THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #290

From wrecks at the Indianapolis 500 to sexy supercar reviews, this episode is full of excitement! We hear from CEO of Justice Brothers, Ed Justice, Jr., about his exciting experience at the Indy 500. Then, automotive journalist, George Kennedy, tells us about the creative cars at 24 Hours of LeMons, and his excitement over the upcoming Barrett-Jackson in Connecticut. Brian Armstead, automotive journalist for Roadfly, reviews his new love, the 2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus. RACER Magazine’s Steven Cole Smith tells us about a 69 year old sprint car race called the Little 500. We end the hour with Autotrader’s Michelle Krebs who tell us about the current state of dealerships.

  • [00:00:00] Scott Dixon Had One Crazy Week
  • [00: 05:45] Takuma Sato Takes Indy 500 Win
  • [00:12:30] Surprises at the Indianapolis 500
  • [00:19:51] 24 Hours of LeMons $500 Car Race
  • [00:28:14] Inside the 2017 Toyota RAV4
  • [00:35:52] Barrett-Jackson Comes to Mohegan Sun
  • [00:42:13] Audi R8 V10 Plus Wakes the Neighbors
  • [00:48:59] 2017 Audi R8 V10: A Street Racecar
  • [00:54:43] 2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus is a Drive Machine
  • [01:02:04] The Little 500, A Don’t-Miss 69-Year-Old Race
  • [01:11:38] Auto Buying Trends Affecting Car Dealers
  • [01:18:04] Sales of SUVs Continue to Rise

Discover more about segments and guests below…

[00:00:00] Scott Dixon Had One Crazy Week

The Indianapolis 500 was an epic race this year. While enthusiasts have not been extremely excited about attending motorsports event in person, the last two years of the Indy 500 are starting to turn things around. An open field race where anyone could win has increased excitement for viewers. Some drivers has drummed up more excitement than others. Ed Justice, Jr., CEO of Justice Brothers, tells us about Scott Dixon’s crazy week. Just one week after being held up at a Taco Bell, he had a wreck on the track that made it look like his car was put through a meat grinder. Thankfully, he came out alive with only minor injuries. Ed tells us that this was one of the worst wrecks he has seen in his 41 years of attending the Indy 500. Join in on the suspense now.

[00:05:45] Takuma Sato Takes Indy 500 Win

This year at the Indy 500 it was coin toss when it came to predicting the winner. CEO of Justice Brothers, Ed Justice, Jr., gives us the inside scoop on this year’s victor, got a name for himself by making a bomb stick pass and hitting the wall, an Andretti Autosports racer who made a name for himself by making bomb stick passes while hitting the wall. Then we discuss the legendary race family rivalry between Andretti Autosports and Foyte Racing. Hear more.

[00:12:30] Surprises at the Indianapolis 500

This year at the Indianapolis 500 Andretti Autosports, Ganassi Racing, and Team Penske brought very strong drivers to the track. Ed Justice, Jr. discusses some of the surprises leading race contenders like Helio Castroneves, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Townsend Bell, and Takuma Sato encountered over the course of the race. Then, we give a nod to IndyCar management whom have remained true to their commitment of holding the race on Memorial Day weekend to honor Veterans. From engine issues to wrecks and unexpected victories, find out the most exciting event highlights.

[00:19:51] 24 Hours of LeMons $500 Car Race

Could you imagine driving a $500 car in a torrential down pour? Well, automotive journalist, George Kennedy did just that at 24 Hours of LeMons. George concisely describes the spirit of the race, “You build something kind of out there and try and make it last the whole day”. Creativity is celebrating and leads to some interesting track cars like an old Hudson Hornet, a Volvo 850 Wagon, and a Suzuki with a hot dog stand built around it. Even though the cars may be inexpensive and eccentric junkers, safety is a top priority.  George tells us what is was like to race inside the HANS Device, a revolutionary head support system. Listen for more highlights from this absurdly entertaining event.

[00:28:14]  Inside the 2017 Toyota RAV4

Hats off to Toyota for making one of the best small SUVs of the year! Alan and George Kennedy review the 2017 Toyota RAV4. This spacious car was sculpted from the inside out with an artistic eye in mind – Alan fell in love with it immediately. We also chat with George about some of the work he has been doing for the Boston Globe, Car Gurus, and Hagerty. George is really into the nitty gritty details about older cars, and Hagerty is giving him an opportunity to explore that. Listen now.

[00:35:52] Barrett-Jackson is Coming to Mohegan Sun

When Barrett-Jackson rolls in to town, all the enthusiastic gear-heads roll in to town with it. From June 21st to June 24th, the Mohegan Sun Resort in Connecticut will be hosting Barrett-Jackson, and we can’t wait! Celebrities, car lovers, journalists, and more will flock to the event including automotive journalist, George Kennedy. George will be attending Barrett-Jackson for the first time and looks forward to an eclectic mix of cars because of New England’s classic car background. Alan will be educating the audience through a series of car symposiums, helping shed a light on this complex hobby. Find out more now.

[00:42:13] Audi R8 V10 Plus Wakes the Neighbors

When you start up the 2018 Audi R8 V10 Plus, the exhaust idles so high that it alerts everyone to your presence. Roadfly automotive journalist, Brian Armstead, says the sound of the R8 is music to his ears. He believes that it has the best combination of supercar performance with everyday drivability. Brian also discusses the physical act of getting in an out of an R8, an act that’s not easily accomplished if you harbor an addiction to burgers and ice cream like a certain beloved radio show host. Do we have your motor revving? Listen for more.

[00:48:59] 2017 Audi R8 V10: A Street Racecar

Today’s automobiles are mostly being built with automatic transmissions, and with the tech advances they are faster than ever before. Brian Armstead, automotive journalist for Roadfly, is here to tell us about his love for the 2017 Audi R8 V10 with a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. This is a racecar built for the streets and boasts an impressive 610-HP. Brian talks about its rev matching capabilities and ‘dynamic mode’ which makes shifting though the gears smooth like butter. The Audi R8 V10 is an enviable with stunning hardtop and convertible options. Which model do you see yourself in?

[00:54:43] 2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus is a Drive Machine

Do you have an extra $200,000 lying around and are looking for an all-wheel luxury drive machine? Well, look no further because the 2017 Audi R8 V10 is everything you’ve been dreaming of. Roadfly’s Brian Armstead make us fall in love with this magnificent machine (not that he had to try that hard). She runs 0-60 MPH in 2.7 seconds, pushes out 610-HP, and rotates at 413 lbs-ft of torque. The R8 shows it off Audi’s signature detailing including an F1-style steering wheel. Explore the R8 now.

[01:02:04] The Little 500, A Don’t-Miss 69-Year-Old Race

The Little 500 is a sprint car race in Anderson Indiana that has been going on for 69 years. Never heard of it? You’re not alone, this gem of a race often gets overlooked, but Steven Cole Smith claims that it’s bucket-list worthy. 33 cars run 500 laps around a quarter mile track, which takes only about 11 seconds. Steven goes on to tell that this is a race you wouldn’t think you would see inside the USA, and as you watch the sprint cars try to figure out how to refuel for the first time, you can’t help but get excited. Steven also tells us about missing his police escort bus out of the Indianapolis 500. Join in on the excitement now.

[01:11:38] Auto Buying Trends Affecting Car Dealers

The way we buy and sell cars has evolved and dealerships are beginning to get hit hard. Many dealership owners are not adapting to new internet buying practices. Autotrader’s Michelle Krebs warns that this is a huge mistake! Instead, dealers should be asking themselves – How am I going to make money off of this new environment? It’s time to grow or get out of the business. Find out more now.

[01:18:04] Sales of SUVs Continue to Rise

Auto sales are plateauing for the first time in the last seven years, and the industry is in an uproar. Inventory levels are climbing, and so are buying incentives. Michelle Krebs of Autotrader tells us that 2016 car sales topped out at about $17.5-million with 2017 predictions sitting at $17.1-million, a downtrend that buyers and sellers should be aware of. Are you looking to buy a new vehicle? Michelle shares which heavily discounted rides to keep an eye out for, and why an SUV might be the most practical choice.

Explore More with Helpful Links:

  • Contributor: Steven Cole Smith | Automotive Journalist, Racer.com
  • Guest: Ed Justice, Jr. | President & CEO, Justice Brothers, Inc.
  • Guest: George Kennedy | Automotive Journalist, Heavy.com
  • Guest: Brain Armstead | Automotive Journalist, Roadfly
  • Guest: Michelle Krebs | Director of Automotive Relations, Autotrader

Episode Credits:

  • Program Host: Alan Taylor
  • Producer: Dave Milligan
  • Production Assistant: Joanne Bolden
  • Audio Engineer: Dave Milligan
  • Copy Editor: Jess Baumgardner
  • Graphic Design: Jess Baumgardner

Our Sponsors & Supported Charities:

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This episode was produced by Entertainment Right Now (ERN). If you found value in this episode, and you’d like to hear more, please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and be sure to subscribe to our podcast so you don’t miss a beat. Your feedback helps us to reach more enthusiasts around the world! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, please leave a comment below or e-mail us at info@ernlive.com.

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