Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Speeding ticket madness, motorsports shenanigans, and virtualized car events, that’s what we’ve come to during this pandemic. Starting off the show, JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, tells us about a ridiculous string of speeding incidents that have seen law enforcement enacting heavy penalties to would-be drag racers, Ford’s huge financial troubles, and the possibility of manufacturing plants getting ready to reopen. Then, we chat with Automotive Journalist for Autoweek, Automobile Magazine, and Grassroots Motorsports, Steven Cole Smith, about the planned return of NASCAR, Kyle Larson setting his career on fire, and his unfortunate Chalupa realization. Next up, Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason, BJ Killeen, fills us in on the Petersen Automotive Museum’s virtual take on cars and coffee, and the resignation of Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis designer Luc Donckerwolke. Closing out the show, Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, is back with more lists of amazing deals, like a list of great used trucks for under $20,000, and seven good used Hondas for under $15,000. Brian also reviews the 2020 Subaru Outback and gives it high marks. Tune in for more automotive news, shenanigans, and reviews.

·[00:00:00] Speeding Tickets are Up 500% In LA 

·[00:06:46] Ford Losing $165 Million a Day

·[00:12:32] Manufacturing Plants Preparing to Reopen

·[00:19:52] Steven’s Bit of Bad Luck

·[00:26:50] NASCAR is Coming Back

·[00:35:54] Kyle Larson Destroys His Career

·[00:42:15] Virtual Cars and Coffee

·[00:48:59] Would You Do Virtual Cars and Coffee?

·[00:54:46] Kia, Hyundai, Genesis Designer Resigns 

·[01:02:06] Used Trucks Under $20,000 on Autotrader

·[01:12:46] 2020 Subaru Outback is Fantastic

·[01:18:08] Seven Good Used Hondas Under $15,000

[00:00:00] Speeding Tickets are Up 500% In LA 

Everyone is at home during the Coronavirus Pandemic, and a few have taken advantage of the clear roads. JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, says speeding tickets for those traveling over 100mph have increased by 500%. Not only has the fine gone up, but if someone is caught tearing asphalt in the triple digits, the police can confiscate their car and throw them in jail. To top it all off, cars that aren’t out under loans can be sold off at auctions! 

[00:06:46] Ford Losing $165 Million a Day

Ford is under a UAW contract, meaning they must pay their workers during these hard times. JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, reports that Ford is going through $165 million per day. Thankfully, there is a timeline for factories to open up. We also hear about a segment on “60 Minutes” detailing how car manufacturers in America, specifically GM and Ford, are helping out during the Coronavirus Pandemic. 

[00:12:32] Manufacturing Plants Preparing to Reopen

Car companies are getting ready to reopen their plants. JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, says Ford and GM are bringing some engineers back to work to get their factories ready for reopening. FCA announced they will be opening their first plant in the US on May 18. In other news, Lexus cuts the GS sedan out of their product line to save money. Tune in for more automotive news. 

[00:19:52] Steven’s Bit of Bad Luck

They say one man’s mountain top is another’s deep, dark valley. Never has that been more evident than with Automotive Journalist for Autoweek, Automobile Magazine, and Grassroots Motorsports, Steven Cole Smith, recent string of bad luck. It all started when he discovered Taco Bell had discontinued the normal chalupa, so when he ordered his supreme chalupa, he didn’t quite feel as special (or ‘supreme’, if you will). Then, Steven finally got diamond miles with Delta Airlines but, he can’t go anywhere due to some sort of viral pandemic. Let’s hope Steven runs into a bit of good luck soon.

[00:26:50] NASCAR is Coming Back

All motorsports have been on hold due to the Coronavirus lockdown. Automotive Journalist for Autoweek, Automobile Magazine, and Grassroots Motorsports, Steven Cole Smith, reports that NASCAR is planning to make a return in mid-May since it’s a sport that can maintain social distancing practicies while doing. NASCAR plans to run all 36 races. In the meantime, Ryan Newman has been cleared to come back and participate at Darlington this month. Get more detail from Steven Cole Smith.

[00:35:54] Kyle Larson Destroys His Career

iRacing is a big thing right now and Fox Sports is even televising virtual car races. Automotive Journalist for Autoweek, Automobile Magazine, and Grassroots Motorsports, Steven Cole Smith, says drivers are spending thirty-thousand dollars on the simulators so they can compete. All is not well-and-good, though, as during one of the games Kyle Larson said a racially derogatory word to his spotter – within 48 hours he lost everything.

[00:42:15] Virtual Cars and Coffee

Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason, BJ Killeen, shares how the Petersen Automotive Museum has decided to put on virtual cars and coffee during this tough time. Anyone is allowed to enter their beloved vehicles into this cars and coffee virtual event. The Petersen Museum made a compilation of all the cars that were entered and it got ten-thousand views in under 24 hours. Tune in for more.

[00:48:59] Would You Do Virtual Cars and Coffee?

Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason, BJ Killeen, and Alan play with the idea of hosting their own virtual car show. Would you participate? These huge companies need to get back to work because they have tens of thousands of workers that rely on them. Companies are opening back up and everyone just needs to take normal precautions.

[00:54:46] Kia, Hyundai, Genesis Designer Resigns 

Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason, BJ Killeen, confirms that Luc Donckerwolke has resigned from Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis. He was their head designer for 4 years. The issue with car designers jumping around to different companies is that they can completely change the brand. Where will his roads lead next?

[01:02:06] Used Trucks Under $20,000 on Autotrader

If you need a new truck for hauling stuff around, then drop by Autotrader. Executive Editor for Autotrader, Brian Moody, has a list of cheap used trucks that are awesome for us to pick through. Keep your eye out for trucks like the 2015 Toyota Tacoma, 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, Honda Ridgeline, and 2015 GMC Canyon – but the real prize on this list is the 2015/2016 Nissan Frontier. Tune in to find out why.

[01:12:46] 2020 Subaru Outback is Fantastic

If you’ve ever talked to a Subaru owner, you’ve probably noticed how much they love their cars and their commitment to owning a Subaru. There’s a reason Subaru has such a strong following, their name is synonymous with quality. Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, says that while they may have always been known for quality and dependability, interior styling was never their strongest suit; but after driving the updated 2020 Subaru Outback, things have changed. With updated interior materials, Apple Carplay, and a huge infotainment screen, Subaru may have converted Brian into a loyal follower. Tune in to learn more. 

[01:18:08] Seven Good Used Hondas Under $15,000

When you think of “good, affordable, dependable vehicles” you probably think of Honda. That’s why Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, is bringing us a list of the seven best used Hondas for under $15,000. You want to check out model years that are preceding a major update or redesign, like the 2016-2019 Honda Civic, as they’re still awesome vehicles, but will be obtainable for much lower prices. Other vehicles to keep an eye out for on Autotrader are the 2012-2017 Honda CRV, 2015-2019 Honda Fit, and Honda Pilot. Are you in the market for a used Honda?

Explore More with Helpful Links:

·Contributor: Josh Hancock | Hollywood Car Consultant, JoshCAR

·Contributor: Steven Cole Smith | Automotive Journalist, Autoweek/ Automobile Magazine/ Grassroots Motorsports

·Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist, Voice of Reason

·Contributor: Brian Moody | Executive Editor, Autorader

Vehicles discussed this episode:

·2002 Ford Thunderbird

·2015 Toyota Tacoma

·2015 Chevrolet Colorado

·Honda Ridgeline

·2015 GMC Canyon

·Honda Civic

·Honda CRV

·Honda Fit

·Honda Pilot

·Kia Telluride

Credits

Host: Alan Taylor
Producer: Dave Milligan
Audio Engineer: Dave Milligan
Copy Editor: Cody Castleberry 
Copy Editor: Caleb Hayward
Contributor: Josh Hancock
Contributor: Steven Cole Smith
Contributor: BJ Killeen
Contributor: Brian Moody

Our Sponsors & Supported Charities:

·Austin Hatcher Foundation

·Brembo

·Dodge

·Foundation of Human Understanding

·Shell

·Subaru

***

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.