The MuscleCar Place

The Kibbe and Friends Show Artwork The Kibbe and Friends Show Dashboard Stats Episodes Social TMCP #654: What REALLY Makes a Pro Touring Car Fast? Chris "Smitty" Smith Explains episode artwork The Kibbe and Friends Show TMCP #654: What REALLY Makes a Pro Touring Car Fast? Chris "Smitty" Smith Explains 0:00 1:04:50 Episode Description This week's episode has a little bit of everything I love. First, I share why I'm heading back to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, a place that's become much more than the world's largest aviation gathering for me. It's where I spent countless summers with my dad, and every time I go back I find myself reconnecting with those memories while getting excited about the future of aviation. This year I'm especially looking forward to seeing TurboTech's regenerative turbine engine, a technology that could completely change general aviation by delivering turbine reliability with piston-engine fuel economy. If you're an engineering geek like me, you're going to enjoy this discussion. Next, I have another Dallas Kibbe Racing Update, including race broadcast audio from Charlotte Motor Speedway. Dallas continues battling through one of the toughest Late Model fields in the country, and while the wins haven't come yet, the progress absolutely has. We talk about why racing is about much more than trophies, the importance of learning race craft, and why I believe he's building the foundation that will eventually put him in Victory Lane. Then it's time for one of the most candid interviews I've ever had on this show. Chris "Smitty" Smith from Smitty's Custom Automotive joins me to talk about what it really takes to build a modern Pro Touring car that can compete at the highest level. Chris doesn't hold anything back. We discuss suspension systems, ABS braking, chassis design, budgets, what parts are worth the money, what parts aren't, and the lessons he's learned after nearly three decades of building and racing some of the fastest street cars in the country. If you've ever wondered what separates a good Pro Touring build from a championship contender, this is an interview you won't want to miss. Episode Details Status: Scheduled Release Date: Jul 17, 2026 Author: Robert Kibbe Episode Type: full Episode: 654 Rating: Clean File Info Size: 89 MB Duration: 01:04:50 File Type: audio Codec: mp3 Bitrate: 187.50 kbPs Sample Rate: 44100 Hz Upload Date: Jul 16th, 2026 05:04 PM Downloads for This Episode IAB IAB Unique Daily Downloads 0 Downloads: [bold][/] Last processed 07/17/26 01:35am Destinations Search Destination Status Release Expiration Android App Pending Jul 17, 2026 10:00am Never Apple Podcasts / Libsyn Classic Feed Pending Jul 17, 2026 10:00am Never iHeartRadio Pending Jul 17, 2026 10:00am Never iPhone/iPad App Pending Jul 17, 2026 10:00am Never Podcast Source/Network App Listing Pending Jul 17, 2026 10:00am Never Simple Download Released Jul 17, 2026 5:35am Never Spotify Pending Jul 17, 2026 10:00am Never Website Pending Jul 17, 2026 10:00am Never Wizzard Player Pending Jul 17, 2026 10:00am Never 1 of 1 6 Episode Description This week's episode has a little bit of everything I love. First, I share why I'm heading back to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, a place that's become much more than the world's largest aviation gathering for me. It's where I spent countless summers with my dad, and every time I go back I find myself reconnecting with those memories while getting excited about the future of aviation. This year I'm especially looking forward to seeing TurboTech's regenerative turbine engine, a technology that could completely change general aviation by delivering turbine reliability with piston-engine fuel economy. If you're an engineering geek like me, you're going to enjoy this discussion. Next, I have another Dallas Kibbe Racing Update, including race broadcast audio from Charlotte Motor Speedway. Dallas continues battling through one of the toughest Late Model fields in the country, and while the wins haven't come yet, the progress absolutely has. We talk about why racing is about much more than trophies, the importance of learning race craft, and why I believe he's building the foundation that will eventually put him in Victory Lane. Then it's time for one of the most candid interviews I've ever had on this show. Chris "Smitty" Smith from Smitty's Custom Automotive joins me to talk about what it really takes to build a modern Pro Touring car that can compete at the highest level. Chris doesn't hold anything back. We discuss suspension systems, ABS braking, chassis design, budgets, what parts are worth the money, what parts aren't, and the lessons he's learned after nearly three decades of building and racing some of the fastest street cars in the country. If you've ever wondered what separates a good Pro Touring build from a championship contender, this is an interview you won't want to miss. The post TMCP #654: Chris Smith – Smitty Built Custom Auto – If You Want To Go Fast, Smitty Can Build It! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

July means Independence Day, fireworks, and finding any excuse to put an old car on the road. This month on Ask Rick, Rick Schmidt from National Parts Depot and I kick things off by reminiscing about Fourth of July celebrations, childhood memories of America's Bicentennial, and the famous Freedom Train before turning our attention to a much bigger question: what does the future of the collector car hobby actually look like? From there, we dive into California's proposed Leno's Law, the growing challenge of restoring electronically controlled vehicles, and why collector car insurance remains one of the smartest investments enthusiasts can make. As today's performance cars become increasingly dependent on computers, digital displays, and proprietary electronics, Rick shares why tomorrow's restorations may look very different from the classics we've restored for decades. We wrap things up with two of our favorite collector car challenges. First, Rick picks his ideal enthusiast car under $25,000 that he could enjoy for a year without losing money. Then, with the budget removed entirely, he chooses between a Galen Govier-certified 1966 Plymouth Belvedere II Hemi, an original-paint 1969 AMC AMX 390 Go Pack, and a stunning Shelby 289 Continuation Cobra. As always, Rick doesn't simply pick favorites—he explains exactly what makes a collector car worth buying, owning, and preserving for the next generation. The post TMCP #653: Ask Rick – Leno’s Law, The Future of the Collector Car Hobby, and Rick’s Summer Car Challenge first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

This week on The Muscle Car Place Podcast, we're bringing you a Double Bonus Racing Show featuring two guests who are helping shape the future of grassroots motorsports from very different angles. First, Robert sits down with Brandon Setzer of Setzer Racing and Development to discuss the world of Late Model racing, driver development, and what it really takes to climb the ladder toward NASCAR. As the son of NASCAR Truck Series veteran Dennis Setzer, Brandon grew up in racing and now dedicates his career to helping young drivers accelerate their learning curve behind the wheel. Brandon explains the differences between Pro Late Models, Super Late Models, and Late Model Stocks while sharing insights from coaching some of the sport's rising stars. He also discusses how his program balances performance, affordability, and long-term driver growth. For listeners following Dallas Kibbe's racing journey, this conversation offers a firsthand look at the team helping him make the transition into Late Model competition. In the second feature interview, Robert catches up with Tyler West of RacingJunk at the 2026 High Performance Expo. While RacingJunk is widely known as the go-to marketplace for race cars, trailers, engines, and performance equipment, Tyler's passion extends far beyond classifieds. The conversation explores the challenges facing local racetracks, the importance of grassroots motorsports, and how facilities are adapting to attract new fans and remain viable in a rapidly changing world. Together, these interviews provide a fascinating look at the people working behind the scenes to develop drivers, support racetracks, and keep grassroots racing thriving for future generations. The post TMCP #652: Double Bonus Racing Show! | Brandon Setzer on Late Model Racing | Tyler West on RacingJunk & Grassroots Motorsports first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

Vintage Air is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and in this special episode, Robert Kibbe welcomes Vintage Air President Rick Love for an in-depth conversation about the company's remarkable journey from a small hot rod air conditioning supplier to an industry leader. Rick shares how a chance meeting with founder Jack Chisenhall in the early 1980s led to a friendship, collaboration, and eventually a career helping shape one of the most respected brands in the automotive aftermarket. Along the way, he reflects on the family-oriented culture that has helped Vintage Air grow from fewer than 30 employees to nearly 160 today. The discussion explores how technology has transformed both the company and the hobby itself. Rick explains how 3D scanning, CAD design, rapid prototyping, and Gen V climate control systems have dramatically improved product development while making modern air conditioning easier than ever to integrate into classic cars. From Tri-Five Chevys and Camaros to Japanese imports, Broncos, Scouts, and custom one-off builds, Vintage Air continues expanding its offerings to meet the evolving needs of enthusiasts. Rick also shares his thoughts on AI, tariffs, SEMA's ongoing legislative efforts to protect automotive enthusiasts, and the growing market for reproduction vehicles and low-volume production cars. Whether you're restoring a classic, building a pro-touring machine, or simply enjoy hearing stories from one of the hobby's most respected leaders, this episode offers a fascinating look at where the automotive aftermarket has been—and where it's headed next. The post TMCP #651 – Rick Love on 50 Years of Vintage Air, Hot Rod Innovation & the Future of the Hobby (plus A/C for S-10’s)! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

Father's Day is right around the corner, and on this month's Ask Rick, Rob Kibbe welcomes National Parts Depot CEO Rick Schmidt for a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from car show planning to collector car buying strategy. Drawing from more than twenty years of experience producing NPD's legendary Silver Springs Ford and GM shows, Rick shares what makes a great event, why most car shows overcomplicate things, and how creating an experience for the entire family is often more important than the cars themselves. The discussion also dives into the evolving world of reproduction bodies and restoration parts. Rick offers an insider's perspective on the quality improvements seen in replacement Camaro and Firebird bodies, the challenges of manufacturing and licensing, and why some projects help preserve the hobby while others raise serious questions. If you've ever wondered what goes into bringing reproduction sheet metal and complete bodies to market, this segment is packed with fascinating insight. Of course, no Ask Rick episode would be complete without auction picks. This month Rick evaluates six vehicles ranging from a 1968 El Camino SS 396, 1969 Mercury Cougar Convertible, and 1962 Chrysler 300, to a modern Shelby GT350R Heritage Edition, a stunning 1950 Oldsmobile 88 Convertible, and a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. Along the way he reveals which cars he'd happily cruise all summer, which ones he'd avoid entirely, and why some of the hobby's most interesting opportunities aren't always the most obvious choices. The post TMCP #650: Ask Rick – Father’s Day Car Shows, Summer Cruise Nights, and Patriotic Auction Temptations first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

This week on The Muscle Car Place, we're bringing you a special bonus episode recorded live from Jeep Jam in Panama City Beach, Florida. While a Jeep event may seem like an unusual stop for a muscle car podcast, the connection comes through FlexTread Floor Mats, a sister company to Legendary Auto Interiors. Legendary has long been known as one of the premier suppliers of restoration interiors for classic Mopar and GM muscle cars, while FlexTread has expanded that same commitment to quality into the Jeep and truck market. Kirk Hansen sat down with Bree Lynn of Houston, Texas, to share the powerful story behind her Jeep, "Grace," and her son Winter. After years of searching for answers regarding Winter's developmental delays and autism diagnosis, Bree found herself navigating a journey filled with challenges, uncertainty, and ultimately hope. One of the most emotional milestones came after years of speech therapy when Winter finally called her "Mama" for the first time, a moment that symbolized just how far he had come. Today, Bree uses Grace as a rolling platform for autism awareness, helping families connect through shared experiences while encouraging compassion and understanding for those living with autism. Her message, "Show Grace to Even Those That Are Different," has resonated with countless families at events across the country. Winter's own motto captures the spirit of their journey perfectly: "I have autism. Autism doesn't have me." The autism-awareness campaign will continue throughout the year as FlexTread and Legendary Auto Interiors work toward a major display at SEMA, while also offering special autism-awareness floor mats for Jeeps, trucks, and muscle cars. This is a heartfelt conversation about family, perseverance, community, and the unexpected ways our automotive hobbies can bring people together. We hope you'll listen, share it with someone who may need it, and help spread a message of hope, acceptance, and grace. The post TMCP #649 (BONUS): Bri Lynn, Winter, and the Road to SEMA: Autism Awareness Through Jeeps, Family, and FlexTread first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

Featured Interview: This is a big month! The Muscle Car Place welcomes a brand-new sponsor to the network this month, but this partnership is about far more than advertising banners and product mentions. We’re trying to be a part of something BIG. I sat down with Bridney Jordan, Property Brands and Product Manager for Lexani, […] The post TMCP #648: Bridney Jordan and the Inside Baseball World of Tires for Daily’s, Trucks and Enthusiast Rubber! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

In this episode of The MuscleCar Place Podcast, guest host Bernie McPartland sits down with Mecum Auctions Senior Communications Manager David Morton during Mecum Houston for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the fastest-growing forces in the collector car world. What starts as a conversation about auctions quickly evolves into a deeper discussion about why live automotive experiences still matter in today’s digital world. David shares how his background in sports marketing helped shape Mecum’s growth strategy, why the company continues doubling down on live events rather than online-only auctions, and how Mecum has effectively become a motorsport-style entertainment experience that draws massive crowds, television audiences, and passionate enthusiasts nationwide. The episode also dives into the rapidly changing collector car market, including the explosion of trucks, SUVs, restomods, and 1980s/90s-era vehicles as younger generations enter the hobby. Bernie and David discuss everything from Broncos and K5 Blazers to exotics, custom builds, Steve McQueen movie cars, and the emotional storytelling that continues driving collector enthusiasm. Plus, Rob Kibbe shares a Dallas Kibbe Racing Update covering Dallas’s aggressive summer racing schedule, preparation for the Charlotte Summer Shootout, and the challenge of balancing racing life with getting a Porsche 944 ready for prom season. The post TMCP #647: Mecum Auctions Insider David Morton – Live Auction Energy, Collector Car Trends & The Future of Car Culture first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

In this episode of The MuscleCar Place, Rob Kibbe and Rick Schmidt kick off May with a thoughtful look at Memorial Day—balancing its deeper meaning with the traditions that bring car enthusiasts together, from local parades to community gatherings. The conversation then shifts into the latest Dallas Kibbe Racing update, where steady progress on the track is matched by a big off-track milestone: a new presenting sponsor stepping in behind the program. From there, Rick delivers his signature straight talk on topics ranging from whether giving a car as a gift is a great idea or a logistical gamble, to the future of continuation builds like Revology and whether the Camaro comeback rumors hold any real weight. The episode wraps with two fun but strategic car-buying segments. First, the guys pick parade-ready classics under $50K that can be enjoyed all summer without losing money. Then, with the budget removed, the focus turns to real profit—analyzing a ’92 Corvette ZR-1 as an undervalued opportunity, a 2000 Saleen Mustang as a niche play, and a ’71 Chevelle as the safest bet for consistent return. As always, Rick cuts through the noise with practical insight, making this episode equal parts car culture, market reality, and smart enthusiast thinking. The post TMCP #646: Ask Rick – Memorial Day Muscle, Summer Flip Strategy, and Parade-Ready Classics first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.