BMW M850i, Toyota Supra, RODS, Motorsports, SUVs, Tariffs | #370

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #370

From race cars to vehicles with a bit of soul and on to a noble cause raising money for orphaned children with Down Syndrome, we’re covering a lot of ground on this episode of THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor. Co-founder of Cartender and Freelance Automotive Journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News and World Report, George Kennedy III, shares about his test drive of the $122,000 2019 BMW M850i, and we discuss the marriage of BMW and Toyota that is the 2020 Toyota Supra. Changing lanes, Long Range Strategy and Product Planning Manager for Kia Motors America, Paul Fisher, tells us exactly what makes the 2020 Kia Soul ‘all new’, from interior to drivetrain, and why you should consider getting a Soul of your own. Next up, Founder of RODS (Racing for Orphans with Down Syndrome), Brady Murray, tells the story of how he started the movement and how it’s affected his life so far. He continues to champion the cause of finding homes for orphans with Down Syndrome by fundraising to pay for adoption fees, and they’ve recently celebrated their 50th success. Then, we chat with automotive journalist for Autoweek, Automobile Magazine, Grassroots Motorsports, Steven Cole Smith, about his test drive of a 2019 Ram 3500 Crew Cab Dually, the Indianapolis 500, and Coca-Cola 600 news. Switching gears, President ClassicsDeadOrAlive.com and Social Media & Branding Manager for Black Mountain Jeep, Kelsey Collins, shares her experience with running the Tire Rack One Lap of America endurance race. Closing out the show, Executive Publisher of Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Dealer.com, Karl Brauer, ponders the question of whether the SUV market has become over saturated and whether tariffs play a role in the slowing of the automotive economy. Tune in for the latest auto news and test drives.

 

  • [00:00:00] The Legacy of the BMW 8 Series
  • [00:06:07] A Marriage of BMW and Toyota
  • [00:12:30] 2019 BMW M850i and 2020 Toyota Supra
  • [00:19:51] What’s So New About the 2020 Kia Soul?
  • [00:27:36] Racing for Orphans with Down Syndrome
  • [00:35:51] RODS Looking to Expand to Auto Racing
  • [00:42:12] RAM Makes an Amazing Truck
  • [00:48:20] Bump Day Before the Indy 500
  • [00:54:43] NASCAR 600 and Jayski.com
  • [01:02:04] Kelsey Collins Races One Lap of America
  • [01:12:28] Is the SUV Market Oversaturated?
  • [01:18:05] Tariffs, Interest Rates Hit Auto Sales

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The Craftsman Garage at SEMA 2018 Part 2 | #351

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #351

We’re back with another week of coverage from the Craftsman Garage at SEMA 2018. First up, Wayne Carini from “Chasing Classic Cars” gives us his origin story and updates us on the shows status in the world of Discovery Network ratings. Next, Art Morrison Enterprises Owner, Art Morrison, and Operations Manager, Craig Morrison, discuss the art of balancing shop work and outdoor play. Also, catch some tips for a peaceful working relationship with family members. Before he was a 3000-HP tractor pull racer, Koester Racing’s Larry Koester met with an unfortunate accident while mowing his fields in a Ford farm tractor. After his tractor flipped over and pinned him resulting in the amputation of both of his legs, learn how his daughter’s unconditional love was the only thing that could dig him out of the darkest place in his life. Changing lanes, “Garage Rehab” Project Manager, Russell Holmes, shares how he got into the world of cars with a 1978 Chevrolet Camaro that he bought for $75, and why he knows he can keep pace with co-star, Richard Rawlings. Then, we chat with NASCAR Rookie of the Year, Hailie Deegan, and her father and X-Games Champion, Brian Deegan, about what it’s like to live in a family of wild and fast racers. A family of firsts, Hailie Deegan has become the first female to ever win a NASCAR race, while her little brother is the youngest person ever to perform a backflip on a dirt bike. Shifting gears, Nissan Motor Corporation Truck and SUV/Brand Communications Specialist, Kevin Raftery, fills us in on the new Nissan Titan XD, equipped with a Cummins diesel engine. Next, Collins Bros Jeep’s Dennis and Kelsey Collins discuss their Jeep Wrangler JL Hellcrate, barn finds, and the effect social media has had on the automotive industry. Dave Hall of Restore a Muscle Car and Jeff Catlin of Barrett-Jackson join in on our social media conversation; it can be a useful tool to build excitement for new car projects. Closing the show, Rat Runners Garage Owner, Aaron Hagar, describes his YouTube video series, Design | Cut | Build”, and how living around Lake Tahoe has helped propel him as a car enthusiast. Don’t miss out on these exclusive interviews from the Craftsman Garage at SEMA 2018.

 

  • [00:00:00] Discovery’s #3, “Chasing Classic Cars”
  • [00:06:38] Origins of “Chasing Classic Cars”
  • [00:12:31] Balancing Work and Outdoor Fun
  • [00:19:51] Larry Koester’s Tractor Tragedy
  • [00:27:06] Inspiration from the Mouth of Babes
  • [00:35:51] Russell Holmes on a Mission to Give Back
  • [00:42:11] Hailie Deegan NASCAR Rookie of the Year
  • [00:46:03] Deegan Family Born to Race
  • [00:54:42] Nissan Titan XD Cummins Diesel
  • [01:02:03] Jeep Wrangler JL Hellcrate at SEMA
  • [01:08:40] Social Media’s Impact on Auto Hobby
  • [01:18:03] Aaron Hagar and Rat Runners Garage

 

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The Craftsman Garage at SEMA 2018 Part 1 | #350

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #350

Alan heads up the Craftsman Garage at SEMA 2018 as the automotive industry once again gathers in Las Vegas, Nevada to show of their latest innovations and new products. Up first, “Wheeler Dealers” Host, Mike Brewer, shares his automotive enthusiasm and origin story on the Craftsman live stage. Next, star of Fast N’ Loud, Richard Rawlings, discusses his numerous lucrative business ventures, from tequila, energy drinks, and restaurants to his multiple television shows. Shifting gears, original inventor of the HAZMAT system, Nick Singer, tells us about his most recent project, Truck ‘N’ Cover, a series of modular truck bed systems that will revolutionize the way your family uses their pickup. Next up, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America, Steve Beahm, chats about the new Dodge Redeye, a 797-HP everyman’s version of the Demon. Shifting gears, Mr. Norm’s GSS Supercar Vehicle Program Director, Larry Weiner, shares the rich history of Hurst Shifters from their inception in 1958 to their 60th anniversary this year. Then, ClassicCar.com President and Founder, Roger Falcione, describes how you can use his classic car trading site to sell your vehicle and spread its story; every car has a story on ClassicCars.com. Changing lanes, Host of “Long Lost Family” and “Overhaulin’”, Chris Jacobs, talks about his favorite cars and projects, including a 1985 Porsche 911, a 1968 Plymouth GTX, and his work on TLC’s tearjerker, “Long Lost Family”. This show is particularly close to Chris’ heart as he too was reunited with his birth mother at the age of 23. Also, Dennis Collins and Kelsey Collins of Collins Bros Jeep recount what it’s like to work with Richard Rawlings, and their recent win at Kuwait Concours d’Elegance with an Austin Healey named Goldie. Wrapping up the show, LINE-X President, Dennis Weese, and American television personality, Jesse James, discuss LINE-X’s display at SEMA, including their amazingly strong protective coating, and a pair of Dodge Rams separated by 25 years. Jesse also fills us in on his time spent as crew chief for his wife, Alexis DeJoria, and recent foray into the firearms industry. Don’t miss out on these exciting interviews from the Craftsman Garage live stage at SEMA 2018.

 

  • [00:00:00]“Deals on Wheels” to “Wheeler Dealers”
  • [00:08:19] Falling In Love With 200 Cars
  • [00:12:30] Richard Rawlings and His Many Ventures
  • [00:19:51]  Extend Capabilities with Truck ‘N’ Cover
  • [00:28:08] FCA’s Steve Beahm on Dodge Redeye
  • [00:35:51] This History of Hurst Shifters
  • [00:42:11] Your Car’s Story on ClassicCars.com
  • [00:45:14] Project Cars and “Long Lost Family”
  • [00:54:42] Search for Classic Cars Continues
  • [01:02:03] LINE-X and Jesse James’ New Show
  • [01:12:33] Jesse James the Crew Chief
  • [01:18:04] LINE-X 1993 Dodge Ram by Jesse James

 

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