The BOB & TOM Show - May 23, 2025

Hosts:

• Tom Griswold
• Chick McGee

Locations:

• O'Reilly Auto Parts Studios
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Carb Day Coverage)

1. Carb Day Coverage at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The episode prominently features live coverage from both the O'Reilly Auto Parts Studios and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, focusing on Carb Day—a celebratory event leading up to the 109th Indianapolis 500 race.

Key Highlights:

• Tom Griswold discusses the significance of Carb Day, likening it to the day before the Kentucky Derby, emphasizing the festive atmosphere and preparatory activities essential for the upcoming race.

  [06:12] Tom Griswold: "It's the day before the Kentucky Derby, where there's a huge party at Churchill Downs. Same deal, except different place."

• Josh Arnold provides insights into the Java House sponsorship, highlighting the presence of the Java House car driven by Alexander Rossi.

  [16:18] Josh Arnold: "This is Alexander Rossi's number 20. Number 21 will be driven by Christian Rasmussen and number 33 by Ed Carpenter."

• Live Interactions: The hosts engage with on-site reporters, including Jess Hooker, Willie Griswold, and special guest Al Unser Jr., discussing real-time events, preparations, and unique traditions associated with Carb Day.

2. Sports Updates

The show offers comprehensive updates on various sports events, with a strong focus on auto racing and basketball.

Indianapolis 500:

• Tom Griswold and Josh Arnold discuss strategies, driver performances, and the technological advancements influencing the race dynamics.

  [35:30] Chick McGee: "College Football Playoff will go to a more straightforward way of filling the bracket next season."

NBA Games:

• Chick McGee provides updates on the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks, analyzing player performances and game outcomes.

  [37:01] Pat Godwin: "I would like to apologize to the good people staying at the hotel by Dulles Airport."

Other Sports:

• Brief mentions of hockey, baseball, and world records add variety to the sports segment.

3. Listener Letters and Interactions

The show incorporates letters from listeners, addressing a wide range of topics from personal anecdotes to technical questions.

Notable Letters:

• Letter from Deland, Florida: Chick McGee shares a humorous listener success story involving a recurring joke.

  [21:12] Chick McGee: "I have successfully used the Deland joke four times. So congratulations."

• Audio Engineering Query: Rick from Sarasota seeks advice on equalizing car stereo systems, receiving recommendations for various rock albums.

  [22:28] Chick McGee: "Men's oil/filter setups have their limitations. Think Chicago classics or Pink Floyd's Money."

• Anxiety Dreams: Tyler from Portland discusses vivid anxiety dreams related to his ex, prompting a discussion on mental health.

  [28:04] Chick McGee: "Jeff, you just said it was from Sarah. He just sent us this anxiety dream scenario."

4. Interview with Al Unser Jr.

A significant portion of the episode features an in-depth interview with Al Unser Jr., a two-time Indianapolis 500 champion.

Discussion Points:

• Evolution of Race Car Setup: Al Unser Jr. delves into how technological advancements have shifted the driver's role from hands-on adjustments to data-driven decisions by engineers.

  [132:56] Al Unser Jr.: "The drivers, they don't come in and feel it...they totally go off of the computer because there's so much data on the car."

• Personal Experiences: Al shares memories from past races, the importance of mental focus, and the challenges faced by drivers in adapting to modern racing strategies.

  [133:45] Al Unser Jr.: "The drivers, they don't feel anymore...they totally go off of the computer because there's so much data on the car that they get that they decide if they're gonna work on the front end or the rear end of the car."

• Family Legacy: The conversation touches upon Al's family legacy in racing and the dynamics between traditional racing instincts and contemporary technological reliance.

5. Humor and Comedy Segments

True to BOB & TOM's signature style, the episode is interspersed with humor, playful banter, and comedic anecdotes.

Notable Moments:

• Borg Warner Trophy: Tom Griswold humorously reveals an unexpected aspect of the Borg Warner trophy—a naked figure atop the trophy—prompting a mix of shock and amusement among the hosts.

  [70:22] Tom Griswold: "The flag guy adorning the top of the trophy is completely nude with a full, sculpted male member."

• Bigfoot Sightings: A comedic discussion emerges around Bigfoot sightings during a bow fishing trip, blending fictional elements with listener anecdotes.

  [52:03] Chick McGee: "We thought it was a group of deer. But then we saw a large, dark furred primate that ran up a slope on two legs, looking like a gorilla."

• Naked Infield Stories: Willie Griswold shares a humorous personal story from 1991 about being mistaken for a naked individual at Carb Day, adding a lighthearted touch to the event's coverage.

  [141:12] Willie Griswold: "I covered myself with a banner to protect myself from the rain...they thought I was the next naked guy in the infield."

6. Miscellaneous Topics

The episode ventures into various other subjects, maintaining the hosts' engaging and informal style.

Mental Health Awareness:

• Tom Griswold promotes BetterHelp, emphasizing the importance of mental health and the benefits of online therapy.

  [13:18] Tom Griswold: "Better Help is all about accessing therapy in a much simpler manner because the therapy is done online...the btshow will knock 10% off your first month."

World Records and Oddities:

• Chick McGee reports on unique world records, such as Al Balfazi's record for balancing spoons on his body, adding an element of fascination and quirkiness.

  [60:08] Chick McGee: "Al Balfazi... has surpassed his record against again the new record 96 spoons on his body."

Technology and Innovation:

• Discussions around innovative products like the Cadence tablet for visually impaired racing fans highlight the blend of technology and inclusivity in sports.

  [62:38] Josh Arnold: "The Cadence tablet was used to help visually impaired people experience a solar eclipse."

7. Promotions and Contests

Throughout the episode, Tom Griswold and Chick McGee mention ongoing promotions and contests, encouraging listener participation and engagement with sponsors.

Java House Sweepstakes:

• Tom Griswold announces a sweepstake offering listeners the chance to win an exclusive Ed Carpenter racing jacket and Java House pods for a year.

  [74:07] Tom Griswold: "We're giving you a chance to win that Java House Ed Carpenter racing jacket and Java House pods for a year. So this is a great prize. We link to it@bobandtom.com contest."

Merchandise Promotion:

• The hosts promote exclusive T-shirts and limited-edition memorabilia available for a short period, urging fans to visit the BOB & TOM website to purchase and participate.

  [155:30] Tom Griswold: "We have a really cool T-shirt out there@bobandtom.com celebrating the month of May. It's one of those things...they should have some T. That's one of the ones you have to enter onto."

8. Closing Remarks

As the episode progresses, the hosts reiterate important information about upcoming broadcasts, particularly the special Sunday edition streamed from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, ensuring listeners are informed about the logistics and how to access the show.

[75:23] Tom Griswold: "Once again, we will be broadcasting a special edition of our show Sunday morning from the speedway and from our studios here. So we'll be kind of all over the place on Sunday. It'll be streaming on YouTube and at our usual streaming locations. So that'll begin at seven o' clock in the morning on Sunday."

Conclusion

This special edition of The BOB & TOM Show masterfully intertwines live event coverage, engaging sports updates, humorous anecdotes, listener interactions, and insightful interviews. The dynamic between the hosts, combined with their on-site presence at Carb Day, provides listeners with a multifaceted experience that marries entertainment with informative content. Promotions and contests further enhance listener engagement, making the episode both enjoyable and interactive for dedicated fans and newcomers alike.