One of my favorite parts of doing this podcast is preserving the history of the Volkswagen scene—and sometimes, that history shows up in ways you don't expect.

While catching up with my friend Dean Kirsten, I was blown away to learn he had a collection of long-form digital interviews he recorded back in the early 2000s for Hot VWs Magazine. These weren't just quick quotes for print—they were deep, unfiltered conversations with some of the most influential figures in the VW world.

What you're about to hear is Part One of a two-part series from one of those interviews—originally conducted for Lyle Cherry's feature article in the January 2013 issue of Hot VWs.

And let me tell you—this is where long-form really shines.

In a magazine, you're limited by page space and word count. But in a conversation like this, you get the full story—the details, the personality, the behind-the-scenes moments that never make it into print.

Lyle Cherry was a true force in Volkswagen drag racing for over 40 years, representing Richland Hills, Texas, and a whole crew of racers who were pushing the limits of performance. The Texas scene wasn't just competitive—it was innovative. These guys were building fast cars and forcing the West Coast to step up their game.

So as you listen, pay attention. You'll hear the roots of a lot of the technology and development that shaped VW drag racing—and a lot of it came straight out of Texas.

Ep 355 Lyle Cherry pt 1 Interview by Dean Kirsten 2012