In Wheel Time - Cartalk Radio

Climb aboard as we journey through Texas heritage railways and drive some of the most disappointing dream cars ever made. This episode starts with a nostalgic look at Texas' historic train routes transformed into tourist attractions. From the inmate-built Texas State Railroad to the Grapevine Vintage Railroad's themed excursions (including beer trains and Thomas the Tank Engine days), we explore how these metal ribbons of history now create new memories for visitors.The conversation shifts gears dramatically when we reveal six dream cars that owners deeply regret purchasing. The Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake with its endless repair bills, the eco-friendly but perpetually broken Fisker Karma, and the gorgeous but temperamental Alfa Romeo 4C all made the list. These automotive heartbreakers promise exotic looks and driving thrills but deliver wallet-draining disappointment. We explore why the first-generation Tesla Roadster, futuristic BMW i8, and even James Bond's Lotus Esprit leave owners shaken,

The financial shock of adding a teenage driver to your insurance policy can feel like a sucker punch to your wallet. In Texas, parents face an average premium increase of 114% – the fourth highest in the nation according to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, our special guest this week. While Texas ranks middle-of-the-pack (28th) for teen driver fatalities, this statistic offers little comfort to parents navigating the treacherous waters of teen driving safety and skyrocketing insurance costs.Diving into strategies that actually work, our hosts share personal experiences with driver education approaches across generations. We explore the evolving landscape from school-based programs taught by PE coaches to modern combinations of parent-led instruction and professional driving schools. The conversation reveals an important truth: teens often respond better to driving instruction from authority figures who aren't their parents. Meanwhile, insurance companies offer various paths to lower those painful premiums, i

Road safety takes center stage in this eye-opening episode where we tackle the often misunderstood rules of school bus safety. When those yellow lights start flashing, too many drivers make potentially deadly mistakes. We break down exactly what you need to do when approaching a school bus on various road types and why following these rules is absolutely critical for protecting our children.We uncover a concerning reality about vehicle safety technology that many drivers don't realize—while your car's sensors might detect other vehicles, older models often completely miss pedestrians. This technological blind spot creates serious risks, especially in residential areas where children may dart into the street unexpectedly. Our discussion provides practical advice for staying vigilant behind the wheel, particularly for drivers of larger vehicles with limited visibility.The episode shifts gears to explore dream cars that became nightmares for their owners. From the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake with

Labor Day Replay:A divine prophecy, a kitchen cupboard full of auction school applications, and a career-defining first sale scheduled right after 9/11 – these unlikely elements converged to launch Yvette Vanderbrink into the world of automotive auctioneering, where she's spent 25 years specializing in barn finds and collector vehicles that others often don't know how to handle.Vanderbrink takes us behind the scenes of her recent Montana auction featuring 604 vehicles from three generations of collecting, explaining the logistical nightmares of conducting sales in remote locations with no cell service or electricity. With refreshing candor, she shares stories of overcoming sexism in the industry, including the memorable response to a man who suggested she "make a sandwich and let the boys do it" – she simply took away his bidder number.The psychology of car collecting emerges as a fascinating thread, with Yvette noting vehicles are "easier to come home than they are to leave," ex

Labor Day Replay:Step inside the legendary Hemi Hideout, where automotive dreams come to life in spectacular fashion. Once housed in a simple barn, John Hovas's remarkable Mopar collection now resides in this purpose-built sanctuary that celebrates American muscle in its most glorious forms.The collection tells a story that began when John was just 18 years old in 1970, explaining his particular affinity for vehicles from that era. From the moment you walk in, you're surrounded by automotive royalty – numbers-matching rarities that represent some of the most sought-after configurations in Mopar history.The stars of the show include a 1970 Plymouth Superbird, whose radical aerodynamic design literally changed NASCAR racing before being banned for its dominance. With its distinctive nose cone and towering rear spoiler (strong enough to support a person's weight), it represents a pivotal moment in racing history as one of only 277 produced with the coveted 440 six-pack configuration.But perhaps no

Luxury electric vehicles have reached a new milestone with the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, a groundbreaking full-size three-row SUV that combines spaciousness, cutting-edge design, and impressive electric performance. Fresh off the assembly line in Ellabelle, Georgia, this American-made Korean masterpiece showcases what happens when minimalist aesthetics meet maximum functionality.The exterior strikes an immediate impression with its clean, horizontal elements and distinctive lighting signatures that give it a unique presence on the road. But it's inside where the Ioniq 9 truly shines. The spacious interior accommodates up to nine passengers across various configurations, though the six-passenger layout with second-row captain's chairs delivers the most impressive feature: seats that recline almost completely flat with integrated footrests, transforming your vehicle into a mobile lounge. The elongated, integrated infotainment system flows seamlessly with the instrument cluster in a design that feels both

Labor Day Replay:Drag racing fans rejoice! The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) is roaring back onto the scene with a full revival that includes the return of Top Fuel racing after a 15-year absence. Division Director Doug Foley joins us to share the exciting developments happening within one of drag racing's most storied organizations.Founded in 1971 by Larry Carrier at Bristol International Speedway, IHRA has long represented an alternative approach to drag racing. After recent ownership changes, the organization has recommitted to both grassroots racing and professional nitro categories with a fresh perspective. Foley reveals that IHRA now owns five racetracks across the country and has attracted full fields of Top Fuel and Funny Car competitors for their upcoming national events.What makes IHRA's approach different? Their racer-friendly philosophy shines through in everything from event structure to insurance coverage. While maintaining similar safety standards to other sanctioning bodie

LABOR DAY REPLAY:Courtney Enders brings her infectious enthusiasm and deep drag racing knowledge to this episode as she discusses her exciting new role with NHRA TV. As the sister of six-time Pro Stock champion Erica Enders, Courtney offers a unique insider perspective on the sport while carving her own path in racing media.Speaking from her temporary home in snowy Stratford, Ontario, Courtney shares the whirlwind journey that led to her joining the NHRA broadcast team alongside veterans like Dave Freiburger. What makes her story particularly compelling is how she's balancing multiple professional roles simultaneously – maintaining her full-time position managing content at Flow Racing while taking on NHRA TV responsibilities and still assisting with team management at Elite Motorsports.The conversation takes fascinating turns as Courtney provides candid insights into Elite Motorsports' rumored Top Fuel aspirations. She describes team owner Richard Freeman as "the world's most interesting

Digital car keys are changing how we access and interact with our vehicles forever. While fobs and physical keys have been the standard for decades, smartphone-based digital keys are gaining incredible momentum—set to quadruple from 15 million to 59 million vehicles by 2031. This transformation extends far beyond just unlocking doors.The technology has evolved remarkably since Siemens introduced a credit card-sized precursor for Mercedes in the 1990s. Today's digital keys allow unprecedented flexibility: share access with family via WhatsApp, set speed restrictions for teen drivers, or even authorize Amazon delivery personnel to securely leave packages in your trunk. BMW's upcoming Digital Key Plus will take this further by automatically unlocking your vehicle as you approach, no phone-in-hand required.For Texans contemplating hurricane evacuation routes, Marrs offers unique destination alternatives to mundane motel stays. From the supposedly haunted historic town of Jefferson to Bandera (the cowboy

Automotive passion takes center stage as we welcome Matt Avery, co-host of Mecum in the Morning and veteran automotive journalist with nearly two decades of industry experience. Matt shares his fascinating journey from luxury car technician to content creator, explaining how his mechanical background and storytelling skills perfectly positioned him for his current role at Mecum Auctions.The conversation shifts to an exciting upcoming event - Larry's Legacy auction featuring the extensive collection of Chicago collector Larry Klairmont. This museum-quality assemblage includes 275 vehicles and over 1,000 pieces of memorabilia, all selling at no reserve. Matt walks us through the diverse collection spanning muscle cars, Jeeps, microcars, and rare showpieces like the Golden Sahara II, while providing essential details for potential bidders about preview days and registration.We then explore the evolving landscape of car buying, examining how retail giant Costco has entered the automotive market with pre-arra

Tired of the same old hurricane evacuation routine? We've compiled a guide to turning your necessary departure into a memorable Texas adventure. Instead of crowding into chain hotels with your family and pets, consider charming destinations like Luckenbach and Fredericksburg with their creek-side cabins, dance halls, wineries, and boutiques. Or venture east to Jefferson, one of Texas's most haunted towns, complete with ghost-filled hotels, antique shopping, and riverboat tours through atmospheric bayous.For families, Glen Rose offers the prehistoric wonder of Dinosaur Valley State Park where kids can track real dinosaur footprints, while Bandera—the self-proclaimed "Cowboy Capital of the World"—delivers authentic western experiences including unique hillside architecture that creates the feeling of entering old-time speakeasies. These alternatives transform a potentially stressful evacuation into an opportunity for discovery and adventure.We also explore what your car color reveals about y

Randy Borcheding of PaintHouse offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of high-end custom car creation, where artistry meets engineering in spectacular fashion. His latest masterpiece – a 1970 Mercury Cougar convertible finished in a custom "Short Bus Pearl" yellow – recently claimed Best Custom at the Craig Bierman show and is headed to the prestigious Triple Crown event in Nashville.What makes Randy's approach unique is his blend of traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. The Cougar represents a "what if" concept car that Mercury never built – a convertible version of their Eliminator performance package. Beyond its flawless paint, the car features extensive 3D-printed components including the entire dashboard, console, and trunk panels. This revolutionary technique allows classic cars to integrate modern conveniences while maintaining period-correct aesthetics, fundamentally changing restoration possibilities.Behind every build lies a deeply personal connection.

Jack Nerad takes us on a thrilling ride through America's heartland in a monstrous 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. This wasn't just any road trip – it was the "Made in America Tour" meticulously planned by Jack's wife, combining their love of baseball with an exploration of America's cultural landmarks. From Chicago to Milwaukee, through Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and back, they visited major league ballparks, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Greenfield Village.What surprised Jack most was how the beast beneath the hood became a gentle giant on the highway. Despite having enough power to launch this three-row SUV from 0-60 in just 3.5 seconds, the Durango proved remarkably docile and comfortable, even during 500-mile days. The vehicle's sophisticated electronic aids and all-wheel drive system made handling effortless, while still returning a respectable 16 miles per gallon – impressive efficiency fo

Have car manufacturers been building vehicles the same way for too long? Ford's CEO Jim Farley thinks so, announcing a staggering $6 billion investment in what they're calling the "Universal EV Production System." This revolutionary approach abandons the traditional assembly line in favor of an "assembly tree" using three sub-assemblies with large aluminum castings and a structural battery that get joined together later.The ambitious manufacturing overhaul promises 20% fewer parts, 40% fewer workstations, and 15% faster assembly times. But as we unpack in this episode, Wall Street's response was lukewarm at best, raising questions about whether this represents genuine innovation or expensive PR. While Ford prepares to roll out a $30,000 midsize electric pickup from this new system, we can't help but wonder if addressing their ongoing recall issues might be a better investment of resources.Speaking of recalls, we dive into the latest automotive call-backs affecting Land

Ever lost a key fob and faced sticker shock at the replacement cost? Our opening segment breaks down what you might pay—from $50 for basic aftermarket options to a whopping $600 for luxury proximity fobs. It's a practical reminder to keep those small but essential accessories safe.The heart of our episode features Rob Burley sharing details about his remarkable Labor Day weekend event at Moody Gardens in Galveston. What began as a classic car auction has transformed into something much more meaningful following devastating floods in the Texas Hill Country. With 100% of concert ticket sales being donated to flood relief charities, visitors can enjoy an impressive lineup of Texas musicians including Dale Watson, Gary P. Nunn, and Corey Morrow while supporting a vital cause. Car enthusiasts won't want to miss Saturday's auction featuring classic vehicles, rare memorabilia, and even a historic Gatling gun with Texas Ranger provenance.We take a nostalgic drive through automotive history with Jeff&ap

Ready to hit the road for Labor Day weekend? We've got you covered with unforgettable Texas destinations that promise adventure, relaxation, and everything in between. From the Victorian charm of Jefferson in the piney woods to the artistic desert oasis of Marfa, we're exploring getaways that take you off the beaten path. Looking for coastal vibes? Discover Palacios, the "Shrimp Capital of Texas" where fishing, kayaking, and seafood create the perfect holiday escape. For cooler temperatures, we recommend the mountain scenery of Fort Davis or the crystal-clear waters of the Frio River at Garner State Park.The conversation shifts gears as we explore six legendary American car names that left their mark on automotive history. We unpack the stories behind iconic nameplates like the Mercury Marauder, Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, and Plymouth Barracuda – vehicles whose names became as powerful as their engines. From muscle cars that dominated drag strips to controversial designs like the Plymouth

Ever wondered if you could experience the thrill of competitive motorsports without breaking the bank or risking damage to your beloved vehicle? This episode pulls back the curtain on one of the automotive world's best-kept secrets – the incredibly accessible world of amateur racing through the Sports Car Club of America.Blair Deffenbaugh, SCCA spokesperson and second-generation member, joins us to demystify the organization's various programs that welcome drivers of all skill levels. We learn that autocross – competitive driving through cone courses in parking lots – offers "low speed and high confidence" perfect for beginners. Blair explains how literally any roadworthy vehicle can participate, from family sedans to sports cars, and even the occasional concrete truck!What truly shines through our conversation is the SCCA's remarkable affordability and welcoming community. With membership starting at just $30 annually and event entry fees typically between $30-100, competitive drivin

A 1968 Plymouth Roadrunner sits dormant in the corner of Apex Auto Works, carrying with it the weight of memory and loss. For Richard Tomlin, this muscle car isn't just a project—it's a living connection to his father, who died in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. After years of seeing it gather dust, Richard has finally found the perfect reason to breathe new life into this family heirloom.The catalyst came from an unexpected source: a customer discussing his dream of racing Pikes Peak in a car like the one he once shared with his own father—who had passed away at the famous hill climb's starting line just three years ago. This serendipitous connection of father-son legacies sparked an ambitious plan that automotive purists might call sacrilege, but Richard calls love.What makes this build truly fascinating is the technical approach. Richard and his team are performing a body swap, mounting the iconic Roadrunner shell onto a donated 2015 NASCAR truck chassis, complete with racing suspension and

Fancy yourself a classic car pricing expert? Our latest episode puts that knowledge to the test as we dive into the fascinating world of Hemmings auction results, where perception and reality often collide in surprising ways.The conversation kicks off with a beautifully maintained 1956 Ford Victoria sporting fender skirts and what our hosts playfully debate might be "hoodlum" wheel covers. When the hammer fell at $18,375, it set the tone for a journey through automotive history and collector valuation that would deliver several shocks along the way.Nothing demonstrates the unpredictable nature of classic car values quite like the 1969 AMC AMX that followed. This two-seat alternative to the Mustang commanded an eye-popping $41,895 – nearly double what our hosts estimated. Why such premium pricing? Numbers-matching originality and increasing rarity have transformed these American Motors offerings from underappreciated oddities to sought-after collectibles.From a "rare coupe" 2009 Pontiac Sol

Tired of crowded beaches and saltwater? We're diving into six incredible lake destinations across Texas that offer everything from secluded cabin getaways to luxury resort experiences for your next family vacation.Our journey begins in the serene pine forests of East Texas at Deer Lake Cabins Ranch Resort, where lakefront cabins provide the perfect basecamp for horseback riding, fishing, and unplugged family reconnection. For nature enthusiasts, Canyon of the Eagles on Lake Buchanan delivers hiking trails, observatory stargazing, and wildlife experiences in a scenic setting that eco-conscious families will love.We explore the nostalgic charm of Heart of Texas Lake Resort on Lake LBJ with its no-frills approach to family fun, featuring cabins, fishing spots, and mini-golf. For those seeking more refined experiences, Lakeway Resort and Spa on Lake Travis offers elegant comfort with multiple pools, splash zones, and full marina services just minutes from Austin.The tropical-inspired Margaritaville Lake Reso