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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #298

Classy cars cruising the streets every night, live music, autocross, and drag racing – all just a little taste of the eventful week at Hot August Nights in Reno. Dave Kindig of Kindig It Design and Bitchin’ Rides sounds off about his excitement surrounding this premier car event. Dave, along with his Shop Foreman, Kevin “Kevdogg” Schiele, fills us in on their car giveaway, double-stacked trailer, and television show. Then, Hot August Nights Executive Director, Mike Whan, shares some history about this classic event, as well as new things visitors can look forward to! In the second hour, Hot August Nights virgin, John Hotchkis, Jr. of Hotchkis Sport Suspension, discusses how their company is improving classic cars. Tony Marini and Sara Robbins of the Eldorado, Silver Legacy, and Circus Circus resort casinos rave about what they love most about the event. Steve Mank of Conestogo Motors talks about the judging of the Hot August Nights Cup which has a $100,000 prize purse split between the top ten cars. Join us as we heat up the streets of Reno!

• [00:00:00] Dave Kindig LIVE at Hot August Nights 2017
• [00:06:00] Bitchin’ Rides Gives Away 1929 Roadster
• [00:12:30] Hot August Nights is a Car Lovers Superbowl
• [00:19:53] 18 Years of Kindig It Design Show Cars
• [00:29:16] $100k in Prizes for Hot August Nights Cup
• [00:35:57] Kindig Keeps it Humble in the Limelight
• [00:42:17] Car Guys Just Talkin’ Cars at Hot August Nights
• [00:48:52] Hotrods, Cruising, Drifting, and Drag Races
• [00:54:48] Classic Cars, Family Fun, and Nearby Getaways
• [01:02:09] Steve Mank and the Hot August Nights Cup
• [01:11:38] In and Around the Car Industry for Years
• [01:18:12] The Nostalgia of Classic Cars Returns Every Year

Discover more about segments and guests below…

[00:00:00] Dave Kindig LIVE at Hot August Nights 2017

Hot August Nights is bustling with people and cars everywhere, and we just so happen to have some of the biggest stars of the event on our show. Dave Kindig and Kevin “Kevdogg” Schiele, of Kindig It Design and Bitchin’ Rides are here to tell us about the fun they are having at this family-friendly event that combines work and play. Dave has been busy traveling and shares his secrets to ‘goal crushing’ while on the go. Listen in now.

[00:06:00] Bitchin’ Rides Gives Away 1929 Roadster

When it comes to ‘bitchin’ rides’, no one knows them better than Dave Kindig of Kindig It Design. We sit down with Dave at Hot August Nights and chat about what the Bitchin’ Rides film crew is capturing this weekend. Sittin’ pretty in their 53-ft Featherlite double-stacked trailer with a rooftop observation deck, they had a perfect view of the stage at the Grand Sierra. They brought some great cars like a ’55 pearl white Nomad, a ’57 Ford Fairline Convertible 500, and a car from a previous episode, the ’60 Copper Caddy. After awarding a 1929 Roadster to a lucky sweepstakes winner from Arkansas, Kindig It Design sent a portion of the proceeds to charitable causes such as teen suicide prevention. These guys really know how to give back what they get. Find out more now.

[00:12:30] Hot August Nights is a Car Lovers Superbowl

We know how much hype there is around football season, we can feel it. Well, imagine that, but intensified with powerful engines and growling exhausts. After seven years, Mike Whan, Executive Director for Hot August Nights, has yet to experience all the happenings surrounding this busy week. He tells us that it is like the Superbowl of car events, except that the excitement goes on for ten days. A real treat for the eyes, there were over 11,000 cars in and around the event. Changing gears, Dave Kindig of Kindig It Design jumps in to share how he survived a torrential downpour during their car giveaway earlier in the week.

[00:19:53] 18 Years of Kindig It Design Show Cars

After 18 years, Dave Kindig of Kindig It Design tells us that his shop still remains true to their core values even after the success of their television show, Bitchin’ Rides. Dave and his team of 29 build cars customized for the client and not just for TV. With a 4-year waiting list and a hefty price tag, owners give their heart, soul and hard earned cash over to the team. Averaging a build time of 9-12 months, clients must be willing to wait for show quality cars. What would your dream car be?

[00:29:16] $100k in Prizes for Hot August Nights Cup

Hot August Nights brings gorgeous cars from all over for ten days of cruises, live music, drag racing, and shows. Hot August Nights Executive Director, Mike Whan, tells us that it will be difficult to choose the winner of the Hot August Nights Cup out of over 6,000 registered cars. The winner will take home a $30,000 cash prize with the remainder of the cash and prizes being divided up among the top nine finalists. The judges said that this is the nicest group of cars they have ever seen. Car guys from all over the world attend this event, find out why you should be one of them!

[00:35:57] Kindig Keeps Humble in the Limelight

Fame can change you. This is not the case for family man, Dave Kindig from Bitchin’ Rides. This car-designing genius started drawing cars at a very young age and remains humble to this day. He expresses how fortunate he feels for being able to live this exciting life, and hopes to enjoy more family time and dreams of someday winning the Ridler Award. Learn more about Dave’s aspirations at his favorite car show.

[00:42:17] Hot August Nights is Car Guys Just Talkin’ Cars

John Hotchkis, Jr. of Hotchkis Sport Suspension is experiencing Hot August Nights for the first time. He was in the cruise Thursday night, and got to be smack-dab in the middle of all the excitement. John excitedly tells us about a breakfast conversation he had with the joyful owner of a 1955 Chevrolet. This anecdote perfectly encapsulates what this event is all about, magnificent rides with creative customization. Hear why you must attend this affordable, family-friendly event.

[00:48:52] Hotrods, Cruising, Drifting, and Drag Races

Hot August Nights has always been about classic cars, but after 31 years it has evolved a bit. John Hotchkis, Jr. of Hotchkis Sport Suspension describes his favorite things going on at this car show. He makes his living off of cars built to drive and not just look pretty. Hotchkis Sport Suspension is dedicated to making old cars drive like new. They showcased their quality product at the drag races where John had a blast waiting for the ‘Christmas tree’ to light up. Start your engines and listen now.

[00:54:48] Classic Cars, Family Fun, and Nearby Getaways

Whether it’s cars, games, food, or nearby lakes, Hot August Nights is fun for the whole family. We chat with Sara Robbins, Publicist for the Eldorado, Silver Legacy, and Circus Circus resort casinos, about the amazing amenities that the hotels provide for the event. Over $50,000 in renovations are being done on the hotels, especially Circus Circus, which is full of great things for the littles to do. If you need to get out of the city, our producer, Jason Masters, tells us that you can even take a quick day trip to Lake Tahoe and go for a dip before you return for the nightly cruises. Lots of live entertainment keeps you going, long after the cars go to bed for the night. Are you ready for the experience of a lifetime?

[01:02:09] Steve Mank and the Hot August Nights Cup

Attendees are clamoring about the Hot August Nights Cup, which boasts a $100,000 prize purse that is divided among the top ten cars. Steve Mank of Conestogo Motors is part of the crew who awards the prizes. He shares that this year there is an increase in quality vehicles making judging much more difficult. After the farewell parade, Steve will take off directly for Monterey Car Week. Find out what’s next for this perpetual man on the move.

[01:11:38] In and Around the Car Industry for Years

Alan and Steve Mank of Conestogo Motors have known each other for years. Steve considers himself a dinosaur in the car industry, and Hot August Nights is the first stop during a month of prestigious car shows. After he leaves the desert, he will head over to Monterey Car Week where he will be showing off a couple of amazing cars. Changing gears, Alan tells us that he will soon be driving the new Jeep Trackhawk which houses 707-HP. These car guys are excited and extremely busy. Catch up with them now.

[01:18:12] The Nostalgia of Classic Cars Returns Every Year

Hot August Nights makes car lovers shiver with anticipation. Tony Marini, Director of Casino Operations for the Eldorado, Silver Legacy, and Circus Circus, gets us up to speed on the premier car show and complimentary festivities. Alan is always taken care of by these hotels, and he is always in awe of their hospitality. The Hot August Nights team has done a tremendous job of keeping it all going, and making it even better than the past 30 years. Get to Reno for the 32nd Annual Hot August Nights in 2018. You won’t regret it.

Explore More with Helpful Links:

• Guest: Dave Kindig | Owner, Kindig It Design
• Guest: Kevin “Kevdogg” Schiele | Shop Foreman, Kindig It Design
• Guest: Mike Whan | Executive Director, Hot August Nights
• Guest: John Hotchkis,  Jr. | CEO, Hotchkis Sport Suspension
• Guest: Sara Robbins | Publicist, Eldorado, Silver Legacy, Circus Circus
• Guest: Jason Masters | Host, Popular Technology Radio
• Guest: Steve Mank | Owner, Conestogo Motors
• Guest: Tony Marini | Director of Casino Operations, Eldorado, Silver Legacy, Circus Circus
• Television Show: Velocity’s Bitchin’ Rides
• Event: hotaugustnights.net

Episode Credits:

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

Our Sponsors & Supported Charities:

•  Austin Hatcher Foundation
• Barrett-Jackson
• Brembo
• Bridgestone
• Dodge
• Foundation of Human Understanding
• Go RVing
• Haynes Manuals
• Katzkin
• Patriot Outreach
• Shell
• Subaru
• The Little Rock Foundation

 

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