In Wheel Time Podcast

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A Wine-Bought Cadillac Comeback Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

A Cadillac convertible bought after “quite a bit of wine” sounds like a punchline until you hear what happens next. We kick off from Tailpipes and Tacos in Beaumont, Texas with a 1961 Cadillac story that goes from ratty auction find to TV-ready restoration, then right back into the shop for a drivability-focused rebuild. It’s a candid look at how classic car restoration really works when deadlines, budgets, and “while we’re in there” decisions collide.
Then we get hands-on with a Ford F-150 Hybrid King Ranch 4x4 review for anyone shopping a luxury pickup truck that still needs real capability. We break down the 3.5-liter hybrid powertrain (400 hp, 500 lb-ft), the 10-speed automatic, towing and payload numbers, and what fuel economy looks like in the real world. We also talk features that matter day to day, from the quiet cabin and leather comfort to tailgate functionality and driver-assist tech like Ford BlueCruise.
To wrap it up, we share upcoming cruise-ins and car shows, plus driving destinations across Southeast Texas: the Texas Energy Museum, Fire Museum of Texas, Spindletop Boomtown Museum, the Museum of the Gulf Coast, the Rainbow Bridge, and Shangri-La Botanical Gardens. We also touch on a major automotive news headline: how US tariffs are adding billions in costs and changing what automakers choose to build here.
If you enjoy honest car reviews, local car culture, and road-trip ideas you can use, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review. What vehicle story should we unpack next?

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The Lupe' Tortilla Restaurants
Lupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas
Gulf Coast Auto Shield
Paint protection, tint, and more!
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Why Community Makes Car Culture Last - Tailpipes & Tacos in Beaumont Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

Fog, freeway noise, and the sound of classics rolling in one by one, that’s how this live car talk morning starts at the Tailpipes and Tacos cruise-in at Lupe' Tortilla in Beaumont, Texas. We’re set up right off I-10, talking with the people who actually show up early, bring their rides, and keep local car culture alive.
Stan Holt joins us with the kind of stories you only get from someone who lives in the drag racing world. We get into racing plans for Belle Rose, Louisiana, what makes a “racer’s track” worth the tow, and the characters and cooking that turn a race weekend into a community. Then it’s off to the garage: his 1955 MGTF purchase that went from “average” to jewel-like with smart fixes, plus bigger builds like a modernized 1957 Ford Fairlane with a Coyote drivetrain and airbags, and a wild 1955 Chevy wagon Super Stock project where engine and transmission choices get debated in real time.
We also shift gears with Jeff’s Car Culture segment on gas cap design, capless fuel systems, evaporative emissions, and why a loose cap can trigger a check engine light. Finally, we spotlight Shirley’s Kids, a charity rooted in the drag racing community that helps kids facing financial and health challenges, and we share how a simple donation ties right into the Tailpipes and Tacos experience.
If you like car shows, classic cars, restorations, restomods, and straight-up practical automotive advice, subscribe, share this with a fellow car person, and leave a review so more listeners can find us.

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From Roller Dogs To Road Tests With The Lexus NX And Mustang GT Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

Gas station hot dogs and performance cars sound like an odd pairing until you’ve done enough road trips to know they belong together. We start with a no-nonsense ranking of seven of the best gas station hot dogs in America, breaking down which convenience store chains actually deliver the kind of quick, low-cost bite that keeps a long drive on track. From topping bars to value combos, we talk about what makes a roller-grill classic worth your money and which stops are easiest to find when you’re crossing state lines.
Next, we shift gears into a practical luxury SUV review of the 2026 Lexus NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid. We get into trim overload, exterior styling, cabin comfort, cargo space, and the tech that stands out, especially the big 14-inch center screen. We also call out what annoys us in daily use, like steering wheel controls that hide the info you need right when you’re trying to use them. And we keep it real about plug-in hybrid ownership: the efficiency numbers look great if you charge, but not everyone will. Pricing and competitors come up too, because value matters even in the premium segment.
To round it out, we spotlight seven underrated U.S. racetracks worth visiting, then bring the fun home with a review of the 2025 Ford Mustang GT Convertible. We talk V8 power, real fuel economy, ride and handling, noise, and how fast options can push the sticker into eye-watering territory. If you like road trip food, car reviews, and racing culture, hit play, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a review with your pick for the best road trip stop.

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A Monkey Crashed Our Kia Review Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

The best part of doing a live car show from a mega meet is that the day keeps changing under your feet, and the conversation goes with it. We’re set up at Team Gillman with cars rolling in and out, then we kick things off with a straight-shooting review of the 2025 Ford Mustang GT Convertible. We dig into what the GT Premium feels like as a real daily driver, from the lined cloth top and cabin tech to the stiffer performance ride, tire noise, and the big headline numbers: a 5.0-liter V8 with 480 horsepower and an as-tested price that can rocket into the $70K range.
Then Mike brings a list that’s made for anyone who collects memories instead of merch: seven underrated U.S. racetracks worth visiting. We talk Road America, VIR, Laguna Seca, Sebring, Mid-Ohio, Barber, and Road Atlanta, with a focus on what makes a track worth the trip: elevation, access, sightlines, and that gritty old-school atmosphere you can’t fake.
The live setting brings surprises too, including a quick chat with Ethan, a young car photographer and videographer working to grow his crew through events and consistency.

We also squeeze in a 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige AWD review, then pivot to our Hemmings sold car price game and the auto news you can use, including an FTC warning aimed at misleading dealership advertised prices and required fees.

If you care about cars, car buying, car culture, and where the industry is heading, this one stays moving. Subscribe, share the episode with a car friend, and leave us a review. What was the biggest surprise for you?

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You Can Grow Car Culture By Showing Up Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

Houston car culture is hiding in plain sight, and once you know where to look, your weekends fill up fast. We’re set up at the Mega Meat Cruise In and we’re talking with the people who connect the dots across the city, from meet promoters to motorcycle crews, plus the small details that keep a cruise-in fun instead of chaotic.
First up, we hang with Omar from HTXCars.com, a new Houston-focused car meet and car show platform built to list events across Houston, Stafford, Richmond, Sugar Land, and beyond. He explains why a central calendar matters, how short recaps and live streams help people discover new spots, and why the real win is meeting owners and families out enjoying the scene together. We also talk about the seasonal reality of Texas events: spring is perfect, summer pushes meets into the night, and venues get cautious when takeovers ruin trust.
Then we switch to two wheels with Jonathan from Only The Few Bike Crew out of Katy. We get into group ride culture, community-focused events, and beginner-friendly motorcycle advice, including why 300cc to 400cc bikes are a smart start, what to know about dealerships versus marketplace buys, and how to think about mods and value. We also keep it real on safety, from helmets to the risks you can’t ignore.
If you’re looking for Houston car meets, Tailpipes And Tacos cruise-ins, and the people who make these events worth showing up for, hit play, then subscribe, share with a friend, and leave us a review so more local car fans can find the show.

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Houston’S DIY Garage Revolution Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

A car meet is fun. A place to actually work on your car without fighting apartment rules, HOA complaints, or a garage full of storage is the part most of us are missing. Broadcasting from the Team Gillman Mega Meet, we start with a fast, useful scan of current automotive recalls, including a Kumho tire issue and a stack of vehicle recalls that touch everything from windshield wipers to rear view cameras and fuel delivery. If you have been putting off checking your VIN, this is your nudge to hit safercar.gov and confirm your car is up to date.
Then we sit down with IK from Apex Garage, a new DIY garage near Spring designed for Houston car enthusiasts, mobile mechanics, and first timers who want to learn. We talk lifts, tools, repair guides, a mechanic on standby, and how hourly and daily bay rentals can make real maintenance affordable again as labor rates climb. We also get into the community angle: memberships, a sim racing lounge, watch parties for F1, IndyCar, and NASCAR, plus plans for group track days across road courses and drag strips.
Finally, Subaru fans get a treat. Jose Martinez walks us through his WRX STI builds, including a bug eye era car with a WRC inspired look and a serious power setup. We dig into E85 flex fuel tuning, ethanol content monitoring you can check on your phone, anti lag, two step, and why a six speed swap is the next big move when you outgrow a five speed transmission.
If you’re into Houston car culture, DIY auto repair, Subaru WRX STI mods, E85 flex fuel, or track day planning, hit play, then subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review. What project would you tackle first if you had a lift and a full tool wall waiting for you?

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Mega Meet Car Talk! Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

A live car meet is supposed to be simple: show up, walk the rows, talk cars. But once we set up at the Team Gillman Mega Meet in Houston, the conversation quickly turns into the stuff drivers actually wrestle with, from new Texas DMV vehicle registration photo ID requirements to the way those rules change the buying process for everyday people.
We also dig into a serious headline: CarMax agreeing to restitution and penalties tied to repossessions involving service members, plus what that says about compliance in auto finance. Jeff’s Motor Minute follows with a practical warning for owners of several 2025 to 2026 GM models as an updated service bulletin links engine ticking noise to manufacturing debris in the valve lash adjuster. If you’re the type who hears one new sound and instantly turns the radio down, you’ll relate.
Then we get into the fun and the shopping decisions. Don reviews the 2026 Lexus NX 450h+ Luxury AWD, a plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV with a standout 14-inch screen, strong fit and finish, and a price that may push you toward lower trims.

We also meet Sam Medina from Shaking Auto Club, a family-oriented group built around honoring a lost brother and raising support for kids with cancer, with a clear stance against street takeover behavior. Finally, we lighten it up with a road trip-ready list of the seven best gas station hot dogs in America, a quick racing calendar check-in (IndyCar, F1, NASCAR, NHRA), and a punchy round of automotive history.
Subscribe for more honest car reviews and real car culture, share this with a fellow car person, and leave a review. What’s your must-stop gas station food on a long drive?

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When Trucks, History, And Market Shifts Collide Mar 13, 2026

Show notes

Looking for an honest truck review with real numbers and a big-picture take on where the market’s heading? We put the 2025 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew 4x4 through its paces and share what matters: towing capacity, payload, highway manners, and the surprising value packed into a lower-trim workhorse. The 5.0L V8 and 10-speed deliver confident power and direct steering, while the standard 12-inch screen, LED lighting, and practical 60/40 rear seat storage make daily life easier. We dig into fuel economy, pricing that ranges from budget-friendly to nicely equipped, and how the STX compares to Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra, and Chevy Silverado. Then we tee up a future compare with the F-150 King Ranch hybrid to show how far the lineup stretches.
We also tell a one-of-a-kind story from GM’s Janesville days: a tiny bar so close to the assembly plant that workers hopped a fence for lunch beers. It outlasted the factory before redevelopment finally erased it, making space for a proposed $8B data center. It’s a vivid look at how car culture shapes communities—and how those spaces evolve.
Market reality gets equal airtime. EV registrations slipped for the first time in years, and we unpack why: price sensitivity, incentive changes, and charging friction that push mainstream buyers toward hybrids. We talk brand-by-brand turbulence, Tesla’s smaller dip, Cadillac’s surprising pop from a low base, and Toyota’s patient strategy that prizes reliability, hybrids, and measured rollouts. Plus, a rapid-fire racing calendar—NHRA in Gainesville, F1 drama over energy-saving race formats, IndyCar on a tight oval, and NASCAR weekend viewing—so your motorsports schedule is set.
If you care about trucks, performance, reliability, and the shifting auto landscape, this one connects the dots with numbers, stories, and straight talk. Hit play, then subscribe, share with a fellow gearhead, and leave a quick review with your take: are you leaning V8, hybrid, or EV next?

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Gulf Coast Auto Shield
Paint protection, tint, and more!
The Lupe' Tortilla Restaurants
Lupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Bring Your Yugo, Your Dragster, Or Your Dad’s GTO, Just Don’t Bring Traction Control Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

Ready to trade street chaos for time slips and trophies? We sit down with the Texas Muscle Car Club Challenge (TMCCC) to unpack how bracket racing turns every kind of car—and every kind of driver—into a contender. From bone-stock commuters and diesel workhorses to full-on dragsters, the series builds a fair fight around consistency, reaction times, and smart dialing. If you can pass tech, you can stage, and the family-friendly vibe means you’ll head home by mid-afternoon with a few runs, a grin, and maybe a new obsession.
TMCCC president Scott Stregel walks us through the series’ footprint across Texas and into Oklahoma, explaining why most classes run the eighth mile while select street categories stretch to the quarter at tracks like Ennis and Thunder Valley. He also shares a big step forward: a dedicated EV class. We dig into what that means for safety, fire suppression, and the surprising advantage electric cars bring in bracket consistency. The message is clear—racing has room for the future, and structure makes it safer for everyone.
Driver Yolanda Vasquez brings the heart of the show with her story: growing up at the strip with her dad’s ’68 GTO, learning the tree, and now running a Challenger Scat Pack to a 7.70 eighth. She proves you don’t need a trailer queen to win; you need reps, focus, and a love for the craft. We round it out with practicals: how $40 gets you at least three passes, how to join a team or start one, where to find the schedule and rules at tmccc.org, and why women now account for a remarkable slice of the grid. Plus, we drop a fresh review of the 2026 Mazda 3 sedan—powerful, polished, but ready for a tech refresh—and touch on a shake-up in F1 broadcast coverage that U.S. fans will notice.
If you’re curious about getting off the street and onto the strip, this is your roadmap. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a legal outlet for speed, and leave a review telling us what you’d bring to the tree.

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What Makes A Great Truck And A Great Drive, From Highways To Parking Lots Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

Want a truck that works hard without the luxury price tag? We take the 2025 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew 4x4 on real roads to see how its 5.0-liter V8, 10-speed automatic, and direct steering stack up against the high-trim hype. With 12,700 lbs of towing, 1,685 lbs of payload, and a standard 12-inch center screen, this “lower” trim still brings serious muscle and everyday comfort. We break down the maze of trims, cabs, beds, and engines, then map the pricing landscape against Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra, and Chevy Silverado to pinpoint where the value truly lives.
From there, we trade spec sheets for scenery with five family-ready spring break road trips. Base out of Flagstaff for a Grand Canyon loop with Sedona red rocks and Route 66 neon, or chase ocean air on California’s Pacific Coast Highway with Monterey and Santa Cruz stops. Prefer forests and wildlife? The Great Smoky Mountains deliver waterfall pullouts, easy hikes, and a Cades Cove loop with deer and black bear sightings. Desert dreamers get a cooler-season window into Utah’s Mighty Five—Zion, Bryce, and Arches—where short hikes lead to vast views. And if nostalgia calls, string together Route 66 segments for vintage motels, classic diners, and Americana in motion.
We also pull back the curtain on parking lot design. Why do angled spaces feel easier? When does perpendicular packing backfire? We explain 30, 45, and 60-degree tradeoffs, one-way flow, door clearance, and ADA considerations so you can pick smarter spots and keep your doors ding-free.

Finally, we put the 2026 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus under the microscope. With 227 hp, 310 lb-ft, upscale materials, and a compact footprint, it’s a lively daily driver—though a small trunk opening and fussy infotainment hold it back. We compare it with Civic, Corolla, and Elantra to help you choose the right compact for your roads.
If this helped you sort your next truck or plan a better road trip, follow the show, share it with a friend, and drop a quick review—what would you drive first, the F-150 STX or the Mazda 3?

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