THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #346

We’ve got another fun-filled week of THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor featuring Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead from Wheeler Dealers, Steven Cole Smith, and Dan Sandberg of Brembo Brakes. First off, ‘Wheeler Dealers’ co-hosts, Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead, fill us in on details for the 16th season of the show. With 27 episodes and a slew of new cars including a Volvo 850 T5R, 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 L, Lotus Elan M100, and 2004 Dodge RAM SRT-10, this season promises to be one of their most diverse yet. Then, automotive journalist, Steven Cole Smith, keeps us in the loop with rallycross and NASCAR news. Steven also details his off-road trek through the east coast countryside in the beefy Chevrolet Silverado; this truck is a heavy, yet surprisingly agile beast. Also, after a recent tour of the Brembo facility in Italy, Steven sings praises of the number one most trusted brake company in the world. Lastly, Brembo President and CEO, Dan Sandberg, tells us about their new brake system to be unveiled at the upcoming SEMA show. Plus, we find out about Brembo’s involvement in the electric car industry, and their two new North American iron foundries. Stay up to date with the automotive industry!

 

  • [00:00:00] Wheeler Dealers’ on their 16th Season!
  • [00:05:49] Culture Shock and Special Cars
  • [00:12:30] Chevrolet Silverado Off-Road Test Drive
  • [00:19:51] IMG to Save Rallycross?
  • [00:28:29] NASCAR Update and Brembo Factory Tour
  • [00:35:51] Highly Classified Brembo Update

 

Discover more about segments and guests below…

 

[00:00:00] ‘Wheeler Dealers’ on their 16th Season!

Velocity’s ‘Wheeler Dealers’ are back with a vengeance and a huge run of 27 episodes for season 16! Co-hosts Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead give us a preview of a very special Volvo 850 T5R; this project is close to heart because of Ant’s former career as a policeman (or bobby) in the UK circa 2005. Also, Ant gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to worth on set with Mike; he is absolutely the guy you see on TV! Catch Ant and Mikes shenanigans on ‘Wheeler Dealers’ Wednesday at 10pm EST.

 

[00:05:49] Special Cars that Mean Something

In 2013 ‘Wheeler Dealers’ made the move to California with the objective of diversifying their workload and bringing a better show to their 200+ million fans across the world. Anyone making a move like that could expect culture shock, so what differences has Co-Host Mike Brewer noticed between the American and United Kingdom audiences? While the UK audience feels like the Yankees have stolen their beloved petrol-heads, they remain supportive. The Americans, on the other hand, are extremely enthusiastic about everything Mike and Co-host, Ant Anstead, are doing. Also, we get a preview of this seasons’ restoration line-up including a 1978 Mercury Capri, 1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo, 2004 Dodge RAM SRT-10, Lotus Elan M100, and more! Find out why each of these vehicles hold a special place in Mike and Ant’s hearts.

[00:12:30] Chevrolet Silverado Off-Road Test Drive

Being one of the automotive journalists on the council of North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year Awards (NACTOY) definitely has its perks. Automotive journalist Steven Cole Smith shares his experience taking the brand new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado (one of the three trucks up for the Truck of the Year Award) on a trek through the back roads of New York and the beautiful road course of the Monticello Motor Club. Not just an asphalt track, automotive journalists tested the 2019 Silverado’s prowess on the may acres of off-road trails Monticello Motor Club offers. Looking at it, you’d think this truck sacrificed agility in favor of weight and toughness – but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Steve also fills us in on his experience with a racing simulator at the Ford Motorsports Tech Center, an event that left him with a bruised ego and queasy stomach. Find out more about the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado here.

 

[00:19:51] IMG to Save Rallycross?

For the past few years, Red Bull has been keeping rallycross alive with their Global Rallycross Series, but all good things must come to an end. Sinking in a swamp of unpaid bills and lawsuits, Red Bull’s racing series has closed its doors. Luckily, IMG has stepped up to the plate to save rallycross in the USA by setting up a quick schedule of four races, with big musical entertainment acts like Ludacris and DJ Jazzy Jeff. Tune in as Steven Cole Smith updates us on rallycross in Europe and NASCAR CEO Brain France’s DWI not-guilty plea.

 

[00:28:29] NASCAR Update and Brembo Factory Tour

With the race at Charlotte, NC on the books, four drivers bow out of the NASCAR chase: Alex Bowman, Clint Bowyer, Joey Logano, and Aric Almirola. Automotive journalist Steven Cole Smith lets us know who is still in the running. On the precipice of the Homestead race, Steven questions the NASCAR point system, should driver performance during the rest of the series play a bigger role in determining the victor? Next, Steven fills us in on his trip to the Brembo facility in Italy. This is a company that has grown gradually over the years and has found their way into the braking systems of most major automakers’ line-up. Indeed, all of Alan’s vehicles, including his Dodge Viper ACR, sport these competition-stopping calipers. Brembo is the choice of champions, are you a champion?

 

[00:35:51] Highly Classified Brembo Update

Something big is on the horizon at Brembo. President and CEO of Brembo North America, Dan Sandberg, can’t say much about their new braking system, but urges us to stay tuned for an announcement at the 2018 SEMA Show. Next, Dan shares their involvement in the electric vehicle (EV) market; with the instant off-the-line torque that EVs have, the stopping power of Brembo brakes is a must. Also, we find out how Brembo is creating more than 800 American jobs with an investment of over $200 million in their two new North American cast iron foundries. Keep up to date with the most trusted brakes in the world.

 

Explore More with Helpful Links:

Episode Credits:

  • Program Host: Alan Taylor
  • Producer: Dave Milligan
  • Production Assistant: Joanne Bolden
  • Audio Engineer: Dave Milligan
  • Copy Editor: Cody Castleberry

Our Sponsors & Supported Charities:

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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.

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