The Smoking Tire Podcast – Episode Summary: "Mustang GX; Grand Tour Cast; Cheap Goodwood Revival (sort of)"
Release Date: June 10, 2025
Hosts Matt Farah and Zach Klapman dive deep into a blend of automotive adventures, industry news, and personal anecdotes in this engaging episode of The Smoking Tire. After a brief two-week hiatus, the duo returns with fresh stories from their respective vacations and exciting updates from the automotive world.
1. Returning from Vacation: Contrasting Experiences
Timestamp: [00:45]
Matt Farah shares his recent trip to Italy, highlighting that while he took a break from cars, Zach was up to his usual automotive antics racing in Northern California. Zach recounts participating in a vintage race at Thunderhill, describing it as his own "poor man's Goodwood Revival."
Notable Quote:
Zach Klapman: "I felt like I was in poor man's Goodwood."
2. Racing at Thunderhill: The Lemons 25-Hour Challenge
Timestamp: [07:54]
Zach details his experience racing in the Lemons 25-hour event at Thunderhill, one of the longest races in the United States. Driving a heavily modified 1964 Ford Ranchero with a 331-engine producing around 300 horsepower, Zach and his team faced several challenges, including overheating and fuel system issues.
Key Points:
- Car Setup: 1964 Ranchero upgraded with a 331-engine, Holley EFI system, and a four-speed top loader transmission.
- Race Dynamics: Extreme heat reached 108°F, causing driver fatigue and mechanical hiccups.
- Troubleshooting: Installation of a transmission cooler in the fuel return line successfully mitigated the boiling fuel issue, allowing the car to perform reliably for 15 hours of the race.
- Team Performance: Despite not aiming to win, the team managed respectable lap times and handled the grueling conditions without major catastrophes.
Notable Quote:
Zach Klapman: "This thing fucking rocks, dude."
3. New Ford FX Fox Body Tribute Package for Mustang
Timestamp: [36:55]
The hosts turn their attention to the latest Ford offering: the FX Fox Body tribute package for the Mustang. They express mixed feelings about its aesthetics and authenticity.
Discussion Highlights:
- Color and Design: The turquoise hue reminiscent of the '93 Fox Body, complemented by white accents and wheels.
- Authenticity Concerns: While the color is praised, the addition of white rally-inspired wheels and other features are criticized for clashing with the traditional Fox Body vibe.
- Interior Details: Minimal enhancements with a plaid insert and Fox Body-specific fonts on the dashboard, but overall, the hosts feel the package lacks genuine Fox Body essence.
Notable Quote:
Matt Farah: "Turquoise and with white is a little clashy and ugly."
4. Friends on The Grand Tour: Thomas and James Join the Cast
Timestamp: [34:04]
Celebrating their friends, Matt and Zach announce that Thomas and James from Throttle House have secured a spot on the renowned automotive show, The Grand Tour. They express excitement and curiosity about how Thomas and James will mesh with the existing cast, especially regarding interactions with the show's dynamics.
Notable Quote:
Matt Farah: "Congratulations to them. That's unbelievable."
5. Live Podcast Announcements and Upcoming Events
Timestamp: [43:04]
The hosts reveal plans for live podcast recordings in Texas, specifically in Houston and Dallas, on July 24th and 25th. They emphasize the inclusion of Christian James Hand, promising an electrifying experience for attendees.
Key Details:
- Locations: Houston and Dallas, Texas.
- Special Guest: Christian James Hand.
- Tickets: Approximately 150-200 per show.
- Additional Content: Upcoming exclusives for Patreon patrons, including limited edition watches.
Notable Quote:
Matt Farah: "We love you. Thank you for being a patron."
6. Listener Q&A: Diverse Automotive Topics
Timestamp: [47:07] – [90:55]
The latter half of the episode transitions into a robust Q&A session, where Matt and Zach tackle a myriad of listener-submitted questions. Topics range from car maintenance, model comparisons, insurance nuances, to personal preferences in vehicle modifications.
Selected Highlights:
- Classic Car Insurance: Clarification on what constitutes classic car insurance, emphasizing agreed value policies versus standard insurance.
- Vehicle Recommendations: Suggestions for daily drivers with performance capabilities, highlighting models like the M2 Competition, Camaro SS1 LE, and Porsche variants.
- Modifications: Advice on modifications for budget-friendly cars, prioritizing functionality over aesthetics.
- Automotive Enthusiasm and Responsibility: Discussion on raising responsible car enthusiasts, drawing parallels with other hobbies that require safety and responsibility.
Notable Quote:
Matt Farah: "If you want to use a watch as an everyday watch in normal situations, you don't want a vintage watch."
7. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Discussions
Timestamp: [93:52] – End
Wrapping up the episode, Matt and Zach preview the next show, which will feature an in-depth conversation with Sergio, an immigration attorney, about the current situation in Los Angeles. They emphasize the importance of understanding and supporting their neighbors amidst ongoing challenges.
Notable Quote:
Matt Farah: "We're gonna talk about immigrants and why they're actually our neighbors and not invading force in Los Angeles."
Conclusion
This episode of The Smoking Tire offers a blend of thrilling racing tales, critical reviews of new automotive packages, heartfelt celebrations of friends' successes, and insightful discussions on a wide array of car-related topics. Matt and Zach continue to deliver their signature mix of humor, expertise, and genuine passion for all things automotive, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts looking to stay informed and entertained.
Follow The Smoking Tire:
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/thesmokingtire
- Twitter: @thesmokingtire, @zackklapman
- Instagram: @thesmokingtire, @fakezackklapman
Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content segments to focus solely on the substantive discussions and insights shared during the episode.