> 00:14:30.799
Yeah, it's in Ohio.

00:14:30.879 --> 00:14:37.039
Mid-Ohio is a technical layout track, and it uh flows through the wooded hills and elevation changes.

00:14:37.200 --> 00:14:40.799
And it's whole major series like IndyCar series there.

00:14:40.879 --> 00:14:44.480
It's kind of a small track, but it's considered to be very technical.

00:14:46.399 --> 00:14:47.840
Then we'll go to Barber.

00:14:48.000 --> 00:14:48.559
Barber.

00:14:48.879 --> 00:14:49.519
Barber.

00:14:50.399 --> 00:14:54.320
Barber Motorsports Park is kidding, one of the most beautiful racing facilities.

00:14:54.480 --> 00:14:55.759
Why did it do that?

00:14:56.559 --> 00:14:57.200
In the world.

00:14:57.919 --> 00:15:02.559
It's got a lot of grass, a lot of sculpted places around the circuit to kind of make it look really nice.

00:15:02.799 --> 00:15:04.720
Kind of a botanical garden area.

00:15:04.879 --> 00:15:10.559
It's got smooth pavement, flowing corners, so you get a lot of racing for motorcycles there and the cars alike.

00:15:10.879 --> 00:15:16.480
Got a uh actually also has the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum on the site.

00:15:16.639 --> 00:15:22.080
So you get a combination of the two, including the Indy Car Grand Prix of Alabama.

00:15:23.039 --> 00:15:26.799
Road Atlanta is the last one that we're going to talk about right quick.

00:15:27.039 --> 00:15:36.000
It's known for its fast flowing layout, dramatic elevation changes, and uh got a lot of high speed, steep downhill run.

00:15:36.559 --> 00:15:40.000
The uh IMSA Sports Car Championship season runs through there.

00:15:40.080 --> 00:15:49.039
And they have again fans like the classic feel of it, being able to sit on the grassy hillsides, being able to get to the areas where you can see the cars really well.

00:15:50.159 --> 00:16:00.559
And that is seven racetracks that uh are much underrated and uh offer opportunities to go and see some different kinds of racing and different feels to the track.

00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:10.240
You know, you know, I was just let's move on with things.

00:16:10.399 --> 00:16:12.320
Uh so it's Jeff's daughter.

00:16:12.559 --> 00:16:13.200
She's up here.

00:16:13.360 --> 00:16:15.120
Um let's do Mr.

00:16:15.279 --> 00:16:18.159
Mars and the Mustang GT, Mr.

00:16:18.320 --> 00:16:18.639
Mars.

00:16:18.879 --> 00:16:19.279
Got me here.

00:16:19.600 --> 00:16:20.080
All right.

00:16:20.320 --> 00:16:20.559
Yeah.

00:16:20.879 --> 00:16:21.600
Ready to go.

00:16:21.679 --> 00:16:22.720
We are ready to go.

00:16:22.960 --> 00:16:29.919
So this is the 2025 Ford Mustang GT Convertible Drop Top Premier.

00:16:30.879 --> 00:16:35.360
Now, this vehicle was final assembly in Flat Rock of all places.

00:16:35.519 --> 00:16:39.759
It is the seventh generation of the Mustang, and it was reintroduced in 2024.

00:16:39.919 --> 00:16:42.480
So 25 is kind of a carryover.

00:16:42.559 --> 00:16:50.559
You can get the Mustang in an EcoBoost and EcoBoost Premium GT, GT Premium, or you can get the dark horse they just came out with.

00:16:50.720 --> 00:16:51.600
Well, was that C.

00:16:52.559 --> 00:16:53.759
You think the Dark Horse?

00:16:53.919 --> 00:16:54.639
I think I'll have that.

00:16:55.440 --> 00:16:58.559
So the GT Premium is where we were at with the convertible.

00:16:58.720 --> 00:17:02.720
And uh it's considered a sports car, and it's a four-passenger.

00:17:02.799 --> 00:17:09.200
Now, I'm sure anybody trying to get in the backseat might argue that with you, but it is considered a four-passenger vehicle.

00:17:09.440 --> 00:17:17.839
Got uh one thing I really liked about it, that I was a little concerned, the roof, the convertible roof on it, is fully lined, cloth top.

00:17:18.000 --> 00:17:21.039
And um, so it's really good at keeping out some of the sound.

00:17:21.119 --> 00:17:23.359
It seals up really good whenever you've got the top up.

00:17:23.519 --> 00:17:26.799
Up front, you're gonna find automatic LED headlights.

00:17:26.880 --> 00:17:31.839
It's got a hood vent that actually not a hood scoop, but a hood vent up front that looks like an inverted.

00:17:31.920 --> 00:17:35.200
I think Subaru once upon a time was doing inverted hood scoops on it.

00:17:35.440 --> 00:17:41.680
Garrain sensing wipers and all those good things, but it also has Rimbo brakes with a premium lining on it.

00:17:41.759 --> 00:17:47.279
So you got the red calipers with the white lettering on it, and it's got some 19-inch black aluminum wheels.

00:17:47.359 --> 00:17:53.440
So you put all that with the bright red paint that's on it, the black hood scoop or hood vent and the black top on it.

00:17:53.519 --> 00:17:54.799
It's really nice looking.

00:17:54.960 --> 00:17:57.200
Going down the road, getting ticket red.

00:17:58.240 --> 00:18:05.440
So uh inside we had a 12.4-inch LCD instrument cluster, so we got lots of room up there to see things.

00:18:05.680 --> 00:18:08.160
Got a 13.2-inch LED center stack.

00:18:08.319 --> 00:18:14.000
That's where you're gonna find all your convenience controls, your rear view camera, which works really well in that big of a screen.

00:18:14.160 --> 00:18:18.160
Now, the front seats are very comfortable, front bucket seats, sports car.

00:18:18.559 --> 00:18:21.200
And uh even had the red matching seat belts on it.

00:18:21.359 --> 00:18:25.440
And but there is an optional Ricaro seats available in this car.

00:18:25.519 --> 00:18:29.839
It would have been nice to see how they worked in this convertible, make it a little bit cooler.

00:18:30.000 --> 00:18:32.319
Uh, the back seat, like I said, enough said on that.

00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:35.279
Has the BO audio system with 12 speakers.

00:18:35.359 --> 00:18:43.279
Now we didn't have the opportunity because of the weather to drop the top and GG, just how much ire we could raise with the neighbors, but uh it sounds pretty good with the top down.

00:18:43.759 --> 00:18:45.839
Under the hood, this is where it gets good.

00:18:46.000 --> 00:18:49.119
5.0 liter B8, 480 horsepower.

00:18:49.359 --> 00:18:50.960
Do your neighbors have ire?

00:18:51.519 --> 00:18:53.680
Well, uh, the lady next door, I think she does.

00:18:53.759 --> 00:18:57.279
She when I can get up at 4 o'clock in the morning and leave, she gets a little irritated.

00:18:57.599 --> 00:18:58.079
Irritated?

00:18:58.319 --> 00:18:58.559
Irritated.

00:18:58.960 --> 00:19:00.400
So you raise her ire.

00:19:00.559 --> 00:19:00.880
Yes.

00:19:01.039 --> 00:19:03.759
She's ired all the time, but you raise the ire.

00:19:03.920 --> 00:19:05.680
Yeah, at her age, it's kind of hard to tell.

00:19:05.839 --> 00:19:06.160
Okay.

00:19:07.200 --> 00:19:09.599
So again, we got this is true.

00:19:09.920 --> 00:19:10.640
VS true.

00:19:11.440 --> 00:19:12.880
Do you know the next door neighbor?

00:19:15.440 --> 00:19:18.960
She doesn't want to she can neither confirm nor deny.

00:19:19.200 --> 00:19:21.279
Yeah, she can't, because she still needs a ride home.

00:19:21.440 --> 00:19:23.200
It's also got a 10-speed automatic.

00:19:23.279 --> 00:19:27.119
We didn't have the six-speed in it, but it does have the 10-speed automatic.

00:19:27.279 --> 00:19:33.200
The engine combination that you can get with the car in the Mustang kind of dictates which transmission options you have available.

00:19:33.359 --> 00:19:39.359
Now, the EPA says you should be looking for about 16 miles to the gallon in the city, 24 out on the highway, 19 combined.

00:19:39.519 --> 00:19:47.759
I drove this car 325.3 miles, including the the trip over here to kind of check things out to know how we were going to set up over here to pre-survey everything.

00:19:47.920 --> 00:19:52.480
And I got 20 miles to the gallon on that car, and I was really proud of that.

00:19:53.599 --> 00:20:00.240
Also, uh, as far as ride handling goes, of course, it's it's almost like driving a go-kart.

00:20:00.400 --> 00:20:08.559
It has the performance vehicle, so it's got a little bit stiffer uh suspension on it, more for road handling and stuff, but it does make it ride a little bit rougher.

00:20:08.720 --> 00:20:15.359
Um, the bigger and the wider tires that are on this car, on this GT, has uh a little bit more road noise on it.

00:20:15.519 --> 00:20:21.440
It also has 355 gears on it, so it is uh got plenty of get up and go juice.

00:20:22.240 --> 00:20:28.160
Now the base trim price on this vehicle that we were driving is$56,580.

00:20:28.960 --> 00:20:33.920
The base model price on a Mustang is$33,915.

00:20:34.079 --> 00:20:39.359
Our MSRP as tested,$72,245.

00:20:39.920 --> 00:20:40.400
Really, wow.

00:20:40.640 --> 00:20:49.440
So almost$20,000 of options between the performance package and some of the paint and some of the other things that were on here, the audio system, all of it that kind of adds up.

00:20:49.599 --> 00:20:58.400
If you're looking for something to compare it to, you know, maybe the Toyota GR Supra starts at$56,250.

00:20:58.640 --> 00:20:58.960
Okay.

00:20:59.279 --> 00:21:03.680
The uh Nissan Z Nismo, unfortunately, it starts at 62.

00:21:04.079 --> 00:21:04.319
Okay.

00:21:04.559 --> 00:21:08.799
You could get into a Z cheaper than that, but the Nismo seem to be more like a fair comparison.

00:21:08.960 --> 00:21:12.720
And really and truly, I uh again, Mustang's been around for years.

00:21:12.799 --> 00:21:15.119
It's got staying power.

00:21:15.359 --> 00:21:16.400
It's got staying power.

00:21:16.480 --> 00:21:20.880
It's a very fun, daily driver capable car to have.

00:21:21.119 --> 00:21:23.119
They seem to be getting bigger and bigger every year.

00:21:23.200 --> 00:21:23.680
There's one right there.

00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:25.039
Well, they're all getting bigger.

00:21:25.119 --> 00:21:26.000
Everything's getting bigger.

00:21:26.079 --> 00:21:26.960
It's it's it's a maneuver.

00:21:27.200 --> 00:21:28.799
Well, they don't make any competitors to it.

00:21:28.960 --> 00:21:29.519
That's true.

00:21:29.759 --> 00:21:31.039
The Camaro's gone.

00:21:31.200 --> 00:21:31.759
Well, exactly.

00:21:32.000 --> 00:21:36.880
The Camaro, the Challenger, and the ones you mentioned are are you know things you don't think of.

00:21:37.119 --> 00:21:39.200
Listen, that car is cool.