How Does A Barn-Built Miata Take On Million-Dollar Teams at Pike's Peak?

A Pikes Peak build is never just a build, it’s a deadline, a weather gamble, and a test of whether your team can stay calm when everything tries to break at once. We catch up with Richard Tomlin from Apex Auto Works in Alvin, Texas, with the clock ticking two weeks out from the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. He walks us through the Apexoset, a Miata-based monster that keeps key Miata geometry and components but drops weight hard and runs a custom LS7-based setup making over 600 horsepower at the wheels. After taking a year off, the car returns with serious aero work, underbody tunnels, plus ABS and traction control, all aimed at cracking the top ten in a class where the rules reward power-to-weight and smart execution.
Then there’s Big Bird: a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner already in Colorado with a 2015 NASCAR engine that’s loud, rowdy, and still sorting teething issues like a “puked” transmission and carb problems. We dig into what a dog box transmission is, why downshifts at Pikes Peak are a different kind of risk, and how a small Texas shop competes when other teams show up with one-car budgets in the millions. If you’ve ever wondered what grassroots motorsports looks like when it’s pointed at a mountain, this is the candid version.
We also hit quick racing news with a Motor Minute on the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix groundhog collision and what it says about wildlife safety on track. Finally, Don brings an honest 2025 Land Rover Range Rover review, covering design, interior quality, third-row reality, start-stop frustration, real-world mpg, and the six-figure price tag against competitors like the Lexus LX and Escalade. Subscribe for more real car talk, share this with a racing friend, and leave a review, what would you take up Pikes Peak if you had one shot?
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Guests, Clocks, And Show Setup
Don ArmstrongFrom our dual city studios in Texas, USA, it's the award-winning in-wheel time car talk show just ahead. Third time's the charm. Richard Tomley Apex Auto Works. What did you say? Maybe maybe. Did you say maybe? Yes. Why did you say maybe? Because he's not here yet.
Jeff DziekanI was just telling him when we were in the commercial, I said, I don't see that Richard popped in yet.
Mike MarrsI'll be right back.
Don ArmstrongHe's not goodbye. We're going to turn you down, Mike. Yeah. We need to cut him off, is what we need to do. Jeez. You know him. You know, and I I realize that I grew up in radio and broadcasting, and the clock, we all lived by the clock, still do today. And you know, if you've got a time that you're supposed to be on the air, it doesn't make any difference what you're doing, where you're doing it. You need to be in front of the microphone that's going to be connected to the transmitter of some way to get the signal out to the world.
Jeff DziekanOur guests don't do that. Our guests aren't radio TV guys, so they're they they have their own style and their own way of doing it.
Don ArmstrongWhen you put something in your phone on the on the calendar, you have the choice of uh it telling you, oh, you got ten minutes before you need to be here, five minutes or two, whatever the case may be. So what's the deal? You don't put it on a calendar.
Jeff DziekanIf it's not on the calendar, then you'll just Then you go to Time Out Heaven. Then you you drive Don Armstrong up a wall.
Don ArmstrongTotally. Well, at any rate, uh, we're gonna have in this segment uh Jeff's motor minute, and I'm gonna review the Land Rover Range Rover. Okay you did you even look inside that car? I don't think you did, did you?
Jeff DziekanNo, I didn't. I didn't do that one, no. Um we didn't connect for some reason.
Don ArmstrongIt was outside.
Jeff DziekanYeah, I we just I just didn't get in it. Must have been raining or something. Yeah, it was raining. It was because it was uh we you had guests over for your daughter.
Don ArmstrongOh yeah. Well, anyway, along with Mike out of this world Mars, who's uh beating the bushes for Gallivant in Neeterville, beautiful downtown. Yeah, trying to uh get Richard Tomlin uh rounded up.
Jeff DziekanYeah, he's got a lot to say, and we just can't connect with him. Richard lives in a particular area that's uh more of a rural area.
Don ArmstrongListen, you would never ever want to go there and try to steal something because you couldn't find out where he lives.
Jeff DziekanOr get out, yeah, or get out. Yeah, yeah.
Don ArmstrongI it it go this way, that way, then this way, and then back this way, and then that way, and then he lives down that street. I don't oh, what about going to Fireman Jack's? Oh my god. Jeff and I went to Fireman Jack's, he's got this thing that he does in January, it's the middle of winter, and that's fine. The kickoff, yeah. Yeah, and uh he's got this piece of property way off the highway. And it's one of those. And it's and it gets to the point where they said too gravel road. We're not gonna do asphalt out here. We just give him a gravel road. Okay. What are you driving, Don? My really nice Corvette that uh you know has a really nice paint job that's been massaged by Gulf Coast Auto Shield.
Jeff DziekanAnd I no, but you know what? Three quarters of the cars that were out there, and they were a lot, were all super duper nice. They really were. They all had to take the same road we did. I'm just I'm just you just have to be careful and not kick up the dust. But yeah, he lives in a pretty rural area as well.
Don ArmstrongWell, is that is that his full-time residence out there? I think so.
Jeff DziekanWell, he had his barn, he had all his memorabilia, he had his cars out there. Yeah, I would assume that yeah, he lives on the road.
Don ArmstrongWell, he used to be a firefighter.
Jeff DziekanYes, yes.
Don ArmstrongI would imagine that yeah, I know. But so he had to have a house somewhere around the Houston area, if not in it, to be able to go back and forth.
Jeff DziekanJack is uh he's probably saved his pennies and dimes, and that's his retirement.
Don ArmstrongYeah, yeah, yeah. What what year is that? Nova sixty-six? I think so. 67. It's beautiful.
Jeff DziekanDid didn't he run it through uh Meekham or Barrett Jackson, or is that where he bought it from? I don't remember.
Mike MarrsI don't remember. I don't think he's actually ran it through there to see what I'm saying.
Don ArmstrongDid you find uh why are you back on without without without without uh Mr. Disappearance?
Mike MarrsWell good question.
Don ArmstrongOkay. All right, well, there is that.
Jeff DziekanYou want me to do my motor a minute?
Don ArmstrongNo, I don't want you to do that.
Smart Car Care Spray Choices
Jeff DziekanAll right.
Don ArmstrongI have something uh that uh I've been hanging on to for this very thing. Now it is summertime, and you know, not everybody has two cars for one purpose, and then that's yourself. People have two cars, one that they drive every day back and forth to work, and the other one that they show or specialty drives. Yeah. Well, so let's just say, for instance, that you've only got one, but you're really proud of it and you want to spruce it up to take to a cruise in on a Saturday night. Well, um most of us want to keep our vehicles looking the best when they're a full classic, a 50s icon muscle car, or more contemporary collectible this time of year. Uh we get those vehicles ready for another season of shows, tours, lazy afternoon, cruises. Uh often reach for a quick spray, uh spray and go, a wipe style detailer to clean up our cars. Think of these products as some sort of panacea for cleanliness. Ooh. I like that word, panacea. Not every cleaner can be used for every situation though, so a few things to consider before you stock up on spray product for the season. And let me tell you, I could spend it's like kind of like going back to the Western Auto when you had a bicycle, and they had the huge bicycle department, and they had all the junk that you could stick on your bicycle. You sit there and you think, hmm, well, that's only two ninety-five. How long do I have to save up for that, right? Well, in this particular case, now you've grown up and you're into cars, you look at all of the creams, the polishes, the license plate frames, fuzzy dice, yeah, all of that.
Jeff DziekanAir fresheners.
Don ArmstrongThe car care section of the local auto parts store, or Walmart, brimming with options from multiple companies today, which in turn offer similar products to achieve different results. For instance, some sprays and wipes are designed for tougher tasks, such as light duty degreasing and bug and tar removal, whereas others are designed as protectants, often for interiors, in exterior plastic trim and soft rubber components against weather and UV rays. All of this stuff. Go and spend some time, check it out online, do the research online, then go up there and see what they got. You know, so I I didn't look, but I found at the Walmart Jay Leno's products. And I'll tell you what, I really like his tire shine. And it's not really called tire shine, it because it doesn't really shine it, it just cleans it and makes it look really, really nice. It doesn't sling when you drive it. No, none of that stuff. So uh that's where I bought my Jay Leno's tire treatment. Nice. Whatever it's called.
Jeff DziekanNice. Uh you know, you go in there and well, speaking of Walmart, and you get the the guidebook for wiper blades or oil filters, it's the book is never together.
Don ArmstrongNo, because it's been pawed pawed through.
Jeff DziekanAnd you ask and they don't.
Don ArmstrongSo you need to check the effectiveness of the product, consider the paint type that you're dealing with. You're looking at a clear coat. Have you had any kind of uh fit like you've been you've been to see the Gulf Coast Auto Shield? Well, call John, ask him what to get. He might even sell it to you.
Jeff DziekanExactly. And when you're up in Granberry, look around and ask, hey, how did you get that shine? Yeah, and what color is that? And you know what? All of those people are gonna have it in their trunk because they all have their little chairs set up and they all have their little signage for the vehicle, how it's made, when it was made, what it costs, and everything, and they're gonna have their products there. So that's what you do.
Don ArmstrongAbsolutely, and you get to know the people, yeah. Yeah, you probably get out of there now a new member of about three or four different clubs, and you don't even have a car. The other thing is always read the directions, and I know that you you're like, oh my god, I gotta read the directions. Well, yeah, yeah, you you definitely want to read the directions and uh not apply some of things like you know, the tire dressing to the rubber around the around the window.
Jeff DziekanSpray your your dashboard with it or something, exactly. Or do your seats that somebody keeps uh ringing the bell. Is that what it is?
Don ArmstrongAnyway, I just I just thought that I would bring that up. I I've had that story laying around, waiting for the very moment.
Mike MarrsBut um yeah, yeah, I I I do think I've got Tomlin lined up now. Okay, it looks like it.
Don ArmstrongWell, that's what you get for thinking, Mike.
Mike MarrsI know that's why I'm scared to push this last button.
Don ArmstrongWithout further ado, fire him up. Yeah, let's see.
Apex Auto Works Pikes Peak Push
Don ArmstrongThere he is.
SPEAKER_00One more button. It's working today. We tested all this.
Don ArmstrongWell, you know, yeah, except except they didn't test your watch. That was the only problem.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, but it's a good thing we have these things called phones because he can just hit me up because we were head down working on the race car, prepping for our last uh week and a half before we head off to Colorado.
Don ArmstrongWell, let's talk about that. Richard Thomas with us now with Apex Auto Works and um in Alvin, Texas. And so, you know, we've tried several attempts to talk to you about going to Pikes Peak. You're two weeks away. So let which car are you taking or cars are you taking? Let's start with that.
SPEAKER_00Okay, so we've got the Apex O set, which is the Miata that you love. Um that was 12th overall two years ago. We will leave with it in two weeks. The other one is the 68 Roadrunner that we affectionately call Big Bird, which is already in Colorado. Um, and it's already puked a transmission and had some carburetor issues.
Mike MarrsOh boy.
SPEAKER_00Like it's racing, right? Like things are supposed to break and fail, but better before the race than during the race. So yeah.
Don ArmstrongSo which one do you want to talk about? Now, the one that we have up, I don't know whether that has anything to do with it.
SPEAKER_00Is it a Miata?
Don ArmstrongIs that the Miata?
SPEAKER_00Is it OpenU Miata? Yep, that's the Miata.
Don ArmstrongWell, how can you call it a Miata? It looks like uh it looks like a sprint car with a big wing on the back of it.
SPEAKER_00Well, kind of. So it is uh Miata. It's Miata suspension all the way around, Miata brakes, Miata wheelbase, Miata track, Miata steering rack, Miata brakes. Um we just got rid of everything we didn't need and tried to make it a little lighter and sleeker.
Don ArmstrongLike, for instance, the body and the engine.
SPEAKER_00Right. I mean, it's eighteen hundred and three pounds, and we make over 600 at the wheel now.
Don ArmstrongSo well, that's not a stock Miata engine.
SPEAKER_00No, that's like started kind of like what your Corvette was, but a couple generations later, so it's an LS7.
Jeff DziekanThere you go.
Mike MarrsAnd it's been tubbed, obviously. Look at the wheels.
Don ArmstrongTub is tubless, it's tubless. There's not there's not a tub to be seen on that car. So uh what have you done anything to the engine other than pull it out of a Corvette and put it in the car?
SPEAKER_00Oh no, it's it's a full custom build that we had done a few years back, so it's not stock.
Jeff DziekanOkay, now this you said this came in 12th last year or two years ago.
SPEAKER_00Um so we didn't go last year. We took a year off because we had had three years of good weather. So you're racing the mountain, but you're already also racing Mother Nature at Pike's Peak because you only get one day once a year. And the theory goes after you get two to three good years of weather, you're going to get a bad year. Mother Nature is just not going to give it to you. Well, we had had three good years of weather, and it was like we're just not going back. We're taking a year off. So we took that year off, we upgraded the car with more arrow, um, which you can see in the picture, it's got dual elements now. We've got belly arrow underneath the car, basically what they call floor and tunnels. Um, we added ABS, we added traction control, and a little more power. So we're going back with expectations or hopes, high hopes, of a top ten. Um, and we'll see. Like it takes a lot of things falling in line.
Don ArmstrongSo all of these changes that you've made, does that put you in a different class?
SPEAKER_00No, so we're in what I call the big dog class. Um, this class you can do anything as long as you meet a weight to uh displacement. Yeah, weight to placement. So yep, so it's that's what I was gonna ask.
Jeff DziekanYou came in twelfth. I was gonna that's and you answered the question where you anticipate uh you know finishing this year top ten.
SPEAKER_00We hope top ten. Okay. The big challenge is you're going up against teams like I'll throw the names out there because everybody knows this. So Ford, $11 million a year budget, Hyundai, $7 million a year budget. Um, some of the smaller Colorado teams are on multi-million dollar budgets as a local team for this event, and we are built in a barn in Texas. So um, ours is a little different, you know?
Don ArmstrongSo well, I mean, did you not go after the big sponsorship money?
SPEAKER_00Oh, we have, we've tried, and we get told no a lot. So um, I'm trying to take lessons from you guys on that. Um, and see if we're gonna be able to do that. We get told no a lot on this. Yeah, we were real good at hearing.
Jeff DziekanI'm learning even from our wives.
SPEAKER_00Yeah. But uh, yeah, so it should be a fun car this year. It's it should do well. We keep our nose clean, keep everything working. Big bird's gonna have some teething pains, but the goal with it is just get it to the top. And that's the 68 Roadrunner. Um, it has a 2015 NASCAR, the NASCAR motor from 2015. It is rowdy, it is crazy. Um, I got to drive it twice now um before Ben politely destroyed a transmission, so it's gone. So we got a new transmission going in it. Um changes some carb issues. It's it's a riot.
Don ArmstrongSo what kind of transmission puked to use your word?
SPEAKER_00Um, this is uh it's a most people would know it as a Jericho, but this was a company called Mid Valley, but basically same thing. Just a four-speed dirt track old ras NASCAR oval trans.
Don ArmstrongBut you d you don't have to use a clutch.
SPEAKER_00No, they're all dog boxes. Everything we've got tr car-wise is a dog box. But what's interesting is we have the dog box, we'll use it for going up, but we use the clutch going down because we're not confident enough. Um because you make one wrong and the transmission is laying beside you, and it's we're not doing 500 miles at the exact same corner. We're gonna hit 156 corners in basically 10 minutes and try and get that right every time. So it makes more sense to use the clutch on the downshift, get on the brake, then go back in gears and use your dog box going up.
Don ArmstrongNow, what kind of class is this car in?
SPEAKER_00This one is gonna be in one called uh time attack, and it's just the best one that it fit into um because the motor was still stock. We looked at Pike Speak Open, which allows it to run pretty much anything. The big issue there was there are some really, really heavy hitters um in that class. So goal is to just go up there and finish with this car. If it finishes, we'll be in you know top 50, top 60 percentile, which is amazing. Um, we could be higher if things go well for us. Ben gets really comfortable in the car, it has the potential. Uh, we just not had a bunch of time driving it around track yet.
Don ArmstrongSo why are you not driving this?
SPEAKER_00Um because I work for one of the uh tech inspectors and then uh I take care of protest at the end as well.
Jeff DziekanSo you're you're saying that there's no real class for this one, so it's not like the Miata where it's a power to weight ratio. This is just all no no holes barred on this one?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, there's there's a lot of classes like that at the end.
Jeff DziekanRip it and rip it.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, they've got I think we're running five classes, six classes now. Um we'd have to pull it out and see, but it uh we found a home for it. It'll be fine. Um, I don't expect it to be on the podium at all.
Jeff DziekanSo okay, so you had mentioned that there's some big big sponsorships, the Fords and the Hyundai's and things. Are those multiple car teams? I mean, do that three, four, five, or is it uh four to eleven million dollars is one car. One car, wow.
SPEAKER_00Hyundai, Hyundai is three cars. Um and then I mean you've got some of the other smaller guys, they're one and two million dollar cars, but we took the cars that had over a million dollar budget, and that took eight of the 12 cars in front of us out. So we were very, very pleased to be standing, you know, fifth. So there's uh definitely people faster than us, people with more talent, uh for sure, but we're giving it hell, you know.
Don ArmstrongSo, what do you hope to get out of all of this time and effort that you've spent on these cars? I mean, once you place, let's just say, in the top 10 with that one particular car, do you get phone calls saying, hey, I want you to build me a car?
SPEAKER_00Um, we do get those. Uh we've built quite a few peaks Pikes Peak cars. Um, I think we're at 16 that have competed at Pikes Peak now that we've built. Um, don't have any in stock other than mine right now. Um, but that's how it works. You just uh continue to grow and prosper. And then I get to have phone calls of people like you, so it's it's not all bad.
Don ArmstrongYeah, well, I don't know about that because we're obviously interrupting your your doings, your goings on over there.
Mike MarrsWell, this is all for tomorrow. Yeah, before we run out of time, you got an event coming up tomorrow?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, so tomorrow we'll be at Velocity Sim Lounge uh from one to five, where we'll be doing a reveal of the apex of set um because it's changing greatly. We've all tried to bring something from Houston to um this year we uh set it in with space. So don't want to give much more than that away, but uh there'll be a bunch of picks on Facebook and uh Instagram tomorrow if you can't make it. Uh we'll probably live stream it, but if you make it down, swing on through velocity lounge, uh just north on uh I 10 and 610 area.
Don ArmstrongOkay, well we're audio win. Pretty much lost your audio. We're gonna put it up on our uh website and everybody can go there and find out more information. Okay. Richard, thank you. It's good to talk to you. Apex Auto Works, Pike's Peak in a couple of weeks for them. Be sure and follow them. Just ahead, Jeff's Motor Minute and uh review of the new Land Rover Range Rover when the in-wheel time car talk show continues right after this quick break.
Sponsor Break And Where To Listen
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Motor Minute Groundhog Track Hazard
Don ArmstrongTime now for the motor minute, Jeffrey?
Jeff DziekanYeah, well, we just had the uh Indy 500 last week. We had the Coca-Cola 600 last week, and that's another story for racing. Uh and then we also had the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix, which really no one kind of watched or found out about it because it's always online. But the Canadian Grand Prix is facing renewed pressure over wildlife safety after Alex Alabun's violent collision with the groundhog. This happened in a test session Friday before the race. The incident happened during the only practice session in this in the sprint weekend at the Circuit Villaneux in Montreal, Circuit Villaneux, Montreal. Uh the driver struck a Marrimon in turn seven, causing damage to the Williams and ending his track time early. The impact was so severe that he could not practice the sprint qualifying the rest of the year.
Don ArmstrongWhat kind of Mary?
Jeff DziekanIt's a Merrimack Groundhog. They call it a Merrimaut up in Canada. It turned into a promising weekend into damage control for Formula One, the Grand Prix organizers. It reopened an issue over the sport that never fully resolved it after the most famous venue. Evidently it happens quite a bit up there. Organizers have attempted to keep the animals away from the racing surface, but the problem clearly has not disappeared. PETA made a point to immediately after Friday's crash calling for stronger deterrent measures to protect both the wildlife and the drivers. Of course, wildlife comes first. Animals rights organization praised the driver for trying to avoid the groundhog before the impact happened. At the same time, it pushed for more aggressive action of the race officials to prevent incidents on the track. Drivers are expected to operate extreme speeds and near perfect reactions, but wildlife remains unpredictable and a hazard sitting completely outside of their control. In the driver's case, The situation became even worse because he reportedly attempted to avoid the animal hitting the animal the impact. So he could have actually done more damage. He could have killed himself trying to avoid this little rodent. Anyways, it goes on that uh PETA's finding changes, they say they understand it. It's all Mars' fault. It's all Mars fault. Uh so Mars, why are we looking at the marrions, brown songs, beavers, keep them off the track. I can't hear them. We can't hear you. We can't hear you, Mike.
Mike MarrsI was reflecting back to whenever I was trying to teach my 16-year-old daughter, granddaughter, or daughter to drive, and we were going down the highway at 75 miles an hour trying to get her used to it, and she sees a turtle. And what does she do? She screams, puts her hands over her eyes. Oh my god, I'm gonna kill the turtle. I do that a lot.
Don ArmstrongThat's great. You just sat there and went, okay. Here we go.
Mike MarrsNo, not exactly. But yeah, it was one of those things you remember. PETA. People uh eating tasty animals.
Jeff DziekanIs that what that's right? I think so.
Don ArmstrongYeah, that's what it
2025 Range Rover Real-World Review
Don Armstrongis. Yeah. Uh timeout for this hour's car review. Had a chance to drive the 2025 Land Rover Range Rover that is built in Sully Hall, England.
Jeff DziekanSully Hall.
Don ArmstrongOkay. Um so it's available in these trim levels. Don't laugh. The P400 S E, the P550E, the S E, the P530 S E. And um I had the S E L W B. What does that mean? Long wheelbase. Okay. Is that what it is? Yeah. Okay. Long wheelbase. Seven seats, the autobiography, uh P615 SV.
Jeff DziekanA lot of P's in that, right?
Don ArmstrongThere's I I don't quite understand all of that, but whatever the case may be, a beautiful vehicle. Standard SUV, so body on frame, seven seats, all new in 2022. They don't change these over a quick period of time. Look at that interior. Yeah. So exterior, straight lines and smooth body panels. Front fascia is straightforward in design with a rectangular grille, very conservative. Unique rear hatch with the rectangular highlight. It is stunning to look at. Concentric wheel openings. I'm sorry.
Jeff DziekanI was gonna say that you know an old school watch from you know the 50s to square. That's what that looks like. It does. Yeah.
Don ArmstrongYeah. Uh what I liked about it, the fit and finish of this thing is unbelievable. There's no side sculpting in the bodywork. Think smooth and no stupid roof rack. Roof rack. What a dumb thing. I know. And why ruin all that line with a roof rack? Well, they don't have that. Or could use improvement, nothing. Interior highlights. Overall, beautiful, high-class design with top-of-the-line materials, large tablet style center infotainment screen, horizontal dash lines with a smallish instrument screen, but who looks at that anyway, unless the red light comes on. This is luxury at its finest. Take note, Cadillac. Something for Lincoln also that they should look into to mirror this. Um what I liked about it, classy Luxo vibe. What could use improvement? Third row is for two kids only. That's it. They squeeze the thing back there, and you can put the grandkids back there, then they'll love it. Squealing with delight. Uh screen controls can be hard to understand. It is an English vehicle designed in England, owned by an Indian company called Tata. Tata Motors. Engine. Three-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder with 395 horsepower, 406 pound feet of torque, eight-speed automatic transmission. Toll rating, 7,715 pounds. That's from that straight six. Uh mileage. Do we really care? But just in case you did, it gets 19 in the city, 24 in the highway for a combined at 21. I got 19.4 miles per gallon over 371 miles. What I liked, plenty of power through this straight six. This is the same straight six that they use in the Jaguar lines as well. What could use improvement? The 5,240-pound curb weight is a little on the heavy side. And it kind of feels that way. Yeah. Start and stop needs to go away. That is the dumbest feature ever. And especially when you're dealing with a luxury cars that are going to make you feel better because you're saving ounces of gas? Yeah. No, that needs to go away.
Jeff DziekanSo there's no there's no offshore switch. You couldn't turn on the side. I couldn't find it.
Don ArmstrongOh wow. If there is one, I couldn't find it. So was it really? Ryan handling. This thing is as smooth as glass. What could use improvement? Nothing. This is not a corner carver. Uh this is a you drive this thing with respect like a sophisticated driver should. Turn your nose up, say what you will. This is one awesome SUV.
Jeff DziekanGet the great coupon. Get it ready.
Don ArmstrongOkay. Now you also have to get ready for the price.
Jeff DziekanOh, yeah. I'm sitting down.
Don ArmstrongYou ready? Yep. Okay. Base trim price, $117,200. Price is tested. I got to drive the $128,695 version. Wow. Now you can catch you. You can slip into one of these at the base model price of $107, yeah, $900.
Mike MarrsOh, what a big one.
Don ArmstrongSo when you see one of these, you're gonna you got to look at the guy that's driver girl that's driving it and going, I I need to get to know you.
Jeff DziekanYeah.
Don ArmstrongFor whatever the reason me.
unknownAll right.
Don ArmstrongSo competitors, the Lexus LX 600, $107,000. Cadillac Escalade, Cheapo at $91,100. And the the only other thing that I could really come close to is the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS for $180,000.
Jeff DziekanOh wow. It's the other direction. Yeah.
Don ArmstrongUm next week, the GMC Sierra EV Truck Mobile. That's what I'll review. So that was a fun ride. Thank you very much, Land Rover, Range Rover, for letting me drive it. I promise I didn't put a dent or ding in it anywhere, and I turned it in just like I found it.
Mike MarrsIt was exactly well, yes, Mike. I was wondering, by it being such a luxury vehicle, was it really that noticeable?
Jeff DziekanLike it would in a start stop is noticeable.
Mike MarrsWell, I think I just thought maybe they hit it a little bit better.
Jeff DziekanNo, they didn't. If I if I don't turn mine off, I've I've well wait a minute. Next thing I gotta do is I gotta turn
Price Talk, Email Us, Closing
Jeff Dziekanthat off.
Don ArmstrongHey, if you'd like to get in touch with us, send us an email. The address is info at nwheeltime.com. We're back after this quick break. Your car is a direct reflection of you, so don't be satisfied with color fade or a dingy dull appearance. Get rid of those terrible automated car wash scratches. Gulf Coast Auto Shield is your save the paint company. John Gray and his team of detailing experts can help your cars finish without a full repaint. Searching for real experts in window tent or windshield protection, Gulf Coast Auto Shield. Dash cams, radar detectors, Gulf Coast Auto Shield. Got a new car? Get it protected as soon as you take delivery. If you don't know which of the multitude of protection products to go with, John Gray will give you an honest opinion and won't sell you something you don't need. John will help you understand the many options and pricing right on the spot. He's your guy to have your ride looking its best and protected too. See the state of the art shop yourself. Free tours anytime. Gulf Coast Auto Shield is easy to get to, located just south of the Southwest Freeway on the Sam Houston Parkway. Gulf Coast Auto Shield, full service luxury car care today and online at gcautoshield.com. Gift giving should be meaningful, and we have an idea: a hand-painted custom illustration of your car from one of the nation's leading artists. Now you can get one or a car show poster customized for you, a friend, or a loved one. Bill Sites will be happy to guide you through the process. No matter what the day, birthday, anniversary, or any day, an autographics custom illustration adds an extra touch of class to any home. Call Bill today, 832-922-0963. That's 832-922-0963. That's it for this podcast episode of the In Wheel Time Car Show. I'm Don Armstrong, inviting you to join us for our live show every Saturday morning on Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and our InWheelTime.com website. Podcasts are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartPodcast, Podcast Addict, TuneIn, Pandora, and Amazon Music. Keep listening, and we'll see you soon.











