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

A shuttered high school, a two-story library, and a parking lot full of chrome—this is how a community keeps its story alive. We welcome Spring Branch Senior High School Alumni Foundation president Frank Klam to share the unlikely journey from a closed campus in 1985 to a living museum that safeguards trophies, uniforms, and hard-won memories the district nearly hauled away. Then we shift gears into the “Back to the Past” car show,...

Fall energy meets turbo torque as we jump from steins to stopwatches, mapping the most spirited Oktoberfests in the U.S. before tearing into “muscle cars” that talked big and drove small—then we strap into the 2025 Hyundai Sonata N Line to see what real-world performance feels like today. We start with pure festival joy: Denver turns six downtown blocks into keg bowling, stein hoists, and polka beats; Fredericksburg, Texas doubles ...

A friendly grudge, a lit tree, and a time slip—few things capture real car culture like club-versus-club drag racing. We sit down to explore the Texas Muscle Car Club Challenge and how it turns raw horsepower into community, safety, and bragging rights across eighth-mile tracks statewide. Even when a guest’s signal fades, the story stays clear: organize the adrenaline, race where it’s safe, and bring home a slip that proves it.

Ever felt your stomach drop at the top of a blind hill? We handed the wheel to Olivia, a 21-year-old nursing student and brand-new Bronco owner, and watched a long day in the Texas Hill Country turn nerves into mastery. With guidance from veteran auto journalist Sue Mead, Olivia moves from classroom theory to real trail work—learning why GOAT Modes matter, how hill descent control actually feels, and where a forward-facing camera t...

Buckle up for a high-octane exploration of automotive industry trends and challenges that are reshaping the market landscape. We dive deep into the alarming rise of "credit bust out" scams targeting dealerships, where criminals orchestrate the purchase of multiple vehicles through falsified loan applications before credit reports can catch up. One brazen example involved financing six vehicles worth $385,000 through five ...

Navigating the murky waters of auto body repairs just got easier thanks to an innovative approach that puts transparency and consumer choice at the forefront. Ilan Mandil, founder of OttoFixIt, joins us to unveil how AI technology is revolutionizing the way drivers approach collision repair estimates. By simply snapping photos of vehicle damage, consumers can now receive preliminary cost projections before setting foot in a body sh...

Step right up to a fascinating exploration of the Texas State Fair's hidden gems! Beyond the legendary fried foods lies a world of unexpected attractions waiting to be discovered. Did you know you could view world-famous butter sculptures in the Creative Arts building? Or that a 212-foot Texas Fair Swell offers breathtaking panoramic views of Dallas and Fair Park from 44 illuminated gondolas?

We take you on a virtual ...

The century-long story of how we value cars has dramatically shifted from dog-eared pages to digital databases. Before the internet, car dealers, buyers, and even divorce courts relied on physical booklets like Kelly Blue Book and NADA guides to determine fair market prices. These guides weren't just reference materials—they were essential tools that brought transparency to a notoriously opaque market.

NADA began trac...

Randy Borchiding's colorful journey from model car enthusiast to custom paint specialist unfolds with charm and practical wisdom. What started with Testors spray cans and a childhood model contest victory evolved into a full-fledged career creating custom colors for show-stopping vehicles. 

Randy pulls back the curtain on his early days, revealing how he built his first professional paint booth using nothing more than...

Mercedes and Andy Lilienthal take us on an exhilarating journey through North America's longest road rally - the Alcan 5000. Covering a staggering 5,500 miles from Seattle to Alaska, this husband-wife team pushed their 2026 Honda Passport Trail Sport to its limits across punishing terrain and secured an impressive second-place overall finish.

The conversation reveals the fascinating format of this epic adventure: dail...

Buckle up for a deep dive into the automotive industry's latest battle with tariffs that could reshape how we buy and maintain our vehicles. Automakers and suppliers have formally urged the Trump administration to reconsider unpredictable tariff expansions, warning that these policies make investing in America increasingly difficult. The financial impact? A potential $4,600 price increase per vehicle within three years, accord...

Autumn reveals a side of Texas many travelers never experience. While summer heat dominates conversations about the Lone Star State, fall transforms Texas into a wonderland of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and natural beauty.

Our journey begins in East Texas, where maples explode with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows that rival New England's famous foliage. The Sabine River region offers perfect fall tem...

The battle between dirt and asphalt tracks, the delicate ecosystem of regional racing, and the high-stakes fall racing season take center stage in this revealing conversation with motorsports commentator Rodney Rodriguez.

As Texas transitions into fall, circle track racing enters its most exciting phase with championship battles heating up and big money events drawing competitors from across state lines. Rodriguez highligh...

The digital threat landscape for the automotive industry has never been more dangerous. Legendary FBI operative and cybersecurity expert Eric O'Neill joins us to reveal how cyber attackers are targeting major manufacturers with devastating results. Right now, Jaguar Land Rover's production sits paralyzed by a ransomware attack that's already lasted three weeks with no end in sight. 

These aren't isolate...

Step into the extraordinary world of the Hemi Hideout as we chat with owner John Hovis about his remarkable journey from car enthusiast to curator of one of the most impressive automotive sanctuaries in Texas. 

Surrounded by vintage neon signs and classic cars, John reveals how what began as a personal "man cave" evolved into a destination venue that now hosts everything from corporate events to weddings. His col...

Ever wondered what happens when your brand-new dream car turns into a mechanical nightmare? Hovanes Margarian, known as "The Lemon Lawyer," pulls back the curtain on the fascinating world of automotive consumer protection law in this eye-opening conversation.

From his unique garage-turned-law-office where client vehicles undergo inspection alongside his personal collection (including a Ferrari SF90 Spider), Marga...

Ever wondered why your car's technology feels so advanced? The answer might be orbiting above your head. We dive into the fascinating world where NASA innovations have transformed everyday driving experiences, from the anti-lock brakes that keep you safe to the head-up display projecting vital information onto your windshield.

These aerospace technologies weren't just adapted for automobiles—they revolutionized t...

The automotive world still has a discrimination problem, and this episode dives deep into a shocking case that cost two Missouri dealerships $275,000 in settlement fees. When Landmark Dodge Ram and Landmark Chrysler Jeep were caught refusing to hire women for sales positions and men for office roles, the EEOC stepped in with a lawsuit that revealed disturbing practices and attitudes. Former HR employees testified that management cl...

From $150 million in exotic cars managed by college students to the plush comfort of a six-figure luxury SUV, this episode of In Wheel Time takes you on a journey through the fascinating intersections of automotive education and innovation.

Katrina Ness, the 62nd general chair of the Northwood University International Auto Show, joins us to discuss what might be the most unique automotive event in America. As a fourth-year...