In Wheel Time Podcast: Your Go-To Automotive Talk Show

Summer brings longer days and more drivers on the road—and unfortunately, a spike in accidents caused by reckless behavior. What makes some states deadlier than others when it comes to dangerous driving? The answers might surprise you. Join us as we explore the shocking statistics behind reckless driving fatalities across America with insurance expert Divya Sangam from LendingTree's Value Pen...

The automotive landscape is rapidly evolving beyond traditional gasoline engines, and navigating the options can be overwhelming. Alex Kwanton from US News joins us to break down their 2025 Best Hybrids and Electric Vehicles awards, revealing which electrified options truly deliver value, performance, and efficiency without compromise. Remember when buying a hybrid meant settling for a tiny, under...

Automotive artistry takes center stage as we visit Georgia's Savoy Auto Museum with curator Mary Agrusa. Unlike typical car museums focusing solely on mechanics, the Savoy presents vehicles as cultural artifacts for artistic appreciation, complete with historical storytelling. Mary reveals how Cartersville has become Georgia's "museum city" with four major institutions. The Sav...

Slip behind the wheel of luxury as we explore the redesigned 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, a midsize SUV that's redefining automotive elegance. From the moment you lay eyes on its symmetrical wheel openings and sophisticated body sculpting to the Black Label grille adorned with chrome star-like dots, this vehicle demands attention for all the right reasons. The true revelation happens inside the cab...

Luxury car enthusiasts, mark your calendars! We're joined by RoShelle Salinas to reveal an exciting pop-up luxury ride and drive event happening May 9-10 at The Revere venue near Old Katy Road and 610. This last-minute addition to Houston's automotive calendar addresses a gap many noticed during January's Houston Auto Show - the absence of certain high-end brands that many were eage...

Mercedes and Andy Lilienthal take us on a deep dive into their ambitious plans to traverse the Transamerica Trail - a 7,100-mile network of back roads, dirt paths, and trails stretching from North Carolina to Oregon. This adventure represents the ultimate American road trip for off-road enthusiasts who want to experience the country's hidden landscapes. With years of experience between them,...

What happens when 300+ hot rods descend upon Houston's best-kept secret? We found out when the Hot Rod Tour of Texas rolled into Spindle Tap Brewery, transforming this hidden north Houston gem into a classic car paradise. Bobby Sparkman, the mastermind behind the tour, shared with us how the journey began with 302 vehicles cruising across Texas. Though a few participants encountered mechanica...

Take a ride with us as we catch up with the Hot Rod Tour of Texas at Spindletap Brewery on Houston's north side. What started four years ago as a modest gathering has evolved into a 300-car caravan of classic automobiles winding through the scenic back roads of the Lone Star State. Tour organizer Jeremy reveals the behind-the-scenes efforts that make this automotive adventure possible – month...

The great automotive debate of our time isn't just about horsepower or fuel economy—it's about where your car comes from. We dive deep into the fascinating world of American versus foreign automobiles, challenging preconceptions and revealing surprising statistics that might change how you think about your next vehicle purchase. Did you know Tesla assembles more cars in America than any...

Buckle up for a high-octane journey through the heart of Texas as we broadcast live from Spindletap Brewery during the annual Hot Rod Tour! The brewery's industrial-chic atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for this gathering of automotive enthusiasts, with vintage beauties continuously rolling into the parking lot throughout our show. We kick things off with a comprehensive roundup of th...

The rumble of engines and scent of coffee fills the air as we broadcast live from Spindletap Brewery for the fourth annual Hot Rod Tour of Texas. This event has grown from humble beginnings to become a must-attend gathering for automotive enthusiasts across the Lone Star State. Our special feature takes you behind the scenes in Victoria, Texas, where we chat with Street Manager Kate Garcia about t...

The passion behind automotive culture shines brightest when enthusiasts gather to share their stories. At the Tailpipes and Tacos Cruise-In at the Lupe' Tortilla Tex-Mex in Katy, we experienced this firsthand as we awarded our signature Chili Pepper trophies to three remarkable vehicles. Mr. Hoggo's 1932 Ford Highboy stole the show with its masterfully crafted fiberglass body—so convinci...

A lavender 1957 Chevy Nomad steals the spotlight at our Tailpipes and Tacos Cruise Inn broadcast from Lupe' Tortilla Tex-Mex in Katy, Texas. Owner Jim Craven shares his three-year journey with this head-turning classic, detailing what makes a Nomad special beyond just being a two-door station wagon - from the angled window pillars to the nine distinctive grooves on the car's top. Under t...

From a pandemic hobby to podium finishes at prestigious races, Judd Holt's meteoric rise in the racing world exemplifies what's possible when passion meets persistence.  Judd's story begins just four and a half years ago when, tired of pandemic isolation, he decided to try his hand at motor racing. What started as a curiosity quickly evolved into competitive racing in spec cars, the...

The rumble of vintage engines and the aroma of breakfast tacos fill the air as we broadcast live from the Tailpipes and Tacos cruise-in at Lupe' Tortilla in Katy, Texas. This popular gathering of automotive enthusiasts provides the perfect backdrop for conversations with passionate car collectors and restorers who share the stories behind their prized vehicles. Stan Holt, the proprietor of Lo...

Automotive passion takes center stage as we broadcast live from the Tailpipes and Tacos Cruise-In at Lupe' Tortilla Tex-Mex in Katy, Texas. The spring air is filled with the rumble of engines, the scent of breakfast tacos, and the undeniable camaraderie that defines car culture. Our featured guest, John Thuman, brings his breathtaking 1965 Cobra Daytona Coupe replica that stops everyone in th...

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 Audac...

Trump's tariffs have created a labyrinth of regulations in the automotive world, with 25% duties on vehicle imports and additional tariffs layered on top for certain countries. This complex system has manufacturers, dealers, and consumers scrambling to understand what it means for vehicle pricing and availability. Aiden Bergsman from Anderson Economic Group breaks down this puzzle for listene...

The evolution of family transport has come a long way from the wood-paneled station wagons of yesteryear. We take the wheel of two distinctly different approaches to modern family hauling with the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and the 2025 Infiniti QX60. The Tucson Hybrid Limited AWD immediately stands out with its angular wheel well flares and distinctive styling that breaks from conventional SUV de...

Automotive nostalgia takes center stage as we explore five legendary car manufacturers that deserve resurrection in today's market. From AMC's innovative Javelin AMX with its performance-focused design to Pontiac's revolutionary GTO that birthed the American muscle car movement, these vanished brands left tire tracks too deep to be forgotten.  The distinctive bullet-nosed Studebaker...

The road is calling, and the Hot Rod Tour of Texas is answering with an epic 488-mile journey across some of the Lone Star State's most scenic regions. Bobby Sparkman and Jeremy Taylor join us to unveil their meticulously crafted route for the tour's fourth year, which has already attracted over 300 classic car enthusiasts for the sold-out event. Starting in Victoria (the self-proclaimed...

Tucked away in Brookshire, Texas stands a temple to American automotive culture that defies expectations. This week, we broadcast live from HEMI Hideout, where owner John Hovis welcomes us into what he modestly describes as "a man cave that got a little bit out of control." The result is breathtaking – over 4,500 pieces of rare automotive memorabilia and signage covering nearly every ava...

From the fabulous HEMI Hideout in Brookshire, Texas comes an automotive enthusiast's dream episode packed with car reviews, market insights, and plenty of automotive banter. We kick things off with a thorough examination of the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, assembled right here in America at Georgetown, Kentucky. This small SUV delivers an impressive 41 mpg city while maintaining enough zip to kee...

The automotive world spans an incredible spectrum from practical daily drivers to ultra-luxury vehicles that cost more than many homes. We dive deep into both extremes with our detailed examinations of the completely redesigned 2025 Infinity QX80 Autograph AWD and the efficient 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD. The third-generation QX80 represents Infinity's flagship luxury SUV, combining impo...

The rumble of Hemi engines echoes through the cavernous space of the Fabuloso Hemi Hideout in Brookshire, Texas as we explore one of America's most impressive Mopar collections. John Hovis began his automotive journey at 18 years old in 1970, explaining his special affinity for vehicles from that iconic year - and what a collection he's assembled! From the moment we step inside, we'...