Hot Rod Tour of Texas rolls out around the square!
Steel meets strings on a warm Texas evening, and that’s not a metaphor—hot rods line Victoria’s square while the symphony plays just steps away. We take you inside the kickoff of the Hot Rod Tour of Texas and show how a thoughtful Main Street strategy turned a historic downtown into a true destination for car clubs, families, and anyone who loves a weekend drive with character. From restaurants that spill onto the square to curated itineraries built by the city team, Victoria shows what happens when a community embraces car culture and pairs it with live music, walkability, and Texas charm.
We also dive under the hood of the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid SX Prestige AWD. Don shares real-world fuel economy, ride and handling impressions, cabin highlights, and where the Sorento fits versus the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, and Honda CR-V Hybrid. If you’re weighing a three-row that looks upscale, sips fuel, and can handle long legs of a tour, this review gives you the details you need—pricing included—to shop with confidence.
To round things out, Jeff breaks down the restoration backbone that keeps tours alive in Texas: 1,207 restoration services statewide, most of them independent, and a growing digital presence that helps owners find the right expert for the job. We trade stories about late-night fixes, smart ways to vet shops, and how to use club networks to avoid costly missteps. Whether you’re planning a cruise to Victoria, hunting for a restoration partner, or deciding on your next daily driver, you’ll leave with ideas, routes, and resources to make the most of car culture—Texas style.
Love what you hear? Follow the show, share this episode with a fellow enthusiast, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find the ride.
Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!
The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe 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.
00:00 - Live From Spindletap: Show Open
01:50 - Victoria Square Kickoff Night
03:20 - Downtown Revival And Events Strategy
06:10 - Why Victoria Works For Car Clubs
09:10 - Symphony Meets Hot Rods
12:10 - Culture, Community, And Growth Of The Tour
16:09 - Kia Sorento Hybrid Road Test
22:39 - Motor Minute: Restoration Shops In Texas
27:00 - Wrenching Tales And Finding The Right Shop
29:20 - Upcoming Meets, Socials, And Sign-Off