In Wheel Time - Cartalk Radio

Step back in time with us to the gleaming floors of the Corvette Chevy Expo, where chrome glints as brightly as the memories of car enthusiasts like us. Our guest, Bill Wolfe of Vette Views Magazine, joins us at this 46th annual event in Galveston, Texas, and to offer his own seasoned perspectives. Amidst tales of Don Armstrong's own first foray into this vivacious car show scene, we share what current visitors can expect alongside Jeff's racing updates and Mr. Marrs' impressions of the Ram 1500—a true allure for pickup truck devotees. And of course, it wouldn't be a proper gathering without a sprinkling of Easter humor to keep the spirits as high as the polished hoods.Grab your guessing caps, because this episode takes you for a surprising ride through the classic car market with our impromptu price guessing game. You'll find yourself chuckling and second-guessing as we make our bets on the value of various vintage beauties, from a sun-faded Triumph TR6 to a 1999 Mercedes-Benz E320 s

Rev up your engines and get ready for an epic ride with Pete Evanow, the authority on the Ford Bronco and author of "Ford Bronco: The Original SUV." With Pete at the wheel, we're tearing down the off-road trails of history to uncover the makings of an icon that's captured the hearts of car enthusiasts for over half a century. We're not just talking about what's under the hood, but diving deep into the archives with anecdotes that'll make you feel like you've been part of the Bronco's journey from the start. Plus, we hear how Ted Ryan from Ford's own archives brought a treasure trove of history and stories to the table that you won't hear anywhere else.Shift gears with us as we speed through the evolution of the Bronco, from its 1966 debut to its 21st-century resurgence. We're connecting the dots between past and present, highlighting how the new models pay homage to their rugged roots while setting the bar for modern SUVs. Get the lowdown on how the

Rev your engines and buckle up! We're hitting the track with Sarah Vidria, as the President, she is the driving force behind the Texas Muscle Car Club Challenge. Prepare for a gripping ride as she opens the hood on the local drag racing scene, where the competitive spirit is as fierce as the vehicles are fast. From the roar of family sedans turned dragsters to the strategy behind scoring points, Sarah takes us through the twists and turns of bracket races and the club's relentless pursuit for the checkered flag.In the garage or on the road, the anticipation for car shows and races is palpable, and we're right there with you. Feel the camaraderie and witness the last-minute magic that gets these beauties show-ready. We also shed light on Houston's vibrant car culture, the generosity of initiatives like God's Garage, and the not-to-be-missed local events that gearheads eagerly mark on their calendars. And for a touch of nostalgia, we'll take you on a personal detour to our weekend

Rev your engines and join the excitement as we cruise with the Bobbsey Twins from Victoria, Texas, embarking on the thrill-filled Hot Rod Tour of Texas. Our journey begins in the vibrant heart of Victoria's downtown square, where good times roll and tour gear awaits eager participants. Don couldn't resist sharing the spruce-up that his Corvette received, boasting new seats and a dash cam to capture every high-octane moment. We'll reminisce about the roaring engines and fluttering flags of tours past, setting the stage for this year's camaraderie-infused escapade through the Lone Star State.Buckle up for a Friday filled with the scenic back roads of Texas, where each turn promises a new tale. Hear firsthand about our itinerary that's more than just a mere roadmap—it's a ticket to discovery, from the historic Shiner Brewery to the Czech flavors of Moulton and a nostalgic drive-in movie night in New Braunfels. With a pit stop at Samson's Performance and Restoration for a sneak

Strap yourselves in for a ride through the twists and turns of short track racing with our expert Rodney Rodriguez, who's here to inject some serious adrenaline into your listening experience. We're talking underdog triumphs and the roar of engines at Houston Motor Sports Park, with Rodney offering his seasoned perspective on the scene. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek at the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness, as Marrs walks us through all the bells and whistles of this much-anticipated beast. It's not just about horsepower though; we're also sharing laughs and embracing the live broadcast chaos that inevitably comes our way.Ever dream of burning rubber on the race track? We've got your back with the ultimate beginner's guide to launching your stock car racing career without emptying your wallet. Discover the thrills of street stock and Eco stock racing, where the smell of burning rubber meets the crunch of a tight budget. From the dusty dirt tracks to the slick asphalt of Housto

Discover a new horizon in RV travel as we sit down with Scott Lengal of AdventureGenie, who's turning the tedious task of trip planning on its head with AI-powered precision. Say goodbye to the guesswork and hello to personalized journeys that celebrate the spontaneity of the road while respecting the comforts of home. Scott, with his deep-rooted expertise in software development, walks us through how travelers can now chart their adventures with ease, finding the perfect campgrounds and scenic routes from Savannah's charm to Yellowstone's grandeur. Whether you're steering a seasoned rig or eyeing the RV lifestyle with fresh eyes, Scott's vision promises to steer you right.Rev up your engines for a segment that cruises through more than just breathtaking landscapes.  Navigating through the serious bends, we confront the tough topics too—from dealership trust issues to the new FTC dealership regulations, and the somber note of a recent loss in the car community. Then, we throttle back

Rev up your engines and join us with Alex Knizek from Consumer Reports, as we unveil the secrets behind the year's top 10 cars. Discover how these models outpace the competition, not just with their road performance but also in reliability, owner contentment, and must-have safety features. If you're eager to see which vehicles made the cut and why electrified rides are speeding ahead, you're in the right place!Get ready to electrify your drive as we shine the headlights on the ins and outs of plug-in hybrids and their hybrid counterparts. From the pioneering Toyota Prius to the sleek BMW X5, we break down the perks and quirks of driving these eco-friendly machines. With a cost calculator in hand and the potential for tax credits in your future, learn why these vehicles are a smart choice for both your wallet and the planet. If you've been pondering the switch to plug-in power, this is the conversation you won't want to miss.As spring break gears up, we're handing out essential ti

Get ready to steer clear of scams and secure your dream ride with expert insights from Hemmings' very own Brandon Garcia! In this episode, you'll learn how to navigate the classic car market with confidence, ensuring every online transaction is a smooth ride. We're revving up the conversation with a look into Hemmings' groundbreaking Pay and Title service that's shifting the gears on automotive exchange security. No more fretting over DMV nightmares or identity theft potholes; we're mapping out the route to fraud-free buying and selling, with Brandon leading the way. And for a bit of high-octane fun, we're testing our knowledge with a 'sold cars roundup game'—think you can guess the selling price?Shift into the latest industry trends with our comprehensive recap of automotive events and news. Whether you have a soft spot for electrifying rides like the Cadillac Lyriq and the elusive Cybertruck or you're a fan of community heroes like God's Garage, we&apos

Prepare to be navigated through the undercurrents of innovation as we introduce Noah Gedrimas, an autonomous vehicle technology maestro, who unveils the groundbreaking integration of Ground Positioning Radar (GPR) in self-driving cars. Discover the bedrock of this revolution as we traverse the capabilities of the 2024 Cadillac XT4 in a hands-on review, and explore the precision mapping enabled by GPR systems. These subterranean radar signatures offer accuracy immune to the whims of weather and time, steering us towards a destination where tech-savvy roads are as commonplace as the vehicles that cruise above them.Shift gears and join us on a tour of Michigan's bustling hubs of autonomous tech where mapping roads is not just a task but a synergistic dance of partnerships and innovation. The episode maps out how companies, including the likes of Aurora, are subscribing to GPR-enriched data, revolutionizing fleet navigation, and re-routing the future of transportation as we know it. We'll also shine the

Strap in and feel the rush of endurance racing as we catch up with the ever-passionate John Lawson from Pro Am Auto Accessories, unleashing the latest from the heart-pounding World Racing League event at Barber Motorsports Park. Even with the heavens opening up, there's no dampening the spirit of competition that defines this high-octane gathering of racing enthusiasts. From the growl of production-based vehicles to the whine of factory-built speed demons like BMW M3s and Porsches, you're in for a treat as we navigate through the intricacies of tire choices, pit stop tactics, and the fine art of the driver swap. Join us for a peek under the hood of John's racing weekend and get a sense of the camaraderie that's as much a part of this sport as the checkered flag.Now, shifting gears from the track to the community, we take you on a virtual tour of car enthusiast heaven. Picture yourself amidst the gleam of polished chrome at the Corvette Chevy Expo, or raising your paddle at the Meekum aucti

Ever wondered how the roar of an engine and the sleek curves of a car's design can tell a story of empowerment and innovation? Nancy Nichols, the mind behind "Women Behind the Wheel," joins us to shed light on the profound ways cars have fueled the journey towards modern womanhood. As Nancy takes us on a ride through history, we explore the roads paved by suffragists, celebrate Bertha Benz's audacious road trip, and address the gender roadblocks that once stalled women from purchasing cars without a male co-signer. Nancy even shares a personal anecdote of her own street racing days, much to my amazement and delight.Driving isn't just a physical act; it's an emotional experience, a theme we explore in conversations about the surprising intimacy found within the confines of a car's interior. We unpack the reasons behind the heart-to-hearts that happen in the driver's seat, the design nuances that make a car feel like a protective cocoon, and the impact women have had on t

Prepare to be whisked back to a golden era of motoring with Greg Riley from Garage Deluxe, as we share an insider's look at the upcoming collector car tour in historic Beaumont. This episode is a treasure trove for car aficionados, promising the thunderous sounds of pre-World War II engines and the chance to marvel at beauties like the 1929 Packard Roadster and the 1937 Mercedes. But it's not just about the cars; Greg opens up about a heartwarming personal milestone, revealing the joy of welcoming two adopted children into his bustling family life.Strap in for a ride through Beaumont's past, where the Lucas Gusher set the stage for the dominance of gasoline-powered vehicles. We'll steer you through the exclusive realm of Garage Deluxe, where virtual meets reality and every car enthusiast's dream is ignited by hands-on experiences with classic autos. And for those with a need for speed, we've lined up a preview of the latest racing events and a detailed review of the Infiniti QX55

Unlock the secrets of tomorrow's roads with Chris Piche, Smarter AI's CEO and founder, who joins us to unravel the intricacies of artificial intelligence in the driver's seat. Our journey with Chris shifts into high gear as we explore how AI is not just changing, but revolutionizing the way vehicles perceive and react to the world around them. Imagine cars with the reflexes of a seasoned driver, thanks to machine learning algorithms that give them the ability to make split-second decisions. Chris guides us through this technological metamorphosis, highlighting how companies like NVIDIA, Tesla, Cruz, and Waymo are crafting the future of autonomous driving.Meanwhile, Don Armstrong shares his firsthand experience with the 2024 Mazda CX-50, detailing why this small SUV may be on the verge of shaking up its market segment. From the turbocharged thrills of the Premium Plus model to the intuitive infotainment system, Don breaks down what sets this vehicle apart. Chris also sheds light on how Smarter A

Embark on a ride with us as we navigate the latest automotive trends and dish out our top picks for 2024, including hot topics such as the Consumer Reports favorites. With a spotlight on the Subaru Crosstrek and Tesla Model Y, we're painting a picture of the industry's shift to electrified vehicles and sharing our firsthand experiences with models like the Ford Maverick Hybrid and Chevy Colorado. Strap in for an episode that's as much about the journey as it is the destination, featuring tales of pre-sale Corvettes with a checkered past and a sneak peek into the revered Mecum Auctions in Houston. Weaving through auto history, the latest recalls, and the charitable work of God's Garage, we're steering you towards the fascinating evolution of Jaguar and more. Don't miss out on this joyride of discovery and passion, shared by gearheads who live and breathe the essence of the open road.Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Original Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLup

Ever wonder why your gear shifts aren't as smooth as butter or how to keep your manual transmission purring like a kitten? Let's shift into high gear and get you up to speed on maintaining that gearbox with our top-notch manual transmission driving tips. We'll go through the dos and don'ts of stick shift handling, from why resting your hand on the gear shifter isn't just a bad habit but a gearbox's nemesis, to the unspoken rules of clutch engagement. And, because we're all about the real deal, we'll mix in stories from the trenches—those moments behind the wheel that taught us lessons we can't keep to ourselves.As the engines cool from our manual transmission masterclass, we transition to the latest auto industry headlines that are revving up conversations. Hear all about the resurgence of Detroit's iconic Michigan Central Station thanks to Ford and what's behind the production pit stop for GM's 2024 mid-sized pickups. We'll peek behind the asse

Ever tried to whip up an omelet while navigating a stick shift? We don't recommend it, but we sure can laugh about the idea as we reminisce about our automotive escapades, ranging from the mishaps to the marvels. Join us as we recount tales from the San Jacinto Corvette Club and a road trip to Oklahoma City that left our cars and our spirits in need of a little polish. Whether it's the bonds formed on the open road or the gray hairs earned from our adventures, there's a story here for every car enthusiast.Embarking on a construction project can feel like assembling an engine in the dark, but throw in a bit of geothermal innovation, and you've got the makings of engineering art. We share the ups and downs of creating a geothermal heating marvel over two and a half years – where even a drought can turn into a lucky break. From flagging the site to the final paving, every step was a lesson in coordination and the power of teamwork. And when you see the final structure, you'll understand

Rev your engines and buckle up as AJ Loupe, President of the Space City Corvette Club, takes us for a spin through the heart of Corvette culture at the HEMI Hideout in Brookshire, Texas. This episode isn't just about the roar of engines and the shine of chrome; it's a celebration of community, with a look at the impact of our Good Grub &  Gears Fall Car Show and its staggering $100,000 donation to Texas Air Research. Don Armstrong shares a personal update on his own Corvette journey—tinkering with enhancements and tackling a steering wheel challenge that's as stubborn as a rusted bolt.Shift into storytelling gear and ride shotgun with "Big Tuna," a legend in the Corvette community, who brings us tales of his prized Corvettes and a hint at a big event revving up on the horizon. Then, we take a detour through automotive history with This Week In Auto History, reminiscing about Hudson automobiles and the Thunderbird's rivalry with the Corvette. Join us for this high-octane episo

Prepare to be whisked away to Brookshire, Texas, for an exclusive tour of the HEMI Hideout with none other than John Hovis himself. Within the largest timber frame building in the state, Hovis unveils his passion project—a jaw-dropping collection of automotive signs and memorabilia steeped in rich history. Revel in the tales of each piece, like the prestigious 1918 Texaco sign and a perfectly preserved 1938 Dodge sign found in a crate. And, while Mike's whereabouts in the building remain our little mystery, we celebrate the handiwork of artist Bill, the man behind the Hideout's hand-designed tile floors and the charming saddle seats that are a testament to character and story.Buckle up, car lovers, because we're bringing you the ultimate car enthusiast's update, packed with information that'll rev your engines. Discover the enduring expertise of ProAm Auto Accessories and the heartwarming mission of God's Garage, a charity that has been fueling hope for single mothers, widows, an

Rev your engines and buckle up for a ride through the heart of car culture with the In Wheel Time Car Show, coming at you from the Hemi Hideout in Brookshire, Texas. We had the pleasure of Tim Ketchum from the Alamo Area Corvette Club riding shotgun with us, not as the president but as our honorary chief for the day. His journey from Buffalo to Texas and the fires he fought as a West Palm Beach firefighter sets the stage for a conversation that burns rubber from the Alamo's significant anniversary to his sleek 2019 Grand Sport Corvette and the club's upcoming adventure to Pike's Peak. With the roar of engines in the background, we share the thrill that unites Corvette enthusiasts, the cherished camaraderie of car clubs, and the incredible community events that keep our hearts racing.Turning down the straightaway, we explore the vibrant Corvette Club scene and the philanthropic spirit that drives it. Keep your pockets lined with cash for those entry fees, as we recount a laugh-worthy lesson lear

Rev up your nostalgia engines as we take a cruise down memory lane at the renown HEMI Hideout, celebrating the timeless connection between classic cars and neon-lit diner days. On today's journey, we are thrilled to share the newest treasure in the sign collection at the HEMI Hideout.  It is an iconic piece from Russell Chevrolet in Missouri, which sparks a vivid conversation about the history and enduring charm of neon signs in the car collector's world. But it's not just about the glow; we also explore the evolving trends in car collecting, musing over the stories steeped in each artifact we preserve.The pulse of the car enthusiast community beats strong at events like the Hemi Hideout Charity Event, and you're invited to ride shotgun as we recount the electrifying atmosphere and the exceptional finds, including a conversation piece from Lagrange, Texas that's sure to fuel your curiosity. Networking isn't just business cards; it's about shared passions and the thrill of th