Episode Summary: "Jason Cammisa Returns!" | The Smoking Tire Podcast

Release Date: July 15, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Smoking Tire, hosts Zack Klapman and Matt Farah welcome back automotive journalist and enthusiast Jason Cammisa for an in-depth discussion covering a range of topics from electric trucks to personal car experiences. The conversation seamlessly weaves through car reviews, personal anecdotes, and industry insights, offering listeners both entertainment and valuable information.

1. Welcome and Opening Banter (00:00 - 02:43)

The episode kicks off with Matt introducing Jason to the audience, highlighting the day's agenda which includes discussions about the Tesla Cybertruck, an Alpine A110 handoff story, fleet updates, and insights into Jason's involvement with Hagerty. The hosts engage in light-hearted banter about the physical strains of sleeping positions, setting a relaxed tone for the episode.

Notable Quote:

• Jason Cammisa (01:33): "What is Hannah doing to you?"

2. Critique of the Tesla Cybertruck Review (12:02 - 26:08)

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Jason's controversial review of the Tesla Cybertruck. Jason expresses his dissatisfaction with the vehicle, particularly criticizing its design and steering capabilities. He discusses how his approach was intended to focus on the engineering aspects rather than a full product review, a nuance he feels was lost in public reception.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Cammisa (12:02): "I have always hated that fucking Cybertruck."
  (12:02)

• Matt Farah (13:14): "You did say you don't like the car. You just didn't say it loudly and clearly enough."
  (13:14)

Jason elaborates on how the Cybertruck's double-wheeler design and aesthetic did not appeal to him, despite acknowledging the engineering efforts behind it. The hosts debate the effectiveness of Tesla's approach to electric trucks and compare it to other EV offerings in the market.

3. Personal Car Experiences and Insurance Insights (26:08 - 55:00)

The discussion shifts to personal anecdotes, with Jason recounting a harrowing experience where he crashed his own Rover SD1 into a white Nissan Sentra. He details the incident, including the challenges of visibility due to inadequate mirrors and the subsequent interactions with Jay Leno's production team. This story underscores the importance of having reliable insurance, leading to a deeper conversation about Hagerty's exceptional service compared to traditional insurers like State Farm and Progressive.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Cammisa (39:22): "I crashed my Rover."
  (39:22)

• Matt Farah (55:00): "So when Hannah got hit in the Delica... we had a claim, and they were amazing."
  (55:00)

Jason emphasizes the value of "agreed value" insurance, advocating for policies that accurately reflect a vehicle's worth, especially for classic and collectible cars. Both hosts share their positive experiences with Hagerty, highlighting quick claim settlements and comprehensive coverage.

4. Engine Swaps and Manual Transmission Discussions (55:00 - 84:00)

Delving into the technical side of automotive customization, Matt and Jason discuss various engine swaps and the complexities of integrating manual transmissions into modern vehicles. They share experiences with different models, including Mercedes and Ferrari, debating the merits and challenges of such modifications. The conversation touches on the balance between performance enhancements and maintaining vehicle reliability.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Cammisa (78:42): "The Black series, I immediately called a friend... It felt 100%."
  (78:42)

• Matt Farah (85:04): "I had to pick a car from the Gotham Dream Cars fleet... it was the Mercedes SLR McLaren."
  (85:04)

The hosts explore the intricacies of manual swaps, the importance of using authentic parts, and the impact on a car's driving dynamics. They also discuss the feasibility and costs associated with such projects, providing listeners with insights into the world of car customization.

5. Live Show Announcements and Listener Engagement (84:00 - 100:00)

As the episode progresses, Matt and Jason announce upcoming live shows in Texas, featuring performances by Christian James Hand. They invite listeners to attend these events, emphasizing the unique blend of automotive discussions and live entertainment. Additionally, they engage with listener questions, covering topics like the Audi A2, favorite car models, and performance comparisons.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Farah (94:23): "The Smoking Tire is coming to Texas. We are going to be doing live shows in Houston on July 24 and Dallas on July 25 with Christian James Hand."
  (94:23)

• Jason Cammisa (99:39): "I would have engine swapped the Lotus Elise."
  (99:39)

The interaction with listeners enhances the episode's interactive feel, allowing the hosts to address specific interests and curiosities from their audience.

6. Reflections on Car Performance Limits (100:00 - 119:38)

Towards the end of the episode, the conversation turns reflective, with both hosts contemplating the current state and future of car performance. They discuss whether the automotive industry has reached its peak in terms of speed and handling, pondering the sustainability and practicality of continuously pushing performance boundaries.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Cammisa (116:09): "We've reached the limit of grip... we're reaching a limit in that after a certain amount of G force, you can no longer see around a corner."
  (116:09)

• Matt Farah (118:56): "I have the slowest Taycan. I have to get a Manx."
  (118:56)

These reflections highlight concerns about the balance between extreme performance and everyday drivability, questioning the direction in which automotive innovation is headed.

7. Closing Remarks and Future Plans (119:38 - End)

In the final moments, Matt and Jason share light-hearted comments about their cars and upcoming projects. They reiterate their excitement for future episodes and live events, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more adventures and discussions in the automotive world.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Cammisa (119:38): "So I've got two of my cars at Motorlux."
  (119:38)

• Matt Farah (120:20): "See you later."
  (120:20)

The episode concludes on a high note, leaving listeners eager for the next installment and the continued camaraderie between the hosts and their guests.

Key Takeaways:

• Critical Review of the Tesla Cybertruck: Jason shares his honest critique, emphasizing the importance of clear communication in vehicle reviews to manage public expectations.

• Importance of Specialized Insurance: Insights into why tailored insurance policies like Hagerty's are crucial for classic and collectible car owners.

• Challenges of Car Customization: Discussions on engine swaps and manual transmissions highlight the technical and financial considerations involved.

• Community Engagement: Announcements of live shows and addressing listener questions foster a strong connection with the audience.

• Reflection on Automotive Limits: The hosts ponder the sustainability of current performance trends, advocating for a balance between innovation and practicality.

This episode of The Smoking Tire offers a blend of technical discussions, personal stories, and industry insights, making it a must-listen for automotive enthusiasts seeking both depth and entertainment.