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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #372

Kicking off the show, Justice Brothers, Inc. President and CEO, Ed Justice, Jr., fills us in on the 2019 Indianapolis 500, Roger Penske’s 18th win at the age of 82, and how an over abundance of content are likely responsible for the decline in big race-day viewership. Next, Automotive Journalist for Autoweek, Automobile Magazine, Grassroots Motorsports, Steven Cole Smith, chats about everything from Alexander Rossi in the Indy 500 to $21 hotdogs to Dollar General bargains. Steve also reviews the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V and CT4-V. Changing gears, Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, discusses FCA’s rumored courting of France-based Renault for a potential merger and what effects such a merger could have. We also hear about BJ’s tear-inducing test drive of the 2019 Lexus RC F. Closing the show, Autoblog Editor-in-Chief, Greg Migliore, gives us his take on the proposed FCA/Renault merger, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, 2020 Toyota GR Supra, 2020 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, and more! Tune in for another great week of coverage from all over the automotive industry.

 

• [00:00:00] 2019 Indianapolis 500 Recap
• [00:06:08] 82 Year Old Roger Penske’s 18th Win
• [00:12:31] Content Overload Edges Out Coca-Cola 600
• [00:19:51] Indy 500, $21 Hotdogs, Dollar Bargains
• [00:27:49] Alexander Rossi Steals Show at Indy 500
• [00:35:53] 2020 Cadillac CT5-V and CT4-V
• [00:42:14] FCA Courting Renault for Merger
• [00:47:45] Audi and Cadillac Making Changes
• [00:54:44] 2019 Lexus RC F and LC 500 Reviews
• [01:02:05] Lexus and Toyota Really Growing on Alan
• [01:08:50] Autoblog, FCA Renault, SF90 Stradali
• [01:18:06] Autoblog’s Take on Supra and TrailBlazer

 

Discover more about segments and guests below…

 

[00:00:00] 2019 Indianapolis 500 Recap

The weather was great, the crashes few, and Justice Brothers, Inc. President and CEO, Ed Justice, Jr. and his team had a great race. All in all, the 2019 Indianapolis 500 held up to the hype, garnering a 30% better rating that the stock car race that same day. Ed fills us in on the events of the day, from the first crash on lap 71, to Marco Andretti’s mechanical issues and bad day. Tune in for more.

 

[00:06:08] 82 Year Old Roger Penske’s 18th Win

Indy car racing is in the Justice Brothers’ blood; 2019 was their 74th year sponsoring at the Indianapolis 500! Justice Brothers, Inc. President and CEO, Ed Justice, Jr. gives us the details on a day well raced. 82 year old Roger Penske and Team Penske scored their 18th win with Simon Pagino. Tune in to hear who else Ed thought raced well in the Indy 500.

 

[00:12:31] Content Overload Edges Out Coca-Cola 600

Is there just too much stuff to watch on television and the internet? Is that why racing viewership, particularly that of the Coca-Cola 600, has been suffering as of late? While this may be true, Justice Brothers, Inc. President and CEO, Ed Justice, Jr. points to other conditions that have afflicted the Coca-Cola 600. Listen in to get Ed’s take on the Coca-Cola 600.

 

[00:19:51] Indy 500, $21 Hotdogs, Dollar Bargains

For the first time in a long time, motorsports journalist for Autoweek, Automobile Magazine, and Grassroots Motorsports, Steven Cole Smith, didn’t go to the Indianapolis 500! Steven was in England test driving a Bentley, but he’d just as soon not pay $21 for a hotdog in the stands at the Indy 500. We chat about the winner of the race, Simon Pagino. Then, Alan and Steve discuss their favorite Dollar Store bargains.

 

[00:27:49] Alexander Rossi Steals Show at Indy 500

Simon Pagino may have won the Indy 500, but Alexander Rossi stole the show. Automotive journalist, Steven Cole Smith, recounts the time Rossi won a few years ago, crossing the finish line at 77 mph in an effort to conserve fuel. This year, Rossi says the difference was horsepower, much to the chagrin of his sponsor, Honda, we’re sure. Then, we discuss the IMSA race Steven is attending, an alternative to 5 Hour Energy, and the Coca-Cola 600. Tune in to learn more.

 

[00:35:53] 2020 Cadillac CT5-V and CT4-V

Cadillac has been performing very well on the track, and they hope to follow that up with their latest line of CTV sedans. Automotive journalist, Steven Cole Smith, got to test drive the Cadillac CT5-V and CT4-V and was very impressed with the facelift they received. With a more Jaguar-like look and a decent amount of power under the hood, the CT4-V and CT5-V are amazing choices for anyone looking to buy a sedan. Get more details from Steven, here.

 

[00:42:14] FCA Courting Renault for Merger

If you thought the automotive industry was in a tumultuous, uncertain period, wait until you hear this news. Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, reports that FCA has begun courting France-based Renault (that’s Reh-nooh, it’s French!) for merger. This proposed merger would make FCA the world’s third largest car manufacturer and give Renault a much broader partner than Nissan. Tune in as we discuss the benefits and possible pitfalls of this merger.

 

[00:47:45] Audi and Cadillac Making Changes

In an upsetting move for sports car fans everywhere, Audi has announced that they will cease production on the R8 and TT in 2023. Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, and Alan think they must be making room for something new. Then, we discuss Cadillac’s decision to suspend the operations of their car subscription service, Book. It’s not dead, it’s just not profitable; Cadillac says they need some time to restructure it before putting their bold plans back into play.

 

[00:54:44] 2019 Lexus RC F and LC 500 Reviews

If you’ve ever been in a Lexus, then you know they build world class vehicles; it only takes one look. That said, automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, recently drove the 2019 Lexus RC F and LC 500 and must follow through with her duty to review these amazing cars. What else can be said other than they’re awesome! The Lexus RC F, 10th Anniversary Edition, was 1 in 240 units produced with a 5L, 467-HP V8 engine that makes 389 lb-ft of torque. Tune in to learn more about these two beast machines.

 

[01:02:05] Lexus and Toyota Really Growing on Alan

Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, gives us more details on the Lexus RC F and LC 500 and praises their space age design. The RC F is as beautiful on the road as it is graceful on the racetrack. Lexus and Toyota are really growing on Alan, especially as he eyes the Toyota GR Supra for the next addition to his garage. Listen in for professional reviews.

 

[01:08:50] Autoblog, FCA Renault, SF90 Stradali

Autoblog Editor-In-Chief, Greg Migliore, shares his opinion about the proposed FCA/Renault merger. While certain brands like Dodge, Jeep, and RAM, may not benefit much from Renault joining the conglomerate, Chrysler and Fiat stand to gain much from the proposal. Also, we chat about the Ferrari hybrid, SF90 Stradali, and its unwavering faithfulness to the traditional Ferrari style.

 

[01:18:06] Autoblog’s Take on Supra and TrailBlazer

Alan is infatuated with the new Toyota GR Supra, but what does Greg Migliore of Autoblog think about it. Rest assured, he’s very excited about it, but thinks it may have been better served by a different name. The same could be said for the Chevy Blazer. Both vehicles look amazing on their own, but bear no resemblance to their older incarnations. Are you a fan of the new Chevy Blazer or Toyota GR Supra?

 

Explore More with Helpful Links:

• Contributor: Ed Justice, Jr. | President and CEO, Justice Brothers, Inc.
• Contributor: Steven Cole Smith | Automotive Journalist, Autoweek/ Automobile Magazine/ Grassroots Motorsports
• Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist
• Special Guest: Greg Migliore | Editor-in-Chief, Autoblog
• Website: Indianapolis 500
• Website: Penske
• Website: Alexander Rossi
• Vehicle Mention: 2020 Toyota Supra
• Vehicle Mention: 2020 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
• Vehicle Mention: Ferrari SF90 Stradale
• Vehicle Mention: 2020 Cadillac CT5-V and CT4-V
• Vehicle Mention: Lexus RC F

Episode Credits:

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

Our Sponsors & Supported Charities:

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

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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.